Month: August 2023

August 31st – Colossians 3:5

Colossians 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Many Christians mistakenly believe that living under grace gives them carte blanche to live a life of sin. But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. One that reflects the power of Christ’s presence in us. Indulging in impurity, evil desires, and other sinful behaviors, contradicts the very essence of our faith. As recipients of His unmerited favor, we are called to honor the gift of grace by forsaking sinful behaviors that once defined us. Our newfound identity in Christ prompts us to let go of the old self and its passions. Embracing a life of sin contradicts the transformation that grace brings and diminishes the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, we are encouraged to walk in the light of His love. Allowing grace to be the catalyst for a life marked by purity, gratitude, and a desire to please God. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not indulge in it, as we seek to live out the abundant and purposeful life that Christ offers us.

August 30th – Colossians 3:8

Colossians 3:8

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Growing up my Grandma was very firm in what words we were allowed to use. And a curse word was strictly forbidden. For as she would always say, “Swearing is a sign of a very poor vocabulary!” Paul shares this sentiment, warning us against foul talk. And there’s nothing more disheartening than hearing the precious name of Jesus, a symbol of hope, love, and salvation for millions, used as a curse word. Even by those who claim to love and follow Him. Doing so not only diminishes the reverence that His name deserves, but also reflects a lack of understanding of its significance. The name of Jesus holds immeasurable power, representing the embodiment of God’s grace and sacrifice. Instead of being a source of negativity, it should inspire us to reflect on His teachings and exemplify His love. As believers, we should cherish the name of our Savior. And use it to bring light, healing, and transformation to our lives and the lives of those around us.

August 29th – Colossians 2:17

Colossians 2:17

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

I know many people who only read the New Testament, and the life of Jesus. But when we neglect the history found in the Old Testament, we miss how Jesus serves as the bridge that unites the two. For the old points to our great need for a Savior. And the new tells us exactly who that Savior is, Jesus Christ. And how He is the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity, connecting the shadowy symbols and rituals of the Old Testament to their ultimate meaning. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought to fruition God’s plan of salvation. He is the perfect fulfillment of God’s Law. And now because of His sacrifice, we live under grace, freed from the penalties of that very Law. The Lord connects the timeless truths behind the laws and stories of with the grace, love, and redemption that define the New Testament. Our faith is rooted in Him. And in the new covenant He established, which surpasses the temporary symbols and shadows of the past.

August 28th – Colossians 1:9

Colossians 1:9

since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

Right now the world is in crisis. And that’s why more than ever, we are called to be mighty prayer warriors! Soldiers on our knees filling the heavens with our petitions. Prayers for ourselves and each other. The apostle Paul teaches there are four types of prayers we’re to use when praying both privately and publicly.  Deēseisproseuchasenteuxeis, and eucharistias. Translated into English, these are supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Supplications are those fervent pleas we make to God for immediate response. Prayers refer to all of our general petitions made to the Lord. Intercessions are those prayers from the heart where we lift up before God the needs of others. And thanksgivings are those prayers of praise for all God is, does, and blesses us with each and every day. Each type of prayer is a mighty weapon against the Enemy we should be using frequently. For nothing stops Satan faster in his tracks than when the voice of God’s people are lifted in unity to the heavens above!

August 27th – Colossians 4:4

Colossians 4:4

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

It’s a big responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that false teachers were making the rounds using trickery and deception to confuse young believers about the scriptures. So the apostle asked for prayers that his sharing of the Good News be done correctly and clearly. Because never should the Word of God be twisted into the meaning we want. Instead all Christians should follow the rule that when the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense. That’s why Christians should pray for all fellow Christians. For we we all commanded to share the gospel. And praying for each others reminds us that as believers we are divinely connected. And prompts to uplift one another in our individual callings. It’s a powerful reminder that our unity in Christ extends beyond physical boundaries and allows us to participate in the global mission of spreading God’s love and truth to all corners of the world.

