I want to live a fruitful life. I want my life to matter, to make a difference in people's lives and in our world. I expect this is true for you, also.
Last Thursday, I used the illustration of a lighthouse with its many prisms to help explain how you and I can be light in the world. We transmit the self-generating light of Jesus...
In yesterday's reflection, we saw how the imagery of darkness and light reflects Old Testament themes, beginning with creation and continuing through...
By using the imagery of darkness and light in this way, Ephesians weaves us into the biblical story, a story in which...
"Once upon a time . . . ." How do you feel when you read this phrase? Excited? Intrigued? Invited into an adventure? For centuries, stories have begun with this familiar phrase.
What do we mean when we say actions are right or wrong? What is the nature of the good? Is morality rational...
Have you ever asked yourself the question: Why be good? Perhaps you found yourself doing battle with enchanting temptation. The magnetism of sin was drawing you into its clutches.
Ephesians 5:6 delivers bad news. God's wrath is coming "on those who are disobedient." What should we think of this? How should...
In yesterday's reflection, we saw that "empty words" are those lacking truth. Such words promise life but lead to death. They appear to be wise but lead us in the path of foolishness. ...
As I considered Ephesians 5:6, I was struck by the phrase "empty words." This seems like such an apt phrase in our world today. Yet, obviously, empty words were a matter of concern...
What is your heart's desire? What do you want more than anything else in the world? What do you long for most of all? ...
When you first read Ephesians 5:5, you might wonder if this verse is a threat. Is Paul threatening us with exclusion from Heaven if we engage in sexual sin or greed? Is this...
"Words matter. So make your words count." ...
During my tenure at Irvine Presbyterian Church, the men of the church went on an annual retreat. Yes, there was plenty of...
I grew up in a culture that frowned upon swearing. In my family, I wasn't even supposed to say things like "Shut...
As we saw in yesterday's reflection, Ephesians 5:3 insists that sexuality immorality must not even be named among God's holy people. We who have been set apart by God for relationship with him and...
One of my favorite traffic signs appears in particularly busy sections of New York City. It reads: "Don't Even THINK of Parking Here." Not only does such a sign dissuade one from parking...
In yesterday's reflection, I noted that the transition in Ephesians 5:1-3 from love in the cross of Christ to the prohibition of...
The transition from Ephesians 5:2 to Ephesians 5:3 can feel like whiplash. One moment, we're asked to imitate God's love, remembering Christ's...
Before we leave Ephesians 5:1-2, I would like to say something about a recently published book that has received an undue amount of attention in the media. How Jesus Became God is the...
