Colossians 4

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 
Prayer is a frequent battle for me as they aren't as long or genuine as it used to be. I've become sluggish and have been misplacing my priorities. This is one of those scenarios in which I doubt my love for Jesus because i'm so ceebs to just have 5min alone with Him. It would be wise for mw to persevere before God breaks me into relying onto Him 

Colossians 3

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 
It is easy for me to drown myself in self pity as this year has been emotional. I focus on how discontent I am with life which makes me forget and ignore the many blessings in my life. God has placed people in my life who genuinely love/or want to love me whose advances I reject since pride is own worst enemy.  "Set your mind on things above" refers to thinking on an eternal perspective, not allowing my problems to hold me back but rather how I can use this unfortunate endeavour to strengthen my relationship with God. His interests will eventually develop into my interest. If am to express these beliefs into action then my own issues will seem trivial compared to the bigger picture.

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
to commit any good deeds without the intention of love is empty, pointless and self exalting. 

Colossians 2

4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
We are consistently reminded by Paul how important it is to have a single mind for Christ. The best way for me to possibly do this is not just read but also study in depth the Bible. Human desires and ambition can lead people to distort God given scripture into false doctrine which is more appealing to our thoughts. This can lead us further away from worshiping God and more to glorify our own efforts.

22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.
Legalism is attractive because it can make people seem morally righteous, however only God can change the heart.

Colossians 1

4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 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
Paul was speaking against the theology that you had to have special knowledge in order to obtain salvation. It's not what we know that saves us but who we know, Jesus is who saves us. This means that we don't need to obtain salvation through works or intelligence to have salvation but simply having childlike love for God.

Philippians 4

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
Just like Paul, it is wise for me to look at not just my current circumstances but also life from an eternal perspective. To think how I can best glorify God in every situation would be beneficial for my mentality. What I go through today is trivial and can allow it to build my own character and resilience to sin if I allow my understanding to translate to my actions.

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want.
To be content with what I have can be one of my hardest struggles. I'm very reliant on friends for my happiness which is not a surprise since i'm depressed from what i've left behind. I want these desires to be taken away since I'm consistently put in situations in which I become bitter towards myself and doubt my usefulness in Christ's body. 

Philippians 3

 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 
When reading Ecclesiastes for the first time I came to realise that there is no other purpose in life other than to exalting God which meant that all my current struggles are trivial. The value of my relationship with God is infinitely more important than anything else.

19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
I even though I go to Church or read my Bible on the daily it feels like an obligation on some nights. Very often if life didn't go towards the direction I wanted it to I would become bitter towards myself. My mind is too fixated on material ambitions and rewards. I feel as if I don't know God because I only go to Church to be served and not to serve others.

Philippians 2

 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Still to this day I'm still trying to get the consumer Christianity mentality out of my thinking. If we truly love others then our entitlements or rights would feel trivial as we understand that the eternal fate of unbelievers are more important than our comforts. Jesus gave up his rights, and as imitators of him, we are to do the same. 

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
I've become discouraged lately, my theological knowledge is growing but my mental health is deteriorating. As I reflect on "to will and to act" I feel like my motivations for lifegroup attendance and Bible studying has become superficial again, a spiritual low has started. I'm spending so much money for this years mission trip so God can work in me however i've started to doubt whether God spirit lives in me or if it has even taken effect yet.

Philippians 1

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
This encourages me to pray and study the Bible in a more genuine manner. If I take these two seriously then it'll lead to a transformation of the heart which will in turn logically separate my biased experience/opinions from theology. 

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 
Like Paul I should look for ways to demonstrate my faith even in situations involving financial burdens, family conflict, social struggles etc. Every now and again I'm put in situation in which I have the opportunity to preach the gospel but it's in scenarios i'm uncomfortable or unpreffered. I need to acknowledge that wherever i'm placed whether it in a prison like Paul or on the train to work, God wants me to serve him faithfully and joyfully. 

29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him
Paul's relationship and understanding of God was so deep that he knew that there is no other reason to live except to exalt God's glory. Suffering isn't something that us Christians should pursue but rather, living for him despite the temptations and persecution throws at us. One of the benefits of suffering is that it helps us to forget about materialistic comforts and allow it to build up our character. 

