Our sinful nature constantly leads us to minimize sin. It tries to assuage our conscience by convincing us that if the infraction is negligible, then so is the guilt. Then, instead of being terrified by our sins, we look pat ourselves on the back and look for comfort in those commands we feel we’ve kept. But that's a little like looking for comfort in a broken tow chain. Thankfully, God's Word points us instead to real comfort in our Savior.
Sep 08, 2021•5 min
A robotics engineer in France did something recently for his 16-year-old son that can only be described as extraordinary. He made him a suit. However, it’s not the kind of suit you might first imagine. By sending His Son into the world, to take our sins and infirmities upon Himself, and giving His life in our place on the cross, God has given to you and me a remarkable suit. However, it's also not the kind of suit you might first imagine. And just wait until you hear the promise that comes with ...
Sep 07, 2021•5 min
The possibility of a comeback for the people of Judah in Isaiah’s day must have looked ludicrous. The people were fearful and anxious of what was to come next. There are times when your own life may feel that way. The idea of better days ahead may even seem a little “against the odds.” Into a situation not unlike this, Isaiah came with what must have seemed to be unlikely announcement. It's the promise God also shares with you and me today.
Sep 06, 2021•5 min
Sports safety experts note that it's important to wear a helmet that is appropriate for the particular activity you’re involved in. When it comes to living this Christian life, Paul says, “Take up the helmet of salvation.” But there's a reason why he couples this with the call to take up with it, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."
Sep 04, 2021•5 min
Paul describes God’s gift to us of faith as a shield. That’s because as terrifying as the adversary’s accusations are, each and everyone of them is rendered useless when they meet God’s own forgiveness and the righteousness you and I wear right now by faith.
Sep 03, 2021•5 min
Do you remember when you were a kid, and you would slide your feet into the same well-worn pair of sneakers for practically every sport or activity? Then, you may be amazed to see the size of the shoe department if you step into any large sporting goods store today. There’s a specific shoe for almost any activity you can imagine. But here in Ephesians, Paul describes footwear you won’t find on the shelf. These have been crafted by God.
Sep 02, 2021•5 min
There are some sports that are played sitting down – kayaking, bobsledding, automobile racing. However, when it comes to other sports, like basketball or football, you need to be up on your feet. In a similar way, Paul describes the protective gear that God has given to protect us from the enemy, and with which stand ready.
Sep 01, 2021•5 min
The protective gear that Paul describes here in Ephesians is specific to the dangers you and I face. The apostle not only tells to don the right protective gear, but he describes precisely what kind of hazard this gear is designed to deflect. And the phrase he uses is “the devil’s _schemes.” _Recognizing this will help us see why the equipment God has given us is more than up to the task – and how to use it.
Aug 31, 2021•5 min
Do you wear glasses? The Israelites soon found themselves with blurry vision. However, it wasn’t because they needed glasses. They lost their focus when it came to God’s law. And the same condition remains prevalent among many today. The reality is that by having this blurred vision of God’s commands, we risk losing sight of God’s grace as well.
Aug 30, 2021•5 min
During this time of the COVID you and I have learned to experience, in a unique way, what it means again to yearn for God’s house. Our church, be it large or small, reminds us a little of the Temple where God came to dwell among His people in the Old Testament. However, that Temple was replaced when our Savior came, God in the flesh. Knowing this enables us to sing with real joy, this familiar verse of David from Psalm 26. We can sing it whether we find ourselves worshipping in person or even on...
Aug 28, 2021•5 min
One popular way parents can help their children overcome the sizzling heat of summer is a game called, "Fill The Bucket." The dynamics of marriage, that Paul describes here in Ephesians, has a lot in common with this game.
Aug 27, 2021•5 min
Do you have any man-made rules or traditions at your church? You may be thinking to yourself, “No way!” But think about that again. I’ll bet you do. However, what we do with them can make all the difference.
Aug 26, 2021•5 min
Back in the early 2000s, a wedding trend emerged called “Trash the Dress.” Newlyweds dirty up and destroy their gown while making sure that it’s all caught on camera. But what Paul describes for us here in Ephesians, is a little like watching one of those “Trash the Dress” home videos in reverse. In face, in Holy Baptism, we've been given a whole new dress._ _
Aug 25, 2021•5 min
Have you ever thought of what you might do if you were God? It's tempting to look at the world around us, see its imperfections, and conclude that “Things could be done better – if I were God.” Would it?
