Colossians 1:24-29 – “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body—for the sake of his body, the church—what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.  ²⁵ I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God—given to me for you—in order to complete the word of God, ²⁶ that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints.  ²⁷ God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  ²⁸ We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.  ²⁹ Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, a thought exploded in my spirit.  It is found in Colossians 1:26-27 and is further developed throughout the rest of the book.   “Christ IN You, the Hope of Glory!”

The thought that was reverberating in my spirit was the full scope of “Christ IN us.”    We say it, sing it, testify of it, but do we manifest it?  How real and literal is it to us?

In Colossians 1:22-23, we find that through the Cross, we are enabled to be transformed into people who are holy, without reproach, and blameless.    He is, but are we?    That depends on “Christ IN us” being a realized reality.

He said this would be our condition and position “IF.”   That dastardly little word “if” keeps interfering with our precepts and concepts.     “IF” we continue in faith and our foundation remains firm.   “IF” we are not moved from the hope of the gospel, we will experience this transformation.    We will manifest HIM.   It all begins with “Christ IN us.”

In Colossians 2:9, we read an incredible declaration.  “For in Him is embodied all the fullness of the Godhead.”   Keep in mind this: Christ is IN us through the new birth.  IN us.    What does that mean?    How does that look in manifestation?   How does He look?   How does He live?  What does He do?   What attitude does He exhibit?   Is that what we offer?  Then, I ask, is “Christ IN us” in a manifested reality?

If He is LORD, we are totally surrendered to His Lordship.  If He is IN us and the LORD, His life is manifested through us.   What is the overriding passion and pursuit of our lives?   If He is IN us, Colossians 3 informs us how we are to live.

It begins “IF” we have risen with Jesus in the newness of life, THEN.   Seek Him and the things of heaven.  THEN, you set your mind on heavenly Christ things, the things His mind is set on.   THEN, you mortify your earthly members: immorality, uncleanness, intemperate desires, evil lust, and covetousness, for these are idolatry.

In verse 8, THEN, if Christ is IN you through the new birth, you PUT OFF: anger, malice, wrath, blasphemy, foul conversation.   Do not lie to one another, and put away the old ways of life, which include selfishness.

In verse 12, he reminds us that IF Christ is IN us, THEN we are to put on (not pray for God to do it for us) mercy, gentleness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.

In verse 15, we are to let (think about that word) the peace of Christ govern your hearts and let (that word again) His word dwell in you abundantly.   Then, he gives a pathway to bringing the fleshly man in line.  Teach and admonish one another (restoration is always the goal).  We do this in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs sung with grace!

Is Christ IN us?   Can others see it?  Do we see it?  If He is IN us, then the fullness of the Godhead is IN us.   Sin cannot defeat us.   No devil in hell can hinder us.  Nothing is impossible for us.  We have ALL the authority of the Godhead operating IN and THROUGH us.    Is that us?

That is my heart’s cry – Total surrender and total reception of the finished work of Jesus!   That is our heritage.  That is our provision.  That is our invitation.  That is our promise.   

May Christ be manifested in each of us daily and in all things!

Philippians 2:16 – “For (Because or since) you are to them (the lost world) the light of life…”

As I read, prayed, and contemplated the Word of God, a revelation or declaration by Paul to the Philippians gripped my heart. Philippians 2:16 is a powerful reminder and challenge.   I wonder how often we consider our impact on those outside the faith.   Many focus on maintaining a good reputation in the church but often fail to realize that because we have the True Light (Jesus) within us, we become lights to the world.

In verse 12, he said, “Work out (practice) your own salvation with reverence and trembling.”  He had been addressing obedience and submission to Jesus.   In verses 13-14, he reminds us that our ability to live comes from God, as we are inspired by the Holy Spirit.  In verse 14, we are instructed, “Do all things without disputing and doubting.” Unity and faith.  Unity with each other and complete confidence in God.

In verse 15, he explained why we seek and do this.  “That you may be sincere and blameless, like the innocent children of God, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world…”   That brings us full circle back to the reality of our purpose.  We are to be light to the world.  Examples of righteousness.  Unimpeachable witnesses to the lost.  Conscious of our impact.

Someone said, “You are the only Bible some people ever read.  What is the gospel according to you?”    Paul’s example consistently demonstrated humility and trust.  It was a life of adaptation, being content with little or much and with ease and trial.  Paul demonstrated a life of thankfulness and gratitude.  In Philippians 4:4-8, we have a life pattern that not only liberates us but also serves as a light to the world.  From that lifestyle and condition, Paul could say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Be Thankful.  Be aware that you are a Light to the world.  Is your light, light, or darkness?

