Ephesians 5:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 5:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, Verse 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Verse 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Verse 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, Verse 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, Verse 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotion
One summer Sunday morning, worship was interrupted by interference from the new sound system. By some quirk of electronics, the citizen band radio of a local farmer came through over the loudspeaker. There was trouble in the hay field. The congregation was caught between unsettled conflict and worship. It wasn't easy leaving worship with thoughts of living the faith words of Sunday morning when Monday was in mind.
We have learned to be thankful for those "resident theologians" - those who left church that morning to spend Sunday afternoon helping the farmer store hay in his barn. Every congregation has them: people who put their faith into practice, whose beliefs are incarnate in their hands.
The Apostle Paul had it right: "... for in everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." Doing grace happens when grace is received.
Prayer
Father, live in us all our days. Amen.