Genesis 1:27-28; Jeremiah 29:11; Colossians 3:1-17
Colossians 3:1-17 was like a breath of fresh air for me today. This is such an excellent passage and a great place to go for reminders of what our lives should look like as Christ-followers and what it is that God has for us. This passage is literally jammed full of direction and instruction for us.
As I began reading, the first few words of verse 4 ("When Christ, who is your life. . .") hit me head on. I stopped right there and asked myself What does "Christ is my life" really mean for me? I had some thoughts and then, as I continued on, what Paul had to say helped me answer that question even more.
So what does "Christ being your life" mean for you? Was there a specific portion of Colossians 3:1-17 that spoke to you today? Tami W.
P.S. Today is the final day of our family series on Back to the Bible, so if you haven't already, check out the programs on our website. Also, we've developed a brand new resource for families that's pretty unique and super fun. Take a look at our God IS ... Family Devotional Cards to see why I'm so excited.
This portion of God's word is one of the most encouraging and convicting at the same time. To think that God loves us enough to make "Christ our life" available to us is almost too much to comprehend.
Just a comment about the Jer 29:11 verse; this passage is usually misinterpreted as being addressed to the Christian reader, but the wider context reveals that this is God addressing the Jews in exile (see Jer 29:1 and Jer 29:4). So I think we should not misappropriate others' promises, as this passage was not meant for us, but for the exiled Jews. God is going to give a great future and a great hope to the Jewish people, who are being addressed by this letter. Passages about hope addressed to Christians would be Gal 5:5 or 2 Cor 1:10 for example.
The Colossians passage is a great one, thanks for posting that. I had forgotten about that one!
What stands out for me is verse 5:
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
In the past month or so, God has really been working on me and my understanding of true, genuine repentence. We truly have to let those sinful desires in us die each day. It isn't always easy, and can take a lot of prayer, as I've discovered. Yet, it is through that real repentence, that level of obedience that God can really perfect His work in us.
Memorizing Scripture is so good for our trouble times. Colossians 3:1-17 was one of the first big chunk of verses I was challenged to memorize. I am so greatful for that. I LOVE Colossians + Romans. It reminds me all the time what to get rid of and to allow The SPIRIT to take over! I have a problem with anger and negativity) Please pray for me. But I know you do I feel the change taking place...Merry Merry Christmas