INTRODUCTION

God's children are to faithfully follow God. We are to obey His will for our lives and follow the example of His Son. Today's passage provides some insight into the details of this calling. We see that believers are to walk in love (Ephesians 5:2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
See All...) and avoid sins like fornication and covetousness (Ephesians 5:3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
See All...). Additionally, believers are to have no part in foolish and inconvenient talking or jesting (Ephesians 5:4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
See All...). These things are unprofitable and unbecoming to the child of God. Instead, the Lord would rather His people put forth their strength in giving Him thanks (Ephesians 5:4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
See All...). God does not need His creation to thank Him but knows that a thankful people are the only ones who can truly live spiritual lives. Those who feel like they lack opportunity to give God thanks should cease from the sinful practices that monopolize their time and strength. Focus on God and a thankful spirit will blossom and mature.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Sometimes when we enter into God's house, we talk about everything but Him. Psalm 100:4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
  See All... tells us that we should be praising and thanking Him and not focusing on the things of this world.
• (For everyone): How do you expend your strength when you are around others? Do you get caught up in foolish talking and inconvenient jesting? Are you embarrassed at the thought of publickly giving God thanks?
• God prefers giving of thanks over foolish talking. Upon which do you tend to focus? Why do we choose to do and say things displeasing to the Lord when He has made clear how He expects us to behave?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you thank Him more with each passing day.
• Ask the Lord to help you recognize the content of your conversations.

HYMN

Praise the Saviour, Ye Who Know Him

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