Ephesians__2

Scripture  Ephesians 2:10  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Observation-What does it say?  The letter to Ephesus, absent of some of the personal greetings used in Paul’s other writings, may have been a circular letter passed around to a number of churches in the region, which is now western Turkey.  One of Paul’s main concerns in this letter is a message of unity and completeness in the church.  He then “proceeds to show the steps towards their fulfillment. First, God has reconciled individuals to Himself as an act of grace (2:1-10)” (Barker, K.).  Because of our disobedience, we are cut off from life, but, through his grace we are reconciled. 

Understanding-What does it mean?  One of the hardest obstacles I have come to face, as a parent, is sticking to being the voice of discipline to my kids.  I really am just a big push over when it comes to holding their feet to the fire.  However, I know how important it is to help them gain their sense of discipline.  It sets them up for future success in faith as well as in other pursuits in life.  I have seen, too many times, the result of a child who was not taught to have discipline.  A child without discipline turns into a thirty year old who lives at home, without a job, and doesn’t take responsibility for their own.  Disciplining a child allows them the opportunity to freely turn back and see that it was done out of your great love for them.  

Paul’s words, here in the book of Ephesians, echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalms 90.  For both point out that we are not the driving force of our time here on earth.  It is God who prepares for us good works to be done.  It is our job to have the discipline to carry out that good work.  When we live outside those good works, we face the consequences of our decision of disobedience, namely separation from Jesus.  However, God, as Peter wrote, shows His deep love for us in His patience.  “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him” (3:14-15).   

Much like I know my boys’ future success is dependent on building discipline now, so also does my faith depend on being disciplined in what God has asked me to do now.  God’s discipline is keeping me from the things that can ultimately keep me separated from Him in eternity.

Life Application:  Jesus, help me to seek out the good works you have prepared for me.  And when those seem hard to find, help me to remember the things you have shown me in scripture.  Help me to be kind to others, be generous to widows and protect the orphans.  Help me to offer words that encourage, and not words that tear down.  Above all, in everything I do, be evident through me.   

-Tyler Galloway

2 Kings_15

Scripture2 Kings 15:35 Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord.Observation2 Chronicles 27:3 Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the LORD and did extensive work on the wall at the hill of Ophel.

Fortifying the walls of the city would help to protect against outside enemies.

UnderstandingProtect your relationship with the LORD.Song of Solomon 2:15  Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoke the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.Little foxes can be such a nuisance for gardeners. Little foxes come in and eat your fruit that were not intended for them. They can ruin your garden, your days and months of hard work.You may not see them when they actually come in but you see the damage that is done, the holes that were dug, the flowerbeds that are torn.Little things can cause a big problem that can ruin a relationship.Watching T.V. Is not a big deal but when I am watching my favorite show instead of talking to my husband that I haven’t seen all day, that could create a distance in our relationship if it's done consistently.It's the same way with all our relationships but especially with the LORD which is the most important of all.There are so many little things throughout the day that can deter us from staying connected to the LORD, the mundane things like chores or down time, or no time. The list could go on.ApplicationGuard your time with the LORD.Psalm 63:3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.John 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'We have experienced Him and know that He is and has to be our foundation. Let’s fortify our walls of protection that secure our relationship with the LORD, that will keep us from falling away.Have a set time that you spend with LORD, like a date, an appointment, that is not meant to be interrupted or broken.Worship is one of the best ways that keeps us connected and we can stay connected throughout the day.Start fortifying your walls today. Take a look at your day and get rid of the little foxes that are creeping in. Seal up the holes by first guarding your most important relationship.

Galatians_6

Scripture

 

Galatians 6: 9-10

 

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

Observation

 

Paul continues to urge the church to act in according to the Spirit, but rather than looking at this through the lens of the law he centralizes it around the church itself. He also encourages the church to continue acting in goodness as it will lead to an abundance in return.

 

Understanding

 

A proper harvest will be reaped when the body of Christ moves in unison.

 

I find it ironic that Paul places these verses in tandem with one another. Often as a church we focus on bringing people to Christ, outside of the church, that we forget to recognize our family whom we gather with frequently. I’m not saying that we mistreat one another, but showing the goodness of God to people who already believe is just as important as showing it to someone who doesn’t. The phrase familiarity breeds fondness comes to mind, as we become fond and comfortable with one another yet we don’t always extend goodness to one another. Again, I want to emphasize that I am not indicating that we mistreat our church family, but we don’t always show our gratitude. Gratitude is not designated to only a small time in November when people are forced to say what they are thankful for. Gratitude expresses appreciation and goodness about a given thing. It’s the little things like buying the person you sit next to every Sunday a coffee from Mainstream, it’s posting one of PG’s one-liners that resonate with you, it’s offering to take someone out to lunch after service.

 

So why am I saying all this? Knowing each other and truly showing the goodness of God to those who we serve with will lead to not only a move of God within our own church but an overflow into our community. If we desire to see other people come to know Christ we must first hold the mirror up to our own church and ensure that we act with integrity and goodness with each other. As Paul says the moment we give up of doing good with each other is the moment we give up on doing good elsewhere. How do we act when we are comfortable with each other? Does it glorify God and bring goodness and gratitude to those we serve with?

 

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

 

Life Application

 

Prepare for the harvest by appreciating the workers.

 

Let’s be more intentional about connecting with our family and letting them know how thankful you are for them. It could a simple gesture like writing a note to someone in the church, or hanging out them outside the church walls. The point is the harvest is plentiful but the workers must be motivated to reap the harvest.

 

-Allison Khan