By: Paula Short
God has been putting Colossians 3:15-17 on my heart lately. It was the topic recently of an online Bible study I participate in weekly.
I've read these words many times before. But why were they pressing on my heart in such an intense way this time? God was prompting me about something, but what?
Let's take a look.
"Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15— NASB
Here Paul is telling us to let Christs, peace be an intercessor and mediator, in our hearts. Sometimes our hearts harbor conflict because there, feelings and desires clash. Like fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love, and so on. Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace.
Pray— Father God, today I'm thankful to have the peace of Christ rule in my heart.
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16— NIV
Early Christians did have access to the Old Testament and freely used it. But they did not have the New Testament or other study guides like we do today. Their stories and teachings were memorized and passed from person to person. Often these teachings were set to music and singing. Music became an important part of Christian worship and learning, much like today.
Pray— Father God, I am thankful that your message dwells within me. Thank you for placing others in my path to share your Word with them. It makes my heart smile when I sing worship songs to you.
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17— NLT
Doing all in the name of the Lord means bringing honor to Christ in every aspect of daily living. As Christians, we represent Christ at all times.
Pray— Father God, I'm thankful to be your representative. May all I do or say reflect and honor you.
Thankful people can worship wholeheartedly. Gratitude opens our hearts to God's peace and enables us to put on love.
Reflection
How can we deal with conflicts within us and do what God wants?
What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you?
Those are some great verses on thankfulness.
ReplyDelete"Gratitude opens our hearts to God's peace and enables us to put on love." This was a thought provoking sentence, Paula. We not only need to be grateful for what God does in our lives, we also need to be grateful for those He places in our lives. It is then we will also be able to love them and show them the love of God. This post was most appreciated this morning!
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