email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

July 3, 2020

Colossians 3:9-11
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
New International Version (NIV)

In graffiti on a subway wall someone wrote, “Jesus is the answer.” Another person asked snidely, “What is the question?” At the risk of intruding on their dialogue, I might answer, “To the division in our world.”

Someday historians will record that these days in the life of America were characterized by deep division. Differences of opinion about many subjects tear at the very fabric of our country. At a glance, it would seem that there is no safe place to stand. Hurting people hurt other people. Unfortunately, the fault line in our world runs right through our own souls.

The first century world was also divided. Even Christians were tempted to lie to each other. But Paul called the believers in Colosse to a new and better way. “Put off lying and put on truth.” Christians don’t lie to each other because we are part of the same body. When we hurt others we hurt ourselves. Disciples of Jesus are being renewed daily in knowledge and in the image of our Creator. Christ breaks down the dividing walls. If we see each other as image bearers of God, then our differences lose their power to divide us.

Christ is all and is in all of his people. A good friend of mine says the answer in these difficult days is to keep Jesus at the center. Is he? Is Jesus at the center of our lives? Of our church? Of our country? Imagine our world with Jesus at the center. Jesus is still the answer. But what is the question? Someone wrote on the wall, “Whatever the question, Jesus is the answer!”

Andre Crouch sang it well, “Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above him there is no other. Jesus is the way.” Keep him at the center of your life today. If we focus on him we will find that our differences melt away. One hundred pianos, made by dozens of piano makers, all tuned to the same tuning fork will be in tune with each other. Jesus unites us.

Pray with me:

Father, let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts since we were called to peace as members of the same body. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Make us truly grateful. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:

Matthew 6:7-8

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG

We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.

Joyfully,
Duane

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

555 Tallowood Road
Houston, TX | 77024 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.