August 26th – Colossians 3:4

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

As followers of Jesus, our future is intertwined with His glorious return. That means because we are children of the most high God, we are destined to be transformed into the likeness of Christ Himself. Isn’t that amazing? One day we will be rid of these human, frail, and wicked bodies. And we will receive our new, perfect, glorified ones. Bodies that allow us to stand at the side of Jesus when He returns in all His glory. How can our hearts not be filled with hope and expectation with a promise like that! To appear with Jesus in His glory means that we will stand in the radiant light of His holiness. It’s a declaration of our ultimate victory over sin and death, and a testament to the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice. This truth inspires us to live with hope and purpose, keeping our eyes on the prize. A prize that should shape every aspect of our lives, and guide us toward the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. And one that keeps us crying out. “Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!”

August 25th – Colossians 2:1

Colossians 2:1

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face.

We live in a “me first” society. And when it comes to helping others, many chose to sit back and watch. Or worse yet, pull out their phone to record. Yet Paul tells us Christians aren’t to act this way. Just as he had a deep concern for the Colossians, we too are to have concern for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. To be the first to step up in times of trouble. In a world marked by division and distractions, Christians are called to be knit together in love, respect, and grace. To support one another’s faith journeys, and to offer a helping hand in times of doubt or struggle. Paul suffered greatly to share the saving message of Jesus Christ to all. Being willing to struggle for other believers stems from the principles of love, unity, and compassion that are central to the teachings of Christ. For no one struggled or suffered more for us than Jesus Christ. And as part of His glorious family, we are called to support and uplift one another, just as a family supports its members during challenging times.


August 24th – Colossians 3:3

Colossians  3:3

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

I am always blown away by God’s amazing grace. Even though I fail Him daily, He still loves me, wants me, and calls me His own. And when the world tells me otherwise, God tells me I am His valued treasure. For every one of His children are the jewels in God’s treasure chest. Each one uniquely precious, carefully crafted, and irreplaceably valued in His eyes. And just as a precious treasure is securely tucked away for safekeeping, our identities, hopes, and destinies are safeguarded within the embrace of Christ. What a beautiful picture of the close relationship we have with the Lord. This hiddenness in Christ offers a profound sense of security, as we find refuge from the storms of life in Jesus. And as we navigate through life, we can draw strength from the assurance that our true selves are known and cherished by our Savior. Our lives, enveloped in the mystery of Christ, are infused with purpose and hope, reminding us that our ultimate fulfillment is found in Him alone.

August 23rd – Colossians 4:5

Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Many agree that we are indeed living in the last days. And at anytime we could hear the call of Jesus. Time is running out. And as believers, we are called to be vigilant and wise stewards of the time we have left. Each second God gives us on this earth is to be used to advance His kingdom and for His glory. To live out our God given purpose. And to spread far and wide the saving message of Jesus Christ. Every moment is a gift, and we are entrusted with the responsibility to use it wisely. That means demonstrating love, compassion, and grace to all we meet. Being salt and light to a desperate world, striving for personal spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with the Lord. The impending return of Jesus calls us to prioritize eternal values over worldly pursuits. And to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. So let us grab hold of the remaining time to live faithfully, serve wholeheartedly, and shine brightly as we await the glorious return of our Savior.

August 22nd – Colossians 1:27

Colossians 1:27

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

The mystery of Christ is about how Jesus, who is both God and human, came to save us from our sin and reconcile us back to Himself. All stemming from God’s great love available to everyone, everywhere, at anytime. Knowing this prompts us to live with a sense of divine purpose. For our lives are a vessel for Christ’s light to shine through us to a darkened world. And by drawing upon the strength, wisdom, and love of Jesus, we can make a positive impact. How? By reflecting the grace and love that Christ shows us. In a world filled with division, anger, and uncertainty, this verse empowers us to live with confidence and purpose. Because we have the assurance that the presence of Christ within us is the source of our ultimate hope and transformation. So spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Encourage others to become a valuable part of God’s family. And live each day with the hope and anticipation of the un folding of God’s glorious plans!