Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 3-5-24, Colossians 1:4-5a- Amplified- "for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [how you lean on Him with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness], and of the [unselfish] love which you have for all the saints (God’s people); because of the [confident] hope [of experiencing that] which is reserved and waiting for you in heaven." What is your reputation? What do people hear or know about you? What do those closest to you experience around you? Are you reflecting faith and love and hope? That is the reputation of the Colossians. The Apostle Paul heard of their reputation – their faith in Jesus, their confidence in His power in their lives, and, their love for all the saints. Their reputation preceded them. They were intent on closely following what God had taught them through the gospel and their life experiences. They believed in Jesus Christ for salvation and had confident hope that His promises were true and His love lived in them. Their actual physical conditions were not the source of their hope and confidence. They rose above the difficult situations they lived in daily. Their eyes were on their goal, heaven, rather than on earthly problems. Look at the Colossians' reputation and measure yourself. Are you found in the same state of mind and heart? Do you have faith in Christ Jesus and do you lean on His power, wisdom, and goodness? Do you display unselfish love for all those you encounter each day? You know yourself, but God knows you better. What does He have to say about your faith and hope? Allow Him to sweep through you with a search light. Allow His conviction of areas needing work. Allow His love to flood in and overpower any remnants of your old, difficult self. Investigate yourself, and clean up your reputation. Work with God because you are His message to the world. It is not just your reputation on the line, it is God's as well.