Colossians 3:17 Take myself out of the limelight

I have been wondering lately, how much of what I do is so that people will think good of me? If I am living for God, trying to be someone who reflects His light to the world, why do I feel the need to have my shadow–my silhouette–superimposed on His light? What would it look… Read More

Colossians 3:16 Pay attention

Today I am memorizing and saying Proverbs 4:20-23 out loud at least seven times. I must admit, this is my own translation of the verse–helps me to remember it easier. I was amazed at how much it aligns with today’s text of Colossians 3:16. Thank you for reiterating, Lord. Say Proverbs 4:20-23 out loud with… Read More

Colossians 3:15 If I cultivate thankfulness, what will I reap?

How does cultivating thankfulness generate peace and harmony? Try a variation on counting to ten next time you are irritated, frustrated, or ready to give up on something or someone. Name ten things you are thankful for right now–big and small, physical or emotional, person or situation. Or try listing ten things you are thankful… Read More

Colossians 3:14 Love is your basic, all-purpose garment

No matter what else you wear, never forget to about the basic, all-purpose garment which should be part of every outfit–LOVE. Wear it every day.     Colossians 3:14 (New Living Translation) Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.   Colossians 3:14 (The Message) And regardless of what… Read More

Colossians 3:13 Can I change how I respond?

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Are you positive about people or do you keep a list of their wrongs and  your judgments of them? Do someone who hurt you have to say he is sorry before you will forgive them–is your forgiveness dependent on someone else? Does your forgiveness have strings attached?  In the… Read More

End the vicious cycle of one-upmanship

In order to forgive, we need to identify with the person who sinned against us. Isn’t that what Jesus did when he came to earth? He became one with us—became our sin. That is how sins are forgiven. In order for us to forgive, we need to enter into the Gethsemane prayer with Jesus: “Abba,… Read More

Sow forgiveness…reap forgiveness

Jesus is God, and he became who we are—he became our sin. Because he was both God and man he could accomplish the task that God the Father gave him of being the perfect lamb that was sacrificed to take away the sins of the world. Jesus reached across time and space and identified with… Read More