DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
“And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It’s because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn’t long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it’s all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.” – Colossians 3:5-8 MSG
DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE
The Sanctuary is currently in our summer reading series thru the book of Colossians and this book has really challenged our earthly and spiritual sanctuaries. It is causing us to take a closer look within our own houses to bring a divine order; and this is requiring a cutting way. Order is defined as “a condition in which each thing is properly disposed with reference to other things and to its purpose; methodical or harmonious arrangement.” Colossians says, we are “in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” (Colossians 2:11) This means that with Christ there is a cutting way of our hearts not done with hands, but the Spirit of God makes us more and more perfect and mold us into His image.
It was Paul’s desire that his brethren be “perfect (complete) in Christ” (Colossians 1:28; 2:1-3) But He knew that there were influences and behaviors that endanger our salvation, he warns us about those things in Colossians 2:8-23. And the Apostle makes it very clear in Colossians in very certain terms that we are to beware of these influences as they promise us much, but can easily lead us away from Christ – they can take us captive taking all of our booty and valuables! Are there areas of your life that you know are out of control and need to be cut so that you can grow into maturity? When we have the knowledge of Christ’s Will there comes a responsibility to get understanding and move with wisdom. In Colossians 1:9, Paul prays for the Church at Colosse, that they “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Therefore, with knowledge comes the removal of excuses and a progression to some degree. Knowledge should result in a behavior and life-style that is pleasing and honoring the Gospel. (Colossians 3:1-4:6)
As we approach the latter half of this year, take this is an opportunity to look over your marriage, family, relationships; business and personal, finances, and stewardship and ask Christ to bring order to the chaos. It is time to take responsibility and bring order to your house. It may seem as if your marriage or your family is falling apart; it could be sexual promiscuity, infidelity or lack of commitment that caused this disorder. It could be falling prey into lust or operating in unhealthy behavioral pathologies; such as greed, profanity, a bad temper or being mean or rude. It could be an abandonment of our spiritual connection with God and you’re seeking your own selfish desires to be fulfilled in relationships. Whatever it is that’s brought disorder and chaos to your life, the scripture is telling us it’s time to cut it!
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
Abba, I ask you to send Your Holy Spirit to restore order to my sanctuary, to bring back harmony and to make something very good out of the chaos we have created. Open my eyes of understanding and give me Your knowledge and wisdom of your Will so that I may live a life that is pleasing to You and not the world. Let the truth of Your Word fill me with faith, courage to live a set apart life and revelation to see the outworking of Your Words and more in my life – In Your Son Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Contributed by: Pastor Yolanda Douthit
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