Colossians 1:15-23

Jesus can and does make a tremendous difference in our life, however, we have to accept him first. In Paul’s time, many people felt forsaken by God; their local gods seem so impotent before the might of Rome and its vast growing empire. Paul called Christ “the image of the invisible God” (v15). It was in Christ that God was able to clarify people’s expectations as to who God was. What they see is a redeemer, a God of mercy and love. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Corinthians is widely considered the greatest love passage in the Bible. What it does is identify various and diverse qualities of this most complex attitude, emotion and Christian virtue. Without love, everything else is worthless. The words from vs 4-7 describe love's nature, in language designed to point to how poorly the Corinthians were measuring up. Love is permanent. What we know from this passage is that love remains the greatest challenge today.

Colossians 1:1-14

The challenge to “live a life worthy of the Lord” (v10) is a constant call on the lives of Christians. It is God’s intention that Christians live and serve in whatever situation they may find themselves in “bearing fruit” (v9) while giving thanks to God for what he has done and continues to do in our lives. Being a Christian is something that affects our lives in both word and deed.

Psalm 139:1-18

Kelly Ballarie captures many of the thoughts from our women when she says, “May I admit something to you all? When I am at my worst, I doubt who I am. I doubt I am good. I doubt I am valuable. Some days, I know, I don't look an iota like Jesus. I look in the mirror, but his image I do not see. Instead, I see the image of a woman who is flawed, faulted and failing. I can be hard on myself.” This comment captures the thoughts of many of our women, who want their men to stand by them for better or worse. 

Ephesians 4:1-6

As men and women, our Christianity is God-directed, Christ defined and others oriented. Christians are to extend to each other, love, service, humility, patience, gentleness and much much more. Above all else, we are called “to live a life worthy of our calling”

Philippians 3:16-21

Ephesians 4:11-16

Matthew 6:9-14

Psalm 119:9-16

Psalm 1