May 19-25, 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 12:13-16
Focus Verse: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." (Romans 12:14)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: Sharing with the Lord’s people seems like an easy task but can you remember the last time you did something generous for another brother or sister in Christ? If you can, praise God for what He has given you to share. If you can’t remember a time, pray today about an opportunity to share something - words, deeds, gifts, time, and money are all ways we can share with those in need.
Day 2: Practicing hospitality means opening your heart to another. What could that look like for you this week? Maybe it’s inviting a neighbor for coffee (doesn’t necessarily have to be in your home). Offer to watch someone’s dog or child for the day. Invite someone to church with you this Sunday. Pray and ask Him for insight.
Day 3: Blessing others can be hard especially when they are hard to love people. But GOD! You are hard to love sometimes too. Maybe something in your heart needs to move toward that person instead of away from them. Sometimes we just ignore our enemies, but God asks us to do good to them instead. Pray and ask God to show you your enemy this week and choose to bless instead of curse them.
Day 4: Rejoicing with others and mourning with others requires different skills. It may come easily to celebrate with others. While walking with those who are hurting is much more challenging. We often think we don’t have the skills we need or the words to say. What if you just went and sat with someone you know who is grieving? What if you didn’t share words but just shared a space with them for a few moments? Invite God to help you and be willing to see what it feels like in their space.
Day 5: Living in harmony and laying down pride are tall orders. We often don’t see the problems within ourselves but can easily recognize the problems in others. Today, take some time to inventory your pride. Ask yourself these few questions: 1. Do I keep a mental list of people’s mistakes? 2. Am I thinking about how I can do someone else’s job better? 3. I rarely ask for help. If you answered YES to these questions, you have some things you can bring to the Lord and ask Him to help you lay at His feet. Jesus is our best example of humility and servant-heartedness. Let’s follow Him!
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.