Scripture Reading — Psalm 90:1-17Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.— Ephesians 5:15-16The apostle Paul urges Christians to live a life of wisdom and self-control. All Christians are called to be holy people
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 9:1-6Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.— Ephesians 5:8-10Every year at Christmastime we celebrate the birth of the Savior with many lights. These lights illuminate our
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:3-7Among 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.— Ephesians 5:3One major difficulty for many believers is to try to live up to the Bible’s high standard for puri
Scripture Reading — 1 John 4:7-12Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.— Ephesians 5:1-2John teaches that “God is love.” One of the clearest ways God has sh
Scripture Reading — Matthew 18:21-35Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.— Ephesians 4:32Nelson Mandela courageously fought against apartheid in South Africa. His actions led to wrongful convictions and time in prison because of political
Scripture Reading — Matthew 12:33-37Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.— Ephesians 4:31The Bible urges us to guard our hearts, for our actions flow from what is in our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). In our reading today, Jesus teaches that whate
Scripture Reading — James 3:1-12Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.— Ephesians 4:29A study showed that in order to cancel the devastating effects of one negative word,
Scripture Reading — Luke 10:25-37Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.— Ephesians 4:28Everyone knows what stealing is, and in all cultures stealing is considered shamefu
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:26-27“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.— Ephesians 4:26-27The Mossi make up the largest people group in Burkina Faso, where I live. They have a strict concept of self-control. They sa
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:22-25Speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.— Ephesians 4:25Social media has changed our world. Even in Burkina Faso, a fairly isolated country, the internet has made it much easier for people to connect with the rest of the world. This
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:33-37Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor. . . .— Ephesians 4:25Our readings for today instruct us to be honest with the people in our lives. Jesus speaks about this in terms of keeping oaths, and Paul urges us to speak truthfully. Th
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:20-24Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.— Ephesians 4:24At the invitation of a French church, one of my colleagues was able to travel to Europe. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him, but the very long flight was
