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Listen while you read: "O How I Love Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Colossians 1:17 – He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (NIV)
As a boy, I used to love making model aircraft. Most of my allowance was spent on buying small kits of plastic jets or World War II aircraft. Sometimes, I even purchased model vintage cars, but those were usually very difficult to put together.
Gluing was always a problem, too, because I got glue all over my fingers and sometimes messed up the plastic parts by using too much adhesive. Too little glue meant that the kit would not stick together, and gaps were seen all over the model. If I used too much glue, then the aircraft or car became sticky, and my fingerprints were all over it. However, most of the time, I persevered and felt proud of what I had accomplished when the model was finished.
Years later, I became fascinated with World War I biplanes, and, as an adult, made many models of vintage aircraft. I still have them in a box somewhere in the attic. If I'm ever blessed with grandchildren one day, I'll probably bring them down to show and play with them.
I like what Paul has to say about Christ in this first chapter of Colossians. Jesus is the "glue", the One in Whom all things in creation hold together. I like the idea that Christ brings order to chaos and that through Him, all of creation is sustained. It makes me feel that although life can be unsettling and confusing at times, Jesus is still here, maintaining God's goodness in the world and throughout the entire universe. That's the Jesus whom I love; that's the Christ whom I cheerfully serve: the Lord of all creation Who keeps it all together.
Questions for personal reflection:
Are there current events in my life where I feel that I have no control? Am I willing to allow Jesus to keep things together for me?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, every day is a wonderful gift, and every moment of our lives is spent under Your watchful care. Remind us that no matter what happens or what we experience today, You are still in control of our ultimate destiny, and that through You, all things hold together. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – In Yemen — Pray for our Yemeni national church. We now have more believers than the rest of the Saudi peninsula combined. Pray for us to be bold and discerning as we share our faith. Pray for us to also be continually growing in our relationship with Jesus.
daughter: "Update December 30, 2024: And please touch her heart that she may turn to YOU.* November 12, 2024:..." 
Good thoughts John.
Loved it John!
God bless.
Thank you John.
My older brother and I also made a variety of plastic and wooden models.
A great analogy.
Thank you! My life is looking a bit ragged today so this is a good start.
Thank you again and again. Your timing seems to be in God’s hands all the
time. Blessings on you.
I have been blessed many times over time by your devotionals. I realize you are or still are a pastor. I am retired so I assume everyone else is.
Thank you John for this timely devotional.
John, I appreciate your thoughts so much. Thank you for sharing them with all of us in such a rewarding way. Being down in Aussie still for a few more weeks, the daily devotions are my only spiritual link. We have not found a spiritual home here as yet. Another thing to leave in his capable hands. Blessings.
Oh my goodness John how good it is to read your ‘rambling’. Thank you for your words. Blessings to you and yours.
Good afternoon Rev. Stuart:
Christ does indeed bring order to chaos in our lives and we like so many others have witnessed this in our family.
Thank you for reminding me once again, Jesus is indeed the glue that holds it all together for we who love and trust Him.
Hello John.
I have noticed a change in your good works approach. If the one you love is truly your only way of salvation, and if in that same line of thinking, God is your only Spiritual Father, you are on you way to eternal life with Jesus. As James also said, show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Works will not save, but, faith in the One that holds all things together will. And will produce good works, for the glory of God and His Son Jesus. Because of the working of the Holy Spirit in the world and in you.
(USA)
Dear John Stuart,
Thanks you for your airplane illustrations.
“As a boy…”
As a girl, with brothers who made model airplanes, I made one great model with wee toothpick-sized sticks of balsa wood. The stick framework was covered with a special tissue-paper. The plane was in our third floor attic for years until one of my brothers tried “flying” it out of the window. I wasn’t even too sad by that time that it met its demise — for it was no longer is good shape. But I do still have fond memories of my airplane.
I pray that God will keep it “all together” in the Ukraine/Crimea/Russia area.
I pray that the situation in Ukraine/Russia will meet with God’s will and peace. I pray for the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people. And salvation for the World powers concerned, and for them all to contribute to peace there.
Thank you for this devotional, John Stuart. Keep writing.