February 16, 2015

These verses for today comes from the book of Ephesians, written from the epistle Paul while in prison. Like all of Paul’s letters, it is incredibly uplifting, but the book of Ephesians differs greatly in it’s intent. Most of Paul’s letters focus on the needs of the people he was writing to at the time. The letter to the Ephesians is much more formal, focusing on the heart of what it means to be a Christian. In chapter 1, Paul gives us the joy of saying how we are predestined to enjoy a relationship with God (Eph. 1:5). After all, that is why God created us. Even better, is that this perfect relationship is something that is freely given to us “the One he loves” (v.6). All we have to do is accept this offer from God and we are given a world of change in our life, for the better.

Ephesians 5:8-10 describes what happens when we choose to have this relationship with God. From that decision we are considered no longer a part of the darkness among the world. We now have the light of the Lord. This light is something that produces only what is good and right and true. The darkness mentioned before represents everything in the world that hinders us from living out the light. There are a lot of things in the world today that are considered okay but keep us from growing with God. Take a moment to think of some examples.

The world can be a very dark place, which is why it is important for us to determine what it is that pleases the Lord. The light that is now with you, not only produces what is good, but is able to guide you toward a more Godly life. Whatever it is that you struggle with, the light of God is a pathway on which you lead. When you live a life of light you not only put out the darkness in your own life, but reveal to others the true joy it is to live in a relationship with God. If you think about it, this was the main intention of Paul writing to the Ephesians. He knew what it meant to live a life of God, and wanted everyone to know about it. Take some time to pray to God, thanking Him for this free gift, and the light of the Holy Spirit that guides us.

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Live Out the Light8For you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10Carefully determine what pleases the Lord -Ephesians 5:8-10 NLT