Read chapter in full: www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/online-bible/niv/ephesians/5/cuvs/

 

EPHESIANS CHAPTER 5  (ESV)

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

 Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

 

¹ Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ² And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. ⁵ For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not become partners with them; ⁸ for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), ¹⁰ and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. ¹³ But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, ¹⁴ for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

 

Reflection

1. Paul continued on the subject of walking in a manner worthy of the calling, he urged them to follow God’s example and live loving (v1), holy lives (v2-14), responsive to the Holy Spirit (v15-18) and to one another (v19-20). Christlikeness is especially to be demonstrated by mutual submission in the Christian home (v21-33).
2. We are encouraged to follow the example set by God himself. This would be impossible if it were not for the fact that we are his “beloved children” (v1). As God’s children, his own life is planted deep within us. Because of this new life, it is now possible for us to actually be like God or to become like God. Therefore, we are to decide if we will become what we are in Christ, or if we will settle back down into living a mere human life.
3. Stay quietly for a few moments dwell on the words “imitator of God”. What comes to mind, Excitement? Joy? Shame? Disappointment? Frustration? Fear?  Talk to God about it. 
4. Talk to God as a child to a father. Tell him how you would like to imitate him.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you. 

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv1-2 only.)

 Paul encouraged Christians to follow God’s example.  Play the “Mirror Game”. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeCR6-hGx0Y Talk about the game and what each has learned about it.  Pray that Holy Spirit will help each one to follow God’s example in your lives.

 

Proverbs for Today 21:29-31

²⁹ A wicked man puts on a bold face,
    but the upright gives thought to his ways.
³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
³¹ The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.