Imitator of God

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
IMITATOR OF GOD
Eph 5:1-2
5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
NIV
So then I am not supposed to imitate myself, but rather God. The one thing I do notice here which does seem a bit odd when I hear about the wrath of God is I should live a life of love like God does. Usually it is the unbelievers who bring up the God of the Old Testament as the God of wrath. But I actually do see the God of love all throughout the scriptures. He continued to rescue Israel over and over again demonstrating his love for them. He was always there for them whenever they called on him. What father allows his children to run wild without discipline? What father would ever just let his children grow up without and household rules? What father would not provide as much as he can for his children? What father would not love his children enough to die for their freedom? I certainly have always had that attitude toward my daughters. But this is more than just about me and my daughters. It is about having that same kind of love for everyone. This is going to be a bit more difficult than me and my daughters. There are people I just have a difficult time liking. Do I have to love them even though I don’t like them? Or am I supposed to like them too? I mean do I really have to give myself up for them? That is, do I have to put something I want to do on hold in order to help them out, to do something for them, even when I don’t like being around them? I think I had better check my attitude toward them first. If I am going to imitate God and love them enough to give up me for them, then I am going to have to start liking them also. I am going to have to see them through the eyes of God. I am going to have to want to be around them in order for them to experience the love of God through me. This is going to take some work, and not my work, but the work of the Holy Spirit, for without him I am not sure I can accomplish this change. I am not sure how long this is going to take either. How fast will he work toward this? How fast will I let him? Am I really willing to let him? If I want to be obedient to God I better. How else will I ever be an imitator of God?

Help

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
HELP
Eph 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
NIV
This sounds like highway heaven. I think the first part of this is more like being on the highways and byways of my great country. But I fear the word is not talking about that but rather about what is going on in the inside of my being. This does require some introspective analysis on a continual basis. I think some of these emotional states might creep in every so often without notice, or maybe with notice. No, not the kind of notice where they announce themselves, but the kind of notice which I am aware them getting in. The question I have to deal with is what I do with them once I notice an arrival. Are there times when I entertain some of them? Do I enjoy those feelings such as bitterness and rage? Are they just outbursts of an un-controlled spirit? I actually hate myself immediately after sensing I have allowed any of these emotional conditions to exist within me. I know better and yet they creep right up and slap me across the face. No I have to exercise a greater skill level of recognizing the conditions in which they might arrive. As well as I need to be filled up more with the Spirit so that I respond in kindness and compassion instead. I don’t think I have a problem with the forgiveness part but yet that may not be completely true either. If I am feeling bitterness then I actually am neither in a forgiving frame of mind nor feeling any sense of kindness. This is tough stuff to deal with. This requires a real check up from the neck up. Will the real me please show up! Maybe this is the war that wages within my being, the two in one, the old and the new battling it out, who is going get the better of the other. I know all about putting off the old self and putting on the new, but maybe the old just is so strong that still after all these years it hasn’t giving up. I know the answer is more of Christ, more of the Spirit and I am seeking that even as I write. Lord, I need your help!

No Grieving

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
NO GRIEVING
Eph 4:30-31
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
NIV
Now just what does this mean, to grieve the Holy Spirit? Do not cause him to be sad or distressed over my behaviors. Yep, that is it. I suppose it would not be a nice thing to do to anyone, much less the Holy Spirit. So I have to get my head on right and keep thinking about how I should not grieve him. This would mean I would have to always be aware of my thoughts, my actions, behaviors, words, responses, and such. This would mean I would have to never forget about his presence in my life. Now I am aware of him, but I still get into trouble, so to speak, because of selfish behavior, such as thinking about myself instead of others first. How can I not think about me? I have to in order to be aware of things I need to do for the Kingdom. Where is the line in thinking about self and thinking too much about self? It is in the thinking more about self then I should? It is thinking about self in the sense of satisfying self? Now there is a thought! If I spend too much time in thinking how to satisfy myself than I might just be grieving the Holy Spirit. Yet Here I also must be thinking about the simple truth I have been sealed with him. The Holy Spirit has sealed me, or put his seal, or mark on me for the day of redemption. I wear the seal of the Holy Spirit and regarding that I should be thinking about me. What does that mean, to have his seal upon me? Surely it does not mean I am now a perfect person. Surely it does not mean I will always do everything right. Yet I also cannot grieve him, I cannot behave in a manner which causes him to be sadden over me. But I do. I fail to live up to that mark. I fall short. But is that grieving him? As long as the desire of my heart is not to grieve him I think It might not be as bad as it would be if I simply did not care and went about living just for me. Failing does not mean turning away. Failing in itself implies I am trying. If I thought I never failed, then I believe I would be grieving him. I am trying; it is my desire to behave in a manner which does not grieve me. I am proud to wear his seal upon me. I also need his help in living my life in a manner which would please the Lord. My desire is not to grieve him. Is that good enough?

