Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

1 Thessalonians 2:19, “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”

Paul had a deep love for the believers in Thessalonica. He had wanted to visit them face-to-face but stated in verse 18, that Satan had “hindered us.” Spurgeon’s comment on this was: “Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan. What then? I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you.” In Paul’s case, because he could not visit the church in Thessalonica, a mega-city with a population of about 200,000, he wrote them letters. He did not allow adverse circumstances to stop him from doing God’s will and purpose of encouraging and instructing the believers. It is believed that Thessalonians was the first letter Paul ever wrote as an apostle to a church, and think of the importance and great work God has done through these letters! God’s transforming power won in the end and was a Romans 8:28 example for us all, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

As a Christian, you may not realize what impact you have upon your family, your neighbors, your friends, and your co-workers. Keep on keeping on obeying and giving glory to God for His faithfulness, forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has given to you. Don’t give up telling others of blessings and answers to prayers God has done for you due to “hindrances.” Look at Paul.

Jesus is coming soon and that is more evident everyday now. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 declares, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The believers in Thessalonica were Paul’s joy and crown of victory in heaven. Those you bring to heaven, who have come to believe in Christ and mature in their faith, are a crown of victory and have more value than anything attainable on this earth as well. Remember, hindrances are not always hindrances when doing God’s work as a faithful servant, whether it is convenient or not. Keep on keeping on – that is called endurance and perseverance. Make a difference right where God has placed you.

Listen to Jeremy Camp Keep Me In The Moment. 3/20/2020

1 Thessalonians 2:12-13, “We exhorted each one of you, and encouraged and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us,  you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

The Word of God has the power to change lives. Every time we read the Word of God, it gives us instruction, information, wisdom, knowledge, sustains, and gives comfort. It produces repentance, peace, and joy from receiving hope, love, and knowing God better. As Ephesians 1:9 states. “Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ . . .”

I have been asking God to make known to me “the mystery of his will, according to his purpose,” on a few specific items. Do I believe God is always good? Yes, absolutely. Do I believe He loves me? Yes, I have that assurance from His Word (Isaiah 43:1). So as I continue to read through and study the Bible, I know the Word of God will be working in me, plus teaching me things as I wait upon God to act.

What verse that you read recently has had a powerful effect upon you? That is evidence that God is at work in you as a believer. Paul’s life was an example of what it means to follow God. He was not tempted by greed or pride and went through many times of suffering that he believed and taught, produces endurance, character, and God-saturated hope (Romans 5:3-5). I have to ask myself, what do others think of God from watching me? I often fail and don’t want to embarrass God from the words that come out of my mouth (Paul called it “murmuring”) or my emotional reactions.

Warren Wiersbe said in his Bible Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 13, “When we believe God’s Word and obey, He releases power – divine energy – that works in our lives to fulfill His purposes.” The New Living Translations states 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13 this way, “We comforted and encouraged you and challenged you to adopt a lifestyle worthy of God, who invites you into his kingdom and glory. This is why we continually thank God for your lives because you received our message wholeheartedly. You embraced it not as the fabrication of men but as the word of God. And the word continues to be an energizing force in you who believe.”

The evidence is clear. We can trust God’s promises, His commandments, and His divine purposes for us as we go about our daily life. On the other hand, we cannot count as truth everything we read in today’s news headlines. People will let us down and expectations will fall short. The remedy is found in Hebrews 12:2, “Looking to Jesus (NIV says fixing our eyes on Jesus), the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of God.”

Encourage others to read God’s Word, even nonChristians. It will transform one’s life as the evidence will be clear.

Listen to Mercy Me’s song Shake (Official Music Video)

1 Thessalonians 2:1,2, “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”

Paul is a model of incredible grit, determination, and one who would not give in to discouragement, despite roadblocks, setbacks and was not a quitter. Besides earning wages as a tentmaker, he kept preaching the gospel as his God-given purpose in life. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1, Paul refers to the time right before he and Silas came to them, which is from Acts 16:23-24, “And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks” Yet, despite unjust treatment and shame, Paul called out the jealous accusers and their judges, without hesitation in being physically harmed. You know the phrase, just when you think it can’t get any worse, and it does? This is what happened to Paul and Silas, because then in Acts 17:5, the Jews were jealous of Paul and Silas and started a riot against them. Yet, their spirits were not derailed or dampened from their character being attacked by propaganda spreading against them, of disturbing the peace and promoting treason. This accusation was similar to the ones used at Jesus’ trial. Paul recognized that all of this was a tactic of Satan to hinder their ministry, yet many souls were won to Christ from hearing the truth from God’s Word, from Paul and Silas’s ministry.

