Dana Hagstrom – Page 495

Colossians 1:15-23 – Supremacy

Jesus. He existed before anything else. Anything. He holds creation together. That is quite something.

I think of the laminin cell in our bodies. Looking like a cross. Glorious. If you haven’t ever seen Louie Giglio’s talk on this amazing cell, check it out here. As Jesus holds the world, so he also reconciles us to his father. It is only through Jesus that we are able to enter the presence of God. I’m overwhelmed. The presence of God.

What do you imagine when you see the face of God? If you’ve not ever thought of that moment when you meet God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit face to face, take a moment to think through that encounter.

I can imagine running into the arms of God. The warmest embrace ever. It is all because of Jesus, the one who reconciled us all. We can stand before God. It’s not because we are something wonderful. No! It is because we have a wonderful Savior who has given us the introduction, who has paid the price for our admission.

The key here is that Jesus is FIRST, he is supreme. If we have Jesus, we have God. But verse 23 warns us to continue in that truth and stand firm, don’t drift away. So often we do drift away. I drifted away. I may have been far away from God in my own mind, but I was never far from God in his mind. That’s a good thing for all of us.

Let’s pray. Lord I give you thanks that I have been able to overcome all that I have in this life. I realize it has not been on my own but only with you assistance and patience with me. I have a heart full of gratefulness for all that God has done, and for the price Jesus paid for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Colossians 1:1-14 – Redeemed!

Read Colossians 1:1-14

Before starting Book 4 of the Psalms with the next up psalm, Psalm 90, I thought we’d take a diversion to the New Testament. We’ll walk together through the Book of Colossians and let the words of Paul encourage us!

I love the opening greeting of each epistle (letter). Colossians is especially awesome. Paul is such a great encourager, isn’t he? God used him in such amazing ways to grow his church in those early days. Oh-to be more like Paul in that regard!!

The prayer in verse 9 is what really spoke to me today. That God would give us all COMPLETE knowledge of his will. What a blessing to have spiritual wisdom so we can please and honor God in all things. All we have to do is ask. How many of us forget to ask? Or perhaps many of us are either afraid to listen or too busy to listen?

I think that if we all did a better job of asking God and listening to Him, the world would look so much different. So, how do we get the message out? How do we let people know the answers, the wisdom, and God’s will for our lives is here? God is ready to reveal himself!

Are you like me? I struggle with knowing what God’s Will is for me, and I hope that I am living in it. So many times over my life I have gone astray and been separated from God, by my own doing. I always knew he was there, and he was, watching over me, waiting for me to look in his direction. He never pressured me. He never begged me. He just waited. Patiently waited. Oh how that makes my heart overflow. He waited. He watched.

Now it’s my turn. I need to be waiting and watching for him and Jesus return. What else does God want from me? How can I make a difference? I need to empty myself of me so I can be more filled with him. That is my prayer today.

Let’s pray. Father, empty me of me so I can be filled up with you. Give me assurance that I am doing what you have made me to do. Help me bless those around me, and use me for your purpose. Thank you for the strength and power you share with me to give me the endurance for each day. Fill me anew with your joy. My heart is grateful for the inheritance you have promised me. Help me not keep it all to myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 89 – It’s All God’s

Read Psalm 89

This is a long psalm, one not credited to David. There are a lot of gems in this psalm as it praises God and tells of His promises. So that we can focus on God’s goodness, because it would be easy to get distracted with what happens her in the later verses. I’m going to pick one of those “gems” and focus on that today. You may have a different gem, and I would encourage you to write out your thoughts and feelings, too.

Verse 11 is what does it for me today. “The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours—you created it all.”

That is sobering, isn’t it? In this world of commercialism and greed, there is always a rush to get more. To have so much stuff, new stuff to upgrade the old, old stuff to reminiscence the past, colorful stuff to decorate and make our homes welcoming. Just look around at all the stuff. Who does it belong to? Really? The sooner we realize that and accept it, the better.

This whole idea was first brought home for me during a financial seminar years ago. We are only the “keepers” of the stuff, God’s stuff, all of it, and we need to be asking, “are we being good stewards? Have we lost our focus?” We need to focus on God and give him the praise and adoration he deserves. We also need to give him thanks for all the stuff he lets us have and use.

More recently, as we got ready for our move to Mexico, we got to see up close and personal all the stuff we had accumulated over the years. I was amazed at how memories came flooding down at the sight of these things that had been boxed up for years. Many, many trips to the Goodwill, to other charities, and consignment shops. I just had to let go of that “stuff” and pray that the new caretakers would be good stewards and find enjoyment.

It’s all God’s. We are his, too. Are we taking good care of ourselves? Is our relationship with God healthy or distant. Are we lukewarm or on fire for him? I want to rejoice all day long!

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I focus on stuff and not enough on you. Help me be a good steward of all that you have entrusted to me. Give me the eyes to see need so I may share your blessings with others. May there be a song on my lips and praise in my step every moment of my day. Before ALL else, may you be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 88 – Woe is Me

Read Psalm 88

This psalm is credited to Heman, the King’s seer and also musician. The psalm takes on a form that would be quite the song, albeit a sad song. The writer is obviously lost in his despair and hopelessness.

Many psalms will start with this wailing to God but then have a turning point somewhere when hope shines through. This one does not have that light at the end of the tunnel, give God the glory ending. It is a heartfelt plea from start to finish. The psalmist has truly hit rock bottom, as we would say in recovery circles. And, he appears to be dying.

Another striking observation is that this can be a good model for us. The writer is in conversation, deep prayerful communication with God. He is not wallowing alone feel just as alone. He is crying out to God, acknowledging God. Depression is real for many people, and too often those affected close themselves off from the world around them, probably even including God. Maybe even especially God, depending on the circumstance. We all struggle, and many of us try to handle it on our own, forgetting we have the greatest power of the universe ready to fight for us, our own friend, our God.

This psalmist didn’t forget, and he was calling out. His deep despair blinded him from God’s provision, and we all need to remember God is there, holding on to us. There was an anger in the psalmists tone, accusing God of this or that. God is a big God, he can even handle our anger. We, too often, blame God for what we perceive as inaction, much like the psalmist.

How do you reach out to those in need? How does it make you feel when you have served? Think of a time when you were in despair and someone reached out to help you out of the pit. You’ve come a long way since that moment.

Let’s pray. Father you are good and your mercies endure forever. Help us to not forget that you are here patiently waiting for us to call on you, to give you praise and honor, to give you our pain and sorrow. Work in us to bring restoration and healing from the hurts of our past and present. Protect us from the evil that surrounds and tempts us. Draw me closer to you so that I can be the light helping others to see you and glorify your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 87 – Jerusalem

Read Psalm 87

Did you, like me, have a hard time resonating with today’s reading? On the surface, at least, it was hard for me because I’m an American citizen live in Mexico, very far from the great city of Jerusalem. I have never been there, although it’s on my bucket list to get there one day.

However, on further study and reflection, I see that the reference here is probably more accurately a foreshadow of the “New Jerusalem”, that is when heaven comes to earth. It will be a place where all believers will one day gather. Therefore, we should all have our sights on Jerusalem as our future will be there, with God.

Can you imagine gathering with all believers? What a glorious reunion. My thoughts quickly turn to those who don’t yet grasp the truth, those that have denied Jesus and their inheritance. My heart breaks for them. There are many who don’t even know about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. We’ve got our work cut out for us to spread the good news to everyone. The Holy Spirit is preparing their hearts, they just need to hear.

Why is it when we think of those needing to hear the good news we always picture those in a remote village in the jungle? While those are people needing to hear, there are plenty of people in our neighborhoods that don’t know the redemption story. Not everyone is a missionary called to the mission field abroad, but we are all called to share about Jesus where we are.

How can you make a difference today? Is there someone in your life that doesn’t yet know about the promise of heaven, the love of God, the forgiveness of sins? Take time now to pray for those people.

Let’s pray. Lord I do pray for the day of your coming as all believes will come together and share in the beauty of the New Jerusalem, a city you have prepared for us. How glorious that will be. We cannot fathom the beauty or majesty. Help me to set aside the worry that my loved ones will not make the journey there, that they will fail to put their trust in you. I pray that you will bring the right people into their lives to speak to their hearts, just as you have readied their hearts to listen. Awaken the Holy Spirit within them to prepare them for that moment. Stir up the desire and longing they can only quench with you. Use me as the “right” person for someone in my sphere. Heal our hearts from pain, doubt and brokenness. We are not defeated for you have won the battle, and the victory is won! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.