Their Needs

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THEIR NEEDS
Eph 4:29-30
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
NIV
Here again is that need of my fellow believer that I am to have a part in building them up instead of tearing them down. What does puzzle me a bit is the point that perhaps each of those believers has a different need. That would also include me. I need to be built up as well and thus someone of ones have the responsibility to speak words to me which built me up instead of tearing me down. That unwholesome talk is what has to be which tears people down such as gossip or just unkind words. I know I have been guilty of unkind words and I am remorseful regarding that. I have to do better at being sensitive to the Holy Spirit in regards to my words. But it is not just the words, because they are the result of the heart. My attitude at times simply stinks. Why is that? What causes me to get into that frame of mind? Certainly I cannot blame someone else for my attitude. Maybe it is just that, my attitude. Maybe it is because I am thinking about me rather than thinking about meeting the needs of others with my heart. If I am thinking about them more than me, then as a result my words will help build them up according to their needs. It is difficult not thinking about my needs sometimes. I suppose that is ok, but surely it is not if that is all I think about. Then again if I am responsibly for verbalizing that which is helpful to others, they surely have that responsibility toward me. It would be a mutual building up affair and all would benefit from the words spoken to each other. Yet, I cannot help think at this time it is me who must make the check up from my neck up. I must be the one who yields my attitude to the Holy Spirit so he can do the work in me which needs to be done. Then I can and will be able to have the right attitude toward others and in fact be able to speak words which build them up and they will benefit because it will be according to their needs. The Holy Spirit is truly the only one who really knows their needs anyway. So this is the key for me to be the man of God I need to be. Listen to his still small voice then I will be able to speak words which build them up according to their needs.

No Stealing, Just Sharing

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
NO STEALING, JUST SHARING
Eph 4:28
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
NIV
What am I doing with this verse, this thought? I don’t steal, not to say I didn’t ever because I remember as a child stealing little metal cars from the Franklin five and dime store. I think I was like in forth of fifth grade by then. But I don’t think this is dealing with that kind of thief but rather stealing from society, from the body of Christ. I believe if I were not doing something productive in the body, for the body, than I would be stealing from the body. To just sit and soak, just attend church so to speak would be a form of thief. Much of other scripture deals with being a part of the body of Christ, each having a function in serving the others. Having something to share with those in need is in fact being that part of the body of Christ. I believe I cannot be one of those sit and soakers. I believe I have to be a part and in so always involved working, doing something, being active in serving in some way the other members. I have a difficult time even joining a small group if I am not the leader. I have to be doing, not just sitting. I do go to a Sunday school class that I do not lead, but it an active participation class, where most everyone has something to share for the benefit of all. This is how I think it should be. I believe I must be useful. I believe, although I write this devotion in hopes of growth in my own life, I think in posting my devotions like this on my blog is sharing with others my thoughts and feeling in hopes whoever reads them will be able to glean a ray of truth for their own life. I am not stealing from them in that sense, but sharing. True, this might be talking about the physical stealing no longer and being an active part of society, gainfully employed making money so as to be able to give to the less fortunate. But if I am to do that, so are they. The real need in a person life is the Gospel, the truth, the Word of God. This I believe is how I would be stealing if I did not share these with others.

Anger

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
ANGER
Eph 4:26-28
26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
NIV
Alright, this is simply not fair. How am I supposed to not sin when I get angry? This statement is surely a repeat of the forth Psalm;
Ps 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
NIV
I would imagine there are many things which go on in my daily life I could become angry over. I can’t think of anything right off, but I am sure I get angry over something. Maybe it is the way I behave. Maybe I get angry with myself because I behave in a manner God would not be pleased with. The Greek word used here is a verb which also implies not to become exasperated. Is that the truth here? Do I get exasperated more than actually angry? Would that be a better description of my feelings? No, I think I do have anger from time to time. I think it is over me more than over other people. I get angry that I cannot get it right all the time. I get upset with my own behavior, my own responses to others. I really do not think I actually get angry with other people, not even on the highway. Now do I have ill feelings toward others, maybe at times I get a little bent out of shape, but I don’t think that is anger. No, I have to believe this verse is speaking to the condition of my heart toward myself. That at the end of the day, when I put my head on my pillow, I have to be at peace with God regarding the condition of my own soul, my own spirit and be silent. When I fail him I surely am angry with my own self. But I cannot allow that kind of feeling to fester within and give the devil this foothold. I cannot have anything separate me from my Lord at the end of the day. I know I should settle these things at the moment they occur, but I think there are times I forget and then at bedtime, I am reminded of my failures and I need to seek God’s forgiveness, be still and know he is God, and ultimately be at peace with him before I doze off to slumber land. If I don’t then a foothold has been established. Thank you Lord for your gentle ways.

The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nothing But The Truth, So Help Me God!

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, SO HELP ME GOD!

Eph 4:25
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
NIV
What kind of falsehood is this speaking about here? Simply put, do not lie to your neighbor. But how could I possibly lie to my neighbor? By not telling them the truth, but the truth about want I must ask myself. It would seem to me one of the ways I could do this is when they ask me, “how you doing?” I would have to actually answer the truth instead of just simply saying. “Great”. Not that I am not doing great most of the time, but occasionally I might be feeling a little upset over something. I challenge I have though is what if the something I am feeling and speak it would be a cause of division or gossip. Then I cannot speak that truth of my feelings, so maybe this means something else. Maybe this is talking about not holding back from telling my neighbor what they need to hear regarding the truth of God. What if this is about sharing the Gospel, except it is about the other members of the body, so they are already saved. So then it is about speaking to them about how they are in error, about the sin in their life, would not that be judging? I do remember pastor T always telling me not to preach problems but the Word. So maybe this is simply about always speaking the truths of God to my neighbors. If that speaks to an issue within them, I am not pointing out a sin, but the Word is speaking to their own heart within themselves. I must just speak the Word of God to my neighbors, to the other members of the body. I must not allow any false doctrines to exist within my thinking and thus be spoken with my mouth. I must not be a part of teaching any false theology, spreading any dogmas or traditional thinking which is not really based on the scripture but rather on some denominational interpretation. I simply must speak the truth. I must speak the Word of God as it is plainly declared. If by doing so I cause my fellow believers not like me, so be it.

