Verse of the Day 3/1

Verse of the Day 3/1

 

 

Ephesians 5:8-10     For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. ⁹ For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or ^[a]the Spirit[consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

 

I read today's verses in a devotional this morning and a simple quote in reference to it drew my attention.  "May we never forget to lean into the light" - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

As I read those words in relation to the verses I was reminded of a Hibiscus tree that we have.  Normally it is on the back porch where it thrives during the summer months because it is getting plenty of life giving light.  When winter comes it is too cold outside so we have to move it indoors.  At first we put it in the dining room but it did not get enough light and the leaves began to droop and fall off.  We then moved it into our son Jeff's bedroom where it gets the early morning light.  We've noticed that over these few months that the tree is now leaning in the direction of the light and the branch with the largest leaves are those that have extended themselves the furthest into the light.

We go through seasons in our lives as well.  Sometimes it is as if we are in the full light of His grace, spending time in His Word, abiding in Him, getting full exposure to His truth and flourishing.  There are other times when the trials and cares may put us in a spiritual winter.  We need to be put into a place where we can receive, where we can see the light and lean into it, so that even in these "off" seasons, we may flourish, even if it is only a branch or two that fully shows the growth.

If you've been "drooping', withering in a winter season,  put yourself in the light, lean into it, walk in it, make the most of it,  "no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it."  Ephesians 5:9-10 The Message

Blessings,

 Mike

Ephesians 5:8-16The Message (MSG)

^8-10 You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

^11-16 Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

^11-16 Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.

Wake up from your sleep,
Climb out of your coffins;
Christ will show you the light!

So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

 

 

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