Rescued?

For He rescued 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. (Colossians 1:13-14, NASB)

This morning one of the first online news reports I read was about people being rescued from rooftops at a New Jersey trailer park – Sandy had broken a levee. I prayed that these people and the rescuers would be truly rescued. Join me in that prayer.

As for the Lord

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…

This verse is about excellence. Aiming to please God brings out our best work whether we’re baking a cake, enforcing the law, mowing the lawn, or sharing the Gospel. Aim to please God in all that you do today.

Reward

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. – Colossians 3:23-24

 
While you work today someone will keep track of you and at some agreed upon time pay you for the services you provided. Nice right… a reward for what you do? You have another more important reward waiting for some future date. And Someone is keeping track of your ultimate reward as well. He put you here purposely with a predetermined intent for you. Be faithful. Trust. Obey. Do His work, in His power.

The Chosen Do It

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… - Col 3:12-14

Living the Christian life takes work; restated, it is not a passive activity. The verse says “put on” with the sense that doing so is an ongoing, not one time, pursuit. Do you work on kindness or patience? The five attributes here are directed at getting alone with others. Decide right now in which area(s) you need to make the most effort to improve. Pray then practice.

Effective Prayer

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding... - Col 1:9

What a great prayer Paul prayed for the Christians in Colossae in what is now Turkey. Have you ever prayed for someone to have the full knowledge of God’s will? That they would completely rely on God’s wisdom and understanding? I could use someone praying for me that way. I’ll pray for you that way right away. Comment here so I know to do so for you specifically.

Fulfilled

These [conditions of the Law] are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. -Colossians 2:17, ESV

The Law served its purpose in the Old Testament of providing a picture of the Messiah’s role. Now that He had come is has no current value or effect. Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law is a better arrangement for man though it cost God and Jesus dearly. Please continue to thank God for your salvation by doing as He wills for your life.