Tag: Ephesians429

May 23, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Trapped by Subtlety

Opening Verse

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Introduction

Satan rarely attacks head-on. Instead, he lays traps in the form of small, seemingly harmless temptations. The flesh works with him, drawing us little by little toward compromise. We must stay awake. The enemy’s bait is often dressed as comfort, approval, pleasure, or even good intentions.

Devotional Story

A young man named Caleb worked in a quiet office. Every day he passed by a co-worker’s desk who always had gossip to share. At first, he walked past politely. Then he started lingering, just to listen. Before long, he was chiming in, laughing along, and even carrying the stories to others.

What began as casual listening became sin. Caleb started to notice a coldness in his heart when he read the Bible. His prayers felt empty. One evening, while alone, he saw a verse on his phone screen:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29).

He fell to his knees and cried. That night, he repented, deleted contacts, and committed to speak only words that built others up. The subtle trap had almost choked his spirit—but by God’s mercy, he escaped.

What This Means

The devil uses small, subtle things to catch us. He doesn’t always come with a loud voice or obvious temptation. Sometimes it’s a friendly voice, a flattering word, or a quick moment of laziness. The flesh doesn’t resist; it partners with him. And when we are not watching, sin takes root.

Think About This

Are there small things you’ve allowed into your life that are pulling you away from Christ? Is there something that started as “no big deal” but is now stealing your time, your purity, or your faith?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to every trap the enemy has placed before me. Show me the subtle things that are luring me into sin. Strengthen my spirit to say no. Help me to walk in truth, holiness, and clarity. I repent of anything that offends You. Lead me back into the light of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

April 16, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Be Blameless

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Opening Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

Introduction

A deacon is called to be blameless, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But what happens when the words that come from a deacon’s mouth are filled with profanity? Does it matter? Scripture makes it clear: our words reveal our heart.

Devotional Story

A man once served faithfully in his church as a deacon. He helped the needy, gave wise advice, and was respected. But outside the church walls, something didn’t add up. When upset, he let loose words that sounded more like the world than the Word. Some shrugged it off. “We all slip,” they said.

But one Sunday, a young believer who looked up to him overheard one of these outbursts during a parking lot disagreement. The young man’s face changed. He didn’t argue. He just walked away and never returned.

The deacon noticed his absence weeks later. He called, visited, and apologized. But the damage was done. “If that’s what serving God looks like,” the young man said, “then I’m confused.”

That moment broke the deacon. He wept. Not because of the shame, but because his mouth had become a stumbling block. He opened his Bible and read:

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Matthew 12:36 (KJV)

From then on, his speech changed. Not from fear of man, but fear of God.

What This Means

Deacons, pastors, and all believers are called to live above reproach. If the tongue is not tamed, the testimony is tainted. Words are not harmless—they’re either salt or poison. Jesus said what comes out of the mouth flows from the heart. If a deacon is speaking filth, it’s not just a slip of the tongue. It’s a warning sign from the soul.

Think About This

  • Do your words build others up or tear them down?

  • Are you more careful about your words in church than outside of it?

  • Would someone be drawn to Christ by how you speak?

Prayer

Lord, help me to watch my mouth. Let no corrupt word come out of it, but only what is holy, loving, and true. Cleanse my heart, that my speech would reflect Your Spirit. If I’ve been careless or caused others to stumble, forgive me and help me make it right. Let my life and lips honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
James 3:10 (KJV)