“…making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)

            The finite nature of life requires a response.  Wasted time cannot be regained, and when we kill time, it will never be resurrected.  Every second used is a decision made.

            Make the most of it.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:11-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)

            One of the most common logical fallacies in life is that ignorance is bliss.  If you don’t know that something is wrong, does that somehow make it right?  If I didn’t realize that I ran over your cat, does that somehow make it okay that I did?  Of course not!

            If we allow ourselves to remain ignorant or be deceived by empty words – we will find ourselves falling into sin, and it won’t matter that we didn’t know better.  Being blind to your own sins does not somehow expunge them.  Being ignorant of the need for Jesus doesn’t somehow remove the need for Him.  Accidental disobedience still reaps of the wrath of God because in an age where the Bible is available in print, online, and for free across the globe – ignorance is a choice.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25)

            We cannot stop digging until we have put down the shovel.  The path to honesty begins with the decision to lay aside falsehood.  Deception is a tool in most people’s tool bag.  We lie to get out of speeding tickets, avoid arguments, or pay kid prices at admissions (you know your kid is over 12… pay the full price!).  As long as we believe that lying is an option, we will find ourselves slipping back into dishonesty when truth becomes inconvenient, uncomfortable, or dangerous.

            And truth is all of those things!  The truth is rarely convenient, and sometimes it is a high-risk move to be honest about how you feel, what you’ve done, or what just happened.  You will only stop avoiding the truth when you have decided lying is no longer a tool in your toolbelt.  You have to have the conviction to put the shovel down.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind…” (Ephesians 4:17)

            When you remove God from your perspective, life is like an unsharpened pencil – it has no point.  Paul affirms what Jesus affirmed: a mind focused on purely things of this world is living in futility.  Something is futile when there is no hope of it ever succeeding or being effective.  That is a life without God.

            Solomon addresses this issue in the book of Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s treatise on life without God, and the end conclusion is that it is vanity… a waste of time and wholly unsatisfying.  Every day, take time to think about God, pray to Him, and consider life from the perspective that He created it.  That is the only path to purpose.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)

When Cain struck down Abel, his line of defense to God was, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  This angry retort was a defensive mechanism to hide his sin, but it also uncovered a very real temptation for us all – the temptation to view our lives as islands.

Ephesians sings a different song than Cain.  It speaks of unity within the church… the type of unity found in diverse people bearing one another’s burdens and striving together “until we all attain”.

MY success is not good enough.  OUR success is the goal.

What does such unity look like in practical terms?  It is seen in weeping together at funerals and visitations.  It is seen in rejoicing together at birthday parties and get-togethers.  It is seen in mentoring of the next generation and in the care of the aging one.  It is seen in conversations about our faith held in our homes and gathered around coffee tables.  Ephesians cries for us to follow the Lord together.

We are one, and we rise to meet our Lord together.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

            Tolerance has gotten a bad rap in today’s political climate.  The word ‘tolerance’ has become associated with political movements, and depending on your political leanings, you may or may not like hearing about tolerance.

            Which is why it is so important that we remember to be heavenly citizens before any other citizenship.  Biblical tolerance is a command and necessity.  Tolerance of one another in love is required for unity.  It isn’t in opposition to truth, but it is instead a necessary component to the shared journey of pursuing truth.

We cannot be unified in the Spirit without the bond of peace.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:1-8

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…” (Ephesians 3:20)

Remember – God is more powerful and creative than you are.  We don’t have the capacity in this earthly body to comprehend the answers He can give.  Sometimes, we don’t even have the ability to know the right questions to ask, let alone the answers.

So next time you are wondering how God is going to work things out… remember, the inability for you to see the solution is your problem, not His.  Our lack of imagination is not the same as God lacking ability.

Live by faith.  Pray without ceasing.  Wait on the Lord…

Then be amazed out how abundant His power is to work in your life.  A life of faith is a front row seat to the plan of God in action.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“By referring to this, when you read, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:4)

            The apostle Paul specifically wrote his letters so that we could understand what the Holy Spirit had revealed to him.  The Scriptures are meant to be understood.  Which means they are written in language that can be understood.  It takes effort to understand God’s Word, but it is effort that will be rewarded.  God speaks with clarity and precision, and it is possible to perceive what He is communicating to us through His Word.

            The reward of Bible study is gaining insight and understanding from the Creator.  The Bible has answers for all of us.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12)

            It is good to remember where we came from – especially if we had a rough start.  The man who remembers what it was like to be poor is far less likely to return to poverty.  The woman who remembers a life of loneliness will view the chaos of a busy household full of toddlers with gratitude instead of frustration.

            All Christians were once outsiders.  You know what it was once like to stand outside the firelight, excluded from the warmth of God’s love.  Remember what hopelessness felt like, and you won’t take for granted the life you’ve been given.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

If you buy a well-made product, you expect it to fulfill its purpose.  A luxury automobile should drive well.  A handcrafted knife should hold a sharp edge.  Fine craftsmanship should produce quality results.

You are made in the image of God, by God.  We should expect more from ourselves because of the quality of the craftsmanship.  We were made to produce good.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision