Author: kristen from praywritegrow.com

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Hebrews 12:1-4

“…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” 
Hebrews 12:1b-2

• Many have come before us who are witnesses to the life of faith (see Hebrews 11). Using their example, what action are you directed to take?
• What kind of race are you running – a marathon or a sprint?
• I am a overreactor – I view everything like a sprint – which is the wrong view-point!  Instead what should characterize our race?
• To continue with endurance you are called to shed the sin that is getting in your way. Pray about it…is there anything hindering your progress?
• According to verse  we are told how we can achieve our goal of finishing the race. Write down what action you must take.
• We need to keep our eyes on Jesus – He is our example! What did He endure for us?
• Why was He willing to run the race that God set before him (Hebrews 12:2b)?
• You have a purpose! God has set before you a race and given you a focus – Jesus Christ!  Does this passage make you consider your own path or how you face your journey differently?

Run your race with endurance – and focus on Jesus!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Colossians 2:6-15

“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,  by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” 
Colossians 2:13-14

• Using verses 6&7 write about the action we are to take as we have received Christ.
• What warning does Paul give in v. 8?
• Because we know that in Christ the full diety dwells…we have been transformed by our faith. Using verses 11 & 12 describe what has taken place.
• Write out verses 13 & 14 inserting your name (or I) for the yours and ours – etc.
• How was your sin debt canceled?
• God knows you…He took every sin you ever committed or will commit and nailed it to the cross!!!! Imagine it – write your reaction.

Your sin debt has been nailed to the cross & you have been made alive in Christ!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Colossians 1:15-23

” For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” 
Colossians 1:19-20

• As with the temple sacrifices of the Jews…Christ offered His blood on the cross because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22. Read Hebrews 9:11-14 and record how Christ’s sacrifice has satisfied the need for the shedding of blood for forgiveness of sins.
• Using this passage make a list of who Christ is…
• Christ sacrificed Himself so that you can…
• It is an amazing blessing that we stand before God holy and blameless. Get down on your knees & thank and praise the one who makes all things new!

You are holy and blameless through the blood of Christ! Alleluia!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Ephesians 2:11-22

“Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross,
and our hostility toward each other was put to death.” 
Ephesians 2:16

• What makes Jew and Gentile equal in God’s eyes?
• Yet…BEFORE we knew Christ  we (most of us) stood as the Gentiles Paul describes here. Write down the details about that relationship.
• Yet AFTER we knew Christ we stand as Christians. Write down the details of that relationship.
• Now…whether Jew or Gentile, we have access to God by one Spirit. What construction continues in you after you put your faith in the Savior Jesus Christ (see also 1 Corinthians 6:19)?
• Think about…meditate on…what it means to be the very dwelling place of God!

In Christ the body of believers is unified! Stand together – you are one in the Spirit!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Galatians 6:11-16

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” 
Galatians 6:14

• What kind of thinking was creeping into the faith of the Galatians (Galatians 6:13)?
• Jesus Himself tells us what it means to live our faith (Matthew 22:34-40), and where salvation comes from (John 14:6). Write down what kind of faith Jesus calls us to.
• Why does Paul boast?
• The cross of Christ gives us all reason to boast. “It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” Galatians 6:13 NLT – According to verse 13 what really counts?
• Are you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)?
• Focus on the cross – boast in what Christ has done for you! Is there something in your mindset that is distracting you from your focus on Jesus. Pray about it and ask God to focus you on Christ. Write about your journey.

Boast in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NLT

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18NLT

• What does Paul tell us the cross represents to non-believers?
• Read Philippians 2:6-9 – Write about how Jesus personified God’s plan for salvation, but not man’s vision.
• Though he was God,
  he did not think of equality with God
  as something to cling to.
  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
  he took the humble position of a slave
  and was born as a human being.
  When he appeared in human form,
  he humbled himself in obedience to God
  and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
  and gave him the name above all other names,
  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
  in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
  to the glory of God the Father.
• Philippians 2:6-9NLT
• How does Paul describe Christ (1Corinthians 1:24b)?
• What does this passage tell us about the wisdom of God?
• The cross is the “power of God” to those who believe. Include yourself in verses 30& 31 and write it down using the first person.
• Write a prayer asking God to help you see from His perspective and not your own…as you “boast in the Lord.”

He has made us pure….He has made us holy….There is power in the cross…boast in the Lord!  I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Luke 24:36-49

“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,  and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.’  “
Luke 24:46-47

Jesus’ death on the cross is only the beginning…

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:11

• When Jesus appears to His disciples it is such an intimate interaction. What details reveal the personal connection He had with His chosen.
• How did He help them to understand what had happened and was continuing to happen.
• He calls them witnesses. You are too. You are a witness to what Christ has done in your own life. Write your story of salvation. The power of Christ’s death in resurrection in your own life!

HAVE YOU HEARD IT?
Getty Music
“The Power of the Cross”
http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns-powerofthecross.aspx

He has overcome the world! And in His power you can too!  I will be praying for you!