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Hey friends,
I thought it would be fun to read an entire book of the Bible in this four-day timeframe. So here’s my WORD CHALLENGE for you…
We can discuss the verses that move us most and the lessons that God is challenging us with in His Word in the comments section below. I’m stoked.
DAY ONE
READ: Read Colossians 1
REFLECT: Pause to consider how this passage should affect the way you believe and behave. Pray. Journal. Worship.
RESPOND by leaving a comment below.ย Say, “I’m in for the challenge!” Then, feel free to post your favorite verse or share how today’s reading spoke to your heart and spurred you on toward Christ.
MY THOUGHTS on COLOSSIANS ONE:
Wow! Wow! Wow! I love this book so much! It is chock full of directions for practical Christian living and theological depth.
Stop-me-in-my-tracks verses:
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:9b-12)
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19-20)
A RESPONSIVE PRAYER: Lord, please fill me, my family, my friends and your saints across the globe with all the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit. Equip us to live lives that are worthy of You and pleasing to you in every way. Empty us of ourselves and fill us with your Spirit so that we might bear fruit, grow to know you more, and become strengthened with your power. As we submit to your Spirit and will, allow us to increase in endurance, patience and joy. We thank you, Lord, for “qualifying us” in Christ to be your holy people. Only by the blood of Christ, Lord, can we be yours. You are radiant, holy and awesome. Help us to show your light to our families, co-workers, friends, neighbors and the world today. For your glory and in Jesus’s name, amen.
WORSHIP RESPONSE:ย
Thanks for doing life with me! Can’t wait to hear how the LORD moves in you through this challenge.
Warmly in Christ,
Gwen
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Comments 141
Just started the challenge and finished Chapters 1- 4 tonight; to my understanding, the Chapters are written like life itself with the salutation, meeting “truth”, growing in Spirit and wisdom, reconciling ourselves with Christ and living the new live. I found Chapter 1verse 26 -27, “mysterious in that the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” – profound and so amazing that the Gentiles (we) hold the hope of glory of Christ in us. Do I have this right?
I’m in for the challenge! I am little behind, just now viewing my email, but i will read all of email about Colossians & i will be caught up soon. count me in, i will never go thirsty.
โIโm in for the challenge!โ
I’m in and I love verses 9-11. So beautiful!
Verse 11 spoke to me. I need to know the Joy of the Lord is my strength. I pray I will be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of his glory, to exercise every kind of endurance and patience with joy. I have a special need child and she’s a blessing but parenting comes with many challenges. I need more Lord fill me and overflow me with your presence and unspeakable joy. I dive deep in for this challenge.
Colossians Rocks!! This is a prayer for knowledge and insight that only can come from God.
Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 May their lives be a credit to You, Lord; and whatโs more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You. 11 Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully. 12 Thank You, Father, as You have made us[d] eligible to receive our portion of the inheritance given to all those set apart by the light. 13 You have rescued us from dark powers and brought us safely into the kingdom of Your Son, whom You love 14 and in whom we are redeemed and forgiven of our sins [through His blood].[e]
I am in!
Hi Gwen! So I just felt so encouraged by just reading chapter 1. I’m struggling with trying to find my place as a mom and wife with an empty nest. It’s been 4 years now. I’ve doubted my faith, my place in this new role, finding new sisters to confide in at church but not be whiney, deal with a very emotionally detached husband after 25 years. So I’m finally realizing that God is who I need and who loves me and is the source of my comfort, forgiveness when I say dumb stuff (which I seem to do), loving myself no matter if I get to the gym or not and “he” goes and don’t let it get to me. My favorite was verses 21-22…I’m paraphrasing here (hope that’s ok)…One time I was separated from God, but because Christmas died, God brought ME BACK TO HIM! Christ’s death m a death made ME holy in God’s sight. I have NO FLAWS & I AM FREE FROM BLAME! I’m looking forward to the next chapters! Thank you Gwen!
Sorry for the typo! Not Christmas obviously. ..
