How Do You Relate?

Do you find that you sometimes have a hard time relating scripture to your own life? After all, it was written many years ago when the culture was different, the laws were different and the lifestyles were different from those of today. When there is no direct correlation or common ground, it does sometimes present a challenge, doesn't it?

For example, in the book of Colossians you will find the following passage of scripture --


Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching -- like those who are strictly people-pleasers -- but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions. Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. Colossians 3:22 - 4:1


We find in these verses a different culture altogether than the one we live in today -- that of slavery. The laws of our land today do not allow for slavery. None of us are slaves, so we can't relate to the lifestyle. It is altogether different than anything we know. So, how do we read this and apply to our lives today?

As I was recently studying in the book of Colossians (and this passage in particular), I found the below 3 steps presented in my study guide ("Cappuccino with Colossians", by Sandra Glahn).


#1 - seek to explain what the author meant when writing

#2 - determine what part of God's character is behind practices that apply to all believers for ALL TIME (i.e., "timeless truths").

#3 - apply the timeless truth to your own situation once you know what's transferable.


Now, taking these three steps, here's an abbreviated version of how Ms. Glahn broke apart this passage of scripture to find how it relates to us today.

It's safe to say that when writing these words, Paul's meaning was to tell slaves to obey. In any culture where Christians are owned, they should certainly obey rather than to murder or steal. However, just because slaves should obey, this doesn't necessarily lead to us applying this today to our lives as "Employees, obey your employers." The situation is still different. Employees do not live with their employers as slaves did. Also, slaves where usually not allowed to leave their jobs with their masters. Today, we are legally able to leave our place of employment. While we can draw some conclusions about how to act in a position of lesser social power, we must be sure we understand where the differences are.

We can't take a straight interpretation and just say, "Paul told slaves to obey their masters, so we need to obey our employers". We are able to draw a few conclusions, though. When in positions of greater societal power, we should exhibit humility, gentleness, and even self-sacrifice because God is humble, gentle and self-sacrificing. When in a position of lesser social power, we are expected to exhibit attitudes of cooperation and confidence that demonstrates God is just.


How do you study God's word? Do you have any specific ways in which you apply God's word to your daily life? I'd love to hear from you!

How Do We Love?

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12

For some reason, I have struggled with this post. So many thoughts have run thru my head --I 've attempted to put them down in words as I've read and re-read this passage of scripture. Words I've read before, words I know to be true.... yet, somehow, I struggled to write out what I was thinking or feeling.

This morning as I sat in our worship service, I think I realized why. Our pastor preached on mercy and he made a statement that I think hit the "nail on the head", so to speak. He stated that mercy goes against our human nature. We have a much greater tendency to pass judgement, to feel that someone deserves to be punished for their actions... instead of loving them thru their situation. As humans we think, "What sort of chaos will we create if we simply love instead of dish out 'what they deserve'?"

Honestly, I think that is part of why I have struggled with this. While I want to live a life that shows each of these behaviors that Paul lists in this passage -- mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness - it is difficult because so many times it goes against my human nature.

As a society, we tend to recognize people for other types of behaviors... hard-working, talented, resourceful, etc. And, while those are all very good, they are not the specific behaviors that we find the Lord expects of each one of us in the way we treat each other.

“It is most significant to note that every one of the graces listed has to do with personal relationships between man and man. There is no mention of virtues like efficiency or cleverness, not even of diligence or industry – not that these things are unimportant. But the great basic Christian virtues are those which govern human relationships.” (Barclay)

I came upon the above quote as I was studying on this passage this last week. How true! How many times do we talk about the importance of our relationship with God? We point out over and over that the greatest thing isn't how often we show up at church or church-related activities, but the greatest thing is the RELATIONSHIP we have with God. Don't you think it should be the same with the people in our lives? It is all about RELATIONSHIP. The very behaviors God expects of us in our relationships with others, are the very same behaviors He demonstrates to us over and over and over again.

Think about this (an excerpt from Enduring Word):

~ God holds back His anger a very long time when we sin against Him. He bears with us a long time, even when we sorely provoke Him.

~ God makes the first move towards us in forgiveness; the habit of men is to only be reconciled if the offending party craves forgiveness and makes the first move.

