Lessons from Colossians – Part 2

May 29th, 2013 dsisler

Today I’ll continue to discuss the Book of Colossians and some of my observations that I made while reading through this short book recently. I pray that you will find encouragement in Paul’s words and I have.

 

I was impressed by the number of individuals mentioned by Paul in this short four-chapter book. These were believers who stood out in his mind for their faith, love and commitment to Christ.

 

We start with Epaphras, who is mentioned twice in Colossians and who apparently is with Paul in Rome instead of in Colossae. Paul was impressed with this man and we can see that by his words.

 

“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.” (Colossians 1:7 – NIV) Epaphras was instrumental in sharing the Gospel with his friends in Colossae, Laodicea and Heirapolis. He was an evangelist and Paul felt admiration for his work.

 

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4:12-13 – NIV) We see here that Epaphras was also a man of prayer. He prayed diligently for those in Colossae that they might not believe the untruths being taught in their city.

 

In chapter four of Colossians, Paul speaks of nearly a dozen believers who either send word to the Church or to whom he wanted a word of encouragement spoken. These are dear saints to Paul and his desire for them to be acknowledged was important.

 

Tychicus was sent by Paul with the letter to the Church at Colossae. He was a dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord and a trusted confidant. Tychicus traveled on Paul’s behalf and was his representative on more than one occasion. Paul speaks of him here in Colossians 4:7 (NIV) as being “a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” The purpose for Paul sending him to Colossae was to share the news of what was happening with Paul and to encourage their hearts.

 

Then Paul mentions Onesimus. Onesimus was a slave of Philemon who lived in Colossae. Onesimus had stolen from Philemon and had run away. After meeting Paul and hearing the Gospel, Onesimus converted to Christianity and was prepared to go back and face his slave owner. The letter Philemon was probably delivered during this same visit.

 

Paul’s words about Onesimus were encouraging. “Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.” (Colossians 4:9 – NIV). Paul loved Onesimus and considered him a son. “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.” (Philemon 1:12 – NIV) This was a difficult decision for Paul, but he knew it was the right decision.

 

And Paul isn’t nearly done. He mentions a fellow prisoner, Aristarchus, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. These gentlemen sent their greetings to the Church at Colossae (Colossians 4:10).

 

He also mentions Jesus, a.k.a. Justus (Colossians 4:11). This particular name caught my attention for obvious reasons and there doesn’t seem to be much information about this Jewish Christian, but he was a co-laborer with Paul in Rome who worked for the kingdom of God and had provided comfort to Paul. Jesus sent greetings to the Colossian Church.

 

Paul mentioned two others who sent greetings. Paul’s dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas (Colossians 4:14). We know Luke and we should know more of Demas, but Demas deserted Paul for his love of the world and this account can be found in 2 Timothy 4:10.

 

Paul then shares his own personal greetings with a select few. In Colossians 4:15, Paul asks that greetings be sent to the brothers at Laodicea. Paul apparently wrote a letter to this church (Colossians 4:16), but we have no record of Paul’s words. How exciting it would be to read his message to them. Unknown words. Unknown reasons. Unknown message.

 

Nympha (Colossians 4:15) was another faithful servant who opened her home for the message of God’s Word to be preached. The church that met in her home was also greeted by Paul. How encouraging it must have been to her and this group to be given this specific greeting from Paul.

 

Finally Paul speaks to Archippus. This is the most direct message and very specific in this letter. “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:17 – NIV)

 

Archippus is also mentioned in the Book of Philemon as being a “fellow soldier” (Philemon 1:2). Paul’s encouragement to this man would have been exhilarating. It would have helped him to understand that what he was doing was for a greater purpose.

 

Encouragement is a wonderful tool given to us, but sometimes we are a bit too stingy with the words. Paul certainly had no intention of keeping the words to himself. He encouraged when he could and the Book of Colossians shows us just how important Paul thought it was.

 

How are you encouraging others? How are others encouraging you? It’s a two-way street and we are all called to encourage one another (2 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13).

 

Today, let’s use Paul’s example of encouragement and see how many we can encourage along the way. And you just may be encouraged as well!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Lessons from Colossians – Part 1

May 28th, 2013 dsisler

During my daily Bible reading yesterday, I read through the book of Colossians. I use some of the content on occasion, but it had been a while since I read through this short letter from the Apostle Paul to the church at Colossae.

 

There were a few points that caught my attention, so I will be sharing these with you over the next few days. If you haven’t taken the time to read through this short letter, it’s a great opportunity to do so. It won’t take long…it’s only four chapters. But it certainly is packed with some great information.

 

Paul begins his letter the usual way. He introduces himself and tells his readers to whom this letter was written. He thanks God for this group of believers as he does in several other letters.

 

He then encourages the church at Colossae with this verse. “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.” (Colossians 1:6 – NIV)

 

Not only was it an encouragement to this group of believers, but to me as well. Sometimes I get caught up in my “little world,” and I miss the big picture. These few words allow me to see that God’s church and His believers are bigger than I could ever imagine. And it’s not finished yet.

 

The Gospel is growing and it’s bearing fruit all over the world. My spiritual eyes had been closed to what God was doing around our globe, but in recent months, I’ve come to know fellow Christians in other parts of the world and know for sure that the Gospel is growing and it’s bearing fruit.

 

Paul then transitions into what he had been praying for the Colossian Christians in Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV). Let’s break this section down to see if we might find some encouragement here as well.

 

From the moment Paul heard of this group, he started praying. He didn’t know them, but he knew praying for them was important.

 

Paul prayed that God would fill them with the knowledge of his will through spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9).

 

Paul prayed that their lives would be worthy of the Lord and that God would be pleased (v. 10).

 

Paul prayed that they would bear fruit in their good work (v. 10).

 

Paul prayed that they would grow in their knowledge of God (v. 10).

 

Paul prayed that they would be strengthened with power (v. 11).

 

Paul prayed that they would find endurance and patience (v. 11).

 

Paul prayed that they would joyfully give thanks to the Father for what He had done (v. 12).

 

Paul prayed that they praise God for:

  • Their inheritance (v. 12)
  • Their rescue (v. 13)
  • Their redemption (v. 14)
  • Their forgiveness of sin (v. 14)

 

In five short verses, Paul encouraged this group with his prayers. I believe we can find encouragement from this prayer as well.

 

Are there one or two points to this prayer that might encourage you today? Perhaps you need strength or patience. Or maybe you need grow in knowledge or bear some fruit. It might be possible that you need to find forgiveness of sin.

 

Whatever it might be, this prayer from the Apostle Paul just might hold some key phrases for you. You may find something to help you get through this day.

 

For some of us, Paul’s words may need to become our words as we encourage others to be faithful in their faith walk. If I can pray for you, please let me know. I’d love to be praying for you.

 

You see, I see this prayer as one that we can use to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is an encouragement prayer. We all could use a little help now and then.

 

I might add that your prayers for me would be appreciated. Not for anything in particular, but the busyness of this physical life has a way of interfering with my spiritual life and I must be reminded of the points listed above. The words spoken here by Paul would be most effective.

 

There is so much more in this short book of Colossians. Tomorrow we’ll pick it up again to see what other treasures Paul wants us to learn. If you’re like me, God will open your eyes to some wonderful truths. I can honestly say, you won’t want to miss it.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Memorial Day

May 27th, 2013 dsisler

Today is the day we Americans set aside to remember the men and women who fought and died in our military forces. From the Revolutionary War to the war against terrorism, those who have fallen are remembered on this particular day.

 

This day allows us to remember the bravery of those who have served in the armed forces. To reflect upon what their service meant. To ponder what might America might have looked like had these men and women neglected their call to duty. To beam with pride for our America.

 

Patriotism in our early nation meant giving of oneself for the better of the whole. Sometimes it meant loss of livelihood. Sometimes it meant death. Today, we seem to believe we are patriotic if we fly our flag. But patriotism goes much deeper than that.

