My Prayer for You (Colossians 1:9-12)

Today's scripture: Colossians 1:9-12

I love these verses. In fact, I pray them nearly every day for me, for my family, for my friends. I pray them for those for whom I've spoken or whom I've taught. I pray them for my "kids."

And if you know the Lord, because you're reading this devotional, I pray them for you as well.

I pray that we "may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding ..." I pray we'll take time to focus on His word today and learn its truth so that we might become more and more wise with God's wisdom.

I pray that we will "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects ..." We are truly not worthy of grace and mercy, but God sees worth in each and every one of us. To honor Him, we should desire to live according to His commandments, which pleases Him. I pray we focus on Him today and live to please Him.

I pray we will "bear fruit in every good work ..." What can we do this very day to bring glory and honor to Him? How can we serve Him and others? I pray we look for those opportunities to bless others today.

I pray we will "increase in the knowledge of God ..." He desires to reveal Himself to His children. He wants us to know Him intimately by spending time in conversation with Him, speaking to Him and listening to His voice. I pray we'll take that time with Him today.

I pray we'll be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might ..." Paul wrote in another letter that he "could do all things through Christ who strengthens" him. I pray we find our strength in Christ, and Him alone.

Finally, I pray we "joyously give thanks to the Lord ..." He has blessed us abundantly with grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, strength, healing, help, refuge ... and the list goes on and on and on. How can we help but joyously thank Him? I pray we give Him all thanks, glory, honor, and praise today.

I pray these over you today ... and will continue to do so every day.

Affirmation ... Conviction ... Encouragement (Philippians 1:19-22)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:19-22

I do so love this book! So many great messages of affirmation, conviction, encouragement.

Today’s verses do all at the same time for me.

First, I’m encouraged when I remember how God uses the prayers of my brothers and sisters to “deliver me.” And I know when I pray for them, God delivers them as well—maybe not out of the pain, but through the pain.

Second, I’m convicted. I ask myself, how boldly do I share the good news of Christ’s gift of salvation? Are there times when I’m ashamed? I wish I could say, I speak with great confidence, never ashamed. But that wouldn’t be truth. I pray that each of us who follows Christ will boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel.

Finally, I’m affirmed when I remember that living for Christ in this world brings God glory.

And then one last thing: That verse that says “to live is Christ … to die is gain”? I couldn’t agree more! I long for the day when I leave this frail, weak body and stand before my Lord and Savior. But I do know—and I’ve said this before—every day God wakes me out of bed is a day He can use me to serve Himself and others.

So although there are many days I’d choose being with Christ, I can live with confidence that I’m still supposed to live on in the flesh.

May I encourage you today? Live each and every day with a full-heart desire to serve God, knowing that you’re being lifted by my prayers and the prayers of your brothers and sisters.

Words of Affirmation (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3

This is not a commercial for the book, but I’ve been reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman again. While I’ve read it a few times over the years, now that Russ and I are in a new season of our lives, I thought it would be helpful to be reminded of effective communication based on our primary love languages.

My primary love language is “words of affirmation.” Like many of you, my “tank” is filled when I am affirmed and encouraged. I try to fill the tanks of others by doing the same.

So many today need words of commendation and encouragement. Teachers. Pastors. The girl at the checkout counter. The guy making coffee.

Your friends. Your parents. Your kids …

Your spouse.

Too many go through their days with little encouragement. In fact, they live or work or go to school in places where all they hear are put-downs and belittling words. Their “tanks” are constantly bordering on empty.

Your co-worker. The person sitting across the aisle at school. The person sitting across the dinner table.

What an amazing gift you could give by saying, “I’m proud of you” or “you did a great job” or "thank you for your help" or "I appreciate you."

Simple words, but oh-so-powerful.

Fill someone’s “tank” today.  

Be Encouraged, Affirmed, AND Convicted (Phil. 1:19-22)

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
(Philippians 1:19-22, NKJV)

I do so love this book! So many great messages of affirmation, conviction, and encouragement.

Today’s verses do all at the same time for me.

First, I’m encouraged when I remember how God uses the prayers of my brothers and sisters to “deliver me.” And I know when I pray for them, God delivers them as well—maybe not out of the pain, but through the pain.

Second, I’m convicted. I ask myself, how boldly do I share the good news of Christ’s gift of salvation? Are there times when I’m ashamed? I wish I could say I speak with great confidence, never ashamed. But that wouldn’t be true. I pray that each of us who follows Christ will boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel.

Finally, I’m affirmed when I remember that living for Christ in this world brings God glory.

And then one last thing: That verse that says “to live is Christ … to die is gain”? I couldn’t agree more! I long for the day when I leave this frail, weak body and stand before my Lord and Savior. But I do know—and I’ve said this before—every day God wakes me out of bed is a day He can use me to serve Himself and others.

So although there are many, many days I’d choose being with Christ, I can live with confidence that I’m still supposed to live on in the flesh.

May I encourage you today? Live each and every day with a full-heart desire to serve God, knowing that you’re being lifted by my prayers and the prayers of your brothers and sisters.

Enjoy this Lord’s day!