Joey's Journal August 1, 2006

I was awaken by Joshua’s cries. Must be 5:45 am as it was still dark outside. I prayed for God’s grace to calm Joshua down and go back to sleep. He became quiet and the next thing I heard from him was he was jabbering and chatting with Carlyn. By then, it was about 6:45 am and he was trying to wake up his brother, Joel. Joel didn’t want to get up as he was still sleepy and soon, started to cry and banter. Annabel got up and went to find out why he didn’t want to get up. After much talking to Joel, he finally goes unwillingly for his bath. Left for school bus without saying ‘goodbye’ and I prayed for God’s protection to be with him, in the school bus and in school. May he listen to the teachers and not hurt anyone and be naughty in school.

Annabel left at 9 am to register Joel at Ngee Ann Primary at Marine Parade. We thought we were going with her which is why we all got ready. Before she left I asked Carlyn to follow her to get my passport as I have an appointment for TB test injection at SATA in Bedok. She said, she needed my passport for Joel’s registration and will be back after and go for the test.

I read Colossians 2-3 as a continuation of my bible reading of yesterday. Here are my thoughts.

In chapter 2, Apostle Paul talks to the people of Colosse that by believing in the truth about God’s merciful plan of sending Jesus Christ to die and take away our sins, they are free of all rulers and authority. This new life in Jesus and His commandments are to be obeyed and we should follow Christ’s way.

Verses 6-7 say ‘and now, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.

Paul explains and reiterates the do’s and the don’ts in this new life in Christ throughout chapters 2 and 3.

‘Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.’ v7

‘Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high sounding nonsense that come from the evil powers of the world, and not from Christ.’ v8

‘So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new-moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.’ v16

‘Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don’t let anyone say you must give worship to angels, even though they say they have had visions about this.’ v19

‘…so why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as ‘don’t handle, don’t eat, don’t touch’. v24

Paul’s explanation to this. ‘Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thought and desires.’

Here are other ‘do’s and don’ts’ in chapter 3.

‘Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, (you) set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. v1-2

‘So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sins, impurities, lust, and shameful desires. Don’t be greedy for the good things of life, for that is idolatry. v5

Paul adds a warning to the above ‘God’s terrible anger will come upon those who do such things.’ v6
‘But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.’ v8

‘Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your evil nature and all its wicked deeds.’ v9

Paul’s affirmation in this new life of how Christ lives in all.

‘In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all matters, and he lives in us.’ v11

‘… you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you.’ v12-13

‘And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. Always be thankful. v15

Finally, Paul speaks of our purpose and commission.

‘And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.’ v17

Like his letter in the book of Ephesians, Paul speaks of God’s instructions for the Christian households of Colosse (and also to us.)

‘You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting to those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.’

‘You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t aggrevate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.’

‘You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Obey them willingly; work hard and cheerfully as though you were working for the Lord; and the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward. But if you do wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.’

‘You slaves owners must be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master-in heaven.

‘Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.’ Col4:2

‘Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.’ v5-6

My prayer from this reading of scripture – Our Father in heaven, as I have embraced you as Lord and Savior, may I be faithful to Your teachings of the truth. May Your grace continue to be with me as I endeavor to imitate the life of Jesus as He lived on earth. Help me Lord to set my sights on Your kingdom, following and obeying Your ways. May You give me a special anointing to share and speak about You and about Your heavenly kingdom that awaits us all. Father, through Jesus, I ask for your help that I may follow the rules of the new life, live and abide it in my heart All these I ask in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

by Joey B