Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Family, Prayer, Scripture, Thanksgiving

GIVE THANKS FOR ALL

EPHESIANS 5:20

“always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father;”

Here in the U.S., we are coming into the season of the year when we give thanks for our blessings. We even have a holiday called Thanksgiving Day when families and friends gather together for a huge feast. We don’t just stuff the turkey. We stuff ourselves, lol. You may go around your table and give thanks for each one sitting there. You may ask each person to share one thing for which they are grateful. We are thankful for a lot of things.

Paul is really continuing the thought from the previous few verses. Many scholars think the thought here is not about “things” but rather people. That seems to flow from the context. The Liturgy of the Episcopal church says, “We, thine unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for thy goodness and loving-kindness to us, and to all men.” 1 Timothy 2:1 expresses a similar thought. “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people,”

APPLICATION

So, instead of asking what are you thankful for, ask who are you thankful for. That’s easy for me. I am thankful for my family – for my wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, uncles, aunts and cousins. I am thankful for men who have poured into me and friends who hold me accountable and encourage me in my walk.

Here’s a great verse for you on thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” If you have ever struggled knowing God’s will for your life, here’s the answer. Just give thanks. That pleases Him. In fact, He wills it.

I love how Paul tells the Philippians how thankful he is for them. In Philippians 1:3-4 he says, “3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,” Paul not only gives thanks for them, but he also prays for them. We all need to practice that daily. Will you join me? Think of some people right now for whom you are thankful and gives thanks and lift them in prayer.

Father, today I am thankful for my wife. Will you fill her day with joy?

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Bible, Scripture, Singing, Worship

SING A SONG

EPHESIANS 5:19

“speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord;”

I have been singing in choirs since @ 1975. That’s almost 50 years. I have sung in youth choirs and ensembles, college choirs, barbershop quartets and choruses, church choirs, praise teams, quartets and solos. I love to sing. Since moving to Knoxville back in March of this year, I have been relegated to being a part of the congregational singing. I have enjoyed that. I even break out in song some mornings on my morning walks as I listen to praise songs. I am sure my neighbors love that at 5:30 a.m. lol

Paul knew the importance of singing praises with other believers. He lists “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” in today’s verse. I don’t think the type of song was as important as “singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.” Paul didn’t say that only the gifted musicians should sing. This command was given to all believers. You may be the most tone deaf person in the crowd, but the Lord takes pleasure when you sing to Him.

APPLICATION

The psalms were literally Scripture set to music. These psalms were sung in the temple and in the early church. They speak of God’s love, protection, and redemption. David wrote between 73 and 80 of the psalms in our Old Testament. Some of the psalms give instructions to sing with a musical instrument. There is just something about singing the words of God in worship.

I love the hymns. Unfortunately, many churches have disregarded the hymns in favor of more contemporary songs. I am not writing this to start a debate about hymns. I am simply pointing out that Paul saw the value in singing hymns. HELPS Word studies says this about this word. “Hýmnos (“hymns”) is used only of praising the triune God, manifested in the flesh in Jesus Christ, the God-man. It occurs twice in the NT (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), pointing to well-known songs of praise to God that became established hymns for the early Christians.”

And what are these “spiritual songs” Paul references? These are more spontaneous songs of praise to God. I love what it says in Revelation 5:9-10. “9 And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 10 You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.’”

Whatever and however you choose to sing, make it a celebration of our one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Just sing!

I love to sing unto You, O God, my Rock and Salvation!

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Bible, Drunkenness, Filled, Holy Spirit, Scripture

FILLED WITH THE RIGHT STUFF

EPHESIANS 5:18

“And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” 

Context is always important. Whether we are talking about conversations or studying Scripture, context can determine everything. For instance, I can use the word “read” but pronounce it two different ways. I read the paper yesterday or I will read the paper tomorrow. The context of the sentence determines the pronunciation of the word. Okay Carl, enough with the grammar lesson. Hang on. You will see my point.

In today’s verse, we see Paul telling the Ephesians to not get drunk because it is debauchery. This verse is used often to preach against the drinking of anything alcoholic. I am not going to talk about that. You have to remember the context of Paul’s letter. He has been talking about shedding all past ungodly behaviors and walking in God’s will, which we know is always to be filled with the Spirit. So, rest easy. This is not a devotion about drinking. Rather, it is a devotion about being filled with His Spirit.

