Colossians 1:9 That is why we keep on talking to God about you since the day we heard about you. We ask him that you may know everything he wants you to do. We ask him that you may be very wise and that the Spirit will help you to understand.
10 We ask him that you will live the way the Lord wants you to live, so that you will please him in everything you do. We ask that you will do everything that is good. We ask that you will see the fruit from what you do. We ask that you will know more and more about God.
11 God has wonderful power. And we ask him to give you all the strength you need to go through all your troubles,to be very patient in them, and to be happy.
12 Thank the Father who has made us ready to be with the people of God who live in his light.
Day 21—Paul had deep desire that the people would know of Christ. |
Even though Paul had never been with the people of Colosse, he still held a concern for them. Remembering what kind of man he was before his conversion, we can well know that a heart like we see in him now could only have come from the Lord Himself. This gives us a confidence that anyone we know can become a new person in Christ.
See now these words: Colossians 2:4,5—
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Paul held a similar concern for the people in Rome. This sets an example for any of us who minister the Gospel. Let us learn to hold concern for all those for whom we care. In these days that are closing in upon us it is urgent that we all become grounded in the truth of the Gospel, with a hope that is sure. See how this passage from the Roman Epistle exemplifying Paul’s continuing concern.
Romans 16:17,18—Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
DEAR LORD, here are these souls for whom I hold a deep concern. Some of them are still weak in the faith. Some of them have already begun to depart from fellowship. Please pursue them with Your Spirit. Cause them to long after You. Help me know how to bear a better testimony before them.
—II Thess 3:14,15; Romans 16:24-27
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