Colossians
Saturday, July 3, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear God, I thank you that when I was down, you were there for me. You have always been there to encourage me, and have sent others at the right time to bring me words of life. I ask that you would help me today to bring words of life to someone else. I want to encourage others because of what you have done in me. I ask that you would help me to be sensitive to your voice today, as well as sensitive to the needs of those around me. I pray this in Jesus' name. . . Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Colossians 2:5
For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I am very happy because you are living as you should and because of your strong faith in Christ.
Reflecting on God’s Word
According to this verse, where was Paul in proximity to his readers?
What does Paul say is "with" his readers?
How can Paul's "heart" be with a people he has never met in person?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
What are the two things that Paul was "happy" about concerning his readers?
What is the adjective that Paul uses to describe the church's faith in Christ?
How does "living as one should" relate to "strong faith in Christ?" Can one exist without the other? Why?
Understanding God’s Word
Why is encouragement a mark of Paul's letters to various churches?
Does encouragement play a significant role in teaching? How?
Why would Paul be "very happy" about the faith and the lifestyle of the Colossians?
Applying God’s Word to Our Lives
How often do you need a word of encouragement from someone?
How often do you give a word of encouragement to someone?
Is there anyone in your life today that needs to be spiritually encouraged? What is one thing that you can do to be an encouragement to them?
Thoughts...
Encouraging words are something that people need every day. There is nothing better than a word of encouragement at a time when we are struggling inside. I can think of a time in my life when I was struggling with the idea of God calling me into the ministry of being a pastor. I remember walking into a well respected doctor's office (who was an elderly Christian), and telling him that I was going to be a pastor. I remember the words he spoke to me as if it were yesterday. He said, "Young man, the call to preach the Word is one of the greatest callings one could ever have, for I only deal the with a person's body which is temporal, but you deal with the soul of a person which is eternal. Yes, that is a great calling." He didn't know what I was struggling with, but his words offered to me a great encouragement to pursue all that God wanted for me. Words of encouragement make a world of difference.
Paul, in Colossians 2:5, offers the church a positive word of encouragement. He says that though he is far away, he has heard that they are living properly and have faith in Christ. This is often a mark of Paul's writing -- he often will give the people or person he is writing a word of exhortation, or warning, but then he will also say something to encourage those he writes. Paul knew that encouragement makes a world of difference. Today, I encourage you to ask the Lord to show you someone that you can encourage. Tell the people around you all the things that you are thankful for about them. Make a difference in someone's life today!