Patriot Day 2024

 

The Nugget:

Proverbs 29:2  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

My Comment:

I remember September 11, 2001 very vividly. My oldest son was at work and called my wife and I and said we should turn the television on. We did, and watched the events unfold that tragic day.

Many innocent people died that day.

Because there are many strange and unexplained anomalies associated with this event, I do not believe hardly a word of what the so-called mainstream media or our government and its agencies have to say about what happened that day.

Off the top of my head, I recall a number of those strange anomalies. One such thing we are asked to believe is that the picture id of one of the terrorists who took over the airplane was found unscathed or undamaged on the sidewalk or other nearby spot. Another anomaly is that “building 7” fell down in a manner similar to the two towers but it was not struck by any airplane. Even the pattern of the fall of the twin towers is highly suspect.

Another strange anomaly was that the students who were “training” to fly the airplanes they eventually hijacked were interested only in learning how to fly the planes when already in flight. They were not interested in learning how to take off and land the planes safely. These things were reported to the usual suspect “authorities” who did nothing to investigate and stop what was going on. If you have paid attention since, you know that this is a frequently repeated pattern. There are no coincidences. Such repeated failures indicate that such failures occur on purpose.

Another strange anomaly is how convenient the so-called “Patriot Act” was prepared and ready to be passed by Congress in the very next month of October. I recall that almost no one was allowed to read the bill before it was passed. If I recall correctly, it may have been Nancy Pelosi who stated we have to pass it before we can read it. The bill was very long, well over a thousand pages as I recall, and was kept in a special room where one legislator at a time was allowed to enter the room to read it but not allowed to take notes and not allowed to discuss its contents with anyone else. As sometimes happens, the name given to the bill was the opposite of what it was.

I recall writing a scathing letter to my Senator, Carl Levin, because he was trying to restrict the ability of grass-roots organizations to inform me about what was actually going on regarding the events of 9-1-1. I let him know that had he been a student in my class with that abysmal understanding of the First Amendment to the Constitution, he may not have been able to pass my course.

Yesterday, September 10, 2024, was the “Great Debate” between our current Vice President and our former President. I listened to the entire debate.

I believe the Vice President presented what she intended to share about how she plans to conduct her position of President should she win the election on November 5, 2024. Her voice was clear. Her message was clear.

Her presentation was weakened, in my professional estimation, by her failure to tell us anything more about her positions on the critical issues that should be of great concern to the American public than what she has recently expressed.

What she has recently expressed is a reversal of positions she has consistently held in the past. This leads me to suspect that she may be expressing positions about the economy and the wide-open southern border that are now closer to those announced and practiced by our former President. She may be doing this to garner the support of more voters.

Our current Vice President is therefore hiding the truth about her real positions on some of the most important issues at stake in this election.

As a former debate judge on the college level, I would argue firmly that our Vice President has actually lost the debate.

I heard our Vice President repeat proven falsehoods about our former President.

She brought up the supposed “fact” that President Trump was given 400 million dollars at the start of his career by his father. President Trump properly challenged that claim, saying he wished that had been the case, but that is not the amount he was loaned by his father. Furthermore, President Trump paid back his father’s loan in full.

I have known about this false claim since before the time President Trump won his first election to the Presidency. It has been thoroughly disproved and is therefore a lie.

In the debate programs I have participated in, a debater or a debate team must exercise great care not to misrepresent the facts. If a debater does misrepresent the facts, that is cause enough to lose the debate.

Our current Vice President repeated this error a number of times during the debate last night. She called attention to the “2025 Project.” President Trump correctly responded that he had nothing to do with that project and has never even read it. She contested the claim that the former Governor of Virginia supported the position of letting the mother and her doctor decide what should be the disposition of the newborn after its successful birth, whether to keep the child or dispose of it. This most certainly was the position of the former Virginia Governor though it was, to my knowledge, never put into practice or law. Our current Vice President brought up the fully disproven matter of what President Trump had to say about events in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bringing up old errors as if they were true shows the Vice President is uninformed and has not studied these matters enough to know the difference between truth and error.

Since the debate of last night I have come across media personalities who have faulted President Trump for being so easily “entrapped” in non-important issues by the purposely and skillfully well-designed side remarks of the Vice President intended to distract President Trump from the main issues, wasting his time pursuing answers down one rabbit trail after another.

In college debates I have participated in it is most important that false claims presented by an opponent be carefully challenged and misinformation be corrected. Not to do so indicates that you have either agreed to the truth of the false claim or are not prepared to answer it, which can result in losing the debate to the actually mistaken other team.

I, therefore, make the informed judgment as an experienced debater and debate judge that President Trump won the debate.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #873, Colossians 4:12 Part 6

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

Paul, in his one-sentence summary of the prayers of Epaphras for the Colossians, first described the manner or how Epaphras conducted his prayer ministry. Now Paul describes the what or content of those prayers.

Scripture interprets Scripture. To learn more about prayer, read and study the cross references given for the next key words of Colossians 4:12, that ye may stand, as I share them below.

The cross references now given for that ye may stand at Colossians 4:12 are:

that ye may stand. or, be established. Gr. histēmi (S# G2476, Luk 21:36). Rom 14:4, 1Co 16:13, Gal 5:1, +*Eph 4:1, *Eph 6:13, Php 4:1, 2Ti 4:5, *Jud 1:24.

These texts read as follows:

Luke 21:36
36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
King James Version

What Jesus said in Luke 21:36 is most important. This verse is best studied by means of reading the cross references given for this verse. In any case, what Jesus commands, if followed, leads to our final goal of taking part with Him in His eternal Kingdom here on earth, not the third heaven!

Romans 14:4
4  Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
King James Version

In context, Paul was writing in Romans 14:1-4 that strong believers are not to judge weaker believers about scruples weaker believers may have about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid. Jesus had already taught that dietary restrictions as followed by the Jews of that day were no longer in force, but that all foods were clean (Mark 7:19, “purging all meats,” that is, cleansing all foods, so that now all foods are clean). We are not to destroy the faith of weaker believers by flaunting our liberties in Christ in matters of diet before them. Paul speaks in Romans 14:5 regarding the subject of the day that is to be observed for worship. There are some who would improperly claim that Christians must worship on the Seventh Day Sabbath as specified in the Ten Commandments. Paul speaks of these matters as stumbling block issues (Romans 14:13) which we are to avoid when possible and not judge one another about.

1 Corinthians 16:13
13  Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
King James Version

We are to stand fast in the faith. We are to be unwavering and not tossed about with every wind of doctrine. We are to conduct ourselves as men and be strong in our faith. In this day, the Bible is the source of our spiritual food. If we do not eagerly and regularly, even daily, read and study the Bible, we will not be strong in our faith!

Galatians 5:1
1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
King James Version

This is a major issue! Don’t get caught up with “the yoke of bondage” that some religious faiths and their followers may attempt to impose on you. We are to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

Ephesians 4:1
1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
King James Version

Ephesians 6:13
13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
King James Version

We are engaged in spiritual warfare whether we realize it or not. We are to put on the whole armor of God. Paul lists what the pieces of this armor are in Ephesians chapter 6. The only weapon for offense that we are given is the Bible, the “Sword of the Spirit,” which is the word of God. I encourage all believers to get serious about God and get serious about reading and studying the Bible. Much falsehood is being spread by those who claim to support what is right or good or true. God hates all liars (Proverbs 6:16, 17). Don’t become a victim by falling for the propaganda (Proverbs 14:15). In political matters be careful not to base your vote on what you perceive as a candidate’s personality, your feelings about how well you like or dislike them. Base your choice on where the candidate has stood over time on the issues that matter. In this voting season the choice is clear for any Christian. Christians must not vote for those on the left or far left of the political spectrum. Vote for the side that has historically stood for the correct economic principles and which stands for Israel (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:6). Be sure you vote early when that is an option. The participation rate of Christians has been extremely low in past elections here in the United States of America. As a result, the wrong people have been placed in office where they are currently doing much harm. Make sure you vote and encourage others to do the same.

Philippians 4:1
1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
King James Version

Stand fast in the Lord. Don’t give in because you seem to be in the extreme minority if you are a Bible believing Christian. Truth is never determined by a majority vote. Truth must agree with what the Bible teaches.

2 Timothy 4:5
5  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
King James Version

We are to expect difficulties and afflictions. They will come our way. The Devil does not like his territory to be interfered with. Jesus has told us to rejoice, for great is our reward in heaven when we experience these things (Matthew 5:11, 12).

Jude 1:24
24  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
King James Version

 

[Tags: Daily Bible Nugget #873 Colossians 4:12 Part 6. Prayers of Epaphras Part 7. The prayer life of Paul Part 8.]

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Daily Bible Nugget #872, Colossians 4:12 Part 5

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

Paul has described the prayers of Epaphras in this single-sentence summary in terms of the how of those prayers:  always praying, always laboring, always fervent in his prayers.

More can be learned about those prayers by examining the original Greek language word for prayer that Paul uses here.

in prayers. Gr. proseuche (G4335), Mt +17:21.

Here are the cross references to that Greek word as given in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (UCRT) completely at Matthew 17:21,

by prayer. Gr. proseukē [*S# G4335: Rendered (1) prayer: Mat 17:21; Mat 21:13; Mat 21:22, Mar 9:29; Mar 11:17, Luk 6:12; Luk 19:46; Luk 22:45, Act 1:14; Act 2:42; Act 3:1; Act 6:4; Act 10:4; Act 10:31; Act 12:5; Act 16:13; Act 16:16, Rom 1:9; Rom 12:12; Rom 15:30, 1Co 7:5, Eph 1:16; Eph 6:18, Php 4:6, Col 4:2; Col 4:12, 1Th 1:2, 1Ti 2:1; 1Ti 5:5, Phm 1:4; Phm 1:22, 1Pe 3:7; 1Pe 4:7, Rev 5:8; Rev 8:3, 4, (2) pray earnestly: Jas 5:17]. T1818 (Prayer necessary to secure certain gifts): *1Ki 17:20; *1Ki 17:21, +**2Ch 7:14, Eze 36:37, *Dan 9:3, Eph 6:18, Jas 5:15.

Paul uses several different Greek words when writing about prayer. Several of these are identified in both The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury at 1 Timothy 2:1 (supplications, Gr. deesis, G1162; prayers, Gr. proseuke, G4335; intercessions, Gr. enteuxis, G1793; giving of thanks, Gr. eucharistia, G2169).

The cross references given for in prayers at Colossians 4:12 are:

in prayers. Act 6:4, +Rom 15:30, 1Th 3:10.

These texts read as follows:

Acts 6:4
4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
King James Version

The Apostles delegated some of their work to other responsible individuals so that they could devote themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. It is very easy in church work to become encumbered with so many tasks that our effectiveness is diminished when our limited time is spread too thin. I made it a practice to concentrate on doing what only I could do and letting others do what they could do without my participation.

Romans 15:30
30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
King James Version

Paul had his own prayer request which he addressed to Christians at Rome, a church group that he had not yet visited. He earnestly requested that they “strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” that he may be “delivered from them in Judea that do not believe,” that his service for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints, and that Paul may come to see them with joy.

1 Thessalonians 3:10
10  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
King James Version

Paul prays that he might have a successful journey and visit the Thessalonians once again to further help them grow in the faith.

Notice that the things Paul admires in the prayers of Epaphras are the very things Paul practices himself.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #871, Colossians 4:12 Part 4

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

There is much more to learn from Paul’s single-sentence summary of the prayer life of Epaphras!

Notice, third of all, that Epaphras labored fervently in prayer for the Colossians.

To explore more fully this aspect of the prayers of Epaphras, study the cross references I have collected for fervently in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury.

If you compare the references in those sources they are not quite the same as those I have been sharing here. That is because as I study Colossians 4:12 in preparation for each of these posts I see improvements that can be made.

I am sorting the cross references so that they are given for the key words they properly relate to. I am discovering additional references to these themes in Colossians 4:12 that have not been given before. Enjoy my newly corrected and further expanded set of references below:

fervently.  Luk 22:44, Rom 12:11, 1Th 2:8, Heb 5:7, Jas 5:16.

These texts read as follows:

Luke 22:44
44  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
King James Version

Jesus is an example of fervency or earnestness in prayer; nevertheless, He included in His request that this prayer be answered according to God’s will.

Romans 12:11
11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
King James Version

At Romans 12:11 I have noted that “in business” may be translated as “earnest care (for others)” so as to read “Not slothful in earnest care for others; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Epaphras certainly conforms to this command even in his prayer life.

