Tag: God is in control
Psalm 91
Thankful Heart
When one takes the time consider all that they could and should be thankful for, it creates a perspective of humility that is paramount to successful living. The petty inconveniences do not seem as much of a problem. For there is always another individual that has it harder. Is that person complaining about their ill-wills? Complaining does not solve the issue, it simply creates an atmosphere of distrust, worry, and discontentment. Taking the time to get beyond these feelings and turning a new leaf towards positivity and a heart of thankfulness is rather refreshing as well. Life does not have to be as serious as we have constructed it as we try to micromanage and remain in control. For flexibility and a sense of spontaneity makes life more exciting. One can look back at a child’s imagination and the optimism about seeking adventure and the unknown. However, when one grows older they tend to crave routine and a sense of control. If this process is disturbed it can create a create resentment and ingratitude. Our younger selves would be aghast at the person each of has become.
Life should be approached with a thankful heart, remembering that one is a created being. May one see themselves in light of how God almighty sees them. Each human being is loved by the God of the universe. One should be thankful for the endless grace that is bestowed upon them and the constant reassurance that God provides. Knowing these truths should cultivate continual surrender all ones fears, problems, and all the other ills that would cause them to drift from the presence of God.
May Jesus fill each person afresh with the Holy Spirit and cause them to be a light to those around them. With this heart it would benefit one to pray for the world and that the influence of the evil one would be overcome with the Gospel and the love of God. Knowing that influence has power, each person should use their influence to let others know about the hope that is within them. This hope should cause each person to place their finances, career prospects, their families and even their own lives in the hands of Jesus, who will sustain them under His sovereign hands.
Lord Jesus, direct our steps and the way in which we each should go. May we grow in wisdom, discernment, and reverent love for Jesus. We pray that each person would remain devoted to Christ and reaching those that are lost in the world.
Colossians 4
As one reads chapter 4 of the book of Colossians, they can be struck with a few key subjects such as prayer, thankfulness, helping your fellow Christian, sharing the Gospel as well as remaining faithful to the call that God has placed upon your life. Starting in verse 2, the reader can learn about the importance of prayer.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2
As one reads this verse in Colossians, they may consider what the words earnestly and vigilant mean.According to dictionary.com, earnestly can be defined as: with deep and sincere feeling; seriously. Considering this fact, one may read this verse and take the fact that prayer should be a practice that is taken seriously. An individual should not casually pray and not mean what they say. Pray in faith, believing that God will indeed answer. Moreover, prayer should be done with a sincere heart.
The word vigilant- according to dictionary.com- can be defined as: keenly watchful to detect danger; wary; ever awake and alert; sleeplessly watchful. A person that prays should pray in such a way that they are aware of the needs of themselves and those around them and direct those unto the Lord. This also means that prayer should be practiced continually, it should not be a tool that is only used on occasion.
The verse also indicates the word thanksgiving. This is not often practiced in prayer. People are not always keen to express their gratitude and thanks to God, who has blessed each person with countless blessings. A person with a thankful heart is more likely to approach God with a perspective of reverence rather than haphazardly making requests that are frivolous or outlandish. It could also be considered that a person that is thankful is less likely to complain, with is easy to do otherwise.
As the chapter continues, it reads in verses 3 and 4:
Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4
Reading these verses, one should notice that the writer asks for prayer regarding God opening a door to preach the Gospel. Paul, the writer of this epistle, had a great perspective towards God and His sovereignty. God is the one that will direct people to go out and peach and share Jesus with people. For He is the one that draws these people anyhow. If more Christians had this perspective the landscape of ministry would look quite differently than we see today. An honest assessment of the church of today could be made and it could be said that many Christians are not praying to God for His direction and whether or not He would like them to do this or that. Rather, these individuals go out in their own strength-although well-intentioned- and go about ministry. This type of approach will hinder the work of the Lord. May each person approach God as sovereign and in control. Knowing this, each person should pray to God for Him to open or close the doors in their lives.
As the chapter continues, Paul write in verses 4 and 6:
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5-6
What does it mean to walk in wisdom? Well, one could say that in order to walk a person needs to consider and ask of the Lord what they should or should not do. As it relates to “those who are on the outside,” this is referring to people that are nonbelievers. Knowing that Christians will interact and speak to the non-believing world, each person needs to be careful about how they speak and “let your speech be with grace seasoned with salt.” In order for this to be accomplished each person needs to seek the Lord and ask to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. For mere human reasoning and speech will not be enough. Divine intervention is paramount. A Christian never should go out on their own will and think that they can represent God. This will result in failure.
Verses 7 to 16 focus on Paul discussing several people that He worked alongside or that were sent to the people for support. The way in which he wrote about these people, Paul expressed an appreciation for His fellow Christians. Reading these verses, one can be reminded of the importance of the body of Christ. Each person plays a vital role for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. Moreover, each person should have love and appreciation for each other, as we are all in the family of God. This means that each person should consider one another and build each other up. Everyone is on the same team.
As Paul closes the letter, he notes in verse 17:
And say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’ Colossians 4:17
He speaks directly to Archippus and notes that he needs to focus on the ministry that God has given him. This can apply to each of us as well. Each Christian has been gifted with at least one spiritual gift. This gift should be used to glorify God and to expand the Kingdom of God. God has also placed each person in a sphere of influence and they need to ensure that they are asking the Lord how He would use them in each of these areas. If someone is not fulfilling what God has called them to then they are missing out on what God has for them.