WHATSOEVER THINGS

WHATSOEVER THINGS

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Ephesians [GW] chapter 5 Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. … So then, be very careful how you live. Don't live like foolish people but like wise people. … don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. … Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  Yesterday I shared an abbreviated account of my following the Word and thereby being delivered from my recurring troublesome passive aggressiveness. In doing so I highlighted the truth that though God can; His deliverance is seldom miraculously provided. The norm is Sovereign Jehovah has provided His absolute wisdom to guide us; the Word living (Jesus) and written (The Bible). Beginning with Adam and Eve, God’s instruction always being ultra clear, deliverance is still primarily our responsibility. Deliverance grounded in Biblical thought followed by application in holy deeds of charity (love and mercy) and/or abstinence from the sins that so easily beset us. (Heb.12:1)

  If we are confused, the primary problem lies with us. I consider the oft heard marital debate of Ephesians chapter 5 as a prime example. Is it about marriage relationship between man and woman? Yes, but centering on that illustrative section of the chapter misses the real emphasis of the passage; determining what pleases God in all of our life. (5:10; again note Rom.12:1-3)

  Dear Ann in teaching female inmates was sometimes confronted with “But the Bible is so confusing, especially the 10 commandments.” She always smiled and as often did Jesus responded with question “What part of ‘Thou shalt not steal’ don’t you understand?”

  I am not saying I readily comprehend all about the Word, There is the obvious understanding, and then there is the work part that Paul wrote to Timothy about. (2Tim.2:15) This seen earlier as Job & Company invested much intellectual and emotional currency. As an elder with more flexibility of time than many of you have, I deeply sense my responsibility and privilege to do the work and invest in putting my gained understanding in daily shared words.

  Then, lest I center amiss, there is the reminders in the additional whatsoever things surrounding this keyboard. (While writing there is background sounds of laundry a-washing.)

EBB4