“… 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 1:10 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
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 1:3-5 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
Tears falling on the pages of our lives
I read Madeline l’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet. But it’s only recently that I have read any of her non-fiction works and discovered a wise, loving, open-minded, strong woman of faith. Although she died in 2007, she has recently become a mentor to me. As a child of… Read More
Psalm 1:3 Fruit and Flowers
My roots are firmly planted in you, bringing me the nourishment of your words, your love, your peace, your shelter and your strength. You water me with the flow of your Holy Spirit. May my fruit and blossoms benefit everyone I meet. Psalm 1:1-2 (The Message) You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing… Read More
Kathleen S Evenhouse 