Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21) Submission is the essence of relationship. When we put ourselves first, we aren’t really capable of loving anyone. Our own desires blind us to what the other person needs … Continue reading
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (Eph. 5:11) Good things generally need light in order to grow. Sure, you can grow some things in darkness—mold, mildew, assorted fungal yuck—but not the good … Continue reading
They were like crazy people. Virtually no experience, maybe four minutes of training, and here they were, three kids charging up the Himalayas on quads. O.K., so they were only hills—they were steep ones. My brother-in-law invited us out to … Continue reading
…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,” denotes … Continue reading
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… (Ephesians 5:8) Right now our neighborhood is decorating for Halloween. Witches, ghosts, tombstones, zombie creatures, bloody body parts—they cover the lawns and … 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—by that … Continue reading
Never underestimate the power of a good connection. A couple of weeks ago, the power went out in two of our rooms. It was puzzling. Why, I wondered, would the power go out in only two rooms, and only to … Continue reading
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the … Continue reading