Good morning people who commit your lives to what God has called you to do.

Colossians 1:28-29 NIV He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Even from prison, Paul boldly declared that Jesus is the message and that maturity in Christ is the goal to be attained.

He did not preach out of convenience, nor from a place of comfort. He did not preach only on Sundays, nor on what could be interpreted as fun days.

Paul gave his very life to strenuously contend for the gospel with all the energy Christ so powerfully gave him! Oh how we need a revival of this by many who profess to follow Christ!

This language denotes ‘working hard’ and ‘feeling fatigue.’ It speaks of a ‘struggle’ and a ‘conflict.’

But this was not about merely human work and struggle – not at all. And herein is where we sometimes need a realignment.

Paul’s strength came from the power of the Holy Spirit who powerfully worked in him. He was fully yielded, therefore, he was fully filled to overflowing. His boldness was in his submission and dependence upon the Spirit of God.

Yes, he had to physically open his mouth, but he did so from a place of confidence in the one who promised to give him the words to speak.

Are you fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit?

Are you willing to give your all for the one who gave His all for you?