Category: Journey Through The Word

Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, prayer, Quiet Time

The Call of A Wife

Posted on by MaryEllen

Today’s focus verse is tough for me to speak on because I’m no longer a wife. I realize some may not know my story, but the bottom line is…

  • Ending the marriage was not my choice…
  • I prayed for God to save it…
  • I actually begged him to stay…
  • I am thankful for the 27+ years God gave us and the daughters He blessed us with …
  • I regret that He left…
  • I wish I had been a better wife and…
  • Shame and regret still taunt me…
  • I am glad every day to know that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose…
  • God has used the failures/divorce to strengthen my faith and understanding of His grace…

Please understand that I am thankful for the many who are reading this and are happily married and able to speak to this passage ~ please feel free to share whatever encouraging words you may have on the subject. However, you will also find a link below that will direct you to the commentary from bibleref.com on this verse. I believe that it will be both helpful and encouraging on this very important topic for the life and health of your marriage. Please know that while I may be divorced, I am a huge advocate for marriage and encourage those who are married to consider these words of Paul, God’s spokesman, concerning your role and that of your husband.

Think back, or look back if necessary, to our conversation on yesterday’s journey – namely, that if we want to live like Jesus, our goal must be to bring glory to God in whatever we say and do.

The More We Know

(My prayer for each of you who are married is that these words will bring hope, encouragement, and strength to you and to your marriage. Do not grow weary in doing what God has called you to do as a wife. Love your husband well, pray for him, and enjoy the blessing of your husband. May God richly bless both you and your husband as you seek to honor the Lord in your marriage relationship.)

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. – Colossians 3:18

Borrowed from the Christ is All I Need LGG Journal/week 6/day 3

The concept of submission to a husband has been totally despised and ridiculed in our Western society. Our culture has rejected the biblical idea of different roles between men and women in marriage, and the result has been countless family breakdowns.

Yes, God’s Word tells us that men and women are equal in value, equally loved by God, and equally in need of His grace. Submission does not impact this equality. Rather, it is a choice by the wife to submit to her husband because God has made him the head of the family. He is not the head, or leader, because he is more gifted, capable, or spiritual. Rather, God has given him that authority. It’s so important to marry someone we feel we can respect and follow.

Submission means to willingly (even joyfully) surrender myself under my husband’s leadership. It means responding to him with the kind of respect that is due his position. It means doing whatever I can to help my husband do what he’s supposed to do. It means accepting the decision he makes, even if I had to state my arguments for why I disagree.

A wife is to submit as a response of obedience to Jesus, knowing that He would not ask her to do anything that would harm her. Because Jesus is still her ultimate Lord, she can never follow her husband into sin, nor is she to submit to abusive behavior. Husbands are to model their actions after Christ.

It’s true that the man we are called to submit to is far from perfect. Yet, our role is to submit to him in such a way that it will be easier for him to lead and love. When things are difficult, we need to look up, put our hope in God, and ask Him to renew our respect toward our husbands.

Lord Jesus, please help me to honor you in the way I respect my husband and submit to him. Amen.

Reflection and Application

  • If you are married, how can you submit to your husband by encouraging him in his God-given role of leadership?
  • If you are not married, what are the main traits in a godly man you should look for?
  • Spend time praying for the marriages around you and for future marriages.

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Representatives of Jesus

Posted on by MaryEllen

Monday / Everything in the Name of Jesus / week 6 day 1

Read: Colossians 3:17- 4:6; Romans 14:7-9 SOAP: Colossians 3:17

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

We are to live the whole of our lives for Jesus, because as believers, everything we do and say speaks for or against Jesus. We were not only created by God but for His glory (Isa 43:7 and Rev 4:11). Even Jesus sought to bring His Father glory (John 8:49, John 17:1-5). That’s right, Jesus did not come to be glorified, but to suffer and die for your sins and my sins, not just “the sins of the world”, and in doing this He wanted to glorify the Father in Heaven. He did not come to be glorified by the world but to be glorified by God in His presence, just as He was before the world was created.1

“I glorified you [Father] on earth, having accomplished the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”

John 17:4

Let’s review … Paul, who has never met the believers in Colossae, has written them a letter. The letter is filled with excitement at what he has heard about them, encouragement for their walk of faith, and instructions to help them succeed in their new lives as people of God. We do something very similar at our church. Every new believer receives a Bible, a letter from God, introducing Himself to them, telling them about the history of His people and their new family, and giving them examples of how to live as the new creations they are in Christ. Like Paul’s letter, God’s Word is filled with excitement, encouragement, and instructions to help us succeed in our walk of faith.

We no longer live under the requirement of the law of checklists and rules. But we must still give careful consideration to how our words and actions will reflect on Him. Will they bring Him glory and draw others to God or shame Him and push them further away from Him? If we want to live like Jesus, our goal must be to bring glory to God in whatever we say and do.

