seeking god – Page 2 – pray write grow

Jesus IS…Provider

Published on July 16, 2013July 15, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Mark 6:30-44

A story I’m sure you all know very well. Look at it with fresh eyes, and open heart. Jesus can provide

And taking the five loaves and the two fish
he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves
and gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
Mark 6:41ESV

Do you ever feel weary? Jesus understands the need for rest. Where did He take the disciples?
He desired to provide them rest by giving them quiet time with Him. What does this speak to you about setting aside quiet time where you can rest in Jesus?
Jesus is so loved that the people follow Him.Still, even though the “great crowd” ruined His quiet time how did he react?
I don’t know about you, by my “great crowd” often disturbs my quiet time – I don’t always have the same compassion. Write a prayer asking for patience and love in dealing with the unexpected.
The people are both physically and spiritually hungry. How does Jesus meet both needs of the people?
After they collect the loaves and fish what example does Jesus give us as he prepares to set the food before the people?
I love this… note Mark 6:41-44 – What does this tell you about how Jesus is able to provide for our every need?

This miracle blessed many as they were nourished by Jesus’ teaching and by the bread He provided. They ate and were satisfied and there was still more left! That is so Jesus!

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Jesus IS…Teacher

Published on July 15, 2013July 14, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Matthew 5:1-12

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain,
and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
And he opened his mouth and taught them…
Matthew 5:1,2ESV

For an interesting perspective try reading the Beatitudes in several different translations.
From a world-view the state of those who are blessed does not appear to be desirable. However, from a spiritual perspective they are close to God. Write each state and its spiritual blessing (example: Poor in spirit = kingdom of heaven).
Note how EVERY spiritual need is met in Christ.
You are told in Matthew 5:11 that you are blessed if you are hated for the sake of Christ. There are times I find it a great challenge to speak the truth in love. Write a prayer asking God to give you wisdom, strength and discernment to know when HE is calling you to share His truth.

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Day Five – Jesus said, “I AM…

Published on July 13, 2013July 13, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 15:1-11

This is one of my very favorite passages in the Bible. Foolishly I think I can do it alone, but Jesus reminds me…

“I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and me in him, he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 ESV

Jesus tells you that if you abide and produce fruit, His Father will do what for you?
Think of your life being pruned by God – pretty amazing! Write about what it means to have God himself tend to your spiritual growth.
What does the Bible tell you will result from this tending?
In the human mind we often think we can produce good fruit by our own effort. What does Jesus tell us we can do apart from Him? Write it in big bold letters!
You are given a key to abiding in Christ in John 15:7,8. What does this reveal about the importance of storing His word in your heart (Psalm 119:11)?
Webster defines the word abide as “to remain stable or fixed in a state.” Jesus tells you that state is His love. According to this passage, how do you remain in His love?
Why did he share this with you (John 15:11)?
Think of one thing you can change in your life that will help you abide in Him?

Jesus promises you that if you abide in Him that He too will abide in you! If you do, he promises you that His joy will be in you and that your joy may be full! Awesome!

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Day Four – Jesus said, “I AM…

Published on July 12, 2013July 12, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 14:1-14

There are many rooms in His Father’s House . He wants to share one with you!
Listen to His invitation…

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV

Freedom from worry is a common theme in Jesus’ ministry. What does Jesus share with the disciples in John 14:1? Copy the verse.
What is the key to avoiding a troubled heart?
If you know Him, Jesus assures you that He will prepare a place for you in His Father’s house. What does He also promise?
Still Thomas doubts! Many people, like Thomas, wonder, “How can we know the way?” What is Jesus’ answer?
Again, Jesus goes on to emphasize His relationship to the Father. What do verses 9-12 explain about this connection?
Jesus explains why it is important to pray in His name. He also relays his purpose in answering prayer – what is it?
What can you do today to bring glory to God the Father (it can be as simple as pointing out His blessings, His creation, His provision in this day – or whatever He moves in your heart)?

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Day Three – Jesus said, “I AM…

Published on July 11, 2013July 11, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 11:17-44

Jesus shows His humanity and love in these verses while also exhibiting His divine power.
Jesus said, …

“I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25,26 ESV

What does Jesus say is the key to the resurrection and the life?
How does Jesus explain resurrection?
Jesus shows His humanity as they are going to Lazarus’ tomb, what does he do?
Jesus experienced a human existence including emotions (Hebrews 4:14-16). Share what it means to you to have a Savior who can sympathize with your thoughts and emotions and loves you unconditionally?
Christ exhibits His power over death! He first thanks God and then says, “Lazarus come out.” What happens next?
Before Christ raises Lazarus, He asks Martha if she believes that He is “the resurrection and the life”. Jesus asks you the same question, “Do you believe this?” Write Him an answer…

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Day Two – Jesus said, “I AM…

Published on July 10, 2013July 10, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 10:1-20

Do you hear it…do you hear His voice. He knows your name and He is calling you today!

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14,15 ESV

Jesus not only calls himself the Good Shepherd in this passage He also labels himself _______.
What happens to all who enter through the door (gate)?
Explain the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand. What does that show you about His faithfulness to you?
How is the relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His sheep like that of the relationship of Jesus and the Father (think about the intimacy that is available to you in Christ)?
In this passage Jesus expresses His willingness to die for YOU. Write down what he says …

Jesus’ life was not taken – HE GAVE IT UP – that we might have life in him (Romans 6:23)

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Jesus said, “I AM…

Published on July 9, 2013July 9, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
John 8:12-30

In this passage in John, Jesus proclaims exactly who He is, where He came from and where He’s going. He validates His testimony and proclaims…

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me
will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 ESV

Think about what it’s like to walk in a dark house – especially an unfamiliar one. This is life without Jesus. Write about the difference between living life in the dark or in the light of Christ.
Jesus is accused of bearing false witness about himself. Who are the two witnesses that prove His testimony?
The Pharisees then ask Jesus, “Where is your Father?” (John 8:19). What is His reply to them?
Later they ask, “Who are you?” (John 8:25) What is Jesus’ explanation of the relationship between Father and Son?
Jesus explains to them exactly what they need to do so that they will not die in their sins.
What is it (see also Acts 2:37,38)?
Think of the connection between Jesus, the Father, and you. Meditate on this and write down whatever the Spirit stirs in you.

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Just Do It

Published on July 6, 2013July 3, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.com1 Comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Read James 1:19-25

As much as God desires us to study His word and grow to know him, he longs for so much more.

Do not merely listen to the word,
and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
James 1:22 (NIV1984)

In verses 19-21 we are given instruction regarding the righteous life God desires. What are the characteristics James instructs us to know?
We are instructed to be doers not just hearers! Paraphrase verses 22-25.
What do you need to do today to honor God and follow His word in your life?

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Food for thought

Published on July 4, 2013July 3, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Read Deuteronomy 8:1-9

This passage is a warning, a reminder & a promise! God is mighty and he has a purpose in every event in the history of the Israelite people (and us too)…

…to teach you that man does not live by bread alone,
but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 8:3b ESV

What personal warning, reminder & promise do you take from these verses?
Jesus quotes this verse while he is being tempted in the desert (see Matthew 4:1-4). Christ himself uses God’s word to fight temptation! Record your toughts about how both the Matthew & Deuteronomy passages connect with what we journaled about in Psalm 119:11b.
Like food bringing physical nourishment, our soul yearns for spiritual sustenance. What do you do (or need to add) each day to nourish your spirit?

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More than words

Published on July 3, 2013July 3, 2013 by kristen from praywritegrow.comLeave a comment

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today.
Read Hebrews 4:12-13

The Bible is not a book of ancient words only relevent when it was written. This passage makes it clear. God’s word is alive!

For the word of God is living and active.
Hebrews 4:12a ESV

Write some characteristics of God’s word as described in this passage in Hebrews.
How have these characteristics made it clear that the Bible is more than words?
How have you felt God’s living word active in your life?

alter_door

Have you heard it?
Casting Crowns
“The Word is Alive”
https://castingcrowns.com/music/the-al tar-and-the-door
you will need to click on the play button for the song

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