Category: Godly life

But Christ

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PRAY

Remember to take time to pray & read the entire passages before you begin.

Galatians 2:20

WRITE

Like we talked about last time. When we come to know Jesus we have new life! Alleluia!

  • What do you think it means to be crucified with Christ?
  • When we put our lives in the hands of Jesus, how are we called to live now (see also Hebrews 12:1)?
  • We should be pursuing Christ and allowing Him to work in us to make us more like Him. Using these verses, write some ways that you can live this out each day.
    • And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:23-25
    • …throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24NLT
    • Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
    • And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 2:18

       “Christ in Me”
      by Jeremy Camp
      says it so beautifully!

GROW

Oh to look more like Jesus! Praying today that we each would strive to die to self and live for Christ! May we set aside our worldly wants & ways and instead live our lives as Kingdom citizens, allowing Him to transform us into His likeness. Praying for you!

Dear…

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.com1 Comment

PRAY

Make sure you take time to read the passage and pray about it before you begin.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

“Encourage one another and build one another up,
just as you are doing.“
1 Thessalonians 5:11

WRITE

Encouraging others is one of the greatest blessings we have. And, as Christians it is an essential part of the Christian life.We are children of light! We hold onto a beautiful hope – salvation in Christ Jesus. What joy it is!

  • How does this message of hope encourage you?
  • Take time now to write a note to someone. Don’t forget to mail it!

GROW

Praying that the Lord would show you exactly who to encourage today. May the Lord bless you both with His peace and hope!

But I…

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Make sure you take time to read the passage and pray about it before you begin. Psalm 71:12-16

“O God, be not far from me;
    O my God, make haste to help me!“
Psalm 71:12 ESV

WRITE

I have often thought about the “but God” moments in the Bible. Stories of seemingly impossible situations that God redeems in only the way that God can. But here we see the psalmist writing of dire circumstances. He is fearing for his life and being pursued by his enemies. Yet he maintains an attitude that we all should have when difficult events arise.

  • What is his response in verse 14?
  • We all have struggles. Write down what you are struggling with today.
  • Then write … “but I” and write a praise to our Almighty God!

GROW

Awesome Praise Song – Revelation Song – Kari Jobe

Thanking God for His amazing blessings – during the storm and during the calm. Sing a new song to our Almighty God! Take time to praise Him more and more today! Praying for you…

Be an Overcomer

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PRAY

Make sure you take time to read the passage and pray about it before you begin.

Read
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21

WRITE

Short passage today… and jumping back to Romans 12, but I’m really struck by this verse! Good v. Evil. It is a battle that we know is constantly swirling around us. Ephesians 6:12 tells us “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” First He commands us to not allow this evil to overcome us! And yet… He gives us a way to overcome it! Good! Good overcomes evil! Sometimes it is hard. Sometimes it is hard to do the good thing… to say the right thing… to stand up for the moral thing… to do the Jesus thing! But, what happens when we do? We overcome evil. And remember – we are not doing this on our own – we have a helper – a counselor – the very Spirit of God that will empower, enlighten and guide us along our path. (Luke 12:2, John 14:25-26, Acts 4:31). Praying that the Lord would guide each of us where we need to be the good today!

  • What does this verse mean to you?
  • So I ask… where is God revealing evil to you? Pray about it!
  • What is God calling you to do to shine the light of Christ into this situation? Write down the ways that God is encouraging you  to overcome this evil with good.

GROW

Love this song… a Call to Action – Thank you Matthew West!

I hope that you will continue to pray Romans 12:9-21 for yourself and for others. May we grasp what it means to live as a light to others and to shine Christ’s love into the darkness. Praying for you!

Then Act Like It

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Make sure you take time to read the passage and pray about it before you begin.

Read
Romans 12:9-21

true-christian

WRITE

Before I start… I just want to say that Romans 12 is one of my very favorite passages in scripture. I have written about it before. But, with all that is going on in the world I just think it is so important for us to remember the characteristics that we are supposed to be exemplifying and be encouraging in others. Over the past months I have had the opportunity to study Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. It is beautiful to see how God is giving His people ways to live their lives that set them apart from the nations that surround them. First, He asks them to put Him at the center. Then he gives them ways to  bring Him honor, and establishes rules & boundaries to protect them and define them as a nation. Like the Israelites, through Christ – God has set us apart. We are not supposed to conform to the ways of the world, but instead be transformed as He renews our minds (see Romans 12:2).  We have been called out of darkness into light – for a purpose (1 Peter 2:9). If you are a Christian – your life should look different!

  • As you read over Romans 12:9-21 do you see qualities that are different than those celebrated in our society?
  • Why is it important for us as Christians to live a life full of these attributes (Matthew 5:16)?
  • Pray through this passage and insert yourself… “Lord, let my love be genuine, help me to hate evil and cling to what is good…
  • Is there a certain attribute that you especially struggle with? Write about it and ask God work in your heart and mind to transform your life.

