September 27- Colossians

Each year at work we have to prepare and submit a School Improvement Plan (SIP).  In this document we list academic growth goals for the students and measures that will be used to determine if that growth is occurring.

In chapter 1, verse 6, Paul wrote about "this gospel (that) is bearing fruit. . ."  Is the Gospel bearing fruit in my life?  If I answer "yes" to that question, what is the evidence of that fruit?  If I answer "no" to that question, what personal Spiritual Improvement Plan do I need to design?

In countless movies and television shows, a young child will kneel by his or her bed at night and pray for mommy, daddy, grandpa, grandma, dog Toby, mean old Mr. Wilson, etc.  I too grew up being taught to pray for those in my life, but after reading Colossians 1:9, I wonder if I have been mispraying all these years.  I have spent time (although not nearly enough) praying for specific needs of others.  While that is certainly not wrong, I have spent little time following Paul's example--". . .we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding."  

Certainly temporary things such as a job, physical healing, protection on a trip are all things about which we can, and should pray, but a "knowledge of His will" should be a goal for each Christian and consequently an item of prayer for each of us- for ourselves and for those for whom we pray.

September 26 Colossians 1

Only cars and trucks have cruise controls, not life.

Colossians 1-  v. 2  Paul wrote to Christ's followers at Colosse.  He refers to them as "holy and faithful".  Would those in my sphere of influence refer to me as "holy"?  How does that look to God?  To the world?

v. 3  Paul wrote that he "always thank(ed) God" when he prayed for the believers at Colosse.  Would I be a better husband/father if I not only prayed for Kristi and Seth, but also specifically thanked God for each for her and him.  Not just a throwaway, "thanks for Seth and Kristi", but list several things about each for which I am thankful.

James 1:23-27

This Sunday I will be substitute teaching for a adult Sunday School class at Ridgecrest.  So I was hoping to get thoughts/feedback on the verses covered by the lesson-  James 1:23-27.



²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  (What exactly does this mean?  What does being 'blessed in what (we) do look like?  Hmmm. . .)

 ²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.