Key Verses: Colossians 3:14-15
But above all these things PUT on love, which is the bond of perfection [completion]. And LET the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

In today’s reading the word “PUT” is repeated four times, and the word “LET” three times. This daily blog is highlighting over two years those words or concepts that are repeated for extra emphasis. If we had heard Paul speak in person, he may have raised his voice or made dramatic body language gestures to reinforce his main points. In writing, repetition serves the same purpose. Paul is intent on getting our full attention!

(1)”PUT” to death fornication, etc. (2) “PUT” off … filthy language, etc. (3) “PUT” on the new man. (4) “PUT” on love…. (1) “LET” the peace of God rule in your hearts. (2) “LET” the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom… (3) “LET” your speech always be seasoned with grace.

The action word is “PUT.” The passive word is “LET.” The first, we deliberately make happen; the second, we relax and yield to the Spirit of Christ living in us. Compare Scripture with Scripture. For example, read James 4:7-8 for action, and read a statement about letting “the power that works in us” go to work. It’s not an effort. “LET” it happen as in Ephesians 3:20 (read Eph 3:14-20).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for grace to do all I should do to live as Your follower, and grace to rest in the knowledge that Your power is working in me. I know with absolute certainty that You are “ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK.” Thank You that Your power is working in me now and always!!! In and through the Person of Jesus I pray, AMEN!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As part of today’s reading in Colossians 4:2-4, Paul asked for his readers to pray for him. I’m asking you to pray for me in the same way, “That God would open a door for the Word” (i.e. keep the blog going and give His favour in sharing it with others. Also pray for future opportunities to use new media, high definition web-casting online, etc.).

In reading Colossians several times over three days, I’ve thought often of a story from New York City. Norma-Jean and I visited the Teen Challenge Centre in Brooklyn, which is located in a very rough area. As we were leaving, Rev. Don Wilkerson (brother of David Wilkerson, Teen Challenge founder) said to us, “Jesus will take you safely to the subway station.” About a minute later, a Puerto Rican teenager approached us. He said, “Hi, I’m Jesus, just follow me to the subway.” We laughed with joy at the prospect of safely following Jesus. I had often heard baseball commentators talk about a great play made by “Jesus” (in Spanish, of course, it’s pronounced like “Heysoos”).

Yours for following Jesus, knowing when to “PUT” and when to “LET,”

David