God has been stirring my heart recently to start to put onto paper (electronic paper that is) the things that He is teaching me and carrying me through. I hope and pray His Word comes alive for you and brings you to a place of hope and peace.

I have always been intrigued by the fact that Jesus Christ can so completely forgive. I have named Colossians 1:13 as one of my life verse and after reading it yet again today, I have expanded that coveted place in my heart to include 14 and 15.

Just reading the verse was not quite enough this morning. My Bible has what is called Word Wealth, where highlighted words are given their Greek definitions. After reading the various words and getting their meaning, the text really came to life for me.  Here is how I have rewritten the verse with the definitions of words in Italics

Colossians 1:13 - 15
He has handed us over(delivered us) from the authority or right to act (dominion) of an evil system absolutely opposed to light(darkness), and set us aside, changed us from one place to another(conveyed us) into the Kingdom of the Son of His love.
In whom we have a release secured by the payment of a ransom(redemption) through his atoning agency for cleansing (blood); A release from bondage/imprisonment, cancelling out judgement and punishment(forgiveness) of sins. He is the firstborn of the invisible God, the first born over all things founded, established and formed (creation).

I love that I was released from bondage/imprisonment when I was absolutely opposed to light and changed from one place to another. Praise God! I've been redeemed!