Daily Reading: Colossians 1
Scripture Focus: We heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints. (Colossians 1.4)
Devotional Thought: As Jesus neared the end of his ministry, his disciples began to understand just who he was: the Son of God. They were ready to follow him into his glorious and victorious kingdom. But, he upset their apple cart when he gathered them together and washed their feet: "Never!" Peter responded. But, Jesus told him and them that the very essence of the Kingdom was not power and privilege, but was instead love and service: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13.35).
The Apostle Paul said the same thing in a slightly different way. He linked the faith of the Colossians with the love that they had for the people of God. Faith in Christ and love for the saints go together:
• I know people who say they have faith in Jesus, but who do not enter into his family. Is this real faith?
• I know people who love the idea of ministry more than they love the people to whom they are called to minister. Is this real ministry?
• I know people who love to worship God and experience his presence, but who do not like The Church. Is this real worship?
• I know people who think that the church ought to meet all their needs, but who do nothing to meet the needs of others in the church. Is this real church?
May it be said of us that our faith in Christ Jesus has led us to love the saints!
Prayer: Lord, you died for the church, to make her holy, to present her to yourself in glory. Help us to remember that though we are imperfect, you love us anyway. And, help us to love one another. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 17.6-12
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, 9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. 11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground. 12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
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