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Bless You

Published on June 23, 2015June 22, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.com3 Comments

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
Romans 12:14

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

“‘This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.‘”
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT

Persecution can include many acts, actions & attitudes. Write down what the word means to you.
Despite what persecutions may come, as Christians we are called to respond in what way?
Using 1 Timothy 1:15-16, why would God call us to respond with blessings?
Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you,” (John 13:34). How are those who spit hate ever going to see true love unless we show them. Write down some ways you can share the love of Christ to those who oppose His truth.
It can be as simple as a smile or as deep as sharing the story of salvation-Jesus. Pray that the Lord will guide you each day to spread His love and bless those who persecute you (1 Peter 3:15).

Praying that God will provide you strength, wisdom and words to bless…

Come on Over

Published on June 22, 2015June 20, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13 (NLT)

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

“‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way
we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Romans 20:35

As Christians we are called to build up the body of Christ. How do Jesus’ words that Paul quotes here help you gain perspective on what our attitude should be?
It’s not all about what’s in it for me. We are called to be eager, to seek out opportunities for hospitality. Do you feel you seek out people to minister to in this way?
In this time of Pinterest and entertainment blogs we sometimes get a false sense of what hospitality is. From these verses what do you think Biblical hospitality looks like?
This is not to say that it can’t be lovely or delicious, but it just means it does not have to be “perfect”. It is really about meeting a need in the name of Christ – it is about showing love even with a messy house or a simple spaghetti dinner. Is there someone who God is calling you seek out and offer His love?

Praying God’s guiding and wisdom in how to share His love through the gift of hospitality. May you feel the truth of Jesus’ words…”It is more blessed to give than to recieve.”

Rest

Published on June 21, 2015June 19, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,
for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest,so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:9-11 ESV

True Wisdom

Published on June 20, 2015June 19, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

Proverbs 16:25

“Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.“
Proverbs 18:2

Do you engage in thoughtful conversation, or do you tend to get on your soapbox? Don’t be a fool, take time to listen. You never know who you might impact by taking time to actually discuss something. Praying for God’s wisdom and guidance in sharing His truth in this truth starved world.

Be

Published on June 18, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12c

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

I’m sure I do a few too many definitions here, but I have really been moved by the word “BE” in this part of the passage. One of the Merriam Webster definitions of be is, “the condition of a person or thing.” Write down what that definition means to you in this context.
Paraphrase Romans 12:12c taking into consideration this definition.
It reminds me of Jesus instruction to abide in Him (John 15). We are to BE in a condition of constant communication with our Savior. How does that look to you in your life?
He is our way, our truth and our life. He is our guide. He is our life GPS. I know it’s cliché, instead of just thinking “What would Jesus do?,” we need to be asking Him – “Lord what do I do.” And, it can be a simple as that. God is not telling us we need to live our lives in our living room praying…no He’s telling us to live our lives while constantly praying. Write a prayer now asking the Lord to abide with you and make you mindful in seeking Him constantly.

Praying you feel the presence of the Risen Savior in your daily life as you seek to live in a condition of prayer, may you just BE in Him.

Blessed Affliction?

Published on June 17, 2015June 16, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Be patient in tribulation.”
Romans 12:12b

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Romans 5:2b-4

The word tribulation holds many meanings from a simple sadness to great anguish. But in all states of suffering how are we called to face them?
It all goes back to the attitude that we talked about yesterday. What attitude do we need to maintain (Psalm 118:24)?
Romans 5:24 gives us a reason we should be patient in our suffering. Write it out using this format as an example Suffering = _________
And so… we end up back at Hope! What has God poured out for us?
He fills us with His love by the power of His Spirit! Read Romans 8:31-29. No matter what may come, physical trials, emotional difficulties, spiritual battles who is advocating for you?
Is there any thing that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus?
He truly has a plan for your life to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and He can work all things together for the good of those who are called by Him (Romans 8:28). Listen to the song by Laura Story, “Blessings”. How does this change your perspective on suffering?

Praying that you may feel God’s amazing love poured into your heart today. May you feel His peace, provision, and guidance no matter what you are going through.

Joyful Hope

Published on June 16, 2015June 15, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Rejoice in Hope”
Romans 12:12a

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
1 Peter 1:3-5

Who is our only hope (John 3:16).
What does it mean to you that we have a living hope (Luke 24:46-49)?
If you know Jesus, your hope is certain. How does 1 Peter 1:4 describe you inheritance?
In John 14:1-3 Jesus himself tells us about what we have to look forward to. Write down what he is preparing for you.
This gives us much to rejoice about. Our hope is certain our place is prepared. We should live with an attitude of Joy clinging to our true Hope… Jesus. Praise Him now for His gift to us, and ask the Lord to maintain in you a joyful hope.
Remember… this world puts it’s hope in “things.” Their hope is dead. Let us show today in our actions and attitudes what it means to have a living hope in Jesus Christ.

Praying that the God of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (paraphrase of Romans 15:13)

A Burnining Spirit

Published on June 15, 2015June 12, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.com2 Comments

How to Act Like a True Christian – Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor;
be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 (Amplified)

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Romans 12:11

Romans 12:11 tells us exactly how we should serve the Lord. Write it down.
What does service with a glowing & burning Spirit look like to you?
You have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:17) Are you serving that way?
This isn’t about serving because you should, or serving because it looks good, or serving with a no effort because you signed up. NO! Why do we serve (Matthew 5:16)?
When you serve with enthusiasm and love you bring God glory. Service doesn’t necessarily mean heading to the soup kitchen (though this is a wonderful act of service). You can serve the Lord many ways (Colossians 3:23) – write down some ways you serve the Lord in your everyday life.
This verse really reflects on our attitude of service… it reminds me of the Third Day song, “Soul on Fire” . Write down your reaction.

When we choose to enthusiastically serve the Lord we an bring glory to God and shine the light and love of Jesus in this dark world! Lord may you give each of us a soul on fire for you! Praying for you!