good enough?

Published on January 13, 2020 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Thank you God that we do not ever have to ask this question? We praise you Jesus that you alone have made us sufficient! Alleluia

WRITE

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1John 4:10 NIV

The Romans passage has several adjectives describing our condition when Christ died for us. Write them down.
It is so easy for us to begin to believe that we are not good enough. Or maybe just that we aren’t enough. How does the 1 John passage change that thinking?
God’s love doesn’t change (Numbers 23:19 & Psalm 86:15) – When you add them all up what does this show you about the relationship between your goodness and God’s relationship to you (see also Ephesians 2:8)?
Stop trying to be good enough – and start seeking God and His goodness. Trust in Jesus for your salvation. Trust in God’s plan. Repent (what can you leave behind today) and seek God’s will and transformation in your life. Write a prayer
His love is complete. His love is steadfast. His love is so great He sent his Son to die for us. The Bible is full of God’s love for us – and examples of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Jump in and look for some more.

GROW

Dear Father God, thank you ! Thank you that your love is not conditional, that it is steadfast and complete. Thank you that our salvation is not earned, but given as a gift to us. Help us lay down the lies that have plagued us, help us see only your truth and love. May this open our eyes to how we can seek and serve you each day. In Jesus Name… AMEN!

the problem with sin

Published on June 10, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Take time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read, ponder and write.

Read Matthew 1 John 1:5 – 1 John 2:2

“If we say we have fellowship with him
while we walk in darkness,
we lie and do not practice the truth.”
1 John 1:6

WRITE

I’ve noticed something lately. We live in an age of moral relativism. Using this world-view we get to make up our own morality. We get to decide what is light and what is dark. What is sin and what is acceptable. I hear phrases like, “I’m not as bad as______” or “it’s not that bad…” or “it’s only a little lie”. Really?! Sin is sin! We have whitewashed sin and use others as our barometer of wrong-doing. But God’s word is pretty specific about both who we are as man (Romans 3:23) and who we are as believers in Christ (Romans 3:24-25, 1 Corinthians 5:17). It’s easy to disregard our sins, but as followers of Christ we are called to be “living sacrifices” and to change the way we think and live to be in tune with God’s word and His desire for our lives. I love what Romans 12:2 in the NLT tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” He loves us so much… he desires to transform our lives for our benefit and His glory! Now let’s dig into 1 John to see what God says about our problem with sin…

Where does this message come from?
What does verse 5 make clear about the attributes of God.
Write down the 5 “IF” statements in this passage as well as their corresponding result. – what is your reaction?
God is faithful and full of love.What does 1 John 1:9 tell us about what God does with our sin when we confess?
I love 1 John 2:1 – What does the “But” tell us about the solution to our sin problem?
Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2 – What does this tell you about the thoroughness of the forgiveness available to all who put their trust in Christ?
How does this passage make you reconsider the way that you look at your own sin? Ask the Spirit to guide you as you seek His will and His transformation…

GROW

Praying this for us all today…

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24

The Path

Published on May 3, 2017May 3, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Remember to pray & read the entire passage before beginning.
John 14:4-6

“And you know the way to where I am going.”
John 4:4

WRITE

Even though Jesus reassures His disciples that they “know the way.” Thomas asks what question?
Jesus gives a clear answer as to the path to where He is going. What is the way?
In our day and age truth has been watered down and moral relativism reigns. Here, Jesus thwarts the idea that everyone gets to decide their own truth in one simple statement. What is it?
What do you think Jesus means by His statement, “I am the life” (see also Romans 6:20-23)?
Christianity is completely inclusive in that Jesus’s invitation is extended to everyone (Genesis 26:4) (John 3:16) (Matthew 28:19) (Galatians 3:8). Still Jesus makes it very clear, while all are invited there is but one path. What is the path?
More than anything… as Christians we must remember that we have a beautiful gift. We know the way, the truth, and the life! Alleluia! Paul says it beautifully in Colossians 1:27-29NLT – How does the following passage encourage & direct you?
“For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”
Colossians 1:27-29

GROW

May our lives be an eternal witness to the power of Christ! May we live our lives looking to Him as The Way – The Truth and The Life. May we desire to share with others the beauty of His life changing love, and seek His glory in all things!

This is Love

Published on March 8, 2017March 9, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

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

Romans 5:6-11

” But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

WRITE

What was our position before God when Christ died for us (v. 8 & 10)?
How did God show His love for us?
What did Jesus’s death and resurrection accomplish for us?
What should our response be?
When you consider the amazing act of love – what new insight about your relationship with your Heavenly Father do you come away with?
When you consider the amazing act of love – what new insight about your relationship with your Jesus do you come away with?

