The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 24:7 (NLT)
7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 69:33 (NLT)
33 For the LORD hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Ephesians 5:1-2 (HCSB)
1 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.
2 And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
Ephesians 5:8 (HCSB)
8 For you were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—
Ephesians 5:15 (HCSB)
15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—
My observation:
In chapters one through three, the Apostle Paul wrote about doctrine. In chapters four through six he writes about duty.
Chapter four and five starts with the word "Therefore". I have been taught that when you see therefore in the scripture, you should pay attention; examine what the therefore is there for.
In this case, the therefore is to encourage us, who are in Christ, how we should walk in our daily life. Since God is our Father, we should be imitators of God, and imitators of Jesus.
Paul list three major areas describing how we as Christ followers should live.
1. Walk in love (Eph 5:2).
2. Walk as children of light (Eph 5:8).
3. Walk carefully; walk in wisdom (Eph 5:15).
How do you walk like this? It is not possible to live like this in the flesh. However, you can live like this by walking in the Spirit of God.
Galatians 5:16 (HCSB)
16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Ephesians 5:18 (HCSB)
18 And don't get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray for the grace to walk in a manner that will be pleasing to you.
Father, I ask for the aid of the Holy Spirit to enable me to imitate you, and Jesus, in my talk and in my walk. O how blessed I am to be dearly loved by God, and to be called your child. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Ephesians 1:1-2 (HCSB)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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