Living Wisely as I Walk with God - Your Nightly Scripture - September 25th

Living Wisely as I Walk with God

Evening Scripture

Colossians, Chapter 4

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.(You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Evening Reflection

There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge consists in the accumulation of information. We learn datum, facts, and insights that we recall at any moment. The more we know, the more knowledge we have.

Wisdom, on the other hand, isn’t based on how much we know, but upon whether we rightly discern life around us. When Paul advises that we should “Be wise in the way you act” – he isn’t calling us to be smart or to know facts, but to be able to discern where God is moving around us.

For Paul, wisdom is about being able to recognize where the Spirit of God calls us, each moment. We make the most of every opportunity because we live with a heartfelt desire to make God’s love known. Living as wise people involves keeping ourselves open to the Spirit’s work, so that when we can respond to what the Spirit does in us, and around us. When opportunities come to speak into someone’s life or to pray for someone, we seize that opportunity. To be wise in our walk with God is to step further into our relationship with God, it is to invite someone to explore God’s place in their life, it is to be steadfast in prayer.

As you rest this night, take a moment to pray that God would give you a spirit of wisdom, one rooted in right discernment. Ask God to open your eyes and ears so that you might respond to the harvest opportunities all around you.  And, like Paul, pray that God would give you the wisdom to proclaim the gospel in word and in deed, as clearly as He calls you.

Evening Prayer

Gracious God,

You call us to live with wise and discerning hearts. If we lack wisdom, your word encourages us to ask of you boldly, trusting that you give generously without finding fault (James 1:5).  And so, this night I pray that you pour into my life your Spirit of Wisdom. Open my eyes and help me see the pathway that you call me to walk. Open my ears and help me hear your voice of guidance and direction. Open my tongue so that I might proclaim your praise in ways that will be effective and meaningful for the people around me.

May my life continually point to your presence, and your grace. I pray all these things in Jesus Christ my Lord,

Amen.

How did tonight’s scripture speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture forum discussion.

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.

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The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada.  He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others.  He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca.  He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

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