May 8, 2025

INTENTIONAL DECISION TO GROW

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”

Colossians 1:9–10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Yesterday, we saw that Paul was a man of consistent prayer. Here in verses 9–10, we see the content of those prayers. Paul wasn’t just praying casually—he prayed with deep purpose.

He begins with a powerful request: “that you may have complete knowledge of God’s will.”

That is a great starting point for any prayer. Jesus modeled this when He taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” Prayer is not about convincing God to do our will—it’s about aligning ourselves with His will.

Let’s be honest—most of us approach prayer with a list of what we want. When things don’t go our way, we get frustrated. But true freedom in prayer comes when we surrender and say, “God, show me what You want. Work in me, through me, and for me—according to Your purpose.”

Next, Paul asks that they receive “spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

Knowing God’s will is one thing—but knowing what to do with that knowledge is another. Wisdom and understanding help us apply what God reveals.

Many people have a lot of knowledge, but little wisdom. They know facts, but they don’t know how to live those truths out. Others may not have formal education, but they walk in spiritual discernment and godly wisdom—we sometimes call this “street smarts.” Both are valuable, and God offers both to those who ask.

This spiritual growth is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey. As we pursue God daily, we grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Today, I believe I have more spiritual understanding than I did a month ago—not because I’m special, but because I’m making intentional efforts to grow. I study the Bible, read helpful books, listen to sound teaching, spend time with the Holy Spirit in prayer, and surround myself with other believers.

Growth is never accidental. It only happens when we make an intentional decision to grow.

So, let me ask you: What are you doing to grow?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me grow daily in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Teach me to seek Your will and to live it out in a way that honors You. Give me a growth plan that draws me closer to You every day.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”