~God forgives often knowing that we will sin again, sometimes in the exact same way. It is the habit of men to forgive only if the offending party solemnly promises to never do the wrong again.

~God’s forgiveness is so complete and glorious that He grants adoption to those former offenders. In the habit of man, even when forgiveness is offered, he will not lift again the former offender to a place of high status and partnership.

~God keeps reaching out to man for reconciliation even when man refuses Him again and again. In the habit of men, one will not continue to offer reconciliation if it is rejected once.

How can we strive to show this same kind of love in our daily lives? How can we follow God in showing His love by loving others in the same manner?

Letting Go

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossian 3:5-11

As I read and study on this passage of scripture, I'm reminded of the words to the song "The Change" written by Steven Curtis Chapman. It speaks of how, now that we are believers, we have all these "things" that we show to say what we believe (t-shirts that say what we believe, Bible magnets, bumper stickers, etc), but what about the change that must take place within us? What about our heart... has it changed? As the chorus of the song states,

"What about the change

What about the difference

What about the grace

What about forgiveness

What about a life thats showing

I'm undergoing the change"

In previous scriptures in Colossians, Paul speaks of being "hidden" in Christ and of being "rooted and built up" in Christ. If these things are true, there will be a real change in our lives. We will put aside those things that are earthly -- impurities, evil desires, greed.

As Christians, we are called to live a life that shows we are new creatures. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

We need to live our lives in such a way that it is evident to all that we are new creations in Christ. We must turn away from the earthly and focus on the heavenly.

What a difference it will make if we take the time each and every day to be more aware of where our focus truly lies. What a change we will really see take place when we take the time to actively pray and seek to live our lives focused on heaven, pushing aside the things and the priorities of this earth.

Over the last year of so I have been on a journey -- a journey of seeking the Lord's guidance in letting go of so much that overwhelms me in the "day to day" of life and to focus more on what is important in His eyes. As I have seen a change in my life and my family's lives over the last year, it is so "freeing" and so refreshing.

It is the same with letting go of all the things Paul highlights in this passage of scripture. The lies, the greed, the impurities -- they do not give us freedoms and they do not make life any easier. In truth, they make life more difficult than it has to be... and there is a price.

The world tells us that life as a Christian is full of restrictions and difficulties. I believe the restrictions and difficulties are found in the things of this earth. True freedom is found in the Lord. Sure, life is not always going to be easy and at times it will be difficult. But, with God, we don't have to be tied to those difficulties... we have a hope and a peace that only He can provide.

Hidden In Our Hearts

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him. Colossians 3:1-4

Do you have trouble keeping your mind on the things of earth instead of the things of God? Many days I must admit that I do. It is so easy to let the things of this world take the forefront, isn't it? After all, we do live IN this world. We walk it everyday. We are inundated with some type of noise almost non-stop -- whether it be our news, our entertainment, our music, our email -- it is always going. Much of it is good.. but so much isn't.

No wonder it is a struggle to focus on God. I like how Paul follows up his statement of keeping our minds on things above with "... hidden with Christ in God." I think this is probably the key to keeping our mind on things above. If we stay close to God, if we seek him openly, if we edit out what isn't good around us (at least as much as we can control) then we are staying "hidden with Christ". If we are hidden, isn't it much easier to focus on God and keep our minds on Him?

As I was thinking thru this passage of scripture I tried to think of specific areas where myself or people I knew struggled with focusing on the truths of God rather than the truths of this world. Here are a few that came to mind....

* Am I only beautiful if I am tall and slender, or do I know that I am beautiful regardless because I am a child of God?

* Am I only complete if I am married and/or have children, or am I complete because God is my salvation?

* Am I only successful if I have an important job and makes lots of money, or am I successful because I am following God's will for my life?



If we are focusing on God, if we stay hidden in Christ, then we know the truths are....

* We are all beautiful regardless of how we look because we are children of God's and made in His image.

* We are complete because God is our salvation regardless of marital status or children.

* We are successful because we are following God's will for our lives.

In closing, I'd like to share a paragraph from my study guide "Cappuccino with Colossians" by Sandra Glahn.

