Help for Today

Read Colossians 1:9-14

Paul had not visited Colossae - but he was often there, in his prayers. Note what Paul prays for: he outlines a program for Christian living.

1. Knowledge of God's will (v.9). Note that this is not just head-knowledge or human wisdom, it is "spiritual"; that is, it is given by God's Spirit to receptive Christians.

2. Living in God's way (v.10). This is made up of several parts: obedience, which pleases Him; good works, which are the "fruit" of His presence; and, a growing understanding of what God is like, which brings us nearer to Him.

3. Made strong with God's power (v.11). The purpose of this is not to help us to perform spectacular miracles, it is to help us to endure and to be patient. We don't usually think so much about this kind of virtue, but it's a sign of strength when we can suffer patiently, and "with joy."

4. Acknowledging God's favor (v.12). Usually, when we talk about people being qualified we are referring to their ability and their achievements; but see how, in this text, it is God who qualifies us. How? See verses 13, 14.

Prayer: Your will, Your way, Your power, Your favor, O God; let these dominate my life today. For Christ's sake. Amen.