Lifestyle

Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

Scripture:
Ephesians 5: 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Observation:
This morning I am reminded by Paul that Jesus set an example of how I ought to live. Paul challenges the church of Ephesus and calls them to imitate God, and to reflect His kingdom through their attitudes, actions and thought life. Paul sought maturity from believers, and challenged them to be a sweet smelling fragrance to the Lord. Verse 15, reminds me that I live in evil days, distractions are going to be all around. Every decision has a destination. I must make wise decisions, i must take the time to seek out the Lord and base decisions on His will for my life. The understanding of God's will is the beginning of wisdom.

Application:
Ephesians 5 talks a lot of living out the love of Christ towards others. It is not enough just simply to be 'saved', your attitudes and actions need to change and match up. As I look at my life, i can see how my love for others has grown. I seek more to see God's will in them, than at times in myself. Nothing gives me more joy than to see others blessed. At the same time though I must guard from missing the mark that God has called me too. I must take the time to seek the wisdom of God for the decisions I must make. Paul reminds me this morning to live as the wise and not as the unwise. Wise is speaking to me daily, as the book of Proverbs declares, I must take the time to listen and meditate on what wisdom has to say. Some might say that sounds crazy, but the truth is that the Holy Spirit is my Teacher and He is always guiding me in the steps of the Lord. As I head into this day, I pray that my ears would be open to the voice of the Holy Spirit, that my heart would be ready to love on others, and that my attitudes, behaviors and thoughts would be those of that bring honor to my God.

Prayer:
Father thank You for a new day. I pray today for wisdom and discernment to know Your will and Your way. Guide me today in the path You have laid out for me. I pray for blessing, favor and wisdom. I pray for energy today and for a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. I ask You to speak to speak to me today and to prepare my heart for the message You want me to share on Friday night. Use me to bring refreshing to Your people. Bless my staff today and refresh them. Help them to focus in this season and to stay close to You. bless every urgency student this day. give them wisdom and boldness to live for You. Guide them. Thank You for my wife. Bless her and give her the wisdom to know Your will. Anoint her with the songs of heaven.
Amen.