Author: Melodye Reeves

Worship IV, Day 7 Praise You In My Pain: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Praise You In My Pain!

The Questions

1) A conjunction at the beginning of a sentence indicates a connection point. What is Paul connecting together in verse 9 when he uses the word “but”?

2) What did God’s answer reveal about His ultimate purpose for Paul’s life, as well as His purpose for ours?

3) What does Paul mean when he says in his weakness he is strong?

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Original Intent

1) A conjunction at the beginning of a sentence indicates a connection point. What is Paul connecting together in verse 9 when he uses the word “but”?
In the previous chapters (10-11), Paul defends his authority as an apostle of Christ by referring to the trials and successes he had experienced. He does not boast for his own glory, but he apparently senses the need to remind the Corinthians of what makes his opinion credible. In the verses at the beginning of the chapter 12, he details a marvelous vision he had received from the Lord. But just in case they think he’s placing himself on some sort of spiritual pedestal, he includes in his account that he was also given a “thorn in the flesh” (verse 7).  Although we are never explicitly told in scripture what Paul is referring to, we can confidently surmise it was some sort of trial he was experiencing in which he had prayed for relief (verse 8). The conjunction “but” connects Paul’s suffering with God’s answer.
Although the phrase “but God” (or something similar) appears many times in the Old and New Testaments to contrast the bad news of sin/suffering with the good news of God’s powerful sovereignty and rescue, “but He” in verse 9 precedes an answer that may not have been the one Paul was expecting to receive. It was however, the answer that led Paul to discover the deeper grace of the God he worshipped.

2) What did God’s answer reveal about His ultimate purpose for Paul’s life, as well as His purpose for ours?
“My grace is sufficient.” Did Paul have to wait days, or even years, to fully grasp the depth of the truth found in these four words? Commentator Albert Barnes gives us some insight into this, reminding us we don’t know the timing between Paul’s suffering, his request, and God’s answer. (studylight.org) What we do know is that at some point Paul accepted God’s answer. As we position these words within the context of his life, we have the benefit of a zoomed-out perspective. The gladness in Paul’s response reveals his heart of worship. He chose a lifetime of thankfulness even though he was bruised and battered by many hardships. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11). In Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth he rehearsed the reality of suffering several times, always emphasizing the sufficiency of God’s grace. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9; 10:13; 15:30-31; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 11:23-30) His faith in God’s bigger purpose was the very essence of the gospel he had been set apart to proclaim. He wanted all people to know this grace so that God would be worshipped forever! 1 Timothy 2:7-8

3) What does Paul mean when he says in his weakness he is strong?
Paul reminds us many times that the weakness of his frame was meant to amplify the message of God’s grace. “Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” I Corinthians 4:8
From Question 1 above, we see Paul connect two things that don’t typically fit together in today’s way of thinking. “Power” and “weakness” would not both be words on someone’s resume. Yet Paul makes it clear that his weakness was the very thing that demonstrated his strength because his strength was from God. Paul’s continual focus on the gospel reveals his heart to communicate that God chose to save sinners because of His grace. It has always been by God’s might and God’s power that we are saved and sustained in grace. Ephesians 2:8-9  Paul accepted God’s answer and he preached it to himself as he suffered. It’s as if verse 9 was the sermon and verse 10 is Paul’s worshipful response. Paul found pleasure in God’s ways! God had shown Himself to be more than enough in every way! 2 Corinthians 9:8

Everyday Application

1) A conjunction at the beginning of a sentence indicates a connection point. What is Paul connecting together in verse 9 when he uses the word “but”?
When we see faith lived out during trials and suffering, we can either walk away angry at God or awed by Him. Paul ultimately chose awe. In the Old Testament story of Job, we find a different story play out. Though Job’s friends attempted to comfort him, they eventually talked too much and their speculative opinions about God’s purpose in suffering was skewed. Their responses contained many inaccuracies about why God allows people to suffer. (Job 42:7)  When we connect Paul’s response with his request (12:8), it indicates he had chosen to rest in the answer (or to some, a non-answer) he was given by God. Paul had asked for relief from his suffering, “but [God] said” instead of healing, His presence and power would be enough to sustain him through it. As we walk through difficult days, we may also call out to God for rescue. The psalmists sure did! (Psalms 40, 69, 80). But if we receive an answer we didn’t hope for, we can pray for the kind of faith response that will eventually lead us to say: Your will, God, not mine.