In her book Prayer Is a Place, religion editor Phyllis Tickle says, "What a limited and chipped lens one person's mind is for reflecting the world to itself." What masters we are at deceiving ourselves. That's why we need regular intake of God's truth through the Word and interaction with fellow believers. How much of a priority are these for you? How well do your actions line up with your priorities?

Don't Let Yourself Be Judged

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days -- these are only the shadow of the things to come, but the reality is Christ! Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind. He has not held fast to the head from whom the whole body, supported and knit together through its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world? "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are on human commands and teachings. Even though they have the appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship and false humility achieved by an unsparing treatment of the body -- a wisdom with no true value -- they in reality result in fleshly indulgence. Colossians 2:16-23

At the time Paul wrote to the people of Colossae, the importance of following certain practices or customs was widely taught as being crucial in following Christ. There was Passover to be followed, the Feasts of the Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles. There were foods that were prohibited and burnt offerings to be offered to God, along with holidays that must be observed.

If you were not partaking in these you could be judged harshly by those that were partaking. Many were under the belief that if you didn't follow these practices that you could never be right with God.

This is what Paul is addressing when he tells us in verse 16, "... do not let anyone judge you...". If we look back to Colossians 2:15, Paul tells us of Jesus, "..triumphing over them by the cross." It is because of His sacrifice on the cross that we should not fear being judged by others. It is because Jesus fought the battle for us on the cross and victoriously won that we no longer must worry about the laws of the Old Testament.

Now we have a choice as to whether or not we follow those laws of the Old Testament. None of them should ever be considered "bad". They served a great purpose, but once Jesus came to this earth they were no longer necessary. He took the place of any need to follow the laws of the Old Testament. And, while there is nothing wrong with following any of these laws, there is NO NEED TO FOLLOW THESE LAWS.

Because of Jesus, ALL our days belong to God -- not just the certain holiday that once had to be observed. Because of Jesus, ALL foods are pure -- not just certain ones that have been deemed acceptable.

Because of Jesus, there is no need to worry about all the "do nots". As stated in the Enduring Word on-line commentary, "Christianity is a moral religion; it does have clear moral boundaries. But at its foundation, Christianity is a religion of positive action." Because of the cross, we don't have to worry about what we cannot do but rather what we can do.

To Whom Do We Listen?

In him you also were circumcised -- not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ. Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead. And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions. He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:11-15


One reason Paul wrote to the people of Colossae was to warn them of false teachings. Paul wanted them to know there was no reason to believe and rely on these teachings – they had the Lord and they had the gift He gave to us when He gave us his Son on the cross.

Due to these false teachings, the Colossians had many wrong ideas about Jesus and many wrong ideas about the customs and traditions of the time. One of these was in relation to circumcision. They were being taught they must be circumcised to be right with God. However, Paul makes it clear to them that this is not true. By placing our lives in the hands of God, by trusting Him and surrendering to Him, by putting off the sins of this world – that is how we are circumcised. It is not the physical act of circumcision that makes us right with God. It is the spiritual circumcision, the putting off of the sins of the world and discarding our old lives to be made new in Christ.

Because Jesus gave his life on the cross, there is no need for traditions and “acts” to find our way to God or to our eternal home in heaven. Thru Jesus we have all we will ever need – grace, mercy, forgiveness, a relationship with God.

While reading thru the commentary on this passage at Enduring Word, I found this –

“Paul wrote in another place that if the rulers of this age – by which he meant both the spiritual powers of darkness and their earthly representative – had known what would happen on the cross, they would have never crucified Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8). They were defeating themselves and didn’t even know it.”


All those teaching falsely and insisting we must live by the “law” as opposed to God’s Word were intimidated by Jesus. He took away their perceived control and their power when he came to earth as a man. They began to feel insecure in their own teachings and in their position in the religious and political communities of the time. They felt the only way to change this was to “get rid of” Jesus. But, oh, how wrong they were. And, oh, how thankful I am!!

As I look around at the world today, I see some of the same things taking place -- people filled with insecurities and fears and placing the blame on God. It’s so much easier to place the blame on Him rather than to take responsibility ourselves and turn our lives over to God, isn’t it?

I suspect that someday these same people in our world today may feel similar to how those that persecuted Jesus might feel if they had lived to see and experience the outcome of their actions. They are trying to fight off God’s Word and diminish it and ultimately missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime – ETERNITY!

