From: October 8, 2025
“And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord'” (Colossians 4:17 ESV).
Paul concluded his letter to the Colossians with a personal exhortation to a man named Archippus. Although his name means “master of horses,” suggesting strength and leadership, Archippus still needed encouragement to remain faithful. He is also mentioned in Paul’s letter to Philemon, where Paul calls him “our fellow soldier” (Phil. 2), implying that he served alongside Paul in gospel ministry—perhaps even in leadership at the church that met in Philemon’s home. Yet even a “fellow soldier” needs fellowship and encouragement. Notice that Paul didn’t address Archippus privately but through the church, showing that the entire fellowship bore responsibility to support and admonish him. This reflected Paul’s view of ministry as both personal and communal—each believer receives a ministry “in the Lord,” yet its fulfillment is nurtured within the body of Christ. Written from prison, Paul’s concern was not only for the spread of the gospel but also for the steadfastness of those who served it. His charge to “see that you fulfill” suggests perseverance—to carry the work through to completion, leaving nothing undone.
Like Archippus, we have each received a ministry from the Lord. It may not be a public platform or pastoral office, but God has entrusted to every believer a work to be faithfully completed. Sometimes we lose zeal or grow weary, needing the encouragement of others to press on. That’s why Paul spoke through the church—to remind us that ministry is not a solo effort. The fellowship of believers both affirms and strengthens God’s call on our lives. When brothers and sisters speak truth in love, they help us stay faithful to our God-given task. Let’s ask ourselves: Are we fulfilling the ministry we’ve received? Are we encouraging others to do the same? God has placed us in the body so that through mutual exhortation we might finish the work the Lord has given us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for calling us to serve You in Christ. Help us to be faithful in the ministry You’ve entrusted to us. Give us hearts that welcome both encouragement and correction from our brothers and sisters, so that together we may fulfill Your purpose. Strengthen us to finish well, for Your glory and for the edification of Your church. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 8, 2024
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23 ESV).
The apostle Paul instructed bondservants to obey their earthly masters and to work for them as “for the Lord.” Perhaps he had the story of Joseph in mind as he wrote this instruction. For Joseph worked with sincerity and integrity of heart whether he was sold as a house servant or falsely accused and imprisoned. As a result, God blessed him even in very difficult circumstances and ultimately promoted him to the highest office under the Pharaoh of Egypt.
Where do you work? Who’s your boss? What motivates your labor? As believers, our true employer is Jesus Christ. We need not worry about layoffs, mergers or economic slow-downs. God is our provider. With this in mind, we can work with all our hearts for Him, as if we are signing Christ’s name to our work.
People take note of one who works wholeheartedly like this. It not only attracts them to your work, it causes them to want to hear about the One you claim to work for.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we work for You. Energize us this day to do the work You have given us wholeheartedly. And when others applaud our efforts, we will give You the glory. For we want people to know who we work for. We work with all hearts for Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.
From: October 8, 2023
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT).
Live with godly wisdom toward those who are outside the faith. Let them see Christ in you. Remember that you were once far from faith, but Christ has brought you near. Season your conversation with grace, asking the Spirit to give you wisdom on how to “make the most” of the time you have with unbelievers.
But what does it mean to make the most of the time? There are two Greek words in the Bible for “time.” One is “chronos,” which refers to chronological or sequential time. The other, which is the word found in our verse today, is “kairos,” which refers to a right moment when things come to a head, an opportune or suitable time. The NLT actually captures this aspect of “kairos,” translating it as “opportunity,” rather than simply, “time.”
So, live wisely with unbelievers, looking for the kairos moment to join God in His redemptive work in them. Be alert for the opportune time to share your faith in Christ with them.
PRAYER: Dear Father, open our eyes to see the kairos moments in our day today. Strengthen us to walk in wisdom, being always prepared to share the gospel in those moments. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 8, 2022
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN
British poet, William Ernest Henley, concluded his poem “Invictus” with these words: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” His words capture the essence of what sin is. For sin, at its core, is an attitude of rebellion against God’s lordship. Sin puts self in the place of God. It calls itself, master.
Yet, the prophet Jeremiah rightly understood our human situation, declaring that “our lives are not our own.” For our independence is an illusion. We say that we can do what we want, yet apart from God, our desires our enslaved by sin. We make our plans for tomorrow, but cannot determine whether tomorrow ever comes.
But we can pray to the Lord as Jeremiah did, asking Him to be gentle as we confess our sins to Him. We can place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and be set free from sin’s bondage, offering ourselves as servants of God. For slavery to God is true freedom. Recognizing the Lord as the owner and controller of our souls, we embrace the plans He has for us and we receive the peace and eternal life that He promises.
As the apostle Paul said, “You are not your own. For you were bought at a price” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Therefore, let us live as those who belong to the Lord, depending on Him for our plans.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we gladly call You, Lord. For you have made us and You have bought us out of sin’s slavery by grace through faith. You have called us your children and counted us righteous. We want what You want for us today. We surrender our desires to Your plans for us. For we know that You love us and cause all things to work together for good for us. We are Your servants, in Jesus name, amen.
From: October 8, 2021
DO YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME WITH OTHERS?
Live with godly wisdom toward those who are outside the faith. Let them see Christ in you. Remember that you were once an “outsider” too, but Christ has brought you near. Season your conversation with grace, asking the Spirit to give you wisdom on how to “make the most of the time” you have with unbelievers.
But what does it mean to make the most of the time? There are two Greek words in the Bible for “time.” One is “chronos,” which refers to chronological or sequential time. The other, which is the word found in our verse today, is “kairos,” which refers to a right moment when things come to a head, an opportune or suitable time. So, live wisely with unbelievers, looking for the kairos moment to join God in His redemptive work in them. Be alert for the opportune time to share your faith in Christ with them.
PRAYER: Dear Father, open our eyes to see the kairos moments in our day today. Strengthen us to walk in wisdom, being always prepared to share the gospel in those moments. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 8, 2016
Live with godly wisdom toward those who are outside the faith. Let them see Christ in you. Remember that you were once an “outsider” too, but Christ has brought you near. Be alert for the opportune time to share your faith in Christ with them. There are two Greek words in the Bible for time. One is “chronos,” which refers to chronological or sequential time. The other, which is the word found in our verse today, is “kairos,” which refers to a right moment when things come to a head, an opportune or suitable time. So, live wisely with unbelievers, looking for the “kairos” moment to join God in His redemptive work.