godly character

Dressing Your Heart: Wearing God’s Character Daily

Dressing Your Heart: Wearing God’s Character Daily

God’s Chosen Wardrobe

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Colossians 3:12

Every morning, you make choices about what to wear.

You consider the weather, your activities for the day, and the impression you want to make.

But have you ever thought about the spiritual clothes you put on?

Your Spiritual Identity

Before telling you what to wear, God reminds you who you are:

  • Chosen by God
  • Holy (set apart)
  • Dearly loved

This isn’t about earning God’s favor – you already have it. These spiritual clothes are your response to His love.

Divine Dress Code

Let’s look at each piece of your spiritual wardrobe:

Compassion

This is more than feeling sorry for someone. It’s allowing your heart to be moved to action when you see others hurting.

Kindness

Think of kindness as practical love in action. It’s choosing to be generous and helpful, even when it’s inconvenient.

Humility

This isn’t thinking less of yourself – it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s choosing to put others’ needs on the same level as your own.

Gentleness

Being gentle doesn’t mean being weak. It’s having strength under control, like a powerful horse responding to a light touch.

Patience

This is the ability to stay calm and gracious, even when others test your limits.

Making It Practical

Morning Routine

Just as you check the mirror before leaving home, try this spiritual check:

  • Am I wearing compassion in my attitudes?
  • Have I put on kindness in my plans for today?
  • Is humility visible in my interactions?
  • Will others experience my gentleness?
  • Is patience ready for the day’s challenges?

Real-Life Application

Think about one person who challenges you. Now, consciously choose to:

  • Look for reasons they might be struggling (compassion)
  • Do something helpful for them (kindness)
  • Listen to their perspective (humility)
  • Speak softly and carefully (gentleness)
  • Give them time to change (patience)

When It Gets Difficult

Remember, you’re not trying to manufacture these qualities on your own. They’re gifts from God that you’re learning to wear well.

When you struggle, return to the truth that you are chosen and deeply loved.

A Prayer for Your Day

“Father, thank You for choosing me and loving me. Help me dress myself in Your character today. When I’m tempted to put on judgment, criticism, or impatience, remind me of the beautiful clothes You’ve given me to wear. Amen.”

Remember, just as you wouldn’t leave home without clothes, don’t start your day without consciously putting on these spiritual qualities.

Which piece of God’s wardrobe do you most need to wear today?

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Humility, Love
Finding God’s Favor: The Beauty of a Humble Heart

Finding God’s Favor: The Beauty of a Humble Heart

Has not my hand made all these things,
    and so they came into being?”
declares the Lord.
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
    and who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66:2

What Catches God’s Eye

Have you ever wondered what God notices most about you?

In a world obsessed with accomplishments and appearances, God’s answer might surprise you.

He’s looking for something entirely different – something that has nothing to do with outward success.

The Creator’s Perspective

Think about this: The God who formed galaxies and designed DNA says He’s most impressed by:

  • A humble heart
  • A contrite spirit
  • A reverential approach to His Word

Understanding True Humility

Let’s be clear – humility isn’t:

  • Thinking poorly of yourself
  • Pretending to be less than you are
  • Refusing to acknowledge your gifts
  • Walking around with your head down

Instead, it’s:

  • Seeing yourself accurately
  • Recognizing God’s greatness
  • Acknowledging your need for Him
  • Living in grateful dependence

The Heart God Favors

What Does “Contrite” Mean?

A contrite spirit shows:

  • Genuine sorrow over sin
  • Quick recognition of wrong
  • Willingness to change
  • Openness to correction

Trembling at His Word

This isn’t about fear – it’s about reverence. You tremble at God’s Word when you:

  • Take it seriously
  • Apply it personally
  • Respect its authority
  • Let it shape your choices

Making It Personal

Self-Reflection

Ask yourself:

  1. Do I approach God’s Word casually?
  2. How quickly do I admit when I’m wrong?
  3. Do I truly depend on God daily?
  4. Am I teachable when corrected?

