I was going through some devotions from previous years and I saw this one. Kinda touches on our message from church yesterday. A word we all need.
Lord, let my prayers never be out of habit and let my words be life to those around me. Let me spread my seasoning all around.
Colossians 4:1-18 NLT
[1] Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven. [2] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. [3] Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. [4] Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. [5] Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. [7] Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. [8] I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. [9] I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here. [10] Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. [11] Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! [12] Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. [13] I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. [15] Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. [16] After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. [17] And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.” [18] Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.
It tells us to pray diligently and to stay alert . With our eyes open having a heart of gratitude.
Are you paying attention to those around you?
Are you prayers earnestly seeking God or are they just something we do our of habit.
Can you look at your life and see how God sustained you?
Can you see His unfailing love and provision?
Can you see His protection?
I pray that my heart never get lazy and my prayers are never just out of habit or duty.
My prayer is that God keep my eyes open to see those around me that need love and prayers.
I pray he guard my heart and I pray that I am forever grateful even when circumstances aren’t the best. I ask God to remove complaining from my lips and replace it with praise.
Verse 6 Talks about our conversation – that it be seasoned with salt and full of grace. So we can answer people.
Many people who are away from the Lord don’t need our judgment they need our love. I believe when we show God’s love to hurting and broken people it shows them a glimpse of God’s mercy and grace.
Having the last word isn’t always necessary. I have learned that sometimes silence in situations allows God to work and move in ways we can’t even imagine.
I pray my words speak life to people . That I can restore them in love just as Jesus restored me.
I pray that I show love even when people are unloveable.
I hope to never forget where He brought me from, never forget the grace He poured out on me.
May my heart and words reflect the love of Jesus to all those around me