 

It is who we are as Americans. It is what we believe in. It is what we are willing to do to protect our values and our families. It is knowing that fighting for what is right is better than not fighting. But most of all, it is knowing that we live in a land where we are free.

 

Unfortunately, we take all of this for granted on most days of the year.

 

One of my favorite patriotic gospel songs is ‘Statue of Liberty.’ In this song, a comparison is made between our American freedom and our freedom in Christ. Here are the lyrics to this song and if you’d like to listen and see a beautiful slide show, you can click here.

 

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I’m so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty![i]

 

I believe these lyrics show how our Christian faith is intertwined with our American lives. Where religious freedom meets political freedom. As a Christian, my faith must be seen in all areas of my life.

 

In Scripture we see that our spiritual freedom comes through living by God’s teachings. David knew how to be free. “I run in the path of your commands, or you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32 – NIV) Isn’t this what we are all seeking? A heart set free? David shares the secret. It’s up to us to accept it.

 

Jesus also spoke of the freedom by following His teachings. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31b-32 – NIV) As we study and implement Jesus’ teachings, truth will become clear. It is the truth that will set us free.

 

And one more passage from 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) that tells us where freedom can be found. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” When the Spirit of the Lord resides within us, freedom is abundant.

 

I am called to live a life that honors God because of the freedom given in America and through the cross of Christ. I cannot take either lightly. Too great a sacrifice has been given for each.

 

Revolutionary War soldiers fought with great courage for what they believed in order to establish a nation that offered freedom and liberty to its citizens. Each military member since that time has fought for that same reason.

 

Jesus gave His life so that I might know true freedom and liberty. Spiritual freedom. Everlasting liberty.

 

Today I remember both. If you have not already enjoyed Christ’s freedom, why not do so today? It will be a day to remember!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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[i] Statue of Liberty, © Words & Music by Neil Enloe, 1974

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A Day to Remember

May 26th, 2013 dsisler

Good morning! It’s Sunday and the sunrise was beautiful here in Colorado. I pray that you are waking to something beautiful today.

 

And because it’s Sunday, it’s the day of the week I take a little reprieve from writing new material and post an old piece. Today’s post was written last spring.

 

I was recently asked why I write this blog every day. I gave my usual answers, but one I missed is in this piece. With missed opportunities behind, I press forward to share God’s message with you, my reader.

 

Memory Loss

 

I have had some memory issues over the past few years. Not the typical, “I wish I could remember why I walked into this room,” or “I know there was something else I needed to pick up at the grocery store.”

 

The problem I’ve had involved forgetting who family members were, confusion over common events or locations, and on occasion, not understanding words in documents. I had even decided that I would probably need to quit my job because nothing made sense. Nothing.

 

I believed I was developing dementia or even worse, Alzheimer’s, and I had just turned 50. I began having anxiety attacks if I was in a new or unfamiliar location, so eventually I stopped going places by myself. I started carrying around notebook with vital information within its pages and pictures of family members with their names.

 

A stabilizing factor in my situation was my husband. If I could talk to him when I felt an “episode” coming on, I could make it home without a full blown anxiety attack or a sense of losing control. However, I was rarely in control.

 

I visited my doctor, and after much discussion and tests, she came to the conclusion that I was having a type of migraine. My type of migraine. I would have certain symptoms; auras in my eyes or numbness in my hands, but usually never went completely to a headache.

 

She started me on a migraine preventer and within a week, I knew I was on the road to recovery. I remembered people’s names and understood words in documents. That pill, two times per day, was and is a life-saver for me.

 

On two occasions, I didn’t take my migraine preventer. The day after not taking this medication, a migraine started with aura and numbness. I have learned that I must never, ever forget or think that I don’t need to take that little pill. Ever.

 

I sometimes wish there were symptoms like an aura when I forget to study God’s Word or maybe numbness in my hands if I don’t spend prayer time with Him. I might be more inclined to make sure I make an effort for these important times with God if that were the case.

 

Even though I don’t have physical symptoms when I neglect God, my spiritual life is in real danger because of my lack of time with God. I must spend that time with Him on a regular basis in order for my spiritual life to be complete.

 

Spending time studying God’s Word and prayer time are just two spiritual disciplines that we must regularly have in our daily lives. Scripture clearly conveys the message that we are to be working toward spiritual maturity. Let’s look at a few to determine the importance of these activities.

 

Bible Study

An example of studying God’s Word can be found in the book of Ezra. He was “well versed in the Law of Moses.” He arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon and he had “devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:1-10 – NIV)

 

In 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), Timothy was told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We also should study God’s Word so that we know exactly what His Word says. We then, will be able to be like Timothy.

 

Prayer

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) shows us that we are to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

 

Here are a few other verses to take note of that lead us to the same conclusion.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 – NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2 – NIV) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b – NIV)

 

Spiritual Maturity

I love what James says in James 1:22 (NIV), “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We must put all that we learn into practice, otherwise we will not grow spiritually. That is not what God wants us to be or how He wants us to live our lives. We are to do what His Word says.

 

My memory has been fully restored. Sometimes it’s even better than I could have imagined. My memory restoration is part of the reason I began writing in earnest. I feel as if God has given me a second chance to share His message with others. I do not plan to simply study His Words any longer. I plan to “do what it says!”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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Greater is He

May 25th, 2013 dsisler

Wow! I’m tired this morning. My mind is foggy. My eyes are puffy. By the way I feel this morning, you would think I stayed out late or didn’t sleep well.

 

But neither of those are the case. I went to bed at a decent time, slept well, and slept in (until 6:15 a.m.). So why do I feel like this? I’m not sure, but I can relate to how the disciples felt on Jesus’ last night on this earth before His resurrection.

 

Jesus specifically asked them to stay awake and pray. He asked them to be alert. He asked them to watch. He asked them to pray.

 

But time after time, they were found sleeping because their “eyes were heavy” (Matthew 26:43).

 

Jesus felt the urgency that night. He knew what was going to take place. He knew after this night, everything would change.

 

The disciples obviously didn’t feel the same urgency. I suspect if they knew what was about to take place, they would not have slept. They would have been alert and doing exactly as their Rabbi had requested. They may have even tried to follow Him just to be near Jesus.

 

But that wasn’t the case. After finding the disciples asleep yet again, the betrayal was in full swing and Jesus was arrested, tried, beaten, mocked, and eventually crucified.

 

I wonder how well the disciples slept after the crucifixion. Did they lie awake at night asking themselves “what if?” What if they hadn’t fallen asleep? What if they had stayed awake and prayed? What if they had been more aggressive? What if they had more faith as Jesus asked them on more than one occasion? What if?

 

But the reality was they didn’t do any of these things. Jesus put it in plain words in Matthew 26:41 (NIV). “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

 

Another truth is nothing they could have done that night would have made a difference in the outcome. Jesus’ sacrifice would have taken place. It was part of God’s plan. It was God’s way of saving mankind.

 

Where the difference would have been found was in the disciples themselves. They missed an opportunity to grow spiritually because they were tired.

 

In truth, I’m no different. I allow my physical body to dictate my spiritual life. I say, “My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak.”

 

I believe that when I am feeling this way, it’s an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to take over. When I acknowledge and accept His power within me, I am able to continue. I am able to grow. I am able to prove to myself that my spirit is able to overcome my body because of the One within me.

 

Perhaps this event is why John later wrote, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 – NIV)

 

With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to overcome all that comes with this earthly body. Even tiredness.

 

Today I am living proof. I sat down at my computer and didn’t know where I was heading with this post. And yet, 631 words later, I have a blog post. It wasn’t me. I wanted to write, “I’m tired. I’m not writing today. Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

 

But God’s Spirit took over and because He is greater than anything that I encounter, I have shared a little something from God’s Word that might encourage you today.

 

I don’t know about you, but I think I’m ready to get this day started!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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  • "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19

  • I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in Jacksonville, Florida.

  • I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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