As Paul began this Letter to some people he had never met, he went right into what he called ...the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the Word of the truth of the Gospel—Colossians 1:5.

This was, indeed, a major emphasis of the message he preached. It is also an important factor on which we should train our souls as—very soon—may face a time when all hope and freedom will come under attack.

Paul reminds us in Colossians that the Gospel, which had come to them, had come for all the world. It carries within it the power to bring forth fruit, particularly to those who, when they hear it, will receive it as ...the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:6).

In Colossians we will find Let us never forsake the way of life in the Kingdom of God’s dear son for any distant and corrupt hope that might try to approach us.

Gracious LORD, work into my heart a concern for believers who are undergoing severe trials and who feel alone. I am sure it’s hard for them to have much hope. Please let hope be born in their spirits by the moving of Your Spirit, a hope that shall never be put to shame.

Learning More from Paul about Being in Prison because of the Gospel—II Timothy 1:3