PEACE WITH GOD
Today’s Reading: Colossians 1
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Located just outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem, this rock face is believed by many to be “Golgotha” or “The Place of the Skull” (Matthew 27:33), where Jesus was crucified. Isaiah 53:10 tells us that,”It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” God was “Pleased.” “The pleasure of the Lord.” What a sublime mystery! Let’s think deeply about this.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Colossians 1:19-20
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Just in case we might miss Paul’s main theme for this letter, he repeats the Name of Jesus, or a personal pronoun referring to Jesus, about 30 times in today’s reading. Jesus is the Lord of creation (1:16-17), the Source of reconciliation (1:20-22), the Reason for the believer’s hope (1:5, 1:23, 27), the Strength to live a new life (1:11 & 29), our Redeemer (1:14), 100% fully God (1:15 & 19), the Reason the cosmos exists and holds together (1:16, 17), the Head of the Church, the resurrected One, the preeminent Person in the universe (1:18), the Peacemaker between God and humanity (1:20), and the One who works mightily in us (1:29). Do we have the message clearly in our minds and hearts? God’s answer to human need is “Jesus.” We got this fact as children in Sunday School. We may remember that when the teacher asked a question, we would usually guess the answer was “Jesus.” Jesus taught that we are to become as little children (Matthew 18:1-5). In contrast to the first Covenant of God with mankind, which we read about yesterday (about keeping laws and regulations), the New Covenant is all about a Person and a personal relationship with Him.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I believe IN You, not just about You. I believe IN You as a bride believes in her man whom she meets at the altar of God. I give You, Lord, my entire life forever and ever. As Paul gave thanks and prayed consistently for the people of Colosse, even so I give thanks and pray for all my blog brothers and sisters. I’m praying from the “prayer book” of Colossians (1: 9-11), and I believe God says a resounding “YES!” to my prayers. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’ve attached a movie clip to the blog of what I believe is most powerful. It features actor Bruce Marchiano as Jesus, quoting the actual words of Jesus. The Apostle Matthew was Bruce’s script writer. Bruce has often guested on the 100 Huntley Street telecast. My mind is putting Colossians chapter one as an overlay to the movie scene. I am deeply moved! (Click here to watch a short video clip).
I have had the honour in several communities to serve as a Chaplain for veterans associations. Invariably, when I spoke at memorial services, I chose today’s key verse as my text. Those who gave their lives for our country have made a great sacrifice. Jesus gave His life to make peace with God and between all people groups. He “made peace through the blood of His cross.” I share the fact that each of us must receive Jesus into our lives in order to experience the peace Jesus wants us to have. Many veterans and their family members have done this right there at the memorial service.
Yours for knowing and experiencing who Jesus is,
David
What an inspiration Paul was to fellow believers and probably those “sitting on the fence”. How great that u and people like u Rev. M. exist. I thank God every night for your kind and all the good u do.
Thank u Sah for your kind prayer. I’m honoured.
I go to bed early every night so missed your posting yesterday Beverlee. We fly to Italy in Sep. R u going?
I see prayer requests on this blog and pray God answers each and every one of them. My big time for prayer is at bed time but talk to Jesus (not out loud) all day.
Blessings fellow saints.
same here!
Dear Pastor David, I receive so much nourishment from your blog. It is spiritual food for the day. I often go back and reread it. I enjoy news of your family also. I have watched your show since the beginning days. I have seen you in public afew times ;and used to go to the retreats with Ann your daughter in law and Moira.you are all a big part of my life. I pray for your continued good health and blessings. Love colleen.
Amen. Thank you for your prayers David. This is a dedication and sacrifice on your part which we appreciate every day.
I am deeply moved and honoured that you pray for everyone
on this blog Pastor Mainse, thankyou from the bottom of my heart.
I believe God is speaking to us through you, Praise God Almighty
in whom we trust! Amen!
May God answer each prayer request in Jesus Name, Amen!
Thank you, David Mainse! I am so grateful for the example of endurance that you are providing! May God bless you richly!
Interesting that verse 20 says reconcile all things on earth AND in heaven. Does this mean there will still be work to do in heaven reconciling things that are not right?
just a thought: if you are in Heaven then things got reconciled!
I certainly am not an expert on the Bible, Brent. However, the passage you are reading is about the ‘Supremacy of the Son of God’ Jesus Christ (the heading before verse 15). 19 “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” It is not talking about humans being reconciled. Therefore, in reading that, we make no assumptions.
Typo: It is not talking about humans being reconciled in heaven.
In addition, “by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” signifies God’s work in Jesus dying for us; through His blood and His wounds, we are healed.
Amen to all, & I join with you all in your prayers and thanksgiving. We all give thanks to God for this ministry, for Crossroads, & for all the godly leaders God has given us. Thanks especially to all the Mainse family for all your work for the Lord. It certainly is not in vain. Keep going, everyone! None of our work for God is in vain.
Love the Apostle Paul, and Colossians! God bless you, David, and all the saints, on this first day of August! Amen!
I Am Yours – Casting Crowns lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujSGPxnIKc
“Create in me a clean heart, O God…take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11
Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, alone,
Can turn our hearts from sin;
His power alone can sanctify
And keep us pure within.
Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, alone
Can deeper love inspire;
His power alone within our souls
Can light the sacred fire.
Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, can bring
The gifts we seek in prayer;
His voice can words of comfort speak,
And still each wave of care.
Thy Holy Spirit, Lord, can give
The grace we need this hour;
And while we wait, O Spirit, come
In sanctifying power.
Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
I pray that parents will realize the importance of the Gospel in their lives as well as their children! Lord God bless all those who are involved in Children’s Ministry all over the world!
There are 2 things that God wants of His people;
–to care for the children of the world and
–to look after the elderly of the world.
I pray that parents will step up and start some programs for children even if they have to do this in their homes, a gathering of children, a snack, a Bible Story, some songs because children love to sing and especially “action” songs, and then prayer and then off to home,
Give us direction Lord! amen
I appreciated your break-down of Colossians 1…it makes it come alive. Thank you Rev. David. And for all that you share; it is so appreciated and a blessing to me!!
All the pictures and your explanations of each one too.
I pray God’s special anointing and blessing on you and Norman-Jean and all your family. Amen!!!
Thank you Beverlee for the link, It was a blessing of which I especially needed at this time.
Well put Sah, children need to know they are loved.