1 Thessalonians 2:8
8  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
King James Version

Hebrews 5:7
7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
King James Version

There are false religions as well as mistaken individuals who do not interpret Hebrews 5:7 correctly. They misread it as if this verse said Jesus prayed to be saved from death, and He was heard, which proves Jesus did not die on the cross.

Such an interpretation is mistaken because it contradicts the rest of the New Testament. It even contradicts the book of Hebrews itself (see Hebrews 12:2).

Such an interpretation is mistaken because it contradicts the Greek grammar involved. The translation “from death” is more accurately translated out of death. This prayer was answered because Jesus was saved out of (Greek, ek) physical death by bodily resurrection on the third day, exactly as Jesus repeatedly predicted (Mark 9:31. Luke 24:21).

James 5:16
16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
King James Version

There is much to learn about prayer from James 5:16. See the notes I have furnished for this verse in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury. Under Paul’s instruction and leadership Epaphras certainly merits the description James gives in this prayer promise that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Nevertheless, it is legitimate to ask the question: Does God answer prayer in our day in a manner that corresponds to the prayer promises and encouragements to prayer given during the lifetime of the original Apostles of Christ? There is Bible evidence to support the concept of the Silence of God, a theme we may encounter in a future study of the prayer life of Paul.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #870, Colossians 4:12 Part 3

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

We can learn still more about prayer from Paul by studying Paul’s single sentence description of the prayer ministry of Epaphras.

Notice, second of all, Epaphras laboured fervently in prayers for the Colossians.

To explore this aspect of the prayers of Epaphras, study the cross references given for laboured in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury from which I share my newly corrected and further expanded set of cross references below:

labouring. or, striving. *+Col 1:29; Col 2:1, Gen 32:24, Luk 10:2, Rom 16:12, +*2 Cor 11:28, Gal 4:19, 1Th 3:5.

These texts read as follows:

Colossians 1:29
29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
King James Version

Colossians 1:29 can be more fully understood when read in the light of the preceding verses:

Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Col 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Paul is concerned that each believer should be grounded in the faith, that every believer continue in the faith, and not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. Paul warns every man, and teaches every man in all wisdom that every person may be presented perfect in Christ Jesus. These things are the focus of Paul’s labor.

Colossians 2:1
1  For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
King James Version

Paul again expresses his great concern for the spiritual welfare of the Colossians.

Genesis 32:24
24  And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
King James Version

Striving in prayer is pictured for us in the striving for blessing exercised by Jacob in this account in Genesis.

Luke 10:2
2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
King James Version

Jesus spoke of the scarcity of laborers to reap the harvest, and commanded to pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.

Romans 16:12
12  Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
King James Version

Paul requested Christians at Rome to salute and thus receive (Romans 15:7) Tryphena and Tryphosa, two women who labor in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 11:28
28  Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
King James Version

Paul in his labors for Christ was burdened daily by the care of all the churches. A crucial factor in demonstrating care is taking time to listen. Paul was a good listener and responded to the questions and concerns of the churches and individuals who were part of those churches. This is a necessary skill still needed today.

Galatians 4:19
19  My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
King James Version

Paul describes his labor and care by employing the figure of “travail in birth” until these believers reflect the character of Christ in their lives.

1 Thessalonians 3:5
5  For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
King James Version

Paul was most concerned that his labor not be in vain. He kept in contact with his converts and churches to know their faith.

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Daily Bible Nugget #869, Colossians 4:12 Part 2

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

My Comment:

We can learn much about prayer from Paul by studying Paul’s single sentence description of the prayer ministry of Epaphras.

Notice, first of all, that Epaphras always labored fervently in prayers for the Colossians.

It is instructive to explore this theme by studying the cross references given for always in the New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury which I share below:

always. See on Col 4:2, Luk 11:8; Luk 18:1; Luk 22:44, Rom 12:12, Gal 4:19, *Heb 5:7, +*Jas 5:16.

These texts read as follows:

Colossians 4:2
2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
King James Version

This command urges us to continue in our prayers, to watch in the same, combined with thanksgiving.

Luke 11:8
8  I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
King James Version

Jesus taught that persistence in prayer brings results.

Luke 18:1
1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
King James Version

Jesus again taught that persistence in prayer brings results. If you know your Bible well enough you will recall how Jesus compares a woman who persisted in getting justice from an unwilling judge, until the judge in exasperation granted her request to be rid of the aggravation. Jesus compares this to how God, in contrast, will certainly avenge and protect his own elect, “which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them” (Luke 18:7). Jesus concludes with the question (Luke 18:8), Shall the Son of man “find faith on the earth” when He comes?

Romans 12:12
12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
King James Version

Paul instructs us to continue instant, or stedfastly, in prayer.

The “always” in Paul’s description of the prayers of Epaphras encourages us to keep on praying, even when we do not see or otherwise learn of immediate results.

This also serves to correct the sometimes mistaken idea about prayer that we need only to pray once about something. The whole Bible teaches otherwise! To investigate this Bible theme, check out the cross references given for Exodus 2:23, 24, 25!

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Daily Bible Nugget #868, Colossians 4:12

 

The Nugget:

Col 4:12  Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (KJV)

Col 4:12 Epaphras saluteth you, who is from among you, a servant of the Messiah, always laboring for you in prayer, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the good pleasure of God. (Murdock NT)

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, the bondman of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always combating earnestly for you in prayers, to the end that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Darby translation)

Col 4:12 Epaphras who is from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, – at all times, contending in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may be caused to stand complete and fully assured in everything willed by God; (EB, Emphasized Bible)

Col 4:12 Epaphras greets you, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, always struggling for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and complete in all the will of God. (EMTV, English Majority Text Version)

Col 4:12 Salute you doth Epaphras, who is of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God, (YLT, Young’s Literal Translation)

Col 4:12 Epaphras, one of your own number, a slave of Christ Jesus, wishes to be remembered to you. He is always earnestly pleading for you in his prayers that you may stand fast as men mature and of firm convictions in everything required by the will of God. (Williams NT)

Col 4:12  Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God’s will. (GNB, Good News Bible)

Col 4:12  Epaphras, a servant of Christ Jesus from your city, greets you. He always prays intensely for you. He prays that you will continue to be mature and completely convinced of everything that God wants.  (GW, God’s Word translation)

Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love, ever taking thought for you in his prayers, that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God. (BBE, Bible in Basic English)

Col 4:12 Your own Epaphras, who serves Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He always prays hard that you may fully know what the Lord wants you to do and that you may do it completely. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

My Comment:

On this Labor Day Monday I thought it would be appropriate to focus on another form of labor: laboring in prayer.

In these continuing studies about the prayer life and practice of Paul, Paul himself gives in a sentence a summary of his observation of the prayer life and practice of one of his fellow workers.

Paul certainly carefully observes the intensity of the prayers of Epaphras.

Paul tells us what Epaphras prayed about and prayed for.

Reading Colossians 4:12 from several different English translations (I shared this verse from 11 Bible versions above) helps us to grasp the depth of what is being stated in the original language of this text.

A study of these striking aspects of the prayers of Epaphras should be very instructive for us in our own prayers for others and even ourselves today.

A most effective way to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about these important aspects of prayer is to study the cross references in as  complete a source of cross references as you can find. That may furnish material for what I post next.

 

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Daily Bible Nugget #867, Romans 1:9

 

The Nugget:

Rom 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

My Comment:

In my continuing study of the prayer life of Paul (of which this is Part 3), I want to demonstrate for every reader here a way to dig deeper into this subject.

At Colossians 1:9 there is given a cross reference in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury (UCRT) and also The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (NTSK) for the key words “do not cease” a cross reference to Romans 1: 9. I have placed the symbol “+*” before the reference (NTSK) or “+” (UCRT) to indicate that more references to Paul’s prayers may be found at Romans 1:9.

From the UCRT for Colossians 1:9

do not cease. **1Sa 12:23, *Act 12:5, *+Rom 1:9, Eph 1:16, Php 1:4, 1Th 1:3; +*1Th 5:17, *2Th 1:11; *2Th 1:12, 2Ti 1:3-4, Phm 1:4.

The plus sign means “find more here.”

Going to the cross references given at Romans 1:9 the following cross references are given:

Rom 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

without ceasing. **1Sa 12:23, *Luk 18:1, Act 6:4; *Act 12:5, Eph 1:15-16; *Eph 6:18, 1Th 1:3; 1Th 2:13; *1Th 3:10; +*1Th 5:17, *2Ti 1:3.

