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. 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. 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, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
(Ephesians 5:6-14 NIV)
Oh brother of mine, you have made known my deeds which were distasteful to you so that you might gain support of others. You have drug my name through the mud and muck but now that you have freedom you are doing more shameful things than I. Warning signs have gone unnoticed as you plunge deeper into the shadows. Your hatred for me seems to drive you blindly towards this dead end road somehow unaware that the hole you must climb out of is slippery and dark but when you hit bottom you will be reminded that my words are true. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22) and the work before you is great but will be greater still if you don’t turn from your wicked ways this day. Come back to the Lord now while you can still see the light for if you fall down this slippery slope the day will come when you will wish to be back where you are today, even though this is not where you want to be now. You are a child of the light, therefore live as you have been taught, loving righteousness and truth. Confess your sins to those who are trust worthy for if you do not expose them yourself one day they will be revealed against your will and those who joined you in the beginning will turn on you as well for they are as a pack of wild dogs turning on the weak and unsuspecting.
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.
(Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)
Cause yourself therefore to be thankful in all things, even when you don’t feel like it. Do not allow bitterness and strife to take root in your heart. Seek out that which gives life to your spirit but be careful of that which indulges the flesh. For spirit life comes as you position yourself, through obedience, to receive God’s blessings and then those blessings overflow so much that you can’t help but give them away so others might also taste and see the blessings of the Lord.
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 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.
(Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV)
I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
(Psalms 26:8-12 NIV)
No comments:
Post a Comment