We were (still are) wallowing in the pit–repeatedly sinning with no possibility of perfection or purpose. But the beauty of it is, our God loved us enough to bring about the most glorious and important intervention. God himself (through the person of his Son) paid the penalty for the sins of any and all who… Read More
Colossians 1:11-12 God’s strength for the long haul
Agony. Death. Pain. Fear. Sorrow. We will experience these things and more as we go through life. Do I have to just grit my teeth and endure? In the middle of the deepest and darkest valleys, God will help me to move beyond my wailing question, “Why me?” I look to see God in the… Read More
Colossians 1:10 1 + 2 = 3
I’m not an equation kind of person–I learn by stories and visuals–but this verse is an equation for life, and God gave it to us. We pray (for ourselves and others) asking for wise minds, attuned spirits, and understanding. Why? So that we can life a life worthy of the Lord (with His help) with… Read More
Sometimes worship resembles a pep rally
What does praise look like? I think it has many different faces, sounds, moods. No matter what style, praise always comes first. Praising first in any situation helps us to focus on the one who is in charge, who has the strength to overcome, and who loves us and shares his strength with us. Many times… 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
Kathleen S Evenhouse 