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Thank you Lord that you have knit us together in our mothers womb. Thank you Lord that you have known us before the foundation of time and that you have numbered every hair on our head. Thank you that you know us and you see us and that when we come to know Jesus – that you never leave us. Alleluia!!!!

WRITE

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10NLT

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

  • What do you think of when you imagine a masterpiece?
  • That’s you! You are God’s masterpiece! Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all the special ways he has gifted you.
  • When God gave you a new life in Christ he did it for a purpose. According to this verse, what is that purpose?
  • This verse tells us that God has already planned the good works for us – we just have to walk in them. Do you see God calling you to walk in any certain way? Write a prayer asking God to reveal where he wants you to walk – how your life can glorify Him!

GROW

Dear Father God! Thank you so much that you have created us to be unique and special. That you have gifted us in special ways and you have created good works for us to accomplish in your name. Guide us Lord so that we will honor you and bring you glory with our lives. We know that “You make known to me the path of life;  in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 – so lead us Lord that we may experience your joy as we walk in your ways.

Beauty Wonder & Power

PRAY

Make sure you take time to read the passage and pray about it before you begin.
Philippians 2:9-11 & Colossians 1:15-23

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name
Philippians 2:9

  • Read the entire passages and then listen to the song.  Using the passages from the Bible write a response. His name is BEAUTYful  –  WONDERful – POWERful!  His name is above EVERY name. Praise Him!

GROW

 

Praying for you today! That you you would experience the life changing beauty, wonder and power of Jesus! That you would be in awe of His awesome authority. His awesome power. His awesome beauty! May your heart long for the day we will kneel before Him in person… may you take time to kneel before Him  now! Praying for you.

I Can’t Do It

PRAY

Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

WRITE

I’ve been thinking a lot about my strengths & weaknesses lately. God has blessed me with many gifts – and I am so thankful! I pray often about God using me & using my gifts …but, it always seems I am missing the one essential skill I need to take the next step.  I can talk myself out of just about anything.

  • How does this 2 Corinthians  passage destroy that mind-set?
  • When we are weak whose power rests on us?
  • Write down 2 Corinthians 12:10b. Write it again! Write it again! Write it again!
  • Pray about it… ask God – “Where am I using my weakness as an excuse?”
  • Our weakness is an opportunity for God to exhibit His power in us. What is your next step?

GROW

While it may not be easy, and there may be struggles ahead. Remember… “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Praying this for you today.

It’s About the View

TAKE TIME TO PRAY  BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

 “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
Hebrews 12:1-2

WRITE

Sometimes it seems like a long long race, with a very hilly winding course. Sometimes it stretches out before us straight and flat. But no matter the road ahead, we have one view that should be in front of us at all times. Jesus!

How is your race challenging today? Tired? Confused? Fear of the unknown? Sin weighing you down? Write an entry laying it all in the hands of the Lord, laying aside every weight and sin.  Then ask Him to guide you and give you perspective as you move forward with your eyes on Jesus – trusting Him to lead you!

GROW

 You are a precious, loved, unique creation in Christ. He has set a path before you and no matter the course he will lead you through it perfectly. Just keep your eyes on Him… make that view in front of you always Jesus and He will never let you down! Praying that you will have a clear vision of the path before you and renewed strength as you keep your eyes fixed on Him!

Live your Faith! James 2

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

James 2:14-26

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“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.

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

Fulfill the Royal Law! James 2

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

James 2:1-12

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“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…

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

Be a Doer! James 1

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

James 1:19-27

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” 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…

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

You are Blessed! James 1

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

James 1:9-18

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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?

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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

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

James 1:2-8

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 “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.

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

Who are you? James 1:1

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

James 1:1

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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.

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