MONDAY July 26, 2021

Are You Led by God’s Spirit?

Romans 8:14

As a son or daughter of God, it is so important to be in submission to Him. In our relationship to God, our submission is never forced. We yield to God because of our love for Him. We never do things for God because we have to; we serve God because we love Him. Again, never by force.

Understand, a person either serves God or Satan. If a person serves Satan, they are under his influence, and their lives are controlled by the flesh. They are walking according to their fleshly appetites and cannot please God. Paul made this very clear and really got his point across:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His (Romans 8:5-9).

If the Spirit of God is controlling your life, and you are in submission to God, then you will be pleasing God. The Scriptures make it very clear! If you are walking in the Spirit, you will not walk in contradiction to what God has said in His Word. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that you can walk in harmony with God.

Sometimes, it is not until we come to Christ that we realize He knows what is best for our lives. We make a mess of our lives, but it is not until we come to Christ, to be in submission to Him, that He can work through our lives.

God being Who and What He is, and we being who and what we are, the only thinkable relation between us is one of full Lordship on His part and complete submission on ours.
~A.W. Tozer~

SUNDAY July 25, 2021

Be Filled with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18-21

The Apostle Paul gave the Ephesian believers good counsel. They were to be filled with the Spirit. It was a command to be filled with the Spirit. Dwight Moody said: “God commands us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and if we are not filled it is because we are living beneath our own privileges.” That is, we are not in full submission to God. He expects us to obey––not to disobey. This applies to all Christians, not just the select few. We are also to be in complete submission to God and to each other. Submission to God is probably one of the hardest things for us to do.

Christians usually think of the Holy Spirit’s power used in preaching, teaching, witnessing and evangelizing, but the Spirit is used in all areas of our lives. The word filled means “to keep on being filled.” It is not just a once and for all filling––it is a daily filling of the Holy Spirit. We do not fill ourselves, the Holy Spirit fills us––our hearts and minds. The word filled also means “the will, mind and emotions have to be under the constant control of the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit dominates and controls our lives.

The Apostle Paul stated there are four evidences of being filled with the Holy Spirit. God has given us power, the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit in our lives: ...be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). God has given us joy––joy is not happiness––it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. When we sing, God does not care what we sound like. I like that. He hears our voices, and we sound beautiful to Him (Ephesians 5:19). Being thankful in all things––is evidence of His indwelling Spirit (Ephesians 5:20). God is in control; we have nothing to worry about. He gives us wisdom, joy and comfort. The final evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is seen in our submission (Ephesians 5:21). Are all these things evident in your life?

The church can have light only as it is full of the Spirit, and it can be full only as the members that compose it are filled individuals.
~A.W.Tozer~

 SATURDAY July 24, 2021

Sober Mindedness

Ephesians 5:18

A person walking in the fullness of the Spirit is sober-minded. His mind is clear to worship God. People often come in for counseling, and they will say they like to drink a little bit. To validate their drinking habits, they love to go to the Bible and quote from the passage where Jesus, at the wedding of Cana in Galilee, turned the water into wine (John 2:1-11). However, they do not understand that biblically, in this culture, this was new wine––grape juice before it was fermented.

Fermented drink can make you tipsy or just plain drunk. In the book of Proverbs, there are common sense warnings concerning drinking:

Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat;?for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and ?drowsiness will clothe a man with rags (Proverbs 23:20-21).

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?  Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35).

Drink makes you a violent man! You do not even remember what you are doing under its influence. It makes you foolish, brash, and it brings you to poverty. You can lose your job and waste all your money. It impairs a person’s judgment; it also arouses passions. Consider this: A drunkard will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). Be careful.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever
is led astray by it is not wise.
~Proverbs 20:1~

FRIDAY July 23, 2021

Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:15-16

Christians need to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time. In Colossians 4:5, we find a similar exhortation: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside [nonbelievers], redeeming the time. We are to redeem the time because people who do not know Christ are watching us. They need to come to the knowledge of Christ before it is too late!

When Paul wrote about redeeming the time, the Roman Empire ruled, and many Christians were being killed. It was a time when believers in Christ lived zealously because they thought their redemption was drawing nigh, and Jesus was coming back for them.