Aug 24, 2021•5 min
Our lips may say one thing while our hearts say another. Let’s face it, talk is easy. It was that way in Isaiah’s day, at the the of the disciples, and it's still that way today. But, thankfully, you and I have a Savior who shows us His love and keeps His Word.
Aug 23, 2021•5 min
It surprises us to hear that not everyone wanted to hear what Jesus had to say, and surprisingly, John tells us that even included some of His disciples. But by God's grace, and in faith, we rejoice with Peter to hear from our Savior the words of eternal life.
Aug 21, 2021•5 min
Ask any child who has ever wrestled with a friend or an older sibling. Once you have your arm twisted behind your back, the next thing you’re asked is, “Say Uncle! Do you submit?” Needless to say, that’s hardly the way the term "submit" is used here in God’s Word. However, what it does mean might surprise you.
Aug 20, 2021•5 min
What would you say to something that can lower stress, increase confidence, enhance your memory, boost your immunity, and be a form of cardiovascular exercise? And what would you say if I told you it’s absolutely free? Wondering what it might be? It’s singing! It’s no surprise, then, to hear Paul’s encouragement to sing. In fact, it’s an exhortation heard throughout the Scriptures. But in this case, the apostle points very specific benefits above and beyond those already mentioned.
Aug 19, 2021•5 min
Have you ever looked on the bottom of your hairdryer, or your toaster, to see that it has been tested for safety? Here in Ephesians, Paul calls us to do something similar when it comes to what we encounter each day in our walk with God.
Aug 18, 2021•5 min
Sometimes, advertising includes false claims and unfulfilled promises – nothing more than empty words. Here in Ephesians, Paul gives us the heads up not to be fooled by spiritual programs and promises that are also little more than empty words.
Aug 17, 2021•5 min
If someone asks you, "What type of bird is that sitting on your fence?" you can tell them, "It's a mugwump." What's that? It might make you wince to know that there’s a little bit of mugwump in all of us.
Aug 16, 2021•5 min
Throughout the Old Testament, the phrases “a pleasing aroma,” and “an aroma pleasing to the LORD,” are used repeatedly. God Himself used those words to describe the faithful offerings and sacrifices that were made. They foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice to come that God Himself would make for the sins of the world – and for you and me.
Aug 14, 2021•5 min
Have you noticed that there’s a lot of rage out there these days? It may be surprising to know that it was common in Paul's day as well. However, the apostle goes on to point out how God brings about a change in our lives that brings calm.
Aug 13, 2021•5 min
Stealing was as common in Paul’s day as it is today. Our sinful nature continually looks for what it hopes it can get away with. And it’s easy to overlook all that’s included in the familiar commandment, “You Shall Not Steal.” But Paul’s words here in Ephesians are more than just a warning. They’re also a welcome and constructive reminder of how we may give thanks to God, our Savior, and serve our neighbor.
Aug 12, 2021•5 min
The apostle Paul must have done some climbing as well as he uses this term, foothold, here in Ephesians. However, he uses the term, not to point out an important help, but a hazard.
Aug 11, 2021•5 min
Here in Ephesians, Paul wants you to know about a piece of clothing that looks really good on you. It should, it was given to you by God.
Aug 10, 2021•5 min
There’s no denying that it’s exhilarating to see the high moments in the life of Elijah, but it’s useful to also witness this low point, when the prophet was at his weakest.
Aug 09, 2021•5 min
Here in Ephesians, Paul describes the real peril that we face as Christians if left untethered in a world of false teachers who purposefully, and deliberately, proclaim deceptive doctrine. What has God given, then, to protect us and safeguard the clear teaching of His Word?
Aug 07, 2021
God had promised His hungry people that He would rain down bread from heaven. When the Israelites looked outside in the morning, and saw what God had prepared for them, they asked, "What is it?" Moses then told them what it was and what to do with it. God has given us a miraculous meal in the Lord's Supper. And a good question to ask as, we go up to the altar to receive it is, is also this same question: "What is it?" God tells us what it is and what we are to do with it.
Aug 06, 2021•5 min
The Israelites may well have felt forsaken by God as they languished in slavery in Egypt. Had He forgotten about them? There are times in our own lives where you and I might feel the same. Under the weight of our problems and the stress we face in this world we may wonder if God even hears our cries. He does. You can be sure of it. And here's where He shows it.
Aug 05, 2021•5 min