GROW

I am going to try to pray this prayer over the coming days. Praying that the Lord would work to transform us all that the way we live our lives would set us apart as His kingdom citizens, and bring Him glory!

Are You Ready?

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PRAY

…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15

WRITE

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior… then you have the story of Christ in your life. He has beautifully written His story in your life and what a blessing it is to share it!

You have the story of what you were… and how He drew you in
You have the story of when you made the decision to trust Jesus
You  have the story of how He has changed you and made you new
You have the story of how He continues to work in your life

  • Take time now to write your before, your beginning & your after Christ
  •  How have you changed? How has your world-view changed? How have your goals changed?
  • Write some of the Bible verses He has used over the years to transform you.
  • Is there a verse that He has given you that is shining light into your life? Write a few sentences about how He is working in your life through this verse. Think about it in terms of a conversation – write it so that you could you slip this “hope” into a phone call with a friend or discussion with your daughter.
  • How is He working in your heart today?

GROW

I love this song by Big Daddy Weave – “My Story”

Praying that the Lord would give you words, and courage to share His beautiful story in your life…

Love – God’s Way

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.com2 Comments

PRAY

 Read Matthew 22:36-40
Exodus 20:1-17 

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Matthew 22:37-39

WRITE

  • Jesus tells us that all of God’s law is dependent on these two commandments.  Divide the Ten Commandments into these two sections.
  • Is there a place in your life that you are not loving God with all your heart all your soul and all your mind? Have you made yourself an idol? Are you careless with your language? Write about it… and ask God to cleanse you and lead you into complete devotion to Him.
  • Is there a person in your life that you are not loving the way God has asked you to love?(see also John 13:34). Ask God to show you what you need to change and to love without strings .(see 1 Peter 1:22)

GROW

We often love with conditions. A kind of if… then sort of love. But, that’s not the kind of love that God directs us toward. Love me completely He tells us… then go out and love others. He doesn’t say when life is perfect, or when others are nice – he gives us no conditions. He calls us to love Him and love others the way He loves us – unconditionally & completely. Praying for you that He would help you to love earnestly from a pure heart today and every day.

I Can’t Do It

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.com1 Comment

PRAY

Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

WRITE

I’ve been thinking a lot about my strengths & weaknesses lately. God has blessed me with many gifts – and I am so thankful! I pray often about God using me & using my gifts …but, it always seems I am missing the one essential skill I need to take the next step.  I can talk myself out of just about anything.

  • How does this 2 Corinthians  passage destroy that mind-set?
  • When we are weak whose power rests on us?
  • Write down 2 Corinthians 12:10b. Write it again! Write it again! Write it again!
  • Pray about it… ask God – “Where am I using my weakness as an excuse?”
  • Our weakness is an opportunity for God to exhibit His power in us. What is your next step?

GROW

While it may not be easy, and there may be struggles ahead. Remember… “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Praying this for you today.

Believing is Seeing

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.com1 Comment

believing-is-seeing

Read Acts 9:1-19

“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying'” (v. 11)….“’Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.'” (v.13)… “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'” (v.19)

WRITE

We always hear it said, “Seeing is believing.” But that really isn’t how faith works. Faith works when we believe despite what we do see, or don’t see, or think we see.  “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1. Basically this is what it comes down to – Believe God’s Promises!  The Bible is thousands and thousands of pages of promises fulfilled. Why do we not trust Him enough to walk forward in faith? He is not going to leave you (Matthew 28:20) & He continues to work in you (Philippians 1:6).  Remember… “The one who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

  • Imagine being Ananias. Write about what it would be like to be used by God to minister to someone who violently opposes Christ.
  • Do you feel God calling you to do something (big or small) where you need to trust Him?
  • Write about it and ask the Lord to help you see past the road blocks that keep coming up and give you perseverance to walk forward trusting Him (Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

WALK BY FAITH – JEREMY CAMP

GROW

Believing is Seeing – it’s seeing God for who he is & trusting Him for His promises.  Keep your Eyes on Jesus… and keep believing! Praying this for you today…

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Truth = Freedom

Published on by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

TAKE TIME TO PRAY  BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

John 8:31

WRITE

  • What action does Jesus desire that we take to be considered His disciple?
  • Think about what it means to abide – maybe even look up the word – how can we abide in the word of Jesus?
  • So… if we abide in His word what will we know?
  • When we know the truth we are ____________.
  • Jesus calls himself the “the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) He is the truth – His word (the Bible) is truth. How does knowing His word His truth set you free?
  • Jesus set you free! Praise Him & ask that He will take you deeper and give you a better understanding of the truth of His word as you abide in Him.

GROW

Praying that the freedom of Jesus Christ is yours today. May you trust in Him, and abide in His word so that you will know the truth! Praying for you!