Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
November 15, 2017
Colossians 3:16-17
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
New International Version (NIV)
               “Which way should we face?”  In wedding rehearsals, a member of the wedding party, (usually a groomsman) often asks, “Which direction should we be looking.”  The answer is easy.  I tell them, “The bride is the center of attention.  When she is at the back of the church look toward her.  When she and the groom ascend the stairs, turn to face toward her.” 
               In life as well as in weddings, it is easy to lose our focus.  So much is happening all around us today.  Paul’s singular focus informs ours:  “Christ is all and in all.”  Again and again in this letter to the Colossians, Paul points us to Christ.  Christ’s forgiveness, peace and message call us back to one vision for living our lives.  The word or message of Christ dwells in his people richly as we teach and sing in worship. 
               Ultimately, our worship determines our trajectory in life.  As God’s grateful people we learn of him and sing about him in worship.  Relationship with Jesus clarifies our motives.  Imagine putting these verses into practice.  How would we think, talk and live today if we did everything in the name of Jesus.  Some thoughts would be taken captive.  Some words would not be spoken.  Some actions would be changed.  May it be so for all of us today.  Paul says, “If you are wondering where to look.  Look at the Bridegroom, Jesus".  When we look first to him, he will give us a new trajectory for life.  
Pray with me:
Father, open our eyes.  We want to see Jesus today and through him to see our own lives differently.  Make us grateful for all of your gifts of grace today.  Help us to learn of Christ, to live for Christ and to listen for his voice in all that we do.  Today when we hear your voice, let us not harden our hearts.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses.  You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link  http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/.  As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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