Hey y’all!
It’s been a hot minute. We’re spring-time busy over here; but not our normal “spring – time, planting-season” busy. In fact, we haven’t started one single seed. (I know. It feels really, really weird and I’m working hard to trust and stay focused on what Father has us working on instead.) And the practice that keeps me focused and on task and “doing the next thing” is keeping our weekly Name for God scripture in front of me first thing in the morning and coming back to it throughout the day. Our Name for God this week is very similar to the Name we focused on last week and they’re both from Colossians. I’ll share them both:
God our Father from Colossians 1 verse 2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
and
God the Father from Colossians 3 verse 17
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

One reason we focus on the Names, attributes, and characteristics of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit as they are revealed in scripture is because we want our daily actions and lifelong habits to line up with the actions and habits Jesus Christ displayed when He walked on the earth. We want our words and deeds to be “in the name of the Lord Jesus”.

When we read that God calls Himself our Father, we think about fathers and how – good or bad – we tend to resemble them in either physical or personality traits. There’s a “family bond” that is on display. In the same way, if we identify as “Christian” there should be signs. There should be family traits that are evidence the God of the Bible is our Father and we are His son or daughter. Colossians 3 verses 1 and 2 says, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” It is my constant goal that I personally keep “seeking the things above, where Christ is” and that I consistently “set my mind on the things above”. As women who play many different roles in our families, communities, and culture at large, we many times determine schedules, routines, and daily habits. What part can you play in turning our society’s focus to God? How can you “set your mind on things above” and in the process cause others to “seek the things above, where Christ is seated”? If it helps, take advantage of the resources on our website Givemeyourheart.org by downloading our Names for God pdfs. I’m praying for you now, from Colossians chapter 1, that God would “fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”

Would you join us this weekend as we read through Colossians? It’s rich with information about how Jesus is the Son of God and He created a way for human beings to have a relationship with His Father; and not just any relationship- a family relationship! You can be adopted into His family and counted as a son or a daughter with all the rights and privileges that come along with being part of a family. We’re praying for our elders as they prepare this Sunday’s church service. I hope you’re praying for your church leaders as well. If you don’t have a church home, find one! We are a family, the family of God, and your brothers and sisters in Christ want to live life with you. Locally, you are welcome to join us at Grace Family Fellowship in Chillicothe, MO this Sunday at 10:30. Message us if you’d like more information. Have a great weekend everyone. Happy Spring!