Daily Devotions
New devotions are posted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Sustaining life in the Spirit
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ[a] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[c] 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:14-17
When working with couples preparing for marriage, I give them several options for scripture readings to use in their wedding. This passage from Colossians is one of my favorites that several couples have chosen. It addresses a couple about the basics of their relationship and calls them to build their life together on love, gratitude, wisdom, faith and worship. The apostle Paul was not writing about marriage, however. He was writing about the whole Christian community. So, this reading is about us all and the life of overflowing faith.
The community of faith is essential for sustaining life in the spirit. It carries us when we falter, encourages us when we act in the name of Jesus by our words and deeds, challenges us with wisdom, and sustains us in worship and praise. Such “community” is built within our closest relationship but, is strongest when lived in the diversity of many.
One thing that stands out to me though, is the importance of thanks and gratitude. It is mentioned three times in this brief reading. “Be thankful” in verse 15; “with gratitude in your hearts sing” v. 16; and “giving thanks to God” v. 17. Thanks, and gratitude are building blocks for the community of faith and essential to an attitude of love, peace, wisdom and harmony.
God of perfect harmony, give us love, wisdom, gratitude and peace to build lives of overflowing faith. Let our worship and our words and deeds be done in the name of Jesus so that our community will be filled with gratitude and our faith give honor to you. Amen.
Previously…
Unbound
Today’s devotion is by Prince of Peace member Bob Reichman. 2 Timothy 3:14-4:8, 16-18 I can’t recall how old I was, but I must have been pretty young because although I was allowed to cross the suburban street my house was on I was not allowed to cross the street a...
“The time” has come
Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Pr. Steve Sylvester. “The time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away...
God’s great gift for us: Nature
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Karen Carr. Almost every day my husband and I walk Coco, our little dog, to the river and back. How fortunate we are to live near so much beautiful water. We start at the top of Minnehaha Falls, travel down the first set of...
God’s great gift for us: Endurance
2 Timothy 2:8-15 Today's author is Prince of Peace member Karen Carr. Thirty-eight years ago I finished my college degree at the University of Minnesota where I majored in Women’s Studies and English. I was 29 years old and thrilled [and somewhat relieved] to complete...