Monday, August 15, 2011

Pray for Open Doors


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Colossians 4: 2-6 Message Bible

2-4Pray 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.

5-6Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

At Church on Sunday, our Pastor was completing his series on Colossians, and I share with you here some of my notes from his sermon.

He was reading from The Message Bible created by Eugene H. Peterson.  Pastor explained that this Message Bible causes us to become aware of how PERSONAL our Salvation is. We serve a Personal Savior. Pastor suggested that we secure a copy of this version because there is so much to compare and help us understand what God is saying.

Paul was in jail as he wrote these letters to the church at Colossi. Even as he found himself locked in prison, he was alert to share the gospel at every opportunity. He encouraged Christian brothers and sisters to “not miss a trick,” but to open their mouth and make the plan of salvation as plain as day!

I am reminded that many find themselves in a prison of sorts. Yet we can still be faithful to take every occasion to share about Jesus. Discover ways to communicate God’s love!

Jesus shed his blood so that we might inherit eternal life and upon our death, be reunited with all those who have gone before us. Not just our beloved family and friends, but those saints of old mentioned in God’s word, such as Moses, Elijah, King David, and others who served the Lord. The Old Testament has a crimson thread all through its pages leading us to Jesus Christ and to His life and Death for us.

No greater Love can be shown in that a man would lay down His life for others, even those who were yet sinners. Jesus calls us friends, brothers and sisters, and we are in the family of God. As a father cares for his family, God cares for us each and every one.

He knows the very number of hairs on our head, and if he takes concern about something so simple, then we should understand how much more he cares that you are provided for.

Charles Spurgeon was asked, “What is the most profound message in the Gospel?” He answered with the children’s song; “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Once we were useless, now we are in the family of God.

We have communion with God and with our fellow Christians. We have blessed fellowship one with another, as we lovingly worship our Lord, pray together and share our burdens and joys as community.

May the Love of Jesus Christ fill us with His Love and let our daily walk be continually in Him.

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2 comments:

Floyd said...

I'm really beginning to look forward to Mondays. I know my spirit will be lifted by your encouraging words. It is a wonderful blessing from God. Thanks for your obedience.

Shanda said...

This is a powerful challenge to pray daily for God to open doors for me to share the good news of Christ with others. this is not something I regularly pray for but feel the need to start. thank you.