Thursday, February 25, 2010

What Motivates You To Do Ministry? Part 2 (26:10)

In this passage we see the true heart and motivation of the Apostle Paul as he serves the Thessalonian church.

6b As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. 9Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. I Thess 2:6b-12

As an Apostle, Paul had the right to receive support from the people he served, but instead chose to support himself to free them of this responsibility. Instead of lording his position over them, he served them with compassion of a mother and the guidance of a father - putting their needs above his own! His heart for the people would be very rare in today's world! He lived among them and shared his very life with them, yet lived a holy, righteous and blameless life before them. In verse 12 we see his heart for the Thessalonians to encourage them, comfort them and see them live lives worthy of God

Reflection Questions:
Is that what you want for the people you serve? Do you want to see them encouraged, comforted and living worthy lives or are you just concerned about what they can do for you or the ministry? Do you walk and live among the people that you serve or do you stand apart from them, giving orders?
As a ministry leader, are you more concerned about the people's needs or your needs?
Do you serve the people you lead with the heart of a mother or father?

Let's Pray: Lord Thank you for the privilege of serving people as a leader. Forgive me for the times when I lead out of selfishness, pride or other wrong motivations. Help me to lead with the compassion of a mother or father, with a desire to see your people encouraged, comforted and living lives worthy of God In Jesus Name! Amen!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

What Motivates You To Do Ministry? Part 1 (25:10)

What motivates you to do ministry?
Read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians slowly and look for his motivation for ministry, in spite of opposition!

1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. I Thess 2:1-4 NIV

A true sign that Paul was motivated by God is that he continued to minister in spite of opposition.

As you minister to people, this passage reminds us to:
Stay Faithful in Spite of Opposition.
Remember that our calling comes from God, not men.
Be careful to preach the truth of God’s word, not error
Minister with sincerity not flattery or trickery.
Be motivated by love, not greed or personal gain.
Ultimately, God will test our hearts; He knows our true motives.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, as I labor in ministry, please test my heart to be sure that
I am serving people with pure motives. Help me to never be motivated
by personal gain or greed or deceit or flattery or error or trickery.
Instead help me to be motivated by obedience to you call on my life,
the truth of your Word and love for your people. Lord, I repent today
of any impure motive as I serve your precious people!

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives! Part 2 (Vol 24:10)

This scripture knocked me off my feet when I read it today!
In a world filled with dead religion, the Thessalonians are an example of what it means to be transformed by the power of the Gospel! Read this passage and look at the impact that the Gospel had on their lives and the people around them!

Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. I Thess. 1:7-10 The Message (MSG)

Father, I am knocked to my knees when I read the impact the Gospel had on the Thessalonians and the other beleivers around them! Father I so desperately want my life to "echo your word". Lord help me to daily desert the dead idols in my life so that I can embrace and serve the true God! I know the result will be that you will receive the Glory Lord! For I know that I am not serving man, but the true and living God and I expectantly await the arrival of his son, Jesus!

In His Mighty Name we Pray! Amen!

Monday, February 22, 2010

23:10 The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives! Part I

Wow! Look at the Powerful impact of the Gospel on the lives of the Thessalonians, once they heard the Gospel!

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. I Thessalonians 1:4-6 NIV

Paul affirms to these believers that they are loved and chosen by God. He reminds them that the gospel came to them through the preached word and in the power of the Holy Spirit! They were deeply impacted by the gospel of Jesus Christ! They followed the example of Paul and of the Lord himself, despite intense suffering! Because of this and the way they welcomed the gospel with joy, they became a model to other believers!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you love me and have chosen me. Let the truth and the power of the Gospel impact my heart and my life deeply and change me to be more like you!
Like the Thessalonians, help me to be an example to other believers by the way I embrace the Gospel with joy, even in the midst of suffering or opposition.

In Jesus Name! Amen!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Fred's Daily Devo # 22:10 What Motivates our Service for Christ?

Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonias 1:1-3 NIV

What Motivates our service for Christ? Why do we make the sacrifices we make as we serve Christ? In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul commends these believers not only for what they do but the motivations behind what they do.

After mentioning that he is thankful for them and is praying for them, he commends them for three things: (vs 3)
1-Their work produced by Faith.
They are motivated to work for Christ because of their faith in Him, not personal gain or to please others but faith in Christ. What motivates you to work for Christ?

next he commends them for

2-Their labor prompted by love. They labored for Christ because of the love they had for Him and for his people. Sometimes we serve out of duty or obligation-but love is the best motivator. Are you motivated by love in your labor for Christ?

Finally, he commends them for:

3-Their Endurance inspired by hope. The Amplified version uses the term "unwavering hope". The Colossians continued to serve Christ because of their unwavering, unshakeable hope in Christ!
If we have hope, we can endure almost anything. Are you filled with the hope in Christ today?

Prayer: Father In Jesus Name, I pray that you will help me to have proper motivations for serving you. Help me to work and labor for you motivated by Faith, love and an unwavering hope in you. Forgive me for the times when my motivations are self serving or man centered.
Lord, help me more and more to be motivated by Faith, Love and Hope in Christ, even as I serve you! In Jesus Name, and to Your Glory. Amen!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Fred's Daily Devo # 21:10 Pray! Pray! Witness!

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive[a] so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:2-6, NLT

In this short passage, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Colossians to be diligent in prayer, to pray for his ministry and to live a Godly lifestyle before believers.

The are encouraged to:

1-Pray with alertness and thanksgiving:
vs2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
2-Pray for Paul's Ministry:
vs3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
3--Be a Witness with their lifestyles:
vs5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Prayer:
Lord thank you for this reminder to Pray with altertness and thanksgiving. I admit that sometimes my prayer is sluggish and repetitive and that I am not always thankful. Help me to be ever mindful of the impact that my lifestyle is having on the unbelieving world around me. Lord bless those of us who labor in ministry. Help us to clearly proclaim the message of Christ, even in the midst of challenges!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

20:10 Jesus Never Changes!

Once Again, I am sharing a devotional written by Bill Bauerle
Bill is the Vice President of The North American Reformed Seminary
http://www.tnars.net/

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

I do not remember which radio ministry would sign off with this verse, but I can still hear the voice in my head, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday…..today….and ….forever.” This verse is tucked between a verse about remembering your leaders particularly concerning the Word and about the dangers of being led astray by strange teaching. If you are looking for verses that are “relevant” with our time (all actually are) this is one. The writer is asserting the unchangeable nature of Christ and that the same the Christ these leaders had taught is the same Christ forever. God has revealed his plan of redemption through his Word and in His Son which is an unchanging message. We may come upon new insights concerning the life and times of Christ. We may gain some insight about textual concerns of manuscripts. In all this, however, the message of Christ as God and redeemer remains the same. We will admit that there are areas of Scripture that seem to be a mystery or difficult to understand, but that which concerns Christ is perspicacious, or clear. Why is it that we want to read something novel concerning our faith? The book shelves of Christian books stores are littered with books that attempt to put a new twist on things of faith, but we read here “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” In other words there is nothing any more relevant for any age than Christ Himself.

Bill

Monday, February 15, 2010

19:10 The Proof of Your Faith

I receive a daily devotional from Bill Bauerle each day. I was really touched by today's devotional and wanted to share it with you. He shares this verse from Hebrews:

Key Verse:
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

Then he begins to talk about the true test that you are a Christian. Plesae read carefully. I beleive it will challenge you as it has challenge me! Blessings! Fred

“Remember” here is the idea of “consider” so as to heed admonish. The writer here wants us to consider the admonitions of the leaders in word and deed. We see here three areas that we are to consider:
1-The word they have spoken
2- The example they give and
3-The faith they exhibit.


We see first of all that God’s word is preeminent. We hear a lot about “deeds” today. Phrases like “no creeds but deeds,” aim to merely take the real substance out of Christianity, making it an empty shell. And while there is a need for orthopraxis it must always be based on orthodoxy. It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) not our deeds.

We notice, secondly, that there is reality that exists in their lives. Schaeffer spoke of the final apologetic as being the observable love we show one to another. He noted:

“In John 13 the point was that, if an individual Christian does not show love toward other true Christians, the world has a right to judge that he is not a Christian. Here Jesus is saying something which is much more cutting, much more profound: We cannot expect the world to believe that the Father sent the Son, that Jesus’ claims are true, and that Christianity is true, unless the world sees some reality of the oneness of true Christians.

Now that is frightening!!!

…The church is to judge whether a man is a Christian on the basis of his doctrine, the propositional content of his faith, and then his credible profession of faith… But we cannot expect the world to judge that way, because the world cares nothing about doctrine. …That is especially true [now] …men no longer believe even in the possibility of absolute truth. And if we are surrounded by a world which no longer believes in the concept of truth, certainly we cannot expect people to have any interest in whether a man’s doctrine is correct or not.
But Jesus did give the mark that will arrest the attention of the world…”
(LOVE) "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35 KJV


Prayer:
Father, I confess to you that I am challenged and convicted by this scripture! Forgive me for the times that I fail to love my brothers and sisters and thereby deny the truth of my faith. Help me Lord to grow in my love for you and my love for my brothers and sisters.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How to Dress! Fred's Daily Devo: 18:10

How to Dress!
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

How to Deal with Other People's Faults:
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Let Peace Rule your heart!

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Live, Teach, Sing and Rep the Message of Christ!

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17

Prayer: Lord, I can't do the things above because without a heart of submission. Help me Lord to submit myself to you so that I will be able and willing to clothe myself in tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Fred's Devo: 17:10 Your Old Life is Dead: Christ is Your Real Life Now!

Key Verses:
4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. Colossians 3:4a

These verses found in Colossians 3: 4-11 come across very clearly in The Message version. Let the word of God speak to you to day.

Christ is your real life:
4bWhen Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

Kill off the old way of Death:
5-8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

Put on some new clothes:

9-11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ (Colossians 3:4-11, The Message)

Prayer: Father, help me to wake up everyday with the reality that my old life is dead and that my life is now in Christ. When I am tempted to walk in the flesh, help me to quickly repent and "kill of everything connected with that way of death" Through the power of Jesus Christ! Amen!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Fred's Devo 16:10 "Set your minds on things above"

KEY VERSE: 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2, NIV
Paul Challenges the believers that since they have been raised with Christ, they should set their hearts and minds on things above - where Christ is seated. He challenges hem not to set their minds on earthly things. The scripture tells us that where our treasure is, our hearts will be there too! So we definitely want to treasure things above rather than things on this earth!

He tells them they are Dead and Hidden:
3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Then he challenges them to put off the things, the earthly, fleshly things that bring no glory to God an bring men down.

5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:5-11

Application Question: What is your mind and heart focused on? What is the result in your life?

2-What do you need to confess and repent of?

3-What do you need to stop focusing on? What do you need to start focusing on?

Prayer: Lord Thank you for your challenge for me to set my mind on things above and not on the earth. I know that where my heart is, my treasure will be. Help me this day to set my heart and my mind on you. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Fred's Devo 15:10 "Don't Follow Man Made Rules: Follow Christ"


Key Verse:
So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Colossians 2:21-23 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul was addressing an error or false teaching that had arisen among the Colossian saints. "This false teaching tried to reduce Christianity into a legal system and to obscure the person and work of Christ" See: http://www.abu.nb.ca/ecm/Col00b.htm

Paul had already told them in Colossians 1:18 that all things have preeminece in Christ.

He pleaded with these early Christians not to allow their Jewish and Gnostic friends to lay on them any extra rules other than faith and obedience in Christ!


16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

Christ has set them free from following worldly legalistic rules. They do nothing to deal with man's evil heart!

20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Prayer: Father, thank you for this reminder to follow Christ and Christ alone. Help me not to give my allegiance to any human beleif or legalistic doctrine which tries to make me righteous apart from Christ. As you say in vs 23: These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Lord, I trust you to change me through the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ my Lord and In His Strong Name! Amen!

Friday, February 5, 2010

14:10 "You Were Once Dead: Now You are Made Alive"

Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
This passage in Colossians 2: 9-15 is a summary of what happened to us at salvation. It begins with who Christ is and then moves to what he did for us!

1-The Fulness of God Dwells in Christ:
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

1-When we became Christians we received a spiritual circumcision: We Were Buried and Raised Wih Him

11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.

2-We who were Once Dead Are Now Made Alive in Christ!
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross

Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

Prayer: Father thank you that the fullness of God is found in Jesus, your only begotten son! Thank you for cutting away our sinful nature and raising us from the dead through your precious salvation. Thank you for the new life that I know have in Jesus Christ. Help me to share this precious faith with other people whom you have brought into my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Fred's Devo 13:10 "Are You a Prisoner of Christ or Something Else?

Key Verses: "...Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,continue to live in him...See to it that no one take you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..." Colossians 2:6 and 8a NLT

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV

The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)

The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!


What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

12:10 "Be Encouraged in Heart and United in Love"

Today's scripture:
"1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2: 1-5 -NLT

Key Verse: My purpose is they may be encouraged in heart and united in love." Colossians 2:2 NIV

Comment:The apostle Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Colossian converts to Christianity. He wants them to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. He knows the importance of being encouraged because the scriptures tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:9) He also knows how important it is for Christians to be united in love: 1- We are strengthened by our fellowship with one another. 2-It is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ.

As you go about your day, I want to exhort you to be encouraged in the Lord and in the knowledge of his great love for you. I also want to challenge you to stay connected to the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers for there we find edification, accountability and strength.

Prayer: Father help me to apply your word today by receiving the encouragement that comes from my relationship with you and help me to stay connected to the body of Christ in love and unity.
In Jesus Name! Amen!

Monday, February 1, 2010

11:10 Paul's suffering and labor so we could get the Gospel!

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29

As Gentile beleivers, it is easy to forget that the Gospel we now cherish and even sometimes take for granted came to us from the Jewish converts who suffered much persecution to get the Gospel to the Gentiles. The chief among the preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles was the Apostle Paul! In this passage, we see his heart and passion to share the Gospel with us!

1-Paul Rejoices, even in his suffering for the Church!

24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

2-Paul sees himself as a servant, sent by God to preach the Gospel.

25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—

3-This Gospel was once hidden but is now revealed to Gentiles!
26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

4-Paul preaches and teaches the Gospel so we will grow!

28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

5-Paul labor is powered by Christ!

29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I labor in my own strength or shrink back from sacrifice or suffering. Help me by your power to have the attitude of a servant and labor in the power and energy of Christ. In Jesus Name! Amen!