Dana Hagstrom – Page 416

Ephesians 5:15-20 – Need Some Help?

We’ve been focusing on how we should live as followers of Christ. Some of these expectations may be a little harder than others to live up to for some of us. That’s why this section is appropriately titled, “Living By the Spirit’s Power.” Sometimes we think we are alone, but we’re not. Sometimes we are powerless, and it’s true. Powerless only if we rely on our own power.

Think for a moment of something you feel powerless over right now. Are you letting the situation control you and bring you down? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to give you some assistance? Why is it that we forget this great power at our disposal? Continue reading “Ephesians 5:15-20 – Need Some Help?”

Ephesians 5:6-14 – Turn on the Light

Read Ephesians 5:6-14

Good and evil exist. When I read this passage I picture having a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other, both encouraging me to act. Some people would call that my conscience. I prefer to think of it as God’s light inside me dispelling the darkness. When we are living in the light, we are less apt to let the darkness direct our decisions.

Yet, we all sin. So there are times when the darkness does win. But this text reminds us we have a choice. We can be careful and not be fooled. We can choose whether or not to participate in activities our “little angel” tells us we shouldn’t. We should also “expose” those activities that are not pleasing to God.

So what does that mean exactly? Continue reading “Ephesians 5:6-14 – Turn on the Light”

Ephesians 5:1-5 – Imitate God

Read Ephesians 5:1-5

When you got up this morning, what was your first thought?

Maybe it was something like — “Is it morning already?” Or “It’s time to hit the gym.” Or “I better make a grocery list before I forget.” Or “Thank you, God, for another day to live to be more like you.”

Don’t feel bad if it wasn’t the latter. We can get caught up in the busyness of life. It’s bound to happen. Sometimes just getting a good night of sleep can be a challenge. I know from experience, however, that when my day starts in thanksgiving to God, my mindset is heading in the right direction. Continue reading “Ephesians 5:1-5 – Imitate God”

Ephesians 4:28-32 – How Should We Live?

Read Ephesians 4:28-32

This Chapter of Ephesians has been full of great insights on what a life in Christ should look like. How should we live as Christians? There are no “rules,” but we should not want to bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit. When you think of your behavior in that light, it’s quite simple.

If you’re a people pleaser like me, pleasing God should be the ultimate joy. Although when we put ourselves to that high standard, we fall short. We can’t help it. We just have to get up, brush ourselves off and try again. God is loving us no matter what we do. Continue reading “Ephesians 4:28-32 – How Should We Live?”

Ephesians 4:17-27 – It’s All About Unity

Read Ephesians 4:17-27

Because we are sinful humans, we tend to be at odds with each other. It was true for the folks in Ephesus, and it’s true for us today. Paul focuses on unity in the passages we are reading here, and there are some great nuggets of wisdom that stand the test of time.

Today we need to pick up a mirror. It’s easy for us to say we are pure and blameless. But when we look in the mirror, who do we see? If we are true to ourselves, we see a sinner who needs a savior. We see a believer who may be holding on to a grudge, judging their neighbor, or not trusting God with their life. Take a moment to really dig deep. There is something you lust for, something that is keeping you separated from God, something you need to cleanse. Continue reading “Ephesians 4:17-27 – It’s All About Unity”