Paraphrasing a statement by LGG in today’s journal entry,2 faith and the essence of Christian living is more than rules and spiritual experiences. “It’s about being made new in Christ, no longer clothed in the old nature but having a completely new identity, one that bears the image of Christ, not characterized by sin but love, that shows itself through acts of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” It’s a life that requires us to forgive others just as God through Christ has forgiven us. It’s a life controlled by peace and filled with the Word of Christ, that flows out from us in our interactions and daily lives with others.

Friends, “For faith in God to be genuine, it must be based on the genuine God.“3

Faith is personal, so we must get personal with ourselves and ask, what or who is my faith based on? What role does faith play in my life? Is it at the top of the list, governing all of my choices… or… is it just another part of my life, relegated to Sundays or when I’m in the company of other believers? Is it something I share or keep to myself… something I practice or simply claim… is it something I hold tightly to… or something I grab onto only when troubles come my way… Is it something that points others to Christ… or is all about me? These are tough questions, but if we truly want to live by faith, the answer(s) are important. For as Paul wrote to the Galatian believers, “I have been crucified with Christ. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”4 We no longer live for ourselves, but we have been made representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, meaning whatever we do or say must glorify God the Father.

The word whatever means exactly that – EVERYTHING… where we go, what we say, what we do, how we dress, how we act, how we respond to others, even our facial expressions, how we treat others, and the hidden things, like what we think, will point back to Him ~ because we are His representatives. So the choices we make must all be made… with Him in mind and for His honor, not simply our delight or satisfaction.

Reflection and Application

  • What situation, responsibility, problem, or fear do you need to talk to Jesus about?
  • Are you totally available to Him to use for His glory all that you say and do?

The More We Know

From gotquestions.org
Christ is All I Need Devotion, p170, by LGG
  1. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-did-jesus-not-seek-his-own-glory ↩︎
  2. Christ is All I Need, Devotion, p170, LGG ↩︎
  3. Genuine Faith ↩︎
  4. Galatians 2:20 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Gospel

Letting the Word Get into Us

Posted on by MaryEllen

Friday / The Word of Christ / Week 5, Day 5
Read: Colossians 3:12-17; Psalm 119:9-16 SOAP: Colossians 3:16

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:16-17 NLT

Paul has written to the Colossian believers that, because they belong to God, certain virtues should be displayed in their lives. He actually refers to the virtues as though they are pieces of clothing to put on. They are meant to replace the behaviors of the old nature he listed for them earlier in the letter. Such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language, and lying should no longer be a part of their lives. Instead, they/we are to live as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, clothed in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Peace is to rule in their hearts now; thankfulness should be evident, and love is to be the glue that binds all of these virtues together.

… love is the glue that binds all the other virtues together

Undoubtedly, we may feel overwhelmed when we read this, questioning how we can be expected to live so differently than the world. I believe the answer is found in verse 16, where we are instructed to “let the word of Christ [or the message about Christ] dwell in us richly. Friends, when the words of Christ and those about Christ fill our lives, we are equipped to focus on Him rather than on self or other distractions of this world. We are empowered to live as His representatives, not only being taught and exhorted by the Word that fills us, but being able to teach and exhort each other with wisdom from His Word. This is why one of my mottos/goals for the groups I have taught has always been: Getting into the Word and letting the Word get into us. I believe this is so important to our faith, our Christian walk, and our relationship with God and others. As we continue on our journey through His Word, may we keep this goal in mind and faithfully strive toward that end.

Exhortation: a strong, earnest attempt to persuade, encourage, or urge someone to take a specific, positive action.

Paul also mentions singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Bibleref.com explains that Paul’s purpose in mentioning music is that it could be used to help keep the word of Christ actively dwelling within us. Praise and worship music and old hymns are my love language with God, and I know many of you enjoy incorporating music into your worship/study time as well. Not only can the music draw us closer to Him, but He uses music to help His Word come alive in us, or to encourage, guide, or comfort us.

I love that the Scripture reading for today’s journey included Psalm 119:9-16. It is a beautiful complement to this portion of Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers. It is also a wonderful example of how we can allow the Word to dwell in us by hiding it in our hearts. This happens when we meditate (focus on it continually) or commit to memorizing it. David said that he stored the words up in His heart. He kept thinking about them with the purpose of not sinning against God. I especially love that the result of David’s commitment was not only finding delight in God’s Word but remembering it. We may be intimidated at the mere thought of ‘memorization’, but if my feeble mind can do it, anyone can. If nothing else, we can write it on note cards that we carry with us or keep in strategic places so that we see/read them often. We can also pray for God to help us remember His Word ~ after all, He has equipped us with His Spirit, who will not only teach us everything but remind us of everything He has told us.

 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you. John 14:26

Reflection and Application

What are some practical steps you can take to let the Word of Christ “dwell” in you?

Response of Worship

Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word and for the privilege it is to have it dwell in us. Thank You that it is able to guide us and urge us to live in the way You have called us to live. Thank You for the light it sheds on our path as we walk through this world full of landmines and temptations of every kind. Thank You for the reminder from the words of David that when we hide it in our heart, it helps us to not sin against You. Your Word is powerful and encouraging; it equips us to walk in this world and empowers us to share You with others. Cause it to dwell in us richly. – Amen

The More We Know

What is the Word of Christ in Colossians 3:16?/Gotquestions.org

 Warren Wiersbe, interpret the expression to mean the Word of God: “The Word will transform our lives if we will but permit it to ‘dwell’ in us richly. The word dwell 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” (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2, Victor Books, 1996, p. 139–140).

Holiness and unity, both individually and in the body of Christ, are cultivated when we let the word of Christ make its home in us—when we give the truth of God’s Word ample, comfortable space in our hearts and lives through teachings and Bible study, counseling one another with its wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16), and meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:1–2). https://www.gotquestions.org/word-of-Christ.html

God’s Word is meant to permeate our lives so profoundly that it takes up permanent residence. This abiding infilling is made possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who reminds us of everything Jesus said and did (John 14:26; 16:13). As we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly and are filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18–20), we become living representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ for God’s glory in whatever we say and do (see Colossians 3:17, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 6:16). The life of a born-again believer, fully submitted to God and occupied by Christ, “will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God . . . and that word is the Good News that was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:23–25, NLT).

Consider these words from today’s LGG Journal Entry/p160

What a beautiful name Paul gives to the Bible when he calls it “the word of Christ.” Jesus is the center of the Bible. Its prophecies and laws are there to direct us to Him, and “every one of God’s promises are ‘Yes’ in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

What an exhortation to let this Word “dwell in you.” In order for something to dwell in us, it first has to enter in. We must first read and hear what the Bible says. Then we let the words “dwell” in us, to remain and live there.

God’s Word will dwell in us when we love it, use our minds to really understand it, believe it, and obey it. It will dwell in us when we sing it. We should have the Word of Christ dwell in our memory.

Pick two or three promises from the Bible. Write them on pieces of paper. Stick them above your sink where you do the dishes. Review them and meditate on them until you have them memorized and dwelling in you.

This is how we live by faith and how we fight the battle against sin. When we feel tempted and discouraged, we must go back to the Word of Christ, calling it to memory and believing it. God will work mightily in our lives as we start meditating on His wonderful promises and learn to rest in them by faith.

May the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you put all your trust in God’s precious promises and as you pray: “Lord, please do as you have said.”

Father, I can’t thank you enough for your Word and all the precious promises that are mine through Jesus. Let it dwell in me today. Amen.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Bearing With One Another

Posted on by MaryEllen

Thursday, w5d4/Can You Forgive?

Read: Colossians 3:12-15; Matthew 18:21-35; SOAP: Colossians 3:13

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13

Do you know someone whose lifestyle, mannerisms, or conversations make life unpleasant or difficult for you? Perhaps you cannot even stand to be around them, but they’re always in your day-to-day life ~ at work, school, or even connected to your friend group. Paul says to “bear with them,” or my favorite translation: “make allowance for their faults.” What about someone who has offended or hurt you with harsh words, or other wounds so deep you can’t even begin to see your way past the hurt, let alone forgive them? Regardless of the offense, Paul (a messenger of God) makes it clear that we are to “forgive anyone who offends us.” I know, I know ~ some of you are shaking your heads right now, saying I just can’t do it. Oh, but you can, and here’s how: Remember how the Lord has forgiven you. Think about the things you have done that have offended God, for all of us have fallen short of His glory, we have sinned against Him and we know that the wages of sin is death – yet God, in His grace and mercy, loved us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to the cross in our place so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. He made a way where there was no way. The wages of our sin is death, but instead He gave us life! How then can we not forgive those who have sinned against us?

Still not convinced that you can’t forgive ‘that person’? Consider this story and the actions of Corrie Ten Boom:

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who hid Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War. Someone betrayed her family. They were imprisoned, and Corrie and her sister, Betsie, were sent to a German concentration camp. They endured unimaginable sufferings before Betsie died in the camp. Corrie was eventually released. After the war ended, she started to share her story.

One time, when she was speaking in Germany, a man approached her. “Miss Ten Boom,” he said, “do you remember me?” Corrie immediately recognized him. He had been one of the most cruel guards at the concentration camp. He went on: “I have become a Christian. Now I would like to ask you, Miss Ten Boom, will you forgive me?”

Corrie recalls, “I could not forgive him. I thought of the suffering of my dying sister…Yet, Jesus had said that when we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us either. But I could not! I could only hate him! And then, I remembered Romans 5:5: ‘the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’ And I said…’Thank you, Father, because your love is stronger than my hatred!’ In that same moment, I was free, and I could forgive. It was as if God’s love streamed through my arms as I shook hands with that man.”1

Can you forgive? No. Neither can I. But He can!2

Friend, not only does God tell us that we are to forgive others, but He makes it clear that if we don’t forgive others, He will not forgive us (Matthew 6:15). I pray if there is someone you haven’t been able to forgive, that you will stop and take some time to remember how He has forgiven you. Thank Him for that forgiveness and let the depth of His love release you to forgive those who have sinned against you. And may He also help you make allowance for (or bear with) those who offend or frustrate you.3

Reflection and Application

  • Are you holding any grudges against somebody who has disappointed you or even deeply hurt you? By God’s power, are you willing to forgive them?
  • Take time today to pray and ask God to help you forgive, knowing that we have been forgiven by God for our sins.

Response of Prayer

Praise God, He has forgiven me of ALL my sins! He has declared me free from condemnation (Rom 8:1) and set me free from captivity to sin (Rom 6:14-15)! Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, would die for me?! Amazing love, I know it’s true, and it’s my joy to honor you in all I do ~ I honor You.

Response of Worship

The More We Know

  1. Christ Is All I Need, p156, Love God Greatly ↩︎
  2. Ibid ↩︎
  3. The word for “bear” in the original Greek means “to endure something unpleasant or difficult.” Bearing with one another implies willingness to endure with other believers, despite differences and frustrations. We are to live in a spirit of humility and treat one another with patience and compassion. Real relationship, especially in a community as diverse as the church (Colossians 3:11), will always require forbearance. But this isn’t just putting up with each other or glossing over difficulties while harboring bitterness or allowing sinful behaviors to run rampant (Colossians 3:5–11; Galatians 6:1–5; James 5:19–20). We are to be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, ESV). This is based on the work of Christ and grounded in the truth of who God is and what He has done (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:20–23). To that end, believers are called to forgive one another as the Lord forgives us (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus Christ is our standard in bearing with one another and demonstrating forgiveness (Colossians 2:13). He never compromises truth, and He always acts in love (Ephesians 4:15–16). ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Chosen, Set Apart, Loved…

Posted on by MaryEllen

Wednesday (w5,d3) / Put It On
Read: Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 13:1-10 SOAP: Colossians 3:12, 14

11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:11-14 (12, 14)

Our new life in Christ is not based on our race or our adherence to the law, how educated we are, or how we live. Because bondservants were common in his day, Paul even wrote that it didn’t matter whether they were slaves or free… what mattered, and what he desperately wanted them/us to understand, is that in Christ all are equal. In Him, we are new creations, unified in Him. Friends, don’t miss how Paul describes us here:

  • Chosen: by God
  • Set Apart: for God
  • Dearly Loved: by God

As such, we are to look, live, and love like Him. If you’re wondering what that looks like, remember ~ Christ was God in the flesh. Scripture paints a very vivid picture of who and what Christ was and how and why He lived. He was merciful, kind, gentle, patient, humble – even to the point that He took on the form of a servant (Phil 2:7-8), and He was abounding in love all the way to the cross, which He endured for us. In this, He made a way where there was no way – not only for us to come to the Father, but to be unified as one body made new in Him, set apart for Him, and dearly loved by Him.

While we might be tempted to say I just cannot live up to His standards, or to think for a minute that He doesn’t really expect us to be like Him, let’s think about some of the things we have been told in the Scriptures…

  • “I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34
  • “Be holy, for I am holy” is a foundational command found in the Hebrew Bible (in books like Leviticus 19:2) and repeated in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:16), calling believers to reflect God’s pure and set-apart character in their daily lives. (Gotquestions.org)
  • “If you love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15.

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6 who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross! Phil 2:1-8

Friends, I know I use this next reference from 2 Peter all the time, but it bears repeating, and our minds need to know it and our mouths should say it often: God has given us everything we need for living as He has called us to live (my paraphrase). Whether it is loving others like Jesus did, forgiving as He has forgiven, thinking like Him, serving like Him, submitting like Him, dying to self (a.k.a: putting off the old nature and putting on tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…). No, living a life of godliness isn’t always easy – actually, it is rarely easy – but He has equipped us for it, so let’s commit to remember that we have been chosen by God, set apart for God, dearly loved by Him, and equipped by and for Him.

 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

Response of Worship

Response of Prayer

Father, God ~ thank You for choosing me and setting me apart for You. Thank you for loving me so dearly and equipping me so fully to do all that You have called me to do as Your child. Thank You for setting me free from the bondage of the sinful nature and making me alive in Christ! For whoever the Son sets free is truly free, and it is an indescribable joy to be able to say ~ I’m a child of God! Please help me to faithfully clothe myself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. May the mindset of Christ rule and reign over my thinking, words, and actions.

Reflection and Application

  • What do you think a life of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience looks like?
  • How can we strive to live like this every day?

