For though I am away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong...continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him , and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow...and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:5-7
I take great delight in writing this blog and hearing from those who have read my books and tell me they are learning to know God better. I am thrilled by your response because that's why I write them. I enjoy writing and telling stories, but if no one is touched by the message, much of the joy is lost.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul makes a great point when he speaks of faith being an ongoing process. Following Christ is a daily journey that is intended to last a lifetime. Letting your roots grow into Him and building your life on Him isn't something that happens overnight. It involves years of learning, growing, and living a life of faith and transformation. But it always begins with today.
Whether you have been following Jesus for as long as you can remember, or it's a new thing for you, today is the day to take the next step. It might be as simple as doing what you did yesterday, or maybe some changes are needed. But either way, Jesus is ready and waiting to lead you.
Paul makes another interesting point about where the path will lead when he says following Jesus leads to thankfulness. You know what that tells me? Following Jesus leads to good things! He gives us much to be thankful for. Whether it involves learning to appreciate how He has already blessed you, or whether you need to get off the road you're on and make some new choices; His ways are good. His blessings are real.
What steps do you need to take today? Where is He leading you? If you don't know, ask Him. That could be the step you take, just asking Him what He wants to show you, how He wants to bless you, and what you can do to receive His love.
Or maybe you know exactly what He wants you to do, but you're resisting. Today could be the day you say, 'Yes, Jesus. I will follow you in this.' Or you might say, 'I'm having a hard time following you in this, please help me.'
Perhaps you are following Him each day and today is another day of doing what you know is right, but you're feeling discouraged because of difficult circumstances, you are concerned for others, or you feel alone. Take some time to think about how far you have come and all the good things that have come from the changes you have made and the steps you have taken to follow Him. Do you have more peace, more joy, more love for others? Do you see your value in God's eyes more than you used to? Do you have a better view of God? Are you more patient and forgiving? Are you overflowing with thankfulness? Sometimes I get so focused on my circumstances or on those around me, I forget to look inward and rejoice in what God is doing in my heart and being thankful for where He has brought me.
Wherever you are today in your journey with Jesus, whatever steps you need to take, or if you simply need Him to carry you, don't wait until tomorrow, dear one. Today is the day.
Keep on seeking and you will find.
(Matthew 7:7)
Colossians 2:5-7
I take great delight in writing this blog and hearing from those who have read my books and tell me they are learning to know God better. I am thrilled by your response because that's why I write them. I enjoy writing and telling stories, but if no one is touched by the message, much of the joy is lost.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul makes a great point when he speaks of faith being an ongoing process. Following Christ is a daily journey that is intended to last a lifetime. Letting your roots grow into Him and building your life on Him isn't something that happens overnight. It involves years of learning, growing, and living a life of faith and transformation. But it always begins with today.
Whether you have been following Jesus for as long as you can remember, or it's a new thing for you, today is the day to take the next step. It might be as simple as doing what you did yesterday, or maybe some changes are needed. But either way, Jesus is ready and waiting to lead you.
Paul makes another interesting point about where the path will lead when he says following Jesus leads to thankfulness. You know what that tells me? Following Jesus leads to good things! He gives us much to be thankful for. Whether it involves learning to appreciate how He has already blessed you, or whether you need to get off the road you're on and make some new choices; His ways are good. His blessings are real.
What steps do you need to take today? Where is He leading you? If you don't know, ask Him. That could be the step you take, just asking Him what He wants to show you, how He wants to bless you, and what you can do to receive His love.
Or maybe you know exactly what He wants you to do, but you're resisting. Today could be the day you say, 'Yes, Jesus. I will follow you in this.' Or you might say, 'I'm having a hard time following you in this, please help me.'
Perhaps you are following Him each day and today is another day of doing what you know is right, but you're feeling discouraged because of difficult circumstances, you are concerned for others, or you feel alone. Take some time to think about how far you have come and all the good things that have come from the changes you have made and the steps you have taken to follow Him. Do you have more peace, more joy, more love for others? Do you see your value in God's eyes more than you used to? Do you have a better view of God? Are you more patient and forgiving? Are you overflowing with thankfulness? Sometimes I get so focused on my circumstances or on those around me, I forget to look inward and rejoice in what God is doing in my heart and being thankful for where He has brought me.
Wherever you are today in your journey with Jesus, whatever steps you need to take, or if you simply need Him to carry you, don't wait until tomorrow, dear one. Today is the day.
Keep on seeking and you will find.
(Matthew 7:7)
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
