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

"... that we should not trust in ourselves, but in GOD..."

" Who DELIVERED us from so great a death, and DOTH DELIVER: in whom we trust that HE WILL YET DELIVER us." 2 Corinthians 1:10

Do you ever find yourself trusting in yourself? Trusting in your own wisdom or abilities? How often we tend to rely on our own wisdom...

I was so blessed this morning, to read the first chapter of 2 Corinthians, and find strength for the day. How wonderful to be reminded that we ought NOT to trust in ourselves... but  rather in our GOD, who raiseth the dead!

Who can bring life? Who can make the dead to rise? Who can make the blind to see, the deaf to hear? Who can comfort the downcast? Who calms the storm and makes the waves to be still?

Yes, the LORD... HE alone makes all these things to be accomplished.  

He delivered us...

He does deliver us...

AND

He will yet  deliver us...

" Blessed be GOD, 

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the FATHER OF MERCIES, 

and 

the GOD OF ALL COMFORT; "

 2 Corinthians 1:3

How good to be reminded of God's power in our own lives...  for with the comfort that we are comforted, we can comfort those around us. 

Oh, the privilege to pray for the afflictions of those around us, that they too would be strengthened and comforted... that in the end, our/their thanksgiving would bring glory to GOD. 

" Ye also helping together 

by prayer for us, 

that for the gift bestowed (given) upon us

 by means of many persons 

thanks may be given 

by many on our behalf."   

2 Corinthians 1:11

Indeed, God is true... and His promises are yea... and in Him Amen! (verses 18,20)

Our gracious Father, thank you for being merciful and true. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving for the comfort with which you comfort us with. Help us to comfort those around us, that glory would be given thee. Soften our hearts, control our tongues, and place your Word in us, that Christ may be Lord of our lives.

May you be comforted today to know that God is ever merciful.

~Ellie

But thanks be unto GOD, which gives us the victory...

" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE, always ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is NOT IN VAIN in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Some months ago I read a verse that has stayed with me for a great while. And this morning I was thinking about it... and thought how needful it is for us, that we be not weary in well doing. 

I thought about the military men and women, the firefighters, the policemen and all those who have given their lives for us,... so  that we might have freedom here on earth. Those that have put their lives in harm's way. Yes, we should be most thankful for the people that gave their lives for us...  

And yet, I thought of the verse that spoke to me months ago:

" Men that have hazarded their lives 

for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

 Acts 15:26

Yes, to risk our lives,

... for the furtherance of the gospel, 

... for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

... that others might have eternal freedom.

How important it is that we would be devoted to serving our LORD GOD... in good times and in bad... for HE has indeed given us reason to rejoice. The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the ONE who offered/gave His life willingly for us... that we might know the only TRUE GOD and have eternal life. 

Oh, that our desire would be for those around us to know the LORD JESUS CHRIST.... that we would be steadfast, unmoveable... always abounding in the work of the Lord.

For indeed He gives us the victory to overcome whatever comes our way, so that His glory might be seen in us and through us.

And so this morning I was encouraged to sing a hymn as a reminder to serve Him in all I do or say.

May The Mind Of Christ My Savior Live In Me From Day To Day

1

May the mind of Christ my Savior

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and pow’r controlling

  All I do and say.

2

May the Word of Christ dwell richly

In my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph

  Only through His pow’r.

3

May the peace of Christ my Savior

Rule my life in every thing,

That I may be calm to comfort

  Sick and sorrowing.

4

May the love of Jesus fill me,

As the waters fill the sea;

Him exalting, self abasing,

  This is victory.

5

May I run the race before me,

Strong and brave to face the foe,

Looking only unto Jesus

  As I onward go.

6

May His beauty rest upon me

As I seek the lost to win,

And may they forget the channel,

  Seeing only Him.

Lord, help us to be devoted to you... that the gospel may not be maligned, but rather be seen in us.

May you be encouraged to stand strong amidst the trials... knowing victory is in the Lord's hands.

~Ellie 

Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear...

" Wherefore gird up the loins OF YOUR MIND, be sober, and HOPE TO THE END for the GRACE that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

How often I forget the reason for my existence and the purpose for my life on this earth. More often than not, I tend to lose sight of God's reason for placing me on this earth. It's not that I'm not aware of His purpose in my life, but I find my mind  preoccupied too much with the "cares of the world" ... and too little glorifying God. Way too little...

How thankful I am for God's Word that brings me back to the light. Reading through 1 Peter, I was once again encouraged to fix my eyes on the things above.

I am reminded that,

... my existence isn't to fulfill my own pleasures.

... my existence isn't that I run around seeking to fulfill "my life's ambitions".

... my existence isn't for worldly gain.

... my existence isn't that I "be the best that I can be" in the eyes of the world. 

No, my existence is purely to GLORIFY GOD and give HIM PRAISE in all that I do. 

I am to remember that HE brought salvation to my soul and turned me from the pit of darkness to His glorious light.

" But you are a CHOSEN people, a ROYAL priesthood, and HOLY nation, 

His OWN SPECIAL people; 

that ye should shew forth the praises of Him 

who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

1 Peter 2:9

And so I was thankful this morning for the reminder to:

1) Gird up the loins of my mind,

     ... and be prepared for action. 

                 ( 1 Pet.1:13)

2) Pass the time of my sojourning here on earth... in fear,

    ... laying aside all forms of malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speakings. 

                         (1 Pet.1:17/ 2 Pet.2:1)

3) Believe in God.

     ... that my HOPE and FAITH might be in God. 

                        (1 Pet.1:21)

The Word of God says it best in Ecclesiastes,

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; 

Fear God, and keep His commandments, 

for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgement, 

with every secret thing, 

whether, it be good, or whether it be evil. " 

Ecclesiastes 12:13,14

Lord how we need you! Remind us of your purpose for our lives... and remove from us any selfish ambitions that lead to death. Help us to walk by your Spirit... in the light of your Word. 

May you be encouraged today to "desire the sincere(pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."... honoring and glorifying God.

~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

...God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

" Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee." Psalm 73:25

Have you ever felt a longing to be with the Lord? Do you find Him the perfect Friend that you depend on... at all times?

I know sometimes we get caught up with the things here below. We find ourselves looking unto others to fulfill our needs. But I wonder how often we really, truly find ourselves seeking the Lord... as Psalm 42:1 says it so well,

"  as a deer panteth after the water brooks..."

Can I truly say, 

"... so panteth my soul after Thee , O God."

I've been thinking much on this verse. I know most of us know it quite well... maybe we can even quote it to others.  But I find myself  "knowing"  too much and when it comes to applying what I know, well, I admit I often fail. 

Yet I am most grateful to the Lord... 

The Lord is gracious, and in His tenderness comforts, encourages and speaks to me from His word... drawing me ever so close to Him. He reminds me of His precious promises and His work on my behalf... that I might be renewed in mind and conformed to His image. 

He takes care of what needs to be accomplished in my life and I don't need to worry about what He thinks of me... for He already knows my thoughts... and who I am.

Indeed He truly is my faithful Friend. The One who I depend on. The One who never changes. The One who I run to... in sorrow or in joy.

My desire is to have my soul pant after my Savior... to give Him praise and to long for Him with fervency.

A few days ago I heard a lovely song on the radio while walking around town...  it blessed me, and I hope it blesses you as well. I also saw a lone turkey wondering the streets... I thought how lost and confused it was. How thankful I am that when I am "lost and confused" I have a most blessed Savior who watches over me... a most blessed Friend.

“Jesus, Savior, Blessed Friend” 

Whom have I, O Lord, beside you? What have I except your love?

Where is home if not for heaven, there to dwell with you above?

Who are you, if not my Savior? Who am I if not your own?

What are you if not my shelter, Christ my rock and cornerstone?

Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will love you without end.

Who will share my earthly sorrow? Who will heal my broken heart?

Who will hold my life together when it seems to fall apart?

When the fears are far too many, and the joys are far too few,

Who will comfort and defend me? Only you, Lord, only you.

Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will trust you without end.

Where, O Lord, when life is over, can I go, but home to you?

What have I except the promise where you are I shall be too?

When at last I reach the comfort of that bright celestial place,

There with joy will I behold you, gaze upon your glorious face.

Jesus, Savior, heavenly friend, I will praise you without end.

by Deborah Govenor

May you know the  Lord Jesus Christ as your very own  personal Friend... " Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."  John 15:14

~Ellie

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

" And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things; may abound to every good work. " 2 Corinthians 9:8

God's Gift. Abundant Grace. All sufficiency. 

Have you ever marveled at God's provision for you? How God is able to make all grace abound toward you? 

I often think how God's provisions to me are minimized by my lack of thanksgiving.  I go through the day focusing on things not being met... because I either ask for the wrong things... or I don't trust my Heavenly Father. 

And the thing is...  He knows exactly what I am in need of. 

God supplies for my every  need.

And in supplying, He equips me for every good work.

" Now He that ministereth(supplieth) seed to the sower 

both minister(supply) bread for your food, 

and multiply your seed sown, 

and increase the fruits of your righteousness, " 

2 Corinthians 9:10

The heavenly Father supplies...

... the seed needed,

... the bread for your food,

... and multiplies the seed sown,

... and increases the fruits of righteousness.

How equipped we are with God's unspeakable gift towards us!

Enriching us in everything... so that we might overflow in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father.

" being enriched in every thing,

 to all bountifulness, 

which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." 

2 Corinthians 9:12

How thankful I am for God's provisions to me... that I might walk worthy of His name... being fruitful in every good work.

May you be encouraged to have a thankful heart... for God's unspeakable gift to 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