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Key Bible Verse: But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language ( Colossians 3:8 ). Bonus Reading: John 8:31-36

As a new Christian, I was challenged to apply my weekly Bible study personally. I was working through Colossians. The Holy Spirit caught my attention with Colossians 3:8. I tried to slide past it, but He kept bringing me back to the words "get rid of anger."

I had a violent temper. Whenever it flared I'd haul up and bash my fist into the nearest door. Even though I often bloodied my knuckles and once completely smashed a beautiful diamond-and-onyx ring my wife had given me, I couldn't seem to stop. Yet here was God's Word: "Get rid of anger." This wasn't just advice given to the people of Colosse centuries ago. It was God speaking to me right then.

So I made a covenant with God. I promised him I was going to work on it. My first step was to memorize the verse and review it daily. I prayed and asked the Lord to bring this verse to mind whenever I might be tempted to lose my temper. And I asked my wife to pray for me and remind me of this verse if she saw me failing in my promise to the Lord. So Colossians 3:8 became a part of my life, and gradually removed that sin from me.

— in The Lost Art of Disciple Making

My Response: One of God's "prescriptions" that I need to memorize is …

Thought to Apply: We must do the thing we must / before the thing we may; we are not fit for any trust / till we can and do obey.—GEORGE MACDONALD (Scottish writer)

Adapted from The Lost Art of Disciple Making (Zondervan, 1978) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

As Your disciple, Lord, I recognize I can't remain detached from Your church. Help me to truly connect.

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