10 Day Diet Plan

Welcome to the 10 Day Col. Diet!  I’m glad you made it.  And I hope you make it back everyday and participate!  Starting today and for the next 9 days you will find a healthy dose of Colossians as well as a challenge for personal application.  Every time you stop by, go ahead a leave a quick comment to let us know you were here.  Each comment gives you an entry into a drawing.  The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!  The winner will get their choice of one of these book options: The Message (in denim color), Come Along, and What Happens When Women Walk in Faith.

Ready to get started?

Today’s Diet Dose: Read Colossians 1:1-14 & Colossians 4:2-4

The beginning and the end.

It’s the first and last thought on Paul’s mind.

Prayer.

Communication between friends, quiet moments listening, intimate soul searching talks.

In my journey, prayer has come and gone and come again.

I remember a time, maybe 3 or 4 years ago, where all I wanted to study was prayer.  Then my depression kicked in and I moved into an isolated, lonely place hiding from God.  However, God brought me back with a new desire for prayer in my life.

Prayer for some people is quiet time, reflection, meditation.  It may include certain steps or move in a particular sequence.  Some people record their prayers in notebooks or journal their way through prayer.

Today, God is teaching me an art of prayer that never ceases – an ongoing open dialogue that moves throughout the day.  It has no rules or any boundaries.  And I like it! 

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.Col 1:3-5(NLT) 

This new outlook has brought new meaning to “we always pray for you.”  Earlier in my journey those words sounded very intimidating.  I imagined a monk in a hole somewhere with a large scroll and quill pen bringing constant supplication to the Father.  (Not that there is anything wrong with that!)  But if you read Paul’s writings you know he was very busy.  Sure he had his solitude moments in jail.  But, even in jail, read what he encourages us to do in Col 4:2-4:

Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. (The Message)

Paul was always looking for opportunities to share Christ.  He could have huddled quietly in the corner asking the guards not to disturb him because he was praying.

Of course, there are times when quiet solitude is absolutely necessary and vital for our health.  But, prayer doesn’t have to be quiet. Nor does it have to be the same each and every day.

Prayer.

• consistent, constant, never-ending
• eager, persistent, tireless
• watchful, vigilant, spirited

Always praying, diligent and alert.  That was Paul’s prayer life.  How about yours?

Challenge: Take a base line measurement of your prayer life.  How do you pray, when do you pray, do you have any rules to prayer?  Then spend a few moments in evaluation.  Allow God to speak to your heart about how He desires prayer to work for you.

Subscribe to Heart Reflections by Email —>Have the 10 day diet sent directly to your inbox!
 

for further consideration:

Take Time to Listen Today (quiet listening prayer)

Is Prayer Important (why pray)

Victories in Prayer (answers to prayer)

Day 6 of my new job!

So I made it through a whole week without completely ruining any progress on my new job!  I was a little afraid after the chocolate chip escapade on the first night!  I’ve been eating my veggies, enjoying fruit, and exercising a whole bunch.  I do feel good.  And feeling good keeps you motivated and wanting more.  I’m wondering, do any of you have any good recipes for salads?  I’m getting sick of the same old thing.

We all love a good challenge, don’t we girls?!  So how about a faith challenge?