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Humility Before God! James 4

Published on February 14, 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 4:1-10

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.”
James 4:7

What causes disagreements and fights?
The reason we do not have is________.
The reason we do not receive is ______.
When you choose to be a friend of the world your relationship with God changes in what way?
God longs for our faithfulness, how do we show him we belong to him (James 4:7)?
You have the power of God in you. If you flee from the devil what is his reaction?
Instead, what is God’s reaction when we draw near to him?
How does James characterize sinners?
God gives us grace – when you come to him in humility. rewrite v. 10 in the first person. When I humble….
God wants to give to us his abundant grace, but we must first choose Him. We must first choose Him over the world, and humble ourselves before Him asking to guide us along His plan and not our own. Asking to change our hearts and minds and conform us to the image of His son. He will draw near to you…but you must first draw near to Him! Are you caught up in the world? Are you desiring what others have or determined to follow YOUR path? Go to the Lord today & humble yourself…

Choose God! I will be praying for you!

True Wisdom! James 3

Published on February 13, 2014February 13, 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 3:13-18

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason,
full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James 3:17

According to verse 13b, how do you demonstrate that you are wise?
There are two types of wisdom. List them…
Write down the traits that characterize selfish wisdom.
When your wisdom is jealous and selfish, what is the result?
In contrast, make a list of the traits that characterize wisdom from above.
This wisdom which is sewn in peace yields what type of harvest?
You have a choice each day to depend on your own selfish wisdom, or the wisdom from above. Pray verse 17 for yourself each day and see what God changes in your heart and life. Be aware of the opportunity to rely on God and choose to seek His wisdom. Continue to write about the changes you see in your own life as you choose God’s wisdom.

His wisdom yeilds an harvest of righteousness. Choose to seek God’s wisdom today! I will be praying for you!

Mouth Control! James 3

Published on February 12, 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 3:1-12

“And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body.”
James 3:2b

In James 3:2 he tells you what the ability to bridle your tongue will allow you…what is it?
The two analogies James gives us show how small parts controls an entire vessel. How is the tongue similar?
James calls our tongue a fire. Where does that fire come from?
What is the consequence of starting a fire with your tongue?
What are the two very different purposes you use your mouth for?
“My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” If we know that from our heart our mouth speaks (Luke 6:45a), what can Psalm 51:7-12 tell us about how God can equip us to live life with a tongue from heaven?
Are there any changes you need to make in your life…does your tongue bless our curse? From your mouth can come praises, encouragement and life, or bitterness, gossip, anger, and harsh criticism. Ask God to create in you a pure heart. Pray Psalm 51:7-12 now and begin your journey to a transformed tongue.

Choose today to bridle your tongue. Ask God to change your heart and mouth. I will be praying for you!

Live your Faith! James 2

Published on February 10, 2014February 10, 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 2:14-26

“I will show you my faith by my works.”
James 2:18b

James answers his own question, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” Write his answer.
What does it mean to have faith (see also Romans 10:8-13)?
How does James say he (and you) will show faith?
Here James uses Abraham as an example of living his faith. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac proved his faith. According to v. 23 (and Genesis 15:6) what did Abraham do to be found righteous?
Abraham’s actions revealed what was in his heart. See Luke 6:43-45 and write down how we all reveal our true heart.
As a result, what was Abraham called?
You, too, exhibit that you are a friend of God when you live your faith. Read Colossians 3:12-17 & write down the traits and actions that characterize a Christian.
We’ve discussed before that we have a purpose here on earth. But, let’s revisit Matthew 5:14-16. Jesus speaks to you saying, “You are the light of the world.” What is the purpose in you revealing your light before men?
Give God the glory…seek today to spread the light of Christ by the way you act. Write at least one change you can make today to reveal your faith and His love.

Don’t let your faith be dead..seek to live your faith!!!!!!!! I will be praying for you!

Fulfill the Royal Law! James 2

Published on February 8, 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 2:1-12

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
James 2:8

Do you look at the people as God sees them?
When you judge someone by how they look, what do you become?
How does God see the poor?
In order to fulfill the “royal law” how should you act toward others?
The law finds you guilty when you________.
It is easy to think “that’s a little sin” or “it’s not that bad,” but James tells us here when you fail at keeping one part of the law you are guilty of what offense?
By your actions you may not have committed every sin, you have still broken the whole law. But, praise God we know Jesus and it is through His blood – God’s mercy – that we receive righteousness and not on our own merit. For this reason, how are you called to look at others?
Is there a consequence when you do not have this attitude?
Has this passage changed the way you look at the lives of those around you? Write about it…

God love you…love others with that same love! I will be praying for you!

Be a Doer! James 1

Published on February 7, 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 1:19-27

^”But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1:22

Write about what verse 19 instructs you to “be”.
Anger fails to produce what in you?
Describe the characteristics you are called to put away?
Instead, God freely gives…what are you called to receive?
Verse 22 gives you a call to action…write it down!
Record the result of being a doer who acts.
Rewrite verse 26 and begin it with “If I think”…
Write down how you can show that you are a doer of “pure and undefiled” religion.
Do your actions match your words? Pray and ask God to search your heart and guide you on your path to knowing Him. Write down how He is moving your heart today…

Be a doer of the word! I will be praying for you!

You are Blessed! James 1

Published on February 6, 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 1:9-18

^“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12

Here James tells us that believers who are poor can boast because God has honored them, and the rich can boast because God has humbled them. But what does James point out is true of earthy standings?
When you remain steadfast in your trial you will receive what blessing?
God has promised the crown of life to those who love Him. So, you can be certain that He will never lead you astray. From this passage, how do you know that He will never tempt you?
Instead, how are you lead astray?
Where does it lead?
Paul exhorts you, “Do not be deceived.” Instead, what comes from our heavenly Father?
Will this change – does God change?
No, God love you (Jon 3:16), and He brought you forth by the word of truth. You are His firstfruits – a promise of what He has given you – Holy Spirit – and what is yet to come (Romans 8:23). Read Deuteronomy 26:10-11. What were the Israelites instructed to do with their firstfruits?
If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you too are His firstfruits. How does this change your thinking about your life and it’s purpose?

You are blessed! You have received the crown of life – you are His firstfruits! Live like it! I will be praying for you!

Just Ask! James 1

Published on February 5, 2014February 5, 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 1:2-8

^“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.”
James 1:5

James has a view of trials that it probably different from your own. How does he instruct you to view your tials?
When you are tested it develops what characteristic in you?
When you are steadfast you remain fixed in the Lord it brings about what change?
James instructs you exactly what to do if you are confused or uncertain as you go through life, what does he tell you to do?
Does God expect you to know and understand everything…how does He give to you?
With what mindset should you approach God?
Conversely, what does the man with the doubting mind receive?
God’s answer is not always what we want or expect, and sometimes it’s wait. But, Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that ” we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.” What is on your heart right now…write it down and ask God to bring you His wisdom.

God love you and wants you to come to Him! Just Ask! I will be praying for you!

Who are you? James 1:1

Published on February 4, 2014February 3, 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 1:1

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:”
James 1:1

Before we start…how would you label yourself?
Here James writes to Jewish Christians in the First Century, and to many throughout the ages, and it is obvious that he wants to portray himself in a certain way…How does he identify himself?
He calls himself a servant of God and of Jesus Christ. Is that how you labeled yourself?
I’m sure that, like us, James had many roles to fill. But, he doesn’t make a list – he says, simply, that he is God’s servant.
Envision the other labels you gave yourself and how they can change to reflect your defining characteristic of servant of God (Matthew 22:35-40, 1 Peter 4:8-11)
Ask the Spirit to change your heart and to make you a true servant of God. May He reveal to you just what you need to change so that the light of Christ can shine through you always. Write down where God is moving you to make changes.

Choose to be a servant of God! I will be praying for you!

Your Gift to God – Prayer

Published on February 1, 2014January 31, 2014 by kristen from praywritegrow.com2 Comments

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

Revelation 8:3-4

“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”
Revelation 8:3-4

Here the word saint is used to desribe every believer who accepts Jesus Christ as his or her savior. The picture of heaven given to John and shared in the book of Revelation reveals where your (and all saints) prayers go…from your heart to where?
Your prayers rise to heaven and are placed on the golden altar of God before the throne…Awesome! What prayer would you like to place now on the altar of the Almighty God? Allow the picture to form in your head…from your heart to God!

Place your prayer on the altar of the Almighty! I will be praying for you!