Day 11
Ephesians 5:1-4 NIV
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. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord.11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
The first 2 verses of Chapter 5 say it all:
Ephesians 5:1-2
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
Be imitators of God and live a life of love just, just as Christ loves us!
There are many things that follow these words but the point is to be Godly, to be like Christ. The writer goes on to say what not to do but strategically places proper conduct in the passage. In verse 5 after a list of things we should not do we are told to speak words of Thanksgiving. Next we are told in verse 8 to live as children of light. The previous verses tell us not to be deceived or to act out of disobedience but rather we should obey God. Verse 9 in parenthesis tells us how to check to see if we are walking in the light "the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth". So if we are walking in the light of the Love of Christ we should be producing fruit. The passage continues with find out what pleases God! How do we know what pleases God? We know that what the Spirit says we are to do and since the Spirit of God lives within us we can listen to His still small voice. When He convicts we respond in repentance, when He whispers we can quiet ourselves and obey His commands. We can also know what pleases God by reading the Word for it's infallible truth. A truth that sets us free. The passage continues by saying that as we walk in the light darkness is exposed.
Today's scripture reference ends with an exhortation to awaken from our sleep. There are many such passages in the scripture, most of which are speaking to the church to awaken and be strong. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to pray for an awakening. We live in a nation that needs to be awakened to its' origins, we were founded on Christian principles and it is time that we return to God. As you are praying next pray for your church. Every church needs an awakening from time to time. We need to be awakened to the power of God. We need to once again be out demonstrating God's Word by living it. Living a life of love, believing and demonstrating every Word of the Bible. Healing the sick, raising the dead, preaching the gospel until many come to know Him as their Savior. Finally, pray for a personal awakening. The awakening that is so need in our world, nation, and churches will start with a personal revival. The revival starts with us the individual and when one individual begins to trust God and seek His face others always follow before long a united, passionate church will rise up and begin to believe and declare the totality of the Word of Truth. Pray with me for an awakening.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading January 20 2010 Ephesians 4:25-32
Day 9
Enjoy the Word today as we complete Ephesians chapter 4. I love the book of Ephesians it is so full of hope and promise. It reminds us that we have been saved by a loving God and we are no longer bound by what we once were.
Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.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.
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.
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.30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.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.
Do not give the devil a foothold! I have this verse committed to memory of course I learned it from the KJV "niether give place to the devil". This is such an important truth. The bible tells us that if we "resist the devil and he will flee ", if we read that entire verse we understand that we resist the devil or rebuke him by submitting to God.
Enjoy the Word today as we complete Ephesians chapter 4. I love the book of Ephesians it is so full of hope and promise. It reminds us that we have been saved by a loving God and we are no longer bound by what we once were.
Ephesians 4:25-32 NIV
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.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.
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.
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.30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.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.
Do not give the devil a foothold! I have this verse committed to memory of course I learned it from the KJV "niether give place to the devil". This is such an important truth. The bible tells us that if we "resist the devil and he will flee ", if we read that entire verse we understand that we resist the devil or rebuke him by submitting to God.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The Apostle Paul goes through several areas where we might fail and give place to the devil. Lies, anger, gossip or unwholesome talk, bitterness and so forth. We all have areas of life where we struggle. Areas of temptation where we have weakness but the Word says there is no temptation that cannot be overcome. The bible says we are overcomers. When we fall we need to get up and put it under the blood. Some say I can't overcome this one thing and I have tried. Paul then says to not "grieve the Holy Spirit of God", how important that statement is. When the Holy Spirit is pleased with us we are surrounded by the glory of God. But when we grieve the Spirit He doesn't have the freedom to work in our lives. When we listen to His voice and obey we please the Father and we walk in the blessing. Our own efforts are generally fruitless but when we surrender and admit our weakness then God comes along and brings about our deliverance, He is our strength. I am thankful that Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave and firmly put the devil in His place. I don't always feel like it but God says I am a victor! That's right WE are victorious and not victims. Jesus paid it all, the entire price for my freedom. Let's walk in victory today by denying the flesh and walking in the Spirit. Submit to God and get under the blood of Jesus. Paul wraps his message up with some words of encouragement reminding us that Jesus forgave us of all our sins. Be encouraged God is our champion and in Him we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Daily Reading for January 19 2010 Ephesians 4:17-24
Day 9
We are not reading as much at a time as we digest Ephesians 4. These passages have so much content that they need to be read and digested. Today's teaching is about repentance. Repentance is more than a confession it is turning around. I hope you enjoy this passage. Remember as you pray about this Word today ask God to reveal to you by His Holy Spirit any areas in your life where some change might be necessary. The Word of God speaks to us and changes our hearts.
Ephesians 4:17-24 NIV
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.
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.
Paul gets right down to it in this passage. He reminds us not to live and act as we once did, to strive for holiness. He says "put off your old self" and to "put on the new self" in another passage we are told to "put on Jesus Christ". Paul goes on to say we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. What Paul is talking about here is repentance. When we accept Christ we are supposed to turn from our old ways. We find that we are convicted as we walk with Christ and the more we draw near to Him the more he seems to reveal. It has been my experience that those who are hungry find the truth of God's Word and accept it. Giving up what we used to be isn't nearly as difficult when we do so out of a love for God. God leads us to repentance and then supplies the grace and compassion necessary to help us as we deal with the areas of our lives that are not pleasing to Him. I am so glad I didn't have to clean myself up first. Many try but they always fail. A relationship with Christ is the only way to be made acceptable in the site of the Father. We can trust the Holy Spirit to help us! As we hunger and thirst after righteousness the bible promises we will be filled.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
We are not reading as much at a time as we digest Ephesians 4. These passages have so much content that they need to be read and digested. Today's teaching is about repentance. Repentance is more than a confession it is turning around. I hope you enjoy this passage. Remember as you pray about this Word today ask God to reveal to you by His Holy Spirit any areas in your life where some change might be necessary. The Word of God speaks to us and changes our hearts.
Ephesians 4:17-24 NIV
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.
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.
Paul gets right down to it in this passage. He reminds us not to live and act as we once did, to strive for holiness. He says "put off your old self" and to "put on the new self" in another passage we are told to "put on Jesus Christ". Paul goes on to say we are created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. What Paul is talking about here is repentance. When we accept Christ we are supposed to turn from our old ways. We find that we are convicted as we walk with Christ and the more we draw near to Him the more he seems to reveal. It has been my experience that those who are hungry find the truth of God's Word and accept it. Giving up what we used to be isn't nearly as difficult when we do so out of a love for God. God leads us to repentance and then supplies the grace and compassion necessary to help us as we deal with the areas of our lives that are not pleasing to Him. I am so glad I didn't have to clean myself up first. Many try but they always fail. A relationship with Christ is the only way to be made acceptable in the site of the Father. We can trust the Holy Spirit to help us! As we hunger and thirst after righteousness the bible promises we will be filled.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Daily Reading for January 18 2010 Ephesians 4:10-16
Day 8
Ephesians 4:10-16
10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)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.
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.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.
The first part of this passage speaks of the diversity of offices within the church. It is vital that we operate in these areas as the church benefits from each person operating in the fullness of their gift. As long as we see ourselves as the body and Christ as the head we can keep the proper perspective. All gifts and callings are precious and important to the body. All parts of the body are of equal importance. We need one another and when we foster an environment of empowerment and growth we can see everyone around begin to utilize their gifts for the Kingdom of God. It is clearly stated that the Church is Christ's and we are to come together to be the body under the authority of the head. The final section of this scripture mentions "speaking the truth in love". It is important that we rightly divide and then proper USE the Word of God. The Word wasn't meant to be used as a weapon against one another or even the lost it was meant to defeat the enemy of our souls. However, when we rightly divide the Word of truth and teach the Word of God with love and compassion it is amazing how God can change a life. I am always thankful that I am not the judge and am not responsible to changing others. I have learned to trust the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to transform individuals who seem to have no hope. Praise God, I have found my hope in Jesus Christ. Have you?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Ephesians 4:10-16
10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)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.
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.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.
The first part of this passage speaks of the diversity of offices within the church. It is vital that we operate in these areas as the church benefits from each person operating in the fullness of their gift. As long as we see ourselves as the body and Christ as the head we can keep the proper perspective. All gifts and callings are precious and important to the body. All parts of the body are of equal importance. We need one another and when we foster an environment of empowerment and growth we can see everyone around begin to utilize their gifts for the Kingdom of God. It is clearly stated that the Church is Christ's and we are to come together to be the body under the authority of the head. The final section of this scripture mentions "speaking the truth in love". It is important that we rightly divide and then proper USE the Word of God. The Word wasn't meant to be used as a weapon against one another or even the lost it was meant to defeat the enemy of our souls. However, when we rightly divide the Word of truth and teach the Word of God with love and compassion it is amazing how God can change a life. I am always thankful that I am not the judge and am not responsible to changing others. I have learned to trust the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to transform individuals who seem to have no hope. Praise God, I have found my hope in Jesus Christ. Have you?
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Monday, January 18, 2010
Daily Reading January 17 2010 Ephesians 4
Day 7
Sorry, I failed to send this out yesterday. This is Sunday's reading. You should have a calendar in case I fail in the future.
“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.”9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
As I preached yesterday morning. It is vital for a church to be in unity. The bible talks about the anointing of a united church in Psalm 133. A church that is unified is a church that loves one another and fellowships with one another. People who attend united, loving churches have a zeal for God's house and they linger even after the service ends. Fellowship is good because God is with them in their midst (Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”). I am thankful that Porter church is experiencing this kind of an outpouring right now. Yesterday we didn't leave the church until after 1:30 PM. What a blessing it is to be able to worship with your family and our church is like a family. No, we aren't related by blood just by Christ's blood. It is important that we solve our differences quickly and love one another.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sorry, I failed to send this out yesterday. This is Sunday's reading. You should have a calendar in case I fail in the future.
Ephesians 4:1-9
Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.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.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
8 This is why it says: 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.”9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
As I preached yesterday morning. It is vital for a church to be in unity. The bible talks about the anointing of a united church in Psalm 133. A church that is unified is a church that loves one another and fellowships with one another. People who attend united, loving churches have a zeal for God's house and they linger even after the service ends. Fellowship is good because God is with them in their midst (Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”). I am thankful that Porter church is experiencing this kind of an outpouring right now. Yesterday we didn't leave the church until after 1:30 PM. What a blessing it is to be able to worship with your family and our church is like a family. No, we aren't related by blood just by Christ's blood. It is important that we solve our differences quickly and love one another.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading Eph. 3 cont'd January 16 2010
Day 6
Today we have another of Paul's prayers for the Ephesians. This is another great passage that we can pray over our lives and the lives of others. Click here to link to a prayer through Ephesians. This prayer can and should be prayed daily. Just fill in the blanks with your name.
Ephesians 3:14-21
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.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. 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, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 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.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Praying Through Ephesians
Below is a prayer of the book of Ephesians from chapters 1-3. Insert your name or the name of the person you are praying for in the blanks and personalize this prayer. There is power when we pray the Word of God. Isaiah 55 says His Word does not return unto Him void. Confess these prayers daily and expect God to move on your behalf.
-Pastor Larry
Ephesians 2
-Pastor Larry
Ephesians 1
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to __________________ the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 that the eyes of _______________ understanding being enlightened; that ___________ may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 2
1 And _____________________ He made alive, who was dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which ___________________ once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when ______________ was dead in trespasses, made _______________ alive together with Christ (by grace ______________ has been saved), 6 and raised up together, and made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward __________________ in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace I have been saved through faith, and that not of myself; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that I should walk in them.
Ephesians 3
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant ____________, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith; that I, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that _____________________ may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
