There’s no such thing as too much prayer. And what am I praying for–a grocery list of my desires or a growing relationship with the Lord for myself and others? Colossians 1:9 (The Message) Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking… Read More
Colossians 1:7-8 Splashes of His love
Whatever I fill my mind, heart, and soul with, it splashes on everyone around me. Lord, fill me with your love and let it overflow! Colossians 1:7-8 (The Message) The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized… Read More
Colossians 1:6 The whole world will hear the good news
The gospel–God’s grace in all its truth–is spreading throughout the whole world. How about in your neighborhood? Colossians 1:6 (The Message) This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day… Read More
Colossians 1:3-5 Our future is heaven
When I read these verses, I drew a straight line to represent our ascent and growth in faith and hope when we join in God’s purpose and are filled with his love. But circumstances, sins, doubts, pain–the reality of life–make the line full of hills we struggle up and valleys we careen down into despite… Read More
Colossians 1:1-2 Does God have your attention?
Before his name was changed, Paul was fanatically persecuting and overseeing the killing of Jesus-followers. He was convinced that he was cleansing the world, and he was full of himself and his own importance. It took the drama of a blinding light, a heavenly voice, and a period of sightless malaise to get his attention.… Read More
Psalm 1:6 Follow the leader
Where he leads me, I will follow. Psalm 1:6 (The Message) God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. Why study the Bible this way? If you take it into your mind and heart enough to translate it into a picture or word, it becomes part of you. If you add… Read More
Psalm 1:4-5 Purposeful life
I have a purpose, a direction, a raison d’etre. I need to listen to God daily, continue in strong relationship with him, and choose to follow where he leads. Psalm 1:4-5 (The Message) You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— Without defense in court, unfit company for… Read More