Paul and Silas had a police record yet were innocent of being untrustworthy and only had pure motives in their ministry for Christ and the gospel. They were not discouraged or afraid to keep preaching the gospel message because they answered to God rather than man. So they kept on keeping on for Christ. Paul’s motives were purely focused, as he said in verse two, “in our God.” This is what gave Paul and Silas boldness and had God-confidence, rather than mere self-confidence. They relied solely on God, Jehovah Shammah, who they knew was right there with them. God not only sees all we do, due to His presence, but knows our thoughts, hears our groanings, and searches our hearts. The apostles were sincere in their motives, avoided flattery, avoided self-ambition, and had no security against not meeting the same opposition again.

Have you been discouraged? Have you been mistreated? Are you in the midst of much conflict? Jehovah Shammah means “THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35, Psalms 46, Matthew 28:20). God has gone before you and is right behind you. Ask Him to give you a glimpse of Himself in your situation. Ask Him to multiply your five loaves of bread and two fish, too, as He did for the disciples in feeding the five thousand – they even had leftovers to take home (Matt. 14:19; Luke 9:16, 17)!

The Message says it this way, “So, friends, it’s obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn’t slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God’s Message to you, defiant of the opposition.” So, say with Paul, “we are sure of ourselves in God!”

Listen to Phil Wickham Hymn of Heaven ( Official lyric video) 6/25/21.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

I am generally not a very patient person. I hate to wait for anything. If I don’t see quick results, I feel like a failure. But Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, talks about the most important event for Christians to wait for and is the first of many references to Jesus’ second coming which is the theme of the Thessalonian letters. When we “wait” for something, we generally get things in place to prepare for an event. In the Greek language, the word is used to describe a pregnant woman preparing for her baby’s birth—getting the bedroom ready, getting the crib, changing table, baby clothes, and boxes of diapers all in place for his or her arrival. This describes what Paul meant when he said: “to wait for his Son from heaven . . .” The Rapture is sooner than it has ever been before, as we see the birth pangs happening rapidly before our eyes (1 Thess. 5:9-10 and 2 Thess. 1:5-10), and then the remaining prophetic events to occur.

How has the Lord changed your life? How has He given you perfect peace and joy? Share that story with others – start there. Then wait in anticipation, be ready, for Jesus’ return for as 1 Corinthians 15:52 states will take place, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” Yes, this world is a mess and unraveling at lightning speed, but it is not, as sons and daughters of Christ, our permanent address. As David declared in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Look how the Message version of 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 is said: “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 – your’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.” Now put in the city “Los Angeles,” rather than Macedonia and Achaia, as you re-read these verses (or the community where you live). It brings it home and is a challenge to me in living what I believe more passionately before the people I work with and those I interact with regularly. Think about that today – what message are you delivering? Think about the fact that God has rescued and delivered you from eternal punishment if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Revelation 20:15). My prayer is, “God, may my life be an echo of Your Word, as I continue to desert any dead idols in my life – abandoning them for they are wasting my time. Establish my work you have purposed and positioned me to do today (Prov. 16:10), bless it, make me of benefit, as I am anticipating Your return, which I know will be soon!” I take comfort that I have been rescued and delivered by Jesus Christ and that changes my perspective.

Max Lucado has said in his book Unshakable HOPE. Building Our Lives On The Promises Of God: “It is through the great and precious promises that we participate in the divine nature of God. They lead us into a new reality, a holy environment. They are direction signs intended to guide us away from the toxic swampland and into the clean air of heaven.” Amen!

Listen to Natalie Grant Face To Face (Official Lyric Video), 7/10/2020.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”

When you follow someone’s example, you become an imitator of that person. The believers in Thessalonica mimicked Christ’s example and Paul’s, Timothy, and Silas’s example of living for Christ out of their hope, love, and faith by continuing in learning all they could from the Word of God, despite being persecuted by the unbelieving Gentiles. Paul led these believers in personal discipleship in their spiritual lives. Paul admonished these believers to follow their examples as he also said in Philippians 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Then in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

Who do you look up to as a prime example of being someone you would want to imitate for their faith in Christ? I have to ask myself if I am being a good example each day of what a Christian is, despite conflicts and challenges I encounter? That is a serious thought to ponder. I am reminded of the saying, “Do what I say and not what I do.” Sound familiar? Why is it that irritations and stress clouds and influences our wrong reactions so often, and then Satan’s weapons of guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure slide right in – and whamo! Are you able to say to those you influence to be an imitator of your life? I fail many times.

