I follow an account on Instagram that shows me the same news story with three different headlines: one that is left-leaning, one right-leaning, and one centrist. While I know that all stories (news, personal, or historical) are written and shared with implicit narrator bias, this account has opened my eyes to the subtleties of bias. I’ve seen how just one word can shift an entire perspective from relatively neutral to slanted.
This happens in my own life, too, of course. I can hardly tell a story, make an argument at work, or even ask my husband a question without my own perspective infiltrating my statements. This is human nature. We come at every interaction with an angle that is rooted in our own insecurities or emotional responses.
When Paul wrote to the Colossians, particularly in chapter 2 as he called out the tempting Colossian heresy, he was exposing the false belief that wisdom is personally determined, not absolutely found in Christ. (I think it’s more than safe to say this is as true today as it has been throughout history.) Many scholars believe the heresy Paul was addressing was rooted in gnosticism. The Greek word gnosis means “secret knowledge,” and the gnostics believed that this secret knowledge would be the source of salvation and faith.
Paul wanted the Colossians to “have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3). He wanted them to know that the true source of all wisdom and knowledge of God is Jesus. There is no complicated, secret truth that is available to only the most enlightened among us. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”—the only way to know God (John 14:6).
Like us, the Colossians were tempted to believe that there was something special or extra they could do to know more or be better Christians. So often today, we are tempted to believe that if we read all the right books and listen to all the right podcasts, somehow we’ll have all the answers. While those things can be wonderful and good, if that is all we are absorbing, we can easily be lulled into seeking personal wisdom rather than the wisdom of the eternal God.
Paul has just as much to say to us today as he did the Colossians: Jesus is the absolute source of wisdom. Jesus is the true and perfect knowledge of God. There isn’t more to it than that. Know Jesus, and through Him, know God. And how do we know Jesus? Through His Word. Through seeking Him and communing with Him by His Spirit. My hope and prayer is that the more I study the Word and seek to know Christ, the more my perspective will be shaped by Him—and less by me.
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88 thoughts on "Christ, the Hope of Glory"
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. AMEN! God give me the courage to speak about your glory always!
Cont.
“Whoever says “I know Him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4)
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“Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
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“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 )
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“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve” (Romans 16:17-18)
I just love Romans. I can’t remember if we did it with SRT in the last coupla years…?
Me too, love this book.
Morning shes, I am very excited to see the opening of today’s devotional. Thank you Melanie. For a long while, I was questioning, has SRT gone soft? Have we only learnt the verses on love and forgiveness alone? How about the other side of justice, exposing evil, put on the armor and draw the sword? That God is not just love, by holy and righteous love, God is a jealous God, God is the consuming fire. He is not a santa claus that chuckles at our mistakes, overlooks all, accepts all, mingles all, and put all on the nice list. GOD is not what this world has warped him to be. Thank you for addressing the issues that we need to face. Thankful for you SRT that you came through and proved me wrong. The nations need us Jesus followers to draw the line. Let us not live in the narratives man made, but learn to discern the time and the season that calls for a revolution to tip the scale of justice. For such a time as this. The truth will set us free. May we realize we don’t side with parties, but we stick the godly principles, and vote for godly commandments reflected through the policies.
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I was looking at these verses, and may these truth, open our eyes:
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“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”( 2 Corinthians 6:14)
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“Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers?” (Psalm 94:16 )
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“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God”( 1 John 4:1)
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“But test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
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“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7: 21-23)
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“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
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“As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20)
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“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8)
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“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3:5)
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“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8)
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So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin (James 4:17).
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And to God be all the praise and glory.
Come on God’s people. Don’t just keep quiet and be on the fence. I say this with all the love in my heart for you. Have a good day. Be blessed dear sisters.
So many people seem to “love the sinner” and forget the “hate the sin” part (and especially don’t share with others what is right and pleasing in His eyes).
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Let us remember and share His vision, sweet sisters!
So good, thank you Mercy. God wants us to take a stand for Him. We have certainly lost the reverence for the Almighty, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Creator, the I Am. We need to tremble in his greatness, but know His love. Trust and Obey is what I try to remember.
Amen, Mercy. Thank you for all of these truth-filled scriptures. We often forget that we should fear God. He is not Santa Claus, he is God Almighty. Just like children have lost respect for their parents, I see Christians who do not have respect for God. It hurts my heart.
JESUS CHRIST YOU LIVE IN ME! COME AND FILL ME NOW WITH YOUR HOPE AS YOUR GLORY IS POURED OUT UPON ME BY YOUR POWER HOLY SPIRIT.
I was listening to Jennie Allen’s newest podcast on God’s power over demonic forces today (10/10 recommend) and she said why doesn’t God just wipe out all the evil, and she says because he is patient with us, waiting for all of us to turn to him, and at that moment I visualized Jesus standing there taking all the punches all the blows from these demonic forces protecting me. Just buying us time. And it’s crazy. Because I never pictured Christ suffering following the cross. Until today when I read in vs. 24 what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is the church. And I realized if Christ is the head, and his body is the church,he is literally still taking “body blows” for his church. And I just tear up thinking about that type of love.
I am a self-proclaimed podcast junkie. Will look for that one. Thank you!
Me too! Do you know the podcast she is referring to in the devotional?
I just typed Jennie Allen upin a search, and two popped up, so I read the descriptions. If you are on our FB page, I’ll share the episode there. (I will anyway, as others might want to listen.) The podcast is called Made For This and the title is “Jennie on Prayer and God’s Power over Demonic Forces”.
Not podcast, Instagram account
In the days we live in…hurricanes, election year, critical issues in our country, rising prices, threats of war, stalled supply chain… oh my word!! So much we could/can be concerned about and overwhelmed with…. But Christ – our Hope, that’s where we need to stay, that’s where we need to focus; He is our Hope, He is our salvation, He is our provider/supplier, He is our protector, He is our Governor. I sort of want to just hide away until all this is over, but Christ doesn’t call us to hide, but He does call us to run to Him, stay focused on Him, to not worry and let the situations around us cause us to tremble… just stay grounded in His word, remember His goodness, remember that He is always faithful, His mercy and grace are always available, how do people do this life without Him???
My thoughts / feelings echo yours!
Me too! Sometimes makes me want to stay in bed and never get up!
I have a prayer request for my friend Jesse.
Please pray for peace, courage, healing, and wisdom over him and his doctor’s assessments. He has heart failure and many extenuating medical issues…he is blind from glaucoma in one eye, has Parkinson’s, needs dental treatment but is at risk because of heart condition, memory loss, critically low potassium labs. The cardiologist is experimenting with titrating new medications. Jesse usually responds with positivity especially after his recent back surgery, hip fracture surgery and toe amputation….however, these recent test results are discouraging and causing anxiety for him. He is currently not in a hospital setting but at home.
He does know Jesus and is comforted by the knowledge of his future home. ❤️
Praying for your friend!
Praying for Jesse ❤️
Oh, Martha, how discouraging for Jesse! Praying for success with the doctor’s attempt at treatment and for peacebto fill Jesse’s heart. ❤
I remember in my 30’s constantly looking to christian books. I was trying to read everything I could. I didn’t pick up my Bible as much as I should have.
Me, TOO!! books on marriage, books on raising children, books on being a good wife, books on whatever…. but not just going to God and His word like I should have!!
Yep, me too! It didn’t all come into focus until I opened my Bible.
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So thankful for everyone’s insights. What stood out to me was Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
These 2 verses – continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught AND overflowing with thankfulness! If I would just focus on doing these, I believe I would grow in my faith more and more! Looking to Him, not anyone else, the author and finisher of my faith. God is so good! He gave us His word to remind us over and over to keep looking to Him!
Praying for all of those affected by Helene. Please do not forget them as the weeks go by and we don’t see anything on the news. It will take years to rebuild everything. People will have trauma from this. I live in Moore, Oklahoma and though my home has never been hit, I’ve had friends homes hit. They lost everything. We have to keep praying and helping however we can for these people.
Praying for all of these requests. You are all so precious and dear! Thank you for praying for my shoulder, my fibromyalgia and discouragement. I can feel the prayers. I have a renewed sense of hope and encouragement. I know it was from your prayers because I have not shared this request with anyone here. Thank you and Thank God!
Amen, Cheryl! Yes, my heart is still very heavy over the devastation Helene left behind! Two of the places we had planned to visit on a day trip this fall – the only plan we had in place- were greatly impacted. As waters subside, there will be more evidence of loss of life.
My heart really hurts for those waiting to hear from/about loved ones. Thankfully supplies are getting in for those who survived! I encourage all who can to join a local church or community organized relief drive. Many have ways to donate on their website. Churches in our town are feeding 1st responders and linemen who are staged here. They fed crews from California yesterday! God bless them! ❤❤
I too remember the days and months after a big hurricane and how hard and overwhelming it was. Nothing was better than getting out there and helping! Most people just loved to talk and share afterwards. And of course the loved the volunteers that helped come get the heavy stuff out of their water ruined houses. I would make PB and J sandwiches, get on my bike and deliver them to the many volunteers and workers. And as I shared a few days ago, it was amazing of how easy it was to offer prayer and they were so grateful. I remember the streets full of peoples “homes” that were now trash waiting for pick up. It went on for months. We still have not finished our downstairs damage or settled with insurance and it was 2 years ago. So yes…the news moves on, and the restoring goes on for years.
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I didn’t, but you can copy and paste into Biblegateway or similar site. ❤
Sharing Deuteronomy 29:29-
TLB-
“There are secrets the Lord your God has not revealed to us, but these words that he has revealed are for us and our children to obey forever.
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MSG-
God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It’s up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation.
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NLT-
The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
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Finally, the verse if the day on Biblegateway-
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Privetbs 29:25 NLT
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Praying each of us feels God’s presence in your lives today as we deal with what we are facing. The challenges may be many and diverse, but there is only One Hope. Keep holding onto and sharing that hope. Love you, sisters! ❤❤
Amen to your prayer ❤️
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Is anyone else having trouble getting the scripture to come up?
Yes, I could not. I also never received my book for this study. I really like using them because I like to write in it. Bummer
SRT scripture links have not worked for me since the redesign. The ones on HRT still work since they are still using the older format.
Wow the reading today, magnifies to often I determine truth by my own interpretations. Pride has a way of sneaking in my heart when I think I know, rather than resting in the knowledge that Christ is the answer and His word revealing His truth. Constant prayer, meditating on His word and communion with the body is desperately needed to keep me connected to Him, to truth.
Thank you ladies for sharing, may the Lord bless you is revelations of His will in each one of your lives.
Yes amen!
Allison, your use of the word pride got me thinking of another pitfall. The opposite of pride is humility. So many times we see people humbling themselves to the wrong source and believing untruth. May God help us and have mercy!
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I love how she used the premise of how all news shows,headlines, and parties say things in a way the put their opinion it it and how they want you to receive!! So sly and unrecognized by many. It is sad that so many don’t know and stand with God’s truth. Even Christians. I don’t even like to call myself a Christian sadly anymore because so many aren’t even Christ-followers. There is only One Way, One Truth, and One Life. The only way is to Trust and OBEY. I really get on a soapbox on the subject. I don’t think it’s a bad thing…it’s a Paul Thing!! We are preaching in love to earnestly get people to hear the importance of keeping your faith in line! Just like good parents setting boundaries because they love their kids and want them to succeed. America has lost their way, it is sad and disheartening. But the EMINENT will remain…thankfully! I think the wake-up has happened! There has been a line drawn, which side will you fall?! I urge you to be in the scripture and prayer, relying on Christ in you. Before when I was a Christian, I too fell in the gray…saying “well..I love everyone, so if they feel this way we should honor them. That is fine for unbelievers, we can’t judge them because they know no better. But Christ-followers are called TO know the truth and better each other.Keep accountability for the faith. It is to be protected.
Love ya’ll. Praying for America. But I know the story, how it’s going to end, so that gives me peace. But also it gives me fight!
You presented a great example of living out the Message version shared by JULIA C – “school’s out” – in other words time to take the knowledge and wisdom ‘to the streets’ rather than hoarding it unto oneself. Remembering the song, Taking It to the Streets, by the Doobie brothers as I used that phrase. I looked up the lyrics and they still apply. Not a Christian song but relevant lyrics. Thanks, Rhonda, for sharing your passion and challenging us! ❤
Yes! It is important to go to the church and be in/part of the body…BUT to take that knowledge to the streets!! Amen and Amen!! We have to go to the world that needs Jesus!! There’s a song now..We Just Need Jesus!! Oh how we do!! My Jesus changes lives…and OH how exciting when we see it outside of church…and by YOUR words that the Lord gives!! It may be seeds, it may be watering..or it could be leading the salvation prayer like I got to do last week!! NOTHING is better!!! Wowzer, I want to be a disciple and be a fisher of men!!
Yes! This line : “Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds?
What used to be wrong, we say that it’s right” . I love that Paul says arguments that sound reasonable! Allie Beth stuckey calls it Toxic empathy. Playing on our emotions, sometimes even using scripture, to push an agenda that is wrong.
Yep! spot on!!
–REMNANT!
Here is the passage of
Romans 9:36-28
26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Thanks, RHONDA and LANIE! Lanie, those were the words that jumped out at me, too. ❤
So good. In order to view the world through the lens of Christ, we must stay in the word daily and actively listen for him to speak.
I’d love to know the Instagram account you’re referring to. I teach bias in my HS classes and I’m always looking for good resources. If you can’t share in this platform, please email me @ [email protected]
I believe the instagram account is All Sides Now (allsidesnow)
Thank you! I was wondering…
Good morning my Sweeties,
I can’t remember the last time I managed to look at even one comment…but I love you all and continue to pray (unfortunately uninformed about the day-to-day)!!
I would love to know the Instagram page @ Melanie Rainer spoke of…I find myself too easily pulled in the direction of the first article / report I see :/
Please continue to keep us and all our babies in your prayers.
Hi Foster Mama! Good to see you! The one I follow is called All Sides Now!
Thank you!! I’ll check it out ❤️
So good to see you, Foster Mama! ❤
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Sending back love and prayers ❤️
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The greatest treasure, the greatest wealth, is given to us by God- the glory of Jesus Christ. We can help each other have complete understanding if we come together, united and encouraged. You don’t need to do a lot extra to obtain the ultimate wisdom, because that sits in the knowledge of God and Christ. However, the more we strengthen our relationship with Christ, the more we safeguard ourselves against potential deception. Like Melanie said in today’s devotional; the more you study the word and seek to know Christ, the more your perspective will align with His.
I was also very convicted by our reading from 2 Timothy. Do NOT be ashamed to testify our Lord! I don’t know about you, but I’ve always struggled with this because I’ve had fear of being judged or isolated. But suffering for Him is part of our holy calling and not a bad thing! We don’t earn Jesus, and we certainly don’t deserve Him, but the least we can do for his sacrifice is be unashamed about testifying the love and grace He has given us!
Great words of challenge and encouragement, Michaela! Thank you! ❤
“But suffering for Him is part of our holy calling and not a bad thing!”❤️
So many margin notes today!
Such truth and comfort for this Gentile in Colossians 1:26-27
26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
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Backtracking to yesterday – it was many, many years ago, but I can remember when it first became clear to me – when I understood for the first time – that Christ was there … In the beginning. Like turning on a lightbulb. How had I totally overlooked Our and Us before?!
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ALEIDA – praying for your family, for your husband’s heart and mind to be open and understanding of Victor and his daily challenges, for Victor to turn to Christ with his needs and anxieties, and for you, sister, in the midst of it all.
TAYLOR – praying for your job situation
JESSICA HERTZOG – praying for Rob/Emma and Maggie as they serve as missionaries
MARGARET W – praying for the upcoming surgery, logistics and recovery
STACEY B – praying for total recovery from Lyme disease!
