Colossians 4
Inspired thots
Prayer is SO important! for self and others.
The main thought that struck me today from this passage is DEMAS. Here, Paul conveys Demas's greetings to the church as in Philemon but in 2 Timothy, Demas 'in loved with this world, deserted Paul' and went off to Thessalonica.
How EASY it is for one to fall away from Christ; especially when :
1) the world is SO 'attractive' and alluring
2) the circumstances turn tough and difficult to bear
3) one is dull and not watchful (letting our guards down)
On the other hand, I read Tychicus - faithful and serving consistently in every way.
Not a scholar myself, hopefully Demas was 'restored' in Colossians.
As James exhorted,'the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and efective' and the very last words are 'Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins'
I need to be PRAYING for my fellow brothers and sisters.
That's the LEAST I can do......
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pray. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Reacting to Others
1 Thessalonians 3 & 4
Inspired thots
Though the passage is written for a different context, it speaks to me of my group of interaction.
Yes, we have not met for some time... but I have not forgotten them in thought (2:17)
I did not have the same passion as Paul to 'make every effort' to see them; rather, I was glad to take the excuse to 'avoid' them, meeting only WHEN the situation calls for it. I was 'tired'.
Indeed, I was as Paul - standing it no longer, best to be left by myself. (3:1) pondering, waiting on the Lord, praying for them
I needed the solitude to rest and wait on the Lord; there were too many things happening....
New Year; New school term; new responsibilities; more work...
something has to go. I was already sleeping later, waking up earlier; but praise God for freshness to start the new day!
Yes, when one is not careful, 'the tempter' has tempted some and my efforts have been useless. (3:5)
BUT LORD, let it not be useless. They are your precious children; bring them back to Yourself.
Praying for them to stand firm in the Lord (3:8,10); that's the best I can do... no, I can do more, if I want to and make time for. Let me not kid myself. But Lord, I wait on You to lead me on every step.
Yes, Lord; You can still use me to 'supply what is lacking in their faith' (3:10)
Yes, Lord; I can still impact people. You are not done with me yet.
Inspired thots
Though the passage is written for a different context, it speaks to me of my group of interaction.
Yes, we have not met for some time... but I have not forgotten them in thought (2:17)
I did not have the same passion as Paul to 'make every effort' to see them; rather, I was glad to take the excuse to 'avoid' them, meeting only WHEN the situation calls for it. I was 'tired'.
Indeed, I was as Paul - standing it no longer, best to be left by myself. (3:1) pondering, waiting on the Lord, praying for them
I needed the solitude to rest and wait on the Lord; there were too many things happening....
New Year; New school term; new responsibilities; more work...
something has to go. I was already sleeping later, waking up earlier; but praise God for freshness to start the new day!
Yes, when one is not careful, 'the tempter' has tempted some and my efforts have been useless. (3:5)
BUT LORD, let it not be useless. They are your precious children; bring them back to Yourself.
Praying for them to stand firm in the Lord (3:8,10); that's the best I can do... no, I can do more, if I want to and make time for. Let me not kid myself. But Lord, I wait on You to lead me on every step.
Yes, Lord; You can still use me to 'supply what is lacking in their faith' (3:10)
Yes, Lord; I can still impact people. You are not done with me yet.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
God is Near to His own
2 Thessalonians 1
Inspired thots
As a child of God, care for the brothers and sisters in Christ by praying for them to be strong in their faith.
God is for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) A child of God does not fear the circumstances or people for God is in control. Under His hands is the safest place to dwell.
God's power empowers His child to fulfill every good purpose and act that is prompted by faith. (v11)
God, in these last days, there is no safer place to be than under Your shelter; there is no greater place to dwell than in Your shadow for then You are near to me; there is no worry or fear for You are greater in me than he that is in the world.
Hallelujah! God is my victory!
Inspired thots
As a child of God, care for the brothers and sisters in Christ by praying for them to be strong in their faith.
God is for us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) A child of God does not fear the circumstances or people for God is in control. Under His hands is the safest place to dwell.
God's power empowers His child to fulfill every good purpose and act that is prompted by faith. (v11)
God, in these last days, there is no safer place to be than under Your shelter; there is no greater place to dwell than in Your shadow for then You are near to me; there is no worry or fear for You are greater in me than he that is in the world.
Hallelujah! God is my victory!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
All Kinds of People
2 Timothy 3:10-4
Inspired thots
There are many kinds of people in the world; it is important to uphold each one in prayer.
1) the faithful and righteous like Paul who did the Lord's work fervently. v10
~ pray for continuing perseverance to serve the Lord despite being persecuted.
~ may the Lord rescue His faithful and righteous.
2) evil men and impostors v13
~ pray for protection against these and their deception
~ pray that they will receive your grace and be set free from their deception
3) the young ones in Christ v15
~ pray for maturity in Christ through understanding Scriptures
~ pray for their faith to be strengthened and firmness in their stand on the truth of Jesus
~ pray that they are not easily swayed by deception
~ pray that they will grow in Christ to be equipped for every good work
4) those who are in the ministry 4:3,11
~ pray for faithfulness to remain in God's calling
~ pray for continued passion to minister
5) believers who choose to hear what they want to hear
~ pray for enlightenment, correcting and repentance
~ pray that the truth of Scripture will set them free from erroneous understanding of their faith
6) those who are in love with the world 4:9
~ pray for God's grace to change their hearts back to God, and turn from the world
7) those who oppose God 4:14
~ pray for God's mercy and grace to change their heart
~ pray for protection against such spiritual attack on the gospel
8) the weak 4:16
~ pray for those who fall easily from the faith when persecution comes
~ pray for strength in the Lord to arise within and build up the spirit man in faith & truth
9) those who have not heard the gospel (the Gentiles) v17
~ pray for salvation to come upon them, with opportunities to hear your word and feel your love
10) the church of God
~ pray for strength and unity to live their lives worthy of their calling
This is a new insight for me. Thank you Lord for your revelation. My heart must learn to care for others like Jesus cares for me.
Inspired thots
There are many kinds of people in the world; it is important to uphold each one in prayer.
1) the faithful and righteous like Paul who did the Lord's work fervently. v10
~ pray for continuing perseverance to serve the Lord despite being persecuted.
~ may the Lord rescue His faithful and righteous.
2) evil men and impostors v13
~ pray for protection against these and their deception
~ pray that they will receive your grace and be set free from their deception
3) the young ones in Christ v15
~ pray for maturity in Christ through understanding Scriptures
~ pray for their faith to be strengthened and firmness in their stand on the truth of Jesus
~ pray that they are not easily swayed by deception
~ pray that they will grow in Christ to be equipped for every good work
4) those who are in the ministry 4:3,11
~ pray for faithfulness to remain in God's calling
~ pray for continued passion to minister
5) believers who choose to hear what they want to hear
~ pray for enlightenment, correcting and repentance
~ pray that the truth of Scripture will set them free from erroneous understanding of their faith
6) those who are in love with the world 4:9
~ pray for God's grace to change their hearts back to God, and turn from the world
7) those who oppose God 4:14
~ pray for God's mercy and grace to change their heart
~ pray for protection against such spiritual attack on the gospel
8) the weak 4:16
~ pray for those who fall easily from the faith when persecution comes
~ pray for strength in the Lord to arise within and build up the spirit man in faith & truth
9) those who have not heard the gospel (the Gentiles) v17
~ pray for salvation to come upon them, with opportunities to hear your word and feel your love
10) the church of God
~ pray for strength and unity to live their lives worthy of their calling
This is a new insight for me. Thank you Lord for your revelation. My heart must learn to care for others like Jesus cares for me.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Called to Pray
1 Peter 4:1-7
Inspired thots
I am reminded (again) my life is NOT my own; I have been redeemed by Jesus and hence, 'the life that I now live, I live by faith in Christ Jesus my Lord' ~ Gal. 2:20
The past is gone~NOW is the time of living... for the Lord.
The outstanding lesson in this passage today for me is from v7-12;
~ the end of all things is near...
