Daily Bible Reading – February 2023, "God’s Saving Word: Love"Sýnishorn

February 6

Introduction

Today we begin reading the Letter to the Colossians, which opens with Paul’s greeting and prayer of thanksgiving. Colossae was a small inland city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), about 110 miles east of the major port city of Ephesus in the Lycus River valley. Among Paul’s purposes in writing the letter was to warn the Colossians about false teachers in their midst and to oppose their teachings with the true Christian message. Today’s reading includes a description of the person and work of Christ and concludes with Paul’s exhortation to remain faithful.

Scripture Reading

Colossians 1:1-23

Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 1:9b

We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

Reflect

What does Paul’s prayer reveal about what he has heard concerning the Colossians (verses 3-8)? What is Paul’s prayer for the people (verses 9-14)? Verses 15-20 are probably derived from an early Christian hymn. What do these verses say about Jesus? What does Paul admonish the Colossians to do (verse 23)? Why might this verse be relevant for us today as well?

Pray

Almighty God, help me be strong with all the strength that comes from your glorious power so that I may endure everything with patience. With joy, I thank you for rescuing me from the power of darkness and bringing me safely into the kingdom of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord, by whom you have set me free and offered me forgiveness of my sins. Amen.

And now, join us in thanking God for the distribution of audio Bibles in Kinawataka, one of the massive slums in Kampala, Uganda. Lord God, we thank and praise you that young boys, ages 6 to 16, who were former gang members, have turned their lives around thanks to “the preaching gadget … the talking Bible … the portable preacher”—the audio Bible being distributed by the Bible Society in Uganda. Local churches invited the youth to come, and the local police encouraged the young boys to attend. Soon, listening groups were formed; now, most well-known gang members have given their lives to Christ. Thank you, Lord God, that the generosity of Bible Society donors is helping to share your Word and change lives for eternity. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Colossians 1:24—2:5: The apostle Paul describes his work as a servant of the gospel.