5 Day Devotional: Colossians 3: 1-3

Day 1: Encountering Jesus
Devotional
When we come into contact with Jesus, our lives are transformed. Everyone who met Jesus in the Bible left changed. This transformation is not just a historical fact but a present reality. Jesus invites us to experience a new life, filled with purpose and hope. As we begin this devotional journey, let's open our hearts to the possibility of change and renewal through Christ. Key Quote: 'Everybody that came into contact with
Jesus left different. Nobody that came into his presence stayed the same.'

Bible Verse: John 1:11-12: 'He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.'

Reflection Question: How has your life changed since you first encountered Jesus, and what areas do you still need His transformative touch?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I open my heart to You today. Transform me and make me new. Help me to experience Your presence in a way that changes my life forever. Amen.

Day 2: The Call to Follow
Devotional
Following Jesus is a call to a new way of life. It requires us to take up our cross and follow Him daily. This means surrendering our own desires and ambitions to embrace His will for our lives. It's a challenging path, but it's also the path to true fulfillment and joy. Key Quote: 'If you're going to follow me, Jesus said, take up your cross. Follow me.'

Bible Verse: Matthew 16:24: 'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”'

Reflection Question: What does taking up your cross look like in your daily life, and how can you better align your actions with Jesus' call to follow Him?

Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength and courage to take up my cross and follow You. Help me to surrender my will to Yours and to trust in Your plan for my life. Amen.

Day 3: Seeking Things Above
Devotional
Our focus should be on the things above, where Christ is seated. This means setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. When we seek the things above, we find life, joy, and peace. It's a conscious choice we must make every day. Key Quote: 'Set your mind on things above, not on the things of this earth.'

Bible Verse: Colossians 3:2: 'Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

Reflection Question: What earthly distractions are keeping you from focusing on the things above, and how can you shift your focus to align more with Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to set my mind on things above. Guide my thoughts and actions to reflect Your kingdom and Your will. Amen.

Day 4: The Power of Choice
Devotional
Desiring a closer relationship with Jesus is not enough; we must also choose to pursue it actively. This involves making intentional decisions to prioritize our spiritual growth and to live out our faith daily. Our choices reflect our true desires and commitment. Key Quote: 'You got to want it. You got to choose it. But even in that, if you stop with two, okay, that's what I. This is what I want, and this is what I'm going to choose. I'm going to make this the priority of my life. But if you don't do anything about it, did you really want it?'

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33: 'But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Reflection Question: What specific choices can you make today to prioritize your relationship with Jesus and seek His kingdom first?

Prayer: Lord, help me to make choices that reflect my desire to follow You. Give me the wisdom and strength to prioritize my relationship with You above all else. Amen.

Day 5: Living for Christ
Devotional
Living for Christ means applying His teachings in our hearts and minds and helping others by being a living example of His love. It's about listening to, believing, and acting on God's word. This not only transforms our lives but also impacts those around us. Key Quote: 'Help yourself by listening to what God has to say. Help yourself by believing what God has to say. Help yourself by applying in your heart and your mind what God has to say and help others by living for Christ.'

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8-9: 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.'

Reflection Question: How can you apply God's teachings in your daily life to not only transform yourself but also to positively impact those around you?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to live for You every day. Let my life be a reflection of Your love and grace. Guide me to be a light to others and to share Your truth with those around me. Amen.