December 15, 2004
Encouragement for Today
More New Clothes!
Ramona Davis - Member Proverbs 31 Speaker Team, Prayer Closet Editor
Key Verse:
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
Devotion:
A popular TV show features an unsuspecting individual in need of a fashion makeover. A friend or family member submits the name of this person to a couple of fashion "experts". The fashion savvy couple then attempts to transform the "victim" by making changes in wardrobe, hair and makeup.
First, they examine the wardrobe, throwing out the old and outdated clothing. The person usually balks at making change but eventually relents. Then the fashion "experts" give fashion advice and directions for purchasing new clothing and new looks for hair and makeup.
Next, a credit card with a $5,000 limit is given. Armed with important advice and directions, they are off to make their purchases for a new wardrobe and a totally new look.
The chosen person is always excited with their new look and clothing but I can't help but wonder how long it will be before they need another fashion makeover. Our outside appearance can never completely change our inward appearance. Only Jesus can perform that makeover.
In the third Chapter of Colossians, we are advised of our new wardrobe. A wardrobe that is imperishable. We are told to clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. However, the most important piece of clothing we must wear is love. Love binds us all together in perfect harmony. We are told to clothe our hearts with the peace that comes from Christ ruling there.
When Jesus begins to perform a makeover in our hearts, we often balk at changes but eventually see that He knows best and wants the very best for us. We can choose to clothe our hearts and minds with the beautiful clothing described in this portion of scripture. I want my heart to be a place where Jesus wants to be, don't you?
These "clothes" never go out of style and they never wear out! I just love new clothes, don't you? You look beautiful in them!
My prayer for today:
Dear Lord, I thank you that you have come to live in my heart. I ask that You make all the changes you need to make in order for my heart to be a place where you want to live. Forgive me when I balk at the changes You want to make in me. Help me to be totally submissive to You. I invite You to give my heart and mind a total makeover. Amen.
Application steps:
Record in your journal (or on a piece of paper) changes you know Jesus wants to make in you. Ask Him to give you specific directions to make the changes.
Reflection points:
Read the Third Chapter of Colossians and slowly consider each "piece of clothing". Ask yourself if you have any "old clothing" that needs to be thrown out and then replaced with His wardrobe.
Read the same chapter, and this time slowly consider the ways you are to allow Him to make over your mind.
Power verses:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, not of things on the earth. Colossians 3:1 (NKJV)
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:3, 4 (NIV)
"The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
Additional resources:
The Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/makeover.html