Category: Colossians

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Love Covers

Yesterday I was talking with some friends about our Christmas and what a wonderful time it was for me. Our children, with one simple act, made this my best Christmas ever.

As we were talking Steve mentioned the Scripture that “love covers a multitude of sins” as it says in the book of Proverbs. That really resonated with me and I thought on it off and on throughout the day.

It was on my mind again this morning as I sat down to write to all of you but this time it exploded in my heart!

“Hate starts fights, but love covers all sins.” Proverbs 10:12 NLV

Our prejudice, misunderstanding, cultural differences, and backgrounds are responsible for a great deal of malice. Wars are fought over such things. Families are divided, companies are destroyed, and friendships are broken.

But love covers! Love seeks a way to resolve and repair, to reconcile and restore. Take a look at what the Apostle Paul says in I Corinthians 13.

“Love does not give up. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not put itself up as being important. Love has no pride. 5 Love does not do the wrong thing. Love never thinks of itself. Love does not get angry. Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone. 6 Love is not happy with sin. Love is happy with the truth. 7 Love takes everything that comes without giving up. Love believes all things. Love hopes for all things. Love keeps on in all things. 8 Love never comes to an end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 NLV

Now, let me remind you – this is what the love that God has for US does and when we follow the instruction in yesterday’s blog of love the Lord and our neighbors, this is what we should be doing as well.

God, who is love, and who loved us first covered a multitude of our sins with the blood of His Son.

“ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:14 KJV

“We had broken the Law many ways. Those sins were held against us by the Law. That Law had writings which said we were sinners. But now He has destroyed that writing by nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14 NLV

Blotted out – covered. In the writings of ages past, there were no erasers, no back space, no white out or auto correct. If there was a mistake, it needed to be blotted out either by covering with more ink making a big spot on the parchment or by trying to remove the unwanted wording with a damp cloth which smeared the ink.

In our case, concerning our sins, the handwritten charges against us were blotted out when they were nailed to the cross and “blotted out” by the blood of Jesus!

Don’t let our enemy satan start a fight by throwing up our past sins. Love, God’s love, has covered them.

His love covered our multitude of sins! Amen!

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Bah Humbug!

Do you have any Scrooge’s in your life? It just seems futile to try and keep those people happy or in a positive state of mind?

I mean, it seems some folks “have it all” and still they want to grumble and complain while others seem to have very little of the pleasures of life and are always smiling and encouraging others.

The difference between the two is their definition of rich.

Bob Cratchit worked in harsh conditions. Long hours, low pay and underappreciated but he went home every night to a family who loved him and he was rich. Ebenezer Scrooge was rich – he lived in a big home, counted his money often but lived unhappy and alone.

Rich – what does that word bring to mind? At this time of year, it can be used in several ways.

Our conversation was rich with laughter.

The fudge was rich.

The presence of family and friends is rich.

That’s a present fit for a king but it requires his riches to buy it.

Rich: 1. wealthy: owning a lot of money or expensive property 2. worth much: worth a great deal of money 3. costly and fine: made from or consisting of things of the highest quality.

What things in life make you feel rich?

Remember a couple of days ago when I used the verses from John 1 about the Word (Jesus) became flesh. Ok, so hold that thought for a moment and let’s look at Colossians.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

Now there are some gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

God bless us everyone!

Merry Christ – mas!

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The Gift of Peace

Last night I was joined by two friends and we prayed together for those who we know are lonely and experiencing loss.

Some of the ones we prayed for are facing their first Christmas without a spouse or another dear loved one. Some are dealing with depression and the effects of PTSD. Others feel devastated by a broken marriage or an extended illness – hopelessness rushes in like a storm surge on the shore.

This is why Jesus came – He came to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men.

“ And Isaiah says, “There will be One from the family of Jesse Who will be a leader over the people who are not Jews. Their hope will be in Him.” 13 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 NLV

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace – doesn’t that sound good? Peace – sweet peace, coming down from the from Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love. (words from a great old hymn)

When peace isn’t evident in our lives, it should be an immediate sign that we are living apart from God’s promises. A part of the message of the coming of Christ at Christmas is the Prince of Peace has come! Peace!!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:14 KJV

Letting peace rule is a conscience decision – it doesn’t come automatically. It’s something we make a decision on. Our car doesn’t automatically go the speed limit, we determine the speed. We must make the decision to let the law of peace rule in our hearts by our dependence upon the Father and His Word.

As Prince, he has the authority to rule. He is sovereign of the realm. His is the authority we trust in. He has decreed that we can have peace of mind as we depend upon Him.

“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

The peace of God is greater than worry, loneliness and fear. Let the Prince of Peace rule in your life this holiday season!

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Take A Break

Yesterday Dave picked me up at work and we headed to town. After all, how busy can it be? It’s just December 1st.

Well, it was busy. We stopped long enough at our favorite Mexican food restaurant to enjoy our dinner and visited with our waitress. It was a nice repose before we headed to the grocery store.

Oh my!

Only a few things on our list but some were necessities so it was a stop we couldn’t skip. Busy, busy, busy.

Home. Put things away and then it was time to sit down and enjoy the quiet. You realize that you don’t have to go anywhere to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle of keeping up with life. It can happen anywhere, especially this time of the year.

The holidays can be so hectic – planning for friends and family to visit; making those favorite treats, decorating, parties, finding the perfect gift – all good things – all things that come from a heart of love but all things that can stress you out and fill your days with things that can test the temper.

A good way to keep your day on track is to start it with a short prayer, thanking God for “The reason for the season, Jesus” and then having an afternoon coffee break to focus once again on things above. Bedtime is one more opportunity to be thankful for the wonderful people in your life and for His love.

A sure-fire way to keep your life on track.

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:14-17 KJV

I’m praying that each of you have a day filled with blessings.

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Well Done

Yesterday we attended a Veteran’s Day Service. Most of the men there had served in the Viet Nam War as they spoke of their service their voices cracked and their eyes filled with tears. They had been faithful to their calling, and they returned home. But some they knew did not.

It was a time to celebrate them and to thank them for their sacrifice on our behalf.

Last week we were at the racetrack with our daughter and son-in-love. As we sang the National Anthem, our hands on our hearts, I looked at Austin and my heart swelled with pride. My throat tightened and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for his service. As soon as the anthem finished, I had to hug him tightly and tell him thank you, once again, for his service and his sacrifice.

Today is the day we honor all veterans. Those who have served, some have fought in conflict, others have stood guard during times of peace, but they were all dedicated to one common goal – the protection of our country and our freedoms.

“Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve.” II Timothy 2:3-4 AMP

We, too, have enlisted for service. We have been called to fight the good fight of faith. We are standing, in this life, as the occupational forces representing a king and a kingdom, the kingdom of God.

Our uniform fits us for battle; we are clothed in the full armor of God. We have a helmet of salvation, a shield of faith, a breastplate of righteousness, our midsection is covered by truth, the boots on our feet are the gospel of peace and we have a sword of the Spirit in our hands.

The One who leads us has been beaten and bruised. His hands and feet were pierced through; He gave up His life to save us all and then He rose from the dead to enforce the defeat of His conqueror enemy.

“God took away the power of the leaders of this world and the powers of darkness. He showed them to the world. The battle was won over them through Christ.” Colossians 2:15 NLV

Those of us who are standing here will one day be called home from duty and when we are we will hear our commanding officer say, “‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care. Come and share my joy.’” Matthew 25:23 NLV

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A Basket of Gratefulness

I asked you if there is someone in your life who is an example of loving-kindness. Someone who gives never expecting anything in return?

This morning I was thinking of how I could bless that “someone” in my life. In mind of the cost-cutting we are doing with our budget, I came to realize there are some simple and inexpensive things that can be done.

A heartfelt note, a coffee cup filled with little treats, a basket of special things (a book, something homemade, some fruit and nuts). A basket of gratefulness. Anything to express thankfulness for who they are.

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ” Philippians 1:3-4 NLT

Thankful – to be filled with thanks! What a great way to look at a Sunday morning, full of thanks!!

Thankful for the love of family and friends. Thankful that there was a bed to sleep in last night, thankful for the roof over my head, thankful for a cup of hot coffee, thankful for the sunrise that is coming, thankful that I am safe but most thankful for my Father God who has promised to never leave me or forsake me.

Thankful that He’s always there and there is no place, none, that I go that He will not be with me – yes, I’m thankful!

“Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.

16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:14-16 ERV

Always have a heart filled with thankfulness and possibly a basket filled with gratitude.

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Smile Big!

This is a teaching I have used before but it’s an analogy I like. Just something to remember.

We see a lot of pumpkins around that still have their yucky parts, we are all in a process of cleaning!

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God.” II Corinthians 5:17-20 CEV

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch and washes all the dirt off of you. He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

We, all too often, look at ourselves and others and become critical. We aren’t what we want to be or should be. But when the Father looks at us, He sees us complete in Christ.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

Jesus didn’t give up on Peter who denied Him or Paul who killed Christians. He loved Zacchaeus and the woman who committed adultery. The thief on the cross next to Him went to Paradise without having ever been to church, been baptized or having given anything in the offering plate. Why? Each of them received God’s forgiveness for their sins.

When we accept the work of Jesus on the cross, we are forgiven and given a new life. We are all in a process of growing in that new life and we are being transformed, its a daily renewal.

So too all my fellow pumpkins, welcome! Smile big and let the light of God shine brightly.

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Not Like the Other

Do you remember the little song from Sesame Street, One of These Things is Not Like the Other? Well, this basket of fruit has one thing, unlike the others.

Not all fruit is the same.

Paul writes to us in Galatians about the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

These are all good fruit. In fact, Paul says there has never been a law written against any of these characteristics. Who’s going to condemn us if we have loving, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. These are good things, but…not all fruit is good like this.

“ A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:43-45 NLT

Patience is a good fruit. Impatience isn’t.

Think about that. I heard Joyce Meyers say this years ago.

It’s true – “I” don’t have time to wait; “I” could do it better; “I” deserve to be treated better than this; “I” told you to do it “my” way. And it goes on and on. Most of our objections around things that make us impatient start with I.

How contrary that is to God’s character! He waited for just the right time to send Jesus. Jesus walked this earth teaching the same thing over and over, the love of God and restoration to Him, and still people didn’t get it. And now God is waiting again, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” II Peter 3:9 NLT

Those of us who know a little something about “end-time” prophecy are watching the events unfolding in our world today with great interest. As far as we can tell, events are lining up according to Scripture for the Lord’s return.

But let’s not get impatient!

We need to continue to be the examples of God’s love and forgiveness that He has placed us in the world to be. We need to be producers of good fruit. We need to be like Jesus.

He knew time was short; soon He would be crucified but instead of lamenting His fate, He continued to serve with an unselfish love.

“It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most.

2 Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.) 3 The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God. 4 So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet. He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.” John 13:1-5 ERV

How many times has the Lord been patient with our failings, our shortcomings, our wanderings. He has been there to pick us up, welcome us home and encourage us to “go our way and sin no more”.

And now He is asking us to become patient with ourselves and with others. To show them the same love and compassion He has shown to us. When we are patient, we are Christ-like and our lives will reflect His love.

“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.” James 1:2-4 ERV

Let’s remove the character trait that is not like the others, impatience, and patiently love those around you today!

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Better Than

The theme of my morning Bible reading seemed to be “better than”. Let me explain.

First, I was reading in Isaiah, the last chapter, and I came across these words:

“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine.
 I, the Lord, have spoken! ‘I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.'” Isaiah 66:2 NLT

It goes on to say that those who are trying to look religious and spiritual with all their actions have false and deceptive hearts. What God is looking for are the humble and repentant.

“But Samuel replied, ‘What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.” I Samuel 15:22-23 NLT

Samuel, the priest, was correcting King Saul because of his disobedience to what the Lord had said. Saul tried to cover up his rebellious acts by offering sacrifices but his heart wasn’t repentant.

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

From there, I went to the book of Proverbs. Solomon, in chapters 22 and 23, gives thirty wise sayings. He’s giving instruction to young men.

He says being wise is better than expending all your energy to get rich.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.” vs 4

He goes on to say that keeping silent is better than wasting your advice on fools.

“Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” vs 9

His next wise saying has to do with raising children. Discipline is better than letting our children live a disobedient life.

“Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them. 14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.” vs 13-14

At this point, I encourage you to read the whole chapter, Proverbs 23, and look at the wise sayings of Solomon. I’ll end with this one. Avoiding drunkards and gluttons is better than joining in their ways.

“My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. 20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.” vs 19-21

These all seem like such obvious instructions, don’t they? Our heavenly Father cares about every area of our lives and He doesn’t want us to be caught unaware of its dangers. His loving instruction and compassion is better than life without Him.

“Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.” Psalm 63:3-4 NLT

This is what our Father intends for us:

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Colossians 1:9-10 NLT

We are promised wisdom and understanding and a life that produces good fruit as we grow in our knowledge of the Father.

A life of knowing God is BETTER THAN anything else!

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Finish Strong

In my quiet time this morning the Lord reminded me of the importance of finishing strong.

Yesterday I told you about Caleb’s stand and how he said, “God is well-able”. It wasn’t just a slogan; it was his life’s mantra.

“Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” Joshua 14:10-12 NLT

At 85, Caleb was still strong and still determined to see the will of God accomplished in his life. He didn’t care about the giants. He didn’t give up on God’s promise. Never give up on a God-given dream or promise.

“ For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[a] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NLT a.2:9 Or in him dwells all the completeness of the Godhead bodily.

If the Father has made you a promise or given you a dream He has also given you the power and the plan to see it come to pass.

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NLT

We give thanks to God who gives us the victory over life’s situations because of our relationship with God through Christ Jesus. It may not always look like we are victorious but when we give Him thanks, we will see the circumstances change.

Jesus didn’t look victorious when they laid him in the tomb. Peter didn’t look victorious when he was sinking in the sea of Galilee. Daniel didn’t look victorious when he was thrown into the lion’s den. Paul didn’t look victorious when he was stoned and left for dead. At 85, Caleb probably didn’t look like a fighting man in his prime.

But…Thanks be to God who gave them the victory and He has given us victory as well. Paul said in Romans 8 that God calls us overcomers and more than conquerors. So, we will stand strong in doing the work that God has called us to do.

We have victory in Christ Jesus so let’s finish strong and give thanks.

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