You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Colossians 2:20-23 (NLT)

If you’re a rule follower like me, you get deep satisfaction from doing things the “right way”—especially if there is a set of regulations and protocols to follow. Sure, there’s an internal guidance in this regard, but when you know others can see you follow the rules, well, that’s all the better.

In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he’s warning this sweet fellowship of false teaching creeping into the church. A big issue was aestheticism, or self-denial, which was thought to free the spirit from the “evil body”, leading to deeper “spirituality” and a closer relationship to God. And this practice, according to those wolves, also allowed other people to see how spiritual you are, because your physical suffering was so evident.

Hmm, makes me think of Jesus saying the exact opposite to His disciples…how we are to give and fast in secret—not flaunting it for the accolades of others (see Matthew 6). So, the irony of this aestheticism teaching is that it appears spiritual and humble on the outside, while simultaneously being the height of vanity. (“Look at me! Watch me suffer! Aren’t I so amazingly spiritual?!”) Plus, just because a person does things to “look” spiritual and pure, their actual state of spiritual affairs could be pretty darn filthy. In the end, it’s all about “me” and not the Lord. (Again, Jesus talked a lot about this concept when it came to the Pharisees—whitewashed tombs and such.) 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we’ve been set free from manmade rules that promote “spirituality” and create sort of system to earn salvation. No to-do lists, no columns of “good” versus “bad” tallies, no hoops to jump through. On Calvary’s cross, Jesus accomplished what we could not, exchanging our sin for His righteousness. He paid it all—all we have to “do” is accept this amazing gift of grace. 

And once we say “yes” to salvation, we’re made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)—we become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then, in grateful response, we walk according to our new character. We extend forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love because Jesus extended these things to us—not so that He will. When we do stumble (because we will), He is quick to forgive us when we ask (1 John 1:9). (No to-do list there, either—can I get an “Amen!” from my former confession-goers?) So, let’s abandon any foolish rules we may be following to please God. It’s not do—it’s done.

Lord, in gratefulness for my salvation, I surrender my life to Your will and Your ways. Thank You for accomplishing what I could not.

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

2 Colossians 2:6-7

Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is a one-and-done decision. Once saved, always saved—no one can pluck you from His hand (John 10:28-30). That being said, in response to the Great Exchange (your sin for His righteousness), you are called to live life differently. To walk worthy of this new relationship with God (Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thess 2:12)—and to do so with a “fruity” attitude of love with all its outpourings (see Galatians 5:22-23).

But how can we walk in Jesus? That’s a very tall order (Jesus being perfect and all). But there are a few important things the Apostle Paul mentions in his letter to the Colossians that instruct us about moving forward in the right direction.

1. We are “firmly rooted” in Christ. The Greek grammar is very encouraging here. The word for “having been firmly rooted” is errizonmenoi, which is a perfect tense participle. (Huh?) It means that this rooting takes place at the moment of salvation! It’s as if you’re a small bush that has been dug up—roots and all—out of your sinful life to be placed in a luscious greenhouse (new life), where, the moment you’re replanted, your roots are instantly being nourished for growth. And your fruit is on its way.
2. As we walk, we are being built up in Him. Here, the Greek for “being built up” is epoikodomoumenoi, which is—stay with me here—a present tense participle. This indicates continuous action! From a solid foundation of our salvation, we continuously grow to be more like Jesus by (a) studying the Word of God and (b) living out the grace, truth, and love we’ve been shown. Grounded and growing, we are established in our faith.
3. Because of our new roots, deepening daily through our Source, and our ongoing transformation to live in the reality of our righteousness in Christ, we are to overflow with gratitude. Thankfulness is truly a choice. Our salvation alone is reason enough to daily burst out in song! Beyond that, we can start with the breath in our lungs and work our way through the multitude of blessings we’ve been given. 

Friend, our walk with the Lord won’t be easy—that’s a promise right from His mouth. But moving in the direction of obedience is the call on our lives. We do that through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, along with knowing and living by the Truth of God’s Word. So, stay rooted, take in nourishment to thrive, and be sure to feed your growth with plenty of gratitude.

Thank You, Lord for trading my unrighteousness for Your perfect righteousness, establishing me in faith. May I live as a worthy ambassador of Your Kingdom…and give thanks all along the way.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

“Will you go to heaven?” If you ask 100 people that question, most would probably say yes. And, if you then ask them why, they’ll tell you it’s because they are “a good person.” But this begs the natural question, how good is good enough? Is it based on a daily tally? If we do one big “good” thing, does it eradicate a whole bunch of small “bad” things? Then there’s the “Well, I’m not as bad as Hitler” idea, one that keeps us comparing ourselves to others on the spectrum of good and bad (which comes with its own madness).

I lived this excruciating mental and emotional exercise for three decades of my life. Fearful that the bad decisions I made (and kept making) put me on the outs with God. I’d promise to do better—and I’d try—only to fall down once more. The uncertainty was exhausting.

If salvation (and heaven) is based on works (which is what many Christians and every other world religion believe), how can we ever know if we’ve done enough or are righteous enough to earn it? Where is the comfort and peace in that? 

But the Gospel is, by definition, good news—great news, actually! We can be sure! There is blessed assurance in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. When we accept what Jesus accomplished on our behalf, we can be absolutely secure in our current standing with God and our eternal destination (John 5:24; 10:28). It’s not about our good-versus-bad tally each day (we’d all fail there, friends). It’s not about our church attendance or donation totals. Salvation (our sinful nature traded for Jesus’ righteousness) is not dependent on what we do—or don’t do. It only requires a decision to trust the Lord and surrender all those efforts to Him and His work alone (Romans 10:9; Eph 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

And this certainty is not based on our feelings. I’m confident that many Christians (if not all of us) doubt our salvation because we’re not “feeling” close to God. We will have mountaintop experiences and valley seasons. We’ll struggle with our ungodly words and actions. Maintaining “the joy of the Lord” can be a challenge. But we’re in good company—just read David’s Psalms or anything from the Apostle Paul! 

One more thing. The believer’s certainty of salvation is often attacked as self-righteous arrogance. But this is absurd and ironic: Christians are the only ones who claim to be going to heaven NOT by our own works and righteousness, but solely through the righteousness of Jesus. His grace, not our good works. I mean, to think we can, in and of ourselves, stand blameless in front of a holy God is pretty much the definition of self-righteousness.

So, if you’re reading this, and you’re already a believer, you can embrace the peace and rest Jesus promises amid the tumult of this life. Your security in Christ is a sure thing no one can take away. And, if you haven’t yet placed your faith in Jesus, why not make today the day (2 Corinthians 6:2)? All you have to do is let go of your uncertainty, release the idea that being “good enough” is good enough for an eternity in heaven. Just believe that, on the cross of Calvary, Jesus exchanged His life for yours—your “to-do” list has been “done.” 

Because, as crazy and dark and uncertain as this world is getting, we could all use a sure thing right now.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the Church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

Colossians 1:24

Joy is one of those power-packed words in the English language. In fact, it’s hard to say this one-syllable noun (especially when said loudly) without its meaning spreading across your face. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “joy” as the state, expression, or source of delight, happiness, bliss. For the believer, “joy” is more than mere happiness at circumstances. Rather, it’s an uncurrent of deep-seated satisfaction that comes from salvation. The confident hope of our forever future with Jesus. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—in other words, it’s an outgrowth of our surrender to, and walk with, the Lord. Joy is to be an enduring attitude of the Christian.

This simple truth is not easy. And what’s even more challenging, friend, is the exhortation for us to have joy in our suffering. How on earth can suffering be a cause for our joy? Here are just a few reasons:

1. Suffering brings us closer to Jesus. Often, when we are going through a fiery time, we can find ourselves in desperation. Maybe we’ve tried turning to friends or family, but we’ve found no comfort (in fact, said friend or family member may be the source of the burning). We get to that “nowhere else to turn but Jesus” place—and we finally cling to the only Stronghold that brings refuge and peace.
2. Suffering helps us better appreciate Jesus’ suffering for us. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was despised and persecuted. And on Calvary’s cross, He took on the agony and unimaginable pain meant for you and me. When we suffer in this world (especially for Christ), it gives us an infinitesimal taste of what Jesus went through for us, to rescue us from eternal suffering. And this understanding can also give us comfort, realizing that Jesus knows our pain, because he’s felt it all for us already.
3. Suffering assures us of our salvation. Jesus promised us that, as His followers, we will suffer (John 16:33; John 15:18)—and that promise was reinforced throughout the New Testament (2 Tim 3:12; 1 John 3:13). If you love and serve Jesus, Satan hates you and will go after you. And, sis, if he’s dogging you, then you’re doing something right. In fact, when we suffer with joy, this godly attitude (Hebrews 12:2) frustrates the enemy to no end—to me, that’s an awesome motivation right there!

