02.28.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:23 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:18-25 Theme: Our love for Christ will motivate our love for our families, thus serving Christ by serving them. Key verses: “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children…” (v. 18-21) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving.” (v. 23-24) What God said to me: Dwayne, these are simple, straight-forward rules for families and servants. There are no hidden meanings behind these words. And there are no exceptions, no exemptions. These verses can’t be explained away or ignored (though many have tried). They are not passe or out-dated. And they certainly don’t need updating or upgrading. Wives have their job in me. Husbands have their job like me. Children have their role toward me. And slaves have their place for me. The key for all of them is to understand the direction of their service, not to serve each other first of all, but to first and ultimately serve, love and honor me. So, next time you feel the need to lecture your children about obedience, don’t have as your first words that they should show respect toward you (although they should). Make sure they first understand that their first consideration must be of me and the effect their disobedience to you has on me. Again, it comes down to the heart. If the primary motive of your heart is to love and honor your family, that is noble and good - but yet faulty at the same time. Many a “good man” has fallen prey to such shallow motivations and good intentions. What happens on days he doesn’t feel so loving and honoring toward his family? How will he react when his wife and children don’t show love and appreciation back to him? You see, any love built on another human is by its very nature prone to fail because humans are prone and proven to fail. Point your love and your family’s love toward me. Get your inspiration to love and cherish each other from my determination to love and cherish you. Engulf yourself in rapturous love for me, your God who never leaves or forsakes you. Then even when your family doesn’t seem to remember they are your family, you will still want to show love to them even as I continue to show love toward you. What I said to God: Lord, this is certainly not what I was expecting from these verses today. Yet, it seems clear and plain to me now. I must want first of all to please and serve You. I must encourage my family to first of all seek to love and serve You. The way we treat each other will quite super-naturally flow out of that deep and lasting agape love. That is the love that motivates human phileo love for each other. I dare not trust my wicked heart to love my kids and my wife. I must be filled with your love that is “shed abroad in my heart.” I claim Your Holy Spirit’s filling, thus claiming Your love’s filling me through and through. Help me show that love toward my family and those I meet today.
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02.26.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 11:36 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:17 Theme: Everything we do should properly represent who Jesus is and what he wants. Key verses: “And 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.” What God said to me: Wake up, Dwayne. Why do you come before me and act bored and distracted? Would you do that with a famous sports star or music artist? Would you be non-chalant with the president of your country? Who do you think I am, your pal? I am the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Act like you know that little piece of insight. Acknowledge me above all and respect my Name above all names. I am not pleased with your actions. Why do you live for me and do what pleases me 99% of the time, only to pull yourself off the altar of living sacrifice for a moment of personal gratification? You cannot be content with your actions until 100% of them properly represent me. Everything you do should be dilberately done in me, toward me, for me, and because of me. Everything should be initiated by me, your supposed Master (meaning you are merely the servant needing instructions). Everything you say and do should bring honor and point praise back to me, your Maker and Savior. Don’t do them in order to please me. Want to do them because you please me, because you are my precious child and my willing servant. Fall in love with me on the inside, then show your love for me on the outside. That’s the key. That is how you will do all in the name of King Jesus. What I said to God: Holy Lord, I love and adore You, lay my life before You; how I need You. May what comes from this body of mine only illustrate and validate the fervant passion and dedication I have for You in my heart. I decide this week to live only for You, in front of You, and through You. I pray for an opportunity to witness about You to the people You have burdened me for and for those I “casually” come across today and all this week. Protect my family; may they too represent You well.
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02.23.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 7:13 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:15-16 Theme: There are certain prerequisites before we open our mouths to sing. Key verses: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish…and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (v. 15-16) What God said to me: Dwayne, you should never open your mouth to sing to me or for me without first meeting these criteria. Look closely at them. First of all, you are to let Christ’s peace rule in you. Check your heart. What is ruling you? Do you maintain my peace at all cost to your fleshly wants and actions? Are you determined to “keep the peace” you have with me? It is a fragile peace that requires death to your self and obedience to me. The peace I give you is the calm assurance I am in charge of your life and that will prompt you to sing. Then Paul says to be thankful. Not only must you be at peace through holy living, you must also be grateful through humble living. Never allow yourself to think for a moment that you deserve anything I have given you. Yes, you are my precious child and yes, I love to lavish you with blessings. But not because you have earned them. All you have that’s good has come from my gracious and merciful hand. Make sure you are truly thankful before you open your mouth to make melodies for me. Finally, be sure my Word abides in you, envelopes you, consumes your thinking at all times. Meditate on it day and night. Paul uses the word “richly” to describe the level of quality and worth my written Word should have to you. I am not interested in hearing the words of your songs if you are not interested in hearing and obeying the words in my Bible. It’s that simple. As you sing, as you teach, as you admonish, as you praise me with your lips, be sure it flows from a heart filled with peace, gratitude and meditation on my precepts. What I said to God: After the way I threw Your name in the dirt and trampled your blood yesterday, I am even more amazed at your mercy and love to speak to me so clearly today. Truly Your mercies are new every morning! Thank you for forgiving me for allowing my thoughts to run astray if even for the few moments they did yesterday. I sit here forgiven and filled once again with Your awesome and powerful Holy Spirit. Praise You, my Lord! I sing because there is an empty grave. I sing because there is a power to save. I sing because your grace and love is real to me!