~ be clear minded and self-controlled SO THAT YOU CAN PRAY
That is more important than making money and being occupied with other tasks.
Praying seems so 'inactive' ~ not many people indulge into it.
Clear-minded to pray; hmmm... so that my own thoughts do not interfere with what God wants me to pray.
Self-controlled to pray: a disciplined indulgence to overcome self needs and wants to focus on others' needs.
Inspired thots
I am reminded (again) my life is NOT my own; I have been redeemed by Jesus and hence, 'the life that I now live, I live by faith in Christ Jesus my Lord' ~ Gal. 2:20
The past is gone~NOW is the time of living... for the Lord.
The outstanding lesson in this passage today for me is from v7-12;
~ the end of all things is near...
~ be clear minded and self-controlled SO THAT YOU CAN PRAY
That is more important than making money and being occupied with other tasks.
Praying seems so 'inactive' ~ not many people indulge into it.
Clear-minded to pray; hmmm... so that my own thoughts do not interfere with what God wants me to pray.
Self-controlled to pray: a disciplined indulgence to overcome self needs and wants to focus on others' needs.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Jesus is ALWAYS For Us
Matthew 26:31-46
Inspired thots:
The Lord knows ALL things, so He doesnt blame when we fall. In fact, He warns us of things beforehand so that we can be prepared to face the situation and handle it boldly. But at times, we fail as we rashly make declarations or promises we cannot keep, as in Peter's case.
The Lord goes ahead of me, in everything. He prepares the way for me when it should be I who should prepare the way for HIM! How great is my God!
Jesus understands sorrow and trouble afflicting human for He experiences them too. (v37) But as the Son of God, why was He 'sorrowful and trouble'? He who knows all things...
Was He sorrowful over man whom He has created but is rejecting Him? Was He troubled that man is easily deceived to choose his own way rather than His ways? I think so... knowing how much Jesus loves man, He would not be sorrowful or troubled over Himself. He already has the victory!
v39 As He prayed to the Father for the cup of suffering and death to be removed from Him, what was He really asking? Could He not do it? I dont think so. I believe that this request is made on behalf of man (again). He would have liked to spare His people sorrow and trouble but sin will not permit.
2) Strange as it may, Jesus can really draw strength through prayer. So it is with me; When I am troubled, the best thing to do is to PRAY. I dont fully understand how it works but the peace and reassurance do fill my heart and calm my soul. I can hope again and carry on my day.
Jesus prayed 3x over the removal of the cup but submitting to God's will. He gained boldness and assurance to face His betrayer and destiny (v46). I can pray until I gain boldness and peace.
Inspired thots:
The Lord knows ALL things, so He doesnt blame when we fall. In fact, He warns us of things beforehand so that we can be prepared to face the situation and handle it boldly. But at times, we fail as we rashly make declarations or promises we cannot keep, as in Peter's case.
The Lord goes ahead of me, in everything. He prepares the way for me when it should be I who should prepare the way for HIM! How great is my God!
Jesus understands sorrow and trouble afflicting human for He experiences them too. (v37) But as the Son of God, why was He 'sorrowful and trouble'? He who knows all things...
Was He sorrowful over man whom He has created but is rejecting Him? Was He troubled that man is easily deceived to choose his own way rather than His ways? I think so... knowing how much Jesus loves man, He would not be sorrowful or troubled over Himself. He already has the victory!
v39 As He prayed to the Father for the cup of suffering and death to be removed from Him, what was He really asking? Could He not do it? I dont think so. I believe that this request is made on behalf of man (again). He would have liked to spare His people sorrow and trouble but sin will not permit.
2) Strange as it may, Jesus can really draw strength through prayer. So it is with me; When I am troubled, the best thing to do is to PRAY. I dont fully understand how it works but the peace and reassurance do fill my heart and calm my soul. I can hope again and carry on my day.
Jesus prayed 3x over the removal of the cup but submitting to God's will. He gained boldness and assurance to face His betrayer and destiny (v46). I can pray until I gain boldness and peace.
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