Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Walking in Strength and Spiritual Maturity
Bible Reading: Colossians 1: 10-14 
 10 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, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  Colossians 1: 10-11 

DEVOTION

As we read this text, Paul reminds us through his prayer that we are called to walk in strength and spiritual maturity as followers of Christ. Through each verse, Paul lays out a pathway for us to grow deeper in faith and live lives that reflect his glory. In verse 10, we see that Paul talks about how, as followers of Christ, we should live a life that pleases the Lord and be a light to the people around us by being role models. In verse 11, Paul discusses how this journey of discipleship will be filled with challenges; therefore, Paul prays that we be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that [we] may have great endurance and patience. In verse 12, we see that Paul is talking about how we should be grateful to God for qualifying us to share in the inheritance of his holy people through sacrificing his one and only son. In verse 13, we see that Paul is talking about how God has saved us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of his son, by whom we are saved. When we put this verse into the context of this letter, we come to find out that the Colossians feared the unseen forces of darkness, so to reassure them, Paul talks about how true believers have been transformed from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom. Finally, in verse 14, Paul addresses the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and how, through this sacrifice, God was able to redeem us from sin. As we are in this time of Lent, let us remind ourselves of how we should be as followers of Christ.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with gratitude for the opportunity to observe this season of Lent. During this period of reflection, we ask that you guide us to grow in strength and spiritual maturity. As a community, may we be a shining light to those around us. As we reflect and meditate upon these words, we pray that this Lenten journey leads to transformation, helping us to be renewed in spirit. In Jesus' name, we pray. 
Amen. 

Thought for the day

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 
Matthew 5:16 

Allan Varghese Epiphany Mar Thoma Church
New York

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more