Click here to go to Ephesians 5
Have you ever thought about how little kids imitate their parents? It's like what Paul is talking about here? We're to imitate our Father. Paul gives us things to watch out for but I find verse 10 very interesting: Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
I like the way The Voice translates it: Make it your aim to learn what pleases our Lord.
Lots of good stuff in Ephesians.
Ephesians 5
ReplyDelete13-14a "Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see."
~*~the darkness could not overcome the light~*~
John 1
5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."
Matthew 5
The Message
14-16 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
I was really struck today by verse 16, which I've read a gazillion times, but not like I did today. We're to walk circumspectly, as wise men, to REDEEM THE TIMES. I don't think I ever paused to think about what that means, but wow. The days are evil. Their only redemption is US. Again, wow.
ReplyDelete"4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God."
ReplyDeleteWe never know when we are going to offend someone. But, people are never offended by gratitude.