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Dear Friends, Today we conclude our devotional look into Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14. Paul summarizes our salvation with three word-pictures in Colossians 1:13-14: Colossians 1:13-14 NIVFor he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. First, God rescues us from our sins and its consequences! The verb here is very precise. It celebrates a rescue from a very strong enemy. It is the same verb found in Matthew 6:13, “…deliver us from evil.” We cannot rescue ourselves. We cannot…

Dear friends, In our text today, Colossians 1:10-12, Paul outlines four qualities that demonstrate a life that pleases the Lord. Colossians 1:10b-12 NIVso that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. The first quality is a…

Dear fellow intercessors, Today we continue our study of Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14. Last time we saw Paul praying for people he had never met personally. He is determined to keep praying for them that they will grow in their knowledge of God. Now, in Colossians 1:10, he shares his precise goal for them! His purpose is for them to experience the abundant life Jesus promised to all who believe on Him in John 10:10. Colossians 1:10a NIVSo that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way Paul uses the language of…

Dear Friends, This month we are memorizing Paul’s prayer for the church at Colossae, which is found in Colossians 1:9-14. Paul never met these disciples, but his prayer is very specific and glorious! This is an excellent example of intercessory prayer. His prayer opens with a very dynamic spiritual request. Colossians 1:9 NIVFor this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, Immediately we discover that Paul had only “heard”…

Dear Brothers and Sisters, We are on an exciting journey together! We are learning to partner with God and each other. Prayer is vital to this union in Christ! Philippians 1:10-11 NIVso that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ– to the glory and praise of God. Here are the intended results: I hope today’s thoughts will transform our intercessory prayers. We need to reach for higher requests. We pray with confidence because we know God…

Dear friends, Today, we begin a look into the prayer Paul is praying for the church in Philippi. This prayer was written many years ago, but God can use it to transform our prayers for others today in 2025.  Here is the Apostle Paul’s prayer: Philippians 1:9-11 NIVAnd this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ– to…

Dear Friends, I want to explore Philippians 1:7-8 with you today.   Philippians 1:7-8 NIVIt is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.  Paul expresses his deep love for Jesus and for this church. He is not ashamed or embarrassed to do so!  1.      His love for them is inclusive…

Dear Friends, For August 2025 we are memorizing Paul’s prayer from Philippians chapter one! This prayer will be the backdrop to our sermons this month. Let’s take a look into the introduction of this letter as Paul shares his prayers for this church. Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, I am excited to read about the prayers of the Apostle Paul for this church. His example humbles…

Dear Friends, As we conclude our look into Psalm 46, I want to quote the words of Marting Luther. This song was written from his meditation on Psalm 46. We are blessed to live under the watchful care of our God!  He is our Mighty Fortress! Be encouraged, Pastor Rick