Ephesians 6

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
I fail on a tremendous level when it comes to this. Prayer has become an obligation rather than a genuine habit as i'm only "feeling it" when I am in dire need to God. Praying for Cape town dealing with the water crises every time I use have a shower of wash my hands would be a practical way to increase my reliance on Him. 


19 Pray also for me,that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
We often prove our reliance on God most to others when we are joyful in situations which are usually supposed to make us tremble. Paul embraced these trials as it gave him opportunities to show that God is worth more than any unfortunate endeavour he may face. Instead of drowning in self pity, and I should give thanks and pray that the way I react to this situation would go in accord to his marvellous plan.

Ephesians 5

5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

I pushed myself very hard with multiple attempts in order to grow with God despite surrounding myself with bad company. Even now I attempt to rationalise my behaviour ignoring the fact that it could cause a fellow brother to stumble. This verse comforts me as it reinforces my decision to cut off the bad fruit. As someone who is set apart, I should allow my actions to demonstrate the worthiness of my faith.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The pleasures of this world are temporary and unreliable. Rather than indulging myself with these trivial things I should pursue Godliness as my relationship and gratefulness with God is everlasting. 

Ephesians 4

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
As God's salvation applies to people from all races, class and gender it is impossible to have agreement on everything theological, social and political. Some Christians have even hurt each other whether it be before or after they met Christ. If we are to be separate from the world then we shouldn't be surprised to leave behind the wrongdoings done to us and be patient with the faults in others. This means if i struggle to get along with a fellow Christian or unbeliever, rather than developing a sense of bitterness towards them I should pray them and acknowledge the flaws in myself.

Ephesians 3

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 
When we go out an evangelise to the nations we must keep in mind that it isn't our own ability that unbelievers are be saved but by the power of the gospel working through us. This helps prevent the growing mentality of pride. 

12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
For me personally, if I'm feeling comfortable with life then it might mean that i'm not actively living out God's word. It could mean that i'm not thinking with an eternal perspective and worrying for the eternal state of others souls, the Christian life is filled with mental struggles and awkward situations. It's not the life in which a person entering retirement would crave for as it's natural to want to be comfortable. However, with all the rejection and persecution I might face, I should feel honoured to publicly show that God is worth more than any hardship the world will throw at me. 

Ephesians 2

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
When I look back on my childhood i'm not reminiscent of much. All I can mostly remember is carrying the yoke my father put on me. However, if there was one thing that I miss it would be my childlike craving for God. Up until now i've have become adjusted to earthly enjoyment so when I do good works for the purpose of Godliness, rather than joy i'd feel obligation. 

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others, creating barriers. I don't cope well with some Christians as we usually speak and experienced things that are so different. If Jesus loves them enough to die for them, then I should apply it to my mind and actions even if I don't get anything in return. Unconditional love is what Jesus calls for, so I should stop feeling entitled in my pride and consider it dead to me.

Ephesians 1

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

This informs us that we were saved according to God’s plan and not by our good deeds. Because of this salvation we should remove the mentality of pride as we are all deserving to suffer unceasing anguish. Thus we exalt his glory not because we attempt to gain his favour but out of gratitude.

Galatians 6

6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
A pastor typically makes little money since he isn't supposed to live a materialistically indulged lifestyle. We should support our leaders as best as we can whether it be for social, spiritual or financial as the less they worry these trivial problems the more time they can spend focusing on developing God's kingdom. I don't live with my parents anymore which means I have to be careful with my finances as I don't want to end up homeless, however my worry for my own comforts can make me neglect Church tithes. Obviously this would mean that i'm relying on my own works rather than God's provisions. I hope that I can ration my finances better so that I can give at least 10% of my income.

15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
Someone may stop watching pornography but still look at women with sexual intent, another person can stop gossiping but still think with a prideful mindset. Although these people changed their actions they remain unchanged in their walk with God. What is important to God is for allegiance inside out, not just for what others can see of you. I can somewhat still live this sort of way, tendencies to rationalise my mistrust of people is a big issue that gets in the way of fellowship. 

Galatians 5

14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Since it is God's intention to be worshiped regardless of culture, class or gender it is impossible to have agreements in every aspect in every aspect whether it be theological or social. It is spiritually dangerous to focus on these too much or else it can prevent Church unity. Therefore the wisest alternative is to confront someone in love rather than resort in gossip or held in frustration/anger.

²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

As humans who want to succeed it can be a struggle to not chase social status, and because these are unreliable forms of satisfaction they are bound to disappoint. However, pursuing God's approval above all else will make the other disappointments seem trivial better yet, non existent. I am no doubt still getting over that self conscious stage in which I seek the acceptance of others at the expense of prioritising God.

Galatians 4

15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

It is wise to not ignore these type of teachings for it is often what is most offensive in which an individual can be convicted to change their mindset for God. Whether it pleases or challenges us, we must always check these words against the Bible to makes sure we don't adapt a pagan mindset. 

Galatians 3

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
The purpose of the law wasn’t to save us but to reveal the nature and will of God, shows us how to live. However because of our shortcomings, no good deed can make us right before God. The belief that salvation is earned rather than given is legalism which has no scriptural basis. It's only by embracing his son everyday can save us from what we deserve.

1 Galatians 2

6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favouritism—they added nothing to my message. 
Those who are of higher leadership in the Church have more accountability than anyone to be Christlike. Although we are to support and recognise the authority of our leaders, our full  obedience must always be the Scripture which God has given unto us. A leader who understands the gospel understands that he deserves to be dead in his sin like the rest of us and that it is God who saves us, not his works. Humility is key.

11 When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 
Even those who are sincere in their love for God can sometimes fall astray to unbiblical theology or actions. Instead of splitting the Church or publicly humiliating Peter, Paul made the wise choice of a face to face conversation. Gossip can lead to the destruction of a community thus it is wise to directly confront the person beforehand to diminish the chance of a possible separation. For me I sometimes can't be bothered for confrontation and so I resort to gossip, which makes me exactly like my previous Church which did the exact same thing to me. If i am to claim that my sin is dead to me then I must step aside my pride.

Galatians 1:1

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 

I can become a bit narrow minded in my faith sometimes. Our God is a God of justice so I can occasionally find myself falling into legalism by judging fellow brothers and sisters because of the way they may act. Some of them don't fit my personal standard of what a Christian should be which is quite hypocritical since my mouth on the daily is filled with unwholesome speech. I guess this was a similar situation to the jews as they had insisted that you had to practice Jewish law and traditions before becoming a Christian. I'm needed to remind myself that just because it would morally make sense to society that doing deeds make us good people, it doesn’t make us right with God.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 

It tempting to view our enemies as people as immorally natured with no way of turning to God. However, He does whatever he pleases as his sovereign will and did the impossible. 

1 Corinthians 16

10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
Timothy is the one of the earliest New Testament examples of how God can use someone with an age in which is culturally not expected of much. As recorded in scripture, we can actually have a huge impact even if the action is small  (Acts 12-22). Many young adults especially myself can sometimes grow attached to our comfortable lifestyle and tell ourselves that it's ok to have short standards at our age. However I must remind myself that I am relaxed or not setting goals for myself, I may be setting myself up for failure in God's kingdom. God wants all of us to pursue the exaltation of his glory. Jesus made it clear that even children are important (Mathew 18:2-6).

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
This advice was vital in Corinth as it was a city of pagan ideology and culture. Misguided Christians or con-artists could rationalise their beliefs or lifestyles into Christianity giving a false conception of who God is and what he expects from us. This would become even more important in 64 AD as Christians would be officially persecuted by Emperor Nero.

1 Corinthians 15

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Someone who understands that the results they produce are provided by God and not by their own abilities are ones who know their true worth. This can help us to stop rationalising our pride, the thought that we are bigger than we are and stop us from relying on ourselves. 

19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
I'm trying to become more grateful for my salvation. At this very moment, i'm stressed about money. Because of two compulsory events that I had to attend for the Mission Team, I haven't been getting Saturday shifts which has been financially crippling me. Still, I try as hard as I can to pay back my debts so I can contribute to Cape Town fundraising. I'm currently depriving myself of so many pleasures, and the my main motivation in this momentary affliction is to exalt God's glory. If Jesus didn't take my sin upon himself then I would be still dead in my transgressions and all this struggle would be worthless, this is the worst possible meme. I just hope to develop a more eternal perspective so I wouldn't focus so much on what I don't have but rather on what was given to me.

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
From what was said in my testimony last week, it is obvious how much I need to be reminded that I shouldn't feel guilty from what many people might call selfish. It depresses me that I can't grow in God the way I need to while spending my time with them. I guess my hope is that by the time i'm spiritually mature I can come back to them a different man, someone they'll hopefully won't be resentful towards anymore.