Journal – Page 4 – pray write grow

Which Path Do You Choose?

Published on March 6, 2014March 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

Psalm 23:2-3

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:2-3

Picture your day yesterday, then picture yourself being led by the Lord as in verse 2. Where does He take you? What is the difference?
He is the shepherd, you are the sheep. Which path specified here does he walk you down?
What is the purpose in His path of righteousness?
When people choose not to walk in His ways it is not peace that results (Romans 1:21-23). Consider the Israelites who did not trust God on the path He chose for them. What is the result (see Deuteronomy 1:26-35) of either of these paths?
God’s path brings rest, renewal and righteousness and you bring Him glory when you walk in His will. You have a choice today…which path do you choose? Write about it. Ask God to take charge of your day…today and every day!

May His path of righteousness and still waters be yours today and every day! I will be praying for you!

Are You a Sheep?

Published on March 5, 2014March 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

Psalm 23:1

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1

In this Psalm David refers to the Lord as His shepherd. What are some characteristics of a shepherd?
What are some characteristics of sheep?
Jesus called Himself a shepherd in John 10:1-18. Read this passage…it does help to understand the relationship between the Lord and His sheep? Write down some specific verses that characterize Jesus as a Shepherd.
This passage also help us to understand the role of the sheep. What does 10:14-16 reveal about Jesus’ sheep?
The Lord provides for His sheep! In Psalm 23 what does David tell us about the Lord’s provision (read this verse in several translations to give you a fresh prospective)?
He knows our name! We know His voice! We follow Him and He provides all we need. How often we forget. What do you need to trust to Him today? Lay it in His arms and follow His lead!

Be a sheep! I will be praying for you!

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!

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!