on September 9, 2010
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
– Colossians 2:6-10
Prayer Focus:
In our desire to fill our lives with things that bring joy, satisfaction and fulfillment, we find that there are many attractions, inventions, illusions and experiences in this world that can captivate our attention, our affection and perhaps even our commitment. It’s not long, though, before we discover that they are empty, deceptive and entangling. They demand more and more of our time, money and energy. They are the tools and products of the world, the flesh and the devil. They have one purpose – to take you captive, to cause you to buy into a life philosophy that conflicts with the truth we find in Christ.
Our brief admonition from Paul is to continue to live in the Lord Jesus Christ in the same way we received Him. When we received Him, we believed Him, we trusted in His Word, and we were persuaded that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Paul tells us to keep living like this by establishing the truths of Christ as our worldview for living. He encourages us to build up our lives in this faith. Then he emphasizes that a byproduct of this kind of living is a measure of thankfulness that spills over because we’re so filled.
Paul gives us a standard by which to determine those things that will leave us empty, hollow and deceived. He says that, “they depend on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” We could ask, does this attraction or interest stem from the truth that is in the Lord Jesus Christ, or does it find its existence in human tradition and worldly principles? If it doesn’t have its roots in Jesus, don’t buy into it!
Paul reminds us that Jesus is all we need for a full and authentic life. In Him is more than enough! “More than all I want, more than all I need!”
Thursday:
- Praise God for giving us the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to satisfactorily fill our lives.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team (in prayer if not in person).
Friday:
- Ask God to give you discernment that recognizes hollow and deceptive philosophies that people often build their lives upon.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Katelyn DeRoller, Jim & Carol DeYaeger (Steph), Frank & Anna Diehl.
Saturday:
- Ask God to strengthen you as you work at incorporating the truths of Christ into your purpose and philosophy for life.
Sunday:
- Pray for God to reveal to you any ways that you may have bought into some hollow and deceptive philosophies of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Monday:
- Pray for a spirit that overflows with thankfulness.
Tuesday:
- Pray for those people in your life that seem to be captivated by lifestyles and investments of their life resources that conflict with the truth in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday:
- Pray that these truths of Christ Jesus may find more and more practical expression in our daily lives that deeply transforms us.
Faith Challenge: Find ways to do the Lord’s work and express what you really believe (serve in a weekly ministry, a ministry project, and spontaneous opportunities for ministry). Share your testimony with someone this week. Invite them to Sunday School, Worship or Power Team!