With Enthusiasm

Paul here is addressing slaves and their attitude towards the work they are doing. But really, he is addressing us all. We all,have earthly masters that we work for whether is be an employer, a parent, our partner, our children, or even a stranger that we are serving. Whatever we are doing, God does not want it to be drudgery to us. Remember that what we are doing, we are doing for God. He created us. he loves us. He has a plan for our lives. What we are doing today is part of His plan for us. Rejoice in that and work with enthusiasm. Even if your work is monotonous and you think there's got to be something better for you to do - perhaps there is - still remember that you are working for God and to work with enthusiasm because of His lavish love for you. Maybe you're labor img in a position where you've lost a beloved leader - keep working with enthusiasm because you have not lost the love of your heavenly leader. By all means, if you feel God is leading you on to something else, pursue it. With enthusiasm! But as you wait for that to be revealed, continue to work as for God with enthusiasm. Perhaps you're in between jobs, there are still things you should be doing. Do them with enthusiasm. God gave His best for you. Give your best for Him.

Does It Fit?

We sometimes don't want to talk about submission. It seems demeaning to us. But when we realize the context, it becomes easier to understand.

Wives submit to your husbands. God has provided a special blessing to you ladies - your husband. He's not perfect. Perhaps he is far from it. But God has given him to you. He is part of you and you are part of him. Submitting doesn't mean that you are giving up all of yourself but that you are yielding yourself so that together God can have His way through the two of you. Your wants aand desires are part of your husband and he should be sensitive to them as he is leading.

As is fitting in the Lord. This is not some that constrains us, but something that we rise up to. It is not as if we are little girls trying on Mommy's high heels and stumbling about as we try to walk. No, we are growing into them as we and our husbands grow into being the couple that God wants us to be. Isn't that beautiful?

Time To Get Dressed

I don't know about you, dear reader, but I really love reading through Colossians. Each little serving of a few verses each has been a rich meal for me. Today, as I read chapter 3 verses 12 through 17, it was a feast that makes Thanksgiving dinner look meager. I only want to touch on one verse here today for fear of overeating. Perhaps, after I have finished blogging through the rest of Colossians, I will come back and feast on the leftovers.

But, now it's time to get dressed. Not for a night out on the town, but perhaps in our Sunday best. And not just on Sunday, but every day for the rest of our lives.

We must get dressed because we are chosen by God. He sought us out. He set us apart. We are dearly loved. We are His Bride!

We should put on a heart of mercy. Are you compassionate? Reach out to those in need. Share love with them. What do they need? Share it with them.

Put on kindness. In a world full of grumpy, got to get things done, me first people, smile at them. Say nice words to them. Turn their frowns upside down.

Dress yourselves with humility. Don't think the worst of yourself. Remember you are loved by God. But, consider others higher than yourself. Put their needs before your own. Jesus came to serve. You can too.

Wear gentleness. Don't be a bull in a china shop. Don't tremble in fear as if you're walking on eggshells. But walk strong and gentle as if you are cuddling and caring for a dearly beloved newborn babe.

Clothe yourself with patience. Life does not come with guaranteed overnight shipping. Not everything gets done in the microwave oven in under five minutes at full power. Some things take time. Wait for it. Always anticipate that God is still at work and wait patiently acting in faith that what He is doing will be brought to completion.

Are you dressed now? Well, take a look at yourself in the mirror and smile. You're beautiful!

Are You Finished With That?

OK, I'll admit it. I'm not much of a neat freak. When I'm finished using something, I'll often leave it laying around somewhere instead of putting it away. Sometimes, I'll see it laying there and pick it up and use it again before putting it away. Convenient or just lazy?

Paul is telling us here in Colossians to put things away. Of course, if we're to be putting them away, that means we need to be finished with the,. Anger: be finished with it. Rage: stop it and put it away! Malice: put it down and put it away. Slander: but, I like slander. Nope. Put it away. Abusive language: no more. Put it away.

All of this belongs to our old self. Since, we have died with Christ and are living in Him, we have a new self. None of this belongs to the new self. Put it away and put on your new self. You're going to like it.

Keep Seeking

If you have been raised with Christ...

Were you once dead in your sins? Are you now alive in Christ? You have been raised with Christ! At the Holy Spirit's leading, you sought the things above and found them. But, don't stop seeking them.

Every day, every hour, seek the things above for that is where Christ is to be found. Don't just look up and gaze at the clouds or the stars. Look up and see the magnificence of Christ!

Why Do You Stll...

