From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus (also known as Timothy) our brother,
To the saints and Faithful brethren in Christ which are in Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

           We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ever since we heard of your Faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that you have toward all the saints (believers), for the hope (of eternal life) which is reserved for you in heaven, which you heard of before in the word of the truth of the Good News; which has come to you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit (good things), as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth, and as you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; who also told us of your love for the Holy Spirit.

          For this reason, since the day we heard of it, we do not cease to pray for you, and to hope that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you walk worthy and please the Lord, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, with all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks to the Father, which has made us fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light: who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has enraptured us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have been set free through His blood, which is the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers (see Angels Among Us): all things were created by Him, and for Him: and he is before (above) all things, and by Him all things exist.

          And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might be supreme. For it pleased the Father that in Him everything should live; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to unite all things to Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven.

          And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, still now He has united in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and uncondemned in His sight: if you continue in the Faith firm and settled, and don’t give up the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; of which I, Paul, am made a minister.

          I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which is the church: of which I am made a minister, according to the order of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even (that is to say) the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made known to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: for which I also work, striving according to His working, which works in me mightily.

          As you may know from previous epistles, this kind of introduction of praise and identification of the Godhead is common for Paul to start off a letter with. What is the main point in this greeting? God created everything, and through (the blood of) His precious Son, Jesus Christ, we have the hope of eternal life, and the gracious gift of forgiveness that makes our souls snow white in the Lord’s eyes. Therefore, live in Him, by Him, through Him, united with Him, as part of Him, putting Him first in everything, making Him your priority, depending on Him, knowing him, being one with Him, loving Him, needing Him.

          Think of it this way, Jesus IS part of us, and we have no problem putting ourselves first, so putting Christ first should be easily done. This is another of those great little reminder note sayings. Put in on your fridge, on the bathroom mirror, on the frame of your computer screen, on your key chain . . . Anyplace where when you see the words, you can whisper a word of praise to Him in your mind. Even a quick “love you” can make so much difference in your life, you’ll see.

          Can’t wait for you to join us again for the next part of this letter from Paul to the Colossians, so come on back soon and we’ll share it together, right here at Daily Bread.