Believers need to be watching and looking around them to know the signs of the end times. Look at what is going on in the news. Read the newspapers––everything is negative, nothing is positive. The times are so evil, we need to redeem the time, knowing our redemption draws near.

It is wise to number our days on this earth: So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). How long are we going to live? Maybe 70 years, but that time is short! What is 70-100 years compared to eternity? Life moves rapidly! Time moves so quickly! I have visited convalescent homes where many old people live abandoned. I wonder about them, what is going through their minds. Some of them may be regretfully thinking, I surely wasted my life. Are you wasting your life? Do something with your life that will benefit the kingdom of God!

We need to buy up opportunities––time. Take advantage of all the time we have to serve the Lord, especially those who are young and healthy. They have a lot of energy to serve the Lord. As we grow older, our bodies will weaken, and we will suffer. Some of us may die of cancer, leukemia, a heart attack or be killed in an accident. We do not know how long we have on this earth, but let us make sure to redeem the time!

Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

THURSDAY July 22, 2021

Understanding God’s Will

Ephesians 5:17

As we seek the will of God, understand it is very easy to know it. The best way to know the will of God is to study the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 2:15, it tells us: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If a person does not read the Bible, then they will have no wisdom or knowledge.

Remember this: the only Scriptures the Holy Spirit can bring to your remembrance, at any given time, are those things you have read, studied, and placed into your heart. If you have never read from the Old Testament, then nothing from there will ever be brought up to your mind. That is why it is important to read from Genesis to Revelation and feed upon God’s Word so you can grow in wisdom and knowledge––to true maturity in Christ.

The key thought Paul would have us to consider is walking circumspectly, not as fools but as wise (Ephesians 5:15). The word circumspectly is an enchanting word. Literally, it means “exactly or by rule that is according to a set of established norms.” In effect, Paul was exhorting us to walk carefully, or as the English word circumspectly suggests, look around at all the different situations, circumstances, and especially the opportunities God has given to you! Opportunities given to you today, you may never, ever have again. Whatever you did today, that day is gone; you will never see that day again. This is why Paul exhorts us––redeem the time! Buy back the time!

Parents gain experience and wisdom over their lifetime. They try to pass on their wisdom to their children by encouraging them to get an education and not to waste time. They know their children will not get back any wasted years. One day, they will reap the consequences of their negligence. Think about it; are you redeeming time in your life?

When your will is God’s will, you will have your will.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

WEDNESDAY July 21, 2021

Walk Circumspectly

Ephesians 5:15-16

A Christian must walk circumspectly––carefully using God’s wisdom to guide them. To walk circumspectly means “to walk with complete precision and accuracy.” The opposite would be to walk carelessly, without proper guidance and foresight. Believers in Christ must seek the will of God and His wisdom throughout their entire lives. The non-believer cannot do that; they do not know Him. Christians cannot be foolish, but wise. Their priority is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Listen and take into account what was wisely written by A.W. Tozer, an American, Christian pastor and author:

Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him. 

This is wisdom. Imagine, the moment you turn your life over to God, He begins to work in your life immediately. He changes our lives tremendously. God has given us a better heart, mind and life. We are left in happiness then by knowing our redemption draws nigh––it will come very soon.

“Let a man become enamored of eternal wisdom and set his heart to win her and he takes on himself a full-time, all-engaging pursuit. Thereafter he will have room for little else.”
~A.W.Tozer~

TUESDAY July 20, 2021

The Wisdom of God

Ephesians 5:15-16

It is good to read these verses in another version: the NIV: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (NIV). Paul has brought us to the place of treasuring the wisdom of God. We need the wisdom of God in the making of our decisions.

King Solomon, the son of David, wrote about 3000 proverbs. In Proverbs 3-4, he spoke about wisdom, but it was in reference to the person of Jesus Christ. Wisdom comes from Him alone. His wisdom is not the world’s wisdom, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19). Whereas this is the wisdom of God: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy (James 3:17). As you study God’s Word, you will find wisdom. God will speak to you directly.

Jesus Christ gives us wisdom in the face of persecution. He encouraged His disciples not to worry about what to say: ...for I [Jesus] will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist (Luke 21:15). The world cannot resist Christ’s wisdom.

