Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 31, 2026

 July 31 -- Colossians 4: 16 - 18 "And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." (ESV)  

Prayer focus for today: Well, we finally made it to the last day of July, and the last verses of the book of Colossians. Thanks for journeying with us through this letter that challenges, uplifts, and equips us as Christians in so many ways. We are thankful for each of you who have encouraged us by telling us how these daily scriptures and prayers have helped you. We hope to continue as long as God allows. 

Today's focus is not just for those in "professional" or full-time ministry, but for each of us who are followers of Christ. 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' This was the challenge from Paul's own hand while he was in chains in prison, yet it is still a challenge to each of us today. We have each been given a ministry from the Lord, whether it's in our own home with our family, within a small group from church, co-workers at our jobsite, or the myriad of other places we are called to "minister" to God's people. Pray today that you will recognize and fulfill the ministry YOU have received in the Lord. And if you don't know what it is... pray Christ will reveal it to you that you may know it and understand how to fulfill it as God intends. Never underestimate God's calling -- find it, live it, and fulfill it!

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 30, 2026

 July 30 -- Colossians 4: 14 - 15 "Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house." (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Unless we purposefully live a very secluded life, we often greet people numerous times each day. Whether it's our spouse, children, or others living in our house who are greeted with, "Good morning!", those we interact with at work, or just the people we cross paths with while shopping, we all have a variety of people we greet everyday, but often we never really think about those greetings.  In Zambia, we often close conversations with, "Greet your family for me," and we move on about our day. Today's prayer challenge is that we all go a little deeper.  Pray for the Lord to show you true ways to authentically greet someone and make them feel loved. Who knows.....God may be using your greeting to start a life-changing conversation about Him!  

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 29, 2026

 July 29 -- Colossians 4: 12 - 13 "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis." (ESV)

Prayer focus for today: As we close in on the end of the book of Colossians and praying through every verse this month, pray today for those Christians who need encouragement in being fully assured in all the will of God. We know of many (and even find ourselves in this category quite often) who struggle standing firm in the faith and God's will, because they feel completely alone in the work God has placed before them. Pray today, asking God to put people before you whom you could encourage and lift up -- whether through a phone call, email, visit, or just a prayer. God's warriors united will make a difference for His Kingdom! 

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 28, 2026

 July 28 -- Colossians 4: 10 - 11 "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions -- if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumscision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Paul closes this letter naming a few men who are his close network of fellow workers in the Kingdom and calls them "a comfort" to himself. Pray today that every believer, especially those in full-time service, would be surrounded with a core group of fellow believers who would comfort, encourage, and strengthen one another. We all need this....praying this for you, today, as well!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 27, 2026

 July 27 -- Colossians 4: 7-9 "Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here."  (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Each of us needs to have faithful prayer partners in our lives and those who will be faithful ministers of God's word. Pray today that we will all recognize those people - and BE those people in the lives of those around us.  Despite the challenges of a Monday or what chaos seems to be looming in your life today, put Christ FIRST.  He is there and has already created a faithful team for each of us.....may we all recognize our team today and thrive in Christ!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 26, 2026

 July 26 -- Colossians 4: 5-6 "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (ESV)

Prayers focus for the day: Join us today in praying that each of us will seek God's wisdom (not our own) as we interact with others, especially in guiding and guarding what we say. God cares about every aspect of our lives -- even the very words we speak. May we each let HIM guide us today that He may be glorified and the body of Christ lifted up and not torn down. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 25, 2026

 July 25 -- Colossians 4: 1-4 "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak."  (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Today brings us to a section of scripture which we pray on an almost daily basis for our work in Zambia and for our lives as individuals. "...that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ... that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak."  But this isn't just a prayer for those God has called to full-time ministry service, it should be the heart's cry of every Christian. Pray today that God would open a door for each of us to share Christ with someone and make it clear what we need to say. When this becomes a habit, it's not so scary.  Here's praying for all of us....may doors be opened today!