Hi Everyone!

Verse of the Day

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV)

Quote of the Day

“I prayed for Faith, and thought that some day Faith would come down and strike me like lightning. But Faith did not seem to come. One day I read in the tenth chapter of Romans, ‘Now Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God’. I had closed my Bible, and prayed for Faith. I now opened my Bible, and began to study, and Faith has been growing ever since.”

– Dwight L. Moody

Reflection

After we receive Christ, the Christian life doesn’t become passive. Paul calls us to continue walking in Him: rooted, growing, and established in the faith. According to today’s verse, faith is a foundational element of our walk with God. Verse 7 specifies that when we are rooted in Jesus Christ, built up in Him, and established in faith, we will abound in thanksgiving.

It’s no wonder we reach a place of gratitude when immersed in our faith. But not just any faith but one rightly situated in Jesus Christ. The Colossians faced the false message that sacrifices and overemphasis on personal action were a vehicle by which they could please God.

We know that works are a crucial part of our faith but not the Source of our salvation. When we make sacrifices for God’s glory, they are often honorable actions. It is pivotal, however, to remember that good works and noble sacrifices result after salvation. Works flow from a place of gratitude for God’s provision. Keep in mind, it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone that we receive God’s atonement for our sins and the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10).

If we indulge ourselves solely in human performance, it’s only a matter of time before we fail. Instead, we must rely on God to enable and guide us to abound in thanksgiving and reflect His glory. May God ensure our faith always abounds over our fears as we triumph over evil through His help.

Application

Today’s quote reminds us there is no replacement for God’s word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Fellowship and prayer are crucial, but they would not thrive outside our time with God in His word. As we spend time in God’s word, He grows our faith and deepens our thirst for Him.

Next time, before you open God’s word, recall what a precious gift you hold. The infallible and timeless word you hold is God’s authoritative revelation to you. We must fear God and revere His word if we are to expect transformation.

Many times, myself included, we indulge our Biblical knowledge. Yet, it must also inspire us to act wisely as we apply God’s word in an acceptable way to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I remember a time when I was frustrated and tempted to let my emotions get the best of me. In that moment, the verse about being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” came to mind (James 1:19). 

I could have retaliated, but God’s grace enabled me to pause and choose to respond with kindness. This small act, guided by Scripture, helped to de-escalate the situation and reminded me that truly applying God’s word brings real change in daily life. We cannot afford to take His sacrifice on the cross for granted.

Let your choices be guided by the Holy Spirit, inspired by Jesus Christ, and honorable in the sight of God. Without Jesus Christ, we have nothing, but in Him, we find everything, including eternal life.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. I have dropped the ball and failed You in many areas. Yet, somehow, You have seen it fit to pick me up, dust me off, and help me get back on track. I pray that You would help me to forgive others the way You forgive me.

I am thankful that, with Your help, I don’t often allow deceit or wickedness in my heart to guide my actions. I am thankful that You know my heart and my intentions. Please help me align both with Your will.

Father, please help me grow in gratitude, faith, and joy. I desire to find joy in everything I do for You and develop my faith by hearing and studying Your word. I also want to grow in gratitude by acknowledging Your numerous blessings.

My thankfulness abounds because of Your provision. I sincerely appreciate everything You’ve provided me, from the most minor material things to the most significant spiritual blessings. You’re my greatest treasure, and I am fortunate that Your presence will remain with me for all of eternity.

You are the Source of every good and perfect gift in my life. Please help me surrender to Your will and recall that it aligns with Your eternal best interest in consideration of Your glory and my good.

May I take up my cross daily and repent of all that offends You, including the sins I may not be aware of, so that I may walk in Jesus Christ. Thank You once again for Your forgiveness, and help me to please You in every area of my life.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.