Psalm 103
Scripture
Psalm 103:6-9
The Lord performs righteous deeds and judgments for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
Observation-What does it say?
The title indicates this is a Psalm of David, who was a man after God’s heart. It also states that this is a song of praise for God’s mercies. “A psalm of humble, heartfelt gratitude to God for all his goodness, but above all for his mercy and his unchanging, unchangeable love. What he has done for one (1-5), he has done for all (6-18): so let everyone, everywhere praise him” (Alexander, P. & Alexander, D., 1999). We must also remember God’s righteousness, his anger, will not be held off forever. There will be a judgement day and a time when we will have to reconcile with our decision to follow Jesus or not. For those who follow Jesus, his grace extends forever, but not to those who chose the way of the world.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Every once in a while, a video will surface from the dashboard of a police officer’s vehicle that shows an irate person in a vehicle, screaming at the officer about how they won’t sign the ticket they are receiving for driving well over the speed limit. Oftentimes in these videos, the officer is calmly addressing the irate driver asking them to sign the ticket, or explaining the circumstances to the driver. Most people will agree the officer in these situations is displaying a lot of patience and grace toward the driver, who is acting like a two year old having a temper tantrum.
This picture of a calm police officer is what I imagine when thinking of the patient grace of God. As we sit down here on earth asking why God is allowing so many bad things to happen to us, he is holding back the wrath we deserve for our sins. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages of sin is death. However, God is patient with the consequences of our actions, in 2 Peter 3:9 we learn, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God’s grace is sufficient for us and he is waiting for us to turn to him. Just don’t wait too long.
Life Application
Jesus help me to come to you in praise for your patience with me. Remind me of your grace so that I can praise you all of my waking hours. Let that praise be evident in my life as a testimony to those who need to experience that same love and grace.
-Tyler Galloway
Colossians 4 - 5.27.21
Scripture
Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
Remember my chains.
Grace be with you.
Observation
Paul was writing from what was believed to be his first imprisonment.
Colossians 4:3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
He was changing a world system, a religious system. He was installing God’s system and it was causing upheaval to the enemy.
So the enemy put him in chains...only he was already set free.
Understanding
Do we live a life of Faith in Christ, worthy of persecution?
Colossians 1:21 - 23
And YOU,
who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death,
in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
IF
indeed you continue in the faith,
stable and steadfast,
not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard,
which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven…
Colossians 2:20-23
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—
“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body,
but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Application
Colossians 3:1-10
If then you have been raised with Christ,
seek the things that are above, where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on earth.
For YOU have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death,
therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, mpassion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
But now you must put them all away:
anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:12-17
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
I understand that it may be difficult to live life differently than the world around you, especially from your close friends or family.
We don't want to seem like fanatics or be legalistic…
accepting the gift of salvation is FREE
it will just cost you your life.
Matthew 10:36-39
And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
Whoever loves father or mother more than me
is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me
is not worthy of me.
And whoever DOES NOT take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
May we be worthy of the chains of those that came before us!
May we live a life worthy of the Blood that was shed for us!!
Would you listen to this song with deep contemplation? I have attached the lyrics so that you may read the translation. Let the spirit speak to you.
-deborah lee
https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/109250043_309784910432065_4684133429244242909_n.pdf/Ele-abriu-m%C3%A3o-de-Sua-gl%C3%B3ria.pdf?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0cab14&_nc_ohc=21a83-sN_FwAX_ujUxB&_nc_ht=cdn.fbsbx.com&oh=e8b1119d83291e8bc309384819586646&oe=60AEE130&dl=1
E eu me despedi dos meus pais
And I said goodbye to my parants
E eu queimei minhas carroças
And I ́ve burnt my carts
E eu afundei meus barcos no cais
I ́ve Sunk my boats on the docks
Pra onde eu irei se eu não tenho pra onde voltar?
Where will I go if I have no place where to come back to
Só tenho você, Deus, palavra de vida eterna
I only have you God, the words of eternal life
Sou, sou totalmente Teu
I am, I am completely yours
Fui encontrado pelo Teu amor
I was found by your love
https://youtu.be/4Fd0d8c_adg
Colossians 3-5.26.21
Scripture
Colossians 3:23
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is writing the church in Colosse, encouraging them to live their new lives in Jesus. Paul encourages them to renew their way of thinking, to think of heavenly things, and not the things of earth. To focus on Jesus’ love and forgiveness for them, and in return treat others with that same love and forgiveness. Paul gives the church specific instructions on how to live godly lives. He teaches them how they should interact with each other. He teaches them how to treat their spouses, children, parents, their employees, and even their bosses. It’s a new life they have been given by God through their faith in Jesus. The old is gone. The new is risen!
Understanding-What does it mean?
Be a light for Jesus wherever I go.
The verse I selected this morning always seems to stick out to me every time I read it. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because my wife reminds me of this verse every time I vent to her about my work. But God’s Word doesn’t come back void. As a matter of fact, in this case, it reminds me Who I am truly working for. It reminds me that people around me are looking and watching just how I react and behave in certain situations. I am reminded that as a Christ Follower, I am called to a higher standard. It reminds me that whatever I’m called to do, to do it with an effort of excellency because Jesus is watching. And with that in mind, knowing that Jesus is watching, knowing that others are looking at me to set an example, I better be giving an effort and behaving in a way that is honoring to Jesus. My life needs to be a light in this dark world. My life needs to point others towards Jesus.
“In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”-Matthew 5:16 ERV
Life Application
Does my life reflect Jesus in it?
When I am at work, does my work ethic and integrity reflect Jesus? When I am driving in my car, does that reflect Jesus? Or how about the way I treat my wife and children? There are lots of things in life we may overlook and take for granted. Things in life that others see. Things in life that Jesus looks at and observes. What would Jesus have to say with the way we are living?
Father God, I pray that my life can represent Jesus in a way that others can see You, and give praise to You. Forgive me when I fall short of that. I know You provide the opportunities for me to shine, but I pray for Your strength and boldness for me to follow through with my actions and words. Help me Lord to give You the effort and excellence You deserve. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi