April 28-May 4, 2024
As we navigate through life, relationships become a primary force in our daily lives. Let's admit it. Some people are easier to love than others. We all have those people in our lives that require more work. Maybe we are that person for them - you never know. Either way, we are called to love others well.
Take time the next few weeks to do an inventory of your relationships according to this passage. I pray God will take us deeper into His mercy and further into His love for the sake of others.
This week's Bible reading: Romans 12:1-3
Focus Verse: "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." (Romans 12:3)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: What do you need God's mercy for today? (vs. 1) Write a prayer asking for His help.
Day 2: What does it mean to you to offer your body as a living sacrifice? The text has some ideas of areas to explore. How is your interpersonal life? How is your worship? Is it for an audience of One? How is your pride versus your humility?
Day 3: What areas have you allowed the world in and conformed to it? Ask a friend or a spouse to give you feedback in this area.
Day 4: There is a lot of brain research around "renewing your mind." Scientists used to think brain pathways were fixed. But with the introduction of neuroscience, we have learned more about neuroplasticity - the ability for the brain to be rewired. This is very encouraging if you are plagued by black and white thinking, or playing the same patterns of shame over and over in your head, or up late at night with memories that haunt you. God can renew your mind. Invite Him into the process and find some resources that can help grow new healthier pathways in your mind. (Here is a LINK to some free resources for healing work. You can always email me at mbowden@gatewaychurch.org for questions on this topic)
Day 5: We all want to be in the center of God's will. Renewing our minds, not conforming to the world, seeking God's mercy and grace when we mess up, and being humble as we approach our relationships are the core pieces of being in His will. Take time to write out verses 2 and 3 today. Post it somewhere you will see it daily. Let the Word speak to your heart!
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry.
Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.