5-20-21   THOUGHTS

When I read the first part of Col 2:4-15,  I could not help thinking of the INTERNET.
It is a CAPTIVITY DEVICE!  It is THE WIZARD OF OZ after the Tin Man who wished he had a brain.  I’m sorry, but “ philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world” [vs 8 below]  is the trademark of the internet.  There is evil on the internet, but there is also the insidious draw to a grazing of the mind, where we absorb everybody’s idea of anything!  We become distracted and diluted... maybe even CAPTIVE? Can discussions ABOUT GOD AND HIS WORD in the PUBLIC FORUM, keep us FROM GOD’S WORD?  Please think on these things!
Col 2:4-15     I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5  For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 6  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7  having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 8  See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 9  For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10  and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11  and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hand1s, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12  having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13  When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14  having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15  When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

2Pet 1:10-11    Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
Ps 119:11   Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

My Prayer:
O Lord, purify our hearts through your word.  May the ever-present desire of our hearts be to know you.  Write your words upon our hearts.  Deliver us O Lord,  from being absorbed by the culture of our times.   Make us single and pure as we seek you.    In Jesus name         Amen