11/13/2012 Message of Grace for All

Good morning All! Colossians 4: 2-6 (NIV)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I think that verse 2 is such a great opening for the ending of this letter….an exhortation of simple wisdom and encouragement. I know that for me, being “devoted to prayer” doesn’t necessarily come easy…but when I am…in the being “watchful”…He seems to lead my heart to a place of thankfulness….a place that can I can be totally dependent on Jesus.

Then there’s the part about Paul being in chains…in prison…and he asks for prayer…not to be freed, mind you…but for opportunity to share the gospel,….an example of selfless devotion, truly dependent on Christ, indifferent to his own persecution.

Tonight, I was meeting with some friends for some time in the word & just sharing about life. One of the guys brought up how he was struggling with how to deal with a friend’s unbelief…a friend that he’s known since childhood. And then I remembered reading these versus just before I left...& shared them with the group….

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

I don’t believe in coincidences. We prayed for this man and our friend…and I think, this is where Paul lead me tonight….to the message of grace for all in the truth of the Gospel…& no matter what my circumstances…be always thankful…ever mindful…and truly devoted to one who brings us all everlasting life…life to the full…Jesus.

 

Have a Blessed Day!

 

jim