For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14
Reflection
As we continue to pray and ponder all that God has planned for 2024, we look to Him to light our path and show us what is new and next on heaven’s calendar. By this time in January, we have generally settled into a post-holiday routine and our earthly calendars are covered with plans, projects, and other priorities. Statistically, the data shows that a majority of people have already tossed aside their New Year’s resolutions and settled for routine and rituals that look very similar to those in past years.
There are several problems with that decision, as you cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results. More of the same brings about more of the same, but God is always moving us forward. We can learn looking back to the past, but we live looking and moving forward. Early last Fall God put it on my heart that to proclaim this year 2024ward (forward). My 2023 was filled with pain and joy; three funerals and a wedding, loss, laughter, and deep discipleship throughout the year. We get to choose to leave the pain in the past and walk in the light of the lessons that God taught and brought into our lives as He continues to conform our character more and more to reflect that of His Son, our Savior, Jesus.
As a teacher, I knew if a student failed a test we needed to go back to reteach and review before we could move on to something new, and I do not want to repeat 2023 – I want to know and serve God more in 2024. I want to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and all that the verses we just read above in Colossians 1:9-12 expresses as “a worthy walk.”
How We Can Pray
Reading through these verses, you might be tempted to think, “It would be easier to go to the gym every day than to please God in all respects…”
This “worthy walk” happens one step at a time living in the Light of Jesus. It is the life we have inherited, fully qualified for us to share, living in God’s care. Many people fear the future they cannot see or control. We will remind you several times throughout this year that “God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.” (Psalm 119:105) As Christians we live life in the light of Jesus, Colossians 1:12-13 assures us that we have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of Jesus where we share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. We do not live in darkness and the darkness has no authority over us or in us. We have been removed from darkness and relocated to Light! Keep that in mind as you continue to pray into what God has new and next for you this year.
Would you please pray with me now?
Light of the world, King Jesus, we praise You! We lift Your glorious Name in praise and bring light to our hearts and all who hear and draw near. Your gospel, Your glory, shines in our life and we bless Your name that is above every name as we live out Your light in all we think, say and do. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will and all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we will walk in a manner worthy of our Lord, to please You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of our God. Let us remember we are not on our own but strengthened with all power, according to Your glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience. We rejoice and resolve to give You thanks as the light and love of our lives. In the glorious name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
