Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:10-19 OBSERVATION: God is challenging His people to see the poisonous affect of their sinful hearts, how it stains and pollutes their religious observances (even their temple building). If their hearts are still self-centered, even while building the temple, it defiles their efforts. Religious observances do not make sinful hearts holy, but sinful hearts…

SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:1-9 OBSERVATION: Apparently this new temple building was less impressive than the previous one, and it was discouraging for those who could remember it. But God promises that He will take this small, unimpressive symbol and turn the world upside down through it. With God, 5 loaves and 2 fish can feed a multitude;…

SCRIPTURE: Haggai 1:1-15 OBSERVATION: Based on the dates, it is guessed that this took place August, 520 BC. It is after the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity. Instead of devoting their energy to establishing God at the center (symbolized by the temple), they devote themselves to building bigger, better homes, and establishing bigger, better bank…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 4:2-18 OBSERVATION: Paul is a missionary through and through. He concludes this letter with an encouragement to pray and stand firm in their mission for the Lord. He also names and commends those who are working with him in the mission. Through this section I hear the Lord reminding me to keep the passion…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:18-4:1 OBSERVATION: This is very interesting. How do you translate the life of Jesus into real life? Paul shows us how to apply the law of love in the culture of that day, which included slavery, dictatorial governments, abusive masters and parents and husbands, etc. Paul does not advocate rebellion, but a revolution of…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:1-17 OBSERVATION: The new life is not about fasting, attending services, style of dress, abstaining from certain pleasures, etc., which are outward disciplines and practices. The focus is on character, values and priorities. The heavenly perspective is not disconnected from reality, but is this-world reality from a heavenly (ie God’s) point of view. From…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2:6-23 OBSERVATION: Paul contrasts ‘religion’ from relationship with Christ, living in, with, like and for Him. Religion puts the emphasis on being religious, following religious rules and traditions and practices. But these things do not change the heart. The change of heart required comes from humbly surrendering to Jesus, relating to Him as Lord…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:24-2:5 OBSERVATION: Here is the passion that inspires me, the passion for the Lord, for His purpose and for people that drives Paul. I believe this is not just something for the “ordained” or the “called” but the pattern for everyone who claims to follow Jesus. So many “christians” live without passion for the…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:15-23 OBSERVATION: From an earthly perspective, Jesus was just another human being who caused a bit of a stir in Palestine, died prematurely, then miraculously came back to life. Paul is making the claim that this somewhat ordinary person was actually God in the flesh, the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Most people…

SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:1-14 OBSERVATION: Paul is a missionary (the literal meaning of ‘apostle’, a sent one), and though he did not work among the Colossians, he is so inspired by what he hears happening among them that he writes this letter of encouragement. This section relays Paul’s joy and gratitude for their faith and love and…