Who had the most significant influence or impact on your life when you were growing up? Was it your grandmother, a parent, teacher, cousin, or a friend that made a significant impression on how you viewed life and your dreams? Was this person older than you were, the same age, or younger? This all makes up who you have become.

The word “affliction” in verse six, I think we all can relate to and have experienced, and involves handling pressure. We all need examples of how to follow Jesus Christ, beyond the need of hearing how to follow Him. How do we handle disagreements? How do we make hard decisions correctly without regrets? How do we be imitators of Christlikeness during this pandemic?

The Message puts it this way, “And determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! – taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.” 1 Thess. 1:6. That pretty much sums it up, how we are to live. Looking ahead to heaven is still the bigger picture. When I start to see the provision, protection, and presence of the Lord amidst a problem, I then want to be a better imitator of Jesus Christ.

We need to take the troubles and daily crises with the Holy Spirit’s joy from the verses we read in the Bible and let it soothe, comfort, and give us wisdom and knowledge of God’s promises and power in order to be a magnetic influence. Jesus said in John 13:15,“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Who do you want to imitate this week, and who can you be an example to as Christ has humbly served you? That comprises a dynamic, magnetic influence, being of benefit and enabling leaving a mark on others, due to focusing on Christ’s presence, protection, and provision in your life. Godly shepherding involves stability, bringing order to chaos, being a magnetic influence.

Listen to the Newsboys new song Magnetic.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, “For we know, brothers, loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

Hearing the Word of God, the gospel, produced changes in the Thessalonians’ lives as it does today. God’s Word has power. It transforms and changes lives while molding us into holiness and godliness. It penetrates our hearts and lives and teaches us how to live like Christ in a culture that is foreign to Christian values and ideals. It is how God’s voice comes and speaks to us. Then we have the Holy Spirit, a living Person who convicts, comforts, and instructs us when we read the Word and completes a great spiritual work within us.

Dear reader, if you are a born-again Christian, then you are chosen and loved by God. That is a fact. When you read a verse that gives you comfort, write it down. When you read a verse that teaches you about something or instructs you, write it down. When you read a verse that makes you want to shout it out loud in praising God, write it down. This will become your story, and God’s story together, of God’s promises of hope to rely upon and cling to with convictions of steel given to you by the Holy Spirit.

The Phillips version of 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 states it this way, “We know that God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose. For we remember how our gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it – the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit.” Did you realize God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose? “Before any decision, ask: Is this consistent with God’s will for my life?” Charles Stanley. Actions speak louder than words.

We all make mistakes and get in over our heads in circumstances and situations, but God says He will be there with us. Look at these promises from Isaiah 43:2-3 MSG:

            “When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

                        When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.

            When you’re between a rock and a hard place,

                        It won’t be a dead end –

            Because I am God, your personal God,

                        The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

            I paid a huge price for you.”

A.W. Tozer has said, “What comes into your minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Faith, hope, and love are evidences of a Christian. These Christ-like qualities can come only from God. Seek to encourage others seeking truth, to strengthen their faith in God’s abundant mercy, love, and grace, while increasing their hope. That is part of our particular elected purpose on this earth. Meanwhile, our living hope, our place of refuge, is focused on waiting for Christ’s soon return.

Listen to Phil Wickham Living Hope (Official Music Video), March 29, 2018.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father, your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Is there someone that comes to your mind automatically that you thank God for continually? Someone who has had significant influence in your walk with the Lord because of their strong faith, actively showing love, and unwavering hope in our Lord Jesus Christ? These are essential marks of a mature Christian. I thank God for those who have modeled their steadfast faith, love, and unshakable hope in God’s power, that have had significant influence in helping to further ground me in my Christian faith.

Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus worked as a team. Paul planted the church in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey but had to leave quickly (Acts 17:1-10) because his life was threatened. Paul is now writing a letter to the church he had founded. Paul’s enemies were falsely attacking his character. He assured his readers of his honesty in ministering to them, and was excited to hear of their excellent report from Timothy. Paul expressed his gratitude, answered their questions that had arisen, confronted where needed, demanded a biblical work ethic, and encouraged them to focus on the big picture, the hope of Heaven.

Thessalonica was much like cities in California that are located along our thriving seaports, such as Long Beach. It was a melting pot of various international cultures, and therefore had many pagan religions and cultural influences that these new Christians had their faith challenged by day by day. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

I want my sphere of influence to be said of me, as the Phillips version of 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 puts it this way, “We are always thankful as we pray for you all, for we never forget that your faith has meant solid achievement, your love has meant hard work, and the hope that you have in our Lord Jesus Christ means sheer dogged endurance in the life that you live before God, the Father of us all.”