APPLICATION

In the time Paul was writing there was a false god which the pagans worshipped which involved drinking until you were intoxicated. In fact, it is the same god that the Olympic Committee claimed was being portrayed in the opening ceremonies this year. His name was Bacchus. Bensons’ Commentary says this about this worship festival. “Plato tells us, that there was hardly a sober person to be found in the whole Attican territories during the continuance of these detestable feasts.” Debauchery! Riotous living! In fact, the adverb form of this Greek word for “debauchery” is used in Luke 15:13 to describe the prodigal son’s lifestyle. “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living.”

Paul tells the Ephesians to avoid all that and instead concentrate on living their lives full of the Holy Spirit.  The Greek word used here for “be filled” could be better translated (I think) as “keep being filled” because it is a Present Imperative Middle/Passive verb. The Middle voice means you do the action yourself while the Passive voice means the action is done to you.

Hang on, don’t let me lose you. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to live through us. He will not force Himself on us. Therefore, the middle voice. But only He can do the filling – thus the passive voice. I am not Greek scholar, but I believe this verb could be either. The question is this – Do you want to be filled with His Spirit continually and live that out daily? If you do, the Lord is more than willing and more than capable to fill you to overflowing.

Now I’m filled to overflowing. I don’t mind the whole world knowing that I’m filled to overflowing.

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Bible, Foolishness, God's Will, Promises, Scripture, Understanding

DON’T BE A FOOL

EPHESIANS 5:17

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 

A quote that is attributed to Abraham Lincoln is “It is better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Charles Spurgeon once had a note placed on the pulpit where he was preaching that simply said, “Fool.” He said to the audience, “Well, I have had many notes and letters written to me that were left unsigned. This is the first one that was signed but had no message.”

No one wants to be considered foolish or to be called a fool. In Galatians, Paul calls them “You foolish Galatians” because they were going back to their former thinking and denying his teachings. Here in Ephesians 5:17, he tells the Ephesians to “not be foolish.” He said instead for them to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” That can be a tall order, can’t it? How many times have you wondered what the Lord’s will was for you? Too many to count, right?

APPLICATION

Does that make you a fool? No, I don’t think so. If we are pursuing His will, we are not being foolish. But to know it and ignore, that is definitely foolish. The word used here for “foolish” means someone who just does not understand cause and effect. They don’t seem to grasp that every decision we make has consequences. They may be good or bad, but they will come. When we pursue God’s will, good things follow. I don’t mean bad things won’t happen. I do mean that the ultimate consequence of our following God’s will is good.

In Luke 11:40, Jesus called the Pharisees “You foolish ones” because they were more concerned in keeping the ceremonial laws than in obeying God. Sometimes we can do a right thing and be miles away from God’s will. That is foolish. Understanding God’s will may take time. He may disclose His will to you in pieces, not all at once. That’s okay.

Do you want to be foolish? I don’t think so. Do you want to understand God’s will? Probably. I say probably because you may not. It may cost you something you are not willing to give up. I am sorry, but that is foolish. What God requires is always better than what we want. Trust Him. Seek Him. His will is not a best kept secret. He wants to reveal it to you. Don’t be a fool!

Lord, forgive my foolishness for not seeking Your will more readily.

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Bible, Redemption, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

SEIZE THE DAY

EPHESIANS 5:16

“making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

Just look at the news today! Evil is abounding across our globe. Terrorists are trying to kill innocent people. Human trafficking is a global business. There is still slavery in parts of the world. What are we to do? How do Christians live in such demeaning environments?

Paul tells us in today’s verse. We are to make “the most of your time.” The Greek word he uses for “making the most” is exagorazó. It means “seizing a buying-opportunity, i.e. making the most of the present opportunity (recognizing its future gain).” (HELPS Word Studies). In other words, we don’t have a minute to spare. Every hour is precious eternally. We can’t, as my grandma used to say, lollygag.

APPLICATION

This word exagorazóis only used four times in the New Testament. Paul uses it here and in Galatians 3:13; 4:5 and Colossians 4:5. Let’s take a look at these other passages today. In Galatians 3:13, Paul writes, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: ‘CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE’”. Using the definition above, Christ didn’t waste any time saving us from the Law.

We see in Galatians 4:4-5 “4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.” God knew the exact time to redeem us. He sent His Son, Jesus, because He saw the future gain – our salvation and eternity with our Creator.

And finally, in Colossians 4:5 we see it used similarly as today’s verse. “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” In this verse, we are told how to behave, how to live toward outsiders or unbelievers. Listen, the world has been evil since the fall of man in the garden. We shouldn’t expect anything different. But we can live differently. To borrow an old Latin term Carpe Diem, seize the day. Make the most of your time for the sake of Christ.

