Wonderful Words

Scripture – Colossians 1:1-2: ¹Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ²To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There are so many words and phrases in the Bible and in the language of the church that I easily skip over. Paul begins by mentioning “the will of God.” God does have a plan for my life. He gives me direction each day. At the same time, He has a larger plan – a wider vision for how He wants to use me. Timothy is “our brother.” In Christ we do have a relationship with other believers – a new kind of family. This includes people within the church that I don’t particularly like. There are many more things mentioned here: “holy,” “faithful,” “in Christ,” “grace,” “peace,” and “from God.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As we start this new exploration of Colossians, I will read carefully – lingering over some of the words. Today, I’ll remember again that God has a plan for my life. I’ll be careful how I live. Am I working and living within that plan?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for your presence in my life. I can’t imagine facing life without you. I don’t know how people do that. Use me today. Keep me aware of my brothers and sisters.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Sunday, September 16, 2007

Scripture – Colossians 1:3-6: ³We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—⁵the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel ⁶that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.