WEDNESDAY March 16, 2022

Having a Steadfast Faith

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:4-5

The Spirit of prayer was breathed into Paul’s letter. He was known as a man of prayer who remained close to the heart of God. Paul prayed for the Colossian church, for the believers who had not met him personally. We can learn so much from Paul’s commitment to them in prayer, and how he strove and agonized for the Christians in Colosse through his continued intercession.

Paul sincerely prayed for believers who were weak and sick. He prayed for the steadfastness of the church. Those who were immature, as well as those who were mature, should be careful not to be led away by persuasive false wisdom. He was with them in spirit, urging them forward––how beautiful. He rejoiced in their spiritual growth and steadfastness.

Paul had a genuine concern for the church; it was not just a job. He was an Apostle who had an anointing to be a true shepherd to the people of God. Pastors, in their concern for the congregation, fellowship with them, pray with them, counsel with them, rejoice with them, and even cry with them. That is what being a shepherd of God’s people is about. We are called to love God’s people. A pastor rejoices to see believers’ steadfastness as they grow in Christ. He sees their joy and passion.

Paul prayed for the believers, but he also treated them as his own family. As Christians, we are family and should care for one another. As I pray for you, I ask that you daily pray for me, for my family, for Calvary Chapel Golden Springs, and for those in the congregation. Pray for those who sit to the left and the right of you in service and for those who have fallen away. Make it a habit to pray every day for people, that God would keep us safe, as we are living in very dangerous days––the last days.

If you are a stranger to prayer, you are a stranger to the greatest source of power known to human beings.
~E.M. Bounds~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!