Boldly Ask

We live in a world with many needs. The economy isn’t great, politics stink, families have struggles. Let’s face it – we have a mess. I am thankful that God provides help. If you read Hebrews 4:14-15 you will find that the help is meant for our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted in every way we are. He can sympathize with our struggle. His ability to avoid sin gives me more encouragement about His help. I just need to go boldly to Him to ask for help. I will receive compassion and kindness from the One Who died for me. This will help my weakness.

Dear Heavenly Father, we have so many struggles. Please remind us to come boldly to ask for help. Thank You that you will give generously.

I pray this in Jesus name.

God is so good.

Praying to Grow

Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ have the opportunity to grow and mature. I appreciate Paul’s statement in verse 9 that he and Timothy are consistently praying for the believers in Colossae. Pray should be step number one in our spiritual maturity. We should pray to be “filled with the knowledge of His will” for ourselves and others. Then, we need to seek knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding.

The purpose? To “walk worthy of the Lord.” He is worthy to be pleased and we get to grow by “bearing fruit in every good work”. There is no greater purpose.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving the gift of prayer. Please help us to look to the knowledge and wisdom You have given. Please guide us to the greatest purpose of bearing fruit to please You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thankfulness and Love

The apostle Paul often opens his letters with thankfulness for the believers to whom he is writing. I like how Paul qualifies that thankfulness in this book. This is because of the love the Colossians had “for all the saints”. John 13:35 tells us that people will know we belong to Jesus by our “love for one another.” This tells us that love for other believers is very important.

Love doesn’t always come easily. We face many challenges. However, God is faithful to increase our love for Him and others through the challenges. He gives us His Spirit and His Word. And He gives us other believers with whom we can wrestle through the difficulties.

Dear Heavenly Father, please give us the wisdom we need to show all men that we are Yours. Guide us to love as You do.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Worthy and Worthwhile

We live in a world who wants worth to be whatever we want it to be. The truth is our value is because we are made in the image of God. There is no greater worth that people can know.

I typically write this blog for people who have a personal relationship with God. I wonder if anyone reads who doesn’t know what it is like to know who God really is. There are many ways to learn about God – there is only one to know Him personally. If you want to learn more start reading the book of Mark in the Bible. See who Jesus is. He can be trusted – the Bible can be trusted. You will learn the truth. If something is confusing ask God to help and find a church that can teach you the Bible. I can assure you that the greatest joy you can find is knowing who God really is.

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m not sure who will read this post or what they will do with this. I pray that someone will choose to find out Who You are. Please help me to share the truth of the gospel with others including reminding those who know You to continue to trust in You each day.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

The Encouragement of Forgiveness

I’m not sure we think of forgiveness and encouragement in the same thought. However, when we confess our sins we can take comfort in God’s faithful forgiveness. This passage reminds us that to be honest, we need to admit to our sin. Sin damages our fellowship with God. Confession and forgiveness restores that fellowship. What a joy that should be to us.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Please help us to remember the need to confess and seek Your forgiveness. We want to stay in a good relationship with You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.