Have no fellowship with the UNFRUITFUL WORKS of darkness...

" And walk in LOVE... and ALL uncleanness... let it NOT ONCE be named among you, as becometh saints.... but rather giving of THANKS. " Ephesians 5: 2,3,4

I thank the LORD for His mercy this morning... for reminding me of His desire that I walk as a child of LIGHT.

How easily I can get sidetracked and fall in the deceiving ways of the world. 

It is easy to compromise... 

It is easy to talk as the "world"...

It is easy to "fit in" so that we may look good in the eyes of man...

It is easy to think on the things below...

It is easy  to covet, to judge, to envy another...

All this is especially so...because we walk not in the LIGHT of the WORD. 

So as I was reading the 5th chapter of Ephesians, I was touched with the message of the Lord: 

We are to be followers of GOD...

We are to walk in LOVE...

We are to walk as children of LIGHT...

We are to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise...

We are to redeem the time.

The LORD graciously reminds us that we are no longer in darkness... but have come to LIGHT. 

As a result, we are to put off(do away with) concerning the former conversation(conduct)....

" For ye were sometimes darkness, 

but now are ye light:

walk as children of LIGHT." 

Ephesians 5:8

Therefore, we are to have no fellowship...nor partake... with the unfruitful works of darkness. 

" For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8

" For it is a shame

 even to speak  of those things 

which are done of them in secret." 

Ephesian 5: 12

Oh, how good it is to be in the WORD! 

"... and CHRIST shall give thee light." (Ephesians 5:14).

There we find wisdom.... proving what is acceptable unto the LORD.

Holy and righteous Father, may we walk in the light of your Word and reprove the works of the darkness. May your Spirit manifest in us all goodness, righteousness and truth so that glory and honor and praise be given to you.

May you be encouraged today to sow unto the Spirit... and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.

~Ellie

Let us put on the armor of LIGHT...

" Owe no man anything, but to love one another..." Romans 13:8

These past several weeks have been weeks of growth for me. Weeks that have marked my life with a renewed adoration for my LORD and my GOD. I have been in awe to see the presence of my LORD in my life. 

It isn't that I haven't seen God's power in the past, far from it... but these several weeks have been so special to me... because God is answering my deepest prayer... that He would increase my faith.

I don't know about you, but I find myself like the disciples... in need of having the Lord increase my faith. Because I know how easily I can falter, how easily I can stumble, how easily I can lose my focus... all because I look unto the things of this world, the vain things that mean nothing in the scheme of eternal life. 

So these past several weeks I have seen the Lord work in my life in ways that have simply amazed me. 

He gave peace in the midst of sorrow...

He answered when all was "hopeless" according to man,

He made His power known to the amazement of all involved... accomplishing His perfect will.

He increased my faith in a God that keeps His promises.

Yes, His WORD is truth... "ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

And through this all, I'm finding how important it is to live our lives filled with love from above. 

I have seen how important it is to be "dressed" with the armour of LIGHT... and owe no man anything... but LOVE. 

LOVE from above covers over a multitude of sins. 

LOVE from above melts the heart of stone. 

LOVE from above works no ill to his neighbor.

LOVE from above looks beyond self and cares for the needs of others.

LOVE from above is made perfect in us when we abide in CHRIST.

LOVE from above casts out fear.

LOVE from above is the fulfillment of the law.

God is LOVE. He that dwelleth in LOVE dwelleth in GOD and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

"...because AS HE IS so ARE WE  in this world." (1 John 4:17)

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ and that through Him we can live. Help us to be filled with love from above, that we might bring glory to you. We are so thankful for your Word, that it is truth. Help us to be grounded in your Word. Work in our hearts that we would desire to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

" But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and make no provision for the flesh, 

to fulfill the lusts thereof." 

Romans 13:14

May you be encouraged to walk in humbleness of heart and to desire His Word above all else...

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

~Ellie

The LORD shall open unto thee His GOOD TREASURE....

" This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein..." Joshua 1:8

This morning while reading through Ephesians chapter 5, and while undergoing a trial that brought about unrest, I found joy and kindness from a loving Savior who desires to pour out His good treasure upon His children that hearken and obey His voice...

Such peace we gain from God's HOLY WORD... that I felt the need to write down a few points that encouraged my husband and I this morning....

Because it's not always easy to accept a trial in our lives with joyfulness... nor is it easy to give thanks for a hurt you are experiencing... I found God's gentle encouragement in His Word to be the nourishment we needed  this morning... to lift our eyes above the clouds and give thanks in ALL things.

Yes, God is faithful!

And so, chapter 5 of Ephesians was loaded with a list of reminders for us to follow...

...for just as in Joshua 1, if we observe to do according to God's Holy Word, ..." thy way shall be prosperous and thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8b

Encouragement that gave us rest from the unrest:

EPHESIANS 5

• Be ye therefore followers of God (v.1)
• Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us (v.2)
• Ye are LIGHT in the Lord, walk as children of light (v.8)
• See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (v.15)
• Redeem the time, because the days are evil (v.16)
• Be filled with the SPIRIT (v.18)
• Sing and make melody in your heart to the LORD (v.19)
• Give thanks ALWAYS for ALL things (v.20)
• Submit yourselves to one another (v.21)

If we think on the things above... the things below will slowly fade away.

Father, How gracious you are towards your people. You rejoice over us to do good to us when we obey you. Help us to serve you with joyfulness and gladness of heart for indeed you've poured your abundance upon us in all things.

May you be encouraged today to put your faith and hope in a God that changest not... a God that is mighty to save.
~Ellie

Will you not TREMBLE at MY PRESENCE?

" ... but yet I would have you WISE unto that which is GOOD, and simple concerning evil. " Romans 16:19

"... neither be partaker's of other men's sins; Keep thyself  PURE." 1 Timothy 5:22

Recently I came upon this verse in Romans, where we are instructed to be simple in the things that are evil. I thought upon this quite a bit, because oftentimes we can find ourselves dabbling in things that are not pure and righteous... and overlooking sin.

Evil surrounds us in all forms... we can easily be drawn to evil... and even place ourselves in the pathway of temptations unknowingly.

I find it comes easy for our minds to "soak up" things that our flesh desires... it can come through media, news, movies, books and all forms of evil practices. And sometimes we can find ourselves in the presence of evil company. But... 

Do we separate ourselves from these worldly passions? 

Are we aware of God's HOLINESS... and desire that we be simple concerning things that are evil? 

Do we fear GOD? 

Do we tremble at His presence? 

Do we run from evil... and seek that which is good?

We can easily clutter our minds with things that harm...

However, we are to  be wise unto that which is GOOD. We are to know God's Word..., for it has power to heal and cleanse... and teaches us the way we ought to walk.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 

and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." 

2 Corinthians 6:17

"I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand...." Jeremiah 15:17

" Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 

2 Timothy 2:19

Yes, we are to live in this world...but we are not of the world. The Lord Jesus sent us out into the world... and His prayer was that we would be kept from evil (John 17). 

Oh, to be innocent concerning all that is evil,

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless(innocent) as doves.

 Matthew 10:16

So in my thoughts, I went to Psalm 101... a perfect guide... for the application of God's precepts.... to help us in our walk:

PSALM 101:

IN REGARDS TO OUR OBEDIENCE

• I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. 
• I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
• I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.
• I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
• A froward heart shall depart from me: 
• I will not know a wicked person.

IN REGARDS TO GOD'S JUDGEMENT ON DISOBEDIENCE

• Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:
• Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
• He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house
• He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

AND GOD'S PROMISES TO THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY

• Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: 
• He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Lord, I pray that  I would be wise in the things that are GOOD, RIGHTEOUS and HOLY... 

...  to be aware of Your presence in my life, to acknowledge Your holiness and purity, to flee from unrighteousness...

... and be FAITHFUL to You.

May you be encouraged today to hide God's Word in your heart... to be wise in that which is GOOD... and innocent concerning evil.

~Ellie

"... He LOVED them to the end."

" If I then, your LORD and MASTER have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. " John 13:14

As I have started reading through the gospel of John for my daily Bible reading, I have been tremendously blessed by  it ...

 ... precious and comforting are the words of the Saviour's love for us. 

"Greater love hath no man than this, 

that a man lay down his life for his friends." 

John 15:13

Such sacrificial love... 

These past few months I've worked on memorizing Romans chapter 8. And since finishing the verses, I have looked for another passage that would strengthen my walk with the Saviour. For some reason I was drawn to memorize John 17, a chapter I've loved since childhood. 

The Lord's prayer to the Father always makes me teary... it never fails to remind me of Jesus' love for His disciples... and for  those of us who would eventually come to know Him. 

Reading the Lord's prayer has always brought about a renewed adoration for my Saviour... knowing He prayed for me with such tenderness. It comforts me to no end! 

Do you ever get touched when someone shows kindness to you... when someone cares for you? You know, those special times... when someone takes what matters most to you and bears the load with you. It's when you become so important to them, that they go the extra mile... to have patience and listen to you... to understand your fears, partake of your joys or simply make an effort to understand the trial you may be going through. It's those moments when you feel so loved... simply because someone has thought of you and placed your needs above theirs. 

Such love is only a minute glimpse into understanding the love our Lord Jesus had for us...

As much as we may feel loved and cared for by others from time to time, there are moments when even those that love us here on this earth...  fall short. We've all experienced it.

But it was never so with the Lord Jesus Christ... our need was always before Him. It was evident in His prayer to the Father...

He desired that I would be PROTECTED from the evil of this world.

He desired that I would be SANCTIFIED through the TRUTH.

He desired that I would have HIS JOY fulfilled in me.

HE desired that I would be ONE with HIM.

HE desired that HIS GLORY would be on me.

Oh, such love and tenderness... poured out moments before the Lord Jesus Christ would give His life as a ransom for my sins... for your sins.

As the Lord Jesus nears the end of His prayer to the Father, He asks the Father  a precious request... 

... a most precious request,

" Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, 

be with me where I am..." 

John 17:24

I'm always humbled that my life was of such utter importance to the Lord Jesus, that He would die for me... and with joy... endured the cross that I might dwell with Him for eternity.

Yes, the Lord Jesus was the perfect example of LOVE... the ONE who cared for and loved us... to the end! 

And He left us an example,

" Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; 

ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 

For I have given you an example, 

that ye should do as I have done to you. " 

John 13:13-15

Lord, help us to serve you and live for you... with humbleness and meekness of mind.... esteeming those around us above ourselves. 

May you be encouraged to follow the Lord's example... and love those around you a with servant's heart... all for His glory.

~Ellie

Let your loins be girded about, and your LIGHTS be burning.

" No man when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the LIGHT. " Luke 11:33

Have you ever wondered if the LIGHT in you is burning brightly? Can others see Christ living in you? Are you a witness for Him?

I asked myself these questions as I was meditating upon several verses in my daily Bible reading. 

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; 

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." 

Matthew 5:15

I was really struck when I read the verse again... the light... it gives light to ALL that are in the house.

For in a room, none can help but notice the light when it shines....

You know, I've known this verse since childhood.... heard it in Sunday School.. and heard it being preached upon. But recently I saw something a bit different, something I had missed before.

This LIGHT dwelling in us should give light to all that are in the house.

Have you thought about the importance... of being a light in our own homes... that our own family see Christ living in us? Sometimes we forget to shine brightly in our own homes... where those closest to us know us best. It's there, though, where it comes most easy to... simply dim the light, place it in a secret place... or even hide it.  We often become weary in well doing...

However, we are reminded to have our loins " girded about " and to keep our lights burning.

But I didn't stop there, because after being blessed by the verse in Matthew, encouraging me to shine brightly in my own home, I decided to look up the same verse in a different gospel...

" No man when he hath lighted a candle, 

putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, 

that they which come in may see the LIGHT. " 

Luke 11:33

Luke says it a bit different... that those who come in, ought to see the Light. We are to be a light even to those that come into our homes...

Do we shine and direct others towards the ONE who is the true Light?  Can those near and around us feel the warmth and see our lights burning brightly?

I realized one thing of importance...  when Christ rules in our lives...  when we are led by the Spirit... our lives will bring Light to those around us... 

... in our homes 
...and to those that come in.

The Light... Christ Jesus... the One who lights our candles.

What a blessed reminder that we are not to cover the light, so as to hinder its brightness or usefulness... but rather to be a vessel used of God... to bring light to those around us.

Oh, that our deeds might manifest His working in us. 

" But he that doeth truth cometh to the light 

that his deeds may be made manifest, 

that they are wrought in God." 

John 3:21

Could we, too, be a witness... as John the Baptist was for the coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST...

...and can the LORD GOD say the same of us?

" He was a burning and a shining light..." 

John 5:35

May you be encouraged to shine brightly in your home... that those therein and those coming in... may see Christ living in you.

~Ellie

And the servant of the Lord must not strive...

"... let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. " 2 Timothy 2:19

These past few days I've been thinking about my need to follow unto righteousness.... by putting aside iniquity and striving to be a vessel of honor unto the LORD. 

Iniquity comes in all forms... discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lying, evil thoughts, judging, etc.

A vessel of honor. Meet for the Master's use. Prepared for every good work.

 My thoughts have been much on a recent verse I read in Matthew, where it says,

" And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." 

Matthew 24:12

Why do we even allow iniquity to dwell in our hearts? Why do we even strive? Why do we want to be the greatest? And why do we not grow in love, rather than wax cold?

Is it because we do not purge away the "leaven" or evil from our lives... and depart not from that which is iniquity in God's eyes? 

Being a servant of the Lord requires that we flee from all that is unrighteousness... and pursue or follow after godliness. 

This of course means that we keep our peace even when we are being reviled. It's not easy... to not lash out when a comment is made against us. Our nature is such... that we want to defend ourselves. Yet we have the Lord Jesus Christ as a perfect example,

" For even hereunto were ye called: 

because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, 

that we should follow in His steps:... 

Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered He threatened not; 

but committed Himself to Him that judgesth righteously." 

1 Peter 2:21,23

How important it is for me to not render evil for evil, but rather bless... in humbleness. Being humble is probably the hardest thing to implement. And yet, if I am a child of God, I am called to be gentle unto all men... and in  meekness correct or instruct those that oppose.

 How often I find  myself correcting with an ungentle spirit. Or uttering that unkind word when hurt...

Only when I purge away the fleshly desires will I ever be a vessel of honor... meet for the Master's use... prepared for every good work.

... growing in love.

May you be encouraged live as a servant of the LORD... 

~Ellie

You are the GOD of heaven, not?

" Praise the LORD; for HIS mercy endureth forever."  2 CHRONICLES 20:21

While  meditating on the 20th chapter of second Chronicles, I was deeply touched at God's provision for His people. Even when the people were in the midst of fear from their enemies, God was merciful. At first glance, victory over the enemy was quite impossible... the numbers were against them. How often I find myself in the same situation... fearful in the hand of the enemy. But God reminds us to be still. He will fight for us... and win the battle!

In my thankfulness to God, I decided to jot down a poem of sorts. He is the God of heaven, is He not? He can do ALL things!

YOU ARE THE GOD OF HEAVEN, NOT?

*

When everything around us seems to sway

And fears arise within our hearts.

We see our strength can sometimes falter,

From many swift and flying darts.

*

And thus we find ourselves no longer strong

With things that come and cloud our way.

Amidst it all we lift our eyes on thee O Lord,

And bow accepting what ever may.

*

You are the God of heaven, not?

And in Thine hand is there not might?

We cry to Thee and Thou wilt hear

For we by faith shall live, and not by sight.

*

In our affliction Thou art always near,

You ask  of us to  just be still.

In truth , salvation comes from Thee,

And so we kneel and  bow before Thy  will.

*

You have  a plan to rescue us

Thy Word is true, we can be strong.

"The battle is not yours, but mine."

O Lord forgive, for we've been wrong!

*

We praise your name, O Lord

Our way's  established from all ill

To Thee be glory, praise and honor 

As we abide before Thee still.

*

In Thee is victory indeed,

Our battle has been won.

We put our trust and hope in Thee

To find all  fear is slowly gone. 

~Ellie 5/6/2014

May you know the God of heaven and rejoice that we have victory  through Him.

~Ellie