real life. real relationships. real purpose. in writing.
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Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ?
What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him?
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(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
There’s no way to get around it; we were designed for relationships with other people. But as counselor and author Larry Crabb has noted, we were not just made to be in relationship with others, but were designed to connect with others. In his book titled Connecting, Larry Crabb writes the following:
“God helps us become more like Christ by doing three things:
First, he provides us a taste of Christ delighting in us—the essence of connection:
While Crabb goes on to write much more, one of the key principles he strives to apply is the importance of delighting in relationships with others.
This word – delight – has been all but lost in the vocabulary of too many people today. Rarely do we pause to consider, Who or what did I delight in today? In what ways can I truly take the opportunity to delight in others tomorrow? As followers of Jesus, those who will be known by our love for one another, perhaps it’s time to flip the script. It’s time to delight in others.
READING & PRAYERS:
PSALM 37:4, PSALM 40:8, MICAH 7:18, ZEPHANIAH 3:17 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: Who is somebody you interact with on a regular basis but rarely delight in? How can you delight in them today?
DIGGING DEEPER: What would it look like for you to “flip the script” and take intentional opportunities to delight in others on a regular basis?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I must confess that if I were to write down a list of the things I truly delight in, very few people may make my list. Yet I recognize the problem in this. If I as a follower of Jesus really am to be known by my love for others, I desperately need to grow in my ability to delight in others. Continue to shape me more into the image of Christ so that I may delight in others as He does. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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When reading through the entirety of the Scriptures, you will come across passages which speak on the topic of slavery. These passages can be confusing to those who immediately think of the painful history of the U.S. and/or ongoing cultural struggles with racism.
But we recognize that the form of slavery which occurred in the ancient Middle East (Old Testament) and the Roman Empire (New Testament) were very, very different from what occurred in our nation’s history. In Paul’s day, the vast majority of slaves were treated as common citizens. They earned income, have the freedom to live and move among others in the community, and could often buy out their contract in order to work elsewhere or go into business for themselves.
While it may not be a direct correlation, there are some similarities between the master-slave relationship in ancient Rome and the employer-employee relationship today. Paul essentially commands the employer to pay their employees fairly and to treat them justly. He also commands employees to work for their employer as if they are working for Christ Himself.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, PHILEMON 1:1-25 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: On a scale of 1-10, what would you say is the current health of your relationship with your employer (or others in authority, such as professors, teachers, coaches, etc.)? What role could you take on to make this relationship healthier? For those in a position of authority, what steps could you take to improve the health of your relationships with your employees (students, etc.)?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I consider what role I may need to take on to improve the quality of my relationships with others, I’m sometimes at a loss. I rarely know what I can do. Today, I simply pray for wisdom and discernment to know what to do. I also pray for the endurance to keep trying. The endurance to do whatever it takes to be the hands, feet, and words of Jesus in the lives of others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Have you ever read the Scriptures and had the thought, Can’t you provide very specific instructions on what to do and what not to do in different relationships? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Relationships would be so much easier if we just knew exactly what to do/say and what not to.
While the Bible may not provide specific step-by-step instructions for every possible scenario, it does provide the most essential principles for living out relationships well. The challenge isn’t that the Bible is too vague (it isn’t). Instead, the challenge is in our own self-awareness, and whether or not we recognize how our attitude, behaviors, and tone are helping or hurting our relationships with others.
In his book titled Leading from Within, Parker Palmer writes, “I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not.”
When it comes to the our relationships with others, both parties are responsible for the impact their attitude, behaviors, and tone have on the relationship. Regarding parents and children, both would be wise to consider how they can ensure the relationship is healthy and thriving.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, EPHESIANS 6:1-4 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What thoughts come to mind when you consider Parker Palmer’s quote, “I am responsible for my impact on the world whether I acknowledge it or not?”
DIGGING DEEPER: What would you say is your primary responsibility regarding your impact on the people around you? How you can ensure you fulfill this responsibility today?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that when I think about my relationships with others, too often I focus on whether or not other people are aware of their responsibility for the impact they have on those around them. I’m continuing to recognize that this mindset doesn’t work, and I should instead more thoughtfully consider the impact I have on those around me. May my attitude, behaviors, and tone reflect Your love and grace upon those I interact with today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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In the West today, passages on the topic of roles in marriage may be some of the most controversial. However, in their book The Meaning of Marriage — which is considered by many to be one of the very best books on the topic of Christian marriage — Tim and Kathy Keller do an excellent job of portraying the different roles in a marriage relationship.
In a marriage, the husband is to take on the same role Jesus had for the church. Jesus served His people relentlessly. He washed the feet of His disciples, a role that at the time was only done by servants. He did not serve his people as an authoritarian, but instead, when the time came, Jesus willingly gave His life for the church.
Similarly, the wife takes on the role of Jesus. In the same way that Jesus submitted to God the Father, a wife submits to her husband. This is not done out of duty or obligation, but is instead reflecting the delight, respect, love and sacrifice that the husband models.
Indeed, both the husband and the wife take on the role of Christ within the marriage relationship, loving one another as Christ loves us.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1, EPHESIANS 5:21-33 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What, if any, questions or tensions arise within you when you read through today’s Scripture reading? What steps may you need to take to find answers to your questions and/or be able to release those tensions to Jesus?
DIGGING DEEPER: If you’re married, consider your daily routines. What are at least three ways you can more intentionally fulfill the Jesus role in your marriage? Be specific.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that passages such as the ones today are sometimes challenging for me because they have been misapplied by those who wish to have control over other people. Continue to help me see that I ought not distrust You or Your Word, but should instead question those who use Your Word inappropriately — as a weapon. Instead, may I continue to see Your Word as an invitation to a way of life that works. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Take some time today to journal and reflect on the following questions:
What are you willing to surrender to God in order to grow in your relationship with Christ?
What are you unwilling to surrender? How may God be inviting you to surrender this area of your life over to Him?
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Everything in the Bible is the Word of God. It’s all important. But every once in a while, there a verse or passage which ought to make us pause in order to more fully consider the implications. A couple of verses which qualify are Colossians 3:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:20. The first is quoted above in the NIV, but the NLT reads, And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus. Likewise, the 2 Corinthians passage reads, So we are Christ’s ambassadors…
This was Paul’s way of saying to the Colossians and Corinthians, “You’re not just followers of the Way when you gather for worship services. You’re a representative of Him in everything you do and say.”
Living this out is, of course, a challenge. Every follower of Jesus will miss the mark and fall short. Yet every day is a new opportunity. We don’t need to get lost in all the negative thoughts about how we’ve failed in being an ambassador for Christ in the past. Instead, we can focus on the here and now, and enter into this day a representative of Christ.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:16-17, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What is one way Jesus may be inviting you to be a representative of Him today?
DIGGING DEEPER: Spend 10-15 minutes in silence and prayer. Utilize this time to discern an answer to the above question.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there are moments when I think about all of the mistakes I’ve made and I wonder, Does Jesus really want me to represent Him? Today’s reading is a reminder that you don’t just want me to represent You, but that You have called me and You trust me to do so. What an honor and a privilege! May I represent You well today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Colossians 3:16b Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
There are seasons in life in which thankfulness comes easily. For some, the month of November is a great opportunity to reflect on life experiences for which they are thankful. Others may focus on birthdays, anniversaries, or other special life events. Yet there are a select few who make thankfulness a way of life.
Consider this: For the majority of people, there are likely one or two things which take up the majority of their emotional energy throughout a week. Dozens and dozens of thoughts, conversations, and situations arise, but there are those one or two things lingering in the back of their mind. It could be a relational challenge, financial hardship, or any other number of life’s stressors. But those who practice thankfulness don’t only think about those one or two stressors. Instead, they will identify at least three positive, joyful, thankful experiences each day. At the end of the week, there may be one or two stressors on their mind. But there are at least twenty-one positive memories over that same time period.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:16-17 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
PRACTICE: What are at least three things you’ve experienced over the past 24 hours you’re thankful for?
DIGGING DEEPER: Begin to write down a list of at least three positive experiences each day. Over time, notice the impact this has in your ability to be thankful.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today’s reading was eye-opening to me because I know I am someone who can easily get caught up in one or two significant stressors and forget to find joy and thankfulness in the little things. While I was able to think of three positives from the previous day, I don’t want to stop there. May I begin a lifestyle of practicing to be thankful for many things each day – both great and small. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ…fill your lives.
Where do you go to get to know Jesus? Some may say, I read the Bible. That’s where I get to know Jesus. Others may respond, I go to church. Or, I pray. Or, I sing songs of worship. Responses such as these are good.
But consider this; maybe Paul had something more in mind when he wrote, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.” Perhaps Paul was indicating that the overall message of Christ – while it can be experienced in church, prayer, scripture reading, and song – can also be experienced in other aspects of life.
Consider a stroll through the forest. There, the presence and message of Christ is evident.
Consider the scent of a homemade meal with family and friends gathered around the table. There, the presence and message of Christ is evident.
Consider standstill traffic with a crying child in the back seat. Even there, the presence and message of Christ is evident.
Everywhere you may be, His presence is evident.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:16-17, ROMANS 12:1-21 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are some locations or situations in which you regularly discover the presence of Christ?
DIGGING DEEPER: Consider for a moment that spending time with God is something that is fun to do. Now, spend some extra time with Him today, and enjoy it.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, just as the world experiences different seasons, I recognize that I go through the seasons in which Your presence comes to me more easily than others. With the winter months in the rear view mirror, help me to see Your presence throughout this Spring. Not just in seeing the world come to life, but allow me to see You in unexpected ways as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ…fill your lives.
Many years ago, I (Pastor Justin) was attending a large convention in another city. One evening, while walking alone on the streets of an unfamiliar city, someone approached me and asked if I had any change for them to make a phone call. This person was a complete stranger to me. They may or may not have actually planning to make a phone call. Despite this, there was another reality at play; I had no change to offer.
This reality exists for everyone: You cannot give others what you do not possess.
When thinking of material objects, this makes sense. You cannot give somebody a car, a house, or even pocket change if you do not possess it. However, this truth applies outside of material objects as well.
Consider the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and so on. You cannot help others experience love, or joy, or peace if you are not yourself in a state of love, joy, or peace. As such, it’s essential to live with a mindset to not just share the gospel with others, but to preach it to yourself; to daily receive the gospel and have it transform who you are.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:16-17; PSALM 48 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are some ways you can “Preach the gospel to yourself” so that it can transform who you are?
DIGGING DEEPER: Throughout the week, search out at least 5 Scripture verses which focus on who you are in the eyes of God. (Example: John 1:12 says those who follow Christ are a child of God.) In the weeks to come, continue to add to the list of Scripture verses you discover. Read these daily.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I think about what it means to preach the Gospel to myself, I recognize how often this can be a challenge for me. My mind can easily wander or be distracted by the simplest of things. Yet I know that just a few mins of reminding myself of core gospel truths, 3-4 times a day, will help me to have the message of Christ fill my life. As I take opportunities to pause throughout the day, may I receive Your message. May it fill me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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