Today’s Reading:
Colossians 3:12-17
‘‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’’ (Colossians 3:17 RSV)
Beloved, since we have trusted Christ, we have been set apart from the world unto the Lord. We are no more our own; we belong completely to Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our salvation set us apart as believers exclusively for Christ Jesus. It is just as horrible to contemplate the Christian living for the world and the flesh. Chosen by God, set apart for God, loved by God, and forgiven by God. They all add up to grace! Because of these gracious blessings, the Christian has some solemn responsibilities before God, by putting on the beautiful graces of the Christian life. When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within; but when we step out of His will (even unintentionally), we lose His peace. This same Word gives us life, sustains and strengthens us (1 Peter 1:22-23).
The word ‘‘dwell’’ in verse 16 means ‘‘to feel at home.’’ If we have experienced the grace and the peace of Christ, then the Word of Christ will feel at home in our hearts. We will discover how rich the Word is with spiritual treasures that give value to our lives. Apostle Paul directed it to the entire body of Christ – the church. ‘‘Let the Word of Christ dwell among you’’ is a possible translation. As it dwells richly in each member of the church, it will dwell richly in the church fellowship as the body of Christ.
Today, some of our local churches minimize the Word of God. There seems to be a lack of simple Bible teaching in Sunday school classes and pulpits. More interest is shown in movies, musical performances, and various entertainments than in God's Word. Many saved people cannot honestly say that God’s Word dwells in their hearts richly because they do not take time to read, study, and memorize it.
OYEYEMI, GABRIEL OYEBISI
Prayer:
Father, help me not to compromise the Christian living for the world and the flesh, in Jesus mighty name.
Father, help me to grow in my love for You, in Jesus mighty name.
Father, help me to grow in my desire to obey You and walk in the newness of life, in Jesus name.
Father, help me to show kindness to others, in Jesus name.
Father, remove every seed of pride in my life, in Jesus mighty name.
Father, gather every disintegrated part of Your Church, and unite Your Church, in Jesus name.
Father, pull down every stronghold of wickedness bewitching our nations, in Jesus name.
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