October 27-November 1, 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 humility
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: Read Micah 6:8. What do these actions look like? Write out some practical ways this might bring humility in your day.
Day 2: Proverbs 29:23 says pride will bring you low. We now that the opposite of humility is pride and it’s a huge barrier to our walk with God. If pride is in your way, you can’t truly surrender and trust God for your day. You might even believe you can do it better than He can. Take the need for repentance to God and ask Him to show you areas of pride that are unhealthy for you.
Day 3: Luke 14:11 speaks of the upside down kingdom that God offers us. It doesn’t always make sense but God turns things around for us. Lower yourself and let Him exalt you today. Write a prayer exalting God!
Day 4: Read Proverbs 22:4. What is your true reward? Spend time thanking God for His gifts. If we pursue riches and honor, we lose sight of God. But if we pursue God, riches and honor are given by His hand.
Day 5: 1 Peter 5:6 says if you humble yourself, God will lift you up. What would it mean to you for God to lift you up? What would you want Him to say about you? Examine your heart and offer it to Him in sacrifice.
Challenge: In light of Chronicles 7:14, take some time to pray - alone or with a friend. This is your act of humility this week. Bowing your head, getting on your knees, or even lying prostrate (on the floor face down) are three postures of humility. Practice one or two of these this week to remind yourself of your position before God. He is God and you are not. Use this as a physical way to level yourself before Him. Invite Him to speak while you are in a low position.
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.