Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today I’m writing about being imitators of Christ, according to Ephesians 5. Bible.com is having more technical difficulties tonight, so I'll write from the heart. I came across this chapter tonight because I just noticed that the page it's found on, in my bible, is hanging on by a thread. It’s said that the more warn your bible becomes, the wiser you become. It means you've been in it, and handling it frequently, which is required to become an imitator of Christ. As I was reading through this page, in my very warn New King James Version of the Bible, I was thinking about how much this chapter speaks to the average believer.

Paul wrote the words from the experience of being a human being with flaws, as well as being a conqueror through Christ. I love the way he starts off the chapter: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (vs. 1-2) How can Paul, a man who's done so much wrong in the past, instruct us to "be imitators of God"? Paul is a perfect example of the grace of God. Even though he once persecuted believers of Christ, he was still redeemed. Just as in Paul’s case, shouldn't we love without prejudice, forgive and let live, and see the good in all people; would you consider that an "imitation of God"?

Paul also tells us: But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (vs. 3-4) God is the most pure, righteous, and Holy being in all existence, so if we're supposed to imitate Him, shouldn't we follow these simple rules or guidelines Paul gives? God wants us to do our best to live right, serve Him, and respect ourselves and others, so these principles aren't too much to ask for. However, there's no condemnation when it comes to God, so He'll forgive us if we fall short, but sin and good works has its rewards. To consistently practice giving thanks to God, is a sure way to avoid the pitfalls Paul warns us about. As well as, so we can better serve the Lord, and gain strength to endure the constant temptation of the world.

Remember Jesus taught us: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) We cannot serve God and the flesh, it isn't possible. Paul teaches us that the way to truly walk in love is to be imitators of God, so we must truly choose who we are serving. We must be willing to work and fight everyday to be close to God, and for our position in Heaven. The wonderful news is, the fight for the Lord is well worth it, because we have the option to put on the Armor of God each day, and yield the sword of His Word.
God understands that we're less than perfect, so don't worry about that. All that matters is now, yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't promised, all we have is today. We can have a clean slate each day, all that’s required is to confess our sins, and repent, and start writing a new chapter of our life. Paul said it best: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (vs. 8-10)

If you know Jesus, you know God; He's all around you, waiting for your fellowship. You can call out His Name, by the blood of the Lamb, and He's there, waiting with an answer. Sin is the only thing that separates you from Him, which cripples your ability to be an "imitator of God", but mercy, grace, and the Salvation offered through Christ, is what joins you forever. If you don't know Jesus, that’s the first step on the road to redemption, which can start right now. Today you can start off with a clean page, and start to write new, wonderful, and glorious chapters of your life. This redemption is only found in the blood of Jesus Christ. If you want more information, take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses in today's chapter are: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (vs 15-17)

ENJOY! http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio

I love you!