Pray, Then, And, Make, And

Colossians 1
9 We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. 10 Then you will live a life that honors the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. 11 His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything, and you will be truly happy. (CEV)

Little words can have a big impact.  

PRAY

We have not stopped praying for you

I have to admit.  If I found out that the Apostle Paul was praying for me, I would probably ask, "What is he praying?"  There is no doubt to any of us that this guy had a hotline to heaven.  Paul might have known this, so he tells them.

In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

He prays that God will show them what to do and that they will have wisdom and understanding.  

THEN

Then you will live a life that honors the Lord,

Paul then describes what will happen next if.  If is a great word too.  If and then together are even better. If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again.
2 Chronicles 7:14

 

AND

and you will always please him by doing good deeds.

The reward isn't what you get, it's what you give.  Please God blesses your life.  

MAKE

His glorious power will make you patient and strong enough to endure anything

God will make you patient and strong to endure what you have to go through.  So often we forget the words of David, The battle is the Lords! 

AND 

and you will be truly happy.

Well, there's the secret to true happiness.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, show me what to do and give me wisdom and understanding today!  AMEN