• Faith – indicated by solid achievements for the glory of God
• Love – hard work yet performed successfully and recognized
• Hope – in Jesus – sheer dogged endurance before God

When hard struggles and circumstances occur in our lives, it takes work to maintain our faith, love for others because of all God has done for us (for me), and unwavering hope in the assurance that God will provide the solution.

When we went through a past series of extreme and dire problems, a friend of ours asked me, “So, what is it that you are afraid of?” That question was a pivotal point at that particular moment. I then recognized my root problem involved my lack of faith and hope, and the battle was God’s and not mine, and that He would provide what was needed. I did not have a love or concern for the person’s well-being who was guilty of causing our grief. Saying I was dismayed was an understatement. The end finally occurred, and all the things we were afraid would happen didn’t. But I had to live out what I believed in my faith, love, and hope, plead for God’s mercy, and hold fast to the fact that God was Jehovah Jireh, the great provider. It took patience, fortitude, and significant physical stamina. Max Luccato has said, regarding an episode in his life, “The promises of God were a fire extinguisher on his (Satan’s) flame.” Psalm 119:92 was my fire extinguisher and was my testimony when I emerged from that place and time in my life.

What promises of God are your arsenal that addresses your needs? Perhaps you have a specific burden right now? Search out God’s Word for a verse or verses that will comfort and calm your soul, then write them down. Doubt and fear will move towards having composure. God’s promises will address your necessity needed, and you will gain in employing sheer dogged endurance. You will develop having more robust faith, love, and hope in remembering the bigger picture – the hope of Heaven. A better day is coming soon!

Listen to Danny Gokey’s new song, Peace (Official Lyric Video), August 20,2021.

Colossians 4:7-12, “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother, and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have perceived instructions – if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been of comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”

Remember when you used to write and receive letters in the mail? Now everything gets abbreviated in emails and text messages, in communication efforts. Paul concludes his letter to the church at Colossae by publicly acknowledging faithful members of his team. Paul explicitly acknowledges these men that he had a Christian bond with and valued and helped benefit Paul’s ministry to the Colossians and states their names at the end of his letter.

• Tychicus: Was a personal representative of Paul and deliverer of the letters to the Colossians and Ephesians. He experienced danger himself and shared in having intense devotion to God and bravery. He was a loyal friend to Paul and was gifted in bringing encouragement where needed.
• Onesimus had been a slave and had robbed his master Philemon and fled to Rome to hide. However, he encountered Paul in prison in Rome and became a Christian. He became beneficial to Paul so much that Paul pleaded with Philemon to accept Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
• Aristarchus traveled with Paul on his initial voyage to Rome, but little is known of him except Paul refers to him as a faithful worker and a fellow prisoner during his first Roman imprisonment. Nothing is said of his position or any title. This is a reminder that someone may not mention our name in a meeting about the good things we have done, but we are still regarded as having value by the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Mark, also called John Mark, was the author of the gospel of Mark. He was also Barnabas’ cousin.  Mark was a helper in the beginning to Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Paul and Mark’s relationship was not always united, and Paul initially looked at Mark as a quitter. But Barnabas chose to give John Mark a second chance. Paul saw Mark as a risk in not having endurance. Yet, more people came to accept Christ out of the two groups of missionaries in the end. Years later, Paul recognizes his growth and progress and considered him “my fellow worker for the kingdom of God.” Mark’s beginning was not the end of his story for serving Christ. What a great lesson for us to remember regarding forgive and forget.
• Epaphras was a genuine and earnest prayer warrior for these believers. He was only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Another example to follow of one man with an outstanding legacy of faith.
• Jesus, who is called Justus only named by Paul here as a true fellow-worker. Nothing more is known of Justus. Paul gave him a one-line mention. Yet Paul did not overlook him from the list included of those that assisted Paul in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

When you feel lonely, maybe you see yourself as merely a one-liner spoken of person; if you pray for someone’s burden, you are a worthy Christian friend, just as Epaphras was for Paul and mentioned only briefly. These men that Paul gives tribute to at the end of his letter, were designated as faithful and fellow servants of Christ Jesus. Paul recognized their value and influence upon his own life and others. So continue in being a loyal Christian friend and servant of Christ Jesus right where you are. You have more influence than you may ever realize. Stay faithful. Your beginning is not the end of your story for serving Christ. You don’t have to be famous to be an influence and used by God.

