Ephesians 5:1-20 ~ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise

Ephesians 5:1-20

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 

12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. 

Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 

19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing 
and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 
20 giving thanks always 
and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 

Which brings us to Father God giving this Scripture as His Word:



Psalm 97

Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.

9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!


The Scriptures are not the cafeteria plan.

If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. - Saint Augustine.

What does love look like?
It has the hands to help others. 
It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
It has eyes to see misery and want. 
It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. 
That is what love looks like.
St Augustine

Since you cannot do good to all, 
you are to pay special attention to those who, 
by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, 
are brought into closer connection with you. 
~ St Augustine

John 12:46

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

Galatians 3:13-15

13 Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law.
 In that way, the Law could not punish us. 

Christ did this by carrying the load and by being punished instead of us. It is written, “Anyone who hangs on a cross is hated and punished.” 14 Because of the price Christ Jesus paid, the good things that came to Abraham might come to the people who are not Jews. 
 
And by putting our trust in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit He has promised.



When we look to the Scriptures and wisely admit, with humility, the example of Jesus
is too large for us. We are speaking the Truth. And Honoring God with our truth.

We wouldn't move away from the Word of God, we would ask Him like Elisha did. We would ask Jesus like the father of the son who needs Jesus. Help us. The Love Jesus has is worth never departing from the Son of God and His Holy Word. This Love is what describes Jesus.

Jesus going forth to all believers - soaking, seeping, renewing, restoring, replenishing giving Words of Life. The Prodigal children of Father God always turning to Him.


Proverbs 23

Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
 
23 Buy truth, and do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
 
24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.


 


Father God,

We want Jesus Christ to Shine upon us. And claim in Faith, Jesus calls us His. Believing and Knowing the Grace of Jesus.

Do what we do with Love. Do not treat Jesus as a waiter to clean up for our mess, flaw or sin. Trust Jesus and His Word. We cannot earn what Jesus freely gives us in forgiveness of sins.

We do not want to add to the crudeness of popular culture. We want our life's path to be to the Way, Truth, and Life. We ask daily for His Love to dwell in us and those we care about and Love.

We do not use words to create a harsh life. We want our words to please the Heart of Jesus Christ. The goal is good and right and true. Giving Justice with Mercy. Being humble to the Lord.

We ask for Wisdom and rely upon Jesus to help us to live wisely, discerning His Will and His Word for His purpose for our lives. Rejoicing the Light makes paths straight and the desire to live His Plan for our lives.

Seeing goodness and giving Thanksgiving to Jesus. Fulfilling vows to Jesus.

Asking our soul to be the Home and Hearth in Joy for Jesus Christ the Lord. For ourselves, the ones we love, the People God has given us, our Churches, communities, states, Nation, the People Jesus calls to Himself.

We say to Jesus, Your Will is a Hope and a Future to me.

Blessed Be Jesus Christ the Lord. Forgives me in HIS Grace, Alleluia for His Mercy and Will. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves!  †