Daniel Fast Day Nine

"For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enablede you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Col 1:9-14

Lets walk through this passage real quick.

v. 9 Paul is praying that the Colossians would be filled...meaning they weren't already full. Our lives need constant filling of the knowledge of God. I need filled...not with vegetarian chili or vegetable medley or a fruit salad...I need to be filled with knowing God today.

v. 10 How do we lead lives worthy of God and fully please Him? BY BEARING FRUIT WHICH COMES FROM KNOWING GOD. I can't even do lasting good without knowing God more.

v. 11 Where does my strength come from? Not by me pulling myself up by bootstraps! But by tapping into HIS GLORIOUS POWER (By KNOWING HIM!) Want to make today's fast simpler...don't go it alone!

v. 12 Is life going to be peachy smooth sailing when I know God more? Apparently not...Why would Paul talk about patience and endurance if everything was going to be perfect when I followed Jesus? Hardship is guaranteed. But those who know God more will endure WITH JOY AND THANKFULNESS.

v.13 God has enabled us to share in His riches...another word for enabled is qualified. You have not earned the Gospel...You've been qualified for it by the grace and sacrifice of the cross. That should leave no arrogance or self-confidence in you, but should leave you humble and desperate for grace to live every day.

v. 14 We've been rescued from darkness! Transferred to His Kingdom! Redeemed by His Son! And forgiven of our sins.

Have a good day today. Keep your eyes on Jesus.