#Colossians 1:23

[mindfulldsliving]

Steadfast Faith in Christ: Standing Tall and Moving Forward

In this critical time, we are called to elevate our faith and broaden our understanding of the grand mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Photo by Jordan Steranka on Unsplash Standing a little taller with steadfastness of faith in Christ requires a resolute commitment to His teachings and a deep trust in His divine will. As 1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages us, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” This verse calls us to be vigilant, firm, and courageous in our faith. It’s about embracing a strength that…

[guardiansoulblade]

https://reviewmemedia.blogspot.com/2023/07/believe-truth-and-stand-firm.html

[walkswithmyfather]

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NIV). “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Colossians 3:23-24 (AMPC). "Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)."

Our labor in the Lord is never in vain. God sees everything that we do and we will be rewarded for it. When we work, we work for Jesus, not people. We can know 'with all certainty' that our inheritance, our real reward comes from Heaven. From God. Friend, life might be tough for you right now. Whatever situation you are in might seem hopeless, but Jesus is right there with you. He walks with you every day, in whatever you are doing. You are not alone. You can do all things through Christ, Who gives you strength (Phil 4:13). Amen!🙏🕊🙌

[disneynerdpumpkin]

~ Scriptures about forgiveness ~

Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Colossians 3:13 "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Daniel 9:9 "To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him."

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."

Micah 7:18 "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love."

Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Luke 17:3-4 "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Matthew 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Isaiah 1:8 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

[gospelborn]

The Elixir by George Herbert

Teach me, my God and King, In all things Thee to see, And what I do in anything To do it as for Thee. Not rudely, as a beast, To run into an action; But still to make Thee prepossest, And give it his perfection. A man that looks on glass, On it may stay his eye; Or if he pleaseth, through it pass, And then the heav'n espy. All may of Thee partake: Nothing can be so mean, Which with his…

[graceandpeacejoanne]

There are nine choices Foster and Hicks discovered that consistently happy people make. Each choice leads to the next in a circular helix very like the chambers of a conch. The choice that launches all the rest is intention.

[kdmiller55]

No Other Gospel

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I,…

[liberty1776]

N.T Wright: Christian Hope in a Confusing World - Colossians 1:9-23

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Hope of the Gospel

if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm, not budging from the hope of the Good News that you have heard. This Good News has been proclaimed throughout all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant. — Colossians 1:23 | Tree of Life Version (TLV) Tree of Life Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society. Cross References: Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:5; Romans 10:18; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1

[tiand]

Today's Word With Joel and Victoria Osteen - Stay Positive Towards Yourself

Today’s Scripture Colossians 1:22–23, NLT He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the…

[jaguar726]

He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

Daily Verse Reading – Colossians 1:21-23 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the…

[drshermaines-wisdomnuggets]

"LIVING IN TRIUMPHANT HOPE"

1 Peter 1:3-12, “Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, Who are being guarded…

[heartsings77]

I AM God's child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the word of God which lives and abides forever. (1 Peter 1:23)

I AM forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood of Jesus Christ. (Heb 9:14, Eph 1:7, Col 1:14, 1 John 2:12)

I AM a new creature in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I AM the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

I AM delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God's Kingdom. (Colossians 1:13) 

I AM a joint heir with Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:17)

[thatgentlewife]

Becoming a Softer, More Gentle, and Appreciative Woman

Lately, I’ve felt a strong pull in my heart to grow into a softer, more gentle, and delicate woman—someone who radiates peace, grace, and genuine appreciation in every interaction. I want my words and actions to reflect the love of Jesus and create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and loved.

I’ve realized that being soft doesn’t mean being weak. It means choosing humility over pride, patience over frustration, and kindness over anger, even in challenging situations. Being gentle means letting the Holy Spirit shape me into someone who carries the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why I Desire This Change

In a world that can feel harsh and hurried, I want to stand out as someone who embodies Christ’s heart. I want my husband to feel my love and appreciation through my words and actions. I want to inspire others by showing grace in difficult moments and creating peace in my home. Ultimately, I want to honor God by reflecting His gentleness and tenderness in my life.

How I Plan to Grow in These Qualities

1. Speaking with Kindness

I’ll work on pausing before I speak to ensure my words are uplifting and thoughtful. A habit I want to develop is asking myself, “Is this kind? Is it necessary? Does it build up?” before saying anything.

2. Slowing Down

Busyness can harden my heart, so I’ll intentionally slow down to savor life’s little moments. This means stepping away from distractions to fully listen when someone speaks or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

3. Practicing Gratitude

I want to be genuinely appreciative of everything and everyone God has placed in my life. Writing daily in a gratitude journal will help me focus on His blessings and shift my heart toward thankfulness.

4. Serving with Joy

Whether it’s cooking a meal for my husband, helping at work, or lending a hand to a friend, I want to serve with a joyful heart. I’ll remind myself that every act of service is an opportunity to reflect God’s love.

5. Nurturing My Spirit

Spending daily time in prayer and Bible study will be key in softening my heart. Meditating on Scriptures about gentleness and humility (like Philippians 4:5 and Colossians 3:12) will guide me in becoming more Christlike.

6. Responding with Grace

When things don’t go as planned, I want to respond with grace instead of frustration. I’ll practice breathing deeply, praying for peace, and choosing to see situations from a loving perspective.

7. Embracing My Feminine Energy

I want to lean into being delicate and nurturing, embracing the beauty of femininity that God created me to have. This means creating a peaceful and inviting home, taking care of myself physically and emotionally, and being a source of comfort to those around me.

I know I’ll stumble along the way, but I’m excited to grow into the woman I feel God calling me to be. With His guidance, I’ll cultivate habits and a heart that radiate gentleness, love, and appreciation. Here’s to walking this journey with grace and faith, one day at a time.

Thank you for listening

Thatgentlewife 🌷

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[versegpt]

The Fourfold Path of Theosis: A Comprehensive Discipleship Framework

The Christian journey toward spiritual maturity and union with God—what the early Church and Orthodox tradition call theosis—unfolds through four interconnected pathways that form the essence of discipleship. Far more than personal growth or moral reform, theosis is the sacred process by which we participate in God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), reflect His glory, and are conformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is both God’s gracious work and our faithful response.

These four pathways—Consecration, Compassion, Connection, and Conviction—are not linear steps, but overlapping dimensions of a Spirit-led life. They are grounded in the essential rhythms of salvation, lordship, repentance, baptism, devotion, church community, and missional discipleship. Together, they shape believers into living testimonies of God’s grace and glory in a fractured world.

1. Glorify God through Consecration

Consecration is the foundation of all Christian discipleship. It is the continual surrender of the whole self to God—mind, body, time, and resources—as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). This is not a single moment, but a daily rhythm of choosing God’s holiness over self-rule. To glorify God is to live a life wholly devoted to His purposes, recognizing that every detail of life can become worship (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Greek word doxazo means “to magnify” or “to make known.” When we glorify God through consecration, we don’t add to His greatness—we reflect it through obedience, worship, and alignment with His will. This glorification is both personal and communal:

Personal Devotion—Practices such as Scripture meditation, prayer, fasting, and confession deepen our intimacy with God and realign our affections toward Him (Romans 12:2).

Corporate Worship—Gathering with the Church (Hebrews 10:24–25) magnifies God publicly and forms us into a people who exalt Him together.

Stewardship—When we offer our time, talents, and resources in service to God and others (Colossians 3:17), even the mundane becomes sacred.

Consecration is the believer’s continual “yes” to God’s Lordship. It declares that God is not an accessory to life—He is the center. Through theosis, this daily devotion becomes transformation, making our lives living vessels of God’s glory.

2. Emulate Christ through Compassion

To emulate Christ is to embody His heart. Jesus did not merely teach compassion—He lived it in word and deed, with divine humility and sacrificial love. This pathway of discipleship moves us beyond imitation to participation in His divine nature, allowing the Spirit to shape our character and mission (Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:4).

Christlike Character—Through abiding in Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we are formed in humility, love, gentleness, and truth. True lordship means that every area of life—thoughts, desires, decisions—is surrendered to Christ’s authority.

Repentance—Ongoing repentance is essential. It is not shame-driven but grace-filled, turning us continually from sin and back to God. The fruit of repentance is a life that looks increasingly like Jesus.

Spiritual Disciplines—Practices like fasting, prayer, and participation in the sacraments (especially communion and baptism) mold us into His likeness and connect us with the Church’s worship and mission.

Missional Compassion—Christ’s love moved Him toward the broken, the forgotten, and the outsider. As disciples, we are called to do the same—through evangelism, mercy, justice, and advocacy. Today, this includes digital mission—utilizing technology to proclaim the gospel and disciple others globally.

To emulate Christ is to carry His heart into every sphere of life. It is mission shaped by mercy, rooted in truth, and powered by the Spirit. It’s discipleship on the move.

3. Foster Relationships through Connection

The Triune God exists in eternal relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and invites us into that same communion. The life of the disciple is never solitary. Through theosis, we are not only united with God but joined to His people in the Church and sent into the world in love (John 17:21–23).

Communion with God—Intimacy with God is the root of all meaningful relationships. Through personal devotion and the inner witness of the Spirit, we grow in union with the Father through the Son.

Unity in the Church—The Church is the context for shared worship, accountability, spiritual gifts, and discipleship (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:2). It is the family of faith where we are known, challenged, and nurtured.

Missional Living—We are called to reflect the gospel through relationships marked by reconciliation, hospitality, and peacemaking (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). This includes mentoring others, sharing the gospel, and building bridges across cultural and generational lines.

God uses relationships to sanctify us and extend His grace through us. Discipleship cannot flourish apart from community. In the love and unity of believers, the world sees a reflection of divine love.

4. Overcome Circumstances through Conviction

The journey of theosis does not shield us from suffering—but it does anchor us in truth. Conviction is the Spirit-empowered confidence that God is faithful, good, and sovereign—especially in trials. This pathway forms spiritual resilience.

Spirit-Anchored Conviction—Our hope is rooted in God’s promises, not our performance. Trials become opportunities to deepen trust and reveal the power of Christ within us.

Victory through Baptism and the Spirit—Baptism marks our union with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:4), and the Holy Spirit empowers us for victorious living, even in weakness (Romans 8:26–27).

Faithfulness over Ease—Conviction keeps us anchored when life feels uncertain. It strengthens perseverance, fuels obedience, and emboldens witness.

Suffering as Formation—Rather than detours, suffering becomes a means of deeper conformity to Christ, producing endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3–5).

This is the conviction that overcomes—not with denial of pain, but with the presence of Christ in the midst of it. Through theosis, our trials are not wasted—they are transformed.

Theosis as a Purposeful Calling

The Fourfold Path—Consecration, Compassion, Connection, Conviction—offers a holistic, Spirit-empowered vision of discipleship rooted in union with Christ. Each path reflects a vital aspect of our identity and mission as God’s people:

Consecration aligns us with God’s glory.

Compassion conforms us to Christ’s love.

Connection draws us into spiritual family and mission.

Conviction anchors us in hope amid hardship.

These are not merely moral goals or ministry strategies. They are manifestations of God’s grace drawing us into the divine life. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by the fellowship of the Church, we are being transformed “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Through these pathways, our lives become not only reflections of Christ—but conduits of His presence in the world. Theosis, then, is not abstract theology. It is the beating heart of discipleship, the call to become what we already are in Christ—God’s redeemed image-bearers.