The More We Know

(From the LGG Journal, Christ Is All I Need, p 152)

Reading today’s passage makes us realize how far we fall short of all that we are meant to be. How I would love to be more merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. How I long to be able to truly love others.

This is when we have to be reminded of what Paul said earlier: “For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form, and you have been filled in him” (Colossians 2:9-10). When God calls us to put on the clothes of Christ-likeness, He Himself will give us these clothes. They are already hanging in the wardrobe of our new, risen life. We only have to take them out and put them on.

However, a righteous life doesn’t happen automatically. If it did, Paul wouldn’t urge us to “put it on.” We “put on” the virtues of Christlikeness when we trust Him to provide all the love, mercy, and patience we need in any given circumstance.

In faith, we need to ask God for it. And then, in obedience, we simply go and do as we are told, loving others in word and deed, and thanking Him in advance for providing us with everything we need.

Everything God demands of us, He Himself wants to accomplish in and through us (Philippians 2:13). God calls you to love others. Ask Him for that love. When you walk by faith like this, moment by moment, day by day, Jesus Himself will increasingly live the life of love through you.

And never forget that you are God’s elect, holy and dearly loved by Him. He has chosen you because He loves you. He will continue His work of sanctification in you. He won’t give up on you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing and loving me. Please fill me with your love so that I can go and love others. Amen.

Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, prayer, Quiet Time

A Changed Life

Posted on by MaryEllen

Today’s Road Map for the Journey: Colossians 3:5-11 (SOAP: 8-9); 1 John 1:5-2:2

8But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Colossians 3:8-9 NLT

Today’s portion of our journey continues with Paul’s instructions for the believers to turn from their sins. To the sexual sins he listed in verse 5, Paul, “not wanting to leave anyone wondering what our dirty clothes actually look like,” now adds other areas of spiritual failure, including anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and foul (or abusive) language. He also adds, “do not lie“(v. 9) to the list, reminding them that these things were all part of who they were before they came to faith in Jesus Christ. He desperately wants them (and all believers, including us) to understand that their new life in Christ is a changed life. The old is gone; the new is here. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Friends, the same is true for us. For we know that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ – and not by our works. Paul continually reminded the believers that the Christian life is a changed life. There isn’t a magic button to push or a transformation pill to take – it takes daily choosing to get rid of or to stop doing all of the things that belong to our old sinful nature. While Paul gives us a short list in this letter to the Colossians, note that it is not a complete list but examples of things we do or attitudes we have that do not please God.

As today’s LGG Journal entry explained, it’s very tempting for us to be unspecific and vague about our own sins. Instead of calling it “anger” or “rage”, we may say, “I’m just irritable today.” When we speak unkind things about other people, we may call it “openly sharing”, but we would never consider ourselves to be slanderers. Instead of admitting that we have lied, we call ourselves “clever” or “shrewd.”

The writer also points out that “Paul says in verse 6 of Colossians 3 that it is because of these sins the wrath/anger of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.” She goes on to write that, “In other words, God hates sin. Sins are not small matters to be played around with or to be tolerated in our lives.”

We will only “put off” our sins if we have become aware of what they truly are. We need to stop excusing our selfish attitudes and behavior. If we want to gain victory over sin, we need to name it. Tell it for what it is. ~Christ Is All I Need, p 156

Response of Worship

Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for the reminder that sin is no small matter and shouldn’t be something we play around with. Help us to hate sin as you do and to never tolerate it in our lives. Help me to be a little less like me and a lot more like Jesus. Help me to filled with kindness, goodness, love and grace ~ In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The More We Know

A closer look at things that should no longer be a part of or characterize a believer’s life1

First, Paul speaks against anger. Outbursts of uncontrolled anger are not meant to be found in the life of a Christian. Anger in and of itself is not always wrong, but it can lead to much sin (Ephesians 4:26). Human anger tends to pop up over issues which are not worth that emotion.

Second, Paul addresses wrath. In modern English we often mingle the words “anger” and “wrath.” However, they are really two separate ideas. Anger is an emotion, wrath is an action. In this context, wrath suggests the idea of revenge, and is sometimes translated as “rage.” In Romans 12:19, Paul taught that believers ought to leave wrath to God and not seek revenge on our own terms.

Third, Paul condemns malice. The Greek term used here is kakian, which includes the idea of desiring to harm another person. Paul has already condemned the emotion of unrighteous anger. He has done the same with wrath, which is the act of revenge. “Malice” is a broader term, referring to a general desire to see another person suffer or be harmed. We should not hope for harm to befall others.

Fourth, Paul speaks against slander. In the Biblical context, slander is putting down other people or speaking evil against others. This can include insults, lies, harsh speech, or even gossip.

Fifth, Paul prohibits obscene talk. Speech which is vulgar, or intended to be offensive, is not to be : associated with the life of a believer.

