August 2 Daily Devotional

28 Jul August 2 Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

FAITH, LOVE AND HOPE  – Part I

Colossians 1:3-5 “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 . . . “

In these opening verses of Colossians, St. Paul describes through significant words the character of the members of the church at Colossae.  They are “faith” (v.4), “love” (v.5) and “hope.” (v.5) He thanks the Triune God that faith, love, and hope are the marks of this congregation. These three verses in turn should direct us to look at our own congregation to search to see if these three marks are apparent.

Today’s devotion will focus on the first of the three marks mentioned, namely, “faith.”  In the verse 2, Paul noted the Colossians had received the gift of faith in Christ Jesus that connected them to Him and the blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation that resulted.  In verse 4, faith is mentioned first because it is the source of love and hope.  Without faith, love and hope will not be found.

Having faith, they had a right relationship with their heavenly Father.  Through their faith in Christ, they were members of Yahweh’s family.  To have the faith Paul speaks of meant their hearts firmly and steadfastly held on to God, were reliant upon Him for all of their spiritual and earthly needs.  They trusted God completely.

This faith existed in them and exists in you as the result of God’s gift.  Through it you rely upon God first and foremost through Jesus Christ for His forgiveness of all of your sins and your eternal life in heaven.  Through your God given faith you also rely upon Him, as Luther explains in the First Article of the Apostle’s Creed, “God gives you all you need to support your body and life.”  Through the faith He has given you, you are sure and confident He will do all for you He has promised.  Through the faith He has given you in Jesus your eternity is secure.

Prayer:  Grant me Lord a sure and confident faith and trust in You knowing all you have promised You will do.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Entrust your days and burdens To God’s most loving hand;

He cares for you while ruling The sky, the sea, the land.

For He who guides the tempests Along their thund’rous ways

Will find for you a pathway And guide you all your days.

Rely on God your Savior And find your life secure.

Make His work your foundation That your work may endure.

No anxious thought, no worry, No self-tormenting care

Can win your Father’s favor; His heart is moved by prayer.

Take heart, have hope, my spirit, And do not be dismayed;

God helps in ev’ry trial And makes you unafraid.

Await His time with patience Through darkest hours of night

Until the sun you hoped for Delights your eager sight.

Leave all to His direction; His wisdom rules for you

In ways to rouse your wonder At all His love can do.

Soon He, His promise keeping, With wonder-working pow’rs

Will banish from your spirit What gave you troubled hours.

O blessed heir of heaven, You’ll hear the song resound

Of endless jubilation When you with life are crowned.

In your right hand your maker Will place the victor’s palm,

And you will thank Him gladly With heaven’s joyful psalm.

Our hands and feet, Lord, strengthen; With joy our spirits bless

Until we see the ending Of all our life’s distress.

And so throughout our lifetime Keep us within Your care

And at our end then bring us To heav’n to praise You there.

(LSB 754)