Colossians

August 12th – Colossians 1:5

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Colossians 1:5

“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.”

Many are the rewards waiting for us in heaven. Besides the crowns that we will lay at the feet of Jesus, there will be joy, rejoicing, glorified new bodies, and an eternity spent by the side of Jesus. That’s why Paul encourages us to lead our lives in anticipation of our heavenly treasures. By anchoring our faith in the rewards promised by God, we find the hope to persevere through life’s challenges with unwavering trust. This hope fuels our actions and choices, inspiring us to treat others with genuine love and kindness. Moreover, the promises of eternity enables us to keep a balanced perspective, helping us focus on what truly matters and avoiding being consumed by temporary concerns. And as we navigate through life, because of the hope we have in the Lord, we are guided toward a purposeful and meaningful existence. And all of these wonderful rewards we have as a result of God’s grace. Not earned through good deeds, our treasures in heaven come from the love of God and our love of Christ.

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August 11th – Colossians 3:15

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Colossians 3:15

“And let, the peace of Christ, act as umpire in your hearts.”

The hardest job of the game is the umpire. Because even though he knows he’ll make some happy and others angry, he still calls the balls and strikes. And he’s trusted to make impartial judgements according to the rules of the game. The peace of Christ is our personal umpire. Because the serenity we receive from having a close, personal, relationship with Jesus helps us decide between balls and strikes when making decisions or resolving conflict. Serving as a reliable indicator, the peace of Christ lets us know if we’re either on the wrong path or acting accordingly to God’s will. This divine umpire ensures that we stay true to our faith. He guides us away from turmoil and toward a life marked by harmony, purpose, and alignment with God’s perfect plan. And when we lay everything at the feet of the Lord, and allow Him to guide us in every aspect of life, we’ll hit it out the park every time!

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August 10th- Colossians 4:2

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Colossians 4:2

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Paul tells us to dedicate ourselves to prayer. Why? Because prayer is our direct line of communication with God. Through prayer we talk with God, give Him the desires and sorrows of our hearts, lift up others and their needs, confess our sins, and thank Him for our blessings. By dedicating ourselves to prayer, we open the door to a deeper relationship with the Lord through intimacy and trust. And when we pray we invite God into every aspect of our lives, seeking guidance, strength, and comfort in times of need. It aligns our hearts with the Father’s will and reminds us of our dependency on Him. Regular and devoted prayer transforms our perspective. It enables us to see life’s challenges through a spiritual lens. Prayer keeps us aware of God’s presence and encourages a spirit of humility. God is always ready and anxious to hear from His children. So pray. Tell God what is in your heart and mind. He’s always listening!

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August 9th – Colossians 2:11

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Colossians 2:11

“In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.”

Unlike today where circumcision is done mostly for cosmetic reasons, to the Jews it held profound significance. As a physical sign of the covenant between God and the descendants of Abraham, it symbolized separation from the world and dedication to God’s laws. Circumcision served as a powerful reminder to the Jews of their identity as God’s chosen people. But as Christians, we are all His people, for we are circumcised by the transformative work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, the Lord circumcises our hearts by cutting away the sinful nature that separates us from God. A spiritual circumcision not carried out by human hands, but by the Spirit of God Himself. For when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord, a profound inner transformation begins. Slowly the Spirit weeds out the garbage of our old self, so our new life in Christ can begin. A life marked not by outward appearance, but by the inward renewal of a heart, mind, and spirit, dedicated to knowing, loving, and pleasing God.

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August 8th – Colossians 3:1

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Colossians 3:1

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

With the rapid and continuing decline of today’s society, I can’t help but selfishly cry, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” And I say selfishly because as desperately as I look forward to Christ’s return, I know that as Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, He has important work to do. As the hour is short before He comes again, He’s busy acting as our High Priest, Advocate, and Mediator. In the exalted position that only He can hold, Jesus intercedes on our behalf. Day and night He presents our prayers, needs, and concerns before God. And with His sacrificial work on the cross ever-present, He advocates for our forgiveness and redemption. As if of all of this wasn’t enough, Jesus is also actively ruling over all creation. Faithfully He orchestrates the course of history according to God’s divine plan. For He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, exercising sovereign authority over the universe. And in His great love, Jesus is holding His glorious return until everyone has had the chance to receive Him as their Savior.

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August 7th – Colossians 1:15

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Colossians 1:15

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

When spending time in God’s Word, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy while reading about those who saw, talked, and walked with the Lord in the flesh. To witness His miracles, hear His teachings, and experience His boundless love in person was a wondrous gift. For in Jesus, God’s grace and truth became tangible. And through Him, humanity experienced the physical embodiment of God’s love and mercy. Because our Heavenly Father desires a close, personal relationship with us, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us back to Himself, and provide a path to eternal life. Creator of all things, God in the flesh, both fully God and man, Christ came to ransom His life for the lives of all who call on Him for salvation. And one day those who receive His gift of salvation, will also share in the awesome privilege of seeing the Lord face to face. But until He calls us home, through the scripture, we can learn how Jesus walked while on the earth. And by following His example, we can draw closer to God by living as He did.

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August 6th – Colossians 2:16

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Colossians 2:16

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

As Christian’s growing in the Lord, each of us are different places in our spiritual walk. That’s why Paul urges us not to let others judge us based based on religious observances, festivals, or dietary rules. Because these are external practices that don’t define our spiritual worth or connection with God. While rituals and rules can provide structure and guidance in our faith journey, they aren’t to become the source of our identity or salvation. Instead, our focus should be on a personal relationship with Jesus. Because it’s through Christ, that we find true freedom and fulfillment, transcending the limitations of any man made rituals and rules. Embracing His teachings and embodying His love in our actions is what truly matters in our faith. For it leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for our lives. While others may judge us, God both looks at and knows our hearts. (Sam. 16:7, Rom. 8:27) And as long as we are striving to walk closer with Him each day, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

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August 5th – Colossians 4:6

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Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

In the times of both the Old and New Testament, salt was used for more than just seasoning food. It served as a preservative, disinfectant, currency and part of a temple offering. And as followers of Jesus, our speech should carry the same value. Salt was often used to preserve meat and keep it from spoiling. Our words should preserve the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and keep it from being spoiled by those who would twist it. Salt was also often used to kill bacteria. With our speech we too can kill the bacteria of false gospels by sharing the inerrant Word of God. When the Romans were interesting in purchasing a slave, salt was given as payment. When our speech points others to Christ, we lead them to One who purchased their freedom with His precious blood. And when the people brought their sacrifices to the altar of burnt offerings, none could be offered without the seasoning of salt. The smell lifted to God as a pleasing aroma, as does as our speech when it’s filled with the flavor of grace, truth, humility, and love.

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August 4th – Colossians 2:2

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Colossians 2:2

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”

In today’s world of division and polarization, Paul’s pleas for unity among Christians rings loud and clear. Because the unity of Christians, founded in love, serves as a powerful witness to the very transformative and healing nature of Christ’s love. God desires our hearts to be united in love because love is the very essence of His nature. Love fosters compassion, understanding, and empathy. And when our hearts are united in love, we transcend our differences, break down barriers, and build bridges of connection. United in love, we become instruments of peace and healing in a world desperately lacking both. And through our love, we reflect the unconditional and endless love of God for all creation. Moreover, a united heart in love enables us to lift each other up, support one another in times of need, and celebrate the joys of life together. By cultivating love and unity, we align ourselves with God’s divine plan for humanity, fostering a world where love is the guiding force in every action and decision.

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August 3rd – Colossians 1:13

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Colossians 1:13

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Many try to twist the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Or try to make it more complicated than it is. But the core message is this. Once we were dead in our sins, eternally separated from God. But because He loves us so much, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us. And through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin and death forever. Now all who call Him Lord, Christ delivers from the dominion of darkness and transfers into the kingdom of His marvelous light. Because of God’s boundless mercy, He lifts us from the depths of despair, transforming our lives into beacons of hope and righteousness. By embracing His deliverance, we can walk in the glorious freedom of His truth. And we can experience the joyous journey of living as children of light, guided by God’s eternal love and presence. Jesus is returning soon to set up His kingdom on earth. And only those who receive His free gift of Salvation will be citizens of the most glorious domain ever known.

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