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! 

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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.

Living Like Road-kill

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. 

_______________________________________________

 This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians. 

[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead. And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared [completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. Colossians 2:12-14 (AMP)

Old vs New. Death vs Life. Contrasts.  

Placing my faith in Jesus Christ has given me life. After Salvation comes a choice: live for Christ or remain stuck in my sinful ways. 

As I read these verses, all I could think about was the smelly, bloated road-kill on the side of the road. Swarming with flies, and the buzzards circling overhead. Death. 

Why, since I have the choice, would I want to continue living like road-kill? Living a life of sin and death instead of living a victories life through Jesus Christ? 

How can one "live" like road-kill? That doesn't make any sense. EXACTLY! That's the point. God forgave me of my sins. I know have the power to make the choice to live for Him, obeying His Word. Yet, too often sin seems easier or more exciting for that moment. But there are consequences for each and every action. 

Think for a moment of what Christ did for us on the Cross. He had all our sins place upon Him. God the Father had to turn away because of the sin on Jesus Christ. The price was paid so that my sins could be forgiven. The very least I can do is live a life in accordance with God's Word. Living a life—or living a life of death, like road-kill. Contrast. Choice. 

To enjoy the freedom God provides through His grace and mercy, and not live like road-kill, I must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

What Do I Pray? Part 2

[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One). Colossians 2:2 (AMP)

"that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding" (AMP)

"rich in their ·understanding [ assurance of understanding]" (EXB)

There is a progression in this prayer that Paul has for the Colossians. First, that they be comforted and encouraged as they are knit together in the God's love. Once that foundation is laid, then each person can then come to a clear insightful understanding accompanied with blessings of understanding of the Gospel. 

Clear insight. Abounding wealth and blessings—not based on things but rather based on a solid foundation of understanding the saving grace of God. 

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to withstand the storms of everyday life.

• Only with a solid foundation, is it possible to have discernment of Truth.

• Only with a solid foundation is it possible to enjoy fellowship and friendship with God. 

What a great prayer to pray for others, that they will may have abounding wealth and blessing of assurance of the saving grace of God! Wow! 

And understanding of conviction starts with a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Superhuman Energy

For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me. Colossians 1:29 (AMP)

Superhuman energy. (AMP) 

His amazing power and energy surge within me. (VOICE)

Christ’s mighty energy. (TLB)

Christ’s great strength that works so powerfully in me. (EXB)

Often I'm amazed at what I can do, when it's a God-designed assignment. In Nov-Dec 2014, my Mom was in the hospital for 6 weeks. Each day, I drove to the hospital and spent many hours there. Yet, even though my pain level increased greatly, God continued to give me strength, especially on the days I need to stay longer to meet with the Doctors. Looking back, I know that the only way that I endured those weeks, was because of God's power and strength. 

It was a good example, that when God has a specific assignment He will supply ALL the is needed to accomplish the task—especially, when it involves sharing His Gospel and teaching His Word. 

Noticing that it is a strength and energy from God is important, because reliance upon God is vital to allowing Him to work in and through me. Sadly, many times, I want to do it "myself" and time and time again, I only make a mess of things. When I step back and allow God do supply the energy and the necessary instructions, then He is glorified and I am equipped to complete His task. 

A specific assignment completed with God's superhuman energy begins when I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Sudden and Dramatic Change

The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints), Colossians 1:26 (AMP)

What was the mystery that was hidden? The redemptive work of Jesus Christ that was made available to all. 

The greek verbs used in this verse, means that there was a sudden change. The Gospel was hidden, but it suddenly was made known—to us. 

The presence of Jesus Christ created a sudden and dramatic change—His death, burial, and resurrection, provided a way for us to change our destination from Hell to Heaven. 

Since the presence of Jesus Christ created a dramatic change in my future destination (because I've placed my faith in Him), that same presence should have a dramatic change on my life—daily!

Living in the presence of Jesus Christ as I live daily is done only if I am permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG).

Many Reasons to Rejoice!

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The thirty-first of each month, I'm studying Psalm 126. Here's what Treasure I found today.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we ·are very glad [rejoice]. Psalm 126:3 (EXB)

We shook our heads. All of us were stunned—the Eternal has done remarkable things for us. We were beyond happy, beyond joyful. Psalm 126:3 (VOICE)

Jehovah did great things with us, We have been joyful. Psalm 126:3 (YLT)

Psalm 126:3 is a great verse for today, Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. For God has done GREAT things for us and we have many reasons to rejoice!

Christ himself suffered for sins ·once [or once for all; [only his suffering has the power to redeem others]. ·He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty [the righteous for the unrighteous] to bring you to God. ·His body was killed [He was put to death in the flesh/body], but he was made alive in the ·spirit [or Spirit; at his resurrection in a glorified body]. 1 Peter 3:18 (EXB) 

[For] The love of Christ ·controls [compels; drives] us, because we ·know [are convinced; have concluded] that One died for all, so all have died [we died spiritually with Christ, the penalty for our sins]. Christ died for all so that those who live would ·not continue to [no longer] live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised from the dead.

[So; As a result] From ·this time [now] on we do not think of anyone ·as the world does [or from a merely human perspective; [according to the flesh]. [Although] In the past we thought of Christ ·as the world thinks [or as nothing more than a man; according to the flesh], but we no longer think of him in that way. If anyone belongs to Christ, ·there is a new creation [the new creation has arrived; or that person has become a new creation]. The old things have gone; [look; behold] ·everything is made new [the new has come]! All this is from God, who through Christ ·made peace between us and [reconciled us to] himself, and gave us the ·work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him [ministry/service of reconciliation]. 2 Corinthians 5:14-18 (EXB)

Christ suffered and endured the death on the cross as payment for my sin (and your sin). Only a holy, sacrifice would pay the penalty for sin in full, and Jesus Christ paid our debt. But because God has power over sin and death, Jesus Christ now lives and I too can enjoy eternal life! 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. John 3:16-18 (GNT)

To create a positive day, I need to remember the sacrifice Jesus Christ paid on my behalf, and enjoy the benefits of God’s gift of salvation! It’s Resurrection Sunday—the Lord has done GREAT things for us, and we have many reasons to rejoice!