But one of the most encouraging reasons to suffer with joy is that, by doing so, we can bring others to Jesus. When you go through the inevitable storms of life, others are watching…like Job’s friends, unbelievers are waiting to see you shake your fist at God or break under the crushing wind and waves. So, when you weather those storms with joy, anchored to the faithful, unmovable Rock—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—they’ll notice. And they’ll want to know the Source of your joy in the suffering.

Lord, in the midst of my pain, tears, and sorrow, may I cling to the joy of my salvation—the joy that frustrates the enemy of my soul and can bring others to know You.

If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.

Proverbs 29:9

Over the last couple of decades, our nation has been slipping into greater and greater divisiveness. I’m not just talking about the political left and right here, but of a Biblical worldview versus humanism. You may have been aware of the divide as it gradually widened, or you may simply have looked up one day to see a gaping chasm. But if you’re on any social media platform today, all you have to do is scroll to see, read, and hear the venom. Especially in our current culture of crisis.

That’s why I’m not on Facebook or Instagram. It was probably eight or nine years ago when I started seeing posts on FB from some of my closest friends touting hate regarding Christians ideals that I hold dear. And, due to the fact that I wanted to keep these people as friends in real life, I had to “unfriend” them, digitally, by removing myself from social media. 

For the past couple of years, I did hold onto a neighborhood site called “Nextdoor.com”—you may be part of it yourself. It’s great to get recommendations for tradespeople, restaurants, dentists, and it’s even great place to sell and buy stuff. Having recently moved to a new state, I jumped right on to get the scoop on things. What I found (again) was plenty of vitriol. I made a simple comment, requesting that people keep things civil—in fact, I entreated, let’s keep this one social media site to its original intent. You would have thought I took a video of myself burning a puppy. The contempt came flying at me from every side. For proposing civility.

It brought to mind all those Proverbs about arguing with fools. Here’s just some of the wisdom found in this Old Testament book:

• If we answer a fool according to his folly, we’ll be just like him.
• A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only is expressing his opinion.
• Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
• A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
• He who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
• A fool repeats his folly (like a dog returning to his vomit).
• The mouth of fools pours out folly.
• If you try to argue or debate a fool, his simply rage or laugh at you.

As Solomon stated very clearly in Proverbs, it doesn’t matter how you approach a foolish person—with sweetness, righteous indignation, or outright anger—you won’t get peace. Because that person’s belief is rooted in the world and not the Truth of God’s Word, he or she will either mock you for your “ignorance” or rage at you for your “malice”. After all, when we speak words based on our knowledge of Christ, to that person, it simply smells like death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

I’m not saying to forgo speaking the Truth in love—even using your social media platforms to do so. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ! How He came to reconcile us to God through His death and resurrection, making a way for us to have eternal life with God. We must love others. We must forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Sometimes, we will find common ground, and we may even bring someone to believing faith in Jesus.

But the Word also tells us in Romans 12:18 that we must, as much as it depends on us, keep peace with others. So, friend, keep on speaking Truth—it’s commanded of us. We just can’t argue with fools. 

Lord, help me to stand firm on Your Truth and to speak that Truth in love, but refrain from arguing with fools.

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

Colossians 1:13-14

Are you afraid of the dark? As children, we probably all were…but for many of us, the lack of light still brings fear and trepidation. The reasons vary, no doubt. Maybe this “darkness distress” comes from the inability to see well while driving at night. Or perhaps there’s anxiety or dread in the unknowns of places and spaces unilluminated. For some, it manifests in sheer, unadulterated panic of irrational terrors held within blackness (often rooted in very real trauma that originated in darkness). 

There is a genuine present darkness, however, about which every human being is born into—and one of which we should all be very afraid. Because of the Great Fall in the Garden, we come into a world empowered by our enemy, Satan. It is temporarily his “domain.” Although all things are under the ultimate control of God, Satan—for a time—has been given permission to exercise his power here. And his goal is to keep people from (a) seeing the Light and (b) seeking rescue out of the darkness.

But Jesus, through His death, created a way out of the darkness. His sacrifice on our behalf paid the full ransom for the penalty we owe (John 19:30). Not only has our debt been paid (redemption), but we have been completely pardoned. Our sins (yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrow’s) are forgiven. In fact, through the blood of Christ, we are “justified”—God looks upon you and me “just as if I’d” never sinned. How amazing is that?

Upon salvation, we are set free from bondage to sin and “the dark domain”—but we are not left on our own! When we accept the gracious gift of Jesus Christ—that He died and rose again, forever victorious over death—we are transferred into God’s kingdom. Into Light. We move from being under the authority of Satan to being citizens of God’s kingdom. Eventually, we will be co-rulers in the literal kingdom of God on earth. But, right now, the kingdom of which we are a part is the relationship we have with God through Jesus. When we acknowledge Christ as our King, we are subjects in His kingdom. And, as His subjects, we submit to His rule (the Bible). We live according to God’s Word in obedience…and in order to properly represent our King—to be ambassadors of this Kingdom of Light (Ephesians 5:8). 

Friend, we no longer have to walk in darkness, afraid and distressed. Jesus, the Light of the world, has come to bring the Light of life (John 8:12). Upon our rescue, He transforms us into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and transfers us into His kingdom forever.

Jesus, you are the Light of the world and You have made a way out of the darkness. May I, as a citizen of Your kingdom, represent You by shining my light and showing others the way.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.   

Philippians 4:8-9

I love lists. My desk and kitchen counter are littered with sticky notes filled with them. There are lists that accumulate items that need to be purchased at the next Walmart trip. Others remind me of project due dates for various clients. And other lists are general to-do prompts containing tasks that I get to cross off with giddy satisfaction. (If I accomplish something that is not on said list, I will immediately write it on there just to put a definitive line through it. Can I get an “Amen!”?)

These verses from the letter of Paul to the Philippians are some of my favorites! Although I could probably say that same thing about verses from almost every one of the 66 books of the Bible, this practical exhortation is pretty special. Here, Paul provides a very specific to-do list…and he follows it up with a promise. (This section of Paul’s to-dos-with-a-promise actually starts in verse 4, so take some time to dive into this whole chapter.)

First, he tells us what to dwell on (think about). This is awesome, because it’s so easy to occupy our minds on the negatives, whether it’s our own faults and failings—or the world’s. Instead, we’re given a clear list of what we ought to be thinking, pondering, and meditating about. And it’s a tall (and challenging) order! We’re to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and praiseworthy. I don’t know about you, but my mind does not naturally go to these kinds of things. Rather, keeping my thoughts here takes a lot of intentionality.

Next, Paul urges us to practice (do) what we learn from his letters, his actions, and the whole of God’s Word. Much like those thought-life instructions, these behavioral directives require deliberate effort. First, we need to know what the Word says—we must read and study it. Every day. When we know what’s required of us, we can take steps in the direction of obedience. We won’t be perfect, of course, but the more we learn and understand, the easier it is to do.

Finally, verse 9 ends with a promise: The God of peace will be with you. Similar to the promise in verse 7, which tells us the “peace of God” will guard our hearts, Paul is saying that when we practice the things, we will have peace. The more we learn and do, the closer our walk with God. Friend, God is peace, and He makes peace with us through Jesus. And He will give us perfect peace—peace that is incomprehensible to the natural mind—when we choose to follow His to-do list.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me clear instructions in Your Word for walking through this dark world and walking closer to You. May I dwell daily on Your Truth.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.     

Psalm 27:13 (NASB)

As I sit to write this, there’s certainly a lot going on in our nation and world to anguish about. Cultural upheaval, vitriolic divisiveness, fearmongering—and a global pandemic (about which there is much cultural upheaval, vitriolic divisiveness, and fearmongering). Prices are going up, and product availability is going down. Evil is being called good, and good evil; darkness is being put forth as light, and light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). When I scan the mess around me, it is easy to hang my head in despair (even though the Bible is very clear that all this is to be expected). 

But God. Those words are so amazing, aren’t they? A quick search brought up 43 accounts of “But God” in the Bible—and that’s just in one translation!

The Psalms are always a great place to land when distress and sorrow start creeping into our mind and heart. David, in particular, is so authentic as he cries out to the Lord in desperation, fear, anger, or frustration. However, he always comes back around to “but God” and how the Lord’s immutable attributes are a safe harbor for his soul. Let’s look at Psalm 27. In this single song, David confidently proclaims that the Lord is his light and salvation, and that there’s no reason to fear his enemies and evildoers. He goes right from that certainty to crying out for God not to abandon or forsake him. He then leans in to ask the Lord to guide his steps in Truth, especially as others falsely accuse him and breathe out violence against him.

But then it’s as if David looks in a proverbial mirror to remind himself of the main thing: He knows the goodness of the Lord—His grace, mercy, and salvation—so there is no reason to despair.

Friend, both the Old and New Testaments are filled with reminders to keep our eyes on God, whatever our circumstances. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed today—due to health issues, grief, financial woes, or relationship challenges—know that He is the lifter of your head (Psalm 3:3). Like David, gaze into the mirror of your soul and take to heart these reminders from God’s Word:

• When I am anxious, He gives me peace (Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27).
• When I am weak, He strengthens me (Isaiah 41:10). 
• When I am afraid, He frees me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).
• When I am weary, He takes my burdens (Matthew 11:28-30).
• When I am hopeless, He is my hope (Jonah 2:7). 
• When I’m not sure which way to turn, He’ll guide my steps (Proverbs 16:3). 
• When I am in distress, He will comfort me (Psalm 91:14-15). 

Lord, let me never forget that You are my refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble. There is no reason to despair as long as I keep my hope in You.

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 8:33

The word “reproach” isn’t often used anymore. But it’s a pretty powerful word. It can be described as “blame conveyed in disapproval and discredit.” Or, more simply put, it is “disgrace.” Just reading those words puts a pit in my stomach—how about you? To experience reproach is no fun and brings feelings of shame and regret. 

As fallen humans, we sin. Because we are separated from God, we all seek to fill our God-shaped void with any means. Maybe it’s people, things, substances, or self-idolatry. But nothing will satisfy—and, often, our pursuit becomes more and more desperate. We may feel regret, but we turn to the next thing in hopes of approval and peace. In full transparency, before I came to trust Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life choices could fill a small book with the one-word title: Ashamed. 

And Satan—the enemy of our soul—loves this. His goal is to keep us separated from God, so he hisses in our ear, day and night, about our past failures and regrets. But God provided a Way of reconciliation. Jesus Christ built a bridge between fallen mankind and God through His death and resurrection. Accepting this gift of grace brings us true peace and satisfaction. 

When we admit our sinful nature, not only is He faithful to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), but we no longer live under condemnation (Romans 8:1)! We are presented faultless before God (Jude 24). Beyond merely blameless (without blemish), we are made beyond reproach (Colossians 1:22)! This means that no one can bring a charge against us (Romans 8:33). Satan may still be hurling accusations about us to God, but, friend, none of them will stick against we whom Christ has reconciled (Revelation 12:10).

God sees us now as we’ll be in heaven when we’re glorified (that is, when we stand before Him after death). Right now, He views us clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. Our response—the way we walk through this life—is, as John MacArthur says, to “practice becoming what we are in reality before God” (Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18). We will continue to sin, of course, but we repent and keep moving forward in pursuit of holiness. Through our relationship with Jesus, we will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11).

Isn’t this amazing news? When we surrender to Jesus, that God-shaped void is filled. We are made new, washed as white as snow. And we can joyfully hold fast to the Truth of Psalm 34:5: We who look to Him are radiant, and our faces will never be ashamed.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me holy and blameless. Thank You that, through Jesus, I am beyond reproach from my past, present, and future sins.

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.       

Ephesians 2:19

When we are “alienated” from someone, we are estranged from them—separated. The relationship is damaged. If you’ve experienced this with a friend, for example, something likely happened to create this sense of disconnectedness. Maybe it was a deep disagreement or lack of forgiveness. Today, in fact, alienation between friends and family is happening at an alarming (and very, very sad) rate because of the current cultural divisiveness.

But, friend, did you know that the very first experience of alienation happened with our original parents—Adam and Eve—in the Garden? When they chose to sin and ignore God’s plan for their lives, their perfect relationship with Him was broken. They were alienated from God, and their sin opened the door to bodily death and earthly demise. And because of that first sin choice, we—every human-race relative of the First Couple—are also estranged from God.

But God, through Jesus Christ, reconciled Himself to us (Colossians 1:21-23). He restored that perfect relationship we were originally created to have. Does that mean we are “perfect” humans once we accept the sacrifice made by Christ on our behalf? Not at all! But our relationship with God is made right, and we are made righteous to stand before our righteous God. It is in response to that restoration that we walk in the direction of obedience, standing firm on God’s Word, and becoming more and more like Jesus as we move through this world.

And as one alienation ceases, another one begins.

See, once our relationship with God is restored, we must then alienate—separate—ourselves from this world. We cannot be in the world and of it. We can no longer love the same things the world loves while we love and serve the Lord (1 John 2:15-17). We become “aliens” in this life—we’re no longer citizens here but in heaven (Phil 3:20). And as citizens of heaven and servants of the King of kings, we are called to be holy (set apart) as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15).  

Ah, but we must also separate ourselves without isolating! We can’t hide away our newfound light under a basket (Matthew 5:14-15; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33). As citizens of heaven, we are also meant to be ambassadors of our King—resident aliens who share the good news of restoration to those who are now alienated from God. 

Lord, thank You for restoring my relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus. May I represent Your kingdom well.