S- Colossians 1:24-25 "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—"
O- Paul rejoices in what he is suffering for the church. He is a joyful servant. He knows that Christ suffered much more for the church.
A- Be a joyful servant. Don't just serve because it's the right thing to do, but be happy to do it. Serve without complaint. Christ was a servant first. He suffered for me. I can rejoice in suffering for others as Christ did for me.
P- Thank you, Jesus for suffering for me. Thank you that you are my example of a joyful servant. Thank you that we are able to see Paul's example as he rejoiced in his suffering for the church. Please help me to have a joyful heart when I am serving. Please help me to serve more. I find it easiest to gripe and complain when serving my family in the day to day things. Please help me to especially be happy and eager to serve them. Help me to rejoice in my suffering for them. I am blessed to be able to serve them. Thank you!
From the blog HERE...
WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Are you in the midst of a challenging circumstance? Ask a trusted friend to pray that God will give you joy in the midst of your struggle, and that He will use you during your struggle in whatever way He sees fit, for His glory. Then have that friend keep you accountable in the days and weeks to come!
From another lady in our group…
S: Now I rejoice in what as suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his boy, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the Word of God in its fullness ~
O: (1) God's way is the narrow, less travelled path, and having Christ does not make us immune to suffering. Our suffering, however, pales in comparison to Christ's sacrifice! If we are seeking to do God's Will the enemy will be especially diligent to try and thwart God's plans. Such suffering can be endured with JOY knowing that we are in God's will and in our weakness He is STRONG!!! (2 Corint 12:10).
A: (1) God's way is not always the easy way. Nor is it always a pain-free path. But! God promises to be with us in our afflictions; never leaving us and never giving us more than we can handle WITH HIM. God used my five weeks in Ethiopia to show me how He literally carries us through circumstances, providing us beyond what we need to endure what he asks of us.
P: Lord, You used the creation of our beautiful family to show me Your ever-present love and desire to bless Your children abundantly. Thank You, that even in those times we cannot see or hear You, You are at work on our behalf. Where I am weak, You step in and give me YOUR divine strength. May I awaken each morning and as my feet hit the floor, may the enemy say "Holy cow! Here she goes again!" Please carry me today, oh Lord, for today I feel especially tired. AMEN.
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