The wisdom of God is a gift of the Holy Spirit: ...to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit... (1 Corinthians 12:8). Again, wisdom comes directly from God––not man. It is only through Him are we given spiritual understanding: ...the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1:17).

Ask God in prayer for His wisdom: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5). This is a promise from God. He will give us wisdom.

The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time but using every hour for the highest ends. So be it this day.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

MONDAY July 19, 2021

Awake, Sleeper!

Ephesians 5:14

Interestingly, it was believed that in the early church, this verse was written in a poetical form and used during Christian baptisms––amazing!

What did the Apostle Paul mean by this one verse? Literally, Paul used the symbolism of baptism because it showed that when a believer in Christ went under the water, the old man was then dead; and when they came up out of the water, they had become a brand new person in Christ. Paul used this symbolism to further say that Christians are to be dead to darkness, as the light of Jesus Christ has been turned on.

Listen to what else Paul proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

We used to be like the unrighteous people who were committing the sins mentioned in these verses, but now we have been washed and sanctified ––set apart. We are justified before God––just as if we have not sinned. It is because of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross for our sins that we no longer fear death. True believers in Christ will inherit the kingdom of God––heaven.

Those who follow Christ, “shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). God’s light has shined in their hearts.

...the Bible illumines the dark corners of heart and mind. It exposes sin but reveals the way of cleansing and forgiveness. It confronts us with eternal reality but comforts and encourages. May that precious treasure be open before us rather than gathering
dust on a distant bookshelf.
~A.W. Tozer~

SUNDAY July 18, 2021

Secret Shame

Ephesians 5:11-13

What do these verses of Scripture mean? Christians are no longer ignorant; they now have responsibility and accountability to everything they have heard, read and learned from the Scriptures.

When we have repented and confessed our sins to God, the light has come into our lives. The light has exposed any darkness in our lives. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He cleanses us, forgives us, and washes us of our sin (1 John 1:7-9). Then our lives are flooded with His peace and love. From this time forward, we can be assured that Jesus will lead and guide our lives. As we walk in the light, we shall be safe.

It is important to understand that when you are with your nonbelieving friends and loved ones, if you see that they are going to do or say sinful things, do not join in with them––separate yourself. Do not sin with them.

You are the light in this dark world! Light exposes the darkness. The word expose means “to reprove the darkness.” Think of all the things we have done in secret, thinking God did not see them. He is the Light! Everything is exposed! Therefore, there is to be no fellowship with anyone who is engaging in the unfruitful works of darkness.

It is also shameful to sit with people and boast about the sinful things we have done in the darkness before we came to Christ. Our sins are shameful, and they are the reason why Christ came and died on the Cross (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus remembers our sins no more. If He remembers our sins no more, why should we?

We prefer the shadows where we feel safe over the light which exposes us and causes us to say ‘Woe is me!’
~R.C. Sproul~

 SATURDAY July 17, 2021

The Light Is Turned On

Ephesians 5:8-10

Christians are children of the light. Before they came to know Christ, they walked in darkness. Most people are unaware of the reality of walking in darkness. It is like a person who is born blind and has never seen the light.

I remember as a nonbeliever, not believing in Hell, Satan or God. I did not believe in anything––only in myself. For whatever sinful things I said, did and thought, I felt no conviction. It was not until someone shared the Gospel with me, and people began praying for me, that I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I said to myself, “Why do I feel guilty?” The Lord had His hand on my life. Now, as I am in the light, I am fully aware of what sin is.

Once the light has been turned on in a person’s life, and they go back into the darkness, they will never be the same. It is a terrible thing for a Christian to go back into the darkness. It would be like a person who had been able to see for 20 years, and suddenly they went blind. A Christian has seen the Light––Jesus. The Light was turned on in their life, and they now know what is right and wrong in the eyes of the Lord.

Christians need to know God intimately and walk close to the heart of God. This happens when they take time to pray and diligently study God’s Word. The spiritual fruit of goodness and righteousness will become evident in their lives. Goodness is God’s agape love in action.

Righteous means “righteous character before God.” Christians know what is right, and they do it. A believer’s righteous acts are not only done in secret, but openly in the presence of others. Goodness and righteousness are based on the conformity to the truth of God’s Word. Knowledge of God’s truth will help a Christians to mature. God’s truth will enlighten us to walk in His love and light.

The human intellect, even in its fallen state, is an awesome work of God, but it lies in darkness until it has been illuminated by the Holy Spirit.
~A.W. Tozer~

FRIDAY July 16, 2021

God Is Light

1 John 1:5

The Word of God describes God’s nature as light. God is light! In 1 Timothy 6:15-16, among the titles of Christ and while declaring His Kingship and immortality, is the beautiful mystery of His unapproachable light:

...He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

I like that! Consider how light dwells with Jesus Christ, and how we are children of the Light! Amazing! Light is also descriptive of Gods wisdom:

“And He [God] changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him” (Daniel 2:21-22).

Light is also descriptive of God’s Word: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). The Word of God brings light to our path. God guides our steps! When it was pitch dark at night, God guided the children of Israel by the light of a fire. They were able to see while the Egyptian armies who pursed them remained in darkness: In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire (Psalm 78:14).

God’s presence and light is everywhere. We cannot hide from Him. The darkness and the light are both alike to God, and the night shines as the day (Psalm 139:11-12). Has Jesus, the Light of the World, shined in you?

The only safe light for our path is the light which is reflected from Jesus Christ––the Light of the World. The man who has met God is not looking for something, he has found it already. He is not searching for light, upon him the light has already has shined in him.
~A.W. Tozer~

THURSDAY July 15, 2021

Light and Darkness

Ephesians 5:11-13

The reason people choose to walk in darkness is revealed in John 3:19: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Here is the key to why men love darkness rather than the light; it is because they love the darkness and their evil deeds.

Think of the multitudes of people in this world who are walking in the darkness. They do not even know they are spiritually blind––lost in the darkness. Some love what they are doing instead of hating what they are doing. However, there are those lost souls in the darkness who are just trying to escape from all their life’s difficulties and the world’s vices.

We, the people of God, should no longer continue in our past lifestyles. Neither should we be hanging around with those in darkness. As children of the light, we should no longer have close fellowship with those in the darkness because they will ultimately cause us to compromise. Consider what we have been instructed in 2 Corinthians 6:14:

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 

God has commanded us to separate from those living in darkness!

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”  “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

If you are in the darkness, God has made a way for you to be in communion with Him––through Christ. Accept Jesus today!

There is no greater darkness than the ignorance of God.
~John Calvin~

WEDNESDAY July 14, 2021

Walk as Children of the Light

Ephesians 5:8-10

As Paul the Apostle neared the conclusion of his short epistle, he continued to turn our attention to our Christian walk––walking in the light. We are to separate ourselves from the darkness––sin. People are either walking in light or darkness, but they cannot do both. Consider the truth of God’s Word spoken by the Apostle John:

...God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:5-7).

That is a true statement. There can be no misunderstanding of what is plainly said in the Scriptures. If we are making a profession of Christianity, but live a life in contradiction to the Word of God, in darkness, we lie. Again, Christians need to practice what they preach. We are not to walk in darkness: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Ephesians 5:11). Light always exposes the darkness. Light is greater than darkness!

We are children of the Light; no longer should we be walking in darkness. Christ shines in us and through us. Jesus said in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Darkness represents the ignorance, error and evil found in this world. Light represents goodness, truth and righteousness that come from the Lord. Where do you stand, in the light or in the darkness?

Are we going through life with our eyes closed to the light because we love darkness? Rise up to obey the Light and more light will flood into our lives. We have been reborn to walk in light.
~A.W. Tozer~

TUESDAY July 13, 2021

You Are Light in the Lord

Ephesians 5:8-10

Paul the Apostle did not say that believers in Christ were in the darkness, but they were darkness. Paul spoke of their position in the world before they came to Jesus Christ––to the Light. They were in spiritual blindness. This darkness was so terrible!

It is impossible to be in darkness and light at the same time––it is contradictory. For someone to say they are a Christian and yet they live a life in darkness as those in the world, they would be considered to be a liar before God (1 John 1:6). We are not to be walking in darkness––doing evil, sinful deeds of darkness anymore––period.

