QT 10/12/2026 John 1:14–18, Words cannot capture God's Grace toward us

John 1:14–18 (ESV) —

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

 

NOTE: The word (verse 1), the creator (vers3 3), life (verse 4), and the light (verse 5) became flesh and lived among us. He was God and also God's son, and he made God known to us. We see God when we look at Jesus. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way:

 

Hebrews 1:1–3a (ESV) —

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, …

 

The amazing thing happened, God (who fills the whole universe), came to our planet and lived as a man. And then he died for us so that we might live eternally. He didn't do it because we were good people. The bible says that we are all enemies of God. He did it because he loved us first.

 

The Old Testament (OT) brought law, but Jesus brought grace -- unmerited favor from God. I don't really have words to say what I just wrote. They seem so shallow and empty against the truth of what God did. The best I can say is nothing … because anything would feel cheap compared to what God did for us.

 

PONDER:

1. Do we truly appreciate what God did to save man?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you. I don't know what to say but thank you. I know I need to live for you, not to earn anything, only to express my gratitude for my salvation.

QT 10/10/2026 John 1:6–13, Truly believing

John 1:6–13 (ESV) —

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

NOTE: John writes that the true light, Jesus, came into the world. He was here. He made this world, and the world did not recognize him. His own people, chosen by grace, did not recognize him. But those who did, those who received him, those who believed in Him, He gave the right to become children of God. The people of the world are not God's children. John in his letter, said the same. Referring to those who believed, he says:

 

1 John 5:19 (ESV) — We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

 

Those in the world are not God's children. They are his creation but are not his children. They lie in the power of the evil one, whether they choose it or not. But they can change their camp as John makes very clear.

 

1 John 5:11–13 (ESV) — 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

 

Jesus is not only the light but as John just said in the preceding verses of his gospel record, Jesus is the life.

 

John 1:4 (ESV) — In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

 

So where do we stand, have we received and believed, or are we in the other camp which lies in the power of the evil one? There is still time to believe.

 

PONDER:

1. To which camp do I belong, the camp of God or the camp that lies in the power of the evil one?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that years ago I heard your word and believed. In High School I was religious and probably a moralist, and not a Christian. But in college, someone shared these words to me and talked about knowing you personally. And then I truly gave my life to you and experienced a changed life, a born again experience. I can say without any doubt, I know you and I have eternal life now.

QT 10/8/2026 John 1:1–5, True Christianity versus churchianity

John 1:1–5 (ESV) —

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

 

NOTE: This is really the answer to all of our problems. The Word was God, he was with God, and he is God. Everything was made through the word. In him (the word, same as Jesus) was life. The life is our light. The light was shown in our dark world and the darkness is not able to overcome it.

 

This is still true today. If we are defeated, it is because we have left the word of God behind. It we are struggling, it is because we are ignoring and have ignored the word. The answers are there, in Jesus, in the word, but most people will never crack the covers of their bible.

 

I see people try to live the Christian life in the power of their own strength. Most sporadically read the word. They are more faithful to have a meal than they are to read the word. They believe in their physical existence but doubt their spiritual. Well does Jesus describe those who pretend to carry the name of Christian:

 

Revelation 3:15–20 (ESV) — 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

 

These "christians-by-their-choice-of-name-only"  are not spiritually rich (no inheritance in heaven), do not have the covering of white garments (Jesus' righteousness), and they are still blind because they do not know God. They need to stop playing spiritual games.

 

PONDER:

1. Are you religious and moral, or do you truly know the savior? Only one question matters and it is not the first.

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the gospel to go forth even in our so-called churches. Satan has blinded the mind of unbelievers so that they even sit in the pews, and are lukewarm. I pray that people would wake up to truth.

QT 10/7/2026 Eph 6:21-24, God's word is for our good

Ephesians 6:21–24 (ESV) —

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

 

NOTE: Paul could have written how he and his companions ('we') were doing. Instead, he give Tychicus that responsibility. I don't think Paul saw himself as a person writing what would become much of the New Testament. But God knew how he was going to use these writings. While some books do carry a lot of detail (such as the end of Romans), everything is as it is for a purpose. The focus of Ephesians is the body of Christ and transformation by putting on and putting off. Too much additional information would have taken away from the main points.

 

It appears that Tychicus was given the same responsibility to the Colossian church (relating how Paul was doing). There are a lot of similarities in the two letters, and yet they are unique to the particular issues of the church. Together, Paul's letters map out the theology of the Christian faith. Yes, it is Jewish in its foundation, but it removes the barrier, the law, that was intended to show the Jewish people their need for a savior. Paul's letters help Gentiles to understand how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob pursued Gentiles and saved them.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I know the scriptures, really know the scriptures? They are the key to walking with God

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the New Testament writers. Thank you for how you put together a completely coherent picture of faith and salvation. I pray we would be faithful to dig in your word every day.

QT 10/6/2026 Eph 6:19-20, Ambassadors in every situation

Ephesians 6:19–20 (ESV) —

19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

NOTE: Two things stand out. One is the emphasis on praying for boldness as a good prayer. This prayer is repeated regularly in scripture. Someone once said that there are prayers for boldness, but never for opportunities in scripture. Actually, that isn't true. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he prays for an open door to share the gospel -- that sounds like he is praying for opportunity. But the idea is not without merit. We really do have the opportunities to share the gospel, we need the boldness. The second thought I had builds upon this. Paul calls himself an ambassador in chains. In his letter to the Corinthians, he called all believers ambassadors for God. His point that despite his changed circumstances, i.e., in prison, he was still an ambassador. We are all ambassadors for Jesus despite our circumstances, lot in life, or current situation. We are never not ambassadors. We are not to live a life of recluse. We have an obligation to share Christ or live Christ to anyone who might happen to see us.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I doing sharing Christ and living out Christ in my daily life?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me boldness to share my faith. Thank you for the recent opportunity to share to my former classmates. I pray for boldness to follow up on those conversations in a bold and yet gracious manner.

QT 10/5/2026 Eph 6:14-18, The armor of God's key component is God's word of truth

Ephesians 6:14–18 (ESV) —

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

 

NOTE: The preceding verses discussed the schemes of the devil. The armor of God is our response to the schemes of the devil. The armor of God allows us to defend ourselves as well as to fight back. The key is the word of God. It starts with the belt of truth to hold everything together. In the breastplate of righteousness it gives us the information on how to behave. The shield of faith is strengthened by our knowledge of what God has said about us in his word. The helmet of salvation uses the word of God to protect our minds. The gospel of peace that are our shoes require the message of truth in the word. And finally, the sword is an offensive weapon when we use the truth of God's word to fight the enemy. Even prayers requires the word of God to be able to pray the will of God for our lives.

 

The word of God is the key to the armor of God and to our standing up and withstanding the schemes of the evil one.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we really serious about getting into the word of God daily?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your word. Thank you for the change you have wrought in my life through the word of God. Continue to change me and use me these days.

QT 10/2/2026 Eph 6:10–13, Why we must have the armor of God

Ephesians 6:10–13 (ESV) —

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

 

NOTE: I think sometimes we focus too much on ourselves or our relational abilities in living life for God, not realizing we have two classes of enemies. The physical / seen enemies to our spiritual growth are identifiable. They are evil people, corrupt politicians, media personalities, and a worldview created by those who hate God. But we are in danger if we rely only on what we see to fight our battles. The second class of enemies is an unseen group (not flesh and blood), but spiritual forces divided into rulers and authorities and just pure evil beings. The weapons have to be different and of a spiritual (unseen) nature. Paul calls this special group of tools, the armor of God. We can't limit ourselves to battles in the flesh, but we must be ready to battle in the spiritual nature as well, otherwise we are going to fall short and fail.

 

This is why we cannot win spiritual battles with new laws or voter registration or the right leaders or even apologetic arguments. It is only part of the problem. You have to prepare yourself to fight spiritual battles. In the next verses, Paul will lay out the armor of God and how to use it.

