January 23, 2018 – Ephesians 5:1-2

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love,  following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2.

From the time we take notice of others, we choose to imitate.  A son desires to be like his father, a daughter desires to be like her mother.  Sometimes, we don’t realize how the one we choose to imitate changes our lives.  

It is when we choose to imitate the One who is Love that we become children of God.  Following the example of Jesus Christ means sacrifice. Mother taught me sacrificial love with dessert. Dad always received the largest piece of pie or cake.

Jesus Christ loves us so much He sacrificed by giving His life on the cross for us. He wanted us to have the Joy of Love of God for an eternity.

Thanksgiving to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ fills us with the Holy Spirit and is the reason for singing to the Lord.  The world’s offerings of joy, lasts for only moment in time. The Joy and Love of God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ,  lasts forever and ever more.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord  with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.  For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.  Psalm 100:1-2, 5

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18-20