LARA CASTILLO – praying for full restoration of finances!
MARI V – praying
RHONDA J – thank you for sharing about Stacy, and getting confirmation that she is serious about the wonderful changes as a believer! Praying she stands firm, and is able to restore the relationship with her daughter.
KELLY (NEO) so thankful the new employee is working out! And praying for the next hire to be as good.
TINA – praying as you continue to support and encourage Abbi
CEE GEE ❤️
LINDA IN NC ❤️
Amen, SEARCHING! The phrase that stood out to me today was, “Christ in you, the HOPE of glory”! (caps mine) What a mind-blowing truth! Do we live it?!
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Praying you are doing well and not overdoing it with storm cleanup. ❤
Thank you for this list, Searching. Joining you in prayer ❤️
3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge 4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.
Gosh, verse 4 describes exactly what has been happening with some of my family members and leaders in our church. My heart has been heavy over it. There are some “reasonable” arguments out there which sound “Christ-like” and “Christian” but in truth, are not following the wisdom of Jesus. The author is exactly right. Words can manipulate our thinking, and our hearts. We SO often want to rely on our own wisdom. We want to figure it out. We want to follow our feelings. Biblical wisdom, Jesus-centered wisdom, it takes time. It takes dying to ourselves and our reliance on our own wisdom. And it also often (especially in this day and age) takes courage to go against the culture and norm of society.
Let’s all have the courage to fight this battle together!
Amen!
Yes, spot on! Amen. Keep to the word, the only truth!
So sorry to hear that you are experiencing that, Laura! Yes, DISCERNMENT is so lacking today. Some people believe everything they hear. It’s no wonder confusion and indecision is so rampant. May God speak to our hearts, tune our ears, and open our eyes to recognize and act on His wisdom. ❤
Jesus all I want is You. Father, please open my spiritual heart, ears and Mind to Your Word and Wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen!
Know Jesus or no Jesus was shared in a recent bible study I’m part of. I want to know Him and his perspective
“My hope and prayer is that the more I study the Word and seek to know Christ, the more my perspective will be shaped by Him—and less by me.”
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Oh, so true! May it be so, MELANIE. Thank you. For only “in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
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STACEY B – praying for your battle with Lyme disease. May the Lord give your doctor wisdom for treatment as you wait for healing.
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LINDA IN NC – so sorry about the delay in your SIL’s funeral and all the termoil the family must face from the flooding. Prayers that Gene’s proceedure goes well.
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JULIE GANUCHEAU – does your husband have al treatment plan in place for the vocal cord cancer? How is your Dad’s treatment coming along?
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Amen!!
Hi Kelly – God had been so good to my dad and my husband. Dad had surgery and radiation and has come through it beautifully. He’s relearning how to eat but is doing great. My husband had his surgery and they were able to get all the cancer. I felt covered in prayer and Gods presence through the
Praise God!
Praise the Lord! Have prayed that continued healing would be theirs.❤️
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I too, ARINA, am amazed by Paul’s love for God and the gospel. While Paul was writing letters from prison to a church he had never met, making every effort to proclaim the gospel, I am comfortably reading my Bible on the couch with a blanket and a coffee. Felt convicted by verses 2:6-7, especially in the Message version:
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“My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.”
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May I not just study Jesus, but live Him as well and share Him with the people around me.
Julia,
Thank you for sharing that version. Packs a punch. ❤️
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Wow Julia! That version really put it all in perspective and took away all the excuses!! Thanks for sharing this with us!!
It stood out to me how the gospel is Paul’s everything. This is what he has given his life to. He suffers for it, gives all his energy to it, so that the believers in Colosse and everywhere will know Christ more and more and be firmly rooted in Him. That’s how much the gospel is worth to Paul. I don’t know how he did this on the hard days, in the midst of suffering, but I pray that we all too will get to know more and more the glory and supremacy of Christ, so that we will be able and willing to serve Him with all our life.
Yes Arina! I pray for the same! Lord, let it be so! Amen.
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Yes, Amen Arina!