Today’s Reading:
Ephesians 5:1-14
“Therefore, become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];and walk continually in love [that is, value one another – practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it becomes] a sweet fragrance [Eze 20:41]. But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behaviour] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. For be sure of this: no immoral, impure or greedy person – for that one is [in effect] an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God]. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin], [Lev. 18:24-25]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. 8 For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; Walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light]. (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth}. trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him – your behaviour expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral encourage, and godly character]; for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible. For this reason He says, “Awake, sleepers, and arise from the dead, And Christ will shine as dawn] upon you and give you light.” [Is. 26:19; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1-2]
(Ephesians 5:1-14)
Our heavenly Father is God. Some of God’s characteristics are that: God is kind, He is just, He is holy, He is full of grace, He is full of compassion, and He is righteous. In today’s passage, Paul is telling us to imitate the nature of God that we share with Him as our Father. If we are in a cordial relationship with Him throughout our life’s circumstances, and we look unto Him for guidance and authority in life, it is sure that we will reflect his character. Jesus Christ the only Son of the Father lived out His life as an example of the life of God for us to follow. Our love for one another should be the same with Christ’s, beyond affection to self-sacrificing service.
God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son as a sweet-smelling sacrifice; and the love of Christ for the Father made him to die a painful death on the cross to save us from impending destruction. For while we were yet sinners, and there is no hope for us in our trespasses and sins, Christ died for us. God is kind and loving, yet he condemns sins and the possibility of hell is very true. Our God is a consuming fire, no one can stand His wrath. Today, we make obscene stories, foolish talk, coarse, and vulgar jokes of spiritual matters, especially in the name of entertainment. These do not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. Instead, we should praise God to remind others of God’s faithfulness and goodness in our lives. As children of light, our actions must reflect our faith. We should live above reproach morally so that our God’s reflection would shine on others around us (Matt. 5:15-16).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
Father, I pray that I learn what is pleasing to You; and that my lifestyle will be an example of what is most acceptable to You, in Jesus’ name
My father and my God, loose me and make me find my place, in Jesus’ name.
My Father correct every mistake I have made out of fear, in Jesus’ name.
Father, dismantle every man-made programme in the body of Christ and set up Your own programme, in Jesus’ name.
We take authority over the plans and activities of the enemy on ministers’ homes, in Jesus’ name.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess all the sins and iniquities of the land, of our ancestors, of our leaders and the people. for example, violence, rejection of God, corruption, idolatry, robbery, suspicion, injustice, bitterness, bloody riots, rebellion, conspiracy shedding of innocent blood, illegal harvesting of body organs, tribal conflicts, kidnapping and murder, occultism, mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, negligence, wistfulness and others.
We plead for your mercy and forgiveness, in Jesus’ name.
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