Colossians 1:11-13

filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

filled.  

knowledge of what God desires of us.

in all

spiritual wisdom

understanding.

Purpose?

to walk worthily of the Lord -

spiritual wisdom opens our eyes to see the things the way God sees them and the actions that go with those things.

pleasing him in all respects -  

Aren't the religions of the world based upon trying to please the gods they serve... 
God has given us the answers to what pleases him through his word, 
principles laid down so we can walk in them... wisdom from understanding him in his word, 
our eyes being opened by the Holy Spirit to spiritual things, the things of God

bearing fruit in every good work - 

is it astounding to see how God can work all things to bring fruit our of every good work.  
He is the great vine-dresser and is able to bring about fruit in every good work.  
Walking in his ways,
seeking to please Him, 
knowing what pleases him, 
brings fruit in our lives and the lives of others around us.

increasing in knowledge of God -  

All of this brings us full circle to increasing in our knowledge of God. 
We get to know him better.  

How?

strengthened will all power - 

not just some power, all power

according to his glorious might -  

what power is that based on.... the power of Jesus Christ!

Why?

so we become more

steadfast and patient -

Why do we need steadfastness and patience?

What is it we wait for?

Home with Jesus... 

patience and steadfastness in our faith to the end.

joyously giving thanks

Why Give Thanks?

He qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light -

We begin to catch a glimpse of what we have received in Christ, 
where we have come from, 
and who exactly it was that rescued us.

     

How?

He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son

When I was even barely aware that I was bound in the dominion of darkness, 
he rescued me and then has let me see by his grace how great a salvation I have been given.  

Lord please let it not become ordinary to me how great a rescue you have accomplished for me.  

You have given me everything I need.  

The wisdom to live the way I should live, 
the path to walk worthily before you, 
making every good work bring fruit, 
deeper knowledge of you, 
strength to accomplish this life according to your ways, 
and a renewed person becoming steadfast and patient... 

Waiting for the wonderful hope that is laid up for me in heaven... 

all because of the hope of being with you someday, 
no longer constrained by the weight of sin and death in this world, 
but completely renewed and freed from all that so quickly entangles.. 

the beautiful hope and yet given so much to sustain me through this beginning of eternity with you.  

You are not far. 

You are near to those who call on you.  

Thank you for it all.  

My heart cannot express or even fully conceive all you have done for me.  

Continue to reveal it to me moment by moment with you.