Security

"And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)." Colossians 1:17 (AMP)

God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. 

All things consist, are held together—by HIM! Think about the stability and continuance in just the sun rising each and every day, or the stars being held in place (Psalm 8:3).

"There is something comforting about a billion stars being held steady by a God who knows what He is doing!" 

A God who is from everlasting to everlasting, who holds everything together..... yes, there is complete security in Him! 

Permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), begins with the understanding of who God is, and that He is the solid foundation upon which to place my security and trust.

For Him

"For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him." Colossians 1:16 (AMP)

FOR HIM. all things were created and exist... FOR HIM. 

All things were made according to his pleasure, and for His praise and glory. 

All things.......for Him.... for His glory and honor. 

Am I as a creation of God, and HIS child, living a life that is bringing glory and honor to God? 

In order to live a life that is pleasing to Him, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Reflection

"[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation." Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is God in every way. Perfect. Holy. For God to accept Jesus Christ death as a payment for my (our) sin, He had to be — without blame Himself. Only the Son of God could meet the qualifications to provide redemption to sinners. 

As I read this verse, and thought through the accounts of Jesus Christ's time on earth recorded in the Gospels, it was evident that He was indeed the exact likeness of God. His actions, words, abilities, everything Christ did was a reflection of His Heavenly Father. 

Who do people see in my reflection? I'm not God and never will be. I was born a sinner, but thankful I'm saved by God's grace. And because I'm a child of God, my reflection should be of my Heavenly Father. 

In 2011, I wrote "My statement to God about my desire to be in His Word." 

I ended it with this statement: "Your Word has the power to change me into a daughter who 'looks like her Father'. And that is my desire—which I will work toward with strong determination." 

The only way for me to "look like my Father" is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)

God's Redemption

"In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins." Colossians 1:14 (AMP)

In Whom: Jesus Christ. Salvation is not based on some book or feeling. It's based on the God's Son, who died in payment for MY sins (and yours). 

Redemption: bought, delivered, rescued. 

Forgiveness: How does one describe "forgiveness"? In our human minds, when we forgive, we more than not, remember the action against us, and hold it against that person for years. That is not the forgiveness God gives. Rather, His forgiveness is full and He not only forgives but "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)"

Our sins: My sins. All sins. The thoughts, the actions, the non-actions. 

If only I could fully grasp the truth of God's redemption....the impact it would have in my life. The more I'm permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), the more I'll begin to understand God's holiness and His grace and mercy in redeeming me.

Residence

[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Colossians 1:13 (AMP)

As I read this verse, the first thought that stood out was the The Father delivered or rescued us (me). Now, as much as I like to "do it myself", when it comes to Salvation it CANNOT be done by ones self, no matter who you are. God in His grace and mercy is the only One who can rescue us from the dominion of darkness; sin. 

The next things that stood out, was that God didn't just rescue me, but PUT me or transported me to His Kingdom! God completely changed my situation! 

And this isn't just "any Kingdom". This is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, God's beloved Son. A Kingdom in which Jesus Christ as complete royal power, kingship, and dominion.

So, am I living like I am part of God's Kingdom? Or am I still wanting to wallow around in the darkness and despair? Sadly, there are days I choose sin over God's amazing love. Thankfully, God forgives. 

Only when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), will I live as a residence of God's Kingdom. 

Giving Thanks

And you will joyfully give thanks [or …have patience with joy, giving thanks] to the Father who has made you able to have a share in ·all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light [ the inheritance of the saints/holy ones in the light]. Colossians 1:12 (EXB)

Giving Thanks. 

This verse is not about giving thanks to God because of the material things He gave/gives us that we wanted or think we deserve. Rather this verse is about giving thanks, because of the Salvation God has given us. That is the most important and precious gift. All the other blessings that God gives are bonuses. 

God in His mercy and grace, has forgiven me of my sins. Because I have placed my trust in God and what His Son did on the cross—paid for my sins, I am now a child of His. If I can't give thanks for the gift of salvation alone, then I need to have a heart check. For that is the greatest gift. And the gift was not given me based on ANYTHING I did nor did I deserve the gift of His grace and mercy. 

As I read continued to meditate on this verse, I had to stop and think about "giving thanks". It's easy to "give thanks" when we get what we want. Yet, those times when God answers our prayers in ways which we don't understand, do I still give thanks? I should, especially in light of His gift of grace and mercy and salvation.

Giving thanks.... to God the Father.... for His amazing gift of salvation. That should be my hearts desire. No matter the circumstances. No matter how God answers my prayers. No matter...... just a grateful heart because God in is great love, saved me. That is enough. 

In order to permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG), I have to have a grateful heart. 

Overwhelmed with Joy

"[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,Colossians 1:11 (AMP)

This verses continues to list of topics covered in their prayers. It's comforting to know that it is a fact that we each face troubles. But greater than the troubles is the strength and endurance that God gives... that comes with and produces joy. 

I like how verse 11 reads in The Message: "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. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy."

Strength that endures the unendurable AND spills over into JOY. I wonder what would happen if I accepted God's strength to endure the unendurable.... and allow it to spill over with JOY! 

What a great prayer to pray for someone, knowing that it's possible!

God supplied-strength results in not just enduring and muddling through a situation, but rather enduring it being overwhelmed with joy!

And that God supplied-strength and over-spilling joy, begins with being permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).