Colossians 1:18-29

[Lani]

Read: Colossians 1:18-29
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.


God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NRSV)





Mrs. Younghold came to our house once a week for my piano lesson. After checking my posture and hand position, she'd put a gold star at the top of the page of my music book. Her parting words were always, "Practice makes perfect."

Sometimes when I practiced on my own, I'd get sloppy and careless. But Mom would notice and make me go back over the music until I got it. Then she would remind me again, "practice makes perfect."

Did I become an accomplished musician? No, In my case, practice didn't make perfect. However, I retain a love of music and good habits that are helpful in other areas of my life, and I don't regret having had the training.

Now, as a Christian, I practice spiritual disciplines, but they don't make me perfect either. That's because what I do myself can't make me perfect. Only what Jesus did on the cross can. Jesus took the penalty for my sins on himself so I could be reconciled to God. Because of Christ, we don't have to be perfect. Now my music is all about thanking and praising God. It's not perfect, but to God it's a joyful sound.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us always to find new ways to praise you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Music Teachers and Students

Thought for the Day: God doesn't Expect us to be perfect.

Story shared by: E. Cardwell (CA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 6/30/11

[sbennett]

I really want to play my piano now!!! Great verse. Thanks Lani.