So be careful how you live

 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15–16 (NLT)   Hello everyone,   Distractions are a part of life and, in many cases, unavoidable. We must be aware of distractions and deal with them wisely. We make our plans, create our to-do lists, and allot time for various activities, but interruptions will inevitably occur. When we have vocations that involve people, we must expect the unexpected.   My reason for bringing this to your attention is my failure last week to write an article and send an email. I freely admit that I am a deadline-oriented individual. I am not making excuses, but when things come up at the last moment, unexpectedly, it catches me unprepared. Some of you may be like me, while others are prepared well in advance or somewhere in between. We must have enough self-awareness to make the necessary adjustments to accomplish the most important things. We do not want to miss an opportunity to encourage, bless, or strengthen one another.   Several weeks ago, I started thinking about reconciliation. It was the article that I intended to write last week. Your experience may differ, but I think that that doctrine and teaching regarding reconciliation have not been given enough attention. Just thinking about the books in my library that have salvation, justification, or sanctification in the title far outstrips titles containing reconcile or reconciliation.   To my way of thinking, salvation, justification, and sanctification lead to the goal of reconciliation. The new article on the website is “Reconciled.” As always, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. We remember that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit so that we can be encouraged and equipped to fulfill our purpose of being engaged in the work and ministry that God has for us.   Blessings,   Steve Ekeroth