Posts that reference the book of Colossians

STT: The Meditation Method

When Joshua was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God gave him this instruction: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8). Meditation was God’s prescribed method for internalizing Scripture.

Biblical meditation is quite different from Eastern meditation, which often involves emptying the mind. Instead, biblical meditation means filling your mind with God’s Word through thoughtful, prayerful reflection.

1. Slow Down and Savor

Meditation requires unhurried time:

Choose a short passage (even a single verse)
Read it multiple times slowly
Emphasize different words each time
Pause between readings to let the words sink in

Try reading Psalm 23:1 five times, each time emphasizing a different word: “THE Lord is my shepherd,” “The LORD is my shepherd,” and so on. Notice how the meaning shifts with each emphasis.

2. Personalize the Text

Make Scripture your own conversation with God:

Replace pronouns with your name
Rewrite passages as prayers
Turn statements into questions for self-examination

For example, transform Colossians 3:12 from “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts…” to “Lord, help me, [your name], as your chosen and beloved child, to put on a compassionate heart today…”

3. Visualize the Scene

Use your imagination to enter the biblical narrative:

Picture the setting, people, and actions described
Imagine yourself as one of the characters
Consider what you might see, hear, feel, or smell

When reading about Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), imagine the spray of water, the howling wind, the disciples’ panic, and the sudden, astonishing calm.

4. Connect to Your Life

Move from reflection to application:

Ask: “Where do I see this truth in my own experience?”
Consider: “What would change if I truly believed this?”
Pray: “Lord, show me how to live this out today”

For your next study session: Choose Psalm 1:1-3, which itself describes meditation on God’s Word. Spend 15 minutes with just these verses. Read them slowly, visualize the imagery of the tree planted by streams, personalize the promises, and consider what it means to be “like a tree planted by streams of water” in your daily life.

What verse might you select for extended meditation this week?

Hearing the Word

By Paula Wiseman

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

In Jesus’ memorable conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, He presents us with one of His most vivid analogies: two builders, two foundations, and two very different outcomes. The difference between the wise and foolish builders wasn’t in their construction skills or the materials they used—it was in their choice of foundation. And that choice began with something seemingly simple yet profoundly important: hearing the words of Jesus.

Before we can put God’s truth into practice, we must first receive it. This initial step of hearing might seem obvious or passive, but Jesus highlights it as the essential starting point for building a life that withstands life’s inevitable storms. In the ancient world, hearing was the primary way most people received God’s Word. Few owned written scrolls, and many couldn’t read. Their faith literally came “by hearing” (Romans 10:17). While we have unprecedented access to Scripture today, the fundamental importance of truly hearing God’s Word remains unchanged.

What does it mean to truly “hear” in the biblical sense?

The Greek word Jesus uses (akouō) implies more than just auditory reception—it suggests attentiveness, comprehension, and receptivity. It’s the difference between sound waves hitting our eardrums and truth penetrating our hearts. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to this deeper kind of hearing: “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4); “Listen to me, my people” (Isaiah 51:4); “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).

True hearing involves several dimensions.
First, it requires attention—focusing our minds on God’s Word rather than allowing it to become background noise in our busy lives.
Second, it involves comprehension—seeking to understand not just the words but their meaning and implications.
Third, it demands receptivity—approaching Scripture with an open heart, willing to be challenged, corrected, and changed.
Finally, it includes retention—allowing God’s Word to dwell in us richly (Colossians 3:16) rather than quickly forgetting what we’ve heard.

In our information-saturated age, genuine hearing has become increasingly difficult. We’re constantly bombarded with messages competing for our attention—news alerts, social media notifications, advertising, entertainment, and the endless stream of opinions and ideas flowing through our devices. In this noisy environment, creating space to truly hear God’s Word requires intentional effort and discipline.

How can we develop the habit of truly hearing God’s Word? Here are some practical steps:

Create sacred space. Designate specific times and places for engaging with Scripture without distractions. This might mean turning off notifications, finding a quiet corner, or waking up before the household stirs. The environment we create can significantly impact our ability to hear.
Prepare your heart. Begin your time in God’s Word with a simple prayer for receptivity: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). Acknowledge any resistance or preoccupations and ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear with fresh ears.
Slow down. Our culture trains us to skim and scan for information, but Scripture deserves a different approach. Try reading smaller portions more slowly, perhaps even aloud.

The quality of our hearing directly affects the strength of our foundation. When we rush through Scripture reading as a religious duty or listen to sermons with half-attention, we’re like builders who glance briefly at the building site before starting construction. But when we truly hear—with attention, comprehension, receptivity, and retention—we’re carefully examining the ground, testing its stability, and ensuring our life is built on the solid rock of Christ’s teachings.

As we begin this series on building a life that lasts, let’s commit to becoming better hearers of God’s Word. It’s only when we truly hear that we can move to the next crucial step: putting what we hear into practice. Next week, we’ll explore this second aspect of Jesus’ teaching—how we bridge the gap between knowing and doing, between hearing God’s Word and living it out in our daily lives.

