# 48 2016 Dev. Col 1:12. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Colossians 1:12
“and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light”.
The general meaning of Thanksgiving is: “the expression of gratitude, especially to God. In North America an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October”. Basically that is the definition for most people. However, the religious aspect of Thanksgiving is not as prominent as it once was with “the decline of church attendance by 7% over the last ten years”, affecting Thanksgiving services as well. (A recent Barna Survey)
For followers of Jesus the above definition is part of what we know as Thanksgiving but Col. 1 brings thanksgiving to another and higher level. The verse we look at is part of Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. It is a thanksgiving prayer we should be praying for each other and for those who do not yet understand the extent of God’s love. Paul begins his prayer with: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you … We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.”
While we are thankful for all the good things we have in this land; food, jobs, families, and freedom, what we thank God for most is what Paul says to us in Col. We rejoice in God’s grace for His calling on our lives, giving us the power of His Spirit freeing us from the power of sin and redeeming us in Christ moving us into the “Kingdom of light” Thanks be to God!
© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved
Heavenhigh 