A New Home

Written By Betty Predmore

COLOSSIANS 3:1-17

(October 7)

One of the greatest gifts ... greatest promises ... in our new lives as Christians is the promise of our eternal home in heaven. Our new home where there is no sin, no sorrow, no hate, no shame, only love.

That is where Paul suggests the Colossians keep their thoughts focused ... on that eternal home where they will share in the glory of God.

He tells them to clothe themselves with a lot of good stuff. But how do they do that? How do WE do that?

We start by being like Christ and having an attitude of forgiveness. We let love be the guide of our life and let the peace of Christ have rule over our hearts. We make every effort to be thankful, despite our circumstances, and be diligent about storing God's word in us at every opportunity. All we do should be done in the name of Jesus.

This sounds like a lot! But it can be done, and needs to be done, and should be done. The way we get ourselves clothed in all these virtues is by being bound together in love. Love is the key to holding all the rest of these together. Without love, we cannot possess these other virtues in their truest form.

How does the "peace of Christ" rule in our hearts? What does that mean? We are to let Christ be the "referee" of our hearts, because our hearts are the center of conflict. The heart is where our feelings and desires clash ... fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. The only way we can deal with these conflicts and live the way we are called to live is to allow Christ to referee and find the feelings that will promote peace in our hearts.

Another way we keep our thoughts fixed on our heavenly home is to teach and admonish "in songs and hymns and spiritual songs." Keep in mind, these early believers had access to the Old Testament, but not the New Testament. They didn't have bible study books, commentaries, or Bible dictionaries. They had to memorize the stories and teachings, and then pass them down to others.

Have you ever noticed that it is easier to memorize scripture when it is set to a song? They used music for many teachings, making it easier to memorize. Music became an important part of Christian worship and education. We use that same method today, starting when our children are small right on up to today's contemporary worship music. All of it is meant to teach and promote the gospel.

Paul reminds the Colossians, and we should be reminded as well, that any message we pass down should be about Christ. And whatever we do or say should represent the Lord, with thankfulness always in our hearts and on our tongues.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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