Category: Ephesians

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Remember When

For over three years now I have been reading the same verses every morning. These verses have truly made an impact on my life, on my awareness of how the Father wants me to see and treat others.

“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” Titus 3:1-8 NLT

This is a big order to fill but God isn’t asking us to do it on our own. No, He is telling us to live like this, directed by the power of His love and His grace.

It’s because of His grace that we have been made right in his sight and it is by His grace that those who are living contrary to His will be drawn to Him.

The Apostle Paul knew this drawing of God in a very public and personal way. He was zealously rounding up Christians. He had them arrested and imprisoned, even killed.

One day he had a personal encounter with the Lord. It wasn’t an encounter with men who were condemning his actions but instead an encounter with God himself. God in his mercy brought Saul, now Paul, to repentance.

“So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.” Acts 9:17-18 NLT

Our command from Scripture is to always be ready to do good and not to slander! We are to remember when we first were introduced to God’s grace. It wasn’t something we deserved; it was something we were freely given.

There’s only one way we can fulfill this command.

“ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

Father, remind me of Your word. Remind me to always be devoted to doing good.

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Make the Most of It

Time robbers – they are all around us! We need to be aware of their tactics and stand on guard.

I’ll admit there are some time robbers that have infiltrated my daily routine. Now, before I go any further, I want to say that I am not condemning anyone but will simply be pointing out an area the Holy Spirit has pointed out in my life that He wants me to change.

I spend more time than I should each day playing on my computer. I like several different types of Solitaire. I feel it challenges my problem-solving skills and keeps me alert, however, I allow it to rob time from other things that need my attention.

For weeks, I’ve been saying that I need to write to a few people and encourage them – let them know I’m thinking of them and praying for them but that has gotten pushed to the background while I play “just one more hand”.

“ So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. 16 I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. 17 So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 ERV

Use every opportunity for doing good.

Please hear me on this, relaxation is not wrong. We can become so busy that we neglect to rest. There is nothing wrong with playing computer Solitaire but if it robs my time and my energy and keeps me from doing other things that have a more lasting value then it’s a problem.

“God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us his Spirit. 7 Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life. 8 This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:6-8 CEV

Be sure to do good deeds.

This makes me think of the story of the Good Samaritan. Three people saw the man who had been beaten and robbed. Only one stopped to help. I don’t know why – maybe they were scared or just too busy, needing to get to their next appointment so they walked on by. The sad thing about this is one was a priest and one was a worker at the temple.

The thing with time robbers is that many of them aren’t offensive, illegal or immoral but they do keep us from doing something better.

“God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:10 CEV

If the Lord is showing you things that are robbing your time, ask for His help in correcting the situation. If nothing comes to mind, then praise God for right priorities.

Let’s all make the most of the time we have to do good things that will honor the Father and be a blessing to others.

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What Is Man…

This picture came up in my computer notifications yesterday. I had taken it a year ago.

I remember specifically how awe-struck I was in viewing the evening sky. I sat in my camp chair and watched as the clouds slowly moved, with the darkness embracing them. I had to capture some of the grandeur!

These words came to mind then and now.

“Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth! You let your glory be seen in the heavens above. 2 With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless.

3 I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. 4 Then I ask, ‘Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?’ 5 You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor.

6 You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power— 7 the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal,8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures.

9 Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!” Psalm 8 CEV

I, too, often think about the heavens and the earth and all that the Lord has made and I ask, “who am I that You, Father God, think of me”. God’s word brings my answer:

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. 16 God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children.” Romans 8:15-16 CEV

The Father thinks about us because we are His children. His love is everlasting, His mercy is new every morning, His faithfulness endures to a thousand generations and His grace is sufficient in every situation.

When I see the clouds, or an evening/morning sky filled with beauty my heart is stirred to sing that great, old hymn of the faith.

“Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook and feel the gentle breeze

Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art?
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art?”

Let’s ask the question again, “what is man that Thou art mindful of him”? We will probably never understand the depth of His answer to us. His heart says He wants us to know this:

“…Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. 18  I pray that you and all God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. 19 I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:17-19 CEV

Oh Father, how great Thou art!

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There’s An App for That

Somedays do you feel weak not really able to face the day? Or is it a feeling that you’re unappreciated or undervalued for who you are? If that’s the case, then here’s your answer to end those days of malaise.

Years ago, many, many years ago, a well-learned man put down a plan that has the ability to uplift, encourage and strengthen anyone who will put it into practice.

I guess you could say he wrote a life-changing app before anyone knew what an app was.

” I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.

19 I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used 20 when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. 21 There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well. 22 God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. 23 The church is Christ’s body and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.” Ephesians 1:15-23 CEV

When we ask the Lord, He will give us understanding of that hope , the power that He has made available to us (raising from the dead power) and what it truly means to be a part of the body of Christ!

This is a bad analogy, but I will use it just the same. Many Christians are like a new smart phone user. Only using their phones to make calls and send a few texts. They don’t know how to use it any more than that…download the apps, take pictures, use the GPS, on-line banking, the language translator, etc.

It’s time to get educated about who you are in Christ.

Utilize what’s been given to us. The data plan is unlimited and we’ll never have a power outage or dropped call. We are Christ’s body and we are filled with all He is.

Download the app. Take advantage of all the Father has programmed into it. He’s designed it perfectly – forgiveness, acceptance, protection, provision, peace, joy, worthiness, abundant life. It’s all at our fingertips.

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“Your Grace”

I am up this morning, listening to the pouring rain on the roof of the RV and watching the lightning flashes illuminate the night sky. But my blog has nothing to do with rain.

Recently I was watching a series where the men would bow and the women would curtsy before royalty. The common greeting at such a time as this was simple. The curtsy preceded these words, “Your Grace”.

“Your Grace”.

A title that distinguished them as the ruling class. A title that identified their authority. A title that indicated their supreme authority to rule.

This ruler has been bestowed with the responsibility to rule. From their lips came words of forgiveness, restoration, acceptance, clemency, a new start. Now that my friend is grace!

Our life in Christ is all about grace. Receiving from the Father what we don’t deserve, receiving what we are unable to obtained on our own merit.

His grace.

The Apostle Paul wrote this: “But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.’ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” II Corinthians 12:9 ERV

In our weakness, whatever that may be, His grace is all we need. His grace fills our life with the power of Christ. His grace has provided forgiveness, restoration – a new life.

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

Grace is a gift – a gift from God. We can’t buy it, we can’t earn it, we don’t deserve it – that’s what makes grace so amazing! It’s a gift given in love.

Those two words, Your Grace, fill my heart with such gratitude!

I hope you will start your day in the presence of the King of Kings, our Father, and humbling bowing or making a curtsy. Then say to Him, “Your Grace is all I need”!

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All In

Years ago, when Dave and I were going from place to place holding cowboy camp meetings we had someone tell us, “You don’t have to go overboard with this Christianity and faith stuff”.

I loved Dave’s quick reply. He smiled and said “If we don’t go overboard, we’ll never walk on water”. We were all in, our commitment to God’s word was the final say in what we did and how we ministered.

Yesterday’s blog was on the absolute of “in everything”. That leaves nothing out – everything means everything.

Today I want us to look at some of the “all” absolutes in Scripture.

ALL – is an absolute – not some, not part – not by special selection but ALL.

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Romans 3:22-24

The righteousness of God is for ALL and to ALL who will believe because there is no one who has his own righteousness because we have ALL sinned. Our salvation is not predicated on how good we are, our social standing, our financial statement, our academic degrees, political party or our natural citizenship. It is ONLY based on what Jesus did to bring salvation to ALL. Our part is to receive the gift.

