Love – Page 3 – pray write grow

It’s Okay to Cry

Published on June 25, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“Weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15b

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

John 11

“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35

Sometimes people just need to know you understand where they are. They need to share their pain and know they are in a safe place. In the midst of his pain and the “advice” of his friends, Job responds in this way, “Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!” What does that tell us about how to comfort?
Looking back to the story of Lazarus, Jesus knew that he would raise him from the dead. He knew that the sadness of his friends would turn to joy, and yet he wept. He felt their pain and wept. What does this reveal about how our perspective on an event shouldn’t shape our response to those who weep?
Pray that the Lord would help you to love in a way that meets the needs of those who weep.

May the Lord equip you with compassion and love to comfort the way He did.

Congratulations?

Published on June 24, 2015June 23, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“Rejoice with those who rejoice.”
Romans 12:15a

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

Sometimes it’s easy to join others in their happiness, but sometimes it is difficult, even painful to rejoice along with others. It could be a struggle that we are going through, or a painful lesson we’ve learned, maybe a great loss or simple envy. But, no matter what… Romans 12 tells us how we are to react to the joy of others. Write it down.
Is there a place where you are finding it difficult to rejoice with others. Confess it now, and ask the Lord to change your heart (Psalm 51:10)
Remember no matter how alone you may feel. If you know Jesus, He is with you (Matthew 28:20). He will give you the strength to love the unlovable, he will show you joy in the midst of sorrow, or help you overcome envy.We have a choice each day to share joy with others or exist alone in our own little world. How are you going to choose to live?

Praying that the joy of the Lord will be your strength today.(Nehemiah 8:10)

Bless You

Published on June 23, 2015June 22, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.com3 Comments

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

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
Romans 12:14

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

“‘This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.‘”
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT

Persecution can include many acts, actions & attitudes. Write down what the word means to you.
Despite what persecutions may come, as Christians we are called to respond in what way?
Using 1 Timothy 1:15-16, why would God call us to respond with blessings?
Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you,” (John 13:34). How are those who spit hate ever going to see true love unless we show them. Write down some ways you can share the love of Christ to those who oppose His truth.
It can be as simple as a smile or as deep as sharing the story of salvation-Jesus. Pray that the Lord will guide you each day to spread His love and bless those who persecute you (1 Peter 3:15).

Praying that God will provide you strength, wisdom and words to bless…

Blessed Affliction?

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

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

“Be patient in tribulation.”
Romans 12:12b

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Romans 5:2b-4

The word tribulation holds many meanings from a simple sadness to great anguish. But in all states of suffering how are we called to face them?
It all goes back to the attitude that we talked about yesterday. What attitude do we need to maintain (Psalm 118:24)?
Romans 5:24 gives us a reason we should be patient in our suffering. Write it out using this format as an example Suffering = _________
And so… we end up back at Hope! What has God poured out for us?
He fills us with His love by the power of His Spirit! Read Romans 8:31-29. No matter what may come, physical trials, emotional difficulties, spiritual battles who is advocating for you?
Is there any thing that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus?
He truly has a plan for your life to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and He can work all things together for the good of those who are called by Him (Romans 8:28). Listen to the song by Laura Story, “Blessings”. How does this change your perspective on suffering?

Praying that you may feel God’s amazing love poured into your heart today. May you feel His peace, provision, and guidance no matter what you are going through.

A Burnining Spirit

Published on June 15, 2015June 12, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.com2 Comments

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

“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor;
be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 (Amplified)

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Romans 12:11

Romans 12:11 tells us exactly how we should serve the Lord. Write it down.
What does service with a glowing & burning Spirit look like to you?
You have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:17) Are you serving that way?
This isn’t about serving because you should, or serving because it looks good, or serving with a no effort because you signed up. NO! Why do we serve (Matthew 5:16)?
When you serve with enthusiasm and love you bring God glory. Service doesn’t necessarily mean heading to the soup kitchen (though this is a wonderful act of service). You can serve the Lord many ways (Colossians 3:23) – write down some ways you serve the Lord in your everyday life.
This verse really reflects on our attitude of service… it reminds me of the Third Day song, “Soul on Fire” . Write down your reaction.

When we choose to enthusiastically serve the Lord we an bring glory to God and shine the light and love of Jesus in this dark world! Lord may you give each of us a soul on fire for you! Praying for you!

No… I Love You More

Published on June 12, 2015June 11, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:10b

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Philippians 2:1-11

Romans 12:10b is the opposite of what our culture encourages. It is not all about ME ME ME. Instead, who is our example (Philippians 2:1-11)?
What does Philippians 2:3 tell us about how we should think about others?
Do you think this only applies to our friends and family (see Matthew 5:44)?
It’s sometimes difficult to be nice or even to pray for someone we do not like. But, Genesis 1:27 has a great reminder. Write it down.
Now, insert the name of a person into verse 1:27. Then, write down a prayer for them.
Christ is our example. No matter how broken or sinful the person, he took time to stop, encourage, & love those he came in contact with. Ask Him who you need to be showing more honor, then ask Him to change your heart and equip you with His love.

This life really is all about Jesus. When we seek to emulate His sacrificial love, we teach others who He is. Go…Outdo yourself today! Praying for you…

Wear your Love

Published on June 11, 2015June 10, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“”Love one another with brotherly affection.”
Romans 12:10

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage.
Colossians 3:12-14

How are we called to clothe ourselves?
What binds together all of the characteristics?
Can others see that you are wearing the special garments that God has chosen for you?
Ask Him now to completely clothe and equip you to love the way He has called us to love.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34
Put on the garments the Lord has provided and love with His love! Praying for you…

Hold on & Don’t Let Go

Published on June 10, 2015June 9, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

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

“Hold fast to what is good.”
Romans 12:9c

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

“Hold fast to what is good.”
Romans 12:9c ESV

“Hold tightly to what is good.”
Romans 12:9c NLT

“Cling to what is good.”
Romans 12:9c NIV

“Cleave to that which is good.”
Romans 12:9c KJV

“Hold on for dear life to good.”
Romans 12:9c The Message

Reflecting on each of these different translations there is no doubt what we are called to do. Restate it in your words.
So… the question is… What is good?

God is good!
“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

So… how do we cling, cleave, hold on for dear life to our Lord our God? Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
When we do what is the result? James 4:8
It is not just us reaching out for Him, but it is our loving God who reaches out to us. Write a reaction.
In clinging to God, we also reject what opposes Him. Is there anything that has crept into your life that is preventing you from holding fast to what is good? Confess it now.
By the blood of Jesus Christ you are forgiven. Now what can you do in your life today to cling a little more closely to the Lord? Read your Bible, Listen to Christian Music, Read a Christian Book, Pray with a friend… ask the Lord to direct you. Then start today!

He is faithful… He sent Jesus to redeem us so that we can have a relationship with Him. Don’t take it for granted… “hold on for dear life.”

True Love

Published on June 8, 2015June 5, 2015 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Digging Deep Into Romans 12:9-21

“Let love be genuine.”
Romans 12:9a

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

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,
love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again,
not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God”
1 Peter 1:22-23

What is Truth (to find out what Jesus said look up John 8:31, John 14:6, John 18:37) ?
How do we purify our soul (see 1 John 3:3)?
What is the result of our transformed life… our souls have become pure through Christ for a reason. What is it?
Who are we to love (see John 15:12)?
How are we to love?
The definition of “earnest” is – showing a sincere & intense conviction. Rewrite 1 Peter 3:22b inserting that definition in place of the word earnest. Love one another…
Still, earnest love will mean nothing unless we have what heart condition?
What does the word pure mean to you?
This pure, earnest love pours out of us as a result of what?
Respond… is there anything you need to change? What does “Genuine Love” look like to you?

He has poured out Himself for you! Jesus is the Way the Truth & the Life. You have been eternally transformed by Christ.
– SO –
Love with a heart made new by the Spirit that lives within 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!