Where is Your Focus?

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. " Colossians 2:8-10

As in other parts of Colossians, Paul begins this passage with a warning not to be taken in by other beliefs and traditions that are not of Christ. One of the key messages from Paul here is that we need to turn away from the beliefs of the world and turn to Christ.

The philosophies of this time were a mix of early Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, local mystery religions and Jewish mysticism. All of these presented great danger as any of it could easily sneak into their lives because it had a sound of great intelligence.

To get a bit more specific, here are a few of the beliefs the Paul was trying to warn of:

* Gnosticism taught that God could never be in direct contact with anything or anyone of this world. If this were true, God would not have created the world (Gnosticism taught that God worked through lesser spirits or angels to create the world), Jesus would never have walked this earth and we would have no personal relationship with God (Gnosticism taught that God deals with us through mediators/angelic beings).

* The Jewish influence emphasized dietary laws and specific days that must be observed.

* Both Gnosticism and the Jewish influence taught that traditions were very important, but Paul warned against the "tradition of men" and guided them the authority of the word of God.

* Both Gnosticism and the Jews also believed in "cause and effect". In other words, I did this bad thing so I deserve to have this other bad thing happen to me as punishment. Paul pointed out this behavior as being "grace-eliminating". God is a God full of grace and mercy not of "cause and effect".

As we follow God and His authority, we find there is no need for these philosophies and traditions. If we read verses 9 and 10 again, we see we are complete through our connection in Him. The gift Jesus gave to us on the cross takes care of everything. There is no need for anything else.

As I read thru the common beliefs held during the time Paul wrote to the Colossians, I was amazed at the similarities we see in our world today. We may not call them the same things, but they are there. How often do we hear people speak about "deserving what they get because of their behavior" or "if I'm a good person I'll go to heaven"? What about those beliefs that Jesus was just a prophet or a good person? Lines up a bit with believing the God could never have contact with this world, doesn't it? And, I could go on and on.

We encounter the same things today as the Colossians did so many years ago. The world has changed, but the same basic beliefs and principles still exist. We must still be careful today. It is just as important for us today to heed Paul's warnings as it was for the Colossians so many years ago.

Changing Our Focus

"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face. 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will deceive you through arguments that sound reasonable. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:1-7


As I read and re-read (and read again) this passage of scripture, there were several things that really jumped out at me. And, when I say jumped, I really mean they jumped out there. Not necessarily because I hadn’t heard them or considered them before… I just think maybe these are some areas where God is speaking specifically to me right now. It seems these have jumped out at me more than once recently (and, in several cases, more than just a few times). I’m really spending some time listening. Here is what I’m finding as I study these scriptures in Colossians…..


√ In verses 1 and 2 Paul says, “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face. 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….” My immediate thought here is, “What if I displayed that same love and concern for those that I do not know? What if I was as concerned about those I’ve never met before as I am about those I do know?” I really do believe that God wants us to focus on more than just our immediate community. I think He wants us to remember the world as a whole, too. God wants us to have a heart for the world… he wants us to desire the world have the assurances that come only in knowing Him.

My first thought, though, as I realize this is “What in the world can I do for others in a completely different country or culture?” Keep reading… I think Paul answers that question, too. J


√ “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit…”
There are so many things that can be done for our world. Some of us are called as missionaries to serve in foreign countries. Some of us are called to participate in short term mission trips to other countries. But, what about those of us that are called to be right where we are right now? What if we don’t feel called to be a missionary or participate in mission trips? What if we don’t have a lot of money or resources to spare? Do we look past the need of others around the world? Do we leave that up to those that have been called as missionaries, etc?

No, I don’t think so. And, I think Paul gives us an answer when he speaks of being absent in body, but present in spirit. Though Paul had never met the Colossians -- did not personally know any of them -- he did feel that through prayer he was with the Colossians in spirit. He prayed for them, for their spiritual well-being, their relationship with God and for their ability to turn away for those things that are not of God.

How about we pray for others? How about we share with God our desires for our world – our desires that they find Him and know Him as we do? It is so easy to lose sight of what we do not see everyday, but at the same time, it is so easy to pray about these same things. Though we do not see the rest of the world hurting around us everyday, that is no excuse to overlook them and not to take them before the Lord in our prayers.


√ “…overflowing with thankfulness.” This is an area God has been working on with me for quite some time now. I tend to become overwhelmed easily with the day to day… the housework, the kid’s activities, responsibility at work, church activities, etc. I become stressed and tired and focus on the negative instead of the positive. God has blessed me and my family so very much and the negatives that I focus on when overwhelmed are not that bad… they are more inconveniences. But, oh, how in my “humanness” I can make them feel like they are about the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone!

This is one reason I participate in the Thankful Thursday meme every week. It forces me to sit down and really focus on all the good there is in my life – on all those wonderful blessings God gives me each and everyday! More than one Wednesday evening when I sat down to type out that post I have been tired, stressed, some I’ve been sick, others just weary in heart and mind. But, I can guarantee you that when I have forced myself to sit down and type out that post, I have felt better every single time once I finish and press the “Publish” button on that post. Where we put our focus truly makes a difference!


What do you suppose would happen if we all shifted our focus to include these things –the many blessings that are in our lives and the ones unknown to us in this world that are suffering and living without a knowledge of God? Maybe a desire to spend more time in prayer with God? More time where we acknowledge all He has done for us, as well as prayer time where we focus on a city, state, country of which we know no one?

What do you think?

Stewardship

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body -- for the sake of his body, the church -- what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God-given to me for you -- in order to complete the word of God, that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints. God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of his 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. Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:24-29


Webster's dictionary defines stewardship as "the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care". To relate more to our day to day lives, we are acting as stewards when we work in our church nursery and briefly care for another's child during services -- we are taking on responsibility for their children for a brief period of time. We are being stewards when we housesit for a friend that is out of town - we are taking on the responsiblity of caring for their home while they are away.

There are many, many ways that we act as stewards in our lives each day. The stewardship Paul addresses in these scriptures is probably the biggest one of them all. Paul is talking about being stewards for God. He writes that he has been given the stewardship from God to "complete the word of God". Is there any greater responsiblity we have than sharing God's Word with others? Making sure that we take part in ensuring that the news of God reaches all?

Paul took this stewardship very seriously. Paul was willing to put aside any comforts for himself in order to share God's Word. He traveled many miles without the convenience of a car or a train or an airplane with which to get him there easier or faster. He wrote out, by hand (not on a computer) letters to cities in which he shared with them about God's love and encouraged them in their Christian walk. Many of these letters he wrote from a prison cell.

I think about this and realize how much easier it is for us today to share God's love with our world, but wonder why so many times we hesitate. Do we fear what others might think? Paul didn't... he went to prison for sharing his beliefs. Do we fear that we will become tired? Paul didn't... he walked many miles to share his beliefs.

This road we journey as Christians is not always easy. Paul's life testifies to that. But, like Paul believes, isn't the end goal well worth any of the suffering, the struggles, the heartaches?

Reconciliation

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross -- through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds, but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him -- if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant. Colossians 1:19-21


As a teenagerI had a close friend that I shared with in just about everything. We had many classes together, went back and forth between each others' homes, we were in band together for several years, ran around together on the weekends, and shared many of the same friends. That is, until our senior year in high school. Being as that was almost 25 years ago, I don't remember all the details of our falling out, but I believe it centered around hanging out with "the popular kids" and what sort of activities we would be involved in. Turns out, I lost to the "in crowd".

This went on for several months until right before graduation. I suddenly started hearing from her more. She would ask me to hang out with her and several of her new friends more and, eventually, invited me to go out with them after graduation. I was thrilled, of course, to have my friend back and we seemed to pick up right where we had left off. However, that night after graduation it came out that her parents had told her she couldn't go out that night unless I came along. Something about how they knew she wouldn't get into any trouble if they knew I was there. Looking back, it really was a compliment as to how her parents felt about me and how I was known as a responsible and trustworthy teenager. However, it didn't feel like much of a compliment at the time.

I don't remember us being together alot after that. I do recall exchanging a few letters our first couple of years in college, but that was about it. We lost connection completely sometime during our college years.

It can be hard to reconcile broken relationships. And, as in my case, sometimes you think you have reached a reconciliation only to find out that it really wasn't much of a reconciliation at all.

Thankfully, we have the promise from God for a true reconciliation. When we find reconciliation with God, we don't find that He only meets us halfway. We don't find that we have to do all the work to keep the relationship going. We don't find that we only have a friend when things are going good for Him. God meets us all the way. He is ALWAYS with us. He is ALWAYS listening. He is ALWAYS ready to lead and guide us where we should go. He ALWAYS knows best and we can ALWAYS trust Him. Even when we don't understand, when we are shaking our heads in disbelief, when we are hurting more than we ever thought we could hurt... He ALWAYS has our best interests at heart and we CAN TRUST HIM COMPLETELY.

To truly reconcile, I think we must make peace with whatever happened to harm the relationship. With God, that has already been done. Jesus made that peace when he gave up his life on the cross. We don't have to make peace with God, it has already been done for us.

It all goes back to the simple truth that with God we have everything we need. On this earth we all will encounter tough situations throughout our lives. However, we can always rely on the promises of God. With God there is always true reconciliation and a peace like none other.

In closing, I want to share a quote that was included in my study book on this passage. It is a quote from a sermon preached in 1746 by Jonathan Edwards.

"What is there that you can desire should be in a Savior that is not in Christ? Or, wherein should you desire a Savior should be otherwise than Christ is? What excellency is there wanting? What is there that is great or good? What is there that is venerable or winning? What is there that is adorable or endearing? Or, what can you think of, that would be encouraging, that is not to be found in the person of Christ? ... What is there wanting, or what would you add if you could, to make him more fit to be your Savior?"

From Darkness to Redemption

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him -- all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers -- all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. Colossians 1:14-18


Paul covers some important topics in these scriptures. He speaks of how Jesus is the image of God. The scriptures tell us that we were created in the image of God. However, the Greek word Paul used in this verse is eikon. Eikon expressed these ideas:

* a likeness, as in an image on a coin or a reflection in a mirror
* a manifestation, as in that God is fully revealed in Jesus

What does this mean? It means that Christ wasn't just created in the image of God, but that Jesus IS the image of God. In other words, He IS God!

Paul also speaks of Jesus as being the firstborn. Not just the firstborn child of Mary, but the firstborn over all creation. What does this mean exactly? Paul's use of this phrase shows that Jesus has preeminence. He is before all created things and is of a supremely different order than all created things. Is a little hard to wrap your head around, isn't it? (I've peeked ahead a bit in my study book, though, and there's some other great info shared in relation to this topic. As I get there and spend more time in it, I'll share some more. I think this is definitely worth more time.)

From these scriptures, though, here is the part that really made an impression on me this week. In verse 13-14, Paul writes "He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whome we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

What a hold the "power of darkness" can have over our lives. It can lull us to sleep and is great at conceling itself... it bring us to a point where we aren't even aware of the evil that is creeping up around us. The power of darkness has the ability to afflict us and depress us and, at the same time, it can fascinate us. The power of darkness is.... powerful.

However, thru Jesus we are delivered from this mighty and negative power. He has given us a way to escape it. God sent Jesus to this earth to bring us redemption. Our sins have been "sent away" and we have been given newness of life and freedom from the powers of darkness.

As I think of this -- this great sacrifice that was made for us -- I am amazed. It takes my breath away and makes me realize anew each day how worthy God is of our praises. How worthy He is of all we have to give back to him... in how we live our lives, in how we choose to touch the lives of those around us, and in how we share His love with all the world around us.

I pray that I would never fail to be amazed by this gift from God. I pray that it would continue to make me more and more aware of how I interact with others -- with how I share the love of God with my neighbors.

Friday Facts - More About Colossians

Since we've been looking at the book of Colossians, I wanted to share some more about the history and circumstances around the writing of this letter by Paul. I always enjoying knowing more of the background and what was going on during the time when an event took place. So, here's hoping that you do, too! :) Have a great weekend!

The city of Colossae was about 12 miles nort of Laodicea and near the road from Ephesus to the Euphrates River. Being this close to the Euphrates made it of some mercantile importance. Today, this site is where we find Anatolia, a region in Western Asia. It makes up the majority of the Republic of Turkey. It is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Caucasus (the region between Europe, Asia. and the Middle East) to the northeast, the Iranian plateau to the southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west.

It was hit by an earthquake sometime around when Paul wrote to the Colossians (it is thought in the same year) and the city declined from there. Today the city lies buried under an unexcavated hill.


Colossians was written during Paul's first imprisonment in Rome; probably around the spring of A.D. 57. It wasn't too long after he had written the letter to the Ephesians.

Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians in an effort to counteract false teachings that were being taught. There were persons that attempted to combine the doctrines of Oriental mysticism and asceticism with Christianity. This promised a higher spiritual life and deeper insight into the world of spirits. In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he argues against these teachings and shows them that Jesus brings them ALL these things.

There are two parts to Colossians -- a doctrinal part and a practical part.

The doctrinal part is made up of the first two chpaters with the main theme being a warning against being drawn from Christ. He asked if they were truly united in Christ, why did they need more?

The practical part of Colossians (chapters 3-4) reminds them to focus on things above and to remove from themselves all things of which are evil.


The letter was taken to the Colossians by a man named Tychicus. This man accompanied Paul on part of his journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem, as well as spending some time with Paul in Rome. Tychicus also delivered the letters Paul wrote to the Ephesians and to Philemon.

Praying for Others

"For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects -- bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the saints' inheritance in the light." Colossians 1:9


These words from Paul have really made me stop and think about how I pray for others (myself, too, for that matter). Yes, I pray for others often. I pray for their health, for their safety, for peace and hope, guidance in difficult situations, etc. All of that is great and I think God wants us to pray for those things.

But, how often do I pray for their spiritual growth? How often do I pray that "God will fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spritual wisdom and understanding"? How often do I pray that my friends will "live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects"? Or, how about these -- "bear fruit in every good deed", "grow in the knowledge of God", "be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness"?

Then, to take it a step further as Paul did.... how often do I pray these things for fellow Christians of whom I have never met, but have only heard of as I sit in a prison cell? Granted, I'm not in a prison cell at this moment (and don't ever plan to be), but if Paul can look beyond his own needs as he is in prison surely I can pray a similar prayer for others from the comfort of my own home.

Prior to praying this same prayer for others, though, I think I must first be sure I pray it for myself. As I do, I think I need to be very aware and ask myself these questions (these came from my study guide, "Cappuccino with Colossians" from the Coffee Cup Bible Studies):

* Are my good deeds motivated by self-glory or God's glory?
* Am I growing in the knowledge of Him?
* Is God the source of my strength?
* Do I exhibit patience as a result of my relationship with the Lord?
* Do I have joy as I give thanks?


I'm not sure I can pray for others as Paul did until I am very sure of the answers to the above questions in my life. As I do and as I ask for the Lord's guidance in these areas, I also begin praying the same for others. That together, we would all live a life worthy and pleasing to the Lord.

Loving Those We've Never Met

"From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father! We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints. Your faith and love have arisen from the hope laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard about in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in the entire world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so it has also been bearing fruit and growing among you from the first day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. You learned the gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave - a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf - who also told us of your love in the Spirit." Colossian 1:1-8


When Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae he had never met any of them. Well, none of them except Philemon. It was thru Philemon and Epaphrus that Paul became familiar with the Colossians. Philemon hosted gatherings in his home for the Christians in Colossae. Epaphrus had gone to Colossae to share the gospel after he had learned and grown in his faith thru the witness of Paul.

While I don't know for sure, I can picture Philemon and Epaphrus sharing with Paul about the Christians of Colossae. Their faith in God, their lives, their struggles, their challenges, and their love for each other. As Paul learned more and more about these people he grew to love them, as well. As he shares in these first few scriptures of this letter, he prays for them without ceasing. He wishes them grace and peace -- not just any kind of grace, but grace that refers to God's unmerited favor upon them.

Have you ever loved someone you never met? I have on a few occasions -- persons I knew thru my parents, my sisters, my friends. Over time, they have become special to me and I think of them and pray for them. Because they are important to my loved ones, they are important to me.

But, lets expand that a bit. How about fellows brothers and sisters in Christ that we've never met, and maybe we don't even have any type of connection to them. EXCEPT -- how about the connection we share as believers? I think Paul shares some words and thoughts here that we can all apply to our lives. Love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We may never meet many of them his side of heaven, but we share a common bond that is stronger than anything here on earth. We have the same love for God, we share similar struggles, similar desires and so much more.

Let us consider today keeping all our brothers and sisters in Christ in our prayers and in our hearts -- whether we know them or not. Let us consider praying for them and loving them and looking forward to the day we can all meet in our heavenly home.

Friday Facts - Colossae

This last week I started posting on the book of Colossians. This will be the theme on Monday for quite a few weeks to come as I study this book in the Bible and share these studies with you thru my posts.

As I've begun this study time and prepared myself I have been searching for additional information on the city of Colossae. I found a website that has pictures of the area where this city once stood. The photos are beautiful and it offers some interesting facts about the city and general information relating to Paul and the book of Colossians.

When I get more time, I'm going to sit down and look thru this website in more detail. It looks like a great place to go to see more and learn more about many of the places we read about in the Bible. But, for now, I'll leave you with this link for more info on Colossians.

Praying you all have a great weekend! I'll see you back here on Monday!

An Introduction to Colossians

The book of Colossians was written by Paul the apostle to the people of the city of Colossae around the year AD 60.

Colossae sits on a ridge above the Lycus River in what is now Turkey. People passed thru Colossae as they traveled from Ephesus to the Euphrates; Ephesus was approximately 100 miles west of Colossae.

About 6 years before writing the letter to the Colossians, Paul had met Philemon and Epaphras while in Ephesus. Philemon was from the city of Colossae where he hosted meetings in his home for the believers in Colossae. Epaphras came to know the Lord thru his friendship with Paul. After spending time in Ephesus with Paul, Epaphras returned to Colossae to share his new found faith with his friends and family.

The letter to the Colossians was delivered to the believers of Colossae by Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus, and Paul's friend and fellow servant, Tychicus of Asia. Paul was in prison at the time and had written this letter along with two others -- one a personal letter to Philemon and the other for the believers of Ephesus.

Today the city of Colossae is buried under a hill in Turkey. Although the city is no longer in existence, the words Paul wrote those that lived there so many years ago are still true. His words endure and speak great truths that are valuable to us even today.


The letter to the people of Colossae presents Jesus Christ to them as someone that is able to meet all their needs and the answer to all their challenges. Paul tells them who Jesus Christ is and what He can do for each of them. It answers the questions:

* Who is Jesus Christ?
* Is he a god?
* A created power?


Join me over the next few months and together we will look deeper into the words Paul wrote to the Colossians so many years ago. We'll answer the question "Who is Jesus Christ?" and we'll see that even today He meets our needs just as He did for the people of Colossae many, many years ago.

Ruth - Writing the Scriptures

Today brings about the beginning of the end to my study of the book of Ruth. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the time I have spent looking more closely at this story. So much more has come alive to me and I have gathered many truths upon which I'm sure I will hold closely for quite some time.

I am going to end my study time by trying a suggestion that was made in the book I followed throughout my study. I followed the study book for Ruth in the "Coffee Cup Bible Studies". These are written by Sandra Glahn. She suggests at the end of the study that we try something that was part of her classwork while in college. That was to write out the book of Ruth in longhand. I think that I should be able to write out eighty-five verses (she also did this with the full thirty-nine chapters in the book of Deuteronomy... so surely I can handle eighty-five verses!). As I write, I'm going to follow her suggestion as I go:

"As you write, chew on the storyteller's words. Notice the sovereign hand of God at work. Think about what a high premium the Lord places on caring for the needy. Marvel, as you write out the genealogy, how God weaves a story through human lives. Don't rush to complete the assignment. Take your time and notice details. Ask questions."

I'll let you know how it goes. I'm really interested in seeing what the Lord shows me as I take the time to write and meditate on the words of the book of Ruth.

In the meantime, I'm also beginning to look at the next book I'll be studying... the book of Colossians. I'm going to use the study guide from the "Coffee Cup Bible Study" series for this one, too. These books are easy to read and follow, provide some great background information as well as, practical examples to bring home the message.

This study will be a big change of pace from the book of Ruth, but I know will be just as rewarding as I learn and grow thru the time spent in study. I'm anxious to start... I've always loved Paul's letters. I hope you'll join me as I begin posting on Colossians in the next week or two!