The Old and The New

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THE OLD AND THE NEW
Eph 4:20-24
20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
NIV
There is without question the simple I have put off the old self, so why does it continue to stick away? Who is that old self anyway that he should be so darn difficult to get rid of? He keeps trying to get back in control of the whole of me. I wonder if this put off is a continual process. I wonder if instead of saying I have put of the old self, I should be saying I am putting off the old self daily. I process I am always involved in. This sure makes sense to me as I cannot erase the memories of the past life, or deceitful desires. I cannot forget those things which corrupted me. They haunt my memories like a ghost long dead but who refuses to leave the house. My attitude is renovated in the sense I do want to please God instead of me, or at least that old self and its desires. I do have a new attitude toward the purpose of life and toward my relationship with Jesus Christ. That old self did not even have a relationship with Christ. If fact, that old self hated God and all the organized religion men were engaged in. So without any reservation I can say to myself I have a completely different and new attitude toward God. I know now I have been created to be like him in true righteousness and holiness. Yet it worries me, maybe even plagues me a bit that even thought I have a new attitude about God, I still struggle so much with the old self. I wonder if I actually just allow him to get in and I make those bad choices, I say something I should not, I respond the way I should not, I get impatient, or act in a manner which surely is not the new self, or the self controlled by the Spirit, but rather by the old self. Is it I simply forget to allow the Spirit access, or do I knowingly refuse him access? I have to put aside that old way of being, the old behaviors, the old thinking on a continual basis. I am the one who is in control of me. Although the Spirit is there, I still ultimately am in control, I am not a mere puppet or pawn to be moved and controlled by God. He has given me the free will to decide on my own and I have decided to follow him, and thus I must put that old self down daily. To deny he exists would be foolish, I would be lying to myself and actually endangering my very being. No I must acknowledge the reality of the old self and put it away each and every day. I will follow the new attitude.

Then and Now

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
THEN AND NOW
Eph 4:17-19
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
NIV
Boy, am I glad my thinking is not futile. I sure am grateful my understanding is not darkened either because I absolutely do not ever what to be separated from the life of God. If it is one thing I for such do not want to be is ignorant regarding God and his Word because in being so, I do believe it would be rather easy to have a hardened heart. If I am not in the Word every day, if I am not meditating on the Word every day, if I am not consent with being in true with the Word I do believe it would not be long and my heart would begin to harden. I cannot hide from myself the simple fact I could revert back to the old ways if it were not for the Word of God in my life. But it is and I have no fear of going back to the old ways. I stay in the Word so my thinking is not futile but fruitful instead. I stay in the Word so I do not live like the gentiles, the unbelievers live, but I live as a believer, having faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God for not only my salvation but for every aspect of my life. My understanding is not darkened but it is enlightened because the Holy Spirit has leads me into all truth. I absolutely not ignorant about God but rather knowing about him and thus I am not separated from God but instead am seated at his right hand with Christ Jesus. So then can I also say I have not lost all sensitivity? Yes I can, because I am sensitive to God working in my life, nudging me on, keeping me safe. It would not be difficult if it were not for God to indulge in those types of activities. I think in the basic makeup of all mankind, we all have those capabilities and when we stand alone without God we lose. I would be in that position if it were not for Him. Thank you Lord! I once was then, but I am now.

Speak Up

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
SPEAK UP
Eph 4:15-16
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
NIV
Being stubborn does have its advantages, this instead is the act of being stubborn, not accepting every teaching, but I base my belief, my faith on the very Word of God. I only hope when I do speak with others, when I talk with them, or teach and preach that I am doing so in love. I am not afraid to declare the truth, that is for sure, but do I do it with too so much boldness it appears I am not loving? I do think that whenever I do speak with others I am doing so with this goal of all of us growing up in him. My desire is not only I become more mature, but my fellow believers do as well. I want to continue to grow up in him, to never stop growing, as I am fit together, joined together with others by him. He is the corner stone, and I am but one of the living stones which he is fitting together into the temple of God. I alone with all my fellow believers are joined and held together. How can I ever survive alone? I cannot, I must be a part of the body of Christ in order to continue to grow and be a part of building the whole body up in love. Sometimes I do not want to be a part. Sometimes I would rather just be alone, doing my own thing, not brothering with all the pettiness of the Church community. It sounds life I am lifting myself up when I say that, am I? Am I impatient with others? I sure know I am not perfect, so why do I think like this? I think I am doing my part, but I see others who simply sit and soak. Maybe that is why I get impatient. Then again, who am I to judge them? I must simply do what I know God desires of me and allow him to work in the lives of others. I must focus I my relationship with him, his with me, and his working in me, yet I cannot escape I must speak the truth, in love, of course. I cannot simply be about me; I must be about the whole body. God help me speak up!

