A Very Personal Walk through Ephesians – 31

31. Living moment by moment in the moment.

Ephesians 5:15-20 “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. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NLT)

One more day looking at how to live in a way that pleases God, focusing on mindfulness.

These verses help me apply what I was thinking and praying about yesterday [devotional blog #29 and 30]. I want to live more intentionally, and that includes being mindful.

In my New Living Translation, the title for this section is “Living by the Spirit’s Power.” It is the Spirit working in my life that makes it possible for me to learn to:

• live like a person who is wise  
• make the most of every opportunity
• not act thoughtlessly (without thinking about it)
• understand what God wants me to do. 

All of these together describe mindfulness, being entirely present in the moment, not on autopilot, fully engaging with what is going on now.

A mindfulness reminder: now is the only time I can praise the Lord, the only time I can be in His presence. Not yesterday, not tomorrow, only the in the present moment. 

This passage draws some contrasts.              

Not –    Foolish , Thoughtless, Drunk              But – wise, understanding, filled with the Spirit

Where am I in each list?

What is the opportunity today that I can make the most of? 

What is the opportunity that I see ahead of me in the near future? How can I be prepared to make the most of it?

My take-away: In order to be intentional in my living, I need to be mindful, living in the moment.

Father, please help me to live fully in each moment today. I don’t want to wish away any experience just because I am anticipating something in the future. You will be with me each moment today. Help me to be aware of Your presence. Amen.

From the personal devotional notes of Peggy McKechnie, certified life coach and follower after God’s own heart. You are invited to contact Peggy through ChurchHealthMinistries.com.