ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 7, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:19-23aFor in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 6, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:15-18He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 5, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Thought for the Day: There are moments when I am reading Paul a bit too quickly, but then a word or phrase brings me to a sudden stop. In this case, it was the phrase:
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 4, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:11-12May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. Thought for the Day: Paul was preparing his audience for the challenges and discomfort that would
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 3, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 2, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:7-8This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Prayer for the Week: Let us reflect on these words, specifically how the Colossians learned of the grace of God from Epaphras. Let us also ponder those who have introduced us to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGAugust 1, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:5b-6You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. Thought for the Day: I am going to make a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 31, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:3-5aIn our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Thought for the Day: During my Sabbatical, I have been making a conscious effort to give
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 30, 2021Scripture: Colossians 1:1-2Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Thought for the Day: Paul begins this letter as any letter should start – he greets the recipients. He gets personal. This is helpful for us in
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGJuly 29, 2021Scripture: Exodus 16:26Six days you will gather it. But on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be nothing to gather. Thought for the Day: The actress, songwriter and author, Jada Pickett Smith, wrote, “When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be superwoman today.’” How many of us never really give ourselves permission to pause, to say to ourselves, “Maybe I can hang