And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. Col 1:20
I've been looking at Colossians a bit, a small and mostly looked over book by me. Lots of good stuff in there.
It's great timing that one of the pastors at our church just started preaching through this book yesterday. I missed the first installment being home with a sick little one, but thankfully they have put it in the archives, so I'll catch up.
I am willing to listen, to wait for answers and wisdom.
Our family bible study hasn't been what it was, partly due to just plain life getting in the way and partly because we found on one go 'round in 1 Corinthians that we couldn't put everything in the neat little packages we thought were there.
So a season of stepping back commenced.
I look forward to this series having put away my theological labels this past summer. The Mr. never labeled himself, but I did. I was proud to be this ist or follow that ism, but not now. Off in the wilderness I have been, but it's been a peaceful time for the most part. My faith in God has remained strong...stronger even. Some sickening moments when realizing some things weren't what they are presented as being and some beautiful moments seeing that God is really God.
I look forward, cautiously but excitedly, with full confidence in my Savior to what lies ahead.
amen...me also...seeing that God is God, not matter the circumstances around me or my feelings
ReplyDeleteBlessings and I pray everyone gets well, I have one sick this morning also
Oh my, I LOVE Colossians. It has so much. So many words to live by and thrive by. I know that some people put Colossians to memory. I haven't tried that, but I definetly need to reread and soak it in.
ReplyDeleteI surely understand. I came to know Jesus as an "ist". I followed what I was told and built religious blocks I didn't know I was building. But they became a wall of ... I guess I would have to admit it was 'pride' that I didn't know I had! Argh... I entertained pre-conceived notions about all "ations" that weren't our "denom" and I harshly judged them. :(
ReplyDeleteI went through a season of those sickening moments - but I found they were more like morning sickness is to pregnancy. For through them, God birthed so much in me!! Today I am so at peace and feel completely reconciled with God. I wouldn't trade the freedom I have in simply being an "ian" to Christ.
Praying the Lord would continue to reveal to you the beauty of what's under the theological layers.
Hugs and blessings!
Deb
Ma,
ReplyDeleteWe're reading through the book of Colossians every day this month. My 11 year old daughter just said to me, "There's so much in this book!" :) I hope you'll share some of your Pastor's teaching on this book.
Beautiful picture!
I am glad to read of your life ism changes and can't wait to continue following you on this path.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Hi Janette,
ReplyDeleteI really like your meekness search. We've just been passing the sickness around, but so far everyone is mending. I hope all gets well in your house too.
Mama Hen,
I just saw on a blog that a woman at our church writes , that she is planning to memorize it too. Maybe I'll do this.
Deb,
What a great comment:) I love the morning sickness part. That is kind of the feeling!
Trisha,
How wonderful that an 11 year old can see it! Like I said, we've been a little lax in the bible study dept, I hope to remedy this as the Lord leads.
Jennifer,
:)
Amen SISTA! I am on a similar journey.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. Col 1:20
ReplyDeleteHi Ma, having embraced this this verse alone is courage and reassurance that all is safe in Him, all is peaceful at the core of our souls because He lives within us. Let the winds and rains beat upon us, no fear of any other than God our Creator our Saviour!
"we couldn't put everything in the neat little packages"
ReplyDeleteLove that! How small would God have to be to fit in a box. :)
Loved the sunset!
Sounds like a good bible series. I hope you are well!! I am just back after not being well and hoping to catch up with everyone. You have been posting some very pretty pictures!
ReplyDeleteJoanne,
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more:)
musemater,
That is what I'm seeing. He is in charge, we don't have to be afraid, even though we are at times, but that is okay, too.
Bob,
An infinitely big box perhaps? It's funny the more I learn the less I know...
Hi Ginny,
Thanks so much for visiting:) I do hope you are feeling better. I loved the moon pics over at your blog. It was clear and beautiful here last night too.
God in a box; if we could package that we would get rich quick. I sought to package God once, and found out that He is just too big, too great, and too sovereign to put in any box according to my theology.
ReplyDeleteSo, enjoy the journey!God's schooling is both painful and pleasurable.
I don't often look at Colossians. I read Ephesians and Philippians more so I am looking forward to memorizing it and learning more from it.
ReplyDeleteGregg,
ReplyDeleteYes it is.
Gretchen,
I've got Colossians downloaded on my mp3 player now and am trying to get it listened to every day:)
Add me to the list of those who love Colossians :)
ReplyDeleteTrue about God not fitting in a box...just when I think I have Him figured out, He again shows me I don't, lol
Are you starting to get more comfortable with your new camera? Do you still use your old one too? Or are you passing that one to one of the little 1's ?
Hope you have a beautiful day, it's gorgeous here today, I can't believe it's January in Michigan! :D
Susan
ReplyDeleteWe were having great weather, but it's been raining all day and apparently the cold in on they way, I knew it wouldn't last.
I am getting more familiar with the camera settings, but so far the last few days have been feeling pretty uninspired picture-wise. I don't use the old one anymore, but it will certainly be a nice back up! And no, the little aren't taking over either, although they do use them from time to time.
I have finally realized also that all the ism and ist labels were holding me down from truly knowing God! And so I seek Him now more free. And I'm learning to hold my tongue more to those who don't fall into the labels. And the words to the song ring more true, "where have I even stood but the shore along Your ocean? .... What do I know of Holy?"
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI've found myself being much more gracious with those outside my previous boxes, too:)