Every day is an opportunity to toss off old habits and begin a new path for a better life.
I used to think our God as a judging punishing unforgiving God. However, my time digging deep into His Word has opened my eyes, heart and soul for amazing wisdom.
We may have had a religious experience from a parent or person in authority that was not following Christ. We must seek God on a one on one personal relationship. He wants to reveal the hidden wisdom.
How do we imitate God when we don’t know what He says? Just as a new sport or hobby requires instruction from someone who excels in its results. It is even more valuable to seek our Father God and His priceless, timeless instruction.
Ephesians 5 has many great nuggets of wisdom. I am breaking it down to show manageable steps. I found it helpful for today. I think you will too.
Ephesians 5:1-20 NLT
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. [2] Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Key warnings from scripture:
3] Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.
4] Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes-these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
If you have past or present sin that feels like a conviction as you read verses 3-4, pause now and talk to Jesus, ask forgiveness, repent (He will help you turn from these habits if you let Him rule in your life). Speak gratitude to Him for this amazing gift and wisdom.
Why do we need conviction for our sins over condemnation? Conviction is a heart poke to insight a reflection of our choices with the purpose of drawing us back to our Savior Jesus and His plans. Condemnation or shame is a tool the enemy uses to keep us afraid to reach out and stuck from a loving God.
5] You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. [6] Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. [7] Don’t participate in the things these people do.
When we worship things or people in this world, it is sin. Our God is a jealous God for a reason. If other things are an idol, He is not first in our life. You may ask, how can I be a child of the Light of Christ? We make the step of faith to Him. Step into His Light of grace, mercy, and truth. We do not have to stay in the dark.
8] For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! [9] For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
Our commitment to walk with Jesus as Lord gives us the tools for a better future and a life walking in life over death (separation from God and limited life). If we are parents, we are called to direct our kids to Jesus. My walk with Him has deepened as I have led and made mistakes in the process but return to the only place for wisdom. Our kids can grow with us.
10] Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. [11] Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. [12] It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. [13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,
Our time in His Word, the Bible and with His like minded people can change the trajectory of our life. Individually though, we can find His steps for a growing life with God, awake O sleeper:
14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
This is a wake up call! Do you hear the alarm? It is for our benefit to heed the advice.
15] So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
17] Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,
19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Begin today, if for the first time, or return now to the Jesus of your youth, He is the best friend you will ever have. Jesus will not ghost you. He wants to share His best.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 