 

PONDER:

1. Are you fighting spiritual battles only on the physical plane?
2. Do you know how to fight spiritual battles in the spiritual plane as well?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray even now for spiritual battles that are upcoming, specifically tomorrow night. I pray for a shield of faith, a wise use of the word of God, and a lifestyle that expresses the gentleness and kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ.

QT 10/1/2026 Eph 6:9, Leadership, badly understood in the world

Ephesians 6:9 (ESV) —

9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

 

NOTE: Employers are to follow the same instructions as the employee. In other words, each is working to please God, not to make a show for others. I have noticed this in young managers (young enlisted supervisors), the power goes to their head and they treat those under them with contempt, trying to show that they are above them. It is a High School game and it is very toxic. I don't like people promoted too young, it seldom is a good thing, unless they have a very good boss who presents a good example. People also talk about servant leadership, but few who use the phrase actually live out the life.

 

When I was a commander, nearly 17 years into my military career, I had my first true opportunity to exercise these concepts. I had very good bosses. I was absolutely ready to be a squadron commander. I immediately started praying for each person in the squadron, getting there early in the morning and closing my office door to pray. I met with everyone in my squadron, not just my direct reports, and learned about them and the goals for their career. I walked around the office multiple times each day as I got coffee to chit chat with people. I traveled out to operating locations and detachments, spending significant time to get to know people. I put them in front of General officers to give presentations that I probably could have done a little better. I cared for each one of them like a father and a mother. And I saw the results, we were recognized as a top performing squadron with an "outstanding" score during inspections. I know these concepts work. They are not mine, but what God says in verse 9.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I learning about leadership?
2. What am I displaying to others about leadership?

 

PRAYER: Father, you have been very gracious to me in my career. It is hard to believe it is over, I enjoyed it too much. I may be retired, but I know you will continue to use me in other volunteer ventures. Thank you.

QT 9/30/2026 Eph 6:5-8, Work is an opportunity from God

Ephesians 6:5–8 (ESV) —

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

 

NOTE: I think we don't understand the ramifications of work. It was part of the original creation that God said was good. But after the fall, it was cursed by God with the result that work would be frustrating (weeds). But work can still be fulfilling and work can be life-giving. There are studies that show a higher percentage of people die sooner than those who continue working. The evidence is not conclusive because of many different factors, such as health and other underlying conditions. Additionally, some "retired" people volunteer to work in social / religious opportunities. But it would seem, that if you are working, you should be giving it your energy. To me, that means lifelong learning needs to be foundational. Never stop learning how to do your job better. But don't do it to please people, do it to please God. I think there is great blessing in doing your job well. Of course you can overdo it as well. Those who are workaholics and don't take care of the families spiritually can do more harm than good to themselves and their families.

 

The bottom line is that God call us to do our job well. I believe that includes learning how to do your job better. No matter what your job is, every job, no matter how menial, can be done better.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I view my job, as drudgery or as opportunity?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for work. You continue to give me opportunities to work even in my retirement. Thank you for the two toddlers I watch all day, 5 days a week. They are a joy. Protect my health. Help me to make right choices.

QT 9/29/2026 Eph 6:4, Giving focus and attention to your child

Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) —

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

 

NOTE: Some versions (NIV84) use the word "exasperate" instead of "provoke." I like that because I know the feeling of being exasperated and then to answer harshly, further exasperating the situation. So, part of the solution, is that I need be careful how I am first affected by the situation. When I am exasperated, it is usually because there is something I need (want) to do and I am being interrupted, so that I can't focus. The problem then is twofold, focus and attention. Yes, I need to be focused on one thing and it needs to get the attention. But when my child interrupts and demands my attention, or even an employee, I need to turn and give the person my full attention and focus. Answering a child (or an employee) while I am writing out an email is a lose-lose proposition. One, the child (or employee) doesn't feel valued because he does not have my attention, and two, I do a poor job with both the email and the answer to the person.

 

I worked for a company that had a slogan, "be there now." The slogan meant that when I was interrupted by someone at my desk, I needed to stop what I was doing and focus on the individual. I needed to give the person my full attention. There are exceptions to the rule (as in all rules), but I have always felt it was a great idea. It helps me not to be exasperated as well as to not answer in a way that exasperates the individual.

