April 12 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the beginning of a new life for all believers. It's also the pledge of our resurrection (1 Cor. 15). The study of Colossians is part of this month's meditations on the meaning of the resurrection.

Bible Reading:

Colossians 1:9–14

Bible Text:

... bearing fruit in every good work. growing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

Devotional:

After thanking God for the Colossians' faith, hope, and love, Paul prays that they may show even more spiritual fruit and a deeper knowledge of God.

By "fruit" in the Christian life, the Bible means anything that pleases God. God looks for fruit in our lives as eagerly as orchard owners look for a good crop on their trees. As small trees grow into big trees, so Christians must grow in their insight into the will of God—and in obedience.

Actually, growth is a mystery. It's a work and a gift of God. We can plant and water, but only God gives growth. That's why spiritual growth is an item for prayer.

If we pray for "fruit in every good work," we must practice doing good works. If we never do anything out of love for Jesus, there won't be much fruit on our tree. So we must train ourselves to forgive others, tolerate difficult people, give generously to good causes, make others happy, and deny ourselves. Our role is to create the proper conditions for growth.

We must also try to know God better. This will happen if we seek God every day, read the Word, listen to good teachers, and keep company with those who know the Lord. All of that takes effort. But when we do our part, it is not hypocritical to pray, "0 God, let the church—and I myself—grow like a tree."

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.