Practical Application

Start developing these qualities by:

  • Reading Scripture with reverence
  • Responding quickly to conviction
  • Remaining teachable
  • Recognizing your need for grace

Growing in Humility

Daily Practices

Cultivate humility through:

  1. Regular self-examination
  2. Quick confession
  3. Grateful acknowledgment
  4. Dependent prayer

Heart Attitudes

Focus on developing:

  • Teachable moments
  • Grateful responses
  • Honest self-awareness
  • Dependent trust

The Promise of Favor

What God’s Favor Means

When God looks on you with favor, you experience:

  • His guidance
  • His presence
  • His blessing
  • His peace

The Beauty of His Promise

Remember:

  • God notices the humble heart
  • He draws near to the contrite spirit
  • He honors those who respect His Word
  • He blesses those who depend on Him

Moving Forward

Practical Steps

Begin cultivating these qualities by:

  1. Starting each day acknowledging God
  2. Reading His Word with reverence
  3. Responding quickly to conviction
  4. Remaining dependent on Him

Daily Choices

Choose to:

  • See yourself honestly
  • Admit mistakes quickly
  • Learn continuously
  • Depend constantly

Your Journey Forward

Today’s Response

Take a moment to:

  • Thank God for His grace
  • Acknowledge your need
  • Embrace His correction
  • Welcome His presence

A New Perspective

Remember, God isn’t looking for:

  • Perfect performance
  • Impressive achievements
  • Outward success
  • Religious expertise

He’s looking for:

  • Humble dependence
  • Quick repentance
  • Reverent attention
  • Genuine faith

Your Next Step

Today, you have the opportunity to catch God’s eye – not through remarkable achievements, but through a humble and contrite heart. Start by:

  1. Reading His Word with new reverence
  2. Admitting your need for Him
  3. Responding to His leading
  4. Living in dependent trust

Final Thoughts

In a world that celebrates self-promotion and independence, choose the path that truly catches God’s attention.

Let your heart become a place where humility grows, contrition lives, and His Word is treasured.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Bearing Good Fruit: A Call to Authentic Faith

Bearing Good Fruit: A Call to Authentic Faith

 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

Luke 3:9

When Growth Really Matters

Have you ever tried growing a fruit tree?

If you have, you know it takes more than just looking like a tree to be valuable to the gardener.

The same principle applies to your spiritual life, and that’s exactly what John the Baptist was talking about.

Understanding the Warning

Let’s be honest – this verse might make you uncomfortable.

Talk of axes and fire doesn’t sound very encouraging.

But John’s words weren’t meant to frighten you; they were meant to wake you up to an important truth about authentic faith.

The Gardener’s Perspective

Think about a skilled gardener. They don’t chop down trees for fun – they do it because:

  • Dead trees take up valuable space
  • They drain resources from productive trees
  • They might look alive but produce nothing valuable

Beyond Appearances

It’s easy to look like a healthy tree. You might:

  • Stand tall in church every Sunday
  • Know all the right words
  • Go through all the proper motions

But God, like a master gardener, looks for actual fruit.

What is Good Fruit?

Real Evidence of Life

Good fruit isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. It shows up in your life as:

  • Growing love for others
  • Increasing patience in difficulties
  • Greater kindness in relationships
  • Deeper trust in God’s guidance
  • Authentic care for people around you

The Growth Process

Remember, fruit trees don’t produce overnight. The same is true for spiritual fruit. It’s a process that involves:

  1. Deep roots in God’s truth
  2. Regular nourishment from His Word
  3. Pruning of unhealthy habits
  4. Time and patience

Getting Practical

Examining Your Tree

Take a moment to honestly assess your spiritual life. Ask yourself:

  • Am I growing in love and compassion?
  • Do people benefit from their connection with me?
  • Is there evidence of God’s work in my daily life?

Understanding God’s Pruning

Sometimes, what feels like hardship might actually be God’s pruning process. He removes things that:

  • Drain your spiritual energy
  • Distract you from growth
  • Keep you from producing fruit

The Purpose of Pruning

God’s pruning isn’t punishment – it’s preparation for better growth.

When He removes something from your life, He’s making room for something better.

Moving Forward

Your Response Today

If this message has stirred something in you, here are some steps to take:

  1. Ask God to show you areas needing growth
  2. Welcome His pruning process
  3. Focus on developing authentic faith
  4. Look for ways to bless others

The Promise of Growth

Here’s the encouraging truth: if you’re willing to let God work in your life, He will help you become fruitful. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

A Personal Choice

Today, you stand at a crossroads. Will you:

  • Continue just looking like a tree?
  • Or commit to becoming truly fruitful?

The choice is yours, but remember – God is ready to help you grow. He’s the master gardener who knows exactly what you need to become genuinely fruitful.

Your Next Step

Start today by asking God to help you bear good fruit. Be open to His pruning process, knowing that every cut He makes is designed to help you grow stronger and more productive in His garden.

Remember, this isn’t about earning God’s love – you already have that. It’s about letting that love flow through you to produce something beautiful and lasting in your life.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration