Monday, May 2nd - Colossians 3:12-17

Good Evening!

What a good day!  I actually took some time for me today and prayed and thought and just enjoyed the day!

Our scripture passage today is one of my favorites.  I have taught several lessons from this passage, given several devotionals and sermons from it as well.  There is so much packed into these six verses.  Let's dive in!!

Vs. 12 - God's chosen...holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion; kindness; humility, gentleness and patience.  Aren't these similar to the Fruit of the Spirit we find in Galatians 5:22 - "But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."  We are God's Chosen - those for whom HE sent His Son to die and then to conquer death in His resurrection!  We are holy and dearly loved because of Christ!  Vs. 13 - Forgive  I think this pretty much sums up the verse!  Vs. 14 - LOVE - the bonding agent, brings them all together in perfect unity!  Vs. 15 - ...let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.....members of ONE body....called to peace.  Vs. 16 - we are to let the Word dwell in us and encourage one another, fellowship with one another, teach each other, and do it all with gratitude in our hearts to God!  Vs. 17 - my memory verse of this passage: "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Look at verse 17 again - do you think we can incorporate our teaching from a couple weeks ago - PAUSE and PRAY!  Whatever we do - we need to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus!  If I am putting His Name on it, I want it to be worthy and right.  I am going to pause and pray!

There is so much to learn in these six verses, but it all comes down to verse 12 and verse 17 - We are God's chosen, holy and loved - Whatever we do...do it in the name of the Lord Jesus!

Father God:  Hear my prayer tonight as I lift each of my sisters in Christ up before You - help us to be like You, to do everything for Your Glory!  May we clothe ourselves with the Fruit of the Spirit and share it with others.  May we encourage and not quarrel; may we fellowship together and not try and do it on our own, and may we remember to always let You lead!  I love you Lord!
In Jesus' name!
Cheri Lynn