Devotions
Saturday Day 30 – YOU DID IT!!
Re-Read: Colossians 3:1-4 (verse of the week) Think: How many times would you say you have come back to God already in your life? Journal: What can you foresee that might make it hard for you to continue living in a sense of closeness with God? What can you do to avoid straying from God (or at least straying so far from God) in the future? Pray: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the confidence…
Friday Day 29 – 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Colossians 3:1-4 (verse of the week)) Think: How do you think God has gifted and called you to serve others? Journal: Record some steps you could take to get involved in a form of serving where your joy intersects with the world’s needs. Pray: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the confidence that I can live a brand-new life.”
Thursday Day 28 – 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Colossians 3:1-4 (verse of the week) Think: Have you ever been part of a small group of Jesus followers? If so, what was the experience like? Journal: How could you find a group of other Jesus followers with whom you could spend time, really get to know, and talk with honestly about your spiritual journey? How might it help in your ongoing desire to live at “home” with your Father? Write down a plan to participate in a small group. Pray: “God,…
Wednesday Day 27 – 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Colossians 3:1-4 (verse of the week) Think: How do you feel about having a daily time of prayer and Bible reading? Journal: Journal about the obstacles that keep you from meeting with the Lord regularly in a time of personal devotions. If you were to get started (or restarted) with a time of Bible reading, reflection, and prayer, what time of day would be best for that? What place would be best? What Bible reading plan would you follow? Pray: “God,…
Tuesday Day 26 – 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read:Colossians 3:1-4 (verse of the week) Think: What has been your experience with church and church people? Journal: If you already have a local church that you’re committed to, what can you do to more fully participate in its activities and worship? Or if you are ready to find a church, list the characteristics you’d ideally like it to have (realizing that no church is perfect) and how you can go about finding a church that resembles this portrait. Pray: “God if…
Finding Your Way Back to God – Day 25
Read: Colossians 3:1-4 Think: How is your life new and different now, compared to when you were feeling so distant from God? Journal: Write about the changes God has brought into your new life with him. Also write about the additional changes you hope or expect to see in your new life with the Father. Pray: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the confidence that I can live a brand-new life.”
Friday – Day 23 of 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Ephesians 3:14-19 (verse of the week) Think: What indications has God given you that you are now his child? Journal: Do you feel that God has spoken to you about his love for you? Has he given you freedom in areas where you once felt bound? Do you have a new peace that you can’t explain without God? Record any proof of your new identity in Jesus you have received. Return to this list later when you need encouragement. Pray: “God, if you…
Thursday – Day 22 of the 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Ephesians 3:14-19 (verse of the week) Think: How does the way you view yourself compare with the way God views you? Journal: Writing from God’s perspective (just as you did yesterday), complete the phrase “[Your Name Here], to me you are ________________.” (For example, “Betsy, to me you are a dearly loved child” or “Johnny, to me you are holy and pure by my Spirit.”) Complete the phrase as many ways as you like, drawing on what you know of God’s…
Wednesday – Day 21 of our 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Ephesians 3:14-19 (verse of the week) Think: What would help you realize that God has wiped your shame and guilt away, totally and permanently? Journal: Go back to the shame messages you wrote down yesterday. Now write what you think God might say to contradict these messages. Pray: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the awareness that I am your unconditionally loved child.”
Tuesday – Day 20 of the 30 Day Challenge
Re-Read: Ephesians 3:14-19 (verse of the week) Think:How does shame linger in your spirit, even after you know you have been forgiven by God? Journal: Write down the messages shame whispers to you. Describe how these messages affect you. Pray: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the awareness that I am your unconditionally loved child.”