Verse of the Day 2/19

Through the Bible - Numbers 8-9, Mark 8
Good morning,
As Christians I think that we've all been in situations and times in our lives where we have had a hard time figuring out what the "will of the Lord" is.
One of the best ways to help determine what it might be is to hold up the various options before us and see how they stack up against scripture. If an option would clearly (or even not so clearly) contradict scripture we should have assurance that it would not be the Lord's will.
For today's verse we'll go to the book of Ephesians, a book which is filled with practical advice for Christians.

Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. NKJV

The preceeding verse tells us to "walk circumspectly", being aware of what is going on in the world around us, not with blinders on.
We are to see what is going on in the world around us, hold it up to the Word of God, and have a better idea of how we should walk.
Arthur Pink writes:
The Word of God furnishes us with just principles, right
apprehensions, to govern our judgments and affections,
thereby influencing and regulating our conduct. Those
who study the Scriptures in humble dependence upon
divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness.
They are taught to make a true estimate of everything
around them and are gradually formed into a spirit of
submission to the will of God. They discover the nature
and duties of their situations and relations in life, and
the snares and temptations to which they are exposed.
The Word of God dwelling in them is . . .
a preservative from error,
a light to their feet, and
a spring of strength and consolation.

By treasuring up in his mind the doctrines, precepts,
promises, exhortations, and warnings of Scripture; and
by diligently comparing himself with the rule by which
he is to walk--the Christian grows into a habitual frame
of spiritual wisdom. He acquires a gracious taste which
enables him to judge of right and wrong with a degree of
readiness and certainty--as a musical ear judges sounds;
so that he is rarely mistaken, because he is influenced by
the love of Christ which rules in his heart, and a regard
for the glory of God. Moreover, God has promised to show
Himself strong on behalf of the one whose heart is perfect
toward Him. He does this by regulating His providences,
and causing all things to work together for his good.
Our daily walk is to be ordered by God's Word. In
proportion as it is so, we will be kept in His will and
preserved from folly and sin.
(Arthur Pink)
May it be our goal every day to "walk with the Lord in the light of His Word" as the song Trust and Obey tells us.
In Christ,
Mike


Eph 5:15-22

Walk in Wisdom

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. NKJV