First Steps – September 7, 2020

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace” (Col 1:3-6a).

Paul highlights three particular traits in the Colossian believers:  Faith, Love, and Hope.  Wherever we see these traits, like Paul, we should give thanks to God.  It is noteworthy that Paul informs the reader that faith and love arise, spring out of hope (see italics).  The gospel promises a certain hope and that hope transforms.

I mention this today, because of the increased conflict, anger, and despair due to a pandemic, so that we will be reminded on the hope of heaven. Setting our hope on heaven puts everything in a proper perspective. Jonathan Edwards, the great Puritan preacher, called heaven “a world of love.”  Our heavenly hope inspires us to see as God sees, to love as Jesus loves, and to know that this too shall pass.  This week, fix your gaze on God’s gift of heaven and allow His presence to saturate you with peace.


This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Acts 2
  • Tuesday – Acts 3
  • Wednesday – Acts 4
  • Thursday – Acts 5
  • Friday – Acts 6
Please Pray for:
  • Our ministers and their families.
  • Friends and family members battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • Teachers and students as they transition.
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • The Covid-19 Pandemic.
  • Our nation and our leaders.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6