In again… Love Colossians! Chapter one I concur WOW! “Joyful thanks” for v. 27 …Christ the hope of glory is in me, a Gentile.
I’m in! Thanks for the challenge. I struggle with reading The Word, but you always seem to find the perfect way to encourage. Tonight I highlighted from Colossians 1:9 … We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the spirit gives.
Thanks for this challenge! As my family ride the waves of emotion, loss of a job and seeking what the Lord has for us, as we are patient for his timing Lord give us the enduance you have for us. verse 11 speaks to me! We are being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so thay we will have endurance and patience and joufully give thanks.
Love this. Great insight Beth! ๐ ๐
“I’m in for the challenge!” I love being challenged along with others in our Fathers Word. This encourages me of what the Lord spoke to me yesterday about how our love for one another reveals Christ in us and the hope we have in our Lord and Saviors soon return. I love the verses that say that we were once alienated from God but now we have been reconciled to Him through Christ. We were born with the desire to be wanted and accepted and find where we belong and these verses show to remind us that we have always been wanted and the desire we have was out their by God and only He can fully satisfy that longing in our hearts.
It is awesome to know that if we have reconciled with Christ that we are reconciled with the Father. My favorite verse is For by Him all things
were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All
things were created through Him and for Him.
I am in for the challenge!
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
Oh my goodness…I just love Colossians. It reminds me so much of today. I love how you can feel the burden that Paul has for the people at Colossae and that he is so obviously concerned about them staying true to the Word of God being brought to them. I can’t help but cringe at the thought of his sufferings he talks about…but then compares his suffering as nothing when thinking of Jesus on the Cross. Faith, love and hope are given to us in this letter…and that the truth of all joy and our perfecting is in the Gospel.
My “stop me in my tracks” verse…verse 23ใ”If you continue in the Faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven; whereof I Paul am made a Minister;”
This is what made me go back and pause…here in this one verse is the layout that God designed for us to be able to walk in the Spirit. I LOVE this!!!!!!
I’m in for the challenge. Colossians 1 13-14. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom fo the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the foregiveness of sins.”
I’m in! Thanks Gwen for doing this. A great reminder is found in verse 13-14: He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
I’m IN!!! So In Girl!
The scripture that hit home for me was Colossians 1:11:13
After not really knowing God and Jesus for 48 years and after a retreat this past fall and the scales of my eyes were removed – I found Jesus! Which lead to my baptism this past April Easter Vigil. The power of coming out of the darkness and into the light is a feeling that no words can describe. Every day I thank God for his patience on me and I feel I am not worthy of His love and grace but so grateful he never gave up on me and rescued me from the darkness I was living in. My life will never be the same from the day I received a rock with the word written on it “light” and at that moment the Holy Spirit filled my heart and soul up with God’s grace and love and now I will live the rest of my life doing my best to serve Him and see through the eyes of Jesus and love with the same heart as Jesus loved and share and spread His word.
Colossians 1: 11-13
May you be made strong with all the strenght which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with the joy amde you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. He rescured us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.
Iโm in for the challenge!
I am never sure just how to study the Bible..so I love these reading plans..they help me to understand better, and a daily plan is easy to do!
Joining in for this!
I am in for the challenge.. The verses that I liked were 9-11 in Colossians 1
I was really blessed by your devotional and your song. I am going to try to memorize these verses in Colossians that so sum up our goal as Christians. Thanks for reminding me how to live pleasing Him alone.
I am glad that God directed me to your blog. I have been reading and inspired much. Thank you ma’am. God bless you
i’m in..verses 9- 10 wow what a Great God we serve this is my prayer to seek God’s wisdom and honor Him..
I started today – nothing like a quiet Saturday morning to have a cup of coffee and some good scripture reading. Paul is amazing…the love and concern he has for others is inspiring. Always reaching out, encouraging, reaffirming their faith…yet always challenging them to do more and be more. My favorite verses were 21-23….Paul says that we are reconciled by Jesus – holy, blameless and irreproachable before him – PROVIDED that we continue steadfastly in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel. I know that we aren’t judged daily by our walk, but I need that challenge to stay engaged, to continue to put God first (v.18 – so that Christ might have first place in EVERYTHING).