More ALL verses to contemplate today.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:8-10

All God’s fullness of power and deity are in Christ and when we are in Christ, we are complete in Him. He invests His fullness in our lives as well.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

When we understand the love of God by experience, His true unconditional love, we will be filled with ALL God’s fulness! Amazing!!

Amazing grace freely gives us this gift. The Apostle Paul prayed that we would know this fullness.

He also gave us a few other absolute “ALL” verses.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:19

If you haven’t accepted God’s free gift of grace that brings salvation, all you have to do is accept it with a sincere heart because it’s available to ALL.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9

Be all in. Be all God created us to be!

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Deeper than the Holler

I often wonder what people do who don’t like being alone with just their own thoughts.

My morning quiet time is filled with thoughts that seem to run amuck but then I find that they all come together at one destination. Take this morning for instance. I woke up with the words of a Randy Travis song running through my head.

“My love is deeper than the holler.
Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes,
That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill.
And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”

As I thought on those lyrics my mind was drawn back to yesterday’s Bible reading.

“14-15 As long as I live, show me the same kindness the Lord does. And if I die, never stop showing this kindness to my family. Be faithful to us, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the earth.” 16 So Jonathan made this agreement with David and his family, and he asked the Lord to hold them responsible for keeping it.

17 Jonathan loved David as himself, and because of this love, he asked David to repeat this agreement for himself.” I Samuel 20:14-17 ERV

Jonathan and David had an unusual friendship. Jonathan’s father was King Saul, whom David would replace as king. Saul hated David and made many plots to kill him. Jonathan’s friendship with David made him more loyal to David than to his father. There was a deep love between the two of them, so great was that love that they were willing to die for one another and willing to commit to raising the other’s family if something happened to either one of them.

Their love was deeper than the holler.

Now add a third thought – yesterday had been a rainy afternoon. The kind where you could only sit inside and watch as it poured down. It was an afternoon for movies. The first, Gods and Generals, we have seen a number of times before.

It is a movie about the Civil War and the love General Lee and General Jackson had for their homeland of Virginia. They were willing to lead men, like-minded men, into battle to protect their families and their homes. The second movie, The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks was about a son’s commitment to see his father’s final wish fulfilled.

These men had a love that was stronger than the rivers.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…17 The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can get it back again. 18 No one takes my life away from me. I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to get it back again. This is what the Father told me.” John 10:11,17-18 ERV

Final thought.

Men love with an earthly love. God loves with an unconditional, sacrifical, willing to give up life love!

Now for the final destination of those thoughts. The love a couple have for one another is deeper than the holler. The love of two friends is stronger than a river. The love of country is higher than the pine trees and the love of a son for his father is purer than the snow.

But the love that Christ has for us immeasurable, incomparable and inexhaustible.

“And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

Now those thoughts are certainly worth more than a bank full of pennies!

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A Few Good Men

A few good men – no, we’re not talking about the Marines.

Instead, I’m talking about godly men, husbands and fathers. Those who truly are willing to lay their lives down for their family and friends; those who sacrifice to provide for us and set an example for us to live by.

My husband and my father are and were both that type of man. My father was strict and believed in discipline, but he believed in laughter, fun and bear hugs. He loved me dearly and when my husband asked for permission to marry me, he said, “If you take her, you don’t bring her back.” He believed in working through problems and not giving up. His relationship with my Mom was living proof of that. My husband said my dad was the “manliest man he ever met”.

“Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him…17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises
to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:13,17 & 18 CEV

My husband is an example to me of God’s unconditional love. He has seen me at my worst, and he has never changed in his love for me. In fact, if you ask him – he can’t remember me at my worst. He has chosen to forget. He too is strict and believes in discipline but his children, sons & daughters, know that he is ready to support them at the drop of a hat. He tells them how very much he loves them and how proud he is of each of them. He’s honest and speaks his mind.

I see many examples of my heavenly Father’s love in each of these men and I am blessed that they are a vital part in my life. I love them both more than words can say.

“Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 CEV

Dad has been in heaven for over seventeen years, but his love and his lessons are still a big part of my life. Dave and I will celebrate fifty years of marriage next April, I can’t imagine a better life’s partner.

I pray that you are blessed with this type of man today – give him the honor he is due.

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Time for A Clean Up?

Our daughters and their families have joined us in the mountains for the weekend. Last night after dinner our little grandchildren were instructed to wait outside after dinner because they were covered from head to foot in dirt.

They had been playing hard, having a good time but the girls didn’t want them bringing all that dirt into the RV.

I do like a clean and tidy house. It’s hard for me to sit and relax when I know that the bathrooms need to be cleaned or I can see dirty floors and dusty furniture. I’ve always been that way. It’s a part of who I am. My mom kept a tidy house and so did my grandma.

Cleaning for me isn’t work for me, it’s enjoyable. I am thankful for my home and the things I have in it and want to keep them looking nice and not let them deteriorate or come to disrepair.

And with that confession I’m sure you are wondering how all of this applies to this morning’s devotional. Let me draw the correlation.

I know that the dust seeps in and requires my attention. Then there’s dusty feet or food spills in the kitchen, dirty sinks and smudged windows. It all requires my attention. I would have a real problem if someone wanted to march through the house with muddy feet or walked through the rooms spilling garbage. More importantly I would stand up to anyone that wanted to vandalize my home.

So how does the Holy Spirit feel when we let our actions, our words and our activities “dirty up” His home?

“You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don’t own yourselves. 20 God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 ERV

We are a valuable dwelling place – a temple as it were for the Holy Spirit to live in and there are times we carelessly vandalize His home.

As I grow older I realize more each year how important it is that I keep my house clean. There’s no room for dishonesty, no room for bitterness or petty jealousy. I don’t want the garbage of lying, gossip, or criticism spread about and I certainly don’t want my dwelling to be vandalized by immoral living.

” And don’t make the Holy Spirit sad. God gave you his Spirit as proof that you belong to him and that he will keep you safe until the day he makes you free. 31 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.” Ephesians 4:30-32 ERV

Our homes should be a place of welcome and comfort for the Holy Spirit.

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Give Honor

Today would have been my parents seventy-seventh wedding anniversary. Each time this day arrives on the calendar my heart is flooded with wonderful memories and a sense of love.

Dad has been in heaven for seventeen years and Mom joined him a year ago. Theirs was not a perfect marriage but we always knew they loved each other and would work together to make it through the tough times. I am so glad for that example.

One of the Ten Commandments is for us to honor our fathers and mothers.

“You must honor and respect your father and your mother. Do this so that you will have a full life in the land that the Lord your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12 ERV

Parents were established by God to be an outreach of His love to us, His children. When we honor them as His authority in the home, we are honoring His word. We are honoring Him.

We have a promise of long life if we honor and obey our parents.

“Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. 2 The command says, “You must respect your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it. 3 And this is the promise: “Then all will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 ERV

I wasn’t always the most obedient child, that I will admit. I had my times of doing my own thing and going my own way but still they loved me.

It breaks my heart when I see kids who disrespect their parents, who feel their ways are old fashioned and out of touch. It makes me wonder how our heavenly Father’s heart must ache for His children who are “off doing their own thing”.

“A few days later the younger son gathered up all that he had and left. He traveled far away to another country, and there he wasted his money living like a fool…The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat…While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him…My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:11-24 ERV

Even when we are gone from His presence, the Father is watching for us to come home. When we come back, He runs to embrace us and welcomes us with loving arms.

If you’re earthly parents are gone, like mine are, and you feel that you didn’t show them the honor and respect they were due, go to the heavenly Father and repent. He has a forgiving heart and open arms.

If your parents weren’t loving or godly, go to the Father and let Him heal those hurts and embrace you as His child.

If you still have your folks give them a call. Tell them you love them and thank them for doing the best they knew how in raising you. Give them honor as God instructed us too.

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