Colossians – All Because of Christ

We are teaching a very challenging series of technology lessons using engineering computer software and a 3D printer to middle schoolers in an after school club. It comes with a story line, as most of our lessons do. They created robots and we printed them using a software program at the base. But, oh no, disaster struck and the robots and all the information inside them is lost and must be rescued. The students were then challenged to engineer parts that will attach to a pole that will rescue their robots from a bucket of sand and rocks…a meter away…without stepping into the circle. With this challenge are pep talks along the way. “You can do it!” “We know you can do it!” “Failure IS an option, we will learn how to do it better in the next design.”

After many designs were created, it was my job yesterday afternoon to make them print on a very challenging, persnickety 3D printer and program that we acquired from others who didn’t want it. As I filled the tray on the computer screen with their projects, it took me awhile to make it download to the printer who kept rejecting it. Ugh.

I just kept trying different ways, while over my shoulders are groups of middle schoolers, rotating in and out of where I was working feverishly with, “You can do it Bomber!” “We believe in you!” Well, if that doesn’t challenge you to try even harder, I don’t know what will! We finally had success! Created parts are printing with more to come. We have created young engineers that probably do not realize the speed of their growth and the talents that lie within them. (BTW, Bomber is my “call sign” on the base.) We have also created cheerleaders who believe in each other. Score!

I think of this recent episode in my life journey as I read Paul’s pep talk to believers. This is timely. Take joy in reading this and be filled with hope and gladness for God believes in you, too! HE made us. Jesus, His Son lives in us. The Holy Spirit guides us and encourages us. After reading and letting this passage sink in…be grateful.

Colossians 2, The Message

6-7 My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

What do we learn?
–Move forward with what you have been given. Salvation…debts all paid with the bonus of Jesus living in us!
–Now LIVE Him. Do what you’ve been taught!
–HE believes in us as we believe in Him.
–Be grateful. Live gratefully.
–Just do it!

Dear Heavenly Father, You are speaking to this weary heart with words that revitalize my heart and stirs my bones to get up and try again. To really live is to live in Christ, because of Christ! Thank you, Lord. Continue to transform us, teaching us to go deeper still in your love and grace. Help us to be gracious as we live for You. Do what You must in us so we will be all You intended for us to be.
In Jesus Name, and by His power, Amen. I believe.