Not Moving

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
NOT MOVING
Eph 4:14
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
NIV
I think I can say without reservation I am not an infant as defined in this verse. I certainly am absolutely solid in my stand and am not convinced by anyone who endeavors to change my way of thinking. I think I have even been called stubborn or hard-headed when it comes to changing or accepting another person’s opinion about what the scripture is saying. Now, am I actually saying I have the right answers and the correct interpretation of God’s Word? Quite frankly, I think that is what I am saying. How can I be so brash as to presume I am the only one with the right answers? Surely there must be others who see the simple truth of God’s Word. But what is this all about being tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching? I know exactly what it is about. There are so many men who teach so many perversions of the Gospel for the benefit of their own fame and fortune. Spreading misconceptions in order to attain a great following of people willing to pour out dollars and heap them upon these men. I have seen it time and time again in the short life I have lived. I have seen infant believers, who really have not actually studied the Word of God, or pondered on it, or even read it for that matter get drawn into incorrect thinking and theology. So I guess in that sense I am a mature as outlined in the verses before this one. Is that bragging? No, I think not. I am just honest with myself. I will not be taken in by these types. I firmly believe I have a personal responsibility to know the Word of God for myself. I have, as do all believers, the Holy Spirit who guides me into all truth. Even Pastors are not supposed to interpret the scriptures for me. No, their job as a shepherd is to lead me to green pastures, which is the Word of God. I have to eat the Word and digest it for myself and as a result become mature and thus am able to reproduce and have other sheep, so to speak. No, I am firm about this, I will not be moved on this issue, and I am as stubborn as a rock, for my feet are firmly planted upon the rock of my salvation. I am not moving.

Building Up

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BUILDING UP
Eph 4:11-13
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
NIV
The purpose for God bestowing upon people, upon me any of these gifts is so the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining too the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Now that is one awesome responsibility. I cannot possibility deal with all of that as I thought in the last devotion on the section of scripture. I must focus today on the body being built up. I think all too often I fail to accomplish this when I forget the responsibility God has charged me with. When I talk in any manner with another believer that does not build the body up I have failed. I know I do my best to listen to the Spirit when I prepare a message to preach, or a lesson to teach so that I am focusing my fellow believers in being built up in their faith. My focus is to assist them in so way to grow in their faith, and their knowledge of the Son of God. But in my everyday life, my everyday conversations do I remained focused on the same listening to the Spirit? I think I fail God in those areas at times. I think I do forget to be always aware of building the body up. This is not good. I need to seek more of God, be more aware, listening more often than speak. It is true, in my daily conversations with others; I do try to point out thinking that divides. But I also think at times I might engage in it myself. How can this be? How can I allow myself to sink to that level of thought? I know I am no different than anyone else. I have all the same struggles with the old self. I know I am simply a man, with all the failing, with sin, but I also know God demands more from me because he has called and empowered me to teach. He holds me to a stricter standard as James 3:1 states. I must increase my attention to the Spirit. I must hold fast my tongue until I have the right words. Lord help me, give me more of your power and might to be strong, courageous and faithful in my duties and service to you in building up my fellow believers.

Perfecting

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
PERFECTING
Eph 4:10-13
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
NIV
There is way too mush here for me to deal with it all in my mind at one time. I must stay here for several devotions if I am to explore all the aspects of how I am to apply these words and ideas to my life. First I have to ask and know if I am one of the some or one of the God’s people or perhaps I am both. This has always been considered the gifts to the church rather than to individuals, but it is in fact a gift to a person as well. Am I one of those some who are teachers? I know I have been doing just that for at least 30 years, maybe longer, I can’t remember exactly. But that is what I do, teach, at first high school, then college level and then adults, Sunday school, Home small groups and Wednesday Night Bible studies. I have to believe I am one of the some, called by God to do what I do. I have to believe he gave this gift to me in order that I could be a part of the body of Christ who would assist in preparing (or perfecting as the original language implies) God’s people for works of service or ministry as the original Greek word implies. This ministry is defined as: of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. I believe this is how God has decided to use me. I must help God’s people, teach them how to proclaim and promote religion among men. This is the task of the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and the teachers. They all must prepare God’s people. But I also am a part of God’s people who need to be prepared for works of service. I need to be perfected for the work of the ministry. I have to continue to grow and be in the process of being perfected. I will never attain this complete perfection until I stand in the everlasting presence of my God. But I must always been in the process as well as assisting others in that process. Maybe I have lost my focus in that area. I do believe God has called me to help people in their spiritual journey by teaching the truths of God, at least to the best of my ability, which may not be as good as I would like or done as well as others do. This is all I can deal with now. Am I doing what I am supposed be doing? Am I focused on the right goal? Am I helping perfect others so they can proclaim and promote God to the world? I question I must ponder and pray about.

One

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
ONE
Eph 4:4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
NIV
This is the truth of all truth right here in these words. When I was thinking about making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, this is it. I am a part of one. There is only one, not many. There is only one body, one Spirit and one hope. Why do people endeavor to make so many from one. Why cannot every person accept the fact of one? Is that so difficult? I get so frustrated when people tell me well that is good for you, but not me. They say, “I don’t believe that”. Why? I do not have any problem accepting one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. This is the only way I could ever think. Years ago I remember trying some of those other beliefs. I looked in to Buddhism, Yoga and even Zen. I found the faults. I have studied Islam enough to know it too is false. No other belief comes to the conclusion of only one God who is Father of all. Why is that? I just do not understand why people are so deceived by these beliefs which are based upon some one man who says he either had a vision or dream, or was given a revelation. Are people so opposed to the standard God the Father of all has established they simply have to create something of they own so to be able to comply with it? Some people even think I am so narrow-minded in my belief, in my faith, that I am not willing to tolerate their beliefs. I suppose I am in that sense. I cannot tolerate untruths. I will not accept the concepts of many paths to God. I will not ever believe there is more than one God. He said it himself; there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God. There is only one way to him and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said he was the truth, the light and the way, that no one comes to the Father except through him. It is just that simple. One!

Every Effort

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
EVERY EFFORT
Eph 4:3
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
NIV
Have I made, am I making every effort in this endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit? This is a question which needs to be considered heavily. What can be worse than to cause division among the body of Christ? What can be as harmful as divisiveness? Gossip and slander of another person is a horrible thing to do. But this has an even more sinister plot at foot when every effort is not made. I think even the idea of complaining about the style of worship, or the way the sanctuary may look, or about the pastors message being a little off all have roots in not making every effort. I hear these kinds of comments and honesty I cannot recall if I take part, although I must have. I suppose not correctly or just listening with a nod of my head would be considered in agreement with the one commenting. Is that keeping the unity? Maybe it is with another believer, but surely not with the whole body. What good is it if I make every effort to keep this unity and others do not? Isn’t this something everyone is supposed to do? Am I excusing my lack of making every effort? To be a peacemaker does not mean to ignore the lack of unity, but to speak to this issue, to correct, to teach, to live it out loud. Even these discussions about denominational differences are a form of lacking unity of the Spirit. God is and never was and will never be a particular denomination. This is nothing more than man excusing himself for not keeping the unity of the Spirit. How can I make a difference? People leave a church because their do not like something, as if they are the most important person, pampering they self instead of making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. As far as it depends on me I must make every effort to live in peace with all men, and keep this unity of the Spirit through this bond of peace. I must keep my wits about me at all times, so to speak. I must not take part in those kinds of conversations which either create or fester a division in any way. I must speak the truth in love. I must make every effort. Just keeping silent does not make it. No, I am making a resolution to be bold and courageous in my faithfulness to this command. I will make every effort.

Being

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
BEING

Eph 4:2
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
NIV
Being humble is hard to do if I am thinking about myself. After all I am capable of a lot of things. I can do a lot of different tasks. But when I consider who I am in compared to God, I have absolutely no problem being humble. But this is not what is being told to me here. No it is in my relationship with others where I am to be humble and gentle and patient, just for a starter. This is an extreme challenge. This is where I really need the Holy Spirits power. I am afraid I do not have much of a reputation of being humble. I think some people consider me to be a know-it-all. I admit I am not but perhaps I do convey that appearance and if so that is certainly not being humble. I need more work more awareness of God’s influence on my heart. I do, however, think I am not a man of violence. I believe I am for the most part gentle. Now do I have a mean streak which left unchecked make me unqualified to be a gentle person? I have to really examine this concept. Yet I do believe basically I am a gentle person, not given to fits of rage and anger. Now if I can actually be humble, and gentle, I still have to deal with this patient thing. To have to be patient with others has to be a work of the Holy Spirit. But what kind of patience am I to practice? Do I simply accept waiting for everyone else to be ready? Or is there a deeper meaning? The Greek word can be applied in two ways. It can be applied in the sense of endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance. It also can be used as forbearance, longsuffering and slow to avenge wrongs. I am not sure which of these is intended in this verse, but both would certainly be a plus in my character. Then how do I see myself in regard to bearing with others in love. This is by far difficult in every sense. To put up with others in love actually implies others need putting up with. I suppose I have to accept the fact others do things that are wrong, or harmful or sinful and I am not to judge them but simply love them as Christ does. I do not think I have a problem with this, but then maybe I am not the best judge of that. I should ask others, if they feel any condemnation from me, or simply the love of God. So much so here, I need more thought and prayer.

Highest Calling

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
HIGHEST CALLING
Eph 4:1
4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
NIV
I know I have been called different things throughout my life. I was called a child, a son, a brother, a student, a running, a soldier, a salesman, a husband, a father and a grandfather just to name a few, but the greatest thing I have every been called in my entire life is a Christian. This is the highest calling. I cannot remember if I failed to fulfill those other names. I believe I live my life in such a way I was all of those names, and to the best of my ability. If I failed from time to time it was not a major issue to deal with, but doing the best I could usually sufficed. Here in the calling as a child of God, as a co-heir with Christ, as a son of God, as a Christ follower, a believer, a Christian I have far more at stack then simply doing my best to get by. I am to live my life worthy of this calling as a Christian. Many people called themselves by that name in this country, but I do not believe many of them understand the significant meaning and responsibility of being a Christian. Living my life worthy of this calling is by far a difficult endeavor. I understand Jesus sent me the Holy Spirit to help me do this. I know and feel his presence, yet I still have to make the choices I make each and every day to live worthy of my calling. I still have to resist temptations. I still have to think, feel, act, response in a way worthy of my calling. Sometimes I feel as if it is all on me. Sometimes I do feel as though the Spirit is simply waiting for me to ask him to give me the strength, in fact, I believe that is true, I do need to ask all the time. He will not push his way on my, but is gentle and humble waiting to be asked to the help me. I am grateful God called me from the darkness into his marvelous light. I am so very appreciative of his divine influence upon my heart. Now it is that influence which reflects in me as I live my life worthy of being called a Christian. It is not me, but him. I cannot live like this by myself; no I need him, more and more of him. I must in order to live worthy of the highest calling.

More Power

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
MORE POWER

Eph 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
NIV
Is there any question that it is he whom works within me? None at all! I know for a fact this is an absolute. But I think perhaps I do hinder this work from time to time. I do think I fail to realize just how much power he has in working within me. I do think I am a man of faith. I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is capable of anything and everything. But I wonder if I really ask or imagine just as much as he would do for, in me and through me. I wonder if I dare ask for more than he has already accomplished in my life. I am surely willing to do whatever he asks of me and I do think in those terms as the way I believe he would have me think. I don’t think I do much of anything of major consequence within knowing he is at work within me, and desires this move for me in order I may be doing for the Kingdom. When I think of him doing for me, in me and through me, I have no doubt about his power regarding working through me. I have great faith in his ability to work in me, although I hinder that at times. But I wonder if I have as much faith in his working for me. I wonder if I ask him enough for his working for me. I know he will do anything is I ask in the name of Jesus. I know he will, if I ask according to his will. I know he will because he desires to give me good things. But I think I have enough things, I just need more of him. I know if I seek him first he will add all these things to me as well. Sometimes the things could distract me from doing all that I should for him if I let them. I do believe he has all the power but I also believe he has given me the ability to restrict it. I pray I will never do that, I need more power then I could ever imagine or ask for. I give him all the glory.

Filled to Overflowing

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FILLED TO OVERFLOWING
Eph 3:19
19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
NIV
So this is the rest of the story. This is the conclusion of a thought which I have taken apart and spent some on each idea within. I can do this because this is my devotion. I am increasing aware of just how much God wants to be a part of my life. I was an amazing moment when I was saved, no doubt. It was also overwhelming to take in all that he was doing in my life and in fact still is. But here I see something which encompasses a completeness of God in me. He desires to fill me completely with himself to the fullest. To be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. That is what he says. That leaves no room for me. No room for self. Does God desire to take over me? Does he intent to move in totally and remove all of me in the process? Or is there room in here for me and the fullness of God? How does this work? After all I am enjoying the taste of my coffee right now. That is me, so how does the fullness of God figure into that? I suppose it is in the sense I am also totally contemplative regarding his working in me. I am saturated with his love for me. I am absolutely cognizant of him every moment of my day, no matter what I am doing. I cannot have a moment of time, of selfish thoughts or behaviors without knowing exactly that is I am doing because of the measure of all his fullness within me. But is he done filling? Can he even fill me more? How much fuller can the fullness be? I think he can continue to keep filling to overflowing, and thus his love of his, this fullness of his spills out of me so much it has an effect on those around me. How could I possibly contain the fullness of God within my own being? I have to allow him to overflow from within me.

Love

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
LOVE

Eph 3:17-18
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
NIV
I remember my mother teaching me to say “wide as the widest ocean, long as the longest road, high as the highest sky, deep as the deepest sea is my love you thee” or something like that. I never really understood that at such a young age, and I still may not completely understand just how much Christ really does love me. But here God tells me I am rooted and established in love, his love. I am rooted in his love and because of that prayer if offered up on my behalf to have power together with all the other believers to grasp just how much Christ does love me. Love is such a difficult word to totally understand. I know I use it in so many different contexts, as do so many people. It seems to be tossed around loosely at times without real meaning, without real truth behind it, or with some self seeking motive mixed in with the use of that word. Sometimes I feel it is shallow and used with disregard for the true sense it should convey. I wonder if young couples who have its definition read at their wedding really actually hear what is being said. Knowing how much Christ loves me should motivate me to the same love towards others. It should spur me on to those same self sacrificing actions of Christ. Although I desire to be like him, I do fail, I do fall short of the mark. I suppose everyone does, but is that an excuse? I do know, no matter if I do fail he continues to love me as much as if I never failed. That is difficult to grasp in the fullest, but I know it is true because he tells me so. Can I love others in that manner? If they fail me in some way, if they hurt my feelings, of course if I love them how could they hurt my feelings or fail me? This is a dilemma of sorts. I have to remember 1 Corthinains 13 each and every day, each and every moment I am breathing. This spells out me responsibility and how I am to love. It sure defines Christ love for me, and thus should define my love for him and for others. Lord, thank you for loving me and help me to love others even more.

Strenghtened

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
STRENGHTENED
Eph 3:16-17
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
NIV
That is surely one of my needs. To be strengthened within my inner being. My inner being is where most if not all my weakness lies. If I say to myself I am strong there, than I am just lying to myself and I do not see the truth. If I say to myself I can overcome those areas which plague me the most, I do not see clearly, but in a fog. I need the power through his Spirit to overcome those areas of my inner being which push me in thoughts, words and deeds I should not have in my life. I know I will never gain perfection, but can I use that as an excuse? I think not. I should not seek justification for those failures because I am a mere man. No, I cannot make excuses because I am only human. That would be making a provision for my flesh which I am told not to do by his Word. No, I have to admit and ask forgiveness when I fail and seek his righteousness. I must look to him for the power to strengthen my inner being, because I do have Christ dwelling in my heart. That seems so contrary to everything. How can I have his power through the Spirit and have Christ dwelling in my heart, my inner being and still fail him in so many different ways? Oh sure I am not this great sinner, this awful person who commits murder, or steals from others. True I do not run around as a wild heathen, brawling and committing other acts of violence. It is also true I do not chase after the things of this world, fame and fortune. For the most part I act in a manner that is fitting for a believer in Christ. But it is that inner being which poses the greatest threat to my relationship with Christ. This is where I need him. And I know he is there working in my life, helping me, strengthening me, so that I can and am gaining greater strength to overcome. I am forever thankful for what he has done for me, in me and is doing through me. But most of all I am thankful he has strengthened me.

Kneel

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
KNEEL

Eph 3:14-15
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
NIV
Every knee will bow; it is a fact, that at some point in time this will happen. But I must deal will the here and now. I must deal with my knee, which of course I think symbolizes the self within me. If I cannot bow my knee how can I bow my “self”? When I think of some movies of old times, kings and knights and the such, I sometimes see certain men refuse to bow before the king, thus stating their own equality with him or independence. Although I am absolutely convinced I am no equal to God, I think at times I might try to assert a certain amount of independence from him. Whenever I start thinking about me instead of him I am in danger of this action. Whenever I start allowing my own wants or desires to control my thoughts and actions I am more than in danger of this assertion of independence, I am in the middle of it. Now does this mean I cannot do anything? Not at all, but the reason is or should be based upon serving him in some way. I must bow my knee before my God, my King, and my Savior. I must recognize I am his servant, his property and at his disposal. I have no really independence from him. I am in no way someone who belongs to himself. How can I continue to have those times when I think I am? Why am I like that? Is it the old self which still exists that exerts itself? Or rather is it the enemy of my soul who tries to get me to fall? Can I blame him, or should I simply blame myself? I must place the blame where it needs to be and that would be me. Now is the time to redouble my efforts to always remember to bow my knee. Yet it is also his strength which I need in order for me to knee. I need more of him, more of his Spirit, more and more I need him more. Thank you Father, I kneel before you!

Suffering

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
SUFFERING
Eph 3:13
13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
NIV
What do I do with this verse? I surely cannot expect others to suffer for me. Or is it I should suffer for them? Maybe it simply implies that when one of us does suffer the others should not get discouraged over it. I do know that some people suffer and I am not sure if I could ever say I have suffered or not. But here I have to ask about the cause of suffering. I know I have made some bad choices in the past. I have made some not so good decisions which caused a lot of stress in my life. Was that stress suffering? If it was it was at my own hands and not that caused because of the Gospel. I think this is at the root of this passage for me. If I am going to suffer for others it has to be because of the Gospel. I cannot claim every time I suffer it is God’s fault or his will. I surely am able to cause my own self to suffer by the choices I make all by myself. I cannot blame God for my bad choices if those cause suffering in my life. Now having said that I do not really think I have suffered, at least to the extent Paul is speaking about here. I have not been placed in prison because I am out preaching the Gospel as an outlaw to the established church. I do not even think I have suffered because I disagree with much of the established church and its system. I am not sure I have ever suffered because of my relationship with Christ. I know some people have not liked me very much or maybe thought I was a bit overbearing in my faith. I know some people may think I am too much with trusting God, that I am so heavenly minded I am not any earthly good. I know some people think I am foolish to trust God when it comes to money, investing, saving, and storing up for future days and the like. Do I suffer because of it? Maybe I suffer not having their friendship. Maybe I suffer because they think or speak poorly of me. It is bad that I do not care? I am going to follow what I see as the plain truth of God. I am going to be true to what he says to me and if that is suffering for the sake of the Gospel then so be it. I will be glad to suffer for that.

Freedom and confidence

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
FREEDOM AND CONFIDENCE
Eph 3:11-12
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
NIV
What an awesome privilege I have to be able to approach God. It would seem that he made it so difficult for people in the old times to approach him. Only a select few could even get close. But all that has changed and I am exceedingly glad of it. To actually think me, this not so pure man, in the imperfect state that I am can actually approach him and do it with freedom and confidence. Yes I know I should fear God, but that is not be afraid of him, no it is to reverence him and I do. I hold him in the highest esteem. I consider him to be without question the most Holy God who created all this just with his words. There is no power greater than that. How foolish people are to think they can ever destroy something God made. How ridiculous it is for people to think they can even have an effect on the environment God established. Who do people think they are? Who could ever believe they have enough strength to overpower God? His power is far beyond anything I can even imagine. Yet here I am able to come into his presence with freedom and confidence. I do not have to pay for this privilege because Christ already did. I am free to enter into his presence whenever I desire to do so. Yes I know I am always in his presence because he is everywhere but this is different. This is me approaching Him. This is me stepping up the stairs to his throne. This is me kneeling down and bowing before him and having him reach out his hand and take hold of mine. This is me actually talking to him and having him caring enough about my life to listen and assure me he will take care of all my concerns and all my needs. Why would I not have confidence? No, I am absolutely convinced I have the freedom to approach him with confidence. Thank you Lord!

Included

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
INCLUDED
Eph 3:10-11
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NIV
I suppose those different types of angels in the heavenly realms need to know how I am going to be spending the rest of eternity with them. I suppose God never really told them of his complete plan when he created mankind and he is not revealing it to them through the members of the church. This is me. I am a member of his church and I am part of the pan to reveal to those angels how I am going to get where they are. Not that I have any power on my own to accomplish that, but because of Christ Jesus it is going to happen. Now Jesus alone accomplishes the way for me to do this, but I do play a part in the sense I have to accept this provision and I have so I am. It sort of blows me away when I think about the fact I am going to be spending eternity with all those angels, all the men and woman of the past who accepted Christ as their savior, and of course with Christ himself. It really blows be away to consider actually being in the presence of God the Father. I cannot imagine what he looks like or how he will actually be. People over the years have tried to make different images of God, but that is just what it is, men’s ideas, not reality. No one really knows but I am going to find out because it was his intent from the beginning this is how it will be. At times have a difficult time I am actually a part of how he decided to reveal his wisdom to all those angels. Sure it happened some thousand years ago and they were informed of his wisdom then and so do I really play a part today. That I do not know, but never the less I am a part as time means nothing to God, or in the heavenly realms so perhaps from then to now is all the same and I am therefore as much a part as Paul was. It is complex but I think I understand and I am so glad I get to be included.

Value

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
VALUE

Eph 3:8-9
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
NIV
It is possible there are still more riches in Christ I do not know about? Why are they unsearchable? Why can I not simply search for them without being preached to? Well actually it is pretty plain because I have the written Word of God to explain it to me. I suppose those Ephesians needed it brought to them by Paul. There is more here I think and in checking the Greek I see it as the untraceable value of Christ. I would think when an item has value, the reason for its value should be able to be traced to when, where and by whom was it manufactured. There is something special in its application or perhaps just because it is of a certain age which adds to the value. Christ has no origin, I cannot trace his past or where he was made, for he always was and will forever be. Yet he is of greater value than anything could possibly ever be. He is the greatest value in the entire realm of God. So now I again must search my heart to see if there are any things of this temporal world which I place more or at least as much value on. I would have to examine how much time do I devote to myself verses time I devote to that which God desires of me. Not that I cannot do things in the here and now, but I believe I need to be ever cognoscente of him in all I do. I need to always be aware of Christ, I need to be thinking about him when I am walking, when I am sitting, and when I am lying down. I need to be vigilant in my thought life when I am driving, or playing, or even just sitting watching a movie at home. I need to continually be on guard against placing anything of greater value the Christ. It is easy to be distracted even by my own “self”. I know in my heart he is the greatest value to me, yet when I respond inappropriately am I placing more value on me than him? I think so. When I see someone I don’t know and judge them by their looks am I placing more value on me than him? I think so. When I talk with someone who disagrees with me and wonder why they are wrong, am I placing more value on me than him. I think so. This is very complicated but very important. What I place value on is where my heart is and I know without a doubt my heart is in Christ, so perhaps I should not be too hard on myself, I have not yet reached perfection, but I have reached a point of knowing he is my value.

Servant

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
SERVANT
Eph 3:7-8
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
NIV
Is it not the purpose of each believer to be a servant of the Gospel? It surely is mine just as it was as Paul said about himself. Now I certainly admit to myself I am no Paul. I absolutely know without a shadow of a doubt I do not compare myself to him either. However having said that, I am a servant of this gospel or at least I should be. I am not sure sometimes if I serve it as well as I am supposed to. Then I have to ask just what does it mean to be a servant of the Gospel? I think it would imply the Gospel is my master. Or I am a minister of this Gospel as to wait on tables. The original word carries that implication. So I would have to say I am suppose to serve this Gospel as in bringing it to the folks sitting at my table, or in my station in the restaurant. I am supposed to serve this Gospel to those I come in contact with; those God puts me in contact with. Because I am gifted by God’s grace to be a servant of the Gospel. I think everyone is, but I can only speak to myself and for myself. I am convinced God has this in mind for all of his children and that everyone should be a servant. The question I come back to is do I serve it as I should? Is it only my efforts to accomplish this action? I think not. God has given me with the gift his grace, or his divine influence upon my life, and with that I am supposed to reflect it to others. Do I do that? I hope so, but I still fail too. I think it is suppose to me an all the time activity. I think I am supposed to serve the gospel in my everyday life, in my interactions with all the people I encounter. I think it is more than just teaching or preaching. I think it is in how I treat, how I react to others. It is a lifestyle not just an area of service. I pray God continue to work in my life. I would be lost and alone without his greatness. I would be useless without him. I would have no purpose for living without him. So I am certainly glad to be a servant of his Gospel and I am exceedingly grateful for his Grace and the working of his great power.

Inheritance

DEVOTION
EPHESIANS
INHERITANCE

Eph 3:4-6
4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
NIV
I find it hard to believe those people of the past, those people who were called Israel were so selfish. Wanting to keep God to their own, thinking they were the only ones. Yet it appears that is the implication from what is being said here. Now I surely know I do not feel like that. I wish everyone knew God as I do. I think most of the people I know believe the same as I do, desiring others to know God as well. The more difficult part for me is to actually image myself being an heir. That is having an inheritance. I know many people receive such a thing in the worldly regard. A parent leaving behind things of value to their children happens in our culture. I think perhaps I may well being in that situation as far as leaving something for my children. But to consider what kind of inheritance I have received from my Heavenly Father. Or is there more than I already have? Is my salvation through Jesus Christ the promise? Is that my inheritance? Not that I am in need of anything else, but is there more? Shouldn’t eternal life enough? That is the promise is it not? Eternal life in the new city of Jerusalem on a new Earth with an even greater Heaven is the full extent of my inheritance. I think that is almost too much, than I consider just how great my God is and all that pales in comparison to him. Yet I do consider it of great value. I do consider it to be the greatest thing I could ever hope for. It is by far greater than anything this world has to offer without question. The question I have to ask myself is why then do I allow some of the things of this world to distract me? Why do I get sidetracked from time to time? Is it simply the old self fighting within? Or is it really me, who allows those things to become attractive enough to look away? Is using the old self routine just an excuse? With all that is within my inheritance I would think I should have no problem staying absolutely focused. Yet I know I am just a man, and as such I will fail, and that is why I need Jesus.