Thanks Gwen for taking me back to Colossians!
Love that!! ๐
I love this song! It’s really, really touching! I will enter! I will go to Him. But first, I know that He will take me, mold me, and make me into something new. I am so grateful for God’s love. I am. Thank You God for everything. Let us all say Yes to God and come to Him, in Jesus name!
Thank you Gwen Smith
Thanks, Monique! May we all say yes to God… amen!
I am entering this a bit late…lol on a 4 day challenge I am half over. I am thankful for the hope I have laid up in heaven! Because of that I have Faith in Jesus and a great love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I will bear fruit because I understand the message of Jesus love for me, his sacrificial love and that he did it NOT because I deserve it but only because of his love for me. I was loving your music this morning especially Broken into Beautiful and Restored. Thank you!
Glad you joined us, Cindy. Hope that you were spurred on as you read through Colossians! ๐
Gwen, I was at work and while going thru my email of the day, i came across the email you sent. the questions you were asking convicted my Spirit. I had not given the time to my relationship to God that it deserved. I am a single mother of 3 girls 17,13, and 11. I took a job that is grant funded; and now it looks like it could end sooner that expected. That means that I could be unemployed! The scripture in Colossians that stopped me in my tracks was verses 16 and 17: 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. When I read that… it gave me a perspective on things and now I feel more focused and confident that God has my back (front and sides and over and underneath me too!!) Ifeel better equipped to handle the day now. I am in up for the challenge!!! Thank you God for holding it ALL together!
So blessed!! Thanks for sharing what the Lord has placed in your heart.
You bet!
Thank you for keeping us accountable. Studying to show ourselves approved. Last chapter to go!!!!
Yay! Hope you loved it. ๐
I’m behind reading, but today is a new day..AMEN!..Thank you for this challenge and helping me hold myself responsible to having time with God daily.
Hi Gwen, verse 1:22 wow! I feel so blessed and thankful – I am free … we are free! Thank you Jesus!!
Woohoo! I am FREE too! ๐ God is so good…
I read this in the “Easy-to-Read Version.” This is how vv 9b-11 read: “This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy.”
Our God is so incredibly awesome! How freeing to know it is not my own puny strength that I must rely on but God’s very own power! Love it!
Sobering truths and reminders! Thank you for the challenge Gwen, we are being renewed in Christ here….!God is awesome….
Love this challenge! I agree with verses you highlighted. I also love Col 1:16-18, knowing that GOD created all things, thrones, powers, rulers and authorities let’s me know that when these things are going against God it is or they are not of God. But verses 21-23 really broke chains in my study. It was almost laughable to know that my behavior made my mind evil so my mindset was all messed up, is messed up and is the process of healing. I have the Mom’s Devotional and the devotional regarding verses 21-23 is titled “Let’s sidetrack perfectionism” stating that when we focus on being perfect we miss out on God’s best and doing the wrong job. God’s job is to perfect us while mine is to just TRUST God and He will make me perfect. Verses 27 & 28 were life changing too! God chose me and that He is teaching me with ALL wisdom, not just some wisdom or Women’s wisdom or a mom’s wisdom…ALL WISDOM. Thanks for this challenge. Off to read and get revelation from chapter 2!
I am in!!!! I love this book!! Chapter 1verses 22 – 24 really touch my heart!!! Thank you Jesus!!!! Just overwhelms me everytime I read it.
I LOVE DOING THESE READ TOGETHER THINGS ๐
Whoops wrote this last night, forgot to post it LOL
Another good read. I liked Col 2:13-15.. It’s all been looked after for us at the cross. Our responsibility is to seek the Lord’s face and grow in him. That’s a challenge!
I run a home Bible study with my husband and neighbour’s. We had selected Colossians for this falls study. I am using the Amplified Bible with the study and read all the comments, you have a good group. I like verse 29. Count me in.
