Ephesians 5:18-21
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
What of Today’s Verse…
When someone is drunk, we talk about them being “under the influence.” When a person is a follower of Jesus, he or she should be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Paul lists fives ways that we fill ourselves with the Spirit. Four we would normally identify with worship.
Speaking to one another in song, singing, making music in our hearts, and giving thanks to God. Paul adds a fifth way to turn loose the Spirit in our lives: submitting to one another as part of our worship of Jesus. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I have not wanted to do each of those things, but in doing it with a genuine desire to honour the Lord, I find myself blessed and empowered in ways I would never have expected. But we shouldn’t be surprised: the Bible tells us that when we do these things, God’s Spirit fills us!
Let us Pray:
Loving Father, thank you for entering into me through the Holy Spirit. I am going to try to do all I can to worship you with my words and with my relationships, trusting that you will empower me with your Holy Spirit. Please help me see your presence and power in my life as I do these things. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Gift
Centred in God, I realize my life is a wonderful gift.
Each morning there is a gift on my pillow, waiting to be unwrapped. As soon as I open my eyes I see it–a bright new day has dawned. The best thing about this gift is that I get to make it whatever I choose.
I begin with gratitude, giving thanks for my life, my breath and the possibilities of a new beginning. I go about my activities with enthusiasm, noticing love and beauty and laughter. If a conflict arises, I bring what I choose to the situation. I add compassion, forgiveness and understanding.
Filled with gratitude for the joy of being alive, I conclude my day with prayer and meditation. I close my eyes and I am restored by a night of peaceful rest.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.–Psalm 118:24
