Day 31 brings us to the book of Ephesians.. One of the key ideas in the book of Ephesians is “purpose.” Paul, the author of Ephesians, begins in chapter 1 by displaying God’s divine purpose. He then prays that Christians may realize God’s purpose. Chapters 2-3 show steps toward fulfillment of God’s purpose. And chapters 4-6 show practical ways to fulfill God’s purpose in the church.

It is in this last section that I want us to focus today, particularly Ephesians 5:8-10.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”

Look at that last phrase again: “find out what pleases the Lord.” Whenever we talk mission, vision, strategic planning as a church, this is what we are talking about. What does God love? What does God value? These are mission and vision type questions. How do we become transformed to the point where we love what God loves and value what God values? These are strategic planning questions.

And God, through Paul, tells us how to go about answering them: “Live as children of light…and find out what pleases the Lord.” He will go on to further define this in the following verses:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
God wants His people to do what pleases Him.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
Jesus brings light to my life. Today I will seek to live as a child of light and discover what pleases the Lord.

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