Devotional
A Word from Kathy: Empty or Full
02/04/12 09:54 AM
Empty or Full
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col.2:8-10 NKJV
In verse 8, Scripture says, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit.” No one likes to be cheated. It goes against the grain. But Paul says that’s exactly what happens when we settle for the traditions of men and basic worldly principles. Human logic, when relied on completely, leaves one feeling hollow and empty. When I have exercised faith in my own thoughts, God responds to faith and does a complete work, bringing joy. The NIV says, “See to it that no one takes you captive.” It’s easier to be on our guard with obvious evils, but how about philosophical ideas that come over time and, little by little, chisel away at our faith. It leaves us in bondage and captive to a hollow way of life.
When writing to the Colossians, Paul compared empty and hollow, to fullness in Christ. I don’t think any of us would initially choose to be deceived, so that’s why we’re admonished to be “on our guard”.
So, here is what God offers: the fullness of Christ. In the Greek, “you are complete in Him” (vs. 10), means: “Christians are those who are pervaded (i.e. richly furnished) with the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit: rooted as it were in Christ, i.e. by virtue of the intimate relationship entered into with Him.” (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament #4137)
The fullness of all the Godhead in Christ is waiting to fill any individual. He lives and dwells in those that have a personal relationship with Him. All of heaven is readily available to anyone that allows Christ to flow through him. 2 Pet.1:3 states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him.” God doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves in this life. On the contrary, everything we need has already been provided. Faith accepts Jesus’ finished work and allows His power to work in us and through us. So, don’t settle for LESS, but allow Jesus to fill you with His FULLNESS!
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col.2:8-10 NKJV
In verse 8, Scripture says, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit.” No one likes to be cheated. It goes against the grain. But Paul says that’s exactly what happens when we settle for the traditions of men and basic worldly principles. Human logic, when relied on completely, leaves one feeling hollow and empty. When I have exercised faith in my own thoughts, God responds to faith and does a complete work, bringing joy. The NIV says, “See to it that no one takes you captive.” It’s easier to be on our guard with obvious evils, but how about philosophical ideas that come over time and, little by little, chisel away at our faith. It leaves us in bondage and captive to a hollow way of life.
When writing to the Colossians, Paul compared empty and hollow, to fullness in Christ. I don’t think any of us would initially choose to be deceived, so that’s why we’re admonished to be “on our guard”.
So, here is what God offers: the fullness of Christ. In the Greek, “you are complete in Him” (vs. 10), means: “Christians are those who are pervaded (i.e. richly furnished) with the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit: rooted as it were in Christ, i.e. by virtue of the intimate relationship entered into with Him.” (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament #4137)
The fullness of all the Godhead in Christ is waiting to fill any individual. He lives and dwells in those that have a personal relationship with Him. All of heaven is readily available to anyone that allows Christ to flow through him. 2 Pet.1:3 states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him.” God doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves in this life. On the contrary, everything we need has already been provided. Faith accepts Jesus’ finished work and allows His power to work in us and through us. So, don’t settle for LESS, but allow Jesus to fill you with His FULLNESS!
From Steve's Journal
07/21/10 03:44 PM
How much harder will it get? What helps me?
I wished I could say it will be easier, but I can’t. I can tell you that you can mature in faith and move in His rest! Hebrews 4:9-11 and 6:1. Worship helps me! The secret place time with God helps me! The Word of God helps me!
We can’t seem to go more than a week or two in this world before the next catastrophic event. You must know who is in control! Hebrews 1:3
What’s missing? There is the absence of the sacred and holy. There is the lack of the fear of God in the land. Nothing is respected. Humanity glorifies the wrong things. You are here on this earth to glorify God! Ephesians 1:4, 12; Jeremiah 9:24
What changes your level of maturity in Christ? The depth of the cross laid to your self life! Romans: 6, 7, and 8, Galatians 2:20
If Jesus is the answer what are the questions? Will you die one day ? YES. Are you a sinner? YES. Is there a judgment day? YES. Do you need a Savior to enter heaven? YES. Whoever calls on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Is your reward here or is it stored and waiting in eternity? Some things I willingly lay down or give up here in this life in order to lay up riches in Heaven. God sees your pursuit of Him in place of pursuing and coveting things. I believe He gives it back to me in areas like the anointing, in fruit, in people, in doors, in good works & in souls. Matthew 6:19-20, Rev 22:12
I wished I could say it will be easier, but I can’t. I can tell you that you can mature in faith and move in His rest! Hebrews 4:9-11 and 6:1. Worship helps me! The secret place time with God helps me! The Word of God helps me!
We can’t seem to go more than a week or two in this world before the next catastrophic event. You must know who is in control! Hebrews 1:3
What’s missing? There is the absence of the sacred and holy. There is the lack of the fear of God in the land. Nothing is respected. Humanity glorifies the wrong things. You are here on this earth to glorify God! Ephesians 1:4, 12; Jeremiah 9:24
What changes your level of maturity in Christ? The depth of the cross laid to your self life! Romans: 6, 7, and 8, Galatians 2:20
If Jesus is the answer what are the questions? Will you die one day ? YES. Are you a sinner? YES. Is there a judgment day? YES. Do you need a Savior to enter heaven? YES. Whoever calls on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Is your reward here or is it stored and waiting in eternity? Some things I willingly lay down or give up here in this life in order to lay up riches in Heaven. God sees your pursuit of Him in place of pursuing and coveting things. I believe He gives it back to me in areas like the anointing, in fruit, in people, in doors, in good works & in souls. Matthew 6:19-20, Rev 22:12
A Word from Kathy on Rewards
07/21/10 02:49 PM
REWARDS
Win a vacation! Go on a shopping spree! Trade in your points for a new set of luggage!
At times we’re inundated with offers to earn points for mileage, groceries, or travel, etc. As we accumulate points we may trade them in for rewards offered by different companies. Sometimes we’ll buy products, we normally would bypass, just to add to our totals, bringing us closer to the rewards we’ll qualify for from a list of desired offers that we can choose from.
Every day in our Christian walk we are making decisions that affect our eternal rewards. Rewards with eternal value are based on how we live life now. With all the attention placed on failing earthly rewards, it’s comforting to know we have treasures in heaven where thieves can’t steal, rust can’t damage, nor moths eat away and destroy.
Read More...
Win a vacation! Go on a shopping spree! Trade in your points for a new set of luggage!
At times we’re inundated with offers to earn points for mileage, groceries, or travel, etc. As we accumulate points we may trade them in for rewards offered by different companies. Sometimes we’ll buy products, we normally would bypass, just to add to our totals, bringing us closer to the rewards we’ll qualify for from a list of desired offers that we can choose from.
Every day in our Christian walk we are making decisions that affect our eternal rewards. Rewards with eternal value are based on how we live life now. With all the attention placed on failing earthly rewards, it’s comforting to know we have treasures in heaven where thieves can’t steal, rust can’t damage, nor moths eat away and destroy.
Read More...
The Secret Place by Steve Manning
03/07/07 05:02 AM
This message was preached at a revival conference in Litchfield, Illinois. Listen as Steve describes the greatest place known to man - "the Secret Place of the Most High"
Download Podcast
Download Podcast