Also relevant to the study of Paul’s prayer life are the cross references at Romans 1:9 from the UCRT for the key words I make mention, where the cross references lead to passages which contain Paul’s prayers:

I make mention. *Eph 1:16-19; *Eph 3:14-21. *Php 1:3; *Php 1:4; *Php 1:9-11, *Col 1:9-13, 1Th 1:2; 1Th 3:6, +2Ti 1:3, *Phm 1:4.

Here are the texts of the reference passages given for the key words “I make mention” as they are given in the UCRT (The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury):

Ephesians 1:16-19
16  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
King James Version

Ephesians 3:14-20
14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
King James Version

Philippians 1:3-4
3  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4  Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
King James Version

Philippians 1:9-11
9  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
King James Version

Colossians 1:9-13
9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
2  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 3:6
6  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
King James Version

2 Timothy 1:3
3  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
King James Version

Philemon 1:4
4  I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
King James Version

The above Bible texts let you see at a single reading what prayers of Paul are recorded in the New Testament. Each prayer, and each part of each prayer, are worthy of further study for our own instruction about how to pray, for whom to pray, how often to pray, and suggestions regarding what to include in our own prayers. These topics, Lord willing, will form the subjects of future posts on the prayer life of Paul.

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Daily Bible Nugget #866, Colossians 1:10

The Nugget:

Colossians 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

My Comment:

In studying more about Paul’s prayer life, notice he prayed for the Colossians that they would live in a manner worthy of the Lord, a manner that pleases Him.

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be fruitful in every good work.

Paul prayed that the Colossians would be increasing in the knowledge of God.

As examples of how we ought to pray for others as well as ourselves, these are certainly suitable subjects for our own prayer life.

In my own study of the Bible, I have found that the cross references given for Colossians 1:10 in the original Treasury of Scripture  Knowledge are among the most encouraging and inspirational to be found in the entire Word of God, the Bible. I invite you to carefully consult and meditate upon those references as I share them below:

Colossians 1:10
ye: Col 2:6, Col 4:5; Mic 4:5; Rom 4:12, Rom 6:4; Eph 4:1, Eph 5:2, Eph 5:15; Php 1:27; 1Th 2:12

all: Col 3:20; Pro 16:7; Php 4:18; 1Th 4:1; 2Ti 2:4; Heb 11:5, Heb 13:16; 1Jn 3:22

fruitful: Joh 15:8, Joh 15:16; Gal 5:22, 23; Eph 2:10; Php 1:11; Tit 3:1, Tit 3:14; Heb 13:21; 2Pe 1:8

increasing: Col 2:19; Isa 53:11; Dan 12:4; Hab 2:14; Joh 17:3; 2Co 2:14, 2Co 4:6, 2Co 9:8; Eph 1:17, Eph 4:13; 2Pe 1:2, 3, 2Pe 3:18; 1Jn 5:20

The above references are “live links” which should display the passage upon mouse-over. For those who prefer to just read these verses in sequence, I share the full text of the references below:

COLOSSIANS 1:10 CROSS REFERENCES IN FULL TEXT FORMAT:

That ye might walk worthy:

Colossians 2:6
6  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
King James Version

Colossians 4:5
5  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
King James Version

Micah 4:5
5  For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
King James Version

Romans 4:12
12  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
King James Version

Romans 6:4
4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
King James Version

Ephesians 4:1
1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
King James Version

Ephesians 5:2
2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
King James Version

Ephesians 5:15
15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
King James Version

Philippians 1:27
27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 2:12
12  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
King James Version

unto all pleasing:

Colossians 3:20
20  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
King James Version

Proverbs 16:7
7  When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
King James Version

Philippians 4:18
18  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 4:1
1  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
King James Version

2 Timothy 2:4
4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
King James Version

Hebrews 11:5
5  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
King James Version

Hebrews 13:16
16  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
King James Version

1 John 3:22
22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
King James Version

being fruitful in every good work:

John 15:8
8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
King James Version

John 15:16
16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
King James Version

Galatians 5:22-23
22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
King James Version

Ephesians 2:10
10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
King James Version

Philippians 1:11
11  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
King James Version

Titus 3:1
1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
King James Version

Titus 3:14
14  And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
King James Version