Do you remember what it was like to be in spiritual darkness? As sinners, we did ugly and terrible things. Consider the people we have hurt. The sinful things done in darkness are certainly nothing to boast about. We sinned against God!

God is love. He saw humanity suffering in a terrible, deep spiritual darkness. He sent His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). When He showed us our sinfulness, we repented and were given the light of life. The light has now been turned on in our lives. The light reveals everything we say and do. So to be walking in the light means our lives are open before the eyes of God; we are not hiding anything from Him.

God’s light in us produces spiritual fruit––goodness, righteousness and truth. The works of darkness are unfruitful; they lead us to an unfruitful life. In heaven, spiritually speaking, those living in the darkness have empty bank accounts in heaven. Yet for those who have given their lives to Christ and walking in the light, their account is getting bigger and bigger in eternity!

I am walking toward a bright light and the nearer I get the brighter it is.
~D.L. Moody~

MONDAY July 12, 2021

The Wrath of God

Ephesians 5:4-7

When Paul used the word covetous, he actually used it in relation to a person’s sexual conduct. Not only should Christians be sexually pure, but they should have a graceful manner of speech. Do not compromise with people in the world by listening or joining in with them as they tell dirty jokes. Christians are to separate themselves from worldly people, because they will bring them down to their level (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Sticking around to hear coarse jesting with sexual innuendos is not fitting. Listening to garbage will cause “garbage in garbage out!” You see, those things will badly influence your life. It will hurt your Christian walk. Corrupt communication does not glorify or honor God. Believers should be talking of God’s grace and mercies. They have been changed; they have a new walk and a new talk (Romans 12:1-2). This is important.

Notice, yet another warning is given to those who continually practice sin. They will not inherit the kingdom of God! Do not listen to those who give empty advice. These people will say about sin, “Do not to worry; God will forgive you!” Yes, God forgives sin, but we are not to take advantage of His grace. Romans 6:1 declares: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

To live a life of sin and be a Christian is an impossibility. We would be hypocrites––living a lie. Sadly, Christians who have a bad witness keep people out of the kingdom of God. Be a good model of Jesus Christ. Mimic Him! That is our goal as believers.

The tongue is the ambassador of the heart.
~John Lyly~

SUNDAY July 11, 2021

A Fitting Behavior

Ephesians 5:3

Paul the Apostle was speaking to saints––Christians. He addressed a list of sins that are no longer fitting for a Christian to do. One of the sins mentioned relates to fornication. The sin of fornication happens when couples decide just to live together instead of getting married or be intimate before marriage. God intended sex to be between a husband and wife. Fornication is a sin against God and your own body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). We cannot get caught up in the sins of our past.

In society there is so much sexual perversion––uncleanness. The word uncleanness means “in a moral sense, impurity of lustful, luxurious, corrupt living.” People who are living these lifestyles risk getting venereal diseases which are rampant in the world. Vast populations are not obeying God’s Word. Individuals who mess around with sexual encounters risk contracting these diseases. Many people fail to realize they are playing Russian Roulette. I knew a young man who lost his life from just one sexual encounter. He contracted AIDS and died. Syphilis, if left untreated, can damage the brain, eyes, heart, nerves, bones, joints and liver.

A Christian’s life should be completely different from those in the world. They can no longer live a life practicing sin; to do so would cause the Holy Spirit to be grieved. The Holy Spirit is like an alarm. He will let you know what is right and wrong. Every person has a free will to obey or disobey, but there are consequences for those practicing sin. Whatever a man sows that is what he shall reap. The Word of God teaches that if a person does not repent, they can be thrust out of the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Of course we are human. At times we fall short and sin, but as we confess our sins and repent, we are cleansed and forgiven (1 John 1:9), but we are not to make a willful practice of sin.

Sexual desire is natural and marriage is provided for its fulfillment.
~Norman Hillyer~

 SATURDAY July 10, 2021

Christ a Sacrifice to God

Ephesians 5:1-2

In the book of Leviticus, God’s people were given Laws concerning sacrifices for the forgiveness of sin. During Yom Kipper, also known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year, a lamb was taken and slain. The best part of the animal was given as a burnt, sweet-smelling sacrifice to the Lord. In the tabernacle where God’s presence dwelt, the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies, with the lamb’s blood in a basin. The priest sprinkled the blood on the Mercy Seat for the forgiveness of his and the people’s sin.

