Category: Colossians

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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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Colossians 2:16-17 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.

In the Apostle Paul’s day, Christianity was spreading between a Jewish population and a Gentile population. As such, some of the Jewish population were looking down upon others who were not observing the holy days, other ceremonies, or the Sabbath as they were. Paul graciously informed the Colossians that they ought not allow others to condemn them. 

Sadly, this practice of judgment and condemnation continues today, but in other forms. Some in the Christian faith may look down upon others who may not attend certain church events, or those who may celebrate Holidays a little bit differently. 

Others may be even more blunt, teaching and preaching that God wants certain things from you and that you must do those certain things to be in God’s favor. But the message of the Gospel is not that God wants something from you. Instead, it’s God with outstretched arms saying, “All I really want, is you.” 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: In what ways have you been living with the mindset that God wants something specific from you? What would it look like to be free from that burden, and to simply rest in Him today? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Sit in silence for at least 15 minutes, perhaps 30. Consider having your hands turned with palms up in a posture of receiving from God. Utilize this time to listen to His heart. A heart that is with you and for you. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I spend more of my time pondering what You may want from me and what I can do for You instead of meditating on the truth that the main thing you want from me, is me. Today I simply pray that I can rest in this truth today, and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:13 You were dead because of your sins…then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

You’re probably used to being asked, “How are you doing today?” But how would you respond to hearing, “How is your soul today?” 

I’ll be honest, I (Pastor Justin) have been known to ask this question of greeting from time to time. In the vast majority of situations, the person asked pauses for a moment to consider a response. There isn’t a typical, “I’m doing well, and you?” Instead, there’s a longer pause. A more deliberate discerning.

One of the most significant, fundamental truths all Christians need to recognize is this: You have a soul. Thanks to Christ, your soul is alive. Your soul is speaking. Are you listening to it? 

If you’re somebody who would need to pause and reflect before answering the question, How is your soul today?, don’t worry, you’re in good company. But perhaps this is an indicator we’re all doing and thinking about too much. Perhaps it would be helpful if each of us would truly listen to the language of our souls; rediscovering what is most life-giving to us. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: What is something that is truly life-giving to your soul? What could you do to incorporate it into your daily life? Be specific.

DIGGING DEEPER: Imagine your soul wrote you a letter. What would it say? Would it be grateful for the time, patience, and presence you offer it each day? Would it provide details on what it most needs to thrive? Write it out, and then consider any life-giving changes you may need to make. 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, deep down I recognize that I have a soul and that my soul is speaking. But whether it is speaking that it is tired, worn out, at peace, or anxious, I honestly do not know. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not just OK, to listen to my soul, but that it’s good to do so. You have done what needs to be done for me to be fully Alive! May I take the steps necessary to experience Real Life in You. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

The period of time referred to as The Enlightenment was the beginning of a significant cultural shift. Though it took place a few hundred years ago, the impact continues in all areas of Western Civililation today. “Reason”, it was argued,is more important than “blind faith.” The Sciences are all that is needed for humankind to understand everything we need to know. If there is no scientific formula to discover something, it must not exist. 

Sadly, the impact from this period of time continues throughout our culture. Thousands of teachers and professors teach students the notion if that if something cannot be identified with one of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch) then it must not be “real.” Yet Christ was real. The Apostle Paul and thousands of others experienced his presence and teaching. He is personally known by billions of people today, and can still be more deeply known by you.

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Think of a moment in your life which was a real “God-moment.” A time when you experienced God in a very powerful way. What did you learn about God from that experience? 

DIGGING DEEPER: Write out the experience you had from the above question. Take the time to write out at least five things you learned about God and about yourself from that experience. (This exercise can be used often, helping you discover ways you can regularly experience the presence of God within and around you.)

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today I’m grateful for the reminder that a “God-moment” isn’t something that needs to be a rare event, but that I can experience it each and every day. May I recognize and experience Your presence today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Colossians 2:7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong…

Anybody who has ever tended a grassy yard or a garden understands roots. If a weed is choped up by a lawnmower, there’s a good chance it will grow back because the roots are still embedded in the soil. If a large oak tree is chopped down it may not grow back, but the roots of the tree will take years, perhaps decades to fully decay. The roots are what kept the tree standing. The roots provided water and nutrients from the soil. The roots were essential to give the tree life. But if one of the roots sucked up just a little bit of poison, the entire tree would suffer and die. 

If many of us were to take the time to fully reflect on our roots (e.g., how we spend our time, energy, and money) we may be shocked at the result. We may discover we are more rooted in Fox News or CNN than in Christ. Or that we are more rooted in our work or a hobby than in Christ and our families. Worst-Case Scenario: We may discover our roots are bringing in things which are ultimately causing us more suffering than they are brining in that which is life-giving. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     COLOSSIANS 2:6-17  (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

PRACTICE: Today, take at least 3 opportunities to Pause what you’re doing and focus on Christ. If you’d find it helpful, utilize the One Minute Pause app to draw nearer to Him.

DIGGING DEEPER: Take 10-15 minutes to consider how you spend you time, energy, and money. Where are your roots? In what ways are you spending your time, energy, on money on things that are life-draining? What changes might you need to make to add more life-giving activities to your life? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that not all news, media, and entertainment may be “bad” or “sinful,” but I also recognize that the vast majority of media and entertainment communicates subtle messages which are opposite of the gospel. Over time, these messages can add up and are life-draining – even though I may not recognize it! Help me to more fully recognize what gives me real life and to more fully engage with You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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