Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Our daughter, Charis, is a pleaser. From the time she was a tiny baby, she wanted to obey. Mark and I only have to say a stern, “No!” to her, and she will stop immediately. Then, we can be pretty certain she […]
In Ephesians
Marriage Counseling 101
Ephesians 5:21 – 33 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so […]
In Ephesians
Lifting Up
Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Submit. That word seems loaded with explosives, these days. Nobody wants to be told to submit, because it paints images of human doormats. But this word doesn’t mean being a pushover. It doesn’t imply weakness, but rather, strength. When we submit to one another, […]
In Ephesians
Making Music
Ephesians 5:19 – 20 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” My dear husband, Mark, often tells people that he is an A.M. person (talk […]
In Ephesians
Spirit vs. spirits
Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Have you ever watched a person who is heavily under the influence of alcohol? They seem to throw caution to the wind. They make stupid choices. People who are normally cautious and wise become downright foolish. Very […]
In Ephesians
When Opportunity Knocks
Ephesians 5:15 – 17 “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Have you ever thought about how many decisions we make, each and every day? […]
In Ephesians
Light
Ephesians 5:11 – 14 “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, […]
In Ephesians
Heroes
Ephesians 5:8 – 10 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Do you know how, in the movies, the bad guys always hide in […]
In Ephesians
Empty Words
Ephesians 5:6 – 7 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.” Don’t you just hate it when someone rains on your parade? Honestly, it is so annoying when we are just trying to relax, […]
In Ephesians
Strong Words
Ephesians 5:3 – 5 “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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this […]
In Ephesians