Having interrupted his narration of the Jerusalem meeting to describe the intrusion of the false brothers and the Titus test case, Paul now resumed the… Read More »Galatians 2:6-10 – Unity and One Gospel Message
In verses 1-5, Paul explained his authority. Now, he is ready for a second step as he begins this battle for the liberty of the… Read More »Galatians 1:6-10 – Distorting the Gospel
Today, we continue our study of Colossians 1 by looking at verses 21-23. After the major theological discussion points from the previous section (15-20), these… Read More »Colossians 1:21-23 Reconciliation by Christ
May 7 – Colossians 1:3-8
Today, we continue our devotional on Colossians by looking at 1:3-8. The expression “we thank God” occurs frequently in the Pauline Epistles. The term implies both a statement of thanksgiving for what is received from God and an element of praise for God’s character which originated it. Paul’s thanksgiving occurred in prayer. While this may seem obvious, there are some subtleties that are interesting. The passage contains various synonyms for prayer. Together they demonstrate the importance of prayer for Paul. He could pray in times of difficulty, and he could pray in times of joy.
Since Paul often emphasized the activity of prayer, he wanted to share the fact that he actually remembered them in prayer. The joys and concerns of the Colossian congregation meant enough to Paul that he prayed about them. When this is compared with the other epistles, a sizable impression emerges regarding the extent of Paul’s prayer life. He prayed for all the churches. Several factors appear regarding Paul’s prayers. First, they were continual. The church was regularly in Paul’s mind and thoughts. Second, the prayer was directed to God. Finally, the prayers were intercessory, “when we pray for you.”
Let’s take a look at today’s verse:
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. (NASB)
APRIL 27 – PSALM 23
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
Psalm 23, also called the shepherd’s psalm, was composed by David, who was a shepherd in his youth. Remember what Scripture tells us about David’s life as a shepherd boy. (1) David was out keeping sheep when Samuel the judge came to his father Jesse’s home to find a king of God’s choosing (1 Sam 16:11). (2) David was the youngest of eight sons and he was left behind to tend sheep when his three oldest brothers went to battle. However, he occasionally visited them (1 Sam 17:12-20, 28). (3) David used skills sharpened during years of shepherding to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:34-37, 40-51). (4) David is remembered as having been chosen by God and taken from the sheepfolds to shepherd the people of Israel (Ps 78:70-72).
Psalm 23 reflects David’s career shift. While the first four verses paint a pastoral picture, the last two have David sitting at a banquet table, most likely as king, while his enemies—those over whom God has made him triumph—look on. Having grown up in rural places, David had come to the city to exercise authority and power.
This passage has been looked at and remembered in many different ways and is one of the most popular passages of the Bible. Let’s try and look at it with fresh eyes to see what God is showing us.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2
GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS
Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.
1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)
Key Takeaways:
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2
APRIL 20 – PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15
LIGHTS IN THE WORLD
Continuing our reading plan, we stay in Philippians 2 by looking at verses 12-15. In this section today, Paul returns to the exhortations which he began earlier in verses 2-4. Verses 14-15 (and 16) give specific instructions on how to work out God’s “good purpose” (v. 13) concerning daily Christian living. Paul had shown them in 1:27-2:13 the kind of attitude and actions they were to follow. They were to demonstrate in their corporate and individual life this kind of conduct that would prove worthy of the great calling that God has given them. He uses all things to emphasize the inclusiveness of this command.
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world (NASB)
Key Takeaways:
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15APRIL 17 – PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 “HUMILITY THAT SAVES” Today, we focus on the attitude of Christ. We look at how Christ modeled everything right and… Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 17 Philippians 2:1-11
April 16, 2020
PSALM 9:9-10 GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD
Today’s devotional is a quick reminder about who God is, especially during times of trouble. We are attacked often during these trials to trust ourselves, others, or other means, but this psalm speaks to the value of trusting God.
9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10April 15, 2020
PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION
Today, we finish Philippians 1 by looking at Paul’s command to live on a mission with a heavenly perspective, standing in faith, and being united as Christians and united in purpose to glorify Christ and share the gospel.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain….
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (NASB)
Key takeaways: