Today’s Bible reading is Colossians chapter 1
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
We learn a lot about a person by what makes them happy. Paul was most happy when the Gospel was being preached, and people were being saved, and the church was being blessed. Paul was a happy person because Paul was a thankful person. He said, “We give thanks to God… since we heard of your faith, and of the love which you have to all the saints.” (Colossians 1:4) Faith in Christ results in love for saints. Paul heard about the church at Colossae and he was was thankful for their faith and their love. He was also thankful for their hope. He said, “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” (Colossians 1:5) Paul was happy because the Gospel was being preached and it was bringing forth fruit. His thankfulness led him to pray for the spiritual growth and development of the church at Colossae. What makes you happy? Is your joy and gratitude wrapped up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Paul said, “Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14 NKJV)
Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, help us to love what You love and despise what You despise. May whatever rejoices Your heart rejoice ours as well. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 