2) What did God’s answer reveal about His ultimate purpose for Paul’s life, as well as His purpose for ours?
Paul saw his suffering as part of his sanctification (ie: “the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” Westminster Shorter Catechism). As he came to the realization that he would not be released from this particular burden, Paul had come to know that the power of God’s grace was able to sustain him through it. Walking through the trial would best serve God’s purpose this time instead of being removed from it. God’s foundational purpose for creating us and saving us is that we would reveal His glory so that all would worship Him. Sometimes God’s answer for us is simply: “I AM ENOUGH.” And that answer requires faith and trust on our part.  “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” (Hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus)

3) What does Paul mean when he says in his weakness he is strong?
James Boice wrote, “If you understand the two words ‘but God’ they will save your soul. If you recall them daily and live by them, they will transform your life completely.” Often, we find paradox in scripture, two seemingly contrasting ideas. We especially notice it in the gospel message. We die to live. We get low to be raised up. And here, we see that we are strong when we are weak. These two verses (9-10) begin with “but” and end in “I am strong”. Verse 10 says Paul’s pleasure in his sufferings was all due to Christ, His Redeemer. We don’t really know what Paul’s thorn was, but Paul’s thorn itself was never really the point. Given the various possibilities, we can make Paul’s situation applicable today. We can all identify with Paul in some way or another, whether it’s a season of trial or personal physical suffering. Along with Paul, we can pursue a thankful heart. Our worship comes when we make our way to our inner sanctuary, the place of soul rest. “When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless, until I entered God’s sanctuary.” (Psalm 73:16-17)
It’s in that place where God reveals that His grace is more than enough to strengthen and sustain us in our weakest moments!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Praise You In My Pain.

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship IV Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Dwell Day 4 Rhythm Of Rest: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Rhythm Of Rest!

The Questions

1) In light of the New Covenant through Jesus, how are we to interpret and apply the Old Testament’s very serious command to “remember and keep the Sabbath”? 

2) What is considered “work” to God? How do we know if we are being legalistic or obedient? 

3) God gave some commentary regarding the Sabbath commandment. Is He intending to provide a deeper meaning of keeping the Sabbath, even before Christ provided us with forever rest in Heaven for eternity?

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Be careful to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 You are to labor six days and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Do not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your ox or donkey, any of your livestock, or the resident alien who lives within your city gates, so that your male and female slaves may rest as you do.
15 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the Lord your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Original Intent

1) In light of the New Covenant through Jesus, how are we to interpret and apply the Old Testament’s very serious command to “remember and keep the Sabbath”?
The command regarding Sabbath was repeated for emphasis throughout the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy all speak in serious language about the consequence of being “sabbath-breakers.” The law even held a death sentence for certain violators. As followers of the resurrected Christ, we now honor God and keep the sabbath by looking to how Jesus fulfilled it through His life and death. Although there were very specific guidelines in Old Testament Law, it seems very clear that the apostles specifically omitted dogmatic instruction about the observation of certain days to communicate a new kind of rest that had been instituted by Jesus. This is not an obligatory external rest – ceasing from work – but an internal rest that begins in and flows from the heart.

2) What is considered “work” to God? How do we know if we are being legalistic or obedient?
God didn’t go into great detail with His people about what was included and not included in the command to cease from their labor. Although He is specific in Deuteronomy 5 about who is to cease from labor, which is everyone, He does not have a list of laws specifying what they were to cease from doing. In fact, it’s in the New Testament we observe the Jewish leaders taking it upon themselves to determine what was unlawful work. On one occasion, Jesus rebuked them, even questioning their knowledge of scripture! (Matthew 12:5) He knew God’s commandment did not forbid all activity. It was never meant to be used against those who were actively serving God. Rather, it was intended to serve the purpose of drawing one’s attention more fully to God. (www.biblestudytools.com)
The apostles told the believers to rely on their personal consciences, shaped by a desire to please God, when they were making decisions about work and rest. 

3) God gave some commentary regarding the Sabbath commandment. Is He intending to provide a deeper meaning of keeping the Sabbath, even before Christ provided us with forever rest in Heaven for eternity?
God gave two reasons in the Old Testament for establishing the Sabbath as a sacred day. One is specifically found in Genesis at creation (Genesis 2:3) and the other is specifically seen in the passage today. We learn in these passages that the Sabbath is for rest and for remembering. Even though the Old Testament command specifies a day (the seventh day), in the New Testament, Paul explains the Sabbath was a shadow of Christ and that the actual day itself had become insignificant. Christ established eternal rest – salvation – through His death on the cross. (www.gty.org) At the last supper with His disciples, Jesus invited them to remember a rescue they had not yet witnessed and most certainly did not grasp as Jesus prepared to give His life as a ransom from their sin and ours! At Mt. Sinai, where God gave the Law, God invited His people to remember a rescue they had witnessed as He had parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow them safe passage from the hands of the Egyptian slave masters. In verse 15, even in the observance of Sabbath, the story of redemption is woven through every part of Israel’s history.

Everyday Application

1) In light of the New Covenant through Jesus, how are we to interpret and apply the Old Testament’s very serious command to “remember and keep the Sabbath”?
We remember the Sabbath by remembering the work of Christ on the cross where He took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. “Resting in” the work of Christ is not the same as “resting from” the work we do. But there is a connection. Although we are no longer slaves to the Law in the same way the Old Testament believers were, we are also no longer slaves to sin. We are now slaves to righteousness. It’s a new kind of slavery, and a new kind of rest. Our obedience is not a condition for salvation, but it is an evidence of it. We keep the Sabbath by making time in our days and weeks to focus on what has been done for us through Christ’s work. If we have been redeemed, we will make time to be free of distractions that keep our souls in turmoil. We will desire to make time to rest our minds and bodies, intentionally tuning our hearts to remember the amazing grace of God that rescued us from sin, death and the grave! 

2) What is considered “work” to God? How do we know if we are being legalistic or obedient?
God makes it clear in the New Testament (Romans and Hebrews especially) that Christ finished the work of sacrificing for our sins. There is no work to be done that would earn us a relationship with God or eternal life, but there is to be obedience, springing from a transformed heart. God’s word sometimes gives us specific instruction on how to live; other times it offers guiding principles that we must pray through, asking for wisdom to know how to apply it to different situations. Paul said in Philippians 2:13 that God is working in us the desire to do good works. Thankfully, the saving work has been done by the Lord Jesus. The sanctifying work happens day by day as we surrender to the Spirit of God, seeking to know Him deeply through His word and prayer, then resting in His power working in us to accomplish His purposes. 

3) God gave some commentary regarding the Sabbath commandment. Is He intending to provide a deeper meaning of keeping the Sabbath, even before Christ provided us with forever rest in Heaven for eternity?
The very short answer is YES! God wants us to read the whole Bible as one story of His redeeming love. The thread of redemption is woven through it from Genesis to Revelation. God has always been drawing us to Himself. He was always making a way for us to know Him intimately. The Sabbath has always been more than simply a cessation of labor; we rest in order to remember. We remember in order to worship! 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Rhythm Of  Rest!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Dwell Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Shepherd Day 1 My Shepherd

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 79:13
Psalm 100:3
Isaiah 40:11-13
John 10
2 Corinthians 1:20 

Shepherd, Day 1

Years ago, I heard a story about a shepherd boy in Wales who had several physical limitations that kept him from learning to read. Some missionaries met him on a hillside and explained to him that Jesus wanted to be his shepherd. They taught him the words, “The Lord is my shepherd,” using the fingers and thumb of his right hand to help him remember, starting with his thumb and then a finger for each word. They told him to pause at the word “my” (his fourth finger) and use his left hand to wrap his finger and to remember that Jesus wants to be a personal Shepherd. 

Some time later, one of the missionaries passed through the village and asked about the shepherd boy. He was saddened to hear about a terrible winter storm that had taken the boy’s life on a snowy hillside. The villager explained: “There was one thing, however, that we didn’t understand. When his body was discovered he was holding the fourth finger of his right hand.” 

Not long ago, I read something more about this story. A minister was speaking in the town of a wealthy and successful man. The man loved to give to charitable causes, but was not a Christ-follower. He ended up at one of the services where the minister was speaking and heard the story of the shepherd boy. In the days following, he became ill and died suddenly. When the doctor arrived and found him dead, he discovered him clenching his fourth finger. 

We all desire to know that someone sees and cares for us personally.
As a young child or as a successful adult, we cling to promises that assure us we are not alone. Whether or not these stories were actual events, we know that the author of Psalm 23 was a shepherd named David
(1 Samuel 16) who continually rehearsed the personal nature of his caring God.

As a shepherd himself, David was quite aware of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. He had probably watched through the long night for any threats to the well-being of the sheep in his care. We know he took his job seriously, even at the expense of his own life. (1 Sam 17:34-35) 

The reality of David’s frightful experiences with attacks from wild animals
gives us great insight into his expression of peace stated throughout this psalm.
David had a Shepherd of his own,
and the benefits of that did not escape his notice. 

