(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ…fill your lives.
Many years ago, I (Pastor Justin) was attending a large convention in another city. One evening, while walking alone on the streets of an unfamiliar city, someone approached me and asked if I had any change for them to make a phone call. This person was a complete stranger to me. They may or may not have actually planning to make a phone call. Despite this, there was another reality at play; I had no change to offer.
This reality exists for everyone: You cannot give others what you do not possess.
When thinking of material objects, this makes sense. You cannot give somebody a car, a house, or even pocket change if you do not possess it. However, this truth applies outside of material objects as well.
Consider the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and so on. You cannot help others experience love, or joy, or peace if you are not yourself in a state of love, joy, or peace. As such, it’s essential to live with a mindset to not just share the gospel with others, but to preach it to yourself; to daily receive the gospel and have it transform who you are.
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:16-17; PSALM 48 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What are some ways you can “Preach the gospel to yourself” so that it can transform who you are?
DIGGING DEEPER: Throughout the week, search out at least 5 Scripture verses which focus on who you are in the eyes of God. (Example: John 1:12 says those who follow Christ are a child of God.) In the weeks to come, continue to add to the list of Scripture verses you discover. Read these daily.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I think about what it means to preach the Gospel to myself, I recognize how often this can be a challenge for me. My mind can easily wander or be distracted by the simplest of things. Yet I know that just a few mins of reminding myself of core gospel truths, 3-4 times a day, will help me to have the message of Christ fill my life. As I take opportunities to pause throughout the day, may I receive Your message. May it fill me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)
south ridge blog 