Daily Renewal (Ephesians 4:20-24)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:20-24

When we committed our lives to Jesus, when we accepted His gift of salvation through the shedding of His blood, His death, and His resurrection, we became new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our sins were removed from us, as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

The Father saw us—and sees us—as clean and pure (Psalm 51:7).

However, we live in a daily battle against the enemy of our souls. Even though he knows he lost the war with us, as long as he can keep us distracted from serving God and impacting others for God’s kingdom, he can win a battle or two.

So we must be on alert against his wiles and lies (1 Peter 5:8-9). We must—daily—“lay aside the old self” and take up the cross of serving God. We must—daily—“put on the new self” by renewing our minds, by surrendering everything to God.

When you wake each morning, ask God to give you strength for that day. Surrender anew yourself to Him. Seek His will. Commit to live that day to glorify Him.

Walking the Right Path (Ephesians 4:17-19)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Read any newspaper or listen to the news, watch the latest movie, or do some internet surfing, and you immediately see a world “excluded from the life of God.” Everyone living according to his or her own rules. No truth. No absolutes.

Futile minds. Dark understanding. Hard hearts. Calloused spirits. Devoted to sensuality. Practicing impurities. Greedy.

Makes you think the enemy is winning … and yes, he’s winning a battle or two. Therefore, those of us who follow Christ must be ready for each day’s battle.

We need to put on our defensive armor every single day (Ephesians 6:10-17). The helmet of salvation to protect our thoughts and mind. The breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts and emotions. The belt of truth so we can live according to God’s truth. The sandals of the gospel of peace so we can revel in the joy of knowing what Jesus did for us and so we can be showered with His peace. Finally, the shield of faith, the very foundation of our relationships with God.

We must take up the one offensive weapon in our arsenal: the sword of the Spirit, which is the very word of God. We must study and meditate on and memorize God’s word to us.

So when the enemy comes and tries to attack us with all those enticements of the world, we can withstand. We can stand firm.

We can shine the light of Jesus. We can have strong minds. True understanding. Loving hearts. Willing spirits. We can be devoted to loving God and others. Practice the fruit of the spirit. Be generous.

Grown-up Christians (Ephesians 4:14-16)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:14-16

I don’t mean to offend anyone, but it seems like the Christian community is full of “children.” So many people who call themselves Christ-followers have bought into the “pick and choose” philosophy this world offers.

I’m a Christian, they say, but I like this from Hinduism or that from Buddhism. I like the “new age” idea of being my own god. I mean, I still believe in the God of the Bible, but it feels good to think I’m in control. And of course, the Bible probably isn’t really “inerrant.” It’s just some guidelines. However, I am a Christian.

So many are “tossed … and carried away by every wind of doctrine.” So many don’t even know what they’re supposed to believe because they haven’t been taught what the Bible says.

Tragic.

So instead of “grow[ing] up in all aspects into” Christ, so many stay unhealthily childish. They don’t work together with other believers to build the body of Christ. They don’t speak truth because they don’t know the truth.

Tragic indeed.

I pray—daily—for a revival in the hearts of those who follow Christ. A revival to really study God’s word and hold it in their hearts. A revival to embrace truth. A revival to go and make disciples, “teaching them to observe all [Jesus] commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Gifted by God (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:11-13

Each of us is gifted by God to serve Him in a way only we can. When you stop to think about it, God’s gifts in us are gifts to us.

God doesn’t need us to do His work. He is more than able to reach people and care for them without us. In fact, I’m sure there are times when we hamper His work.

Yet He loves us so much, He allows us to join Him in His kingdom work. He uses us to serve others, and He gives us the privilege of seeing how that service impacts them.

What an amazingly wonderful gift!

So, some of us evangelize. Some of us preach. Some of us teach. Overall, though, all of us equip the saints and build the body of Christ. Though there may be thousands of preachers, God uses each uniquely. Though there may be thousands of teachers, God speaks through each differently.

I regularly speak to women’s groups, and I’m far from the best speaker around. Yet, when I speak, God uses me in a way He doesn’t use anyone else. He gives me a unique style, unique ways of using words. By His grace, He touches lives in a unique way—through me.

How has God gifted you? Do you know? If you don’t, talk to someone you trust, who knows you well, and ask them what they think. Find a gift assessment tool. When you find out how God has uniquely gifted you, join Him in His kingdom-building plan.

Once you do, thank Him for allowing you to be a part of that plan.

Our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 4:8-10)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:8-10

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to earth in human form. He grew up, experiencing the same things we did … happiness and sorrow, hunger and a full belly, fatigue and rest.

Through His teen years and twenties, He learned and plied the trade of His earthly father, constructing … well, we’re not exactly told what, but likely tables and shelves and bedsteads. He may have smashed a thumb or two with a hammer or felt the pain of sore muscles.

At thirty, He began His earthly ministry, and at the very first, experienced temptation by the lies of the enemy. He went on to heal lepers and blind men, cast out demons, and raise the dead to life. He grew intimate relationships with twelve chosen followers.

He taught love and warned of persecution. He claimed oneness with the Father, the Creator of all. He forgave sins.

Finally, He was betrayed by a close friend, denied by an even closer friend, and forced through a sham trial. Beaten. Ridiculed. Spat on.

Crucified. Buried. “… descended into the lower parts of the earth …”

Ah, but then He rose from the dead. Alive!

After spending time with His followers—some 500 of them—He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Where He sits today. Alive and interceding for us.

One day, He will return. He will gather all His followers to Himself. One day, He will set up an earthly kingdom, a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Praise our Lord Jesus today for what He’s done and for whom He is.