Category: Blog

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Proverbs 18:24

“Are Friends, really friends forever.”

September 19, 2023

We’ve all had friends in our lives. Some are what we call best friends. We keep in touch with them through the years, and they are there when you need them.

Some friends are temporary; they are in our lives for a period of time, and then they are gone. This doesn’t make them bad friends. But, sometimes, circumstances cause separation. It might be distance or even walks of life, but they were in our lives for a time and a purpose.

Then there are those we might refer to (as the scripture says) as unreliable friends. There are many we considered friends that are no longer in our lives. At some point, for some reason, they have distanced themselves from us. I’ve found this happens with age. As we get older, the people we thought were friends are no longer there for us or have little or no time for us.

We are Blessed that there is someone who is always there for us, and we can call a friend.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

Let’s understand something. Many of us have earthly friends who are there for us through thick and thin.

The friend the verse from Proverbs is speaking of is Jesus. Yes, we’ve all heard and even sung the song, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” But Jesus is much more than that. He’s always there for us, no matter what. He won’t let us down (although, at times, we all believe He does); Jesus is always there for us and always listens to us.

It would be rather arrogant of us to believe we are always right and always have the correct answers. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that’s just not true. Jesus knows what’s best for us and when it’s the right time for Him to answer our prayers.

Feeling alone? Do you feel like you have no friends and no one cares about you? First of all, that is not true. Whether you realize it or not, there are people in this world who care about you.

But when those moments of the blues engulf you, and you feel you’re all alone, just remember:

You will always have a friend in Jesus. He’s in your corner and will never leave it.

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Romans 8:35-39

“Nothing can separate us from God’s love.”

September 17, 2023

I imagine we’ve all felt separated from God at one time or another in our lives. Tragedy hits, someone dies, a family member becomes deathly ill, or we may even lose our job. Then, we ask the question, “Where’s God in all this.”

How can we not ask that question? So many negative things occur to us throughout our lives. The important thing is to get past our earthly problems and know that God is by our side.

I’ve been retired from full-time ministry for over 6 ½ years. During that time, my wife Kathy was diagnosed with progressive M.S. She had surgery to remove a foot of her bowel for pre-cancerous lesions. Yet, through all of that, she remained faithful.

Since my retirement, I’ve had 6 surgeries and other illnesses. I can’t say I recall saying, “There is no God; if there was, He wouldn’t allow this to happen.”

Actually, quite the opposite has happened. I may moan and groan occasionally, but my faith is just as strong, if not stronger than it was 6 ½ years ago.

God is always with us, no matter what. And we need to remember that.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake, we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Psalm 44:22)

No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:35-39

In his book, James says:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James 1:2-3 

James tells us that trials (such as illness or death of a loved one) test our faith, but this faith gives us “perseverance” to keep our eye on the prize. That prize is life eternal with Jesus.

Romans 8:35-39 speaks to this issue in a broader context. Nothing can separate us from the “Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Although many hardships will come our way, you and I must be strong and persevere over them.

Yes, we will have problems in this world, and sometimes they may seem never-ending. But nothing can separate us from the love of God, that is, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I said earlier, we all have problems in this world. Many of you have had many more than the ones I mentioned earlier that have assailed my family. Never give up. Know that God loves you and will help you through all of them.

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Luke 19:1-10

“We’re all lost until we find Jesus.”

September 7, 2023

If the pictures above don’t paint a thousand words, then I’ll come right out and tell you. I lost my cell phone again. When I say again, I’m talking about multiple losses in the last few years.

About five years ago, I left my wife’s and my cell phones on top of the car. About halfway to our destination, I heard a noise outside the vehicle. That’s when I remembered I had left our cell phones on top of the car. After over an hour of searching on Highway 528 in Cape Canaveral, I found them. Kathy’s was in one piece and only slightly damaged because it was in its case. On the other hand, Mine was not so lucky; it was in two pieces and destroyed.

About a year ago, once again, I left my phone on the top of my car. It fell off as I was turning onto the entrance once again to Highway 528. I was going the other way this time, and I never recovered it.

Finally, this past Sunday, my wife and I went to church, and I put my phone in the Bible holder in the pew. After church, we stopped at the supermarket on the way home from church when I realized I didn’t have my phone. I drove back to church but couldn’t find it. Over the next 24 hours, an elder looked for my phone, as well as my Pastor and his wife. No luck. I guess I left it on the car again, and it fell off. I now have a new phone, once again. My phone was lost, but I found a new one at the Boost store.

I am sharing my phone story to tell you this. I, like most of you, was lost at one time, and then I was found.

I’m talking, of course, of being a lost human until I found Jesus. That may seem a bit cliché, but it’s true. We were all lost at one time or another. Some of us have found our way, others have not. Here’s an example from the book of Luke.

“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 

“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house Today.” So, he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:1-10

We’ve all heard this story before. From the time we were in Sunday school to a Sunday sermon, we all know about Zacchaeus. He was the lowest of the low in the eyes of the people; Zacchaeus was “A Tax Collector.”

Tax Collectors were known to cheat the citizens, and Zacchaeus came right out and admitted it.

“Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

We don’t know what transpired at Zacchaeus’ home, nor do we know what was said. But we do know that Zacchaeus became a believer that day. He repented of his sins and became a follower of Christ.

Jesus himself was overjoyed. He said, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

If you take the time to read the Gospels, you’ll find numerous incidents of sinners repenting and becoming followers of Jesus.

We all lose things. Sometimes, we find them; other times, like me and my lost phone(s), we don’t find them (At least not in good condition).

No matter what earthly thing we have lost, we can never lose Jesus. We may have lost our way, but He is always there, willing to welcome us with open arms.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 6:10-20

“God Defensive and Offensive Weapons.”

August 25, 2023

In today’s final lesson from the book of Ephesians, Paul discusses the “Full Armor of God.”

On a secular level, he’s describing the standard armor of a Roman soldier. But spiritually, Paul is talking about something entirely different. He speaks of five defensive pieces of armor that the Roman soldiers wore and one that was offensive.

Let’s take a look at Paul’s description of the “Full Armor of God” in detail.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and, after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the (gospel of peace). In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6 10-20

As I mentioned earlier, five of the six pieces of armor Paul mentions are defensive. The soldier’s belt, breastplate, and feet which are fitted with the proper kind of footwear for battle, shield, and helmet. Each of these five pieces of armor are attached to a soldier’s body, while his sword (the sixth piece of armor mentioned) is either carried in his hand or kept close in a scabbard.

“A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword, dagger, knife, or similar edged weapon.”

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scabbard)

It’s noteworthy to ask why Paul uses a Roman soldier’s armor as an example. Actually, there’s a good reason. First of all, Roman soldiers were everywhere in Paul’s day, so they were relatable. Second, Paul used each part of a Roman soldier’s protective armor as an example of how Gentiles should stave off attacks by the devil.

Truth, righteousness, gospel (foot protection), faith, and salvation are all part of what Christ has done for us. These are our defenses against the devil’s attack.

But that’s only five pieces of armor. Those are our defenses against Satan’s attacks. The sixth piece of armor is an offensive weapon.

“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

“Armed with this, he (a Christian) he not only can defend himself but go on the offensive as well, for the Word is:”

(Peoples Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p.217)

“Living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and Spirit, joints and marrow.”

(Hebrews 4:12)

Of course, we find God’s Word in the Bible.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

2 Timothy 3:16

Paul concludes the book of Ephesians talking about prayer.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Finally, Paul ask us to pray in two ways.

First, he tells us that we should lift up all kinds of prayers and requests through God’s Holy Spirit. There are no limits to what we can pray for. As I’ve mentioned before, we may not necessarily like God’s answer, which, at times, is no answer at all. But, we should pray. And Paul distinctly tells the Ephesians and us to pray for all the Lord’s people. In other words, it’s not all about you!

Then Paul asked for the people of Ephesus to pray for him. At this time, Paul is writing from Rome, where he is under house arrest. Although he is in chains, he will continue preaching, teaching, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for following my overview of the book of Ephesians. May the Lord open your mind, ears, eyes, and heart to all the wonder and love He has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joe Guagliardo

(Joe G.)

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 6:1-9

“Honor and Obey.”

August 23, 2023

The Bible first tells us about honoring our parents in the Ten Commandments.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 5:16

Paul repeats this commandment once again In Ephesians 6:1-3:

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Paul doesn’t just tell the Ephesians and us to honor our parents, but to do it:

“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Paul is not telling us that our parents will beat us bloody if we disobey them. But he is saying that we face God’s wrath by not honoring and obeying our parents.

“The benefits of our obedience are many. In Proverbs 3:1-2, we are told that obedience will lead to a long and prosperous life. Additionally, in Ephesians 6:1-3, we are told that obedience is a sign of respect and honor. Obeying our parents will result in God’s blessing.

The consequences for disobedience are also significant. In Exodus 20:12, we are told that disobedience will result in a shortened life. When we disobey our parents, we are disobeying God and breaking his commandments.”

https://www.biblelyfe.com/blog/20-bible-verses-about-obeying-your-parents

In today’s reading, Paul discusses being obedient and honorable to parents and how parents should treat their children.

Finally, as it was prevalent and part of the society in Ephesus, Paul discusses how slaves should be obedient to their masters. There is also an expectation that the Master will respectfully treat his or her slaves.

Let’s take a look at today’s verses.

 “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (6:3 Deut. 5:16)

Fathers,6:4 Or Parents do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

Ephesians 6:1-9

As I already discussed the section on children obeying and honoring their parents, let us move on to the next section.

Fathers,6:4 Or Parents do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

The dictionary definition of exasperate is:

“Irritate and frustrate (someone) intensely.”

“Temperamental outbursts and undue harshness on the part of parents can do harm to tender souls.”

(People’s Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p. 209)

Instead of frustrating our children, Paul calls upon the Galatians and us to:

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

The Greek word for training implies discipline and correction. Sure, there are times when “We’ve had it” with our kids. But, if we discipline and correct them properly and bring them up in a Godly household, we will hopefully have success in their upbringing.

Finally, Paul discusses slaves and masters. Obviously, as Christians, we don’t believe in slavery. And, you’ll notice that Paul neither condemns nor condones slavery. But it needs to be addressed as Paul is speaking to new Christians in writing to the Ephesians. This includes slave and Master.

Although slavery was a way of life, both slave and Master needed to be treated in a Christian manner.

Paul tells the slaves to:

Obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Earthly slavery is a temporary circumstance. Paul is telling slaves to make the best of it. And by obeying, respecting, and fearing their earthly masters, their heavenly reward is much better than any earthly reward they could receive.

At the same time, Paul doesn’t forget the masters.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”

Paul tells the Galatian Christian slave owners to treat their slaves with respect. God in heaven is the Master of both slave and slave owners. He shows no favoritism towards either one. His expectations toward one group of people are the same as they are toward another.

“Everything will be properly sorted out on judgment day.”

(People’s Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p. 212)

(Read Matthew 25:31-46; The Sheep and the Goats)

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 5:1-20

“Love and Respect.”

August 20, 2023

Here’s something I found very interesting. When I Googled the word submit, many definitions from different sites came up. But, when I Googled images of the word submit, none of them had anything to do with being submissive to another.

All of the icons referred to submitting something. For instance, you might submit a manuscript for a book. You may also submit your homework or application for any number of things.

As Americans, we as a people don’t like to submit to others. We often see it on the news, where someone won’t submit to the authorities. Perhaps you don’t like the rules at your job and don’t want to submit to them. And, if you look back at the 1930s and 40s, we definitely were not going to submit to tyranny.

And then there’s marriage. Our country’s divorce rate is more than 50%. We are a very independent society and do not like to submit to each other.

But someone has to be in charge. You and I are not the President, a member of  Congress, and most of us are not police officers.

In today’s reading, Paul says the same thing about marriage. Someone has to be in charge. Yet look at the first line in today’s reading:

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Let’s take a look at today’s reading in its entirety.

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the Church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the Church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the Church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.“

Ephesians 5:21-33

During my years in ministry and beyond, I’ve known many women and men who dislike this passage. Many people feel it puts women subservient to men. The passage depicts men as the head of the household. I think we all know that this is not always true.

As I said earlier, the first line of this passage says:

“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

In a marriage, we all (both men and women) have responsibilities. Many times, those responsibilities are dictated by life’s circumstances. In my home, I guess one might say I needed to assume being the head of household even more so after my wife was diagnosed with M.S. In the years since Kathy’s diagnosis, my household responsibilities have dramatically increased due to the decline of her physical abilities. But we still discuss expenses, bill paying, and our financial future. In “our” household, we still pray together, and Christ comes first, or at least we strive for that.

“Otherwise, we will find the responsibilities irksome and restrictive.”

(People’s Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p.188)

It’s essential to understand what is important and the order of importance.

Or as Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler, said:

God comes first

Family comes second

Work comes third

And everything else comes after that.

(Quote on motivational radio, 1980s)

I’ve said all the above to help you to understand that every household is different by necessity.

This passage needs to be considered whole, not in pieces. Paul is not saying a woman should be a man’s slave. In so many words, Paul is telling women to let the man assume the leadership role in the family. Again, we all know that is not always possible or feasible.

Now look at what Paul goes on to say:

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 

I cannot read and see this passage other than a man putting his wife on a pedestal. No, a husband isn’t supposed to worship his wife. But, she should be very important to him. If a man is emulating Christ in His love for the Church:

“Christlike leadership leaves absolutely no room for a husband to be a dictator or tyrant. As he looks to Christ’s example of headship over the Church, he will find no basis to be selfish or domineering.”

(People’s Bible Commentary, Galatians/Ephesians, P.p.205)

Every team (even a marriage) needs a leader. At times, once again, because of circumstances that leadership may change. But Paul is saying, out of our reverence for Christ, the man should take the lead role (whenever that is possible).

Of course, this passage is speaking of a traditional family. But we all know that many families are single-parent households, and tradition gets thrown out the window. There are many families in this country and world where there is no father head due to any number of circumstances. The most important thing to remember, no matter what your family looks like, is always make God the most important thing in your home.

Paul speaks about several things a man and a woman should do. But his final statement really seals the deal.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Love and respect. A man should love his wife, as he does himself. And the wife must respect her husband. Their relationship may be give and take, but ultimately a marriage is strong because of Christ in the home and a man and woman’s love and respect for each other.

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 5:1-20

“A Fragrant Offering.”

August 18, 2023

There’s nothing quite as good as the fragrance of a pie in the oven. The aroma reaches throughout the house and just makes you say, “Ahhh.” The above photo is of a blueberry pie I made on Thursday.

I must say it didn’t disappoint. The taste was every bit as good as the aroma.

Another calming aroma is the smell of a scented candle. As you can see in the picture below, Kathy and I have a lot of scented Yankee Candles. Actually, what you see in the photo doesn’t include all of the candles we have throughout the house. Our favorite scents are the fragrances available in the fall and around Christmas (my favorite is the Balsam and Cedar candle; it’s like being in the middle of a tree farm every time you light it.)

In today’s reading from Ephesians, Paul talks about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross being a, “Fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

“The Lord offered Himself to redeem mankind from our sins. This is why Paul calls Jesus a fragrant offering because Jesus was indeed a pleasing fragrance being offered to the Father. In the Old Testament, individuals had to provide sin offerings repeatedly because they would continue to sin.”

ibelieve.com/faith/why-does-ephesians-52-call-jesus-a-fragrant-offering.

Yes, Jesus was a fragrant offering that God the Father finds pleasing. That’s Paul’s speaking the Gospel of love. But then, he continues with some stern warnings about Christian living. Let’s look at today’s passage and some of Paul’s cautions.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

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. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:1-20

After Paul speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice and what a fragrant offering He is, he jumps into Christian Living again. Paul begins by directly talking about sexual immorality.

But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.

Paul dives right into sexual immorality. Some of the things he says may seem obscure. But Paul isn’t speaking of just sex outside the boundaries of marriage. He also speaks of obscenity, coarse joking, and foolish talk.

Paul says:

No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater

Paul takes on the second commandment and ties it to the sixth. If people are consistently sexually immoral, impure, and greedy and that makes them, or us, idolaters.

Acting in this manner leaves you open to God’s wrath. And as the Galatians/we disobey God in this manner, there is no room for them in His world.

Paul continues to encourage the Galatians and us to live Godly lives and act in a way that is pleasing to God. Unfortunately, so many people don’t live up to God’s expectations.

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. 

This section reminds me so much of the “Parable of the Sower.”

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still, other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop a hundred times more than was sown.”

Luke 8:5-8a

Paul is encouraging us to be more like the good seed.

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

Luke 8:15

Again, Paul returns to how we should praise God in all things.

Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul encourages everyone to take the time to understand God’s will for them.

Interestingly Paul tells the Galatians, as well as all of his readers, not only to not get drunk, or filled up with spirits, as we now refer to alcoholic beverages. This leads to debauchery, which is:

Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.

(Oxford Dictionary)

So, Paul comes full circle, once again speaking of the 6^th commandment.

Instead of filling our bodies with spirits, we should allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we do this, we will praise God in every form (song, praise, and worship) for everything He has done for us. Especially for he fragrant offering of His Son, Jesus, as a living sacrifice for us.

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 4:17-32

“What is Christian Living?”

August 16, 2023

In today’s verses, Paul explicitly describes what you must do to live as a Christian.

Before we look at several of Paul’s detailed remarks, let’s take a look at what Evangelist Billy Graham lists as principles for Christian Living.

1. Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, encourages – all we need is there.
2. Learn the secret of prayer. Prayer is communicating. Every prayer that you pray will be answered. Sometimes that answer may be “Yes,” and sometimes “No,” and sometimes, it is “Wait,” but nevertheless, it will be answered.
3. Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8), and what a comfort that should be to the weakest of us. Stand aside and let Him take over all the choices and decisions of your life.
4. Attend church regularly. The visible church is Christ’s organization upon earth. Christians need one another, we need to gather together to worship God, and nothing can take the place of church attendance.
5. Be a witnessing Christian. We witness in two ways: by life and by word – and the two, where possible, should go hand in hand.
6. Let love be the ruling principle of your life. Jesus said to those who followed Him, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another.
7. Be an obedient Christian. Let Christ have first place in all the choices of your life.
8. Learn how to meet temptation. Temptation is not sin. It is yielding that is sin. Let Christ, through the Holy Spirit, do the fighting for you.
9. Be a wholesome Christian. Our lives and appearance should commend the Gospel and make it attractive to others.
10. Live above your circumstances. Don’t let your circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with you.

https://billygrahamlibrary.org/10-guidelines-for-christian-living/

You’ll notice as we continue that Paul’s guidelines fit very nicely into Bill Graham’s guidelines. Although Paul’s are more specific. Let’s take a look at today’s verses.

“So, I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 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; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “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. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

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 4:17-32

I chose four passages from today’s reading to look at regarding Christian Living.

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; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In this passage, Paul talks about our old self and new self.

Of course, our old self is the way the Ephesians and ourselves used to act and think before Jesus came into our lives. We can look back to Genesis, where Satan lied to Adam and Eve, as he always does.

But now, Paul tells us not to be corrupted by Satan’s influence. Instead, we are to put on a new self because we have been recreated to be like God. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we have been re-created in His likeness.

The call for us to put on the new self encompasses both numbers 8 & 9 of Billy Graham’s principles. (Reread above Pg.1)

Another principle Paul touches on is anger.

“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. 

You’ll notice that Paul says, “In your anger, do not sin.” Many of us have come to believe that anger is a sin. No, it’s not.

“Anger itself is not a sin, but the strong emotion, unrestrained, can lead very quickly to sin. As God said to Cain, “It’s desire is for you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:7).”

(https://tacomachristiancounseling.com/articles/anger-in-the-bible-righteous-anger-or-sin)

The second part of this verse hits closest to home for me.

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. 

I can remember sitting with the Priest (As I mentioned earlier, I was brought up Catholic) in private counseling before Kathy and I were married almost 50 years ago. He emphasized the point of not going to bed mad at each other. I can probably count on one hand how many times we’ve done that. If left to brew overnight, the anger can fester and become a sin.

(Check out Billy Graham’s 6^th point once again.)

Next comes my least favorite because when I was younger (I still occasionally slip), I had a very foul mouth.

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. 

Unwholesome talk is not only a sin, but using it toward others can invoke anger. On more than one occasion, I used, let’s say, bad words toward others. Unfortunately, not only is it wrong to do so, but it can provoke the other person’s anger to the point of a physical altercation. I often ended up on the short end of the stick in those situations.

People need to be built up and treated honorably and lovingly.

(Billy Graham’s 6^th, 8^th and 9^th points come to mind)

Finally, we come to Paul’s final point in today’s verses.

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.

I already spoke about a couple of Paul’s negatives. Now, he’s making a point of showing the opposites of Christian living and how we should live. The negatives are relatively obvious. So, let me just reiterate the positives.

Be kind to one another. Be compassionate to those in need of compassion. And when you or someone else ‘screws’ up, forgive each other. The forgiving part may seem like a difficult thing to do. Anytime you have a problem with forgiveness, imagine Jesus on the cross and how He forgave you by taking each and every one of your sins upon himself.

(Reread Billy Graham’s principal’s, especially 5-10)

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 4:1-16

“Humility and Patience, it’s not easy.”

August 14, 2023

I’m sure most of you remember the song by Mac Davis, “It Hard to Be Humble.” Here are some of the lyrics from the song’s chorus:

          “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror.
Cause I get better looking each day.
To know me is to love me.
I must be a hell of a man.
Oh Lord, It’s hard to be humble,
But I’m doing the best that I can.”

You might say that the person in the song is slightly cocky.

The songwriter’s cockiness about humility is quite the opposite of what Paul says in today’s passage.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

No matter what we may think of another person, even if they are cocky, a loudmouth, or if they think that they are always right. God wants us to be gentle and patient with them while showing them love. No, that isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do.

Let’s look at Paul’s words in today’s passage and get some clarification.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one Faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

But to each one of us, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it (4:8 Or God) says:

“When he ascended on high,

he took many captives

and gave gifts to his people.” (4:8 Psalm 68:18)

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions4:9 Or the depths of the earth? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:1-16

Paul begins by saying:

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 

Paul is a called servant and ambassador of the Lord. As such, he encourages the Ephesians to follow their own calling as servants of the Lord. He urges them to find the proper balance between their Spiritual lives and the world.

Now we come to the passage I spoke of during my introduction.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

First, Paul urges the Ephesians and us to be humble, patient, and gentle. We do this by being selfless, in other words, putting others needs ahead of our own. Paul calls for an Agape love, which is unconditional love.

Next, we mustn’t spoil the Holy Spirit’s work. We are to be at peace with each other. The Holy Spirit brings believers to Christ. Isn’t it then logical that we love one another, no matter what?

Paul now speaks of the unity of the church. He mentions seven ways it is unified. The first three:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called

The church is one body and of one Spirit. We are called to “one” hope. That hope is the knowing hope that we are saved by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The next unifying elements of the church are:

One Lord, one Faith, one baptism;

Jews and Gentiles are unified under one Lord, one Faith (we believe the same thing), and one baptism.

The seventh unifying element makes our Faith complete.

One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

There’s not much to say here. Paul tells us that God the Father is over everything. God’s grace has blessed us forever in Christ.

(I’m going to jump ahead a bit here. My belief is that some of Paul’s words are self-explanatory. I also have to remind myself not to immerse myself or you too deeply into these verses. This is a devotion, not a Bible study. 🙂

So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the Faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Although the passage above is self-explanatory, it’s important to reiterate and reinforce Paul’s point. God doesn’t leave us alone to fend for ourselves or learn on our own.

Jesus put people in charge, i.e., prophets, teachers, etc. To equip us to better understand the unity He expects and the Faith He desires from us.

In conclusion, Paul wraps up his point of unity.

Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

As it is for every Christian, our duty is to speak the truth. We don’t spread false doctrine but pass on what we know to be true. And we do so in love, as we want everyone to be saved.

We all have our part to do. Yet, like a human body is held together by ligaments and bones, Christ holds us together as one Body.

May each of us grow strong in Christ as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the way God has chosen us to do so. In humility, with patience, and love. Amen.

An Overview of Ephesians

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 3:14-21

“Prayer is important.”

August 12, 2023

I’ve discussed this before, but it’s good to revisit it occasionally. What’s your prayer life like? God wants us to come to Him in prayer. He wants us to ask for our needs, our wants, and for help.

Interestingly enough, God knows what you and I need before we even open our mouths or think a thought. But, He still wants you to ask.

So, I ask you once again, what’s your prayer life like?

I feel my prayer life is anything but perfect. Why? Because we can never come to God often enough. Nor can we achieve the perfection He expects from us.

But, it is good to have a “prayer routine” of sorts. I’m not telling you or anyone to do what I do, nor am I showing off and saying, “Look what I do!”

But here it is:

Each day after I get up and get the coffee going, I head to the family room and turn on my phone.

Occasionally I get sidetracked by current events, but generally, I go directly to bible.com. There, I read the devotion of the day, which includes a short story/devotion and a prayer, as well as the verse of the day.

I always highlight the verse of the day. I then look at the many pictures that Bible.com has with the verse. I generally pick one and save it to “photos” on my phone. I do this, so I can peruse them when I want to and occasionally use one in a devotion I’m writing.

Of course, morning isn’t my only prayer time. I pray throughout the day as need or want arises, and my wife and I pray at all meals, whether we are at home at someone’s house for dinner or at a restaurant.

Catching people watching Kathy and I pray at a restaurant is always interesting. I’m unsure if they are thinking to themselves, I’m dumb or doing it to be noticed, impressed, or waiting for something magical to happen. 😊

When I go to bed, I pray again. Nothing fancy or detailed. I thank God for the day, ask for a good night’s sleep, and for things to come.

None of what I just described to you is fancy. My wife and I pray from our hearts. Why? We’re alive, we breathe, and we have a mission. God’s.

Today’s devotion from the Apostle Paul is a prayer. He is praying for the believers in Ephesus. And his prayers are specific.

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family (3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for Father (pater).)  in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:14-21

In the very first line of this passage, Paul says:

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father.”

Paul is doing something right from the get-go of this passage that isn’t done as much as it used to. He kneels.

It’s interesting to note the number of Churches I’ve been to over the years that have removed or don’t utilize the kneelers.

I’m not here to tell everyone to kneel. I was brought up (Catholic) doing it. I believe it is a posture of submission and surrender to Christ.

Twice in these verses, Paul mentions the words prayer. The first:

“I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Paul is asking that God give the believers of Ephesus spiritual strength. He asks that the Holy Spirit be strong within the Ephesians. This Spiritual strength allows Jesus to live within us because of our faith in him.

In his very next sentence (a rather lengthy one at that Paul continues to pray.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

It may appear on the surface that Paul is praying that the Ephesians have knowledge. But they already have that; instead, Paul asks them to be blessed with comprehension.

“Knowledge: rote memorization, recognition, or recall of facts. Comprehension: understanding what the facts mean.”

(https://www.cnm.edu/depts/academic-affairs)

(rote memorization simply means learning through repetition)

Paul concludes this intercessory prayer with a doxology.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

He is praising God. God is more powerful than we can ever imagine. We can come to Him in prayer whenever we want to, and He won’t turn us away. He (God) will always be with us through His Son, Jesus Christ.