“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving“– Colossians 4:2

Two commands are given in this short directive from the apostle Paul: continue and watch. First, we are to continue, or persevere, in daily and fervent prayer to God. But as we do continually pray, Paul reminds us, we must be also careful to be determinedly “watching” for occasions of thanksgiving.

The word “watch” means to be vigilant, alert, attentive. It seems Paul knew that we have a tendency to grow selfish and unmindful of the Lord’s blessings in our lives. We begin to take even the greatest mercies and most undeserved gifts for granted. We forget to give thanks for each and every grace in our life.

In your ongoing prayers, be watchful for opportunities to give thanks. Is there something in this request for which I could also be giving thanks? Is there a reason to be grateful, even in the midst of this trial?

For instance, as I pray for this loved one to be healed, shouldn’t I be grateful for having the loved one in my life to begin with? As I pray for revival in our country, in our church, and in my home, shouldn’t I thank God for the promise that He will be found by those who seek Him?

Beloved, be careful to pray today. And, as you pray, be careful to give thanks to God for His abundant provision and marvelous promises. Even in the needs, even in the sorrows, even in the trials there is always reason to be grateful.–Baptist Bible Hour

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”–John 13:35

There is one unfailing mark of Christian character, wherever it is found: Love is always in it. Whatever else may be or may not be in the new life of the Christian—the scarlet thread of love is always woven into the character. God is love, and the believer in Christ, is in a measure, like God. To be a Christian is to have Christ in the heart; and Christ is love. Not to have love—is not to be a Christian.

The first effect of faith in Christ—is the springing up of love in the heart of him who believes. This love does not lie hidden—but is revealed in the life. It shows itself in love for God; but there is no love for God—which does not also make the heart warm toward man. He who loves not his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Christian love is not a mere beautiful sentiment, glowing like a radiant vision in the soul—but fading the moment we meet our brothers in actual life; it is a love that becomes the very mainspring of all action, the burning heart of all ambition. It is a love that makes us pitiful toward all human sorrow, gentle toward human infirmity, helpful toward human need, patient under human unkindness and injury, and ready at every call to do and suffer and sacrifice.walk, before we learn to walk. If our great Teacher were not patient with us—we would never become like Christ; but he never wearies of our slowness. He is pleased with our efforts, however faulty they are, and has for us always an encouraging word.–J. R. Miller

To beautify the doctrine of God we must believe what it says, do as it commands, trust what it promises, follow where it leads, and proclaim what it declares. If others are to think more highly of God’s Word they must see it honored in the lives of those who proclaim it. They must see something of God in us before they believe what we say. We are to examples ( John 13:15) by walking as He walked (1 John 2:6). This is what Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”(1 Thess. 4:1).

We see a lack of love when evil men hijack planes and use them as missiles against us, in domestic strife, feuding neighbors, bullying, and wherever strife is found. In every case love is lacking, and that is always associated with our relationship with God. When we get that right the other problems disappear, peace becomes possible. If that isn’t right nothing else can help. My prayer is that you will do whatever is necessary to make everything right between you and God. Society changes one person at a time. Let it start with you.

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?“– James 4:1

Have grudges, or petty differences, or personality clashes been tearing at your church lately? Has your own love for the Lord, and his people, been diminished by some strife in the church in which you have taken sides?

Where do such body-breaking, unity-shredding difficulties come from? James answers rhetorically: the problems among you come from problems within you. Wars in the church result from unsuccessful wars inside your soul, James says. The strife and tension comes because of your unchecked desire for personal gain and pleasure.

Check yourself by James’ answer sheet. Does the bitterness in your heart come from pure motives and a selfless spirit, or does it come from wanting to get your own way? Have your words sought to edify and build up others, or have they been tools to tweak your own agenda?

The writer of Proverbs observes: “Only by pride cometh contention” (13:10), and James echoes that assessment. When we seek our own happiness and put ourselves first, the inevitable result is a clash with anyone who gets in our way.

Regardless of what genuine offenses or real grievances you may have suffered, surrender your case to Christ, pray for those who have opposed or injured you, and refuse to be drawn into a war with others in the church.–Baptist Bible Hour