Psalm 23:1 – “The LORD is…”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, the 23rd Psalm drew me like a moth to a flame.  It has long been a comfort, a challenge, and an encouragement.

It begins, “The LORD IS…”   That is the indispensable foundation.  If we fail to capture the “Is-ness” of God, none of the remaining promises has any power for us.  He IS…

Then, because He IS, we can embrace Him as our shepherd.  He is the one who watches over and provides for us.  And, because He IS and is our shepherd, “I shall not want.”   Want is lack.    Because He is all sense of lack dissipates.    Why?    He has all things and has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.   He supplies all our needs according to His abundance.   All belongs to Him.   He cares for all of creation.  “The LORD IS my shepherd; I shall not want.” That’s our position and promise in Christ.

Then, the Psalmist takes us on a visual journey detailing the abundance of God’s provision for those to whom He IS and shepherds them.  Green pastures (daily provision).  Still waters (renewal and regeneration).  Restoration in our souls (spiritual nourishment and enlightenment).   Paths of righteousness (godliness).

He continues with assurance that no matter what we face, we have the God who IS with us.  The Living God is guiding every step.  Awareness of His “Is-ness” drives out all fear because fear lives in uncertainty, and if we are conscious and confident that He IS, there is no uncertainty.

Then, we see the pavilion tent of rest, protection, and provision – “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…”   Take devil: you can see me, but the God who IS, is providing for me, and to touch me, you have to go through Him.

“Anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over.”    The Isaiah 61 anointing is ours, and we have a well springing up inside to enable us to live, but also to bless others with life!

Then comes the finale – “Surely goodness and mercy shall relentlessly pursue me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”   There is nowhere to hide from His provisions, protection, and presence.  Because He IS, we are more than conquerors.  We pull down strongholds.  We set captives free.  We give what we have, and we have HIM, which means we have EVERYTHING, NO LACK!

It is time to refocus on the “IS-ness” of God.   When He IS in our hearts, He can become LORD of our lives.  It is then that we become who He says we are, More Than Conquerors!

Let’s learn to rest and rely on the “is-ness” of God!   He is our Shepherd!

Psalm 15:1 – “LORD, who shall dwell in Thy Tabernacle?  Who shall inhabit Thy Holy Mountain?”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, my thoughts focused on Psalm 15, 18, and Galatians 5.   The question of the Psalmist reverberates in my heart and produces both desire and conviction simultaneously.

Psalm 15:1 asked an incredible question.  For some, that question is discouraging.  They think it is not possible, so they drift into the clutches of despair.  Others hear this and long to be qualified or accepted, and to make this a reality in their life.  The goal is to dwell in God’s presence.  Abide in His shadow, live in His temple, and be covered by His protective shield.

Who can?  Who can dwell in the Tabernacle of God?   In vv.  2-3, we read, “He that walks uprightly and works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart.  3 He that deceives not with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor accepts a bribe from his neighbor.”  Remember, the definition of who our neighbor is that Jesus gave in the parable of the Good Samaritan is a guide.

In Psalm 18:32-35, we find that it is God who wraps us up in His strength, enabling us to live in purity.  He enables us to maintain a good balance as we navigate the rocky road of life and lifts us into His presence, equipping us for the war and strengthening us for the journey.

In Galatians, and especially in Chapter 5, we realize that God’s Grace equips us, but we also have a responsibility.  We receive Grace and then, by an act of our will, avoid or reject the works of darkness.  Galatians 5:1 – “Stand firm therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, AND be not harnessed again under the yoke of servitude.” What we obey, we become servants to.

In Galatians 5:18-26, we have a detailed list of lifestyles to resist and reject.  We have the New Testament response to the question of Psalm 15.  We put off and put on, and what we put off and put on determines where we abide spiritually.

In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul connects everything to the Law of Sowing and Reaping.  The principle Jesus gave in Luke 6:38 is the principle of life.  Cause and effect lived out.

Do we desire to dwell in God’s Tabernacle and live on His Holy Mountain of the Presence of God?  Then we receive His Grace and do our part, rejecting the works of darkness and embracing the fruit of His Spirit.  It is not working to earn favor, but working out of favor that establishes us.  It is Grace, Faith, and Choice.

If our heart craves nearness to God more than life itself, we will experience Him like never before!