Ephesians 5-5.14.21
Scripture
Ephesians 5:15-16
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus (in modern day Turkey). He was most likely under house arrest in Rome while writing this letter. It is similar in style and content to Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. However, it’s possible this letter wasn’t intended specifically for Ephesus, but as a circular letter, or meant for a group of churches in the region. Throughout the letter, he emphasizes God’s “great mystery,” which is the inclusion of gentiles as heirs of Christ. God reconciled all of humanity to Himself through the act of grace, bringing those “who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Starting in chapter 4:17, Paul transitions from discussing how we are all brought to salvation, to discussing our response to this salvation. After salvation, we intentionally move away from our former way of life, which was full of evil actions, and move towards God’s plan for us, which is full of wisdom and righteousness.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Sometime near 2012, the term YOLO, acronym for “you only live once”, took pop-culture by storm. It was used by reality TV stars, Twitter stars, and laymen alike. During that time, the phrase became a call to arms for the young and carefree and was often an excuse to act in ways that would normally be considered inappropriate and unbecoming. There was a similar phrase that emerged in the 16th century, “memento mori,” Latin for “remember you will die.” During that time, the phrase carried a meaning more closely associated with the weight of responsibility for one’s actions. Whether you say “you only live once,” or “remember you will die,” they both remind us of our mortality.
Several times throughout his letters, Paul writes to remind us that we only live once in this world, therefore, we need to live in such a way that we are moving closer to the will of God and further away from the ways of this world. To the Corinthians Paul wrote, “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I [l]discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). This response is not simply an obligation, but a response of gratitude for the great love that Christ poured on us.
Life Application
Jesus, help me to move closer to you every day. As I move closer to you, help change my heart to desire less of this world and its lusts and more of your righteousness. Help me to seek your discipline and wisdom, knowing that your love is greater than anything here on earth.
-Tyler Galloway
Ephesians 4 - 5.13.21
Scripture - What stood out?
Ephesians 4
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil
Observation - What does it say?
The apostle Paul continuing to speak about what a new life in Christ may look like describes what anger should be for a Christian with a “new” outlook on life.
Understanding - What does it mean?
The apostle Paul implies that as a believer in Jesus now your anger must take on two characteristics. Your anger must not lead to sin and your anger must be short lived.
Your anger must not lead to sin and your anger must be short lived.
It is hard to imagine that the apostle Paul lived alongside other humans and was still able to write those words! Righteous living comes with so much discipline, surely the Lord would let us stew for a little bit, right? WRONG! Though the cause of our anger may be completely justified, look at what the apostle says in verse 27, “and give no opportunity to the devil.” Anger exposes us to attack by the enemy.
I have lost track of the number of times I have gone to bed angry. Whether it’s an issue with my family, my job, friends, or my life, I wonder how many times I have been led astray as a result. How many of these mind games with the enemy have I lost?
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
I was having a hard day today as I wrote this journal entry. And I found myself getting angry. But encouraged by the apostle Paul I chose to give no opportunity to the devil.
I took out my ukulele, I cleared my throat, and began to worship the Lord...privately. And you know what? My anger disappeared. The situation that needed to be dealt with remained, but the anger was gone, replaced by love and hope.
May I never stop turning to You no matter the circumstance.
Great are You Lord!
In the name of Jesus, amen.
-kenneth lee
Psalm 91 - 5.12.21
Scripture
Psalms 91:9-11 NLT
“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this psalm, the author writes about the safety and peace a person receives when they trust in God. The author writes just how safe a dwelling place you will have when you trust in God and reside in His presence. Those who trust in God will not fall into their enemies' traps. They will be protected from their enemies' attacks, no disease will ever harm them, and God will send His angels wherever they go to protect them from any harm. The Lord says “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.”-(verse 14).
Understanding-What does it mean?
There is no place I would rather be than in the presence of God.
I love this psalm. This psalm helped me through this Coronavirus season. When the world looked dreary and uncertain, this psalm raised my spirit and gave me confidence. It helped me put things in perspective. It helped me remember who I put my trust in. It reminded me Who is in control. This whole psalm is filled with these promises of God, promises for those who trust and love Him. These promises are my armor and protection as I walk out into this world-(vs 4). Just knowing that God is always faithful to keep His promises is more than enough for me to step out in faith each and every day, no matter what comes my way.
Life Application
Who is your trust in?
When you know what hits the fan, and the world seems to be going mad, who is your trust in? Are you going to let the media tell you how to act? Are you going to trust in your own strength to get you through? Is this world’s fears going to get the best of you? I hope not. I pray that instead, people can turn to God, turn to His Word. I pray that they can humbly ask God for help and guidance. I pray that God can send His angels to rescue His people from any harm. I even pray that God uses His people, (the Church), to go out in the world and be His angels for others in need. I pray we can live our lives boldly and faithfully, knowing that God has our back, and that nothing is impossible with God on our side. Amen.
-Moses Gaddi