Our New Identity

By Paula Wiseman

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Last week, we explored the first half of this powerful verse—”the old has gone”—and considered what it means to release our former identity apart from Christ. But Paul doesn’t leave us with just the removal of the old; he immediately declares the arrival of something new. “The new has come!” This isn’t merely the absence of something negative but the presence of something wonderfully positive. The Christian life isn’t defined primarily by what we no longer are but by what we have become in Christ.

The Greek word for “new” here (kainos) doesn’t simply mean new in time or sequence but new in quality and nature—something fresh, unprecedented, and superior to what came before. This newness isn’t a slight improvement or a minor upgrade; it’s an entirely different kind of existence. Just as a butterfly isn’t merely a better caterpillar but a transformed creature with a new identity and capabilities, so we in Christ aren’t just improved versions of our old selves but new creations altogether.

What exactly is this “new” that has come? It encompasses our reconciled relationship with God, our new identity as children of God, our freedom from sin’s power, our access to the Holy Spirit’s presence and power, our inclusion in the body of Christ, and our eternal destiny. This newness touches every dimension of our being—our status before God, our self-perception, our purpose, our power source, our community, and our future.

The declaration that “the new has come” is both a statement of accomplished fact and an invitation to progressive experience. Positionally, the moment we are “in Christ,” we become new creations with a new identity and status. Yet experientially, we grow into the fullness of this new reality over time. Like Israel entering the Promised Land, we must take possession of what is already ours. The new has truly come, but we must learn to live as the new creations we already are.

This tension between the “already” and the “not yet” characterizes much of the Christian life. We are already new creations, yet we are still being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). We have already been raised with Christ, yet we must continue to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). We have already been freed from sin’s power, yet we must daily present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). The new has truly come, but we grow into its fullness through a lifelong process of transformation.

How do we live in the reality that “the new has come”? Here are some practical steps:

Practice “new creation” responses. When facing temptation or challenges, ask yourself, “How would the new me respond to this situation?” Then act accordingly, not based on old patterns but on your new identity.
Embrace spiritual disciplines. Practices like prayer, Scripture meditation, worship, and fellowship aren’t just religious activities; they’re means of aligning our experience with our new reality in Christ. Approach them as opportunities to live into your new identity.
Seek community with other “new creations.” We need others who will see us and treat us according to who we truly are in Christ, not according to our past or our struggles. Find believers who will remind you of your true identity when you forget.
Look for evidence of the new. Celebrate signs of transformation in your life, however small. Notice new desires, new responses to old triggers, new love for God and others. These are not just behavioral changes but evidence of your new nature expressing itself.

Living as a new creation isn’t about striving to become something we’re not; it’s about becoming more fully who we already are in Christ. It’s not about earning a new identity but embracing the one we’ve been freely given. The declaration that “the new has come” isn’t a goal to achieve but a reality to live from—a present truth that shapes our daily choices, relationships, and priorities.

As we continue our journey into this new year, let’s not settle for minor improvements or temporary changes. Instead, let’s embrace the radical truth that in Christ, we are truly new creations. The old patterns, identities, and bondages that once defined us have no claim on us now. We are free to live as the people God has already made us to be in Christ.

Next week, we’ll explore Romans 12:2 and what it means to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”—examining how our thought patterns play a crucial role in experiencing the new life Christ has given us.

STT: Examples of Types

By Paula Wiseman

Study Tip Tuesday Examples of Types title graphic

Through a rich tapestry of types and shadows—people, events, and institutions that prefigured Christ—God was already telling the story of redemption long before the manger in Bethlehem. These patterns aren’t just literary devices; they’re Spirit-woven previews of the gospel.

Recognizing these Christ-types helps us read the Bible as one unified narrative, where the Old Testament anticipates and the New Testament fulfills.

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” – Luke 24:27

What Are Types and Shadows?

Remember, a “type” is a person, event, or institution in the Old Testament that prefigures something greater in the New Testament, particularly Christ. The “shadow” points to the “substance” that is Christ.

As Colossians 2:17 says regarding Old Testament practices: “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”

Three Key Examples of Christ-Types

1. Moses as a Type of Christ

Moses foreshadowed Christ as:

A deliverer who rescued his people from bondage
A mediator between God and the people
A prophet who spoke God’s words
A lawgiver who established God’s covenant

Jesus is the greater Moses, delivering us from sin’s bondage, mediating a better covenant, and fulfilling the law.

2. The Passover Lamb as a Type of Christ

The Passover lamb pointed to Christ through:

Its unblemished condition
Its sacrificial death
Its blood providing protection
Its flesh providing nourishment

This connection is explicitly confirmed in 1 Corinthians 5:7: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

3. The Tabernacle as a Type of Christ

The tabernacle foreshadowed Christ as:

God’s dwelling among His people
The place of sacrifice and atonement
The location where God met with humanity

John 1:14 confirms this connection: “The Word became flesh and dwelt [literally ‘tabernacled’] among us.”

