Colossians 2:6-9

“6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7. Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

8. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

We live I uncertain times. Not sure of what may happen next. The only thing that is certain is that God is in control; he never fails, nor does he ever change. As the scriptures say Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever more.

It is our duty to abide in the truth of his word, be secure in it, stand on it be faith. One we are, we then need to be a light to those that are lost in darkness. To be that voice of calm in a tumultuous world.

We need to get it together because people are depending on us – even if they don’t realize it. They need our prayers, wisdom, and Godly inspired common sense. 

Because of this the enemy of our souls is after us. If he can pull us back in darkness he is then better able to keep the remainder of the world there too. 

Guard youself. Be vigilant, be sober, because your adversary, the devil, is walking around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t be a victim. Don’t get caught up in mess, so you are not effective.

Be relevant because you are needed. Guard yourself and shine.

Colossians 1:10

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

The more we know of God is not the same as knowing God more.

To know more of him is more of a book inspired learning. To know God more is an intimate exercise. It requires the believer to leave himself behind and move “into” God. This intimate handling allows us to know the mind of God. The only way to have this type of knowledge of God is through a life style of praise and worship. Our praises gets God’s attention. Our worship shows him how much we appreciate, and adore him. Our worship exalts him and humbles us. It puts the believer in a position to “hear” God.

This experience allows God to reveal himself to the believer. As God reveals himself to us, we are able to apply his truth to our daily lives. This allows the believer to be fruitful in every good work, thus pleasing God. This is a cycle that should be active in every believer’s life. 

When we are experiencing difficulties and challenges, or it does not seem like you have the victory, the answer (or fix) is simple. Increase, or rather persevere in your praise and worship. It is impossible to murmur and complain, and praise and worship God at the same time. If our focus is on the later (praise and worship), there is no failure. You might ask, how is that possible? Again, the answer is simple. God reveals himself to us and we see things the way he sees them. What may have looked like failure to us, may be something completely different in God’s eyes. 

Our goal, as Colossians 1:10 says, “that we might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.” Sometimes, what may look like a failure or loss to us, actually places us exactly where God needs us to be. This is a victory. Why? Because what happens next will ultimately bring glory to God.

Philippians 3:13-14

“13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  

14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

We have all made mistakes, and done things we are not proud of. Now is a perfect time to let them go and look forward. Time to forgive yourself and do better. Shake the dust off your feet, repent, and go after that which God has ordained for you.

Do not allow yourself to be held captive by the past. God has called us to liberty, not bondage.  

The same can be said about your past successes. They are great, but they are still in the past. What have you done for God lately? 

We don’t live in the past. We live in the now. What are you doing for the kingdom now?

We must constantly press toward the mark or the goal God has set for us. Look forward to reach, to accomplish, to achieve, to gain ground for the kingdom of God.

Move into that which God has called you to. Little by little is still progress. Do not despise small beginnings. Eventually you will have great success – if you keep pressing.

Look forward…

Ephesians 3:20

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, “

My heart is full. I feel that God is about to do something great. I feel it in my spirit, and I receive it by faith.

I am thinking/expecting big because I serve a limitless God.  It’s time to live that “life more abundantly” that Jesus came to give us.

Do not diminish that life by thinking small. Ask God to enlarge your territory, then believe him to receive it. Walk in it by faith.

Prayerfully prepare yourself to receive and walk in the great move of God that is coming your way.

Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Whatever you do, do not let anyone or anything still the peace that only God can give. It is the peace of God that keeps you as you go through the ups and downs of life. To lose your peace means you lose the victory. Fight for your peace – protect your peace.