Ephesians Week 6

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 Ephesians 5   5  1  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children   2  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.   4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.   5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [ a ]   6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.   7  Therefore do not be partners with them. 8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light i...
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In a room with razor walls?

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Do you sometimes just feel like you have put yourself in a room with razors for walls? If you have ever dealt with anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness, you know this feeling. But, how do you get rid of it? Alot of it is focusing on what is true..NOW. We can't live in the past. Didn't someone famous once say that? :)
Anyway, one book that is so helpful for not wasting your energy and life on such negative emotions is a book called Life is a Vapor by John Piper. Here are some nuggets out of it. James 1:19-20 Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God required. Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath...ang anger and clamor..and slander be put away from you. 1. Ponder the right of Christ to be anger, but how He endured the cross, as an example of long suffering (1Peter 2:21). 2. Ponder how much you have been forgiven, and how much mercy you have been shown (eph 4:32)/ 3. Ponder your own sinfulness and take the beam out of your own eye (Matt 7:3-5). 4. Ponder how harbored anger gives place to the devil ( Eph 4:26-27) 5. Ponder the folly of your own self-immolation, that is, the numerous detrimental effects of anger to the one who is anger- some spiritual, some mental, some physical, and some relational (Pro 3:7-8) 6. Confess your sin of anger to some trusted friend and if possible to the offender (James 5:16). 7. Let your anger bye the key to unlock the dungeons of pride and self-pity in your heart and replace them with love. (I corn. 13:4-7). 8. Remember that God is going to work all your frustrating circumstances for your good as you trust in His future grace. (Rom 8:28) (James 1:2-4) 9. Remember that God will vindicate your just cause and settle ALL accounts better than YOU could. (Rom 12:19/ 1 Peter 2:23).

Life is short. Make the most of it, for God, others, and yourself.
Enjoying the day,
Rachel

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