June 15th Daily Devotion

 A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” 

The Psalmist says that God’s word “ . . . is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Peter wrote that God’s word , “. . . is a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart.” He says, you will do well to pay attention to it.” (2 Peter 1:19) Think of these two Bible passages in the context of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” 

There is much advice given in this world. Listen to the talk shows on T.V. that bring into your home the many voices of people of the world who give advice how you should live. Who should you believe? What should you believe? Whose advice is best?   

There is only one who gives truthful advice and counsel. It is God and He does so through His Word. His Word is a word of truth. (John 17:17) His word alone shows you the error of your ways and also the way that is good and right as the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:105. An even greater blessing God grants through His word is that it has power.   

Hebrews 4:12 says of God’s word, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” By the power of His Word, Peter says you have been born again: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)   

Make the most of every opportunity God gives. Jesus says to do this by studying the Holy Scriptures: “You study the Scriptures diligently because . . . in them you have eternal life.” “These are the very Scriptures” He says, “that testify about Me.” (John 5:39) It is in Him you have life! 

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. 

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love. 

To all life Thou givest— to both great and small—
In all life Thou livest, the true Life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree
And wither and perish— but naught changes Thee. 

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light that hides Thee.  (LSB 802)