Determine today, which things please the Lord.

As we learn to stick close to Jesus...abiding...remaining... allowing Him to make us fruitful, let's let go of the old ways so we can shine for Him

Ephesians 5  God's Word Translation

 Imitate God, 
since you are the children he loves.

  ² Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an 

offering and sacrifice, 

a soothing aroma to God.

 

³ Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be 
mentioned among you. 

This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people.

  ⁴ It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned 
among you either.

 Instead, give thanks to God.

  ⁵ You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 
  ⁶ Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words.

 It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes to those who 

refuse to obey him. 

  ⁷ Don’t be partners with them.

⁸ Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. 
  ⁹ Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, 
and that is true.  

¹⁰ Determine which things please the Lord.

  ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. 

  ¹² It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret.  

¹³ Light exposes the true character of everything 

  ¹⁴ because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says:

“Wake up, sleeper!
    Rise from the dead,
        and Christ will shine on you.”^[a]

¹⁵ So then, be very careful how you live. 

Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. 

  ¹⁶ Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.
  ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. ^1
8 Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit^{[b] 19} by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts.  

²⁰ Always thank God the Father for everything 

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.