Speaking to one another in song

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:18-21 NKJV

Last night as our Creative Ministries team got together to learn new songs and talk about writing our own, I was so encouraged as I looked around the room and imagined each person bringing forth their own song. Why not? I thought. Why not?! There's a song in all of us - what's yours?

Something new today

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV

Strong's concordance translates the word 'new' as 'unused, fresh, novel'. This speaks to me about the way God can daily breathe something fresh and novel into our character! I wonder what renewal will take place today as I put Him on...

Journey out of depression

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 3:11-16 NKJV

This passage always reminds me of my journey out of depression. What kept me locked into that headspace was a sense of mourning at the state of people's hearts, a desperation to see a massive change in society and yet continual reminders that humanity is so depraved. I saw it in myself; I saw it in the people I love and trust; I even saw it in my kids. But these verses told me and are still reminding me that God is making changes. That's all I need to know.

Endeavouring to keep the unity

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NKJV

This past week of sickness has knocked me out physically but these verses have really challenged me to keep my heart and mind fighting for the best attitude! Every time I wanted to just yell at someone, or something, or entertain my pity party, I felt a little nudge inside, saying, "bear with one another - endeavour to keep the unity!"