Tag: Ephesians

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God’s Response

Last night had a really strange dream. I can’t even go into all the details, but at one point, I was touring a home where this sentence hung on the wall next to the mirror on the wall.

“This is God’s Response”

Hm, that is so interesting.  just imagine, if as believers we took some time to think about how our response to situations should mimic Gods.  Now, let me be clear.  I am not saying that we are God.  What I am saying and thinking is that if we are reflecting God, then our response should mimic his response.

For me that’s pretty sobering, and pretty thought-provoking.  I mean, just imagine if that is how we really lived – remembering that we are the hands and feet of God, and living our lives to show others his glory.

 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ  Gal 3

 15 Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Eph 5

 

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Bye Bye Old Self

For some reason this verse has circled around my head all week.  I think it has been driven by some current events, but  also around thoughts about my we accept behaviors in our selves as just the way I am.

22 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;23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4

The Christ bore our sins for us, and made us new, and he pleads with us to put off the old corrupted self and have a new attitude.  It’s this change that is so fundamental to following the Christ and can create so much freedom and power in your life.

What part of your old self are you holding on to as your identity, that would be better off with a replacement?

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A Poem for May

Wahoo!  It’s May Day! and so a poem:

Let’s go run round  a pole

weaving ribbons to and fro.

To what purpose do we go,

who in the world really knows!

Yes, that’s original!

And Yeah, I don’t’ really have any idea what all these May Day celebrations are really about.  So on this occasion I am a little confused, but I do know that there is one thing that is fitting for all occasions

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Enjoy the day, enjoy the freshness that is Spring, and stay spiritually alert!

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What do you do with your day

Yesterday, I was sitting over by the Hunter Art Museum enjoying the day and thinking through some pressing issues at work. – Yes, I was working.

When I was deep in thought, two people walked by, an older gentleman, and a younger woman,  dressed like she was going to exercise.  I heard the women ask the man  “so, What do you do with your day?”

I thought that was a fantastic question, and one that sidetracked me from my work for a moment or two.  I hope that it forces you to stop and ponder today as well.

What are you doing with your day?

 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

And I love the King James here

 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:15-16 King James Version (KJV)

 

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How’s Your Temperament

Yesterday I was on a call discussing some design issues, and I noticed that I was getting a little bit frustrated with the way the call was going.  I am not exactly sure why.  Well, actually I think I know – it’s more of a style issue with the person leading then with his position on the argument.

Anyway during the middle of the conversation another participant sent me an instant message which said “You sound angry”.

ARGH.

I hate that.  I didn’t want to be angry.  I had just read the first chapter of James, where he talks about being slow to anger.  I had no reason to be be angry.  For the most part is was just a conversation about ideas.  And I didn’t really feel that angry – but it was coming on out!

Later in the day I was reminded of this quote from C.S. Lewis

Provocation doesn’t make me ill-tempered: it only shows me how ill-tempered I am

Fitting.

and disappointing.

and well, provoking.

I spent the rest of the day with that heavy ache in the pit of your stomach when you know that you were not doing the right thing.  Luckily I get a new day today to have another go at it.  That’s why I love grace.

Maybe one day it will change my temperament!

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you! Ephesians 4:31-32