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02.21.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 9:29 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:12-14 Theme: Loving God and others is our greatest virtue and responsibility. Key verses: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever…Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (v. 12-14) What God said to me: Son, once again Paul’s message boils down to a simple idea, a small word that makes it easy for anyone to grasp and apply. First, Paul appeals to your love for me when he says, “…as God’s chosen…” If you do not love and appreciate me as your Father, you will not be motivated to truly love anyone else. Notice that once again you have a responsibility in this thing called the Christian life. Not only are you to put your sinful ways to death (v. 5), but you are also supposed to put your own spiritual clothes on, starting with compassion, then kindness, humility, gentleness and finally patience. Here is how those clothes will appear to others. They will see that you bear with them and forgive anything they throw at you. In fact, truly holy garments allow us to forgive at the level of Christ’s forgiving us. (Of course, only Christ in you, moving and motivating your “garments,” can allow you to forgive like that.) All those were actually undergarments that are incomplete and need a covering. Love is that outer, most prominent and unifying quality you must have. All other virtues flow from a heart of love - your heart filled with my love. Question, Dwayne: Is your heart captivated by my love? Is my love through you evident to all who look at the “clothes” you are wearing everyday? What I said to God: Holy, awesome and loving God, thank You for again making it so very simple, yet still profound. The message today is clear and convicting. Did I show love toward my family yesterday? Did I look upon the opposite sex with only the desire to help them and serve them, rather than to selfishly lust after them? Did I seek opportunities to share Your salvation plan with another? Did I fervantly pray for those I supposedly love and am responsible to intercede for? In a word, did I get up yesterday and put on Your love? This morning the more important question is have I dressed in Your clothes today? I desire to, O Lord. Please help me love You and those You died for through out this day. I thank and praise You for speaking to me and forgiving me!
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02.20.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 10:26 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:5-11 Theme: Because we have His Life, we are to put to death anything of our old nature. Key verses: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…” (v. 5a) “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as…” (v. 7 - 8a) “Do not lie…since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge…” (v. 9-10a) “Here there is no Greek or Jew…slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all.” (v. 11) What God said to me: Dwayne, the message here is simple. Simple principles and thoughts are often derided as less significant and less worthy of the “serious” Christian student’s attention - as though such things are primarily for those who have not quite “arrived” to higher maturity. Yet, these deliberately simple principles are for the truly mature. These precepts summarize a life that is growing and glowing for me. This represents the very essence of your life, your serious Christian life, here on this earth. Look closer at this “simple” passage: You, Dwayne, are to put to death certain things. Don’t wait on me to do it. That is your responsibility. Yes, I am committed to forming you into the image of my dear Son. But do you really want to wait on my methods and chastening to accomplish it? And look at how specific Paul was. He named no less than twelve individual sins. Wouldn’t the “serious student” already be able to figure these out? Isn’t it sufficient to lump them all together and just say all earthly things? No. You think too highly of your thinking skills. Paul knew you would need certain items spelled out for you and all those who really are serious about glorifying me with their lives. Notice, also, that he begins with sexual immorality and ends with lying to one another. These are two of the most dangerous and common sins among my flock. They both destroy fellowship with me and with others. And the first almost always leads to the latter. Finally, I want you to see the reason Paul gives not to do all these abomidable things against me and others. He says Christ is all and is in you all. It’s that simple yet incredibly, most basically profound: Christ is Lord over everything, and what’s more, He lives and rules inside of you. My son, that should motivate you, by both fear and appreciation, to love me and serve me and praise me with your entire (hidden) life. See you to it… What I said to God: Holy and precious Lord, my God and Father, I worship You and adore You this morning. I choose to praise You all day long today. And should You call me home today, I will see You face to face and praise You even better! Forgive me when I don’t keep my covenant with my eyes, when my mind wonders onto things and places I shouldn’t do and go. Cleanse me and please fill me with Your Spirit right now. I love You and thank You for loving and living in me and my family!
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02.14.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 8:28 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 3:1-4 Theme: Because our lives are hidden in Christ, we should stay hidden. Key verses: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above…” (v. 1) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God…Christ…is your life…” (v. 2-4) What God said to me: Dwayne, why do you fret and concern yourself with things you should not control? Why do you focus on issues and interests in your life more than you focus on me? Do you not understand that your life is now my life? I am living my life through you. Your life is engulfed in mine. You are literally hidden away, and I am in your stead. Now, this is not a place many ever dare to go - this secret hiding place. Most would read this and not understand or relate to it. Some would even react in revolt to such an idea. They don’t understand that losing their own life and surrendering to mine is in their best interest. Your every breath, your every move, your every decision is controlled by me. Why is that so good and healthy and desirable for you? It is because I made the heavens and the earth. I am all-sovereign, all-knowing, all-powerful God. What I say goes. And I assure you I won’t walk through this life in anything but perfection. And when you are in me, you too can walk in confidence, righteousness, wisdom, godliness and peace. Dwayne, be careful that you do not become too focused on your next opportunity ahead and on all your goals for your ministry and your family. Goals are good and planning and dreaming ahead are important. However, I am your life. And nothing in my - formerly your - life happens unless I say so, and nothing falls by the wayside if I want it to come to pass. Accept that fact by faith. Rest in it - rest in me. Even the good and wholesome endeavors on this earth are still of this earth; they are “earthly things.” Don’t seek after them; seek after me. The best in life comes when you die to this life and hide away in me. What I said to God: Holy Lord and protecting Father, I gladly accept my hidden status! I am incredibly humbled and marveled that You would hide me away and become my life. How freeing! How exciting! How comforting… Praise You, precious Jesus, my life, my all. Forgive me when I lose sight of your control and total absorbtion of my earthly being. I do see how I have been placing more focus on upcoming events and goals and rewards than on simply resting and waiting on You everyday. I acknowledge my helplessness to control my future. Where we live, where I go, who I meet and what I accomplish - all these earthly things I commit to You, my complete and total and wonderful Life.
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02.05.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 10:45 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 2:20-23 Theme: Worship that is not initiated and directed by God is worldly and powerless. Key verses: “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules?” (v. 20) These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (v. 23) What God said to me: Far too many people, even many of my own people, wallow in self-motivated, self-initiated, self-imposed worship. They completely miss the point of worship. Worship is about me and what I want and who I am. The focus is in no way on them and on you. Dwayne, you can’t kill your flesh and render it of no power and pull. You can’t put yourself on a cross and it have any spiritual affect whatsoever on your sinful nature. You must reckon yourself to be dead in Christ. His death is the only one of any consequence. You literally died in him, not for and in yourself. Furthermore, you can’t give away something that is not yours to start with. You were bought with a price; you are not your own. Who are you, who is anyone, to think you know how to dice up the pieces of your bodily sacrifice to me? Who are you to know how I intend to use you and get glory from you? The sacrifice doesn’t tell the priest what to do with its carcass. All you can do is lay yourself on my altar, acknowledge you are dead to your own wants and abilities, and allow my Spirit to use you and live through you. That is the kind of worship I seek from my people - worship initiated by my Spirit and directed by Biblical truth. What I said to God: Holy Lord, what do You want me to do today? Where do You want me to go? How can I serve others and serve You? Help me keep those all-important questions in the forefront throughout my day and my life. O Lord, you open my mouth and my lips will praise You. O Lord, You well up inside me, Holy Spirit, and pray and praise through me. You initiate and determine my worship. Reasonably, if You create my worship, You will, in turn, be pleased with my worship. Thank You for such calm assurance and simple instructions! I want to love, adore, and praise You with all that is within me.
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02.02.07
Posted in Thoughts on Colossians at 8:38 am by Administrator
Text: Colossians 2:9-19 Theme: Christ is our head to whom we must always stay connected. Key verses: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” (v.10) “…having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God…” (v. 12) “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival…These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puff him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body…grows as God causes it to grow.” (v. 16-19) What God said to me: Dwayne, my son, you have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus. You have been given fullness, completeness in Christ. You need nothing and noone else to complete and perfect you. You need no other power but mine through my Son who lives in you. Your old self and your old thinking is dead and buried. Now live and act like the new creation you are. There will always be those who want to drag you back into legalism and discourage your joy and freedom in me. There will always be some who will criticize your apparent lack of concern for individual and specific sins as though one is more important than another. These same people will tell you you must conform to certain rituals and standards that have little or nothing to do with my Word and your relationship with me. Sin is sin, and you are to keep yourself clean and separated from anything foreign to my teaching and my will. Let my holiness determine what is appropriate for you from day to day, not somebody’s mere opinion. They’ve lost their Head. They have disconnected from Jesus, the Christ, the Head of the Church. They have, therefore, disqualified themselves. Dwayne, don’t you lose your Head… What I said to God: Father, thank You for reminding me Who my standard and my controller is. Jesus, my Savior, is also Jesus, my Lord. He determines where I walk and what I say and do. He is the Head of the family of God. May your people look only to Him for guidance and for sanctification. We are clean through the Word You have spoken to us! Praise You, Lord! You are good and holy and right! And You live in me!
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