Listen to Casting Crowns Lyric Video, Thrive, 5/8/2020

Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Beliefnet.com listed several outstanding testimonies of Christians that set new Olympic records and used the platform to glorify God at the Tokyo Olympics. I loved how Allyson Felix, from our local area, who won the Bronze medal for the 400-meter dash for the US at the Tokyo Olympics, was noted for thanking God for His “grace” that enabled her to be in the Olympics. She repeatedly attributed God’s grace,” which is something she is grateful for. Several names and testimonies were proclaimed here, but British rower Debbie Flood especially caught my eye. She was quoted as saying, “Jesus is more important than a gold medal because a gold medal is temporary. Gold medals will be forgotten about, and I won’t be taking [my medal] with me when I pass away.” These most decorated Christian athletes made the best use of the opportunity to attractively point others to Christ and give God the glory for their success at our recent Tokyo Olympics. It was refreshing to read some good news for a change of professional athletes living out Colossians 4:5-6.

What does walking in wisdom look like to you? Proverbs 17:27 states, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” Having a “cool spirit” refers to restraining your words with caution and avoiding those with angry attitudes. When one is angry they do not have a “cool spirit.” Solomon also talked about one who thinks before he speaks, never answering in haste, “is a man of understanding.” There is always that delicate balance to achieve. I see many of us are facing this dilemma in our work roles and current political climate.

Jesus said to His disciples in Mark 4:11a, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God.” I think I sometimes forget that fact. Do you? 

Did you know that salt is not meant to alter the flavor of food but to enhance it? Salt also plays a prominent role in creating texture in food. When making homemade bread, the amount of salt affects the rate of yeast fermentation, which will affect the bread’s texture. When salt is put on at just the right time on a steak, it will release more liquid, resulting in a juicy and rich flavored steak. When salt is used in small amounts, it will intensify sweetness. Try adding salt to fresh fruit and see how the flavor changes in your mouth. Did you know that adding salt to broccoli will de-bitter it? Paul used the phrase “seasoned with salt” to clarify and give a picture from using one’s senses about speaking in a stimulating, compassionate, but gracious and wise way to draw people to God and warn them of the danger of them running from God. “Grace and salt (wit, sense) make an ideal combination.” Robertson.

“Barkley translates Colossians 4:6 this way: Let your speech always be with gracious charm, seasoned with the salt of wit, so that you will know the right answer to give in every case . . . The Christian must commend his message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus himself.” David Guzik Commentary. This is a principle I need to live by and better apply.

Listen to Phil Wickham – Where I’m Standing Now (Official Lyric Video) ft. Brandan Lake. June 25 ,2021.

Colossians 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Did you ever notice that you pray more often when you have a problem than when you don’t? Why is that? When you pray, do you pray more about concerns and situations or thanking God for various blessings? My husband and I are doing together a forty days of gratitude challenge, and writing down three things for each day that we are thankful for on paper. We share them in the evening with each other. It has been much to our surprise that we find we have often written down one or two of the same things that praises a gratitude of thankfulness for that day.

The Greek word proskartereo’ (pros-kar-ter-eh’-o) translated continue, in Colossians 4:2, definition is to attend constantly. To “persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon. To continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty (Strong’s concordance).” Next, the word steadfastly takes persistence, and requires great effort steadily applied. It implies zeal. I am thankful for my mother’s earnest prayers for me that were persistent and repeated daily. Then when she saw answers taking place, she continued faithfully thanking the Lord for working in my life. She was an example to me of this verse.

Here are a few other Bible versions of Colossians 4:2 besides the ESV:

• Philipps: Always maintain the habit of prayer: be both alert and thankful as you pray. Include us in your prayers, please, that God may open for us a door for the entrance of the Gospel. Pray that we may talk freely of the mystery of Christ (for which I am at present in chains), and that I may make that mystery plain to men, which I know is my duty.
• NKJV: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
• MSG: Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
• HCSB: Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Do you have someone heavy on your heart? Don’t give up in intercessory prayer for them, despite seeing all the many difficulties and impossibilities going on. Pray earnestly and diligently for them and for God to use you in opening your mouth at the correct times, in making Christ plain as day to them (saying taken from the 1800s shortening of plain as the sun at midday) and plain as the nose on your face (saying from the 1600s). Pray for clarity in obvious word choices regarding their need for Christ, and easy to understand. It takes persistence, and yes, great effort steadily applied. Then thank God for His presence, persistence in your own life, and with zeal let not your faith waver, as you wait and are watchful for results. You have more influence than you realize. If the answers come slowly like a red light that is stuck, and you are already at the green light, remember, God sees and He is there.

Listen to Word Of God Speak – Mercy Me.