ABC's of the Word...D

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie is hosting this blessed activity f posting scripture following the alphabet. This week we are searching for "D" words. You can go here to see everyone's postings.

Though Col. 3: 16 is my chosen verse, and the word "DWELL" my chosen word, I can not just give you that verse alone. In order for Christ to DWELL in you requires holy living on our part. The rules to holy living are described in the verses preceding verse 16. This is such a familiar passage but read it again, slowly, mediating on what is and is not a part of holy living, and then focus on what it really is to have Christ DWELL in you!! Be blessed ladies.....

Colossians 3 (NIV)
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ DWELL in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We are are teachers and modelers of Christ and holy living. This holy living that Christ requires of us can only happen if the scripture is alive and active in us. There is a lot required here for holy living. Maybe it would benefit us to put these rules of holy living into a list format-the "do's and don'ts", something to view on a daily basis to encourage us towards it. Whatever it takes for Christ to DWELL in us, we are to be willing.

I want Christ to DWELL in me, I want to love as He loves, to forgive as He forgives, to clothe myself as He clothe Himself when He ministered to others. I want to experience His peace, His unity, His holiness richly in my life. Don't you? What is the result of Christ DWELLING in us? Others are DRAWN to Him. A beautiful word picture isn't it?

Oh Lord, DWELL in each of us. Clothes us with your holiness so that we may serve others as You would serve them. May the DWELLING of Your presence in and though us DRAW others to You. Amen

His Maidservant~Pamela