Pearls of Great Value

Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should. Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].”.  Colossians‬ ‭4:2-6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

 

 

This Word! So good! I love it. You know, we have an enemy that wants us to be confused, to be in doubt. He wants us to fall into traps and distractions. But I praise God that we don’t have to live like that! I praise God that we have His Word which clarifies, like this one from Colossians 4, which lays a foundation of prayer, of strength and victory. 

 

Paul starts out with this in verse 2: devote yourself in prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving! The word devote here is the Greek Word “proskartereō” and it means to be intently engaged in; to remain constantly in a place; to continue in. This act of remaining in a place of prayer helps us to stay alert. And how  vital it is to stay alert in this hour when Satan is roaming around like a lion seeking to devour! Devote time to prayer each day and make an effort to stay in position to pray throughout the day. We can’t have the excuse of no time, because time is a gift from God and it’s not given to us to waste. It only takes a minute to close our eyes and offer up a praise of thanksgiving. And so often as the hands are busy the mind can be praying to the Father. I mean, the mind is always thinking on something, so why not train it to be thinking on what is true, noble, just and pure? 

Stay alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. Have you noticed that the happiest people aren’t necessarily those with wealth and many things? The happiest people I know are those who have an attitude of thankfulness. It overflows into everything they say and do. They just appreciate the little things and the smallest gifts in life bring them joy. To me this is the double punch in the devils face: persistence in prayer and a thankful heart. The devil can’t beat it, overcome it, wreck it, or destroy it. This heart, this life, is sold out to Christ. 

 

Paul goes on: “At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.”

How often do we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ? How often do we pray that God will open doors of opportunity to speak the good news? Not only should we pray that for ourselves but also for others. Our prayers are as incense before the throne of a God (Rev: 8:3-4). This is a beautiful vision to me! Our prayers are a fragrance around the throne. God values our prayers so much that they are the perfume of heaven. They are a worship to Him and a honor. A gift. That is why the Bible says, The persistent and fervent  prayer of a righteous man is able to accomplish much (James 5:16). Don’t ever doubt the power of prayer, it’s the most important tool in your toolbox. Take it out and put it to use for the Kingdom!

 

“Walk in the wisdom of God as you live before the unbelievers, and make it your duty to make him known.”  (Colossians‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭TPT‬‬). 

Walking in the wisdom of God. That’s such a powerful statement. And though it might sound difficult to attain, it’s not. I give you the words and promise of Jesus: “for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” (Luke 21:15 ESVi). That’s amazing! We can also pray for this wisdom: “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, (Eph. 1:17 ESVi). He wants to give us His wisdom, God doesn’t withhold it. Ask and it shall be given to you. Believe His promise to you, and hold on to Him. That is where the wisdom is: in Him. The point of the verse, though,is that we walk or live in such a way that Jesus Christ is boldly proclaimed. As we interact with unbelievers, are we so full of light and joy that they want what we have? As Paul says, it is our duty as sons and daughters of God, to make our Father known. So let us make the most of each opportunity presented to us and treat it as something special. For it is.

 

“Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith.” Colossians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

How could one put it better? This is so simple and easy to understand. Yet, not easily done if the tongue isn’t controlled by Holy Spirit. Where He reigns in the heart, the mouth overflows with praise and kindness. Where He reigns, the words of the mouth are full of grace and truth. When Jesus is alive in the heart, the tongue proclaims of the goodness He brings. You can’t stop the Spirit. He’s a fire that isn’t quenched, a blaze that seeks to set others aflame in love. How can every word we speak be drenched in grace and love? Well, if we are the sponge that’s been soaking in the Word, getting quality time with the Father, we will be dripping with all that is in the Word. That gets me excited!

 

Abba Father, we pray for Holy Spirit to set us on fire. Build within us a flaming love that overflows to those around us. May we be gracious in our actions, truthful in word, and always promoting peace. We pray for hearts that seek after You daily so that we can say: the joy of the Lord is my strength! With our eyes fixed on You, we can overcome. We can be hope-filled and joy-full. Thank you Jesus, for being wisdom in us. We praise you for filling us up with the goodness, the oil of the Word, as we spend time with you! Thank you for giving to each of us the words needed to encourage others and to build up Your kingdom. We pray that Your kingdom come,Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven! Yours is the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.