Colossians 1

Boy there is a lot here. For those of us who have discipled/mentored people, we know exactly how Paul feels at the beginning here, so proud and gratified that those he invested his ministry in were growing and being effective in bearing fruit for Christ as well. And what a foundation our great God has given us as believers that connect us to His person, His provisions and His kingdom. And what a great prayer Paul prays for them. It goes way beyond the typical prayers we pray and yet strikes to the core of what is best for us and what we all should be seeking to become. It’s not a bad idea to pray these things for ourselves and others as well. What could be better than to be strengthened from within, to know the will of God, to walk worthy of Him and have the things we do for Him bear fruit in other’s lives? And if that weren’t enough for this chapter…Paul then practically writes a hymn exalting Jesus. It is our privilege to be connected to One who is so great and powerful and yet who was willing to sacrifice Himself for us. Amazing grace just doesn’t say enough. And yet Paul gives a fitting response to such a One and such a sacrifice….service to His name and massive effort to see His church grow. Jesus’ message needed and needs to be spread and He entrusts it to each one of us. And yet it is also through HIs power and to His glory as well.