daily prayer

   Good morning! How are we faithing? It is interesting when one dives into the Word. One discovers where certain religious things are born and where some things get put in a position that may or may not be right or at the least more importance put upon than may be necessary. In the letter to Colossians, Paul discusses many things the people were doing. Lets look at some. There were many rules and regulations for Jews regarding washing, eating, clothing, rituals on and on. Those that were of the "Way" were falling into condemnation for some of their practices all the while salvation by grace was being added to. Simplistic explanation but look here;

Col 2:16  
Therefore let no one judge you in food or in drink, or in respect of a feast, or of the new moon, or of the sabbaths. 

Saturday or Sunday? Pork and lobster or not? Is the table set right? Wine or not? Feasts on the new moon or not? All those had their place but if my neighbor, because of his job, celebrates the Sabbath on Tuesday, does it matter? 

Col 2:17
 For these are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ.

What is important? What is actually going on in us now that we are under grace?

Col 2:18-19 

 Let no one defraud you, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, intruding into things which he has not seen, without a cause being vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,  and not holding the Head, from whom all the body, having been supplied through the joints and bands, and having been joined together, will grow with the growth of God. 

It appears that Paul is telling the Colossians to be mindful of things but don't judge others because of them. Grace is what Jesus brought and grace is what saves not how we observe things from the Levitical law. The law was and is necessary for a culture to maintain order. The feasts and festivals ought to be observed, methods etc have a place for different reasons but if we are saved by grace those things are temporal and have no bearing on salvation so why be consumed with how or when? Like here in modern times, split churches over music, dress, curtains, or any other procedure becomes quite dumb, don't you think?  Do I think we ought to obey Biblical laws? Absolutely! But that is my walk. That is my salvation being worked out and not yours. If Tuesday is your Sabbath, what is that to me? If you can't take crowds and don't attend the feast of booths, what is that to me? I will follow Jesus. Read all of Colossians and see what the Lord is telling you today.

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for revealing truth in your Word. We ask forgiveness when we fall down as your witness. Help us stand strong in the face of the enemy. Help us recognize the enemies ploys. Grant us wisdom this day to represent you. We lift our leaders to you. Open their eyes to truth. We lift our children to you also.  In Jesus name we pray, amen