Have you ever known someone who you could tell from the way they talked wasn't from around here? Could you tell by the way they dressed or acted? Maybe you know someone who moved from Florida to Massecgusetts and in the middle of winter when there's a foot of snow on the ground, they're still wearing shorts and a t-shirt outside. Would you ask them why they're dressed that way when it doesn't seem to be appropriate? What would you say if they responded, "I'm from Florida. I always wear shorts and a t-shirt." When someone has made such a change in state, they should change their actions in a manner appropriate to their new state.

Likewise, when we have truly become Christ's, having moved from the kingdom of the world and of he law to the kingdom of God and of grace, should we keep living according to the law? Absolutely not! The law may be useful to us, but grace should shape who we are. Never should we fear to step out in faith and follow Christ because we fear what the world will think of us. We are dead to the world and alive in Christ! The chains are broken. You are free! It is easy not to change and still do what you have always done, but you dear reader aren't from around here. Live like it!

The Reality Is Christ

How many things do we pursue because of what others want of us? Do we worry about whether to do something because it makes us a better Christian? The answe, sady for me, is yes. There are plenty of times I worry about having to do this or having to do that because that's what people expect of me or want to impose on me rather than just kicking back and doing what God wants me to do. These things, in fact, may be things that God does want me to do, but it is not these things that make me a better Christian. These things are only a shadow and though the have the image of Christ, they are not Christ! The reality is Christ! 100% authentic reality - Christ! I want reality - not fantasy or virtual reality. I want Christ!

So, I will seek Him and Him only. If He leads me to do these other things that others want me to do, I will do them because He wants me to. 

Made Alive In Christ

Dead. I was dead. I had reaped what I sowed. My sin had earned it's wages. I was dead and there was nothing I could do about it. I was dead and alone.

But He made me alive. I didn't do it; He did. He made me alive with Him. I was no longer alone. I was with Him. My sin had been forgiven. Not just one sin, but all of it. The stench of death that it brought me was gone. I was made alive. I am alive! Are you alive? Praise God!

Living Life In Christ

Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, (Colossians 2:6 NET)

How am I to live my life? Just as I have received Christ. What does it mean to have received Christ? The verb here can be taken to mean to have taken on as an associate or companion. If Jesus is our associate, we're known to be with Him and He is known to be with us. If Jesus is our companion, we can know that we are not alone. The verb can also be taken to mean to have received by transmission - meaning not from us but to us, from God to us. We have received or taken Jesus on not just as an associate or companion but as Lord - we belong to Him and He has the power and authority to choose how to use us.

With Jesus as our associate, companion, and master, we are to make our way in life. We are to make progress. We are to make use of the opportunities given to us. As we walk through our lives, we should know that Christ is with us and it should be known that He is with us. As we make progress - no turning back - we should remember we are not alone. As we make use of the opportunities, we should know those opportunities came from our Lord and we should respond to them as He wants us to!

To be known as Christ's is a wonderful thing. Walk well, dear reader.

Knit Together

Colossians 2:2 My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 

Have you ever watched someone knitting? It is very deliberate work. They may be counting stitches to make sure that they got the precise number of stitches that they need in a given row. If they find a problem, they may rip out some (or even all) of it and go back and do it again until it is correct. There may be people who ask them "what is it you are knitting?" Regardless of whether it is a simple scarf or beautiful sweater, the final result is a beautiful work of art into which much time and effort went.

Paul wants that our hearts be knit together in love. It takes time and effort and of course love to knit hearts together. As God begins to knit our hearts together, it may not always be obvious what they will look like when finished. Sometimes, we will make mistakes along the way and need to recognize those mistakes, confess, repent, rip them out, and reknit them. But how exciting is it as we begin to see the beautiful work of art as they are being knit together! Are you ready and willing to be knit together with fellow believers? Be encouraged and be assured that God is making something beautiful of it and that through it, He will reveal Christ to you and those around you!

Glory Fulfilled

Colossians 1:27-28 God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ. 

Christ in you, the hope of glory - Knowing Christ brings the certain expectation of future glory.  It is not just a chance of glory, but because of Christ it is certain.

We proclaim Him by instructing and teaching - Christ is revealed to us though instruction and teaching. Are you a student of Christ? Are you under someone's teaching Christ? Are you studying Him on your own? It is an important part of the process.

Mature in Christ - The goal is for us to be mature or complete - yes even perfect- in Christ. The end goal is for the hoped for glory to be fully revealed in us. 

Is the glory of God evident in your life? Do others see it? Keep studying and pursuing knowing Christ! His glory WILL be revealed in you!

Fully Known

...to make the word of God fully known

Colossians 1:25

What do I do to make the Word of God fully known or know to its fullest? It would seem to me that if this is my goal, I should keep several things in mind.

Do I know God's Word?  If I am to make His Word fully known, I should be studying it daily.

Do I know God's full Word? Am I guilty of focussing on part of His Word and ingnoring other parts of it?

Am I making it known? It's one thing for me to read and study it, but if I am just keeping it to myself, that's just keeping my light under a bushel, isn't it.

Am I making it known to all those around me? I may share what God is teaching me through His Word with my family or my friends from church, but am I sharing it with my neighbors or with my coworkers?

Oh Lord, I pray that as I read and study Your Word, you help me to understand it all and see the picture of Your love, holiness, mercy, and grace that is woven throughout it.  Help me to live a life according to Your Word and to share it's glorious riches with ALL those around me.

Amen.

In Harmony

...and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 

Colossians 1:20

Jesus came to reconcile all things.  He came to bring peace. He came to bring harmony.  Do you want that? Do you need that? It doesn't come from you. It comes from Jesus. Not because He was a good man or a good teacher. From His blood shed on the cross. He died to bring peace and harmony. Are you looking to Him for that?

Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the Cross so that I can have peace with You through His blood.

First Born

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 

Colossians 1:15

The firstborn has certain rights and privileges because they were born first. It is through the firstborn that Mom and Dad first learn the wonder of loving their child. How great is the anticipation as you wait for your firstborn child to be born? How amazing is it to hold your firstborn child in your arms and cuddle them? How hard is it the first time you send them off to school? How scared are you the first time they really get sick? Yes, it is so wonderful to love your children and treasure them, but your firstborn you love first.

Jesus is the firstborn of all creation.  How wonderful is He? And our Father in heaven sent Him to be born as a baby, to grow up, live a sinless life, and die on the cross for our sin.  How great the Father's love for us!

Sharing the inheritance

Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 

Have you ever told yourself "I'm not qualified to do that."  Maybe you were thinking of leading a small group or teach a class or speak in front of a large group of people.  I'm not qualified for that.  Maybe there is some club or group or clique that you long to be part of but I'm not qualified for that.  Maybe you'd love to be like people you see on TV or read about on the internet who seem to be able to do whatever they want whenever they want with no worries about the cost, but I'm not qualified for that.

I hate to break it to you, dear reader, but there's a lot neither you nor I are qualified for.  We are sinners and thus we are not qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints. Our sins are so filthy, we shouldn't even be in the same room. Nothing we can do can qualify us for this blessing. Yet, God the Father qualifies us.  He sent His son, the One who was qualified, to die on the cross for our sin so that we might be qualified.  What love! What a blessing.

Rejoice with me that we have been qualified to share in such a wonderful inheritance!

Who has heard of your faith?

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
Colossians 1:4

Paul is praying for the Colossians because he has hears of their faith. As I read this and examine my heart, I have to ask myself, would Paul be praying for me?  Certainly the people who know me at my church know of my faith. And there's the people who know me from other family activities (that take place at other churches) know of my faith.  But does my neighbor know of my faith?  Does the brother or sister who lives down the street and goes to some church other than mine (and I probably don't even know it) know of my faith?  What of my love for all the saints? My love for most of the saints? My love for even SOME of the saints?  If I find that my love is not known and my faith is not well enough known, I must ask myself what is my faith really in?

Paul talks of the word of truth, the gospel, and how it is bearing fruit and increasing.  I have heard the word of truth and I study it daily. I pray that it may truly be bearing fruit in my life and increasing. I pray too that for you, dear reader, it may also be bearing fruit and increasing.  Is it? Let me know in the comments and will rejoice with you and be praying for you!

Tomorrow: Colossians 1:10-14

Grace and Peace

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:2b

Grace and peace to you...

• Grace, unmerited favor, gift that we do not deserve, that by which we are saved,
• to you, not just someone else, but you dear reader, you, by name, you personally, you specifically,
• and peace, on top of the grace we have the ceasing of hostilities, the quieting of the storms, the stillness of the hectic
• from God, not from ourselves, not from each other, but from God who is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, the Creator of all,
• our, you're not in this alone, we're in this together, two are better than one, right,
• Father, a daddy who loves us, who takes care of us, who provides for us, who makes a home for us

Such a simple opening, but oh what a rich treasure! Do you need grace or peace today? I know that I certainly do. Our heavenly father, who loves us so dearly, has given it to us in Christ. Stand together with me as He gives it to us. Receive it joyfully.

I am reading through Colossians and hoping to blog about it daily as I meditate on what I am reading that day. Already, I find myself greatly encouraged and I'm only two verses in!