An atonement or kopher is “a price for a life.” In the Old Testament, a priest laid his hands on a ram or goat. As the priest prayed, he transferred the sins of the people onto it. As long as the people could see the goat or ram, they could not blow the trumpet. Once it was lost in the wilderness, a second goat would be killed. Then everyone would rejoice, because right at that very moment, the people would be forgiven by God for their sins. Imagine all that work for the forgiveness of sin! Yet an animal sacrifice was only a covering for a person’s sin. It never removed it.

In typology, the Scriptures tell us Christ went to the Cross as a Lamb led to the slaughter: ...He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth (Isaiah 53:7). There is no forgiveness of sin unless there is shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus Christ died once and for all for the forgiveness of our sins. That is a central doctrine for our salvation.

Once a person repents of their sin and accepts Jesus into their heart by faith, their name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). They inherit eternal life! God loves us with an everlasting love, so we should love others. This pattern of God’s love is for you and me to follow.

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
~John 1:29~

FRIDAY July 9, 2021

Imitators of God

Ephesians 5:1-2

Christians are called to walk in love. In these last days, it can be difficult to love people, because many of those who do not know Christ have become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers ... unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure... (2 Timothy 3:2-4).

Despite the times in which we live, Christians are to imitate Christ by following the example of His sacrificial love (John 3:16). In college, I had the pleasure of studying the incredible life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German evangelical preacher and theologian. When World War II broke out in Europe, he fled Germany and came to New York City where he lived comfortably.

The Holy Spirit convicted Bonhoeffer. God called him back to Germany, and he willingly went. He ministered to pastors in underground churches. Many had compromised with the ungodly philosophies of Nazism. Finally, Bonhoeffer was arrested and imprisoned. While in prison, he wrote many letters called “Bonheoffer’s Prison Letters.” Bonheoffer’s letters were secretly snuck out of prison, printed and distributed.

On April 9, 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was martyred. He was taken to Flossenburg concentration camp and executed––hung by the neck. He sacrificially died for the cause of Christ! Before he died, his final last words were: “This is the end––for me the beginning of life.”

Bonhoeffer’s life echoes Paul’s thoughts about Christ’s love: ... walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

No one knows what love is except in the self-revelation of God Himself. It is only the concrete action and suffering of Jesus Christ which will make it possible to understand what love is.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

THURSDAY July 8, 2021

Experiencing God’s Love

1 John 4:10

When Christians do not have the love of Christ, problems will arise. It is all too easy to fall back into their old ways. They begin to walk in the flesh, act harshly, condemn others, and curse at people. Christians are to love others––to forgive and forget. If people are to truly experience God’s love, then forgiveness becomes a very important action in the life of the believer.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught His disciples to pray using a model prayer. Within the prayer, Jesus said to them: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). After the conclusion of His prayer, Jesus gave a stern warning: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).

Forgiving someone is a very hard thing to do, but you are commanded to do it. Seriously, Jesus taught you to: “...love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you...” (Matthew 5:44).

In prayer, God desires that you would be honest about the way you feel about a person who has hurt you. Ask God to help you forgive and love them. He desires that your heart be right before Him. Then you can have peace. Leave the situation in the hands of God, allowing Him to speak to their hearts.

When you obey God’s Word, you will find this is where the love of Christ is emitted to those who are perishing: For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15). They need to experience God’s love through your act of forgiveness. If you do not love your families, your enemies, and those lost in this evil world, they will perish.

It is only with God’s love that we can love one another, not only the lovable but the terribly unlovable.
~A.W. Tozer~

WEDNESDAY July 7, 2021

Walk in Love

Ephesians 5:1-2

Paul spoke tenderly to the Ephesian believers––as dear children. As they had accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, Paul wrote his Epistle to tell them of their position in Christ. “In Christ,” “in Him” and “in whom” are phrases used about 36 times in the book of Ephesians. Now that these believers were fully aware of their position in Christ, they must become doers of the Word of God, not just hearers. In the second part of the Epistle, they would learn how to behave. They were to walk worthy, walk in love, walk in wisdom, and walk in the light.

