...do what Christ wants you to do...

Don't Lose Hope.

When the Sun Goes Down, the Stars Come Out!

“10 Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner greets you, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him. 11 And Jesus who is called Justus greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in everything that God wills. 13 For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, ‘See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.’

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you” Colossians 4:10-18.

Dear friends, consider today some of the concluding words of Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. What strikes me as he closes this letter are two remarks, one about prayer, and the other about our calling by Christ in our lives.

First, Paul says in verse 12 that we are “always wrestling in our prayers.” This is important to remember. When we pray, sometimes the well seems empty. Other times we are overwhelmed by thoughts that easily distract us. And frequently we finish prayer feeling like it was a battle, even a war. Paul reminds us that this is quite normal.

It was also true for Jesus too. Sometimes He wept in prayer, other times He sweat blood during prayer, and still other times He fell asleep. And can any of us count all of the times Jesus was interrupted in prayer by others — even crowds — by his cranky Apostles, and by soldiers, priests, and people who hated Him. Often He was interrupted by sinners and the sick and the dead. So, don’t keep score on the quality of your prayer. Just keep praying. Don’t give up! It’s a battle sometimes.

And lastly, Pauls says this: "See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord” (verse 17). This day, make sure before you go to bed, if it’s not already too late, that you have completed all of the tasks Jesus has given you this day. In other words, don’t use the Spanish word, “manyanna”, which means tomorrow. Don’t use the Swahili word, “kesho”, or the english word, “tomorrow.”  Don’t tell yourself, “I’ll get to this later!”, or “I’ll do it next time” is a killer.

Do it now!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I know there are many reasons

why I cannot pray today.

And Lord, I know sometimes my prayer is like

a wrestling match!

Please give me Your grace

to pray today.

And Lord, help me today

to do what You want me to do!

Today, I want to serve You,

so the people You bring into my life,

let me be for them who You want me to be.

In Your Holy Name, I pray.

Amen.