A Positive Report

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts. Colossians 4:8 (AMP)

The results of sharing a positive news report is comfort, cheer and encouragement! It's always great to hear a "positive report" on someone. Paul wanted the Colossians to know how he was doing. So he sent a message with Tychicus. 

As I read this verse, I had to stop and think of the conversations I have with others. Are my words comforting? Do I cause cheer? Do my words encourage others? Are my conversations positive? Or are my words divisive? Do my words cause strife? Do my words cause discord? Am I sharing only the negative? 

Words are powerful. The words I share can create an atmosphere of peace or war. Remember Colossians 4:6? Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with the grace of God. 

Paul could have complained to the people of Colossians. He had suffered much because of sharing the gospel of God. Paul wanted to share how well he was doing—and that is because Paul had a positive attitude of what God was doing. We know from other writings of Paul, that Paul knew how to be content no matter his situation. He sang praises from prison. Paul knew that God was greater than any situation he found himself—therefore, Paul could be positive! 

So Paul shared how he was doing, and used a trustworthy messenger to share a positive report to encourage others. 

If I want to my conversations to be positive, it all begins with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For no matter my situation, I know that God is in control. Therefore, I can focus on the positive and encourage others by sharing God's amazing love.

In Living Action

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; [he is] a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant [with us] in the Lord. Colossians 4:7 (AMP)

As I read this verse, I thought of the word, "trust." Paul knew of Tychicus' relationship with Christ, and how Tychicus conducted himself. Therefore, Paul knew he could trust Tychicus to deliver a message to the Colossians. 

Paul could trust Tychicus because he was FAITHFUL. In other words, Tychicus was a great example of Colossians 3—in living action. Tychicus "put on" all that Paul described. Tychicus relationships with others was godly. Paul could trust Tychicus because he proved himself to be dependable.

Ephesians 6:21

Tychicus, a beloved brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things. Tychicus accompanied the apostle in his travels. Paul calls him "a beloved brother": he was a "brother", because he was a partaker of the same grace, was of the same family and household of God, and was a "beloved" one: he was beloved of God and Christ. Paul also styles Tychicus "faithful minister in the Lord"; he was a "minister" in things pertaining to the Lord. And a greater character Tychicus could not well have; and therefore it need not be doubted but that he would faithfully relate all things concerning the apostle, and what he said might be depended on as truth. 

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Tychicus is Colossians 3 in living action. His relationship with Christ, was evident throughout his life. 

Is my live Colossians 3 in living action? Am I faithful first of all to Christ, and then to others? Am I dependable? 

My heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), if I want to be able to be Colossians 3 in living action.

Speech that Reflects God Almighty

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. Colossians 4:6 (AMP)

Let your speech: Your conversation.

Be alway with grace: It should be such as religion is fitted to produce; such as to show that the grace of God is in our hearts. It means that our conversation should be such as to show that we are governed by the principles of religion, and that there is unfeigned piety in the heart. So as to show that the soul is under the influence of love to the Redeemer.

Seasoned with salt: That our conversation should be seasoned with piety or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ salt in our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable. 

That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man: Be imbued with the spirit of piety, that you may not utter any thing that would be rash and foolish, but be prepared to answer anyone who may question you about your religion in a way that will show that you understand its nature, and that will tend to edification. If he addresses you in a haughty, insolent, and overbearing manner, you will be able to repress the risings of your temper, and to answer him with gentleness and kindness.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Speech. Conversation. And yes, this includes Facebook, Twitter, texting, emails, and other forms of communication. 

When we communicate it should be through the filter of God's grace. Each word we speak (write), should be such that it reflects God Almighty. 

That does not mean that we can't talk about Sports, or the weather, or other topics. Rather when we are speaking about ANY and ALL topics, our conversation is one that will still honor God. We must make sure that we are speaking THE truth—not embellishing, or gossiping, or slandering .... the list can continue. 

Speech that reflects God Almighty. When certain people are present, our speech is altered. For example, most people won't swear in the presence of a Clergyman or Priest. If we wouldn't say something in the presence of a human, then why would be think it ok to say it at all? For God Almighty is ALWAYS present! 

Is my speech reflecting my relationship with God Almighty? Are the things I'm "liking" and reposting on Facebook and Twitter reflecting God's grace? Am I speaking the truth? Am I gossiping? 

Only when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of God's reverence (Acts 9:31 MSG), will my speech reflect God Almighty. 

Behave Wisely

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (AMP)

Walk in wisdom: That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. 

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

Buying up each (literally, the) opportunity: The opportunity is the fit time for each step of a well-conducted walk, the precise juncture of circumstances which must be seized at once or it is gone. 

The Pulpit Commentaries

As Christians we are to act differently than those who do not believe in God. For our standard of conduct is based on a holy God. We are to be "different". People of integrity. People of honesty. People who show respect. Our actions, words, attitudes should reflect our relationship with God. 

Colossians 3 begins with the "putting on" of characteristics, then discusses relationships with those in our families and work. Being a "Christian" is not to be in "name only". The truth of God's Word is to impact each and every area of our life. We are not to be "Sunday Christians", where we dress up nicely to attend church, and then the rest of the week "live like the devil". 

God's Word is to have an impact in each aspect of our life. Our relationships, our work, and our dealings with others with whom we come in contact. 

People are watching. What do they see? Do they see someone who is behaving wisely because of a personal relationship with God Almighty? 

The solid basis for behaving wisely is a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For only when I have a deep sense of reverence for Holy God, will I behave wisely.

Opportunity

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 

Colossians 4:3, 4 (AMP)

Paul is asking for specific prayer support. Paul knows the importance of having prayer support as he traveled preaching the gospel. He also knew the "dangers" of preaching, as he ended up in prison several times. He wanted to make sure he saw and opened every possible door to share God's grace with any and all who would listen.

Open a door: Translate "door of utterance", signifies an occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel.

The mystery of Christ: The Gospel, which had been hidden from all former times, and which revealed that purpose long hidden in the Divine councils, that the Gentiles should be called to enjoy the same privileges with the Jews.

That I may proclaim it fully: It was a mystery, and he wished to make it manifest - to lay it open, and make all men see it.

Adam Clarke Commentary

Colossians 4: 3, 4 are relevant to each Christian today. We each have a responsibility to share God's truth this each and everyone with whom we have contact. We are to be aware of the opportunities that God presents and use each opportunity to be a testimony for Christ. 

We also need to be praying specifically for each other that we will each have the courage to share about God's love and grace. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then God's grace and love will shine forth in all I do and say. When I have a reverence for God, I want to honor Him and make full used of each opportunity to share His Gospel.

A Constant Consciousness

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (AMP)

Continue steadfastly:
The Christian life, then, ought to be one of unbroken prayer.
What manner of prayer can that be which is to be continuous through a life that must needs be full of toil on outward things? 

What is prayer? Not the utterance of words-they are but the vehicle; but the attitude of the spirit. Communion, aspiration, and submission, these three are the elements of prayer-and these three may be diffused through a life. There may be unbroken communion, a constant consciousness of God’s presence, and of our contact with Him, thrilling through our souls and freshening them. 

In like manner, there may be a continual, unspoken and unbroken presence of the second element of prayer, which is aspiration, or desire after God. The very deepest cry of the heart which understands its own yearnings is for the living God; and perpetual as the hunger of the spirit for the food which will stay its profound desires, will be the prayer, though it may often be voiceless, of the soul which knows where alone that food is.
Continual too may be our submission to His will, which is an essential of all prayer.
Our lives will then be noble and grave, and woven into a harmonious unity, when they are based upon continual communion with, continual desire after, and continual submission to, God.

This continual prayer is to be "with thanksgiving"
Every prayer should be blended with gratitude. The sense of need, or the consciousness of sin, may evoke "strong crying and tears," but the completest prayer rises confident from a grateful heart, which weaves memory into hope, and asks much because it has received much. A true recognition of the loving kindness of the past has much to do with making our communion sweet, our desires believing, our submission cheerful. Thankfulness is the feather that wings the arrow of prayer-the height from which our souls rise most easily to the sky.
Expositor's Bible Commentary

A constant consciousness of God’s presence and a grateful heart, begins with a heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

No Excuses

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.   

Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 (AMP)

The Master or those in authority, also must act in accordance with God's Word and work ethic. For they too are "working to make the Boss look good". 

Looking back to Colossians 3:18 through 4:1, each and every individual has a responsibility to God honoring in all they do. For when each individual is honoring God with their actions, attitude, and words, then God is glorified. 

One thing that is missing from these verses are "excuses". How we conduct ourselves is NOT to be based on how others treat us or what they do or don't do. Rather we conduct ourselves to honor God, no matter what others do or say. No excuses to try to justify our lackadaisical attitude or actions. No excuses to justify our poor performance. No excuses. 

We have a MASTER in Heaven who not sees our actions, knows our thoughts, but also knows the motivation for what we are doing. 

Each and every day I need to evaluate what I'm doing. Is my work up to God's standards? Is my attitude God-pleasing? Am I working for the wages I'll receive here on earth; or am I working toward the Heavenly eternal rewards? And what is my motivation? 

In order to answer each of those questions with the proper response, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. No excuses allowed. Only God-approved attitude and actions.