This past week was the start of a new Hello Mornings Bible Study – Complete in Christ by Jenni Keller. Just five days into the study and it has already proven to be thought provoking. Here is a small taste of what was shared last week in my group:
- Identity is vital. Paul knew who he was (“chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus”, verse 1). Knowing his own identity enabled Paul to be secure and affirm those in the Colosse church,รย calling them “God’s holy people” and “faithful brothers and sisters” (Colossians 1:2). Who are you? Know today that you are loved, chosen, forgiven, adopted, and redeemed. And you are His!
- God’s Word changes lives. As we hear and understand God’s truth, our lives change and bear fruit. And His Good News is contagious (Colossians 1:6). Your life is meant to bear fruit abundantly.
- Any life can be changed. In looking at Paul’s experience in Acts 9, we realized that no one is beyond the power of God to reach, redeem, and be used for His holy purposes.
- We need to pray and encourage one another. Epaphras continued to pray for those he had shared the gospel long after he parted their company (Colossians 4:12). Who can you be praying for today?
- We need to speak words of affirmation to others. Paul names so many personally by name, speaking highly of them. In so doing, he was able to encourage them to “carry out the ministry the Lord gave you” (Col. 4:17). Won’t you speak the words someone needs to hear today?
In this letter to the Colossians, Paul hopes to remind and steer a young church back to the truths which brought them to Christ. He reminds them of the hope they have found in Christ, this hope which is the basis for their change.
Paul knew, firsthand, how he had once hoped to change. He always remembered what he had once been and where he had come. But he also knew –
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5, NLT)
Change is possible for each one of us.
For “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Today I am joining with … Inspire Me Mondays and Sharing His Beauty and Making Your Home Sing and Create With Joy and Unforced Rhythms and Playdates with God .
Thank you for sharing these insights from your Bible study! The first one is so important–we are God’s children first and foremost–without that, all of our other ‘identities’ and ‘identifiers’ are meaningless.
I so agree with you, Anita. May we know our God & may we know who we are in Him. I do think, it is then we will be able to live out our purposes with confidence. Grateful you shared!
Thank you for sharing this encouragement! I trust that the remainder of your study will be just as fruitful and beneficial! Blessings to you!
Thank you, Kate. I am so looking forward to what Colossians will hold new this time around ๐
“Godโs Word changes lives.”
I know this and yet I still have such a hard time finding time to make this a priority. Isn’t that so sad?! But God is still there waiting to love on me and give me life to the fullest!
What great reminders and such a perfect encouragement to get myself up in the morning and read! Thanks for linking up with Inspire Me Monday!
Angie, it is amazing how difficult disciplining ourselves can become. This morning I hit the snooze button & overslept. And it was a wonderful reminder of why I enjoy my quiet time in the morning ๐ Grateful to join you & appreciate your linkup!
God’s word changes lives..ANY life. Just what I needed to read tonight. Really – you have no idea. Perfect Biblical reminder for me. God bless!
Grateful it was what you needed. Sometimes we need to see the words in print before us to be encouraged that no life is beyond His reach. May we be faithful to pray for them. Blessings!
Joanne,
Yes, the importance of knowing our identity in Christ because our lives flow out of it…and I smiled when I saw this: “For โnothing is impossible with Godโย (Luke 1:37)” as I posted it recently on my bathroom window to remind me…Thank you ๐
Dolly, it is so true. Every part of our lives flows from knowing Him. I love that you had just posted that Scripture in your bathroom. Love when God works this way. Thank you for encouraging me!
Thankful I was directed here this morning! ๐ As I enter into a new season of life, I know my life is definitely going to change soon, and I may experience a change in my role and identity as well-haha!! This Bible study sounds like the perfect fit for me in a few short weeks. I just took a look and found a session that will work perfectly; thanks for sharing friend! Chang is on it’s way! ๐
Blessings for a week filled with joy Joanne!
So grateful you were encouraged. May you find that Hello Mornings encourages you as much as it has me! May His hand be upon all of the changes which are to come in your life. Blessings!