Isaiah 5:20 – 21

Woe (judgment is coming) to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe (judgment is coming) to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever and shrewd in their own sight.

When we are not following the Lord and are doing evil in His sight, judgment will come. The Lord is long-suffering, wanting people to repent. Evil will never be a substitute for good nor right in the eyes of God. Never think that wickedness brings about prosperity. The end is eternal judgment and separation from God.

Psalm 147:11

He does not delight in the strength (military power) of the horse, nor does He take pleasure in the legs (strength) of man. The Lord favors those who fear and worship Him (with awe-inspired reverence and obedience) those who wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.

We are to trust in the might of God more than we are to trust in our own abilities. God is more than able to provide for our needs, protection, and future. When we fear and worship God, our focus shifts to the provider and away from worry about provision. We are more able to hear from God and eagerly wait for His mercy and lovingkindness.

Psalm 147:7-8

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God with the lyre, who covers the heavens with clouds, who provides rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.

Our provision comes from God. He provides rain to the earth and grass to grow. Without God, we would not exist on the earth. God loves us, and it is right to return to Him praise and worship for all that He does for us. Praise from the heart shows our love and appreciation. When we wake in the morning, we sing praises to God.

1 Psalm 147:4-5

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names. Great is our (majestic and mighty) Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is inexhaustible.

When we look at the complexities of the Earth, the planet, and the solar system, the question of how they were made comes to mind. God created this world with advanced knowledge. The God who is more than able to create the world is more than able to keep us in all our ways. He knows everything there is to know about us, loves us, and created us to be His family.

Colossians 3:25

For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and (with God) there is no partiality (no special treatment based on a person’s position in life).

God is fair, just, and holds everyone to the same standard. There is no gray with God. He is merciful but also expects us to grow and improve in our Christian walk. There is no partiality with God, and we are to follow that example. Our obedience to the word of God matters more than our position.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work from the soul (that is, put your very best effort), as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that it is from the Lord (not from men) that you will receive the inheritance which is your reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you (actually) serve.

When we realize we are not living this life just for ourselves but are serving the Lord, our perspective changes. How much effort do we put into something if we are angry at the person we are doing it for? But if we remind ourselves that we are here working for God as His representative, we are more motivated to excel.

Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do (no matter what it is) in word or deed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus (and in dependence on Him), giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

God is not compartmentalized in our lives. He just doesn’t wait for us to be in church on Sunday. God is with us all the time. We are then to live our lives in the best way we can, honoring God in everything we do. We are walking, talking representatives of Jesus.

Colossians 3-16

Let the word of Christ have its home within you (dwelling in your heart and mind-permeating every aspect of your being) as you teach (spiritual things) and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your heart to God.

We are encouragers of the brethren in our own church. We are to learn from the Bible during the week to pray with power and authority over others who need it. We are to encourage and love each other with a thankful heart to God. Our strength as a church comes from our growth as Christians, as we influence the community by showing our love for each other and for others.

Colossians 3:12-13

So, as God’s own chosen people who are holy and well beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.

The devil will use offense to tear apart wherever he is allowed in. He will use Christians and regular people to say things they shouldn’t. Choose to forgive others often and quickly without bearing malice in the heart. Don’t let offense gain a foothold to steal the peace.

Colossians 3:11

A renewal in which there is no (distinction between) Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised (nor between nations) whether barbarian or Scythian, (nor in status whether) slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all (so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction).

Christ doesn’t show favoritism to His family. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ but at different levels of knowledge and experience. That is why we are to help and encourage one another in Christ. Our experiences may help another person who is struggling.