God’s love must possess a believer’s heart. The world needs the love of God. His love is available and freely given to anyone: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Think about this great gift of salvation given to us––all because of His divine love.

Before Christ, I was in a place of bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness. I hated my father, mother and family. But God’s love got ahold of my life.

I suffered nightmares because of the time I spent in Vietnam. I could not forgive myself for the things I had done in war. Satan would harass me day and night. He spoke into my mind to tell me I could never be forgiven. I pleaded with God to speak to my heart. I read the book of Romans, and it set me free! There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He never stops condemning us. We must not believe his lies. Jesus Christ died for your sins and mine. Jesus does not keep records of our sinful past. He takes our sins and buries them in the deepest part of the ocean (Micah 7:19). We are set free!

We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at his unspeakable love.
~John Owens~

TUESDAY July 6, 2021

Are You Bitter?

Ephesians 4:31-32

If a believer continues to disobey God’s Word and grieve the Holy Spirit, it can lead to a bitter life. An unforgiving person will find themselves falling headlong into the sin of bitterness. Someone who is bitter has a settled hostility that has poisoned their whole inner man. Understand, those who hold on to bitterness often become physically sick.

God desires that we be kind, loving and forgiving toward others. Through Jesus Christ, God has forgiven us. Therefore, the only way to heal a root of bitterness in the human heart is through forgiveness and real love––God’s love. Loving God and people is a commandment of God!

Jesus, in response to a lawyer’s question about what was the greatest commandment in the Law, answered:

“ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).

We are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. The definition of love is recorded in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 

Can you place your name in these verses? We often fail to love people because there is no possible way to love another person apart from the love of God. His love extends to all people (John 3:16). Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your life with the love of God. Then you can truly love people.

Of love there be two principle offices, one to give, another to forgive.
~John Boys~

MONDAY July 5, 2021

Corrupt Speech

Ephesians 4:29-30

Paul dealt with the mouth––corrupt speech. Christians should not sin with their mouths by using filthy language or by sitting among a group of people enjoying telling dirty jokes. This behavior is not fitting for a Christian––it does not edify anyone. It is important to repent of such things. No longer should there be any cussing. Do not use your mouth as a weapon for evil, but as an envoy for good––so important.

Christians need to be careful with their words. Our words can tear people down or especially children, crush their spirits, and destroy them. Think about the truth spoken in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue.... So true. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, prayed for the words that would come from his mouth: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Notice how the meditation of his heart and the words from his mouth are mentioned together. The mouth and the heart are connected!

David prayed for God to govern his mouth: Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). David did not want to sin against God with his words: I said, “I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me” (Psalm 39:1).

David is a good example for you to follow. Sometimes it is best to just remain silent before the wicked––to say nothing to those who try to revile or antagonize you. Exhibit meekness––power under control. You should not open your mouth to tear people down. Instead, you should pray for those who come against you.

Whatever is unlike Christ in conduct, speech or disposition
grieves the Spirit of God.
~Billy Graham~

SUNDAY July 4, 2021

Independence Day

Matthew 12:25

The United States of America, as an independent nation, has enjoyed its freedom. Every year on July 4, we are reminded of the high cost of that freedom. Thirteen colonies united in their cause against the tyrannical rule of King George III and high taxation. Although there were differences among the colonies, there was no division among them in the war against the British––a war that lasted about seven years.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. It was written by godly men who recognized the Supreme Judge of the world––God. On September 3, 1783, a treaty was signed in Paris, whereby Britain agreed to recognize the sovereignty of the United States and formally end the war.

Since then, America has been a great influence in the world. We have grown to become the greatest nation on the face of the earth. America has been blessed by God. He has shed His grace upon our great nation. As Americans, we must continue to be united. Yet there are people in government and violent activists who would bring us back into bondage––Socialism, Communism and even Marxism. These philosophies, along with America’s moral decline, have deeply divided our country. If these philosophies succeed, we shall no longer be free.

As a divided nation, we will not be able to stand against our enemies. Will we be brought to desolation? It is time for the Church to shine––to be of greater influence. Pastor and author, David Jeremiah, wrote: “There is a moral and spiritual war for the souls of Americans. And this war must be waged by preaching the Gospel, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word.” Are you fully engaged in the fight?

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
~Ronald Regan~

 SATURDAY July 3, 2021

Steal No Longer

Ephesians 4:28

Paul continued to list sins that Christians can no longer do. They should no longer steal. Stealing is taking something that does not belong to you. Most people have stolen something. As a child, have you stolen candy from a store? As an employee have you stolen merchandise or money from the company you work for? If you are a Christian, that is not righteous––it is sin. Imagine, these very companies are putting bread and butter on your table! Stop stealing!

There are people who will ask to borrow something of yours, saying, “I am just going to borrow it, and I promise to bring it back.” Yet a year passes, and what was borrowed was purposely kept. It was not returned! That is not right. Give it back–– no stealing!

God gave Ten Commandments to Moses. The eighth Commandment written in Exodus 20:15 commands: “You shall not steal”. Moral Laws were given to God’s people: “ ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another’ ” (Leviticus 19:11). Be honest in business before God and man. Obey God’s Word!

When Christians fail to give to God what belongs to God, they are, in fact, robbing Him of their tithes and offerings. God plainly states in Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say,‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” We steal from God when we should be cheerfully giving to Him. Understand, if we are obedient in our giving, God promises to bless us (Malachi 3:9-10).

As we labor and earn wages, be generous and help those who are in need. It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). When we give sacrificially, it brings joy and blessings.

I have discovered a truth that has never failed and has never been compromised. That truth is that it is beyond the realm of possibilities that one has the ability to out give God. Even if I give the whole of my worth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

FRIDAY July 2, 2021

The Sin of Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27

Paul named another common sin that can destroy people! In a moment of rage, a person can kill another person! Cain killed Abel in a moment of anger and buried him in the ground (Genesis 4). Moses looked this way and that way before he killed an Egyptian and buried him in the sand. Later, Hebrew slaves made known they witnessed the murder. Moses panicked. Before committing murder, Moses should have looked up because God saw the entire scenario (Exodus 2:11-15).

Jesus had righteous anger when he took the cord, chased out the money changers from the temple, and turned over the tables. ... He said to them: It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’ ” (Matthew 21:13).

Anger is an eruptive emotion usually caused by something that displeases us. Ungodly anger is often uncontrollable, and when unleashed, it can cause physical damage. It can hurt people and inflict emotional wounds. An angry person can throw whatever is in their hands, slam doors, kick something, or push people around.

As Christians, we cannot continue to live a life of anger. Proverbs 16:32 tells us: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. I have found out that when I really get angry, I have to take a walk and give God the opportunity to speak to me, and then cool off.

If we allow anger to rule us, we are going to do foolish things that we will regret. Think before you act. Bring yourself to your knees and ask God to give you the power of the Holy Spirit to help you overcome anger. Be angry but do not sin. When you have lost your temper, that very same day you need to apologize and ask for forgiveness; otherwise, your anger will give Satan a foothold––an opportunity to come and slip you up spiritually.

I have no more right as a Christian to allow a bad temper to dwell in me than I have to allow the devil himself to dwell there.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

THURSDAY July 1, 2021

The Sin of Lying

Ephesians 4:25

Notice, Paul became very personal with each Ephesian believer. He was basically saying, “Now that you are a new man in Christ, live your life in line with the instructions I have already given.” The word therefore is in relation to what they have already studied about the new life in Christ. Paul was saying to them their behavior should be totally different from others who do not know Christ. Since they had put away the old life and put on the new life, they needed to act differently in this evil world.

Paul began a list of behaviors that would grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder His work in their lives. First Paul dealt with lying. A lie is a statement that is contrary to facts and is spoken with the intent to deceive a person. In the New Testament, in the early Church, lying to the Holy Spirit was a sin harshly dealt with. God judged a husband and wife––Ananias and Sapphira—for lying to God (Acts 5). Consider Colossians 3:9-10:

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him...

God hates lying! We cannot get away with lying:

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,  a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,  a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Always speak the truth to God and to man––nothing but the truth, so help me God!

There is no form of sin in which we act more satanically than when we indulge in telling a lie.
~Frank Gabelein~