October 5, 2024 - Be Strong in Faith

JEREMIAH 4:19-6:15

COLOSSIANS 1:18-2:7

PSALM 77:1-20

PROVERBS 24:23-25

One Year Bible Audio & Daily Reading (oneyearbibleonline.com)

Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Last night at bible study we were talking about when Jesus was tempted by the devil. How he said things and used scripture in ways that were warped and twisted. It was good timing because this morning I woke up early couldn't fall back to sleep so I was thinking and praying. And I started to think about my sinful nature and how I don't do a good enough job at looking at myself and my sin. The question of whether or not I am actually living for Christ or putting on a good show entered my mind. In the last 28 or so years I have never doubted my faith or my salvation since I decided to live for Jesus. But today there was this twisted thought in my mind that I had to push away. The enemy was trying to alienate me from God in my mind. But the word of God is a double-edged sword that can slay the enemies lies. His word says that "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation".

Colossians 123 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

I need to continue in my faith, established and firm and not move from the hope held out in the gospel. I don't know what is going to be happening but I know that the enemy wants me to doubt and wants to try to stop me from following God's plan. But I will hold onto the Gospel and continue on whatever path my faith takes me.

Colossians 1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

I will continue to grow in wisdom and mature and to teach others to do the same. Our Church is going down that path and I will do all I can to join what He is doing there. It may be tiring but we will be given the energy to do so as Christ powerfully works in us. Maybe this is for all of us in leadership to remember and it is confirmation that things are moving forward in the spiritual growth of our church.

Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Stay strong and continue to live your lives for Him. Sink your roots deep down into the truth of His word and be strong in faith. Do not forget all that you have been taught and with contiguous thanksgiving trust in the Mighty Hand of Our Lord Jesus Christ!