Bible Journey > Colossians

Here are my thoughts and highlights from Colossians as I continue my journey through the Bible:

• "The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope."
• It’s seems pretty clear to me that God intends for us to experience joy in our lives. And, if we don’t have joy, I would argue we’re outside of God’s will.
• "By giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence."
• Paul said, "I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly way you conduct your affairs." Apparently Paul was a simply strategic guy as well.
• It’s not just enough to know the Word and know my "way around the faith." I have to live it. I need to put it into action. "School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!"
• We’re supposed to "Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything." And most of those people have blogs.
• Paul describes the symbolism behind baptism. He said, "Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ."
• I know I’m supposed to view life from God’s perspective to better understand my purpose. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to see God’s perspective. His vision is better and bigger than mine.
• Christ-followers are supposed to be characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, being even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense and love. Do people see that in me? I want them to.
• "Husbands, go all out in love for your wives." Amen.
• "Children, do what your parents tell you." Amen.
• "Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children." What?! You mean parenting is more than just telling your kids what to do and where to go?
• "Be gracious in your speech [and writing]. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out."