Lord, help me make the most of my days so that I can be a light in a dark world.

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Beware, Bible, Guard, Scripture, Walking, Warnings

WALKING WISELY

EPHESIANS 5:15

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,”

Long gone are my days of reckless abandon, jumping across creeks, running through the woods and walking recklessly down steep hills. I can’t feel my feet that well anymore since I developed neuropathy from my chemotherapy a few years ago. I have to watch each step I take. I can’t rely on feel. I have to be able to see where I am stepping or leaping or jumping. One misstep and I could break an ankle or leg.

The Greek text gives a clearer emphasis of what Paul is writing in today’s verse. It literally reads, “Take heed, therefore, carefully how you walk…” The first word is blépō, which according to HELPS Word studies, means this, “properly, to see, be observant (watchful). Blépō suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” Then we see the Greek word translated “carefully.” This word refers to having the highest degree of accuracy. These two words together give a much clearer image than just “be careful.” Paul is telling us to look closely and carefully and apply what we see.

APPLICATION

That advice can be applied in many areas of our life, but especially our spiritual walk. How many times have you and I taken a wrong step spiritually? Too many to count! In Mark 8:15, we see blepo used when Jesus refers to the leaven of the Pharisees. “And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.’” Look carefully for those things that want to deceive you.

In Philippians 3:2, Paul uses blepo three times to give us warning. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Warning signs! Danger ahead! Take caution! Guard yourself! In each example of this word blepo I have given you, it is in the Present Imperative Active which means it’s a command that is to be continuously followed. You can’t afford to take a day off.

I am reminded of the death of King Ahab of Israel. Remember? Let me remind you from 1 Kings 22:34. “Now one man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am severely wounded.’” He had disguised himself and even brought in a “body double,” King Jehoshaphat of Judah, to throw off the enemy’s attack on him. But he was still struck by an arrow and died. You cannot disguise yourself enough to hide from the enemy’s arrows aimed at you. You must guard your heart daily with His Word and His Spirit. Beware!

Father, thank You that You are constantly guarding me. Keep me alert and aware of the devil’s schemes.

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Abiding, Bible, Darkness, Light, Scripture, Sleeping

WAKE UP!

EPHESIANS 5:14

“For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”

There is something to be said about getting a good night’s sleep. As for me, normally I am asleep in a matter of minutes. I fall asleep quickly. So, when sleep evades me, it is unusual. Last night was one of those nights. My stomach was hurting, and I could not get comfortable. I was literally awake all night. No fun! I knew morning would come eventually, but it took its sweet time, lol. I was so thankful to see the light out the window.

This passage today is quite controversial. It’s not so much what it says, but where it comes from. Paul is obviously quoting some passage somewhere, but few commentators agree from where. Here’s where I land – if the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use this quote, that’s good enough for me. The exact source isn’t important. The fact that this quote came from the mouth of God is. There is also nothing that particularly stands out as mind blowing in the words used. Paul is telling the Ephesians (and us) to wake up and allow Christ to shine on and through them.

APPLICATION

Some scholars speculate this is a quote from Isaiah 60:1-3. That passage reads, “1 ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

The whole purpose of Christ shining on us is for us to reflect that light on others. Just call us the moon! It has no light of its own. It simply reflects the light of the sun during its waxing and waning. And when that “new moon” period comes when the moon is completely dark, the sun is still shining. It hasn’t lost its brilliance. The moon has just passed out of its path.

Listen, believer, don’t pass out of the path of Christ’s light. Stay always in His path so you can reflect His light. You will have periods of your life when you will wax and wane spiritually. Just don’t allow yourself to go dark. Paul tells us to wake up and rise from the dead. Get moving. Shine the light of Christ! He wants to use you to reflect His light on others.

I want to reflect Your light, Lord, at all times.

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Bible, Enlighten, Light, Manifested, Scripture, Visible

THE VISIBLE LIGHT

EPHESIANS 5:13

“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

Have you ever been a room when the sunlight beamed through the window? Maybe it was coming through the window blinds. When it did, you could see rows of light in the room. It would almost seem you could reach out and touch them. Wouldn’t it be great if you could reach out, grab them and fold them up to use later? That would be way cool. Light changes things. It shows whatever it touches.

Paul uses a pretty common word in this verse by “visible.” It’s the Greek word “phaneróō (from phṓs, ‘light’) illumine, make manifest (visible); (figuratively) make plain, in open view; to become apparent (‘graspable’).” (HELPS Word Studies) Paul is telling us that everything will become visible one day. God’s light exposes the darkness. We cannot hide one single thing from His beam of brightness.

