Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

June 9
Saturday


READ:
Colossians 1:24-29
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To this end I also labor,
striving according to
His working which
works in me mightily.
__Colossians 1:29
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I love going to Chicago's wrigley Field for a baseball game--sitting in the stands, downing a great hot dog, and cheering the Cubs on to victory!

Unfortunately, Christianity has become a lot like professional sports. As a friend of mine has observed, there are nine guys on the baseball field doing all the work and thousands in the stands just watching. And as you probably know, that's not God's game plan for His people. He wants us to climb out of the stands, get out on the field, and join the team.

If you are wondering what good you can do on the field, wonder no more. What about your financial resources? Jesus can take your "silver and gold" and use it to accomplish great things for His glory.

But more than just getting out your checkbook, you have gifts you can contribute. God has given each of us spiritual gifts that can help advance His kingdom. Whether it's teaching, encouraging, serving, showing hospitality, or extending mercy, each ability can yield great dividends. Let's follow the example of Paul, who tirelessly served on God's field for the joy of being used by Him (Col. 1:28-29).

Believe me, it's far more rewarding to be on the field than to sit in the stands. __Joe Stowell
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~~~~~~~~~~~~Start where you are in serving the Lord,~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~Claim His sure promise and trust in His Word;~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~God siimply asks you to do what you can,~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~He'll use your efforts to further His plan. __Anon.~~~~~
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Don't make a cemetery of your life
by burying your talents.

************Today's bible Reading --------Colossians 1:24-29********

24 I now rejoice in my
sufferings for you, and
fill up in my flesh what is
lacking in the afflictions of
Christ, for the sake of His
body, which is the church,

25 of which I became a
minister according to the
stewardship from God
which was given to me for
you, to fulfill the word of
God, 26 the mystery which
has been hidden from ages
and from generations, but
now has been revealed to
His saints. 27 To them God
willed to make known what
are the reiches of the glory
of this mystery among the
Gentiles: which is Christ in
you, the hope of glory.

28 Him we preach, warning
every man and teaching
every man in all wisdom,
that we may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus.

29 To this end I also labor,
striving acording to His
working which works in me
mightily.
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The church at Colosse was a rarity in that Paul wrote them a letter even though he was not involved in the founding of the church. The letter was written as part of the "prison epistles" ---four letters Paul wrote while under arrest in Rome (including the letters to the Ephesians, the Philippians, and Paul's friend, Philemon). It was carried back to Colosse by Epaphras. Colosse was near the city of Laodicea. The letter was intended to be shared by the two churches (4:16). __WEC

[Mackenaw]

Amen, Amen and Amen

Our resources -- everything that we have came from Him. God is so good to provide for us, so why do we hang on to the resources like we can't trust Him? Oh mercyful God. Thank You for the reminders.