GROW

We rejoice because we have life – life in our living Savior! It really is too much to fathom. Recently I have had the gift of studying the Old Testament books of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. While these books can be challenging to pour over, God has impressed on my heart the awesomeness and holiness of God! There were consequences for those who chose to offer improper sacrifices or impure adoration. And yet… while we are still sinners, He chooses to make us righteous and holy in his sight through the blood of His Son Jesus! The perfect sacrifice, once for all. And so… we can freely come before Him with praise and thanksgiving – Alleluia!

This song says it all! “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” – Austin Stone Worship

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Praying that you would know the Love of God today!

Even the Heavens Speak

Published on July 22, 2015July 21, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.com1 Comment

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

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
Psalm 19:1

My friend posted these pictures on her facebook page from the Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore. Our God truly is an awesome God. Look upward, where did you see the glory of God today? Where did you see His handiwork?

Praying that you will see the glory of God everywhere today. He is so amazing, every part of His creation cries out to Him.

In the Mirror

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

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

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

Romans 12:9-21

Paraphrase the whole passage we’ve been studying.

That is what your life should look like.

Our lives should reflect the love, mercy and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praying that His Spirit will work in you to transform your life for His glory. Praying for you!

How to Win

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

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

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

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

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”
2 Timothy 1:7

According to Romans 12:21 what is God’s plan for overcoming evil?
As we see this world filling with more and more immoral and evil acts we can be certain it is not by accident. What does Ephesians 6:12 & 2 Corinthians 4:4 tell us about who we are fighting against.
But, if you know Jesus, God has provided His Spirit to dwell within you. Using 2 Timothy 1:7 describe the spirit that lives in you?
We are not called to overcome evil on our own. No, God has given us His very own Spirit! Jesus Himself shared with us how the Spirit would aid us in doing good and defending ourselves against evil. Write down His promise in Luke 12:11-12.
We can overcome evil with the love of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Ask the Lord to give you insight and discernment about how to do good in the face of evil…write out your prayer.

Praying “that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11

Love All Around

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

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

“To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.'”
Romans 12:20

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

Matthew 5:44-48

^“But I say to you,
Love your enemies and
pray for those who persecute you.”
-Jesus
Matthew 4:44

Using Romans 12, instead of vengeance, what are we called to do for our enemy?
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that it means nothing to love those who love us. To stand out in a self-centered society, what instead does He ask us to do?
Society tells us it’s ok to call names and make horrible accusations to those who oppose us or our views. But Jesus calls us to more. He asks us to pray for our enemies and Paul tells us to feed and provide for the needs of our enemy. Is there someone who you need to pray for? Is there someone who you need to feed? DO IT!

It is not enough for us to love those who love us. No, we must show God’s love by loving, feeding, praying for those who oppose us. Praying for you!

Perfect Justice

Published on July 14, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
Romans 12:19

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

Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:1-5

In Jesus’ teaching on judgement, what does He reveal about our own guilt when we judge others?
We are guilty of hypocrisy. But, also, we judge only what we can see. Instead, how does God judge (Luke 16:14-15)?
God’s judgement is entirely just, judging hearts and minds. Our judgement is hypocritical and only at face value. We can not know who is truly unrighteous or ungodly. But God can. We must trust that He will enforce perfect justice. We do not know the plan of God. But we know that He can work all things together for the good of those who love and serve Him (Romans 8:28). Ask the Lord now to help you trust Him for His perfect justice and judgement. Ask Him to give you wisdom and words to face the injustices in this world and stand for His truth.

We are called to be salt and light, not judge and jury. We are told not to repay evil for evil. God is the perfect judge and His justice will prevail! Praying for you!

If Possible

Published on July 13, 2015July 13, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Romans 12:18

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

2 Timothy 2:22-26

^“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
2 Timothy 2:24-25

According to 2 Timothy 2:22-26, what are we called to flee?
Instead, we should pursue what?
We are also called to avoid what activity?
How are we to approach our opponents?
Why are we called to correct our opponents misconceptions with gentleness?
In your opinion what is the difference between quarreling & correcting?
We do not have control over how others act or react, only in the way that we act or react. How does 2 Timothy 2:22-26 help you to understand, “so far as it depends on you”?
We are the example of God’s love…we are the example of God’s grace…we are the example of God’s truth. Ask the Lord to guide you as you stand firm in His truth & share it with gentleness.

Remember, it does not say, “walk away” or “avoid”. No it says, correct your opponents with gentleness. Praying for you!