Colossians 3 - 12.10.24
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:15,16 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
OBSERVATION: Paul taught that living in love leads to peace. He also taught that when our heart’s are grateful to God, it opens us up to God’s peace, which enables us to put on love.
APPLICATION: As I allow God’s love to rule my heart, He will be faithful to help sustain me, even in times of great stress. It’s up to me to clothe myself in His love, and as I do, He will be faithful to instruct me and guide me in His peace.
PRAYER: Jesus came to glorify His Father in heaven. We can have no clearer view of God than looking at Jesus. He is the complete expression of God in human body. God is glorified as His body (the believers) reflect His love. This is my prayer: As Jesus prayed and gave thanks to the Father, I pray my greatest aim in life will be to acknowledge my need of God, pray to Him often, and give thanks for ALL that He’s given me through Jesus. I pray God will fill me to over-flowing with His love, and out of thanksgiving, I will do my part to reflect His love to others. Amen
- Robin Orefice
Colossians 2 - 12.9.24
Scripture
Colossians 2:7 NLT
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Observation
In this passage, Paul is writing the church in Colossae and warns them not to be taken in by deceptive teachings. These teachings may seem attractive, but are merely tricks. They sound true, but they are not. Teachings of self-denial, legalism, visions, and other practices looks good on the outside, but none of them are true sources of spiritual growth. Paul emphasizes the way Jesus accomplished everything; we need to be justified before God. As a result, there is no reason for believers to pursue these false teachings. We have the real thing in Jesus…and we need to follow Him.
Application
Jesus is our firm foundation. He is the source to our true spiritual growth.
“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” -Luke 6:47-48
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”-John 15:5 NLT
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”-Ephesians 3:17 NLT
Staying rooted in Jesus by following His teachings, reading His Word, and connecting with Him (through prayer) daily, are practical ways we can all grow in our faith and be better prepared for when the storms of life hit.
Prayer
Thank You Jesus for being the foundation in my life, and in my family’s life. We would be lost without You. You are my tower of strength, The Rock that I can lean on when I am weak, and my hope in times of trouble. It’s because of You I can find joy in all circumstances in life. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise. May others around me see where my hope rests, and be encouraged to seek You too. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi
Philippians 3 - 12.6.24
Scripture: Philippians 3:7 - 8
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
Observation
This verse acts as a reminder to us that nothing of this world measures up to that of KNOWING our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Leading up to this verse, Paul lists his impressive Jewish credentials, highlighting his status as a Pharisee, Hebrew of Hebrews, and zealous follower of the law. The original audience was the Christian church in Philippi, which Paul wrote during his time in prison. Paul is conveying that in comparison to knowing Christ, all his accomplishments are worthless and mere rubbish. His true value now comes from his intimate fellowship with Christ who surpasses all things of this world. He is urging the church to not rely on the world for righteousness, but rather communion with Christ Jesus. This is similar to what Paul discusses in Galatians 5:6 that the law has no value-the only thing of worth is faith expressed through love in Christ.
Application
The world tells us that success is being well educated, having a successful career, owning a home, nice cars and much more. We cannot live our life trying to do everything perfect in our own strength and have the Abundant Life God has promised us. Through Faith in Christ Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him, we will experience the amazing life that Jesus has for us. All the world’s success is garbage in comparison to KNOWING Christ Jesus. To KNOW the depth of His love for us. To KNOW that He gave His life so we may live. To KNOW the suffering that we endure in life makes us into the person God made us to be. There is nothing in the world that is better than KNOWING Christ Jesus and walking in step with the Holy Spirit. To live the Abundant Life that He has given us.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to live our lives looking to you for everything. Pressing into KNOWING YOU intimately and have a deep understanding of your love for us. Help us to deny our fleshly desires and press forward to the Prize of KNOWING YOU. Thank You Jesus for loving us, dying for us, rising and living in us, so that we may live our lives Victoriously in You. I am forever Grateful!
- Michelle Craig