APPLICATION

Have you ever wondered why bars and nightclubs are so dark? People don’t want deeds of darkness exposed. Look at 1 John 3:2 where we find phaneroo used again. “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” When Jesus becomes visible to us again in His second coming, we will “appear” like Him. Wow!

John used this word nine times in his first letter (1 John). In 1 John 4:9, he says, “By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.” God’s light and His love is made visible in us. We are the light and love of God to a lost and dying world.

One more example – Colossians 3:4 says, “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Now, that’s shouting ground! We will be revealed with Him in glory. What was made visible in us will be eternal. Hallelujah, praise the Lamb!

Father, let Your light shine through me making visible Your love to others.

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Bible, Disgraceful, Evil, Scripture, Shame

DISGRACEFUL SPEECH

EPHESIANS 5:12

“for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”

There are some things you just don’t talk about. Some say you should never discuss politics or religion at family gatherings. I am not sure I agree with that, but there are other things that are off limits. For instance, you may know of something really bad someone has done. Should you bring that up to others? Should you discuss immoral activities in the world publicly?

Paul tells us in today’s verse it is “disgraceful” to talk about such things. The Greek word translated as “disgraceful” only occurs four times in the New Testament. Two times it refers to women not cutting their hair or not speaking in church. The other time it is talking about dishonest money. The word means shameful, sordid or improper.

APPLICATION

Paul is the only author who uses this Greek word all four times. But he only uses it to address speech once – right here in today’s verse. All these negative behaviors he has been talking about in this chapter are off limits. But it’s not just in not doing them. He tells the Ephesians to not even talk about them.

You have to remember that a lot of these things Paul has been talking about came out of the pagan worship of Ephesus. They were vile and horrible practices that should not even been mentioned any more. We have some of those same practices in our world today. Missionaries in some countries report demonic rituals and activities in the local idol temples. We don’t talk about these things because we do not want these things on our mind.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:2 which says, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” Our thoughts should be towards heaven, not on these pagan activities. Clear your mind and mouth of such things. Concentrate on His Word and His Spirit. Let those things drive your speech.

Father, keep my mouth full of Your words so that I can encourage others.

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Bible, Darkness, Fruit, Light, Scripture, Unfruitful

DEEDS OF DARKNESS

EPHESIANS 5:11

“Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;”

I remember in elementary school doing science experiments. One experiment involved planting seeds and allowing them to germinate. Once they were all about 2 inches tall, we placed some in the sunlight and others in a dark closet to measure the effect of light on these plants. You know what happened. The plants placed in the dark stopped growing and began to wither while the ones in the light continue to grow and flourish.

Paul is giving the Ephesians this same picture through his words. The Greek word for “useless” is akarpos which is literally “no fruit.” Paul tells them to “not participate” with such deeds. The Greek here literally says don’t have fellowship. There are some things which a believer just cannot participate in. Do I need to name them? I don’t think so. You know. The good rule of thumb is if you have a doubt, don’t do it.

APPLICATION

The Jamieson-Fausett-Brown Bible Commentary says this about these useless or unfruitful deeds of darkness. “Sins are terminated in themselves, and therefore are called ‘works,’ not ‘fruits’ (Ga 5:19, 22). Their only fruit is that which is not in a true sense fruit (De 32:32), namely, ‘death’ (Ro 6:21; Ga 6:8). Plants cannot bear ‘fruit’ in the absence of light. Sin is ‘darkness,’ and its parent is the prince of darkness (Eph 6:12). Graces, on the other hand, as flourishing in ‘the light,’ are reproductive, and abound in fruits; which, as harmoniously combining in one whole, are termed (in the singular) ‘the FRUIT of the Spirit’ (Eph 5:9).”

Well, that is pretty exhaustive. I don’t think I could even attempt to explain it better. Light produces fruit. Darkness produces death. Not only does Paul tells us not to fellowship with these deeds, it’s a command. The Greek verb there is Present Imperative. Don’t do it and keep on not doing it. In other words, Paul is telling the Ephesians to turn their backs on these previous dark deeds they had been part of.

Can you do that? Can you turn your back on your past deeds of darkness? Carl, I don’t have any deeds of darkness to stop. Oh, really? We all have past sins that we drag along like a wet blanket. Drop them now. Give them up. Walk in the light so you can produce the fruit God has called you to produce.

Let me walk in the Light as You are in the Light.

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