5 Day Devotional: Colossians 3: 4-9

Day 1. Desiring Change
Devotional: In our journey with Christ, the first step towards transformation is desiring change. Recognizing the need to let go of past behaviors that hinder our relationship with God is crucial. This desire is not just a fleeting thought but a deep yearning to be more like Christ. Reflect on the areas in your life that need change. What old habits or sinful behaviors are holding you back? Remember, the first step is to want the old you to die.

As we desire this change, we must also understand that it is a process. It won't happen overnight, but with a sincere heart and God's guidance, we can begin to see transformation. Embrace this desire and let it fuel your journey towards a new life in Christ.

Verse: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

Question: What specific areas in your life do you need to desire change and let go of past behaviors?

Quote: You got to want for the old way, for the old you to die, you not only have to desire it dead, you have to decide that it's dead. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to desire change in my life. Show me the areas that need transformation and give me the strength to let go of my old ways. I want to be more like You. Amen.
Day 2. Deciding to Change
Devotional: Once we desire change, the next step is to decide to change. This involves making a conscious choice to turn away from sin and embrace a new life in Christ. It's not enough to just want change; we must actively decide to pursue it. This decision should be supported by a plan and accountability. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and hold you accountable in your journey.

Deciding to change is a daily commitment. Each day, choose to follow Christ and turn away from sinful behaviors. Trust that God will give you the strength and guidance you need to make these changes.

Verse: Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.' - Luke 9:23

Question: What steps can you take today to actively decide to turn away from sin and embrace a new life in Christ?

Quote: We have to declare to ourselves, that's not acceptable for me as a Christian anymore. I'm not going to do that. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I choose to follow You today. Help me to turn away from sin and embrace the new life You have for me. Surround me with people who will support and encourage me in this journey. Amen.
Day 3. Declaring the Old Ways Dead
Devotional: After deciding to change, we must declare our old ways dead. This means reinforcing our commitment through the power of words. Speak life and truth over yourself. Declare that the old sinful behaviors no longer have a hold on you. This declaration is a powerful step in solidifying your commitment to change.

Remember, our words have power. Use them to affirm your new identity in Christ. Declare that you are a new creation, and the old has gone. Let this declaration be a daily reminder of your commitment to live a new life in Christ.

Verse: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

Question: What declarations can you make today to affirm your commitment to living a new life in Christ?

Quote: We got to give it up. We got to deliver it dead. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I declare that my old ways are dead. I am a new creation in You. Help me to speak life and truth over myself every day. Amen.
Day 4. Delivering It Dead
Devotional: The final step in this process is delivering our old sinful ways as dead. This means surrendering our past to God and trusting in His power to transform us. It's not enough to just desire, decide, and declare; we must also deliver. Lay your past at the feet of Jesus and trust that He will take it and make you new.

This step requires faith and trust in God's power. Believe that He can and will transform you. Surrender your old ways and embrace the new life He has for you. Remember, true transformation comes from God, and He is faithful to complete the work He has started in you.

Verse: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4

Question: What past behaviors or sinful ways do you need to surrender to God today?

Quote: Maybe the reality is, is that what you need to do is just in this moment, in time to come to this altar and lay those things at the feet of Jesus and deliver them over to him.
-Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my past to You. Take my old ways and transform me into a new creation. I trust in Your power to make me new. Amen.

Day 5. Embracing Suffering
Devotional: As we journey with Christ, we are called to embrace suffering as a means of growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ. Suffering is not something we naturally desire, but it is through these difficult times that we learn to rely on God and experience true spiritual growth. Embrace the challenges and trust that God is using them to shape you into the person He wants you to be.

Remember, God loves you enough to call you to suffer. He uses these times to draw you closer to Him and to help you grow in your faith. Trust in His plan and know that He is with you every step of the way.

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

Question: How can you embrace the challenges and suffering in your life as opportunities for spiritual growth?

Quote: He loves you enough to call you to suffer, to cause you to put obstacles in your way so that you have to struggle, that God loves you enough because it's only going through those times that we walk with him and begin to know him and rely on him. - Pastor Mike

Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace the challenges and suffering in my life. Use these times to draw me closer to You and to help me grow in my faith. I trust in Your plan and know that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

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