Appointed

Published on December 3, 2018December 3, 2018 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Father God, help us to see Jesus as the one you have appointed. That we would know with certainty that He is your Son and that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-4) Lord may we bear witness to this reality and each day walk according to this truth.

READ

Hebrews 1:1-4

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. ³He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”

Hebrews 1:1-4

What changed when Jesus came – who did God speak through?
How does this help us see who God is?
How is Jesus described in this passages – make a list.

GROW

God has revealed Himself through His Son. Alleluia! How did God speak to you about Himself and His Son through this passage?

Lord God you are glorious, powerful and full of love. Even still in our fallen state, you chose to reveal yourself – to redeem us – through the gift of your Son – Jesus. Lord when we choose Jesus, help us know in our hearts that we have been raised with Christ and help us to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Clossians 3:1) help us to seek you and your will as we focus on the things that are above and not the things of this world. May our focus this Christmas be Christ. In Jesus Name – Amen

What Comes Next

Published on December 1, 2018November 30, 2018 by kristen from praywritegrow.com2 Comments

PRAY

Lord as we begin the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, help us to look to him with rejoicing for what He has done for us. Help us understand who He is more each day and help us watch with anticipation for His return.

READ

Isaiah 9:1-7

“The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Isaiah 9:7

Anticipating Jesus. From the foundation of time people waited. Waited for the coming Messiah. And now… we wait for his return. As we begin the season of Advent – we celebrate the one who has come. The one has saved us from our sin. The one who makes us whole and new and sealed. The one who brings light and hope and love to a dark and desolate place. We celebrate the one who is to come who will usher in the new heavens and the new earth. The one who reigns!

What does it mean to you that the light of Christ has shown into this “land of deep darkness”?
What picture of Christ’s ability to conquer do you see in this passage – write the verses down.
Using verse 6, take each title and write down the traits they carry. What does this tell you about Jesus?
What does verse 7 reveal about the fulfillment of this scripture?

GROW

How can you shine the light of Christ today?

Lord may we trust in the truth of your word. May we each shine your light before men that they will see our good works and give glory to you. May you transform our hearts and minds so that we can be effective stewards of the gifts you have given us and may we bring you glory in all we do and say. In Jesus Name…

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!

Power & Wisdom

Published on April 19, 2017April 19, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Remember to pray & read the entire passage before beginning.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength..”
1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

WRITE

We sometimes forget the power in the message of the Cross – in the love of God and the work of our Savior! I love this passage because it reminds us of what faith, wisdom and power mean… and why it looks different than what the world values!

Why do you think that the cross could be considered foolish or a stumbling block to non-believers?
To we who believe why is it the power of God (see also Ephesians 1:3-14)?
What does v.21 tell us about how we can or can not come to a saving faith (see also Ephesians 2:8-9)?
Paraphrase 1 Corinthians 1:23-25.
In our culture today much emphasis is put on human wisdom. How does this passage establish your thinking about true wisdom and power?

Love this Song – Just the name of Jesus is powerful!
Lincoln Brewster. “There is Power”

GROW

Praying that your faith would grow as you trust in the power and wisdom of Christ and His cross. May we continually rely on His power, and may we seek to know Him more each day as we pursue Him tirelessly. Praying for you!

In His Body

Published on April 12, 2017April 12, 2017 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

PRAY

Remember to pray & read the entire passage before beginning.
1 Peter 2:24

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24

WRITE

This whole chapter of 2 Peter is amazing. But as we near the celebration of our risen Savior, I wanted to focus on this verse. It is so powerful… the image of Christ physically carrying our sins on the cross.

We often think of the physical torture, the physical pain of the crucifixion. But what do you think it may have felt like to bear all of the sins of the entire world – for all time – in his body on the cross?
Consider the spiritual pain of the cross, the emotional pain of the cross, as well as the physical manifestation of these as Jesus hung on that cross for you.
Write a prayer of thanksgiving to your Savior!

Praise Jesus with this song by Chris Tomlin – “At the Cross”

GROW

Praying that the complete, eternal, sacrificial love of Jesus would be new to you today! He is an awesome Savior!!! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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!

True Wisdom

Published on July 2, 2016June 30, 2016 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

“ And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
Job 28:28

God is all powerful! Respect His power – that is wisdom. Turn from the ways of this world – that is wisdom! May you understand what it means to fear Him and may his wisdom be yours! I will be praying for you!

True Wisdom

Published on June 25, 2016 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

Romans 12:21

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

With all that is going on in the world today… Spread the love off Christ! Overcome evil with good! May the wisdom and strength of the Lord be yours today! I will be praying for you!

True Wisdom

Published on June 11, 2016June 10, 2016 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

1 Corinthians 1:25

“ For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

What does this passage tell you about human wisdom?
What does this passage tell you about human strength?
Who do you choose to trust… God or man?

May the wisdom and strength of the Lord be yours today! I will be praying for you!

As good as it gets

Published on July 1, 2015July 1, 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 haughty, but associate with the lowly.”
Romans 12:16b

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

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27

Paraphrase Romans 12:16b.
As Christians we are not to think of ourselves as better than anyone. Still, according to Luke 10 who are we called to love first.
Our love of God is entire and complete. Write down each way we are called to love God.
Honoring God by being faithful to Him and to His word must come first in our lives. What is the second great commandment?
It is so easy to think of ourselves first or better than others, but here we are told to love others as we love ourselves. Think of the ways you sometimes love yourself or put yourself above others.
Confess this now and ask Him to help see ways you can serve the lowly so that they will see His love and give Him glory!

We never know who we are entertaining when we choose to help those in need (Hebrews 13:2). Seek to serve God by loving our neighbors. Praying for you!