More insight from the LGG Devo2

“It’s painful to have our sins exposed by Jesus. It’s not easy to articulate our wrong thinking, speaking, and acting by bringing it all out into the open before a holy God. Yet, the reason He shows us a specific sin is so that we can confess it, be forgiven, and gain victory over it. Jesus is the good doctor who lovingly shows us our sickness and then offers us the cure. He gives us His gracious cleansing and the power to change.”3

  1. Bibleref.com ↩︎
  2. Christ Is All I Need, p156 ↩︎
  3. Ibid ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Spirit, The Gospel

Put To Death…

Posted on by MaryEllen

Today’s Road Map for the Journey

Colossians 3:5-11 (SOAP: 3:5a); Romans 8:1-6

 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Colossians 3:5 NLT

‘So’ is the first word of our passage today, this means we need to look back or remember what ‘so’ refers to. In this case, it hinges on the fact that we died to self, and our real life is now hidden with Christ in God, and one day we will be revealed with Him in glory. Nothing new? Right? Our journey has been pinpointing this truth/instruction for days now, but today the depth and importance of the instruction is taken to a different level with just one word: DEATH. It’s the fourth word in the NLT, NKJV, and NET translations, and in the KJV it is MORTIFY, which, according to BibleHub.com commentary, means “put to death”. Paul wasn’t being dramatic here; he was letting them know how serious the instruction was. He knew that to let these things- sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and idolatry remain in our lives not only conflicts with the life Christ has called us to, but they would bring harm to the body of Christ. Or, as he wrote to the Church of Rome, “those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit… Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:5, 12-14)

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

Romans 8:5-8

Friends, Paul isn’t teaching us to merely set aside ‘these things’ for a day, month, or even a year. He is telling us, actually warning us with great urgency, to do away with them or with anything that distracts us from God (a.k.a. things above).

Because we have been hidden with Christ in God, we are no longer condemned for our sin – but forgiven and set free from sin’s power over us. Not only is this a great cause for believers to rejoice, but it is wonderful inspiration to put to death any sins still lurking in our lives. The Christian faith has standards; those standards aren’t set by man but by the Word of God and the life of Jesus Christ. If we want to walk by faith, these are the standards we must follow, not deviating to the right or to the left … but faithfully and quickly putting to death anything in our lives that does not align with God’s will. This life isn’t for sissies, but it is the only way that leads to life and health and peace. One final word of encouragement, especially for those who may be thinking the life of faith is too demanding, or that you can’t put to death the sins that have power over you … God didn’t call us without equipping us; instead, as Peter wrote, God has given us (believers) everything we need for life and godliness. He has done this not through our power or goodness but through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given His very great and precious promises so that through them we can participate in His divine nature, having escaped the corruption of this world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

3 I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. 4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.

2 Peter 1:3-4

Reflection and Application

  • Is there anything in your life that you should put to death?
  • How do we put our sins to death?

Response of Worship

Response of Prayer

Thank You for the teachings of Paul, for His instructions that point us away from self and to life in the Spirit. Thank you for Your divine power that has given us everything we need to live a life of godliness. Thank You for Your promise that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and for all of Your promises that are ours in Christ Jesus. We are most blessed and forever grateful. Help us to faithfully put to death all that is of the flesh and to walk in the power and guidance of Your Spirit in us. We are Yours, set apart for You ~ Amen and Amen 💜❤️💙✝️

Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Uncategorized

Living Beyond Earthly Desires: A Call to Seek Heavenly Things

Posted on by MaryEllen

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Colossians 3:1-4 (soap verses 3-4)

On our last day’s journey, we looked at the first two verses of this passage, where we were reminded that because we have been raised with Christ, we are to keep seeking and thinking about things of God, not the things of earth. Today’s passage picks up with an explanation from Paul telling us why: which is namely, because we no longer belong to the ruler of this world, but we belong to God, who has placed us in Christ. You see, Christ is more than the giver and sustainer of life – He is our life.

Christ is more than the giver and sustainer of life – He is our life.

Bibleref.com, Colossians 3:4

Consider these words from today’s LGG, Christ Is All I Need, journal

Why do we need to keep seeking the things above? Paul stresses that it’s because we are united to Jesus by faith. When Jesus died, we died with Him. He rose to life, raising us with Him. He now lives inside every believer. He is our Life.

Remember that you have been united to a Savior who lived His whole life on earth denying Himself. He expects you to do the same. Don’t live for the glory of this world. Don’t strive to “be somebody” now.

The real you is not visible on earth yet, and it’s not meant to be. It’s not what you see in the mirror. This earth is not your place of rest. One day, when Jesus returns, you will be revealed with Him in glory, shining like the sun in sinless perfection and being finally and truly at home.