David rested in the fact that he had a Provider.
As he reflected on the Lord as his own Shepherd, he got right to the heart of it.
With that kind of Shepherd, there was nothing else that David needed. 

“All I have needed Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”  

Singing this old hymn is a way to confess through song the truth of the first verse of Psalm 23. It reminds me that God is my very own “PCP.” He is my “personal care Provider.”
The psalmist said that “the Lord is MY Shepherd. I have what I need.”
The hymn writer said that His great faithfulness is “unto ME.”
And there’s no small print.
There’s nothing missing.
Not one other thing is needed for our soul’s well-being than what He’s already provided. 

2 Peter says,
“His divine power has given us everything required for life
and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

As my Good Shepherd, He has equipped me through His Spirit to live out the faith to which He has called me.
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus 
— the great Shepherd of the sheep — 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
equip you with everything good to do His will,
working in us what is pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20) 

As a Good Shepherd, our Protector keeps us safe from the harmful effects of death. Christ left the glories of Heaven to come down to the pasture of earth and rescue us, the sheep, from our enemies: Hell and Death.
Christ sacrificed His own life that I might live.
He lifted me into His arms and He is constantly holding on to me to keep me forever safe in Him.
“He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree;
so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.
By His wounds you have been healed.
For you were like sheep going astray,
but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25 

I’m so thankful for my Shepherd, who knows me and holds me fast.
Because of His overwhelming desire to be our own personal Shepherd,
you can be held fast, too, Sister!  

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Shepherd Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Shepherd!

Worship II Day 10 Finding Life

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 36:5-12
Psalm 95
Mark 4:1-20
Philippians 2:12-13
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

There’s something about autumn days that makes my heart glad. Along with its vivid colors that emerge everywhere this time of year, I’m also rejuvenated by the constant messages of how important it is to maintain a thankful heart. Even in the midst of the greed in our nation, many Americans take the opportunity during this season to express their gratefulness to God for their abundance.

If you have attended a US church service during November, you may have sung the hymn written by Henry Alford, “Come Ye Thankful People Come”. It’s often sung during the Thanksgiving season as a song of praise to God for a bountiful harvest. However, there is a much deeper truth that I had never noticed until I meditated on the words of all the verses. The message of the song causes us to consider whether we are sincerely thankful people of God (wheat) or are only going through the motions (tares/weeds). If we’re redeemed, our thankfulness should not be limited to a prayer we voice at an annual family gathering.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home.
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

I seldom use the word, but I am quite sure that a “bountiful” yield would have great impact on those who work the land all summer, hoping for an abundant crop to provide for them through the winter. These words invite us into the celebration of the gatherers.
I didn’t grow up day to day with much of a harvester mentality, though my grandfather was quite a gardener. I have fond memories of my childhood visits with my grandparents during the summer. Before we ate, they always bowed and thanked God for the “good garden”.
Oh come…Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise … let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (Psalm 95:1-6)
Our Creator Father invites us to daily feast on His goodness and the provision of salvation. He has supplied us with all we need for our souls to be filled.

Come, thankful people.
Come to Jesus … and live.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit as praise to God we yield;
wheat and tares together sown are to joy or sorrow grown;
first the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

Even the farmer doesn’t fully grasp the mystery of gardening. Jesus spoke about this process in a parable: “This is what the kingdom of God is like…” (Mark 4:26-29)

Jesus said that His kingdom is like a worker who plants the seed and waits for the produce. Ultimately, our sovereign God works in the heart of man to produce people who reflect His glory. We can’t fully comprehend this.

While I wait for His return, He continues the work of making me pure.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)
He is working in us in ways we can’t see, making us like His Son.

Come, thankful people.
Come to Jesus … and live.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take the harvest home.
From the field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
but the fruitful ears to store in the garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring thy final harvest home.
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin.
There, forever purified, in Thy presence to abide.
Come, with all Thine angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home.

If there’s anything that should cause the people of God to come with thankful hearts in worship, it’s the promise that He’s preparing a place for us. One day, the Son will return for His bride and the Church of Christ will make its home with Him forever. We will live eternally in a place where nothing will hide His glory or goodness. But with this good news is the reality that for those who do not put the full weight of their hope in Jesus, it will not be glorious.
Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace…Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matthew 13:40-43)

The reality is that there will be a day of separation.
So, it is with grateful hearts that we fall on Jesus – the Way, the Truth and the Life.
He will gather the redeemed to Himself forever.

Come, thankful people.
Come to Jesus … and live.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Worship Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
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Freedom Day 6 What Is This Gospel?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 2:15-21
Romans 8:1-11
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Isaiah 55:3-9
Psalm 16 

Little did I realize when I chose to write this particular Journey Study that I would be participating in a conference in which the key speakers would be teaching through Galatians. I’m very aware that God is always working in us, but sometimes He clarifies that with a defining “voice.”

Years ago I read a statement by my favorite author, which has become a litmus test of sorts by providing a starting place and a heart filter for my everyday walk with Christ. Although I always refer to him when I quote it, in his book “The Discipline of Grace” Jerry Bridges credits Dr. Jack Miller for the original expression: “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.”

Through my childhood and teen years as a believer, I didn’t really think much of it. I considered the gospel to be a one-time message. I saw it as something I’d heard, received, and was supposed to proclaim to others who also needed to hear and receive it. As I’ve matured in my faith, I’ve come to understand that scripture paints a much more daily and working picture of the gospel. This comprehension has profoundly impacted me.

In fact, the depth of the gospel message brings
restoration and resurrection
to any weary believer who is bogged down in the muck and mire of a graceless religion
that has subtly substituted the work of the cross with human effort and obedience.

The word “gospel” is a biblical term (used over 90 times) meaning “good news”. And at the very root of it all, I knew that my heart must be gripped by this good news. There was certainly bad news and I knew it well: I am a sinner. But in order for the gospel to become part of my everyday thinking and doing, I needed to start preaching the true gospel to myself. As I did, I discovered much more abundant living. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, the apostle Paul summarizes the basic components of the gospel message. The death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of the resurrected Christ are the essence of the life-changing good news.

At the conference, one of the speakers said that “the gospel is the announcement that there is a kingdom. And the King has come. He touched base on earth and broke the power of the Evil One. One day He will return to consummate His great kingdom. The good news is that between now and then, amnesty has been offered to those who have rebelled against the kingdom.
Someone paid the price and it’s the core of the amnesty that’s offered to us that makes the gospel good news.”

Yes! As a law breaker, there’s nothing that causes me to celebrate more deeply and loudly than news of a pardon. I’m clearly guilty of death. But the good news of God’s mercy has set my spirit free to dance and sing a song of joy. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” The psalmist, not even fully understanding the sacrificial payment that would be made for his sinfulness, proclaimed: “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices …” (Psalm 16:9)

When I preach the gospel to myself daily, it is not that I cease from owning up to my own sinfulness. But it changes my perspective.
As soon as I feel the weight of my transgressions, I immediately call to mind my standing with God. I accept by faith the fact that there was only One who was capable of doing the work of fully satisfying the law of God by taking on Himself my judgment.  I find rest in the precious words of Romans 4:7-8 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

At the very moment I am about to shrink away in defeat, I am able to look to the cross and remember that my sin died with my Savior. Remember, oh rule-following Christian: By grace. Through faith. Not works. This is so important that Paul said it three times in Galatians 2!

So I preach the gospel to myself every day because I must never forget that reconciliation has always been in the heart of God. Isaiah proclaimed it to the people of his day when he said “let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

When I think about the magnitude of my freedom from the penalty of sin, I am overwhelmed like Paul. When he considered the scope of salvation, he had so much enthusiasm that he broke out into a spontaneous run-on sentence that lasted for 11 verses in the original Greek (Ephesians 1).

When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; for God, the Just, is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb, my perfect, spotless Righteousness;
the great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace.
One with Himself, I cannot die; my soul is purchased by His blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high; with Christ, my Savior and my God.

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Passionate Day 3
Father, Forgive Them

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 23:34
Matthew 18:21-22
Matthew 5:38-39
Philippians 2:6-8

Forgiveness.

Everything about the word is big to me. It strikes at my heart the moment I hear it. On most days, the word brings comfort and hope to my soul as I reflect on being the recipient of overwhelming mercy.
But honestly, even with that realization,
pondering forgiveness can also cause me deep angst.
Maybe it’s because forgiveness shifts from being a soothing ointment that covers my wounds
to being a difficult obedience I need to extend.

As I studied forgiveness as a word, I was not expecting to find the word “remission” connected to it. Now THAT is quite a word! For many who have been personally affected by the agonies of a diseased body, the unexpected declaration of remission brings spontaneous and glorious celebration. And even though it may be temporary, there is something powerful and hopeful about a respite.

If being forgiven has the same impact as a pronouncement of remission, I am not at all surprised by the weight of it. Knowing that I am being released from the penalty of my blunder (intentional or not) refreshes my soul like a drink to a parched throat, bringing freedom, mercy, and restoration. But being the recipient of forgiveness for a wrong committed and being the distributor of forgiveness are two different things. I am saddened even now when I consider the healing power of forgiveness and yet how hesitant I am to extend it, especially when I’m deeply offended or hurt.

Matthew West sings about it. And when I think about my response to being hurt, I know exactly what he’s talking about.
It really is “the hardest thing to give away and the last thing on my mind today.
It always goes to those that don’t deserve.
It’s the opposite of how I feel when the pain they caused is just too real.
It takes everything I have just to say the word … forgiveness.”

I guess Peter felt that angst too. He was so sure that there was a limit to how much mercy we had to show to others that he had the audacity to ask Jesus about it. And Jesus’s response wasn’t all that soft.
“Then Peter came up and said to Him,
‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?
As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times,
but seventy-seven times.'” Mt 18:21-22

I think the disciples knew exactly what He meant. Even though His answer didn’t need more clarification, He told them a story to make sure there was no misunderstanding.
Christ’s answer wasn’t about keeping score of offenses at all.
Rather, Jesus’ words and life were constant reminders
that choosing to follow Him included
laying down one’s right to be first and best.

Becoming great in the kingdom of Christ would not be discovered by counting grievances and getting even. In mathematical terms, the way Jesus calculated forgiveness looked nothing like the Pharisees’ balance sheets. Their life ledgers would not have been complete without the columns being equal at the end of every day. Matthew 5:38-39

When Jesus answered Peter, maybe the disciples remembered what He had said to them that day on the mountainside when He taught the crowd:
“For if you forgive others their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness.
It is at the heart of who God is and has always been.

God the Father demonstrated His forgiving heart by sending His Son to us.
And before Jesus ever uttered the words “forgive them”,
He had already chosen to walk the road of humility and mercy.

Offering someone forgiveness wasn’t about the perpetrator’s actions or even their motives, it was about the heart of the forgiver.
Choosing to forgive begins as an obedient act of submission to the Father’s will by the one who has been offended. Before He hung on the cross and shed His blood for the payment of my sins, Christ Jesus possessed a heart of forgiveness. Paul said, “though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus didn’t attempt to justify His rightness. Rather, He plead for His Father’s mercy to be extended to them. Even as He breathed His last breath, His heart broke over the angry crowd’s blind arrogance and stubbornness.
Jesus, the perfect and spotless Lamb, had every right to cry out for justice.
Every right to cling to His divine nature.
Every right to call down fire and strike dead those who’d pierced Him.
But He chose to pray. He chose to forgive.

When Jesus prayed from the cross, He prayed for me. And He prayed for you.
My sin put Him there. Yours did too.
But His merciful heart has given me life.
Forgiving those who don’t “deserve it” is the one of the most Christ-like things I can do.
Because we have been forgiven much, we forgive.
Because Jesus forgave, we forgive.

Thank You Jesus, for being the Great Forgiver.
May I look to the cross and always remember Your heart that chose forgiveness!

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Worship Day 15
Radical Release

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 28:6-9
1 Samuel 1:27-28
Mark 9:14-29

I’ve sat down several times in the last few days to convey on paper my thoughts to the lyrics of a song that I might describe as haunting (as in, poignant and evocative; difficult to ignore or forget). Little did I know that my procrastination was actually working out God’s sovereign timing. I certainly don’t condone a habit of delaying inevitable tasks, but as always God was doing something, even through my postponement.
Letting go of every single dream, I lay each one down at Your feet.
Every moment of my wandering never changes what You see.
I’ve tried to win this war, I confess.
My hands are weary, I need Your rest.
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight, no matter what I face, You’re by my side.*

On the very morning I realized I could no longer delay my writing, I was also made aware of my great need to fully embrace the truths of the song in which I had chosen to meditate. The first two words stabbed me the very moment they caught my eye.

“Letting go…”
I recognized immediately the impact of those words throughout Scripture.
Abraham
Moses
David
Hannah
These are only a few examples of the kind of surrender to which we are called.

Paul’s life and message compel us to an even more radical release of our own wills, reminding us of the most humble and genuine surrender of all through the life and death of our Lord Jesus. Philippians 2:1-11

As a mama and grandma who has kids and grandkids living thousands of miles away, I have learned that letting go is a part of life. As a foster mom, the reality of releasing hits even harder because of the massive unknown attached to it. In the past several years, I have had to let go of how I had pictured life might look and trust God with the unforeseeable future of all the children that He has placed in my care.
Laying things down that I like at my good Father’s feet is one thing.
Laying people down that I love is another.
It freshly and squarely hit me today that
letting go is always the starting point for trusting God.

On this very day, we find ourselves in a place we have never been as foster parents. We have realized that we are unable to provide everything needed for the children who have recently entered our home. The brothers who came through the door earlier this week have experienced difficulties in their lives that I’ll never fully be able to comprehend.
The neglect they have encountered is completely foreign to me.

After several days of looking at my husband with a broken heart, he confessed that he is overwhelmed and underqualified for this particular situation.
Knowing that fostering kids in need like this has to be a team effort (he is an amazing foster dad), I knew it meant we had to make a change.
I have cried and prayed.
I had to come face to face with hidden motives and agendas and plans.
I had to admit that we are not called to save every child.
We are not even called to rescue them from terrible lives.
We are only called to be faithful servants.
I confessed to God: “My hands are weary, I need Your rest.”

You are my strength and comfort. You are my steady hand.
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand.
Your ways are always higher. Your plans are always good.
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood.*

Sometimes I do the right thing.
Sometimes I do the right thing for the right reason.
And sometimes I do the right thing for the right reason, but with a skewed view of God.

I forget that He alone is capable of doing what is perfectly good.
Only He knows what tomorrow brings.
I may have good intentions in the spiritual battle I’m fighting,
but if I don’t recognize that He is the King of the fight,
I begin to fight for outcomes and answers
rather than fighting for faith.

As I cry out to Him, I too often hold on to a false hope in my own ability to fix and heal.
Only when I let go of all my pre-conceived notions of what should happen am I able to fully trust Him.
My faith cannot be in the moving mountains or the parting waters,
though He is able to do those things, Exodus 14, Mk 11:22-24
rather my trust is to be completely in Him, not in what He does.

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move;
when You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through;
when You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You, I will trust.*

The Psalmist communicates so clearly again and again that our trust must be solidly placed in only One Person.
HE is our strength and comfort.
HE is our steady hand.
HE is our firm foundation.
HE is our rock.
HE is exalted.

Yet, everything that makes Him a God who is far above us Isaiah 55:8-9,
doesn’t keep Him from also being a Father who is near and good! James 1:17

I am unable to fully explain how much I needed the truths of this song to permeate my heart and mind today. Letting these kids go is so difficult.
What is the Father calling you to let go of and trust Him with?
Lord, “Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings. There’s not a day ahead You have not seen. So, in all things be my life and breath. I want what You want, Lord, and nothing else.
I will trust in You.”*
Amen!

*song lyrics by Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”


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Space Day 8
Let Us Adore Him!

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 9:6-7
Matthew 1:18-24
Isaiah 40:3-5
Matthew 3:3
Luke 2:15-20
Ephesians 2:12-14

Every year on August 25th, my mom would have a revelation and make a declaration: “Oh my goodness, Christmas will be here before we all know it!”
Now, more than 40 years later, I recall these words with much more understanding. Preparing for Christmas has become so entailed that we start running out of time before we even begin.

Though my heart desires to worship Christ most of all,
if I am not intentional to have my heart tuned to the reality of His coming,
I risk being unprepared to receive His presence.

A few weeks ago, we had some dear Australian friends visit with us whom we hadn’t seen in 19 years. As their arrival neared, I was anxious to create a welcoming space for them. The most important thing was certainly the time we spent together once they arrived, but it was vital to me that they sensed our excitement about their coming. There was a space that had been made ready just for them.
The preparation indicated a longing for their presence.

During this season, I desire to long for Jesus.
A song was introduced to us last Christmas at church and its lyrics stir my heart to worship. “Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem.
Hear Him knock, don’t say ‘there’s no room in the inn.’
Through the cradle, cross, and grave, see the love of God displayed.
Now He’s risen and He reigns.
Praise the Name above all names!
Prepare Him room. Prepare Him room. Let the King of glory enter in.”

Prepare Him room.
For believers, opening our hearts to Jesus
should be as natural as opening our homes to those we love.

As we excitedly prepare for the arrival of far-away family, my husband and I rearrange spaces just for them and the “duty” of housework becomes a delight. Yet, with all the excitement of this special season, we’re tempted to succumb to celebrating everything BUT Jesus. Even though I look for a central place in our home for the Christ–child in the manger, the little Baby can become just another symbol among the others. Celebrating Christmas involves many different aspects, but we must celebrate it all to the glory of God,
with hearts bent toward Him and filled with thankfulness (Col 3:1-17).

Just as we prepare for family, we see in Scripture that God was always preparing for us. If we could see into Bethlehem the night He appeared, we might think there hadn’t been any preparation for His entrance.
The worshippers were few and far between.
There were no crowds hovering around the manger (Micah 5:2).
But on that night, God took on flesh.
In the form of a helpless newborn with unfocused eyes, flailing limbs, and hungry cries,
the One who created everything and everyone became a needy baby boy.

From the outside, it was just another Bethlehem eve, but there had been a divine preparation. For Mary, and for those of us who have been forever changed by His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we long to fully grasp the significance of His first appearing.
We determine to pause and ponder it all.
We choose to quiet the clutter so that the magnificence of His nearness evident. (Luke 2:19)
We prepare the way for Him to invade space in our hearts.
Come, let us adore Him.

As we prepare our hearts to make Him room this year, may we look for ways to welcome the reality of His incarnation into our everyday with anticipation and delight.
Wonder at His presence.
As we enjoy the season by sharing gifts, serving at local rescue missions, sending greeting cards, or by baking goodies for those we love …
may we worship and adore the Baby who came to free us from the burden of meaningless clutter and empty busyness.

I want to be ready for His presence this year.
I want to remember His goodness and grace.
I want His fullness to be the source of my happy preparation.
I want to make space for Jesus,
because even the moments of preparation are moments made for worshipping!

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Brave Day 10
Brave Prayers

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 4
Matthew 7:7-11
1 John 5:14-15
Ephesians 3:20-21 attachment-1-13

At the time of this writing, we are saying goodbye to our son. Our foster son. He’s been in our home for about four months. Though we are sad to see him go, I believe that, as the next chapter unfolds for him, it will be an amazing story of God’s grace and faithfulness. (We became foster parents several years ago and most of the stories don’t leave us with the happy-ending feeling. I’m so thankful this one has!) Through the years of fostering, I’ve witnessed an interesting dynamic that I couldn’t have fully understood if I hadn’t seen it firsthand. Most foster children have a great deal of insecurity about asking for something. When they first come into our home, they have little assurance about their position in our family. Almost none of them walk in assuming we’ll joyfully meet their needs. Low expectations have become their default.

In our family, our children made requests. In fact, they typically ask for things from us with confidence – even when they had been misbehaving – because they’ve learned that for us to withhold what they needed went against our character as loving parents. Because of their life experiences, fosters do not have much trust that they will have their needs met, and often don’t ask for what they need. When they do ask, it’s with hesitation and fear that their request will be criticized or rejected completely.

I’m sad to admit that this scenario is much like my prayer life.
I approach God with low expectations.
But walking on eggshells to the throne of grace is not what God desires.
Being on my best behavior for an entire day is not a prerequisite for coming to God in confidence.
I am accepted and loved because of the Father heart of God.

But too often we approach praying as if we are foster children. We sheepishly tiptoe into God’s presence and mumble our requests, almost certain we aren’t going to receive an answer. The writer of Hebrews reminded the people to have confidence in God’s provision because He would never abandon them. (Hebrews 13:5-6) When we enter the Throne Room of the Father’s amazing grace, we don’t need to pray as if we are His foster children. As those who have been baptized into Christ’s life, we are adopted! (Galatians 3).
He has invited us into His family and we have all the benefits of being one of His own!

Approaching God with boldness doesn’t mean we come to Him arrogantly. Jesus taught the disciples that prayer starts with acknowledging the greatness of the Father and our desperate need for Him. Our prayer posture should always be one of humble boldness. (Don’t you love the scripture’s paradox!) James tells us “if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand.” I have a good, good Father who desires to give me good things.

If I am a child of the One who really hears and wants to answer me,
why do I continue to pray wimpy prayers, half believing and half doubting?
It must be because I lack confidence in Who He is.
Our God is not a temporary foster dad.
It’s our spiritual birthright to pray with confidence in our God’s ability to intervene in any situation. He desires for us to pray with boldness and courage, not because we have it all together, but because He holds it all together!

One definition of bold is: beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.
We are the daughters of a limitless God
who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is at work within us.”
Praying brave prayers demonstrates that we have faith in a gracious and generous Father.
THAT’s the kind of praying I want to practice!

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