Since Darlene started “Snippets from the Word“ on CWO, I would like to share with you my own personal thoughts on Sundays. I have to admit that I am not a Bible-Scholar or even much theologically trained (except for some theological courses I had taken several years ago). I want to share with you some personal thoughts, not supported by any doctrine or specific church body…If you care to share with me your own thoughts, I would be thrilled…This week I would like to reflect with you on Colossians 1 (reading from August 17)…
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered 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 (NIV)
Have you ever had the privilege to lead someone to Christ? I don’t know if I have, but I pray I did. But what truly happens to the person we were able to share His gift with? Do you continue to pray for them? Or do you step back and say: ‘Well, now it is up to them to get more knowledge about God and what His plan is for them’…
Did Paul leave the churches to themselves? No, he did not. He continued to encourage them through letters and visits. He prayed for them and did not leave the new converts to themselves and their old ways of thinking. We are made new in Christ, but we are certainly not a finished product. You see, we will never be finished, not until we are glorified with Him in heaven. So in order for new converts to grow, and even our own spiritual growth, we need His Holy Spirit to guide us in the way that is pleasing to Him. So we need to lift each other up in prayer and encourage each other to stay close to His Word.
Will you stand with me this coming week and pray for new believers, no matter if you know them in person or not? And that we will fill the need to help new believers to grow in their walk? If you know of someone who just received Christ as their Lord and Savior, would you send them an encouraging note or email. Let them know that you are praying for them.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. We lift up all new believers to You this morning. You know where their need is. Lord, would You send someone to help them to stay close to You. Would You give us the wisdom to guide Your new followers. We pray this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, we pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Have a blessed Sunday…
That is a wonderful idea, Iris.
My husband and I were saved about the same time and were lucky to join a small church where we spent alot of time with our Pastor. I can imagine that people in large churches or other situations may not get the grounding they need.
what a wonderful reminder! Thank you so much for sharing it- it is amazing how much our hearts are alike!
-H
I am not surprised by this post…you have such a heart for those that need our prayers. Many times it is difficult for us “old” believers to stay close to Him…imagine what a battle it is for the new believer, many haven’t had the opportunity to learn how…praying with you Iris.
Thank you for this reminder 🙂 sometimes it’s so easy to forget Him. I am praying with you too…
Thank you for visiting and have a blessed week ahead!
re: your comment about Halloween in August: My hubby and I decided to have an overnight stay in York (most haunted city in England) on Halloween night and go on a ghosthunt, and we made reservations to stay at this B&B. We just thought we’d book it now before we get too overwhelmed with other things. Cant wait! I’ll be blogging about it at a later date 😉
It is hard to remember sometimes the hurdles a new comer to Christ must face. So overwhelmed in the love and still so unsure! And when you yourself are fighting hard to keep your own head and heart up it is harder still to remember the new comer behind you.
Wonderful words Iris. I do need to focus more out there and less inside. I am so young in my journey with Christ yet I know I am older than some! I do have some one I have neglected this week. And she is very fragile in her new walk with Christ. Thanks for the little nudge.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
An excellent thing to pray for! I meet with a lady I led to Christ every other Wednesday informally. No agenda or anything. Sometimes, it’s really tough to help her find answers to her questions. It was tough just to get her into a Bible study, but that’s helped her a lot.
You know…leading others to Christ involves the gift of evangelism, which some folks seem to have an abundance of. My gift leans more towards teaching and discipling. I strongly believe God brings people into our lives for a reason. Maybe one person is there to draw us to Jesus and another comes along to bring us a little further in our walk with Him, then another comes along…
what a wonderful reminder! Discipleship is so important. Having led many young people to the Lord (or introduced/ taught/ helped them grow) I have not always had the opportunity to see them grow over the course of their life. Some I have had the blessing of knowing as adults, but many I have to just leave in the Lords hands. Often I will think of them and pray. Thanks for the reminder today 🙂
I do pray for them, often. Like Carrie – when I was saved (and hubby, too) we were in a small church – I think it does make a difference when you have people, other believers, close to you – praying specifically for you.
Nice post! It sounds like you have a heart for unbelievers. I just read an amazing book on “church planting.” The best way to bring the lost seems into the church seems to be through small groups.
Iris, this is a great idea! I’m with Carol in that my gifts are more of the discipleship/teaching variety. Making disciples is definitely a team effort!! Great thoughts in this post.