Spending time in God’s Word is one of my favorite things to do, but this wasn’t always the case. I grew up in the church, heard the Word, but other than to look up a few verses in church on Sunday, I rarely picked up the Bible. I didn’t understand the life-giving benefits I was missing out on by not reading it for myself, and honestly, I felt a little intimidated by the thought of studying it on my own.
Romans 15:16 (AMP) says:
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Hope, joy, peace, faith, and overflowing confidence!!! Wow! Who doesn’t want that??!! These are the very things we receive from God when we understand who He is and what His promises for us are. It’s through spending time in God’s Word that we discover these things. The Bible is God’s love letter to us, filled with precious promises for our lives. It’s one thing to have someone tell you that you’re loved by God, but what a powerfully life-changing experience to receive this revelation from God Himself. This is exactly what we receive when we spend time in the Word of God.
In my early 20’s I finally made the decision to start reading God’s Word regularly. I turned to the Bible out of desperation and I thank God for allowing me to get to that desperate place, because since I began reading the Word of God my life has never been the same. At the time, I was on death’s doorstep with no hope in sight, and God spoke to me through a dream. In my dream, I was sleeping in my bed and when I woke up I saw scriptures written everywhere. They were across my bedspread, on the walls, on the floor, the ceiling…literally everywhere! When I got up and went to my closet they were written across my clothing. When I went into the bathroom they were on the mirror, the walls, in the medicine cabinet…and well you get the picture! After seeing all this I heard the Lord say, “And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free!.”
Freedom. I was sooooo desperate to be free. I had heard this verse in John 8:32 before, but that day it would begin to become a reality for me as I began to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord through His Word. I went from hurting, broken, confused about my purpose in life, and so so empty, to finding everything my heart had been searching for. I discovered a God who loved me unconditionally and the amazing things He had planned for me as I chose to walk in His perfect plan for my life. I had been wandering through life alone and filled with despair and discovered God had been waiting for me with arms open, beckoning me into His embrace. This is what spending time in God’s Word feels like to me – Like stepping into God’s arms and experiencing a love that heals and strengthens my spirit, mind, and body. And I didn’t just experience this back then, but NOW! EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I receive something from the Lord every time I open my Bible. It touches, heals, and transforms areas of my life only God can, and this is what He desires for each of us to experience every day.
Psalms 16:11 says:
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Life, joy, and pleasures forevermore! Yep, that’s what we discover when we spend time with the Lord in His word. He shows us the path of life – not this mixed up, chaotic version the world shoves down our throats. No….He reveals to us the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that will enable us to walk above the brokenness of this world and into the destiny God has for us. In His Presence, we receive a joy that strengthens our weary hearts as nothing else can. As we abide in Him, clinging to His Word each day, we discover “pleasures forevermore”– things we never even imagined could be a part of our lives. Yes, in the Word, we discover HOPE and everything our heart has been searching for.
Recently, I’ve been reading the book of Colossians and I’ve been receiving so much from Lord. I decided to write a one-week study based on how I often spend time with God each morning. I shared it during our staff devotional time at work and I wanted to share it with you too. There are many different ways to study God’s Word, but this simple way of reading and meditating on passages of scripture and finding personal application for my life is one of my favorite ways to spend time with the Lord each morning. Whether you’re new to reading the Bible or a seasoned student of Bible study, I think you’ll enjoy this simple way of digging into God’s Word and making it personal for you. James 1:21 says that when we “receive with meekness the implanted word” it has the power to “save our souls.” Salvation is more than just going to Heaven. It’s a glorious relationship with God right now, experiencing Him and walking out all that He has for our lives. Friend, I pray that as you pursue the Lord through reading His word, the truth goes so deep that your life is forever changed. I’m confident that God will answer this prayer for His Word is powerful and His arms are open and waiting just for you.
Study on Colossians 3:1-17: Living as those made alive in Christ.
DAY ONE:
- Open in prayer – take time to thank Him and praise God for His goodness in your life. Ask Him to help you see Him even in the midst of difficulty, knowing that He is at work behind the scenes bringing your life into alignment with His will. Ask the Lord to speak to you personally through today’s reading.
- Read the entire passage below. Underline or circle anything that stands out to you as you read. (You can do this if you print the study out or in your own Bible.) We’ll be reading and rereading this passage a lot. The more you read and meditate on the Word, the more you will receive from it. God speaks through His Word!
Colossians 3:1-17 – NIV
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died,and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew,circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
JOURNAL TIME:
- After reading Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety, reread verses 1-2.
- The word “set” according to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary means:
- to place (oneself) in position to start running in a race
- to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability
3. With this definition in mind, what does it mean to you, to set your heart and mind on things above? Be specific.
- How can you set your heart (your emotions desires dreams) on things above?
- How can set your mind (your thoughts, your intellect, your will) on things above?
