Today’s inspired message comes from Colossians 1. I am keying in on verses 9-12. In the Amplified Version it reads:
9For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [[a]special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the [b]full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [[c]in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—
10That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and [d]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, [e]acquaintance, and recognition].
11[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,
12Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the [f]portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.
It’ s a reoccurring them across The Bible that many Christians neglect. To live your best, most purposeful life; you have to know the will of God, love the heart of God, and desire to please Him above all else. Now, I realize that some days this is a hard pill to swallow. We’re humans (the best excuse ever, LOL), we desire to control things, make things happen in our timing & in our way, and we simply are engulfed in pursuing what we desire while praying for God’s hands to move in our situations. For many of us the problem is that we never consulted God to begin with.
Spending time in the Word is the primary way to grow in understanding the heart, mind & will of God. Once we begin to get understanding on what’s important in life we can begin practically applying these truths to our daily living. Sounds easy, right? It is when your heart is ready to receive. For many of us understanding God’s will and practically applying it means we have to first actually READ our Bible, then we have to give up certain fleshly pleasures, it could mean we have to lose a few friends, it usually means we have to work outside of our comfort zone, and for some it might mean a total lifestyle overhaul.
It may sound burdensome but it’s not; it’s freedom. When you operate under the direction of God, you gain the freedom to truly live. He makes your way easy and your troubles light (Matthew 11:30). He gives you every good thing and adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22). He delights in you (Psalm 37:23). There is no greater pursuit than to pursue the heart of God. There is no greater joy than seeing His hand work through you to help others. There is no greater success than following His guidance and reaping the benefits. There is no greater love than the love He offers us. You see He sits by waiting for that moment when you will desire Him more than you desire His gifts.
If you are entangled in the worlds way of living, you can break free and begin living a life of purpose. A life where it’s about more than your needs and your family. Read & pray Psalm 26:2-“Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart”. Take a look at your life; what consumes you? Is it food, alcohol, TV, secular music & videos, excessive work, uncontrolled shopping…whatever it is, take time to fast from that obsession. Instead of being consumed with it, take that time to pray, read the Word and meditate. If you get on the path…God will meet you half way!
Until Next Time,
Nakisha Guzman
Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com
Posted by: |