Friends, I don’t know about you, but these words (particularly the last paragraph) left me shouting HALLELUJAH ~ COME JESUS COME! They also started me singing My Jesus, I love Thee. When I looked up the lyrics (so I could copy and paste), I learned they were originally a poem written by William Ralph Featherston following his salvation. Featherston was just a teenage boy at the time, somewhere between the ages of 12 and 16. His raw emotion and expression of thankfulness and love struck a chord in millions of hearts. Writing with the passion of a teenager, yet with the wisdom of someone years beyond his age, Featherston captures the beautiful, intimate relationship we have with our Saviour, and the glorious future that awaits us in eternity.1

Response of Worship

My Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for the beautiful truth that Paul writes about – the truth that we are dead in our trespasses and sins, but by Your grace and mercy and our faith in Christ Jesus, You have raised us to new life and placed us safely in Him. Thank you for loving us first. Jesus, thank You for dying, for wearing the crown of thorns, so that all who come to You by faith can be saved and walk in an intimate relationship with You, while we wait for Your return. Thank You that one day we will live with You in glory and endless delight, where we will adore You forever – even more than we do now. ~ In Jesus’ glorious name ~ Amen and Amen!

Reflection and Application

Do you find it difficult to set/keep your mind on things above (things of God and Jesus)? If your answer is yes, as I imagine everyone’s is, today’s journal entry suggests this as one of the reasons:

It is hard for us to set our minds on things above is that we can’t yet experience those blessings with our physical senses. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could already see, hear, feel, or touch the blessings that are stored up for us in heaven? We can’t because God wants us to live by faith, not yet by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).2

In the world we live in, it is common to work for and/or even expect the glory, recognition, and honor of the people around us, which is why we must remember our lives are not our own to do with as we wish. For as Paul writes, we died to this life, and our real life is hidden with Christ in God. Today’s journal entry explains this best: “This world is not the place for us to strive for glory, recognition, or honor. In fact, Jesus taught that following Him means daily taking up our cross and denying ourselves. (Matthew 16:24)”3

  1. The story behind My Jesus I Love Thee ↩︎
  2. Christ Is All I Need, p142, paragraph 1 ↩︎
  3. Christ Is All I Need, p142, paragraph 2 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Where Your Mind Is

Posted on by MaryEllen

When the word ‘therefore‘ begins a sentence, it indicates that the words that follow are related to the words that came before. When you are reading it straight through, it is a bit easier to recognize what ‘therefore’ refers to. However, when we are reading/studying in smaller clusters of verses – at least for this forgetful mind – it is important to clarify the reference. In this particular portion of the letter, Paul is referring back to the fact that the believers have died with Christ, and He has set them free from the spiritual powers of the world. Yet they are still hung up on the world’s rules and human teachings.1

This does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men.

Bibleref.com, Colossians 3:2

So Paul reminds them that having been raised with Christ, transformed into new creations in Him, their life is meant to be for and about Christ and the things He taught and did in His life on earth – not the world and its demands, expectations, or approval. For us to live like this, we must set our minds on Heaven – our eternal home where Christ and God are ~ instead of on earthly things that distract and often hold us captive. However, as Bibleref.com warns, “This [setting our minds on things above] does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men.”

Here’s a quick word picture of how our thoughts affect our actions, etc. ~ When my dad was teaching me how to drive, he started me off on a path that took me through our little town. One direction led under an underpass that, to this new driver, didn’t seem wide enough for two cars, and the other direction went up a hill where there was a pretty thick and tall’ish’ culvert on the side of the road. Fifty-some years later, I still drive these paths nearly every day, without a problem. However, at 16 years old and a new driver, the walls of the underpass and the protruding culvert rising above the road caught my eyes/mind every time and caused me to veer into the other lane and oncoming traffic. Needless to say, I caused my father great concern and was always reminded that I needed to keep my eyes/mind on the road ahead of me and not allow myself to be distracted/frightened or controlled by the things around me. ~ I hadn’t thought about those driving lessons for a while until the analogy flooded my mind just now – as a fitting reminder that to live the Christian life well in this world of distractions we must keep our eyes/minds on the “road ahead” or as Paul writes, the “things above” so that we aren’t distracted, frightened, or controlled by the things of the world.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ~ Colossians 3:1-2

Friends, in a world where people are always watching what we do and listening to what we say, how we live and speak matters. We know this because Jesus told His disciples to “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16); and Paul told the believers at Ephesus, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them“(Ephesians 4:29). Today’s passage makes it clear that it is equally, or perhaps even more important, to give as much concern to what we think about (set our mind on). After all, Scripture also tells us that out of the mouth comes the overflow of the heart (Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45), which I have learned in my own battles with my mind can also be translated: where my mind is ~ there my heart (actions, words, desires, attitudes…) will be also. In other words, what I think about is evident in my actions, words, desires, and attitudes.

Response of Worship

Reflection and Application

In all the years that I have been putting this teaching into practice, more than 30 years now, I have learned that to do so requires us to be purposeful. We must physically fix our minds on the things of God (Father, Son, Spirit) ~ things that matter to Him, things that cause us to live and speak and love like Jesus and not the world.

  • In your day-to-day life, what are some practical steps you can take to help you focus more on eternal things?

Prayer of Response

Father, You are good and worthy of my love and life – given by You and for You and Your glory, by grace through Faith in Christ. Spirit, help me to set my mind on things above ~ the things that matter to You. Guard me from being caught up with the things of the world and the pleasures and/or the desires and demands of ‘man’. For I am Yours, set apart for You 💜

The More We Know

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~Philippians 4:8

Bonus Worship Song 🙂

  1. Bibleref.com, Christ Is All I Need, p 135 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Christ is All I Need, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Crucified Living

Posted on by MaryEllen

20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”?

Colossians 2:20-21

“You Have Died With Christ” ~ The Apostle Paul wrote this and other statements like it throughout his writings. He felt a great need to convey this to those he sought to help grow in their faith and understanding of Christ and His Gospsel message. His determined effort pushes us to search to understand not only what it means but why it is so important.

Here in Colossians Paul phrases the statement refers to the believers in Colossae, saying: “You have died with Christ.” However, in his letter to the Galatian believers, he wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ; therefore I no longer live.” He also refers to it in at least three other places, including Galatians 5:24 and 6:14, as well as Romans 6:6. This servant of God and cheerleader of the faith, makes it abundantly clear that ‘dying with Christ’, ‘dying to self’, ‘living in Him’, living by faith, and being crucified with Him … is vitally important to a life of faith ~ a life that cannot be lived apart from Him or in our old self. Remember, if we are in Christ we are new creations, the old has gone the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Or, as he wrote to the believers in Galatia:

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

Crucified living or living crucified is described by Paul in his letter to the Galatians, where he writes: I have been crucified with Christ; therefore I no longer live. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Basically, Paul is teaching over and over again that when we choose to follow Christ it is a decision of the heart based on faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. In other words, “If a person really believes that Christ, not the Law, is the focus of their lives, why would they continue to obsess over human rules and regulations?”1 Rightfully so, “Paul questioned why the Colossian believers still acted like unbelievers in some areas. Instead of living by faith in their own ability, they were to walk by faith in Christ… The ascetic teachings or rules of false teachers were not binding upon them and offered no advantage.”2

Jesus Himself told one of the many crowds He spoke to, that if anyone wanted to be His follower, they would need to deny themselves, turn from their selfish (self-centered) ways, and take up their cross daily. He went on to explain that to truly follow Him meant giving up their life, saying: “Whoever tries to save his/her life will lose it, but whoever gives up his/her life for the sake of following Him will save it.” (Luke 9:23-25). In other words, following Christ is not easy, it is not to be taken lightly, or squeezed into your life as it is… it is laying down your life for His Way, loving others “just as He has loved us”, obeying His commands … It is a way of life – a new life that is worth more than we could ever expect or imagine.

As the writer of today’s LGG Journal entry explains:

Paul wants his readers to understand that living a God-pleasing life is only possible if we have died to this world. Our spiritual condition apart from Jesus is so bad that we are enslaved to sin. No amount of asceticism or self-discipline will be able to break sin’s mastery over our lives.

That’s why, once again, Paul reminds us that we have “died with Christ” to these external things. Our old sinful nature has died, and sin no longer has mastery over us. We have been “raised with Christ.” We have a new identity. We have been freed to serve a new master.

Christ Is All I Need, study journal, p.126

Responce of Prayer3


Lord Jesus, by faith I am united to your death and resurrection. I have been buried with You in baptism and raised with You to new life. Thank you for giving me a new life ~ I am forever grateful. Amen~

Response of Worship

Reflection and Application –

  • Why is it important that we die to self?
    • What does it look like for us to be crucified with Christ?
  • Why can outward adherence to rules or physical self-denial not change anyone’s heart?

Please take a minute to reflect on these questions and respond in the comment section below.

The More We Know

“In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul means that his old, self-reliant, and sin-governed self died spiritually when Jesus died on the cross. He is not talking about a physical death, but a deep spiritual union with Christ where his former identity is replaced by Christ living and directing his life through faith.” Paul David Tripp

“Living by Faith: The physical life Paul continues to live is sustained by trusting in the Son of God rather than relying on his own human strength.”  – Friends, this is a must read or listen to quote – exponded on by clicking here: Desiring God (by John Piper)

End of Self-Justification: “Paul stops trying to earn God’s favor or righteousness through strict obedience to religious laws. That legalistic striving was nailed to the cross.” Visit gotquestions.org to read/learn more about what it means to be crucified with Christ.

  1. Bibleref.com, Colossians 2:20 ↩︎
  2. IBID ↩︎
  3. (adapted from LGG Journal Entry, Christ Is All I Need, p 126) ↩︎