Ephesians Scriptures

This week I am reading through Ephesians. These are the scriptures God hit me over the head with today :)

• "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds (emphasis added); and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

Am I daily putting on Christ in the attitude of my mind? Or am I defaulting to the habitual way of thinking that still marks the 'old' me--the person I was before Christ? If the attitude of my mind does not reflect Christ, than I am allowing an old thought pattern to have its way. I can get control of the attitude of my mind if I intentional 'think on what I am thinking on' and pray immediately when my attitude begins to go sour in my mind!

• "Do 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32

Oh, that part of my body that gets me in trouble far too often--the tongue! This is something that is spoken about daily with one of my children, in particular. However, I believe this is a weak area in my child's life because God knows I SO need it too!!! Everytime I ask my child, 'Did those words you just chose to speak build up or tear down?', I feel the burning conviction of the Spirit wash over me anew! Also, thinking upon the 'bitterness' part this morning. If I allow frustration to 'hang around' in me over particular people or circumstances in my life, I am allowing a root of bitterness to grow. This will grow and grow and grow until it takes over. Instead, I need to pray at once over that person or circumstance and ask God to give me His heart for it/them.

• "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." Ephesians 5:15-17

Oh, I so want to make the most of every opportunity! I do not want to be foolish!

• Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Ephesians 5:4

While obscenity is not a weakness for me, sarcasm sure is! Oh, I am being convicted over my sarcasm, lately! I have been thinking about how 'humor' has changed so much over the years. Everytime I watch a 'classic' --movies from long ago--I am amazed at the contrast of the humor than vs. now. It used to be funny to watch someone get a pie thrown in his face, or trip over something. Now all of the humor in entertainment is directed at someone else (usually berating men, which is another post for another time). Sarcasm is everywhere today. Sarcasm is cold and cynical. Sarcasm is critical. It has erected a stronghold in my life and I want get rid of it!

These are the things the Lord is speaking to me about today--how about you?