Today's Passage - Col 3:17

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Colossians 3:17   And 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.   Paul has reminded us two things in this passage.  First, whatever we do, we need to do it in the name of the Lord, and that should the principle of how we carry out everything in life.  Before you do anything, you must think first whether you can do it in the Lord's name.  If you don't feel peaceful in your heart, then it's most likely not from God.  For example, can you cheat on tests in Lord's name?  Obviously not.  When you spread gossips around, you think you can do it in the Lord's name?  Definitely not!  That's why Paul told us to do everything in Lord's name, because it will help us to walk in the Lord's will every day.   Second, give thanks for everything.  Paul has reminded us the basic attitude in life that we should have: Can we see God's grace in everything, and therefore give thanks for everything?  When you spend time outdoors, do you give thanks for the wonderful nature that God has created?  We easily take everything around us for granted, thinking that there's not much to thank for.  But aren't everything from God's grace?  When was the last time you gave thanks for your spouse?  You must give thanks to God for your spouse because he or she is the one that is best for you.  Think about it - besides he or she, who can tolerate your personality and temper?  Are you giving thanks for the circumstance?  When I was attending seminary, God brought me to the town of Paradise, Pennsylvania.  At first we complained that there were no Chinese churches around, and we got really bored because even TV reception was sometimes poor.  Later, I discovered that God's providence was marvelous, because He had provided me with the best place study quietly.  We must give thanks for our circumstance!   Also, when you give thanks for everything, you will stop comparing with others.  What exactly is success?  What is happiness?  Don't become affected by the value system of the world; only when you are walking on the way of the Lord will you have true satisfaction and happiness.  A thankful heart will open our mind and broaden our horizon, making us more joyful, because we can see God's miraculous deeds in everything.          Pray with Pastor Tong           Let us give thanks to God with this hymn: "thank you God for giving me redeemer, thank you God for abundance, thank you God for being with me, thank you God for all grace!  Thank you God for warm spring, thank you God for desolate autumn, thank you God for wiping off my tears, thank you God for giving me tranquility!  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!