Friday: MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY

May 5, 2023
2 min read

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 

19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20

If I’m not careful, I’m going to make unwise decisions. These decisions will result in missed opportunities to accomplish God’s plans in my life.

My unwise decisions come from not focusing on the Lord’s will; most are centered on my prideful thoughts and actions. I have come to understand that these decisions are foolish and not pleasing to the Lord. The things I do that are not from faith are sinful (Romans 14:23).

I want to understand what the Lord’s will is so that I can please the Lord. The Lord doesn’t want me to be lax in His standards, for He has said that a little yeast can corrupt an entire batch of dough. Debauchery is when I excessively indulge in sensual pleasures. When I allow my mind to become unclear, I will tend to make unwise choices.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: There is a remedy for this spiritually unhealthy condition. I desire to fill myself with the Holy Spirit instead of things that will make my mind unclear. When I’m filled with the Holy Spirit, my heart praises the Lord, giving thanks to God for everything. A thankful heart is the result of praise, allowing me to see that this life is not about me.

I confess to the Lord that what I have done is sinful and not pleasing to Him. Jesus said that when I repent and ask for forgiveness, God would forgive me. I learn that rejoicing leads to giving thanks, which in turn leads to repentance. I also learn that when I’m walking with the Lord in the midst of other believers, my prideful desires dissipate and my desire to rejoice increases.

Lord, I desire to please You with my words and actions. Surround me with others that love You, so that we rejoice together that Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman