Colossians 3:18-25

Overview:
Paul gives some rules for Christian households. Wives are to submit to their husband's leadership, because husbands are to love their wives in the way that God showed His love for us. They are not to be harsh to their wives. Children are to obey their parents because this pleases the Lord. Fathers, the disciplinarians, aren't to push their children to anger, because the children will become discouraged. The bottom line verse is in v. 23-24: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."  The one who has wronged you "will be paid back."
Application:
I am tempted at times to either defend my reputation or be silent and throw myself a pity party. Neither option belongs in a Christian's life. Any good thing I do, even if it's unrewarded or unappreciated by others, will be rewarded by God - I am working for Him. It is His approval that I must seek. So I need to work hard, do my utmost to produce excellence, as I am striving to please an Audience of one.
"Work for the night is coming....when man's work is through. Lord, help me to maximize the time I have on this earth, by focusing on things that will further your kingdom."                                                       "http://www.biblestudycharts.com/SH_Work_For_the_Night_Is_Coming.html

Colossians 3:12-17

Personal Note:
This is for Friday! I haven't gone to bed yet. Been working all day on designing webpages....another long day.

Overview:
Paul tells us what to wear on our new bodies: compassion, kindness, humility, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other etc. But your topcoat, the part all must see is love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Be thankful and rejoice in your new spiritual duds!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (v. 17)
Application:
People can tell I am a Christian by my behavior. If I am grouchy (cause I've not gotten enough sleep), or stressed out, I've put back on my old smelly clothes of this world. I need to clean up my act and remember all that Christ has done for me and rejoice in my salvation. That's the Christian walk.
"Lord, make me like you, especially when I don't feel like it! I'm stubborn and prideful -- forgive me!" (and help me get to sleep right away."  :-)

Colossians 3:5-11

Overview:
Put to death those things that are earthly or of this world. He lists obvious sins, but continues on with things that some may not have put to death like: anger, malice, gossip, obscene talk, lying etc. Do this because now you are a new person in Christ - off with the old - on with the new. This means all Christ followers no matter your race or religion.
Application:
I can often hide my sin, but God knows my evil thoughts. Just because I'm not acting upon them doesn't make them less of a sin. Am I wearing my "new clothes," or am I lounging around in the "old duds" of this world?

"Change my heart, O God - make it ever new. Change my heart, O God - may I be like you!"

Colossians 3:1-4

Overview:
Twice Paul admonishes his audience to be focused on heavenly things - those things that pertain to God and heaven. You've died to sin because Christ has permanently hidden those sins by His dying on the cross. Now because of Christ you will also appear with Him in glory.
Application:
Even though I've been saved for 51 years (I'm old!!), too much of that time has been focused on earthly things. Yes, I live on the earth and have to deal with everyday "stuff," but even while I am doing the mundane things of life, I can be meditating on God's Word. It's impossible to meditate though, on something that I've not been spending time in each day. If I don't have a daily QT, my Christian walk is "flat" and stale, and it's hard to think about the same old things continually. I need the fresh fuel that God's Word gives me each day.

"Your mercies are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness!"

Colossians 2:16-23

Overview:
Don't listen to and adhere to rules that men make up in order to make themselves spiritual. These things are superficial and will pass away, but the TRUTH pertaining to Christ will not pass away. If you've died to the world, why are you still looking to the world for its approval? These rules (don't touch, taste or handle certain things) have an appearance of being right, but they are all a part of self-made religion. They are worthless in keeping you from wanting to do worldly things they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Application:
It's much easier following a list of rules if that would make me more spiritual. I think the reason why the Christian life isn't about rules, is that God wants us purposely to be off balance so that we continually look to Him for support. Rules can give me an inaccurate assessment of how I'm doing - they can't see my heart attitude. Relying on the Holy Spirit's power seems vague in its application at times, but that's why I need to apply it over and over so that I begin to know if I'm doing things according to God's standards. God doesn't want me to be in control (as I might feel if I were following a list of rules), rather He wants the Holy Spirit to guide and control (fill) me. Sounds simple, but the application of it is a long slow process.

"God, I want to be controlled by You today. You are my Lord! I am your servant."

Colossians 2:6-15

Overview:
Paul admonishes his readers to walk the walk that was started/rooted in their lives when they came to Christ. His desire is for them to be built up and established in their faith as he taught them. Again he warns of those that would try to deceive them. He speaks of their spiritual circumcision - an identifying mark, that sets them apart from the rest of the world. He reminds them how far they've come - you were dead in your sins, but God made you alive having forgiven us all our sins. Christ's death canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside nailing it to the cross.
Application:
He forgave ALL my sins - what an awesome accomplishment. I need to be living as a forgiven, deeply rooted Christian who is not swayed by eloquent speeches, but rather is so firmly established in my faith that nothing can shake my resolve to make my life count for Jesus and be wholly obedient to His Word.
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."  Psalm 1:3

Colossians 2:1-5

Personal Note:
Had a wonderful Valentine's Day! 
Myral, our prospective youth pastor, spoke in Sunday School. I was filled w/ pride and excitement listening to him share God's Word. Having the privilege of watching him grow up these past 20 years, I can't help but be excited to see the quality young man that he has become. Although we will miss our present youth pastor when they go to Africa, I am anticipating wonderful things from Myral in the future. Transitions are hard - I pray that the teens and their folks will be totally be supportive of him, as it is evident God has His hand of blessing on him. It was also good to see Greg recently back from New Zealand and finishing up his studies at SBU. Are these two men the "Timothys that Rodger has been praying for?


My hubby gave me  a lovely card and a box of chocolate covered strawberries - a perfect gift for someone trying to control her calories. I on the other hand had no gifts for him as I've not been out of the house except to go to church. I've been spending my days learning a new language - the language of computer geeks!! It's been a daunting task as I am teaching myself through tutorials on the web. Excuses, excuses! I love him and appreciate him, so I should have done SOMETHING!! I still have a few hours left...


Overview:
Paul is concerned that the churches in Laodicea and Colossae are still continuing in the faith as he has been unable to see them face to face. Although he has been physically absent, he expresses his desire that they be encouraged and united in their love for one another because of what Christ has done for them. He is concerned that no one delude them with plausible arguments. He assures them that though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit rejoicing to hear of their firm stance in their faith.
Application:
When I have the opportunity to disciple someone, I too am continually concerned that no one deludes or misleads them. One thing we remind ourselves over and over again is to not be a follower of persons - rather be in God's Word and be Bereans who search the Scripture to know the TRUTH. There are lots of Christian teachers whose talk is plausible, but the TRUTH has been distorted to fit their own desires. May I stay true to God's Word especially when I may not like what it directs me to do. I must guard my heart.
"Guard your heart, Guard your heart! Don't trade it for treasure - don't give it away..." (Check at the rest of the lyrics by Steve Green  http://www.lyricstime.com/steve-green-guard-your-heart-lyrics.html)