Do I treasure this gift? Do I start my day praising God that he gave, gives, and will give it to me today and every day? Am I living within the light of that gift so that the light of God reflects off of me and onto those around me? Colossians 1:21-23 (The Message)… Read More
Colossians 1:18-20 Room for all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe
“… all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies … This is part of Eugene Peterson’s transliteration of the Colossians 1:19-20 in the Message. What a picture. How roomy is God! And how loving! Colossians 1:18-20 (The Message) He was… Read More
Colossians 1:13-14 Out of the pit
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 1:6 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
Kathleen S Evenhouse 