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
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:17-19I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.— Ephesians 4:17In some translations of the Bible, this passage tells us not to live “as the pagans do.” That term “pagans” might mak
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:14-16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.— Ephesians 4:16Our body is controlled by our head (not the other way around). Our head is the coordinating center of ou
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 13:1-13We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching. . . .— Ephesians 4:14Many societies in the world today tend to neglect elderly people. They often focus on youth, innovation, and the desire
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 12:1-3Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service. . . .— Ephesians 4:11-12Theologians sometimes speak about a difference between the church on earth and the church in heaven. Christ h
Scripture Reading — Acts 1:6-11He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.— Ephesians 4:10An African proverb says, “If a blind man says he will throw a stone at you, he probably has his foot on one.” In other words, don't underestim
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 4:7-11To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.— Ephesians 4:7A story is told in Africa about a proud politician. This senior official had his own driver but did not treat him well. On a business trip he stopped at a restaurant and enjoyed a full me
Scripture Reading — Ecclesiastes 4:7-12There is . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.— Ephesians 4:4-6Citizens of the same country have many things in common. For example, they share the same territory, language, and history. I
Scripture Reading — Mark 10:35-45There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. . . .— Ephesians 4:4On August 4, 1983, Thomas Sankara, a young military captain, and his supporters took power in the country of Upper Volta and renamed it Burkina Faso. Four
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:1-12Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.— Ephesians 4:3Many countries in West Africa have been dealing with armed conflict in recent years. Even so, peace is deeply rooted in our traditions. In the past, each community had an offi
Scripture Reading — Luke 19:1-10Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.— Ephesians 4:2In Jesus’ day people despised the local tax collectors for collaborating with the Romans, who had taken over their nation. The tax collectors could also overcharge people in o
