5 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Isaiah 45:11–48:11
Ephesians 4:1-16
Psalm 68:19-35
Proverbs 24:3-4
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Ephesians 4:1 (NLT): “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
Reflections from Scripture:
Ephesians 4:1 reminds us that salvation isn’t just about where we will spend eternity. It is about how we will spend today.
We aren’t simply saved so that we can go to Heaven. If that were true, we’d depart for our eternal home as soon as we trusted in Jesus for eternal life.
But, instead, God leaves us here. We are left to show a lost world what it looks like to follow Jesus. We are left to show how good our God is so that they might also consider following Him.
Yet, all too often, Jesus-followers aren’t following Jesus. We need the same instruction and reminder that Paul gave the Ephesian Christians.
Ephesians 4:1 (NLT): “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
Are you walking worthy of your calling? Will you depend upon the Lord today to do so?
Friend, you are the only “Jesus” some will ever see.
“You’re the only Jesus
some will ever see
And you’re the only words of life,
some will ever read
So let them see in you
the One in whom
is all they’ll ever need
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus,
some will ever see”
(“You’re the Only Jesus” by the Imperials)
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, you have done so much for me. Help me to walk worthy of the calling that You have placed upon me. Since so much is true of me because You saved me, I want to live for You with all my heart. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 