Tag Archives: the book of Ephesians

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“Don’t use foul or abusive language.  Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”  (Ephesians 4:29, NLT)

Researchers estimate that the average person speaks 16,000 words a day.

Each day, of course, has its own frustrations.  When challenged, do we go with the flow; cursing the situation or heaping abuse on others?  Or, do we choose words that create an island of hope and encouragement for others in the midst of the currents of hopelessness and discouragement?

How many of your 16,000 words today will you allocate to bring light, life, refuge, and encouragement to those who hear you?  – Luther

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“’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 4:26-27, NIV)

There are some things in life that ought to provoke us to anger.  However, remaining in a perpetual state of anger — even over situations that ought to make us angry — is a bad thing.

For the disciple of Jesus, anger has an expiration date: Sundown.

Deprive the devil of his foothold by turning your anger into a productive plan for good.  Pray to God for wisdom in how to address the situation in question.  Pray for those whose actions have offended your sense of fairness.  Give to God — by sundown — any residual anger in your heart.

Carrying anger past bedtime often means a sleepless night.  Bottling-up anger past its expiration allows it to fester into resentment, and to ferment into rage.

Better to rise to fight at dawn with a rested body; a clear mind; and a renewed spirit.   – Luther

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