Week of July 19th, 2026
Encouragement from God's Word
Read and pray about the follow encouragement from God’s Word.
Ephesians 5:8–20
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. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O 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. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In these inspired words, Paul was talking to Christians - you, who believe in Jesus as your Savior - and encouraging you to live as God's holy people. Not only do we seek to turn from sins, but we live with joy in our hearts and we give thanks to God for everything.
This is a section of the Bible that is not difficult to understand. The words are clear. The challenge before us is to daily put these words into practice. This happens as we grow in faith and our hearts are renewed by Jesus.
