“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.”
Colossians 1:9
It is important at a time like this that we stop and reflect upon what is of crucial importance to us as believers in the LORD Jesus Christ. We can easily fall into a self centred panic or defiance. I have heard, and experienced both during these past few days. That is both from others, and within myself as well. Phil Newton approaches at time of crisis with a reflection upon the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians with the following quotation.
“It is important to remember that whenever the New Testament writers addressed problem situations, or distressing circumstances, they always pointed the Church back to Jesus Christ and the Gospel. It was in seeing Christ afresh and reliving the glories of the gospel that they were strengthened to persevere.”
This is what Paul calls us to in the first chapter of his letter to the Colossians. His response is rooted in intercessory prayer. “We have not stopped praying for you.” Intercessory prayer is the calling of every believer. We are to be in prayer constantly for one another, especially in times of crisis. In these past days we have been given a gift of time. Time has been given where we can get down on our knees and pray for one another. It is vital that we do so.
As we look more closely at Colossians one it is important that we take note of what Paul is praying for. It is that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual understanding. The word that Paul uses here for understanding is a word that is best translated as “putting the facts together”. With the help of the Holy Spirit we are to be given an experiential understanding of God’s purposes in our lives. He is in fact at work within us causing us to know His will for us. Paul tells us that this understanding will be seen in at least four areas.
- So that we will live a lifestyle that is worthy of the LORD, pleasing Him in every way.
- That we will bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
- That we might be strengthened with power according to God’s glorious might so that we might patiently persevere.
- That we might joyfully give thanks to the Father who has qualified you, (through the cross), to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
- For He has delivered us from darkness to light by forgiving our sins.
The LORD has a wonderful purpose which is at work in our lives. All of this is received in faith. Do you believe?
In closing we have provided ministry through this website for you. There is a video Bible Study on the Bible Study page. Please also check out the video sermons which will be posted for every Sunday morning on the Sermon page. We will hopefully be adding other features in the coming days. As always we will be continuing to pray for each of you.