Daily Reading: 6-28-16
Ephesians 5:6-20 New Living Translation (NLT)
A fruit tree must have Light to bear fruit; about six hours of sunlight daily to produce fruit that is healthy and flavorful. God has created His children to bear spiritual fruit, so we must stay in the Light (Christ) of goodness, righteousness, and truth in order to produce fruit that is healthy and has the flavor of God. We learn what God desires for our lives through study, revelation, and experience in the Word. We do not make the journey alone. The Holy Spirit is available to fill us and guide us on this fruit-bearing faith journey each day. If we allow the Spirit to lead us, we will become sensible, intelligent, and discerning people who are determined to fear (respect) and enjoy fellowship with God (know Him).
Ephesians 5:6-20New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
Living by the Spirit’s Power
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for forgiving my sins and providing the Grace that covers me as I learn how You want me to live as Your child. Thank You for the Light of Christ who exposes my sin and guides my path. Holy Spirit, thank You for filling me with songs of praise for the goodness of Almighty who makes the power to produce healthy and vibrant spiritual fruit available to me. I am filled with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name. Amen.