COLOSSIANS 1:9-10

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

TO PONDER

I think this verse should be given to every pastor of every church, regardless of denomination, when they graduate from Seminary or Bible College, as a prayer that they should pray for their congregations every day. After all, that is a significant part of a pastor's role, to teach the Word of God so that people might grow in their knowledge of God. But similarly, every congregation should also be given this verse as a prayer to pray for their pastors and leaders.

Time and time again in scripture, God seems to bring about his plans and purposes through regular messed up and broken people. Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, King Saul, King David, the list goes on and on. Just about every 'hero' of the Bible has a significant hurdle or flaw that would normally disqualify them, in the eyes of the world, from holding any position of power or authority. The one thing they all have in common, they all knew something of who God was. They listened to the Spirit of God who guided them. They listened to the wise council of those who God sent to aid and correct them. When they dedicated themselves to growing in their knowledge of God and his plans, they prospered. When they did things according to their own needs or desires, things went poorly.

Let us encourage one another and help one another to learn more of who God is as we seek to live his love, share his hope, and grow in his grace together.

PRAYER

Lord, I pray that you would fill me and those who lead our church communities with the wisdom of your will, with wisdom and understanding that comes from Holy Spirit; that we might grow in the knowledge of you and that our lives may be pleasing to you in every way. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle