What is the difference between confidence and presumption? Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 2 – Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer. It’s the fastest hour of the week!

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school

Daily Lesson for Thursday 8th of January 2026

Paul prays “that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will.” Paul describes knowing God’s will as “wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9, NKJV). Wisdom comes, first of all, by trusting God fully, being willing to do His will (John 7:17), and not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). But the question often arises, “What is God’s will for me in this situation?” There are four main sources from which we may learn God’s will as we seek it prayerfully:

1. The most important source of wisdom is the Bible. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105, NKJV).

2. God has given us special wisdom for the last days through the Spirit of Prophecy (Revelation 12:17, Revelation 19:10) as manifested though the writings of Ellen White. The Bible encourages us to “believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20, NKJV).

3. God’s will and leading may also be known through providential circumstances, by asking Him to open or close doors (see Colossians 4:3).

4. The Holy Spirit guides us once we have learned to recognize His voice: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, / ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ / Whenever you turn to the right hand / Or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21, NKJV).

Image © Kevin Carden at Goodsalt.com

Paul prays that the Colossians may “walk worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10, NKJV). Of course, no one is inherently “worthy,” but God counts us worthy by His grace and calls us to live in accordance with that high calling (Ephesians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, NKJV). Paul uses the verb “walk” or “walked” three more times in this letter alone (Colossians 2:6, Colossians 3:7, Colossians 4:5). It means to live and act in accordance with God’s law (Exodus 18:20), which is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:27).

Paul also prays that their (and our) lives may be “fully pleasing” to the Lord and then lists several ways to do that: “Being fruitful in every good work” (Colossians 1:9-10, NKJV); then “increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10, NKJV); and, finally, in “giving thanks” (Colossians 1:12, NKJV).

<–Wednesday Friday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-02-prayer-power/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-02-prayer-power

Daily Lesson for Wednesday 7th of January 2026

Paul’s relationship with the Colossians was different from his relationship with those in Philippi. He included them among those who “have not seen my face in the flesh” (Colossians 2:1). Nevertheless, Paul assures them, as he did the Philippians, that he thanks God for them and is “always” praying for them.

Image © Providence Collection at Goodsalt.com

Paul brings together the three virtues that he mentions in other places: faith, hope, and love (see 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:8). Notice that Paul doesn’t credit the Colossians for these things. He thanks the Father for them, because as James says they are among the “good and perfect” gifts that we receive from Him (James 1:17, NIV). When we see the love God has for us, it leads us to faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-8), and we receive the hope of heaven. Peter describes it as “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4, NKJV).

Paul also emphasizes that the gospel is trustworthy because it is based on “the word of truth.” This is an expression Paul uses elsewhere in reference to the inspired word of God (see 2 Corinthians 6:7, 2 Timothy 2:15). Unlike “the word of men,” it works “effectually” in those who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and accomplishes God’s will (Isaiah 55:11). So, when the gospel is proclaimed, the power of God is manifested through the work of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the hearers, and people respond. The gospel itself produces the fruit because it is “the word of life” (Philippians 2:16).

Perhaps what is most amazing is the spread of the gospel in such a short period of time. Within about thirty years of Christ’s death and resur­rection, Paul could already say it had spread “in all the world” (Colossians 1:6). A little later in the same chapter, he says the gospel “was preached to every creature under heaven” (Colossians 1:23, NKJV). The extensive Roman road system made possible rapid communication and travel, which is how Paul’s epistles could be circulated so widely and quickly. But it is the power of God working through the word that gives birth to spiritual life in a person (James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23), making them a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26a-02-gospel-fruit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26a-02-gospel-fruit

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr. Clinton Wahlen, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson,

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/2-reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2-reasons-for-thanksgiving-and-prayer-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author

View an in-depth discussion of Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.