Daily Worship (June 29)

Ephesians 4:25-27 (NIV)
"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."

Devotional Thought
Ephesians 4:25-27 tells us about living truthfully and handling our emotions in a way that honors God. Paul reminds the Ephesian church, caught in a culture of false gods and moral uncertainty, to live differently by upholding truth and managing anger. This message reflects the sermon theme about wearing the "blue suits," symbolizing a new life in Christ that transforms. Just like the 54th Massachusetts Infantry received new identities with their blue uniforms, believers receive new identities in Christ. Our new life prompts us to speak truthfully and manage our emotions wisely. Too often, anger can linger and control us, giving the devil a chance to disrupt our lives. By resolving our anger quickly and truthfully, we strengthen our relationships and protect our spiritual integrity. Let's be people who speak truth and manage anger, wearing our "blue suits" in a way that honors Christ and shows His transformative power to the world.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What were the challenges the Ephesian church faced that Paul was addressing in Ephesians?  
• Observation: Why does Paul emphasize speaking truthfully to our neighbors?  
• Meaning: What does Paul mean by "put off falsehood" and "do not give the devil a foothold"?  
• Main Idea: How can managing anger and speaking truth reflect our new identity in Christ?  
• Application: What steps can you take to resolve anger and ensure it doesn't linger in your life?

Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You for the truth that transforms our lives. Help us to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to one another. Guide us to manage our emotions in a way that honors You, resolving our anger quickly without letting it take root. May we be people who reflect Your love and truth in every interaction. Amen.

Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)
"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."

Devotional Thought  
In Ephesians 4:28, Paul encourages a life of honesty and generosity. Many people in the Ephesian church, living in a struggling economy, might have resorted to dishonest means to survive. This passage challenges believers to stop stealing and start working honestly. The sermon emphasized applying these truths, reminding us that just as the soldiers in the movie "Glory" found purpose in their blue suits, we too find purpose in our new life in Christ. Our work is not just for self-sustenance but is an opportunity to bless others. By sharing what we earn, we honor God and reflect His kingdom values of generosity and care. No matter our past actions, God offers us a "blue suit," a fresh start to live differently. The passage calls us to examine our daily lives and consider how our work and resources can serve God and others.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How did the socioeconomic conditions of the Ephesians relate to dishonest practices?  
• Observation: What does Paul imply about the relationship between work, honesty, and generosity?  
• Meaning: Why is working honestly important in the context of Paul's message here?  
• Main Idea: How does adopting honest work and sharing reflect a Christ-centered life?  
• Application: How can you use your resources and work to bless others in your community?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to work and contribute meaningfully. Help us to live with integrity, work honestly, and share our blessings with those in need. Let our actions reflect Your generosity and love, transforming the world around us. Amen.

Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
"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."

Devotional Thought
Ephesians 4:29-32 calls for a transformation in how we communicate and interact with others. Paul's instructions highlight the importance of words that build up rather than tear down, embodying Christ's love and forgiveness. This passage ties to the sermon theme of living out our identity in Christ, our "blue suits," in a way that others can see His redemptive power. Our words can either reflect the old life, marked by bitterness and anger, or the new life, characterized by kindness and compassion. Christ's forgiveness of our sins empowers us to forgive others, creating unity and peace. Embracing this new way of life grieves the Holy Spirit when neglected, as our actions and words are meant to honor Him daily. Building each other up reflects the heart of God, opening doors for others to experience His love and forgiveness.

COMMA Questions

• Context: What were the relational dynamics in Ephesus that necessitated Paul's guidance on communication?  
• Observation: What contrasts does Paul make between unwholesome talk and words that build others up?  
• Meaning: What does it mean to "not grieve the Holy Spirit"?  
• Main Idea: How should our words and attitudes towards others reflect Christ's love and forgiveness?  
• Application: How can you be more intentional with your words to encourage and build up others in your life?

Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing us how to love and forgive through Jesus. Help us to speak words that build others up and reflect Your kindness and compassion. May we release any bitterness and choose forgiveness as You guide us to show Your love to everyone around us. Amen.