Reflecting Truth

Today's Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 & Ephesians 4

Scripture:

"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.

Observation:

In this chapter Paul really shoots straight through the heart of the lifestyle of believers; reminding them that their salvation was much more than a moment frozen in time. Their faith was a calling to walk out a life that reflects the truth of God's plan.

Application:

There are a few things that I am reminded of this morning. First, my old self does not just go away. In verses 22-24, I am instructed to lay aside the old me, allow the word to renew my mind, and put on my new self. This is an active process that requires my daily attention.

Second, I need to watch my mouth. In verse 29 I am instructed to not allow any unwholesome word come out of my mouth. In every moment of everyday I need to be sensitive to what is taking place around me and speak only that which builds up those who hear it.

Finally, I need remember I do not exist on an island. My choices matter not only to me, but to the whole body. Throughout this entire chapter Paul reminds me that there is only one body. The choices I make with my lifestyle affect that body. When I choose to not serve or when I choose to walk in disobedience I impact others.

Prayer:

There is a side of me that likes to pretend that I am ok. I look at my choices, compare them to others, and convince myself that I am not doing that bad. Then there is the side of me that knows the truth. I still struggle with laying aside my old self, my tongue continually gets me in trouble, and I neglect my responsibility to Your body. I confess this to You this morning as my sin and rest in Your promise of forgiveness.

The words that You have given me this morning lie beyond my abilities of achievement. I fully realize that I can't get there on my own. While I know that I have Your grace to cover my shortcomings I pray that You not allow me to hide behind that. Create inside of me a drive to pursue the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit that will allow me to walk in a manner worthy of You and that reflects Your truth the world around me.

My View of Me

Today's Reading: Psalm 45, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

Scripture:

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…" Ephesians 2:4

Observation:

God's love is an amazing thing to behold. In the context of the passage, two very different groups of people are being brought together. These two groups, the Jews and the Gentiles, were different as night and day. The Jews had always looked down on the Gentiles as being less than themselves. The Gentiles looked at the God they observed working in the lives of Jews as being a far off God they could never experience. Paul in addressing them both refocused them on their unity in God's love. He is reminding them that they are all on equal footing.

Application:

I have to change the way I view myself. The attacks from Satan on my ego and self-image started at a very young age and left wounds that have yet to heal. I am constantly down on myself. I totally focus on what I perceive to be the strengths of others and how far ahead of me everyone seems to be. I get down on myself and feel pretty inadequate most of the time. Thinking about my abilities is sin. Whether I think highly of myself or lowly of myself matters not. Both lines of thought are equally sinful.

This morning's passage is an invitation to find life and confidence not in myself, but in God. He loves me. He created me to walk in good works.

Prayer:

Father many nights I sit and feel useless. I look at my struggles and am overwhelmed by the gap between who I feel I am and the man I long to be. My imagination creates an image of me that is totally unrealistic and completely unattainable.

I feel totally incapable of moving past this. I do not know how to lose myself in what You did for me on the cross. I do not really know what it means to sit in Your Glory and love and rest peacefully in their warmth.

I ask that the eyes of my heart be opened to fully grasp the workmanship of You that is me. Help me to not degrade what You gifted me to be, but to obediently walk in the good works You prepared for me before hand.