I am in for the challenge! I miss SPA so much so I was thrilled to see you were doing another study. I tried to post this yesterday but when I hit the final tab to post it, I lost it all and it never did post so here we go again! ๐
I was so taken back by Chapter 1 because it’s content was exactly what I needed to read/learn/understand at this point in my life! Verses 15 & 16 Paul is refreshing our memory that God created it all! No question about it! God is the supreme creator so therefore I trust God to know what is best for me. The other verse 1 Paul is introduced as being an apostle – a worker – chosen but Who else but God! And…. and again in 25 another gentle reminder that he chosen of God. That is so awesome because I know then that I can depend on Paul because God felt he had what it takes to represent Him! And then there is verse 11! Wow! At this point in my life, I needed to read this verse! It says, I am being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience….My husband and I are going through a really rought time in our marriage and have been for the past year and what I have had to endure has been something I didn’t think I would get through, but I am proof of Colossians 1:11! Thank you, Gwen, for this timely study and your prayers! ๐
Yes , I am in for the Challenge !! I am several days late though I have just read Col. 1-3. I have been feeling a bit “lost” these past few days, and needing some re-direction. Thank You, this IS perfect timing- how did you know ? ! Col. 1:9-14, I hold dear. So much to grasp ahold of in these verses. All of Col 3 fills me with comfort, strength and guidance in this life that I so greatly need.
Day 2, Chapter 2. I feel like I just open up a treasure case and the precious words of God is flowing out. My heart is being fill with God’s enticing words, the truth, the love, the guidance, the care and the inclusiveness. Praise God. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ. (verses 2:2-3 NLT) – I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Iยดm totally in for this challenge. cant wait to see what God is telling me throughthe book of colossians.
I’m taking the challenge! I just saw this post today, Wednesday the 4th, so I will be a day behind, don’t want to rush it and miss something valuable!
I am in for the challeng. I want to as Paul said in verses 9-10 have the knowledge of Gods will with all wisdom and understanding so that I can serve God better. Also I want to be fruitful in all good works not just busy. I’ve been busy and many times it hasn’t been fruitful. So I want to be fruitful as God has called us to be fruitful.
I am in for the challenge.. I can do all things thru Christ Jesus.. He is who strengthens me.
Yes, I’m in!
Yay! ๐ FYI… Day 2 is up and ready for discussion too… http://gwensmith.net/word-challenge-colossians-2/
So blessed by this reading…met me right where I’m at…as usual! God is always right on time isn’t He? I love that through God…”all things hold together” Colossians 1:17
Love it. Yes – He’s amazing in timing, right? ๐ FYI… Day 2 is up and ready for discussion now: http://gwensmith.net/word-challenge-colossians-2/
I am in the for the challenge.Praise God for all he and his son have done for us.I read Colossians 1.The verses that touched me were verses 9-11. May i have the wisdom and understanding to honor you.
I am in for the challenge, Praise God and His Son for the ability to come together and grow. What a blessing to know God is with and within us throughout our days even in to the darkest of night. Bless you Gwen for this time of glory.
Yep, I’m in; I love these challenges that get us reading our Bibles. As I read Colossians 1 just now, verses 9 and 11 stood out: Lord please show me everything You want me to do and may I have the wisdom and understanding Your Spirit gives. May I, through Your glorious power be patient and strong enough to endure anything, and be truly happy. And then there are verses 16 and 17, which always stand out for me because they’re my absolute favourites in this chapter: Everything was created by Him and for Him, and in Him everything holds together.
“Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This reinforces in me, to put Christ in the center of everything, as he holds it all together.
I’m in for the challenge!”
I’m all in! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist, I live in Las Vegas!) God spoke to my heart in chap. 1 about praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ, for the blessing of their faith and how God’s Word is being shared in all the World. This reminded me to pray for and thank God for all believers Christ that God remain with them, strengthen and bless them! Amen.
Once again the Lord has used you to bring me back to the cross. I’ve been so depressed the last couple of days coz everything in my life seems to be going wrong, for me. However, your words of encouragement and the beautiful song Through The Veil brought me back to where I belong in Christ. The verses quoted by you are exactly the words that drew my heart to His this morning. God bless you and continue to use you mightily for His glory.
COUNT ME IN…I AM IN FOR THE CHALLENGE!!!!! I NEED TO HEAR MORE OF HIS WORDS AND I KNOW IT ALWAYS DRAWS ME CLOSER TO HIM…
Im in for the challenge! 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 (3:17) JESUS CHRIST IS ALL WE NEED!HE IS THE ONE WE PROCLAIM AND TEACHING EVERYONE WITH ALL WISDOM SO THAT WE MAY PRESENT EVERYONE FULLY MATURE IN CHRIST.
Count me in! Colossians 1:9-14…reminds me I need Christ and the prayers of my sisters in Christ to run the race while sharing the goodness of his forgiveness on the Cross and inheritance of Jesus Christ.
I am in! This verse… 1:5 “which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had the expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” We always have hope. Even in the darkest days, there is hope in Him. And his promises. I forget this from time to time, ok a lot, when I focus on my surroundings, the chaos in my everyday life. Great reminder for today. So glad I came across your post tonight for the Colossians challenge.
I’m IN! My heart is filled with pain at the moment…estrangement from family members, but I am praying for restoration, and I know I will find it in Jesus Christ. Verses 11-14 spoke to me the most, especially verse 12 “…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light…” AMEN! I have been redeemed! This verse challenges me to live a life that would bring honor to this inheritance! Praise God!
I’m in the for challenge. (I actually read the whole book, my apologies).
But this was an amazing read and so relevant to my life as we speak! I lose sight of what really mattered and started to seek “worldly” things. This book definitely spoke volumes to me! God is priority and with out Christ living in us we can not enjoy the grace of God. We must put God first in everything that we do! Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-11 is amazing! There is so much in this book that spoke to me, I can’t even speak on all of it. God is literally the reason for everything and through this book I learned that without Him nothing matters. As well as He is Peace! If you do not have peace about a situation or even something as small as purchasing an item from a store then you do not need to make that decision. If you have peace about something then that is the Holy Spirit directing you in the right direction. I love this book! It really spoke to me in many different ways.
Thank you for your comments about peace Radiance! You are so right!
How could I forget that?
Bless you ๐
I’ll be catching up ๐
I’m in for the challenge.
I found this chapter of the book of Colosssians to be reaffirming that regardless of what we do for a living; whether we work outside the home or contribute within our community it is essential to do so as though we are continuing the growth of faith in our Lord and Savior. We are his children and representatives of those that have come out of the dark to walk in the light.
I’m in for the challenge, Gwen. Col 1:22 spoke to me. Imagine no blemishes. What an awesome God!
Serious AMEN, sister!
Hey girlfriend! I am in for this challenge. Lost one of my dear friends, the husband of my best friend. Ken. We struggle without his quiet grace and ways but live with the knowledge and hope that is within us that we will see him once again. It was so important to Ken and important to us that Jesus is first in the lives of our children and that they KNOW Christ. What better way then dwelling in Colossians. Thank you for sharing HIS word with us and your insight.
Last year I was gifted a new bible The Voice. I love this translation: Colossians 1:9-11 Since the day we got this good news about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We ask: Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding. May their lives be a credit to You Lord; and what’s more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You.
It’s what I want to be. Closer to my Savior. Thanks Gwen for getting us started!
I’m in, just finished reading chapter 1. The verses you posted are also the ones I love the most, as well as verses 15 and 16. HE is the reason for everything, and in HIM we find our reason for being!
I am in! I needed a challenge to get me reading the scriptures again. What a better way. Thank you
I’m IN!
May we walk in a manner worthy of The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a blameless life, exactly what we should pursue.
May we increasingly grow in the knowledge of God. We should ask for more and more knowledge from his tremendous resources.
I am so in! Runner need fuel before every race and this verse screams fuel up! Soak in God’s word because you (I) have a long race ahead, girl!
I’m in for the challenge. You sent me Broken Into Beautiful and changed my life. I love the amazing woman you are.
I like Colossians Jesus Christ the one and only vs 18 he is the head of the body the body. Jesus is everything
Oh, Susan. My heart is swollen with thanks to GOD. All glory is His! Yes… Jesus is everything. ๐
Colossians 1:9 NIV
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
—“we have not stopped praying…”
Bros n sisters, if you are praying about something, be encouraged to continue to pray UNCEASINGLY.
I’m in…..I need this now as I am battling with a newly professed Christian husband who says there is no God for me……I live for the blood of Jesus and for the love He as shown for me. The Bible WLL show me the truth and the light!!! Thank you for this inspiring challenge!
In the past I struggled with loving a man that did not have the unfaltering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that I had. I will pray for you and your husband.
Thank you for the challenge. I needed this, I’m in for the challenge. I never read Colossians before. I’ve shared this challenge with my husband and some of my friends. I’m looking forward to Friday. I’ve also read the “Girlfriends In God” devotional too, it was great. I’m a new subscriber to the daily devotional. I love the ideal that it is written and for women (even though my husband enjoys it too).
Thank you again Gwen. God’s words and love lives on, a it’s a pleasure sharing it with others.
Your sister in Christ,
Diana L. ;~)
I am in, thanks Gwen for the challenge. Colossians 1:21-23
Kim
Colossians 1:29
Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation–23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven
I love this scripture..
Blessings Gwen! I’m in for the challenge as well. Verse 15a gives me goose bumps… “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God”. I’m a visual person, so this really sings to my heart. Thanks so much for this study.
I am in. Haven’t read this one yet so perfect way to start the new month.
I’m in! The verse bless for me : 1.14 Who purchased our freedom an
Forgave our sins. And pray : Thank Lord for qualifying us in Christ
To be your holy people. Wuao Amazing…
I’m in Gwen! What a wonderfull idea!
I’m in and this is the verse that had special meaning to me…I just told someone that I felt rescued from an evil. That evil was in the form of a loving husband and father until he admitted to what he had done to my youngest child. It’s been the most painful journey to go from happly married to divorce and victim status. But I ran to God and He rescued me and my child!
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
The most important thing to remember about recovering from such a horrible thing in your family is to remember that nothing you did ever deemed you deserving of being a victim and you can be turned from “Broken to Beautiful” (like Gwen’s song)
I’m so in for the challenge, Gwen ! I was feeling melancholy and having those destructive ” self talks” doubting my forgiveness. Once again, God led me to what I needed and when I needed it. Colossians 1:13&14. Thanks Gwen for the boost ๐
I’m in for the Colossians challenge! I particularly loved verses 21-23 which remind me that though I once was lost, now I’m found–and reconciled–and rendered holy in His sight, without spot or wrinkle or accusatiion, solely through Jesus.
I’m in! I’ve read the book of Colossians before, but never really read it, if you know what I mean. So much in just the first chapter! Wow! Verses 21-23 spoke the most to me when I read it just now, but I know if I read it again in a little while, I will glean something else from the chapter. Thank you for doing this with us!
I’m in for the Colossians challange – I love verses in chapter 1: 15-20 where it talks about Christ being the image of the invisible God and verse 17 where it says “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” It’s good to know and remember this when you feel like everything is falling apart in your life it gives hope to know He holds all things together – abide in Him. Thanks!
I’m in!
Love vs15-Jesus is King!
I’m in for the Challenge!!!
I’m in for the challenge !
I’m in for the challenge!! Love the book of Colossians, love v. 19, thank you Jesus for your precious blood to save me!
I’m in for the challenge! I just read the first chapter and my heart is full of thanksgiving! God is so good to us. Jesus is so good to us. Holy Spirit is so good to us! I pray for each of us the prayer in verses 9-12, and make verse 23 a prayer – that we “…continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel which (we) have heard.” May we bold to share our Jesus with others as Holy Spirit leads, and as we live as lights that shed abroad the same love that He has poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Hi Gwen, thanks for the challenge. It’s coming at a very challenging point in my life. I can’t help but be moved by the enthusiastic and positive tone of Paul’s greetings in the 1st 5 verses especially considering that he was in prison when the letter was written. He was still able to acknowledge & appreciate the followers of Christ in Colosse despite his circumstances. The source of Paul’s strength is reflected in verse 11 and I like the MSG version – “we pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives”. I pray for this glory strength from God for to sustain us all in our lives’ journey IJN.
Thanks Gwen for reaching out to us with this challenge. That prayer is very dear to my heart. One I pray for others and hopefully, they pray for me. What could be better?
I am up for the challenge! Being raised Jewish, and then being a Jehovah’s Witness for 20 years, praise God He opened up my blind eyes and I read Colossians 1:16-17 for what it really says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (NASB)
Jesus is my God, my Creator, my Savior!!! He is not a created being but fully man and fully God! God opened up my eyes as well as my husband’s 17 years ago to who He truly is :-).
My husband’s and my desire is to (vs 10) “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
And we praise Him for giving us the ability to love and serve Him according to verses 28 and 29, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”
It’s only by the Holy Spirit who works in us! How great His love and mercy and forgiveness!
Wow, Linda! Thank you so much for sharing. It would be great to hear more of your testimony. God bless you as you continue to grow in and serve Him!
Thanks Cindy. It’s been quite a journey, all by His sovereign grace and will! I would be happy to share more anytime. If you’d like, a portion of my testimony is online to listen to at http://www.cornerstonesimi.com. You just click on “Ministries” (on the left hand side), then click under “upcoming dates” (still on the left but not the way left) click on “Women” then scroll down to Knowing Christ, Knowing Power, then scroll down to Linda McCoy, Col. 2:6-23. ๐
I’m up for the challenge. Thank you so much for your hood works in Christ. The timing of this challenge comes at a perfect time for me. Blessings!!! The verses you quoted in your blog were the very same ones that struck me. So full. Grateful.
I’m in for the challenge
Thank you, Gwen. I love verse 27, the idea of His life in my life is nothing less than astounding!
I’m in for the challenge…
My thought was this: do we truly understood God’s grace? Do we live a life pleasing to Him. This makes me want to reevaluate my heart. Make sure I’m on the right track…
Hi, I too loveโค Colossians & Paul. My prayer for my 2 teenage soon to be young adults sons is verses 9-11. In addition to verses 15-20, it’s ALL about Jesus! Thank You Abba, Father for loving us so that You sent heaven’s very best.
I’m in for the challenge. I will be back later today to comment. Thanks Gwen for sending this out.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior, 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation (NIV)
I praise God that I am free, no more bound to my ways, but I have freedom in Him. I thank God because I did absolutley nothing to deserved this gift of freedom, but He loved me enough to sacrafice His only son so that I can be reconciled with Him. I am blown away by the love that God has for us. I am very grateful today ๐
Yes, thank You for the true freedom we have in You.
I love Paul’s prayer for us in this chapter. But this verse and the ones following it stand out for me. “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness”โ (Colossians 1:25 NIV)
We are all commissioned to serve God by helping others draw closer to Him!
I continually ask God for one Word or phrase to give to someone who might otherwise not listen to me. I also ask as I pray with someone personally that my hands might be His healing touch for them. Let us all share with everyone in our sphere of influence the full glory of His Word, the mystery hidden for ages which is Christ in us, The Holy Spirit! How precious to be His child!
Hi, I โค we are commissioned as ambassadors in God’s ministry of reconciliation. I want Paul’s joy & fervor in sharing Jesus.
Amen, Sue! Thanks. God bless you!
I’m in for the challenge as well!
I’m in for this challenge. Colossians is on of my favorite books and as we look into this I pray we see with new eyes and our hearts are opened to Gods truth.
Hey Gwen! Thanks for loving God they way the verse of scripture tells us (verse 29) This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me. AMEN! I am so humbled how God shows us the way and by listening and seeking who HE shares with us, which IS HIS BODY of BELIEVERS, HIS CHURH, those who worship HIM, praise HIM, GLORIFY HIM will walk HIS path with FAITH, TRUST and HOPE and LOVE in HIM. Verse 17 He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together. Verse 20 It was through what HIS Son did that GOD cleared a path for everything to come to him-all things in heaven and earth-for Christ’s death on the cross has made PEACE with GOD for all BY HIS BLOOD. GOD knows my heart and today HE showed me what I need to do because of my relationship with my GREATEST FRIEND, my HEALER, my ALMIGHTY. I am filled with JOY as I write this to all followers of CHRIST that Prayer, belief, patience to let GOD show you and living by FAITH not waiting on FAITH will fill your moment to moments, day to days, and the precious time GOD gives you to share and live out HIS WORD. Much love to you
Thank you Diane! I especially appreciate your statement, “…living by FAITH not waiting on FAITH will fill your moments to moments, day to days…” God bless you richly!
I am so excited to hear from you! I loved the Psalms challenge so much and I can’t wait to delve into Colossians. I am a teacher so I am on my lunch break right now but will read and write later. I am so blessed to have this. Gwen you just make me feel connected to a group and not alone. Thank you so much for doing these neat studies.
Amy
I agree!!!!!!
I agree with Sonja! I love this short challenge!!
I read from several different versions… so I can understand the daily readings.. and sometimes confuse myself!!!
But the long and short of this…. To be mature is to basic.
I can handle the basic!
No more…no less
I can handle the more and less
I am able to do my best with the all that God so generously gives me each day!!
So today I give all to everyone around me so God can shine through me!
Amen, Lynn! “I am able to do my best with the all God so generously gives me each day!! So today I give all to everyone around me so God can shine through me!” Powerful statements. Thank you for sharing! God bless you richly!
I love this challenge!!! Thank you!!
I love this book too!!
vs.5 hope laid for us in heaven. Thank you Lord!
vs. 10 increasing I knowledge of God. Please God keep me growing in You.
vs. 11 I’m qualified!!! Thank you Jesus!
vs. 17 in Him all things hold together! Yes!!
vs. 28 mature in Christ!! Grow us up Lord!!
Yes! Love, love, love those verses and responses! ๐
Amen, Sonja! Thank you! I am in agreement with your proclamations and prayers. God bless you!
11 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:11-14 (ESV)
Don’t you just love that prayer? It really reminded me to be in continual prayer for others. A great takeaway. ๐
Oh how I love this prayer and have prayed this for my three daughters since I knew I was pregnant. They are now 39 and one has gone to be with The Lord. I so rejoice in seeing GOD shine through them. I had wrote about one of them this morning and how unselfishly I see her pour Gods love out to others. How HE shines through her. What a blessing as a mother to see this first hand. God is amazing. As we pray for our children our friend s our spouses …God hears our plea. This verse is perfect to pray over our children.
Love this challenge Gwen. I learned about you through my precious daughter that resides with Jesus. She was such a blessing as well.
God bless you in this ministry God has called you to.
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see Godโs original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angelsโ everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. (Colossians 1:15-18 MSG)
Such a great and fresh angle on an ancient text. ๐ I really do enjoy The Message. Gotta love a good paraphrase!
Col 1:28-29 “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (ESV)
Paul’s goal was to preach only Jesus, and to teach in such a way so that his hearers would be spiritually mature. This should be my goal as I teach my children, as I speak, and as I write – that anything I say will help those I am teaching to become spiritually mature in Christ.
So true!! With you on that mission, Tammy.
Col 1:27 to them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you the hope of glory.
Love it. We have a glorious, mysterious and sure hope in Christ. #awesomeness