6 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 48:12–50:11
Ephesians 4:17-32
Psalm 69:1-18
Proverbs 24:5-6
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 4:26-27 (NLT): “And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT): “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:30 (NLT): “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT): “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Reflections from Scripture:
Life flies by so quickly! It seems like only a few short years ago that Kim and I married. Yet, we now have two adult sons, one of which is married, and our youngest son is in the 11th grade.
Zach, our oldest son, and his wife, Dani, are spending a few days with us before they begin their next adventure. After dropping Joseph off at work yesterday, Zach and I talked on our way back home. He’s got such a wonderful relationship with Dani, but I wanted to speak from experience and encourage him to continually cultivate his marriage. I told him that if he did the work now, he would continue to reap the wonderful results later.
I shared with him that Kim and I have strived to live by the biblical principles in Ephesians 4. We have particularly tried to live by Ephesians 4:6-7 and “not let the sun go down on our anger.” We have tried never to go to bed angry because it will lengthen the conflict and drive it deeper. As we have strived to comply with those principles, Kim and I have grown so much closer.
I thought it was providential that the Lord had me read Ephesians 4 in today’s Bible readings, a day after citing the principles in that chapter. I hope that you will consider asking God’s Holy Spirit to enable you to comply with the relationship principles found in Ephesians 4, especially in your family. If you do, blessings will follow.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am continually reminded that when I commit to obeying Your commands and depending upon the Holy Spirit to do so, they are a way to blessing. Even in a dark world, Your principles show me how to work toward a happy, blessed life. Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your Word and the desire to study it and comply. 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.
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