… in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Summary: Coming in the name of Jesus carries with it both responsibility, and power and authority.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:20b – In His Name”Ephesians 5:20a – The Path to Happiness
… always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
Summary: Being thankful is both an experience and a choice. Paul wants us to learn an important life skill by choosing to be thankful all the time.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:20a – The Path to Happiness”Ephesians 5:19b – David’s Dance
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord …
Summary: Paul challenges us to (cringe) be undignified. Honoring God can sometimes bring us to a place where we choose between “looking cool” and being humble before the Lord.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:19b – David’s Dance”Ephesians 5:19a – Songs From the Spirit
… speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
Summary: Paul challenges us to do something that few have attempted. It is not a common practice to speak to each other on psalms, but it is something that we should probably try, if for no other reason that God’s Word says we should do it.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:19a – Songs From the Spirit”Ephesians 5:18 – Deep Thoughts
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit …
Summary: As a boy, I had a dream. Building an underwater boat never became a reality, but the lessons learned from chasing that dream provide insight into Paul’s words for today.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:18 – Deep Thoughts”Ephesians 5:17 – Soul Goal
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Summary: Understanding the Lord’s will is both simple and complicated. The simple part is knowing that we are loved and that God wants us to love him and others. The challenge is avoiding Satan’s traps.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:17 – Soul Goal”Ephesians 5:16b – Why We Do It
… because the days are evil.
Summary: Like so many words, there are different meanings for “evil.” In this case Paul might as well have said “because the days are difficult.”
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:16b – Why We Do It”Ephesians 5:16a – Opper Nockity
… making the most of every opportunity
Summary: Old jokes and old sayings are the bulk of today’s meditation. Paul’s “opportunity” is also translated as “time” and “season.” The real question is, “What are you doing now?”
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:16a – Opper Nockity”Ephesians 5:15b – The Light of Christ
—not as unwise but as wise
Summary: Wisdom is a word that describes a state of mind. We attribute wisdom to the things people do when they work out well. People who are careful how they live and keep their eyes on Christ do well.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:15b – The Light of Christ”Ephesians 5:15a – So What?
Be very careful, then, how you live —
Summary: Once again, we are confronted by the question of “works.” Paul tells us to be careful how we live, yet we know that we are justified by faith and forgiven by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7-8). So what’s the big deal?
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:15a – So What?”