We’re starting a devotional look at Colossians this week. This letter from Paul to the Christians of Colosse contains many treasures that have had a big impact on me, helping me to finally understand that, in Christ, I am perfectly complete and capable of living in a way that honors my Lord. I’m switching to the New Living Translation for this series, mostly because I got a beautiful new Bible to read. 😊
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace. - Colossians 1:3-6 NLT
I love that Paul prays for his audience and give thanks to God for their growing faith and love for one another. What really pops out to me is the reason for their faith and love: their confident hope of heaven.
In everyday language, we use “hope” as something we desire or wish for: “I hope it doesn’t rain today,” for example. But in the Bible, hope is much more than a wish. Hope is a sure, confident expectation that God will keep His word. Hope is knowing that I have a place waiting for me with my Father in heaven. Hope comes from understanding the truth of the Good News. The gospel of Jesus that shows me my sin and my inability to rescue myself, but also shows me that God has lovingly provided for that rescue through Jesus. When I understand and accept this truth, I become one of God’s children with all the blessings and promises that come with this relationship. I have hope in heaven.
And this confident hope changes me. I start living for the Lord and making choices to honor Him instead of pleasing myself. I love people better and I want to share the hope I have found with those I love. I plant seeds by sharing the gospel with others and can watch the Holy Spirit grow fruit in their lives and mine. I can do things that are scary or that I don't feel equiped for because I have a Helper. I can stay joyful and calm in the face of trials and struggles because I am confident in Who is ultimately in charge of everything.
And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:5 NLT
Think About: Do you have confident hope today?
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