Hebrews 13:21
21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
King James Version

2 Peter 1:8
8  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
King James Version

increasing in the knowledge of God:

Colossians 2:19
19  And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
King James Version

Isaiah 53:11
11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
King James Version

Daniel 12:4
4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
King James Version

Habakkuk 2:14
14  For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
King James Version

John 17:3
3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
King James Version

2 Corinthians 2:14
14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
King James Version

2 Corinthians 4:6
6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
King James Version

2 Corinthians 9:8
8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
King James Version

Ephesians 1:17
17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
King James Version

Ephesians 4:13
13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
King James Version

2 Peter 1:2-3
2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
King James Version

2 Peter 3:18
18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
King James Version

1 John 5:20
20  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
King James Version

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Daily Bible Nugget #865, Colossians 1:9

The Nugget:

Col 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (KJV)

Col 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (ESV)

Col 1:9  For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.  (GNB, Good News Bible)

Col 1:9  For this reason we have not stopped praying for you since the day we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through every kind of spiritual wisdom and insight. (GW, God’s Word translation)

Col 1:9 We have not stopped praying for you since the first day we heard about you. In fact, we always pray that God will show you everything he wants you to do and that you may have all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. (CEV, Contemporary English Version)

Col 1:9 This is why, ever since I heard of it, I have never ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you, through full wisdom and spiritual insight, with a clear knowledge of His will, (Williams New Testament)

My Comment:

After waiting for some time, I have decided, Lord enabling and willing, to delve into the important and instructive subject of the Apostle Paul’s prayer life. This ought to be instructive for all of us, whether brand new believers or long time experienced believers.

I have no organized outline or intentional direction to follow. I will follow the text of Scripture, using the cross references provided in The Ultimate Cross Reference Treasury, which I plan to share and follow here. I may also use the cross references in the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and sometimes The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and rarely Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible. I do this because beginners may find it more easy to work with fewer cross references at a time.

I have no idea where the best place to start will be found. This is the advantage of using the sources of cross references I named. To study a subject or topic, just dive in anywhere a verse on the topic to be studied can be found.

I remembered that one of the great prayers of Paul is found in the first chapter of the short book of Colossians. That is why I will begin this study with Colossians 1:9.

Col 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Cross References from the original Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

Colossians 1:9
since: Col 1:3, 4, Col 1:6; Rom 1:8, 10; Eph 1:15, 16

do: 1Sa 12:23; Act 12:5; Php 1:4; 1Th 1:3, 1Th 5:17; 2Th 1:11; 2Ti 1:3, 4; Phm 1:4

that ye: 1Co 1:5; Eph 1:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, Eph 3:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; Php 1:9, 10, 11

of his: Col 4:12; Psa 143:10; Joh 7:17; Rom 12:2; Eph 5:10, Eph 5:17,
Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; Heb 13:21; 1Pe 2:15, 1Pe 4:2; 1Jn 2:17

wisdom: Col 3:16, Col 4:5; Psa 119:99; Eph 1:8; Jas 1:5, Jas 3:17

spiritual: 1Jn 5:20

MY COMMENT:

Special Focus: The focus of my study interest is on the prayer life of Paul.

This subject is most directly addressed by the phrase “do not cease to pray for you” found in Colossians 1:9. Here are the texts of the cross references involved:

do not cease to pray for you: 1Sa 12:23; Act 12:5; Php 1:4; 1Th 1:3, 1Th 5:17; 2Th 1:11; 2Ti 1:3, 4; Phm 1:4

1 Samuel 12:23
23  Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
King James Version

Acts 12:5
5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
King James Version

Philippians 1:4
4  Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 1:3
3  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
King James Version

1 Thessalonians 5:17
17  Pray without ceasing.
King James Version

2 Thessalonians 1:11
11  Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
King James Version

2 Timothy 1:3-4
3  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
King James Version

Philemon 1:4
4  I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
King James Version

The above texts give us quite a remarkable glimpse into the prayer life and practice of the Apostle Paul. He prays for specific churches. He prays for individuals. He prays with joy. He prays daily. He prays night and day. Paul follows his own injunction to “pray without ceasing.” Paul goes further and tells us specifically what he prayed for as he prayed for these many individuals and concerns. These things are worthy of our study, meditation, and practice.

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