…find out what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). There’s a big difference between desire and love. Desire is about you—your wants, your needs, and how the object of your desire can fulfill them. Even the term, “Object of your desire,” … Continue reading
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… (Ephesians 5:8) Our culture is fascinated with darkness. Zombies, vampires, witches, demons—they fill our movie screens and paperback novels. And it’s not … Continue reading
…live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). This verse goes along with yesterday’s. One of the most powerful features of God’s … Continue reading
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children… (Ephesians 5:1). Have you ever watched a son watch his father? The boy studies the man, soaking up the Dadness of it all. Words, clothing, even mannerisms—the child models after what … Continue reading
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32). There’s an interesting thing about forgiveness. It works for the forgiver as powerfully as for the forgivee. Some of us—and by … Continue reading
But as for me, it is good to be near God (Psalm 73:28). Certain verses seem to sum up vast amounts of Scripture. This would be one of those verses. All of my hopes and plans and dreams and desires, … Continue reading
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:25-26). I’ve written, deleted, and … Continue reading
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny (Psalm 73:16-17). How often do you avoid God? Seriously. When I’m in the kind of … Continue reading
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence (Psalm 73:13). Did I mention that I really identify with the Psalmist on this one? When I’m in the kind of mood … Continue reading
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the … Continue reading