In Ephesians 4, Paul wrote: 29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. What feeds your words and your actions? Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t know why I said that or did this?” Before there is a word spoken or an act committed, there is a desire lurking underneath. For most people when they do something contrary or out of character, what lurks underneath is calling the shots. It determines the behavior. It is like pus under an infectious scab. For the Ephesians, it was verse 31. In order for there to be change, one must know what is underneath the surface. The key is an honest evaluation and acknowledgment. One can’t live into a new day without knowing where to start. Therefore, get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice, jealously, or anything along those lines. This week focus on what is underneath.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Romans 9 | Romans 10 | Romans 11 | Romans 12 *Tuesday – Romans 13 | Romans 14 | Romans 15 | Romans 16 *Wednesday- Ephesians 1 | Ephesians 2 | Ephesians 3 | Ephesians 4 *Thursday – Ephesians 5 | Ephesians 6 *Friday- Philippians 1 | Philippians 2 | Philippians 3 | Philippians 4 Please Pray for: • An end to the Covid Crisis. • Our children as they cope with world issues. • All ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul. • Families in crisis. • Loved ones battling illness. • Those seeking to find their way. • The St. Paul Church family. • The United Methodist Church family. • Our leaders, our country, and our world. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |