masterpiece

Published on January 16, 2020 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Thank you Lord that you have knit us together in our mothers womb. Thank you Lord that you have known us before the foundation of time and that you have numbered every hair on our head. Thank you that you know us and you see us and that when we come to know Jesus – that you never leave us. Alleluia!!!!

WRITE

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10NLT

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

What do you think of when you imagine a masterpiece?
That’s you! You are God’s masterpiece! Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all the special ways he has gifted you.
When God gave you a new life in Christ he did it for a purpose. According to this verse, what is that purpose?
This verse tells us that God has already planned the good works for us – we just have to walk in them. Do you see God calling you to walk in any certain way? Write a prayer asking God to reveal where he wants you to walk – how your life can glorify Him!

GROW

Dear Father God! Thank you so much that you have created us to be unique and special. That you have gifted us in special ways and you have created good works for us to accomplish in your name. Guide us Lord so that we will honor you and bring you glory with our lives. We know that “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 – so lead us Lord that we may experience your joy as we walk in your ways.

Tired? Just Keep Going

Published on May 5, 2017May 5, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Remember to pray & read the entire passage before beginning.
2 Thessalonians 3:13

“…do not grow weary in doing good.”
2 Thessalonians

WRITE

When I moved to the Washington D.C. area about 20 years ago. I was a fresh faced 20 something. I had recently graduated from college and was a transplant from the mid-west. I smiled and said “hi” to everyone. I held doors and waved at neighbors. I went out of my way to greet people and engaged in conversations with the cashiers. Sadly, many of my efforts were not reciprocated, ignored or rebuffed. It got tiring, and I even began to feel foolish. Slowly my kindness to strangers dwindled, and I was the one tooting my horn, and walking with my head down. But I soon realized that instead of shining the light of Christ into the world, I was allowing the world to cover my light with a bushel basket. It’s still hard when I walk past a stranger and greet them with a cheery “hello” and I’m ignored. But, I just say a prayer and look forward to my next opportunity to shine some light into this dark world.

Do you ever feel weary in doing good?
It could be the service you provide at church, the hard work you do in the office, or the tireless job of parenting, but remember… it is not man you are serving, but your heavenly Father (see Colossians 3:23). How does this change your perspective?
It is so cliche, but we may be the only opportunity to meet Jesus some people may have. Write a prayer asking God to use you and your daily interaction for His glory and His kingdom.

GROW

Praying for you today, that you will not grow weary, but will continue to do good as you serve our Almighty Father! May His strength, His wisdom, His love, His patience & His joy be yours today! Praying for you!

I Can’t Do It

Published on January 13, 2017January 12, 2017 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.

Bring Him Back… James 5

Published on February 25, 2014February 24, 2014 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

James 5:19-20

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
James 5:19-20

How do these verses shed new light on your call to bring your friends and loved ones back to the truth of Jesus Christ?

Seek the lost… I will be praying for you!

Then He prayed… James 5

Published on February 24, 2014 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

James 5:13-18

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16b

Instructions for life…
What do you do if you’re in trouble?
What do you do if you are happy?
What do you do if you are sick?
What do you do if you have sinned?
You are righteous because Christ has made you righteous. Verse 16b tells us what the results of your prayers (in Christ’s name John 16:24)…write it down.
Your prayers are powerful and effective. He loves you and he wants to be an intimate part of your life…one of the ways you achieve that is by being in communication with Him – prayer. How does this change your thinking about how/when/why you pray?
Choose today to make God a part of your everyday life. Pray…

Your prayers are powerful and effective! Talk to Him! I will be praying for you!

Yes & No! James 5

Published on February 21, 2014February 20, 2014 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

James 5:12

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
James 5:11

Is your “yes” a “yes” is your “no” a “no”?
Jesus tells us, “And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it. ” Matthew 23:22 Do you carelessly utter, “I swear to God.” Think about what you are saying.
Is there something you need to change? Write a prayer asking God to change your heart and mouth to reflect His glory.

It’s as simple as yes & no! Do it! I will be praying for you!

Remain Steadfast! James 5

Published on February 20, 2014 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

James 5:7-11

“We consider those blessed who remained steadfast.”
James 5:11

Are you patient?
Personally, I struggle with this quality. Here what image does James us to draw us a word picture to help us understand what patience looks like?
While the farmer waited for rain and his fruit to ripen, do you think he sat on his porch watching?
No, the farmer diligently works to prepare for the harvest. Likewise, we are called ot prepare our hearts for what purpose?
The Lord is coming (Mark 13:24-27) we are called to prepare for Jesus’ return. Record the specific action James 5:9 instructs us to take.
Are you a grumbler – do you speak ill of others and blame them for your circumstances – why?
Instead, what traits characterize the prophets?
Those who remain steadfast (firm in belief) are called what?
Like Job, God has a purpose for all events in your life (Romans 8:28). He will work all things together for your good – even when it doesn’t seem like it. In fact, we are called to thank God in ALL circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Through Job’s life how did God reveal Himself?
God can reveal himself through your life, too. If you search the word steadfast in the ESV version of the Bible, it is filled with verses about God’s steadfast love. He loves you so much…you can trust in Him (Deuteronomy 7:9), & abide in Him (John 15:5)! He is preparing you today – remain steadfast no matter the trial – He is faithful & His love endures forever! Give God whatever trial you are facing today, remain fixed in Him – His love never fails!

Remain in Him and He will remain in you! I will be praying for you!

What treasure? James 5

Published on February 18, 2014February 17, 2014 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

James 5:1-6

“Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”
James 5:2,3

What is your attitude about your earthly treasure?
Jesus tells you in Matthew 6:19-21 what kinds of treasure you should be storing…write it down.
Knowing your heart and treasure are connected, what does that tell you about truly giving your heart to God (Psalm 24).
Our hearts should be focused on God, trusting Him in every way…He has proven He is faithful! Ask God to renew your heart today. Devote it to God and live focusing on heavenly treasure and not on your earthly desires. Is there something you need to change today?

Heavenly treasure is far greater and eternal…Seek to store up what will last forever! I will be praying for you!

Got Plans! James 4

Published on February 17, 2014February 17, 2014 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

James 4:13-17

“Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ “
James 4:15

Do you consult God as you make your plans for today…tomorrow…two years from now
According to James in v. 15 how should we think about/plan our lives?
When you don’t include God in your plans, you promote what behavior?
Do you ever get nudges from God? A phone call to make, a not to write, a situation to avoid…But you don’t listen? James tell us here what results when we do not heed God’s call.

Do not boast…you and I are bust a mist that comes and goes. But, when we know Jesus we can be certain that our forever citizenship will be in God’s kingdom (Philippians 3:20,21). Choose today to live as a citizen of heaven. Read Romans 12:1-2 write about how we can seek to do God’s will.

Seek God’s plans and not your own! I will be praying for you!

Be a Doer! James 4

Published on February 15, 2014 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

James 4:11-12

“Do not speak evil against one another, brother.”
James 4:11

Verse 11a is very clear…what are we told not to do?
What happens when you speak against a brother?
If you judge the law what does that make you?
*Who is the only lawgiver & judge?

*How does He manifest His power?
In Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “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. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” How does that clarify the James passage?
We are not a judge, we are called to live according to His will and to seek Him. Read Romans 13:8-10…How do you become a doer of the law?

Don’t talk evil about others! Live the law of love! I will be praying for you!