Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25-32 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 4:25-32 where Paul furthers his expectation the believers live based on the new life they have been given (rebirth/regeneration).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V30: The Holy Spirit seals believers "for the day of redemption" when either Christ returns or we are called Home.  See also Ephesians 1:13.  V32: Christ forgave (and continues to do so - see Lamentations 3:22-23) and because we are created in His image we are to forgive as Jesus did (and does).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv25-29, 31: Specific sin is called out, including falsehoods, anger, theft, corrupting talk, bitterness, wrath, slander, and malice. Conversely, we are encouraged to speak truth, do honest work, share with those in need, build up others with our words, give grace, and to be kind, tenderhearted and to forgive others.  These are fruits of the Spirit, similar to Galatians 5:22-23 - evidence that we have "taken off our hold self."   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid the sins listed in vv25-29 and 31 as these give opportunity to the devil to gain a foothold.  Claim the promise that our salvation is guaranteed and sealed by the Holy Spirit.  Love God and love others - and by doing so, take off the old self and put on the new self.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God guarantees and seals my salvation - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”

Revelation 8

“Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!” v13

Yesterday I posted about how heaven at the end of times will be a glorious place for God's children.  Today is a different picture - one of destruction and great suffering...Revelation 9 is even more gruesome for those who have not declared Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior:

And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. v3-6

My Prayer: Lord, You are awesome and I know You have placed a seal on my forehead so I am greatly comforted that I am Yours not just during this life on earth, but also should You return before I die, and even when I die, I know I will be with You until the end of the age...You are truly great and I am not deserving of such a great and gracious God.  I fail to "make every effort"...I am harsh with my words and actions often...I have envy, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You Jesus!  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.