Day 5 

Lisa Sheffler, author

On Day 5 of the Engage God Daily, we spend some time digesting what we’ve learned during the week and inviting the Spirit to transform us.

We’re going to end our week with a passage from Ephesians that gives us the ultimate alternative to getting drunk or high.

Read

Ephesians 5:15–20 (NIV)

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflect

Paul speaks plainly in these verses. It’s pure foolishness to allow yourself to be controlled by mind-altering substances. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit alone.

Alcohol and drug abuse flourish in isolation. When we cut ourselves off from the life of the body, we can find the lure of false gods difficult to resist. Let’s encourage one another to worship God. Let’s find joy in community and join together in praising and thanking the Father in the name of the Son.

Let’s review the steps we’re going to be taking each week:

1. Under the Spirit’s guidance, we’re going to identify the idols of our hearts and recognize how God meets the need we’re trying to satisfy with an idol.
2. We’re going to turn from that idol — release it and repent of it. In the words of Deuteronomy 12:3, we’re going to smash our idols!
3. We’re going to turn to God. We’re going to worship God with our whole hearts and ask the Spirit to grow our faith. We’re going to gratefully receive the abundance that God offers us in Christ.

Pray

Father,

I praise you for your faithfulness. I rejoice in your love.

I come seeking your grace. Help me see that it is sufficient. I put my trust in you alone, my God and my Savior. Jesus, you are the source of my strength. Spirit, fill me with life. I yield myself to you alone. Teach me to be content in all circumstances.

When I am anxious and looking for relief, draw me into worship. Remind me of the unmatched joy that comes from being in your presence. Grant me your incomprehensible peace. Teach me how to live according to your will.

Jesus, it’s in your name I pray, Amen

Talk about it

• Discuss with a trusted friend or family member your biggest takeaway from this week. Ask for them to pray for you and help hold you accountable as you commit to smashing idols in your life. If you need help, our re:generation ministry will welcome you.

Coming next week

What is our next idol to smash? It’s a beautiful gift from God, but one our culture tempts us to misuse. Next week, we’re talking about sex.