October 20-26, 2024
This month we will focus on Colossians 3:12. I’m reading Kelly Minter’s book called Fitting Room. The entire book is about this one verse. She reminds us in the first chapter that the virtues from this verse are God given. We don’t have to work to attain them. We get them as a result of being a child of God. The verse from 3:12 reads: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Over the next 5 weeks, we will focus on this one verse - drawing from cross references in the Bible to confirm themes, definitions, and applications. I already had a chance to experience the passage through a situation last Sunday. I was sitting in church talking to a woman when a mom and child approached to interrupt. The mom explained that her child just needed a quick hug from me as she saw me across the room and was relentlessly asking her mom if she could have a quick visit with me. I was delighted. When I stood up, the little girl said, “No mommy, not her, HER!,” as she pointed to the woman across from me. I sat back down feeling a bit dejected. God had a redemption plan. He wanted to show me how CHOSEN I really am. Afterwards, I realized how much I could trust Him in choosing me. Just a few moments apart from the little girl exclaiming that she didn't want me at all, a friend’s child came over, wrapped her arms about my neck from behind, and said, “Good morning, Ms. Michele!!!” I cannot tell you how loved that hug made me feel in that moment. I think I would have taken it for granted if I had not been “unchosen” a moment before. God chooses us again, and again, and again. If you have not yet studied these virtues from Colossians 3, you are in for an enlightening experience. Join us for the journey.
This week's Bible reading: Colossians 3:12
Focus Theme: Clothing yourself with kindness
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: Read the story of David, Jonathan, and Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel 9:1-13.
Day 2: What do you think made David ask around about Saul’s family? What conviction did David have as king?
Day 3: Being king was usually about showing power and strength? Why do you think David wanted to show the virtue of kindness instead?
Day 4: Why do you think David invited this man to his table? Even Mephiboseth couldn’t believe it!
Day 5: Mephibosheth was the crippled grandson of a fallen king; all tradition would have been for David to ignore him or even kill him as a threat of the future. Why do you think David followed through on caring for Jonathan’s family?
Challenge: What we see David give to Mephibosheth is the same loving kindness that God offers us through His Son. David invited Mephibosheth to be “like one of the king’s sons.” This week, find a way to practice kindness to show God’s love to another. Give a generous gift. Invite someone to a meal. Share a compliment with a stranger. See how God might use it!
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.