[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.21.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n Please read Colossians 1:15\u201323<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”<\/span><\/p>\n Colossians 1:15\u201317<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/figure>\n by Stephanie Reloj<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In our modern world, we often marvel at the intricacies of nature, the vastness of the universe, and the complexity of life. We are fascinated by the power and beauty of creation. However, it’s essential to remember that behind all these wonders is the Creator, Christ Himself, who not only brought everything into existence but also sustains and holds it all together. This truth is powerfully presented by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians, where he exalts Christ as the head of all creation.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n \n Paul begins by proclaiming that Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). This statement echoes John’s description: “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18). Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God, revealing God’s character and essence to us. Understanding Christ’s role as Creator and Sustainer should lead us to worship and revere Him. He is not just a historical figure but the eternal God who holds all power and authority.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, the term “firstborn” in this context signifies Christ’s preeminence and supreme authority over creation. It emphasizes His position of honor and priority, not implying He is a created being but affirming His eternal existence and sovereignty. Paul explicitly states that by Christ, “all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, was created through Him and for Him. This comprehensive statement underscores Christ’s role as the ultimate Creator and the purpose behind all creation. Not only did Christ create the world, but He also sustains it. “In him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n This truth means that Jesus is actively involved in maintaining the existence and order of the universe. He is the one who keeps everything functioning and in balance. Knowing that Christ sustains all things gives us confidence and peace. No matter what challenges we face, we can trust that He is in control and holds everything together.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n \n Lastly, throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated His authority over creation. He mulltiplied bread and fish to feed thousands, rebuked the wind and waves, and they obeyed. He commanded Lazarus to come forth from the grave, and he did. These miracles showcase Chrrist’s power as the Creator, affirming that creation itself responds to His command. So, since all things were created through Him and for Him, our lives should reflect His glory. We are called to live in a way that honors Him and fulfills His purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \n <\/span><\/p>\n REFLECTION<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How does recognizing Christ as the Creator and Sustainer of all things impact your understanding of Him? As we reflect on Paul’s exaltation of Christ in Colossians, let us be reminded of His unparalleled authority over creation. May this understanding deepen our faith, inspire our worship, and guide our lives as we seek to honor and glorify Him in all that we do.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n PRAYER<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of Your power and authority as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Help us to recognize Your supremacy and trust in Your sovereignty. Draw us closer to You so that we may know You more deeply and live for Your glory. May our lives be a testament to Your greatness and a reflection of Your love. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE Please read Colossians 1:15\u201323 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-devotionals","category-text-devo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4678"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4678\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4681,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4678\/revisions\/4681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jec.com.ph\/jub\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
DEVOTIONAL<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n