4. Look up the following verses about the heart and write what you learn from each verse:
- Proverbs 4:23
- Jeremiah 17:9-10
- Psalm 51:10
5. Look up the following verses about the mind and write what you learn from each verse:
- Romans 8:6-11
- Romans 12:2
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
- Philippians 4:6-9
MEDITATION TIME:
Just be still before the Lord. Push out any distracting thoughts and think on the verses you read today. Listen for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. He wants to to speak to your heart personally. It may be as simple and beautiful as a whisper of “I love you,” or something deep and personal He wants to reveal to you. If you’re new to hearing God’s voice, be patient. Keep listening each day and soon you’ll become familiar with His voice. Journal anything you receive and then close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY TWO:
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. Circle or underline anything new that stands out to you.
JOURNAL TIME:
- Reread verses 5-6. The Amplified version says not only to “put to death” but to “deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body.” What does it mean to put to death something in your life?
- Read the verses below for further study on putting to death things in our lives. Write what you receive from each verse:
- Galatians 5:24
- Luke 9:23-24
- Romans 6:1-14
MEDITATION TIME:
Be still before the Lord, listening for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Journal anything you receive from this time and close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY THREE
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. Write down any new revelation you receive.
JOURNAL TIME:
- Reread verse 12. What things are we told to clothe ourselves with?
- Read Galatians 5:22. This verse tells us “the source” of these traits we’re to clothe ourselves with. Who is it and how does knowing this encourage your ability to actually walk out these qualities?
- Look up these verses for further encouragement. Write down what the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart through each verse:
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- 1 Peter 3:18
- Ephesians 4:22-24
4. Reread verse 12 again. How does it make you feel to be one of God’s chosen people. How does remembering your value to God affect the way you love each day?
5. Reread verse 13. According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, the definition of “to bear” is:
- to move while holding up and supporting
- to carry the weight of; support.endure (an ordeal or difficulty).
6. In understanding this definition, how do we bear with one another?
7. How does remembering Christ’s forgiveness towards you help you to forgive others.
MEDITATION TIME:
Be still before the Lord, listening for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Journal anything you receive from this time and close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY FOUR
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. Write down any new revelation you receive.
JOURNAL TIME:
1. Reread verse 15.
2. According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary the definition of “rule” is:
- To exercise ultimate power or authority over.
3. In understanding the definition of “rule,” how can you allow peace to rule your life?
4. What do the following verses reveal to you about peace?
- Ephesians 2:14
- Philippians 4:6-7
5. How can choosing to being thankful affect the way we you live each day? What does that look like specifically?
MEDITATION TIME:
Be still before the Lord, listening for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Journal anything you receive from this time and close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY FIVE:
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. Write down any new revelation you receive.
JOURNAL TIME:
1. Reread verse 16. There are 3 actions we are called to walk out:
- Let Gods word dwell in you
- Teach and admonish others with wisdom from Gods Word
- Sing with gratitude (continual praise coming from us)
2. Read the following verses for each action and write down how you can walk in each of these actions daily?
- Letting God’s Word dwell in you: (2 Timothy 2:15, Joshua 1:8, James 1:21-25)
- Teaching & admonishing others: (2 Timothy 2:24-26, 1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 28:19-20)
- Singing (praising God) with gratitude: (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Hebrews 13:15, Ephesians 5:18-19)
MEDITATION TIME:
Be still before the Lord, listening for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Journal anything you receive from this time and close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY SIX:
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. Write down any new revelation you receive.
JOURNAL TIME:
1. Read verse 17. Think about your daily life and relationships and write each one down. For example relationships may be: Spouse, Parent, Sibling, Employee and Roles may be : Manager at work, volunteer at church, PTA member at school… Write down relationships and roles specific to your life. Now think about how this verse would impact each of them:
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Don’t rush through this. Take time to listen to the small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Be honest with yourself. Sometimes the Holy Spirit brings conviction to us and the truth may hurt a little, but it always sets us free. Write down what the Holy Spirit is showing you and what would change if you applied this verse to every role and relationship of your life?
MEDITATION TIME:
Be still before the Lord, listening for that small still voice of the Holy Spirit. Journal anything you receive from this time and close your time with a prayer of thanksgiving.
DAY SEVEN:
- Begin with prayer
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 in its entirety again. If you receive any new revelation, write it down.
JOURNAL TIME:
- Read Colossians 3:1-17 from the Amplified version.
- In verses 5-9, circle the things you personally need to put off or put to death. This sheet is between you
and God so be honest.
- Now read verses 10-16 and circle the things that you desire to put on or areas you need to grow in
4. Look up the two verses below. What is the most powerful way to see transformation in our lives according to these verses?
- Romans 12:1-2
- James 1:21-25
5. End this study with writing out a prayer to the Lord in response to this passage of scripture. Thank Him for the revelation you received. Ask Him for the strength to walk what you received this week. Remember, His grace is sufficient! Write whatever is on your heart. God hears you and He is faithful to answer your prayers.
Colossians 3 – Amplified Bible
Put On the New Self
3 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, [a]appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God]. 6 Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is coming [b]on the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts], 7 and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you were habitually living in them [without the knowledge of Christ]. 8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is being continually renewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self— 11 a renewal in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether] [c]barbarian or [d]Scythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction].
12 So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; 13 bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. 14 Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. 15 Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. 16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
