Ephesians 5:3-15

"Dear Precious Disciple, Paul beautifully described the Father's grace in the first part of his letter to the Ephesians. He emphasized that the..."

"Dear Father, Don't let me be deceived by the empty words of worldly people. It is because of these things that your wrath will come upon the sons of...."

"Dear Father, Keep me from talking about or thinking about illicit sex and pornography and covetousness, since you require that your holy people avoid..."

The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. No matter what evil spirits are present in this life, we know that God has given us a spirit that is stronger than all others. The message of God to this world is that God’s Holy Spirit is the only spirit worth celebrating, even on Halloween.

Who would want to invite this mess home? If we don't wall pornography off at the source in our lives, then we end up just inviting it home.

"Dear Father, Holy God, You have warned me that I can be sure of this: that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is covetous (idolatrous!) has....."

"Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

"Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people."

"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light..."

"You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater,..."

"Dear Father, Keep me from being silent when your cause is threatened by evil people, even though I and my family and the people I care about may..."

"Dear Father, Help me not to be deceived by empty but high-sounding words that cloak the intent of wickedness. I know that it is because of these..."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 5:8 -- For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 5:15 -- Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, for the days are evil.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 5:3 -- But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

Wake up, o sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. - Ephesians 5:14

Do you know how to make a duck dance on an upsidedown pot? A duck that dances on a pot reveals the secret to shining our light and keeping our candle lit so that we can influence others.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

"Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 5:15-16 -- Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

How can I cluster my time effectively? How do we cluster activities to allow us to focus our energies on doing God's will for our lives rather than spending all of our time in routine, daily, maintenance activities?

"Dear Father, Help me to be careful about how I live. May I behave not as an unwise person but as a wise one. Help me make the most of every..."

Are we awake or have we chosen to fall asleep? Russ Lawson talks about events that shocked us and awakened us from our lethargy, but reminds us that we often just sink back into our old habits.

He grasps those little moments so well. Pulls the kids close, chooses to go play frisbee or a game of Uno, just because. Melissa Troyer writes insightfully about her husband, Daniel, and his way of seizing small moments to be there for his family despite being in a very stressful time in grad school.

How restless are you when things run overtime? Russell Lawson shares a perspective of time as we close out the year.

What could be greater than the gift you've already bought them? The best gift that can be given is the gift of dedicated time to a family member.

"Dear Father, Help me speak to my spouse, my family, your church, and the world about you and your grace. Let my heart and my mouth overflow with the...."

How fast is your life? Change, and the days pass quickly and we grow old and time flies by, so we better use them to our advantage and God's glory.

"Dear Father, Fill me with your heavenly wisdom, which involves alertness to problems and opportunities, avoidance of addictions, fullness of your..."

The old saying is that life happens fast, but can we live like that and enjoy its fullness? Tom Norvel reminds us that life happens quickly, fast, and if we are not careful, we can get so busy that we miss life in all its fullness, abundance, and joy.

So how long are you going to wait? Tom Norvell challenges us a week into the New Year to get about doing the work of God because it is time!

What will we do when the choice is ours and the moment comes? Phil Ware continues his series connected to The Story, this week from Chapter 3, focusing on Joseph and his temptation with Potiphar's wife.

What seems important to you today? We get so flustered about little things, God teach us to know what is important.

Are you living under the influence? Phil Ware continues his SpiritFire focus on the Holy Spirit, this week looking at what it means to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

What happens the other 51 weeks of the year? Phil Ware begins a 4 part November series on giving thanks just in time for the Thanksgiving season.

David danced with all his might amid the reverence and honor given to God as the ark, the representation of God's power and presence, returned to his people. Phil Ware and Demetrius Collins lead us into worship in song and the Word to experience, proclaim and rejoice in the majesty, goodness, and grace of our God who is powerful and present among us.

Can you keep your balance in all the holiday mayhem? We can make the holidays a lot more cheery and bright if we will simply take a little time to plan and prepare for the holiday season.

"Dear Child of Glory, The world is filled with many beautiful and precious people. Unfortunately, so many of them miss their greatest opportunities......"

The God who invented time is right here with me—in the room. Sometimes I have to take a deep breath to remember that. Ron Rose reminds us that the key to getting things done on our huge to-do list is to take it to God and then have Him help us to one thing, and do it right!

So what are you investing in? Rubel Shelly reminds us of the value of small increments of time used wisely to make an eternal difference by doing the small things in the lives of others that bless, encourage, and support them.

If all we have is a once-a-year sentimental baby Jesus, then we don’t have the real Jesus and our souls remain parched and thirsty and our whole being longs for SOMEONE more! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to call us to find Jesus' gift of the Holy Spirit the living water to end our soul-drought.

Are you listening? Phil Ware continues his series on the Holy Spirit focusing on listening to the Spirit's voice and how we hear God and Jesus and the Spirit in our daily life.

"Dear Child of God, You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. Your prayers are not ignored. My coming is assured. My salvation for you is closer...."

"Dear Beloved, In yesterday's note, I urged you to display your Father's righteous character and gracious compassion. Today, I apply that principle..."