Ephesians -

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:10-18

I heard this song for the first time in church yesterday morning. It seemed so appropriate following my reading of the armor of God last week. It is all because Jesus is alive that this armor of God is available to me.

http://youtu.be/cTFHMgbmsgU&w=500

Can’t see the video in your email or RSS reader?

What are your thoughts on the armor of God? On our study of Ephesians in general? Share in the comments or add a link to your post on Ephesians. See link up guidelines and grab a button.

Journey Through Ephesians – Authority, Obedience, and Reward

Amanda Pelser — April 1, 2012 — 6 Comments

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8

This week, I have just some random thoughts from this passage… I couldn’t wrap it up nice and neat. So here it is, just thrown out that for you to digest:

Obey authority as if I were obeying God.

Remember I’m obeying God, not man.

It’s a heart attitude.

Do good in everything.

God will reward me, but it may not be in the way I expect.

Keep my focus on following God and serving Him.

What are your thoughts obedience, authority, and reward? Share in the comments or add a link to your post on Ephesians. See link up guidelines and grab a button.

In Ephesians, Faith authority, Bible, Ephesians, obedience, reward, scripture, submission

Journey Through Ephesians – Love, Respect, and Submission

Amanda Pelser — March 25, 2012 — 6 Comments

Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband
Ephesians 5:33

Love and respect go together. A husband is to love his wife. A wife is to respect her husband. Part of respect is submission. That’s an ugly word in our society today.

I wish I had eloquent words to describe submission. But I don’t. But, I do have a friend who has been in the trenches of marriage. And she hit the nail on the head regarding submission.

… I have a theory?that?s one of the reasons so many marriages are ending in divorce.

You see, the world has it upside down.

The wife is not supposed to be in charge. The husband is.

I will admit, when I read that the first time and someone attempted to discuss that very idea with me?.I walked away. Who were they? I mean, I didn?t need/want to depend on a man. Because?I?M A WOMAN!

Go read the rest of Rebecca’s post on submission at Mom’s Mustard Seeds.

What are your thoughts on love, respect, and submission? Share in the comments or add a link to your post on Ephesians. See link up guideliness and grab a button.

In Ephesians, Faith Bible, Ephesians, love, respect, scripture, submission

Journey Through Ephesians – Be Mindful of Every Day

Amanda Pelser — March 19, 2012 — Leave a comment

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17

The wise vs. the fool. The fool wastes time and follows his own desires. The wise man makes the best of every day and seeks God’s will.

How am I using my days? Am I being wise or foolish with my time?

I need to be mindful of how I spend every day of my life, using them to do God’s will. {<— Click to Tweet}

How are you using your days?

In Ephesians, Faith Bible, Ephesians, scripture

Journey Through Ephesians – Let My Words Meet Needs

Amanda Pelser — March 11, 2012 — 1 Comment

Journey Through Ephesians at ThePelsers.com

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

What words come out of your mouth?

Do your words tear people down? Or do your words build others up?

Some translations use the word edification to describe the purpose of our words. Edification, according to dictionary.com means: uplifting, improving, or guiding.

God, let my words uplift, improve, and guide others, meetings their needs of the moment. <—- click to tweet this

How are you using your words?

In Ephesians, Faith Bible, Ephesians, GoodMorningGirls.org, scripture