Colossians 1:15–17

"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
     He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
for through him God created everything
     in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see
     and the things we can't see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
     Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else,
     and he holds all creation together."

 

An Eastern view of reality says that creation is a manifestation of God, but it does not posit any God above and apart from creation. The Bible says that everything in the physical realm has its source in a nonphysical reality, including Jesus. But Jesus is over all of creation and, in fact, holds it together at every moment. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, and the author of all that is, visible and invisible. He is the One who created it all and holds it all together. It's all about Jesus!

Proverbs 18:20–21

"Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
     the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life;
     those who love to talk will reap the consequences."

 

Our words can kill or nourish life. Today, pay attention to your words. Use them judiciously. Imagine they are coins. Don't toss them away. Invest them wisely . . . and reap the rewards.

Colossians 1:11–14

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."

 

In this world, we run short of patience and endurance. These are plentiful with God, however. We have an inheritance from him—access to all his power, for he purchased our freedom himself. For this we are to always thank the Father. We live now in the light, not in darkness. If anything is dark in your life, ask God to shed his light on it. Our heritage is light; we are no longer in the dark kingdom. Claim your inheritance of the light of life!