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Colossians 1:29 - Spirit Powered Behavior.

Colossians 1:29 (NASB) For this purpose also 
I labor, striving according to His power, 
which mightily works within me.  

Colossians 1:29 (MSG) That's what I'm 
working so hard at day after day, year after year, 
doing my best with the energy God so generously 
gives me. 

INTRODUCTION

   The word perfect means "mature or 
complete," not "flawless." Paul wanted to see each 
believer mature spiritually. Like Paul, we must work 
wholeheartedly like an athlete, but we should not strive in 
our own strength alone. We have the power of 
God's Spirit working in us. We can learn and grow 
daily, motivated by love and not by fear or pride, 
knowing that God gives the energy to become mature. 
   Christ's message is for everyone; so 
everywhere Paul and Timothy went, they brought the Good 
News to all who would listen. An effective 
presentation of the Good News includes warning and 
teaching. The warning is that without Christ, people 
are doomed to eternal separation from God. The 
teaching is that salvation is available through faith 
in Christ. As Christ works in you, tell others 
about him, warning and teaching them in love. Whom 
do you know that needs to hear this message? 
[Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I groaned as I looked at my watch and saw 
that the hands had not moved. Having a 
solar-powered timepiece had been great - for two years. No 
need to ever change the battery and nothing 
special to do to ensure that the watch absorbed 
enough light. Then, suddenly, it became unreliable. 
After a couple of weeks, I left it in a sunny 
window all afternoon and reset it. Success! I put 
it back in my jewelry box, but the next morning 
it wasn't working again. 
   The warranty had expired, and repairs 
would likely be too expensive, so I got ready to 
throw the watch away. As a last resort, I 
retrieved the little booklet that still sat in the 
box. Then I read this warning: The watch will be 
adversely affected by strong magnetism. Keep it away 
from close contact with magnetic objects. I'd 
recently stored magnetic scarf clips in the jewelry 
tray - in the same section where I kept the 
watch. I removed the magnets, and my wristwatch 
kept perfect time again. 
   Naturally, I was thrilled to discover 
what had caused my watch to malfunction, but I 
began to sense a deeper lesson. Some days I don't 
function so well as a Christ follower. I let the 
magnetic pull of the world's pleasures and pains 
weaken my devotion and obedience. Or I seek help 
from sources other than the power the Son has 
made available. Now, whenever I check the time, I 
remind myself to live every minute for Him and 
through His power. Dianne Neal Matthews 
   Faith Step: Ask Jesus to reveal anything 
in your life thats drawing you away from 
living fully in the power of His indwelling 
presence. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by 
Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Colossians 1:27 - How to Get Jesus Hugs.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210515-0900.html 

Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, The Hope of 
Glory. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201202-1031.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/