 

Our children are the most important persons in our lives (God and our spouse are more important). They deserve our attention.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I give my children my full attention, or only half?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that even when my children call that I would give them my full attention. Help me to see when I am not doing that.

QT 9/28/2026 Eph 6:1-3, Honoring difficult parents

Ephesians 6:1–3 (ESV) —

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

 

NOTE: My Dad passed some time ago. I do have spiritual mentors and I do visit them on occasion. I'm visiting my mother in the next few days. It is hard to honor her because I feel I disagree with her on so many things. I guess I'm not much different from today's generation that has totally disengaged from their family. I am visiting because I should. I am listening and talking but not with much depth less something be misconstrued. I feel I am barely meeting the requirements of honor. I know she appreciates it. But it has been almost two years since I have seen her. And she has yet to meet the two grandchildren. I suppose I will offer to fly her and my sister down again. And I think that is part of what it means to honor her -- what can I do. I do call, but irregularly.

 

Each of us need to step back and ask these questions. What does it mean to honor your parents? You can disagree on many points, but you can still be civil and talk.

 

PONDER:

1. What can I do to honor my parent?
2. What should I do to honor my parent?

 

PRAYER: God, I pray for wisdom for what I can do to honor my Mom. I think time together is good, but I struggle to do anything beyond two days. I like to take her out to eat and walk with her in her stores, but is there anything else I can do for her? Give me wisdom.

QT 9/25/2026 Eph 5:25–33, A high call for husbands

Ephesians 5:25–33 (ESV) —

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

 

NOTE: This seems like an incredibly tall order. God gave a man (who marries), one person to love, cherish, and build up into a beautiful bride. How are we doing? If we are honest, most men should feel like failures because they care more for themselves than their wife. We are selfish. We are narcissistic. We are anything but like Jesus who sacrificially gave his life for the church. Do we even know our wives? What are their goals today? What do they want to see happen in the next five years? What are we doing to make those dreams realities.

 

I realize that this QT is addressed to men, not women. I think a serious take on these verses should be a wakeup call to all husbands. We were given a task by God for one and only one woman, how are we doing?

 

PONDER:

1. How are we implementing these verses in our marriage?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for not taking these things as seriously as I should. I pray for some good conversations in these next couple of weeks. I pray of opportunities to clearly express my love for my wife.

QT 9/24/2026 Eph 5:22–24, A misused word, submission

Ephesians 5:21–24 (ESV) —

21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

 

NOTE: An interesting fact is that the word submit is not in the Greek text for verse 22. It is in the proceeding verse 21, where everyone submits to one another out of reverence for Christ. Verse 22 follows mutual submission with "wives to husbands as to the Lord." Also verse 24, in the Greek text, only has the word submits once in the statement "the church submits to Christ" followed by the phrase, "wives in everything to their husband." Even though the word submit is omitted in the Greek in both cases, it carries forward the thought of how women submit to one another in the church and how woman submits to Christ. Their specific role is to their husbands, but let's not forget the main rule, everyone submits to one another, and everyone in the church submits to Christ. This is not a "women-only" rule. It is a church-wide rule. The husbands submits to his wife by sacrificial love for her (verses 25-33). She is not his slave, she is precious and special and to be protected. She is his greatest gift from God. That does not make her an object, since she shares the same body with him as they become one.

 

In today's modern deconstruction trend, these verses are misinterpreted and maligned to the woman's hurt. Her greatest joy can be found in God's will for her life. Today, woman seek a cause and give themselves over to emotional rage because deep down they are hurting and out of touch with their savior. Deconstructing their faith will do them no good. It is a covering, a Band-Aid, that does not heal the wound.

 

PONDER:

1. Personally, as a man, I feel the husband's job is harder. And I also think husband's failure are much greater. In some ways, the woman's refusal to consider "biblical submission" is our (men's fault). I'm not sure I could always submit to myself. What are we, as men, doing to change our submission to make the women's submission one of joy?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see where I am inconsiderate, quick to speak but not listen, and not appreciative of my wife. Give me grace to change.

QT 9/23/2026 Eph 5:15–21, Walking wisely, using time wisely, and following God's will (subtitle: avoiding foolishness)

Ephesians 5:15–21 (ESV) —

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

NOTE: I think the question must be asked individually for each person, what does it mean to walk wisely? What does it mean for me to make the best use of my time? What is the will of God for me?

 

Answering the questions in reverse order, the will of God is watching (and teaching) my two two-year old grandchildren 10 hours a day, five days a week. It doesn't sound very important compared to my positions and titles over my career, but this is God's will, and this is very important. Those two children are of immense importance. They are my holy task.

 

The best use of my time during this time in my life, is to find time for quiet time every day (this blog records my QT today), bible study (Saturday morning), worship (Sunday morning), reading some, sharing my faith, and some time for rejuvenation.

 

Wise living is found in God's word, not computer games or mindless reels. Those things waste time and really are unwise. Puzzles are probably okay for my mind, but most of the other stuff has negative effects.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I answer the three questions, and what am I going to do about it, in terms of the answers?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to keep my eyes on the important things. Help me to live wisely and in your will. As I take 11 days off to visit family on vacation, help me to maintain these priorities as best as I can. The primary thing, watching children will have a reprieve, but I have great opportunities to share my faith. May I be bold, gentle, and respectful.

QT 9/22/2026 Eph 5:8–14, Overwhelming Love

Ephesians 5:8–14 (ESV) —

8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

 

NOTE: Verse 10 says to try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. This verse needs some comment. There are people who choose to go back to the OT regulations on diet using an argument that it is more pleasing to the Lord. Paul has argued strongly against that type of thinking in his letters to the Colossians and to the Corinthians. I think the key is while your actions can please or displease the Lord (this would seem to be clear from the implication of verse 10), you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT INCREASE God's love for the believer in Jesus Christ. That love cannot be measured. It is totally based on what the Son did on the cross. You are adopted into God's family. You are loved beyond understanding. It is a theological error to believe any work or works can increase God's love for you. That cannot change once you are born again. Still, having said all that, it is possible to please the Lord by our works and actions. There also rewards in heaven. But the reason we 'work' for these rewards, is out of a recognition of God's great grace in saving us, and in a very puny way, our only means to express thankfulness.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I living my life in a way that communicates my enormous thankfulness for salvation?

 

PRAYER: Father, nothing I do can repay salvation. My words fall short. My actions fall short. But, despite that, I intend to live my life in such a way that the actions express my great thankfulness for saving a sinner as I.

QT 9/21/2026 Eph 5:3–7, We must be different from the world

Ephesians 5:3–7 (ESV) —

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

 

NOTE: "Let no one deceive you with empty words." That is just about everybody today. We hear: It's okay, it's not sin, it is completely natural, everyone does it, it's consenting adults, God has already forgiven all sin, and on and on. That sentence is full of the empty words that Satan, the ultimate deceiver has spread upon the world. It is this plan of his that is hastening the coming wrath that will come upon those who do not believe. We cannot fall for the trap. We cannot let ourselves be lulled into a sense of safety. Sinning against God, even as Sons of God, has consequences. We must never give up the fight for godliness and holiness. Our witness depends upon how we live our life.

 

PONDER:

1. Would those around you know you are a Christian by your life alone?
2. What about strangers or people you have just met?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am going to be meeting a bunch of strangers at a class reunion soon. They are strangers because I really did not know anyone but a few during my 4 years in High School. I don't even remember the names of most people. I will see them for a few hours. I pray for grace and mercy to present a godly witness to those I meet. Give me the words and wisdom to cause them to reexamine the gospel.

QT 9/18/2026 Eph 5:1–2, Defending the faith by living a life of love

Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

NOTE: Nowadays, the word 'love' is thrown around a lot. I read one website which actually used the slogan "I hate those who hate." I know the intent of the slogan is to gain attention, but the sheer idiocy of it, is hard to get past. Logically, you hate yourself. And in reality, you hate everyone who does not agree with what you agree or believe in. In other words, your life is characterized by hating about 40 percent of the people you come in contact with. I understand that Christians are characterized as hating others -- transgender, homosexual, abortionists, atheists, etc. The reality is that Christians are to hate the sin, not the person. People are made in the image of God and have intrinsic (if not infinite worth). While I am sure there are examples out there, the media has painted with a very broad brush. True believers in Jesus Christ walk in love. Yes, we hate sin and can call sin, sin. But we love people and because we love people, we want them to know the truth. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I hate sin or do I hate people? The bible is clear, we are to hate sin, and we are to love people.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to live in such a way that my love for people, all people is clearly shown. Help me to share truth and to answer questions about my faith but to do it in a loving manner that gives respect and dignity to the other person.

QT 9/17/2026 Eph 4:29–32, Build others up, not down

Ephesians 4:29–32 (ESV) —

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 

NOTE: Continuing the "put off-put on" theme, Paul gives a few more examples (I will focus on one). Instead of corrupting talk, we are to build others up with our words. 'Corrupting' gives the idea of something that degrades or causes rot. Instead, our words should build others up. Even though it is not an antonym, the word sculpt fits nicely. An artist takes an unfinished object and sculpts it into something beautiful. Ultimately, it is God's job to decide on what God is sculpting in another's life. But we can change a person's attitude by treating them with respect, dignity, joy, and positive comments. Our words can truly help in God's transformation process. For too many people, and I will admit to being in this category, we critique people because we want them to be better. There is a place for critique, but I venture, we (meaning me) would do much better with 10 positive comments to every critical comment. I have changed in this regard, and I have also seen how it has changed others' responses to me as well.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I build others up or do I tear others down with my words?

 

PRAYER: Father, reveal to us when and where we are tearing others down. Help us to see which is the first step, then repent (the second step), and then to praise people for the good things God is doing in their life.

QT 9/16/2026 Eph 4:25–28, Developing balance to life and responses to sin

Ephesians 4:25–28 (ESV) —

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

 

NOTE: In these three examples of "put off and put on," we see that it is not enough to just stop doing something, we need to replace it. The best examples are those that directly deal with the sin. Stealing requires the use of your hands (most notably), but so does sharing with others. Also stealing takes away, but sharing gives away. These are the best examples, exact opposite actions.

 

What is my struggle that I need to let go, and what is the exact opposite action? Sometimes, the problem is too much free time. In that case, you need to fill it up. That usually is not the problem for most people unless you are retired or just plain lazy. God created work, hard work before the fall and called it good. Yes, rest is also good. But too much of either is unhealthy. It then remains for us to figure out what we need. Do I need more sleep, more consistent wake up times, or more volunteering? I can answer that question for myself, but not for others. Each person will be different.

 

PONDER:

1. What do I need to do to change my lifestyle?

 

PRAYER: Father, give us grace and wisdom to understand our own problems with sin. Give us your spirit to keep us from sin. Protect us from the enemy.

QT 9/15/2026 Eph 4:20-24, Experiencing permanent change

Ephesians 4:20–24 (ESV) —

20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

 

NOTE: One of the true secrets of the Christian life is the principle of "put off and put on." While it certainly is possible to stop bad habits or behavior in its tracks, it is not normal, at least in your own strength. First, anything we do in our own strength is often a failure in the long term. Second, while the Holy Spirit can give us the strength to stop a behavior, often we need to replace the behavior with a new behavior, preferably related. We need to change our mindset. We need spiritual power. I have found that an active life of memorizing scripture, even a verse every day, can sufficiently fill up my time as to prevent me from certain behaviors. The other advantage of scripture is that it is supernatural. You cannot fill your mind with scripture without it changing you.

 

PONDER:

1. What is your plan to change sinful behaviors?
2. What will you replace a sinful behavior with?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is simplistic to think that just memorizing a verse will stop a sin, but a lifetime of memorizing verses will change a person even beyond recognition. I pray that others could experience the life transforming effect of the word of God in their minds.