Seeing Christ More Clearly

Typology isn’t just a clever interpretive tool—it’s a testimony to God’s intentionality. From Moses to the lamb to the tabernacle, each type whispers the name of Jesus long before His birth. These shadows stretch across centuries, converging in the radiant substance of Christ.

As we learn to recognize these patterns, we begin to see Scripture not as a collection of disconnected stories, but as one unfolding drama of redemption. The road to Emmaus becomes our road too—where Christ opens our eyes and hearts to the truth that He has been there all along.

4 Keys to Peace

By Paula Wiseman

We’ve been digging into the keys to some important aspects of our spiritual life. We started with prayer. Last week, we explored 4 Keys to faith. This week, let’s turn our attention to peace. Ah, peace … The dictionary might define it as a state of inner calm and tranquility, and we would probably agree that it often seems elusive in our hectic lives. Here are 4 keys to peace that can help make it our regular state.

Peace begins with trust in God’s sovereignty

Peace begins with trusting in God’s sovereignty—His supreme power and authority over everything. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Trusting in God’s sovereignty means believing that He is in control, even when our circumstances are chaotic. Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50 is a powerful example. Despite being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph trusted in God’s plan. His peace came from knowing that God was sovereign over his life.

Really, I could write a whole other post on trusting God’s sovereignty. If we believe He’s good (and He is), that He loves us (and He does), He will work everything out. That’s the first of the keys to peace. Whenever you feel anxious, remind yourself of God’s sovereignty. Reflect on His control over every situation and surrender your worries to Him.

Embrace Prayer and Supplication

We hit on prayer in our first post in this series, so small wonder that a robust prayer life is one of our keys to peace. Prayer is a direct line to God, where we can cast all our anxieties and burdens. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we bring our worries to God in prayer, we exchange our anxiety for His peace. Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1-2 shows us this beautifully. Her heartfelt prayers and trust in God’s timing brought her peace, even before her prayers were answered.

Make it a habit to pray daily, bringing your concerns to God. Use a prayer journal to track your prayers and His answers.

Meditate on God’s Word

We saw this last week as a key to faith and here it is again as a key to peace. God’s Word is a powerful source of peace. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”

Meditating on Scripture renews our minds and aligns our thoughts with God’s truth. We shift our perspective and begin to gain the mind of Christ that the Apostle Paul talked about (1 Corinthians 2:16). Jesus used Scripture to combat temptation, showing us the importance of knowing and relying on God’s Word.

Set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture. Choose verses that speak to God’s peace and memorize them to recall in times of stress.

Gratitude Leads to Peace

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering peace in our hearts. Colossians 3:15 instructs us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Paul’s letters often begin with expressions of gratitude, even when he was in prison. His grateful heart kept him anchored in peace despite his circumstances.

Start a gratitude journal or track this in your planner. Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. This practice helps to develop a mindset of thankfulness and peace.

Someone said peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. Use these keys to peace — trusting in His sovereignty, embracing prayer, meditating on His Word, and cultivating gratitude — to experience His peace in every circumstance.

I Have Come: As Light

By Paula Wiseman

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. John 12:46

Nearly every Christmas movie and special reaches its climax with a declaration, “That’s what Christmas is all about.” We don’t have to wonder though. Multiple times in the gospel of John Jesus clearly says what Christmas was all about and why He came. First, Jesus explained He had come to do the Father’s will, resulting in salvation, preservation, and glorification for us. Jesus said He came for judgment. Last week, Jesus declared He came to bring us life, and even better, life more abundantly. In John 12:46, He says He came as Light.

Why do we need Light?

John opened his gospel describing Jesus as the Light that came into the world (John 1:4-5, 9) and this thread runs through the entire book. The simple truth is that He wouldn’t have come unless we needed Him. We were struggling in the darkness of unbelief. We didn’t understand and probably didn’t care that we were sinners. We didn’t comprehend there was hope. We were spiritually blind. So at this moment of our rebellion and apathy, Jesus Christ came to deliver us. And we had no idea what a big deal that was, what a gift beyond imagination.

It’s for everyone

That gift of deliverance from darkness is for everyone, everyone who believes. Not just Jews. Not just people 2000 years ago. Not just wealthy or educated. Not just the connected or the religious. Anyone who wants to be rescued from the darkness can be because the Light came into the world at Christmas.

It’s final

Jesus says we won’t remain in darkness. There can’t be darkness in the presence of light. That’s true even in the physical world. Once we have received Him, the Light, darkness has no place in our lives, nor can we be overcome by it ever again. And as amazing and wonderful as that gift is, Jesus goes beyond that.

We also have an inheritance. Paul picks up on John’s theme in his letter to Colosse. “[G]iving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:12-13).

Light. An inheritance. Once and for all. That’s a great gift for us. It’s no wonder we hang lights on our trees and houses. It reminds us of the Light that came into the world so that we wouldn’t have to remain in darkness.

(Next week is Christmas, so there won’t be a post. But the week after, when some celebrate the arrival of the wise men, we’ll talk about one more reason Jesus said that He came. A very merry Christmas to you and yours!)