Author: Melodye Reeves

Cross Day 12 Trinity: 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 Trinity!

The Questions

1) As He hung on the cross, what was Jesus saying in verse 46: “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni”?

2) What is the significance of the sanctuary curtain being torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death?

3) How did the crucifixion events impact the soldiers who were standing guard?

4) Did God (the Father) completely abandon God (the Son)?

Matthew 27:45-54

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land.
46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and offered him a drink.
49 But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
50 But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.
51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
53 And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.
54 When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Original Intent

1) As He hung on the cross, what was Jesus saying in verse 46: “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni”?
The Scriptures present seven times in which Jesus spoke from the cross. Bernard Guy (bible.org) gives us a great word picture for what was happening as Christ spoke: “Crucifixion was a form of torture that literally knocked the wind out of a person. The weight of the body … paralyzed the pectoral muscles, making breathing extremely difficult. The person being crucified could inhale but had great difficulty exhaling. To exhale he had to push on his feet and straighten his legs to release the pressure exerted on his arms and chest. But the pain that this caused to his feet was so excruciating, because of the nails, that he would immediately cease any such effort. It was in this context, while he was fighting for His every breath, that Jesus uttered His last words.”
We don’t know for sure that the words spoken these seven times were the only ones He spoke, but the significance of these statements lead most bible scholars to believe this is an exhaustive record. They are found in the four gospels: three in Luke 23:34, 43, 46; three in John 19:26-28, 30; and in Mark 15:34 we find the same words as Matthew 27. In verse 46, Matthew tells us before Jesus’ very last breath and very last word, Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani.” Some of those who were standing nearby didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. But Matthew (and Mark) interpret it for us: “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?” (verse 46) He spoke two more times and, after about six hours on the cross, He died.

2) What is the significance of the sanctuary curtain being torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death?
Years earlier, King David wanted to build a temple for God (1 Chronicles 17), instead, God said his son Solomon would build it. Placed next to the king’s palace, it was Israel’s central place of worship (1 Kings 9:3). Though the Babylonians destroyed it in 586 BC, it was later rebuilt (Ezra 1:2) and during war, King Herod took control and completed its renovation. Inside the temple things were arranged much like the tabernacle in Moses’ day, with the Holy of Holies remaining a sacred area – the place of God’s presence. Only the high priest was allowed to enter the place beyond the curtain (Hebrews 9:3). Based on temple dimensions, it most likely hung 30 feet high in order to block the entrance, and though we don’t have a specific Scripture to confirm it, early Jewish tradition reports the curtain about four inches thick.
During Jesus’ lifetime, with the temple again a focal place for Jewish religious life, the significance of the curtain was clear to the Jews: God and man were separated because of man’s sin. On the day Jesus breathed His last breath, this heavy dividing curtain tore from top to bottom as the earth quaked. The writer of Hebrews offers us insight into the implication of the event (Hebrews 8-9). From the throne of heaven where God ruled (top of the curtain), access was granted. And as our High Priest, Jesus symbolically entered the holy place and took our sin once and for all.

3) How did the crucifixion events impact the soldiers who were standing guard?
As the day’s events unfolded, those present couldn’t help but notice they were in the presence of God’s Son. It wasn’t everyday the earth quaked and rocks moved, giving way for dead bodies to be resurrected and make appearances around town. Verse 54 says some of the soldiers who saw this were afraid, but in their fear they also came to a life-changing realization: THIS was the Son of God! As he often does, Luke adds detail to this in Luke 23 by telling us, “when the centurion saw what had happened, he began to glorify God, saying, ‘This man really was a righteous!’” Was this possibly the first post-crucifixion conversion? It sure seems so!

4) Did God (the Father) completely abandon God (the Son)?
Jesus cried out: “My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?”
Would God the Father abandon His own Son? Could He do that?! Or did Jesus merely feel abandoned momentarily? There has been much debate about these words. Bible scholars have strong feelings, some believing that to experience the full wrath of God for our sin, Jesus faced a separation from the Father. Bible teacher John Piper shares this opinion, explaining that Jesus isn’t really asking a question, but is quoting the psalmist (Psalm 22). “It is a real cry of spiritual desolation with words that were second nature because his whole life was scripted by God. The judgment was to have God the Father pour out his wrath, and instead of pouring it out on us, he pours it out on him. That necessarily involves a kind of abandonment.”
Others feel the need to reconcile Scriptures like John 10:30 , John 14:6-11 , and Ephesians 2:18 which they believe communicate that God the Father, Son and Spirit are inseparable.
Two other great theologians, Martin Luther and Charles Spurgeon differ on exactly what was happening here, but I found Spurgeon’s thoughts to be a helpful focus: “I think I cannot understand the words … When uttered by Jesus on the Cross, I cannot comprehend, so I shall not pretend to be able to explain them. There is no plummet that can fathom this deep! There is no eagle’s eye that can penetrate the mystery that surrounds this strange question.”

Everyday Application

1) As He hung on the cross, what was Jesus saying in verse 46: “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni”?
On the cross, Jesus felt the sting of sin’s grief. The One who had never been out of His Father’s will and never strayed from His Father’s purpose was experiencing the agony of hell. Being separated from His Father’s kindness was so unbearable Jesus cried out from the pain deep in His soul. And in this sorrow, Jesus once again demonstrated His humble obedience to the Father’s will “to bring many sons to glory”. (Hebrews 2:9-10) Even on our darkest day, we have One who was acquainted with grief and sorrow. “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.” Isaiah 53:3

2) What is the significance of the sanctuary curtain being torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death?
Praise God! We can now enter the Holy of Holies through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:19 says, “we have boldness” to enter the presence of God through the death of Christ. The temple curtain was a constant reminder to the Jews that sin creates a separation from God. The Old Testament explained how the sin offering was to be offered yearly along with numerous other sacrifices. The washings and rituals showed vividly that sin could not be completely or finally removed by mere animal sacrifices. BUT GOD in Jesus Christ has made a way for us to enter. Through His death, Christ has removed the barriers between God and man and brought us near.  We are able to approach Him at any time with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 4:14-16). At the cross, the God who created the universe made a loud declaration with an earthquake. The Son had made a way to the Father and invites us to enter with Him. The Psalmist worshiped this God centuries before: “The humble will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!” (Psalm 22)

3) How did the crucifixion events impact the soldiers who were standing guard?
It was surely not a job for the soft-hearted or those with weak stomachs. Carrying out executions must have required a certain kind of resolve and emotional hardness. But on the day Jesus died, there he stood, a soldier who’d observed all that had happened and began to look more closely at this Jesus. We don’t know when it started to become clear for him. Maybe it was the way Jesus showed such resolve as He experienced the anguish of the cross. Or it may have been the way He lovingly made sure His mother would receive continued care. Had he heard Jesus praying for His executioners? That prayer would include him! It’s doubtful he’d ever observed that kind of forgiveness. Added to these, there were strange occurrences like the sky darkening in the middle of the day, the earth rumbling violently, and dead bodies emerging from the ground.
Who knows what moment clenched it for him and others standing there. Like him, who knows when that moment happens for others. As we share our stories, we tell of God’s grace and goodness. We tell of His faithfulness and power. And we pray for that moment when another can deny it no longer and freely confesses: “He is surely God’s Son!”

4) Did God (the Father) completely abandon God (the Son)?
It’s mind-boggling to consider the suffering Son crying out to His merciful Father in agony.  When we sing the words “how can it be,” we demonstrate our lack of full comprehension that the God of creation would come to earth as a man to die in order to save us. Pastor, author, and hymn writer, Charles Wesley, put it like this, “He left His Father’s throne above; so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. ‘Tis mercy all immense and free, for O my God, it found out me.”
Amazing love. Amazing gospel. Amazing mystery. God abandoning God! At the end of the day, it is a mystery in which we must wrestle, but ultimately surrender to the One who knows all things. We humbly do so because we would not want a God we could so easily fit into our small-minded boxes. This glad surrender has great gospel implications. Tim Keller sums it up so well: “If you think you really, really understand the gospel, you don’t. If you really think that you haven’t even begun to understand the gospel, you do. Gospel theologizing isn’t anywhere near enough if we’re going to change the world with it. There has to be a lifelong process of more and more deeply realizing the wonder of the gospel.” It is within this wonder that we study and pray and then bow our heads and hearts in worship. For this we know: God is WITH us and He is FOR us!

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

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 Cross Week Three!
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.

Gospel Day 7 That He Gave: 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 That He Gave!

The Questions

1) What is being compared or connected in verse 25 with the word “neither”?

2) What important doctrine is taught in the phrase “God who made the world”?

3) Why is Paul reminding the people of Athens God doesn’t need anything or anyone?

Acts 17:24-25

“The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. 25 Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.”

Original Intent

1) What is being compared or connected in verse 25 with the word “neither”?
The context for this passage of Scripture places Paul in Athens. While waiting for Timothy and Silas to join him, he engages in continual dialogue with the Jewish leaders and many of the people in the city. Disturbed by the number of idols he has noticed, Paul feels compelled to tell them the truth about Jehovah, the One True God. The gods the Athenians worshipped were made with human hands and had limitations. But the God unknown to them, the One who had delivered them and was worthy of their worship, was in reality the Creator God. This God was “neither” confined to an earthly temple “nor” was He dependent on humans to provide Him with anything. He has no needs. God is the Provider. In fact, He is the ultimate giver of everything.  Romans 11:33 reminds us, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid?”
The word “neither” places emphasis on the fact that God wasn’t needy of anything, and therefore was uniquely worthy of their worship.

2) What important doctrine is taught in the phrase “God who made the world”?
Some people in Athens didn’t know the One they were honoring was indeed the One True God. There are Bible scholars who believe the verses regarding this specific altar (verses 22-23) are possibly referencing a time in Athenian history when the people believed they were rescued from pestilence and plague. They constructed the altar/idol out of their gratitude. Paul wanted them to understand the altar they had erected to their “unknown God” (verse 23) was not just to a god. He was in fact The God. He was their Deliverer. He was the One who had rescued them.
He was also their Creator. In their ignorance, they were celebrating the God of the universe without realizing it. In the following verses, Paul revealed how this God was also their Savior through the work of Christ Jesus. Paul’s message to the people declared the God who created them, and the God who had rescued them from disease, was the very same God who would save their souls. (Acts 17.30-31) Paul’s gospel was this: From creation to this very moment, this is the same God. The only God.

3) Why is Paul reminding the people of Athens God doesn’t need anything or anyone?
The people who worshiped in this day were accustomed to their religious practices (verse 22). They mostly likely served their gods “religiously”. Paul used this opportunity to teach them that the God he was speaking of did not need their service. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is mine.” Psalm 50:12
In fact, this God was the giver of all things, not the receiver. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminded His people of this truth. Reminding them of the inadequacy of idols, He said, “Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you. Who will you compare me or make me equal to? Who will you measure me with, so that we should be like each other?” (Isaiah 46:3-5)
Just like foreign gods could not save the people of old, neither were the present gods able to deliver them. Only an all-powerful and all-sufficient God was worthy of genuine worship.

Everyday Application

1) What is being compared or connected in verse 25 with the word “neither”?
We must keep in mind we worship a God much higher than us. “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.’ This is the Lord’s declaration. ‘For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8)
Paul was burdened that the people of Athens were missing the true God of salvation. The One True God of whom Moses proclaimed, “For I will proclaim the Lord’s name. Declare the greatness of our God! The Rock—his work is perfect; all his ways are just. A faithful God, without bias, he is righteous and true. The Lord declares, ‘See now that I alone am he; there is no God but me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal. No one can rescue anyone from my power.’” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 39)
This God is able to accomplish anything. He created the universe and He sustains it. We do well to humbly acknowledge our relation as humans to Him, the LORD of all.

2) What important doctrine is taught in the phrase “God who made the world”?
In John 3:16, we learn that God loved the world and He gave us His only Son. In Acts 17 we learn God created the world and gives us life and breath … and ALL things. What an amazing thought: The creator of the universe is a giver. He did not just create a world and then leave us alone. He isn’t some distant deity, uninterested in our lives.
We understand this because we are made in His image.
Those in Athens had heard their own poets refer to themselves as God’s offspring (17:29). Paul used this familiar concept to communicate how God was more than a figure made of wood or stone. Humans were created to live in relationship with the Creator. He has given us life and has also given us the power to live and breathe. He demonstrated this life through the resurrection of Jesus, the Son He gave. THE God, who created everything wants a forever relationship with us. Peter preached the same message that Paul preached, “By the word of God the heavens came into being long ago and the earth was brought about from water and through water… [This] Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:5, 9) We were created by God and we are loved by God. He is a life-breathing, life-giving God!

3) Why is Paul reminding the people of Athens God doesn’t need anything or anyone?
When we worship the One True God, we are the beneficiaries. He doesn’t need our worship, He deserves our worship. We must recognize that we remain a receiver and God is always the giver, yet even so, He finds delight in relationship with us. We are the beneficiary and He is the benefactor. Everything we have was given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 4:7 ) When we pray, we are confessing our dependence on Him to even desire to pray. When we serve, we aren’t working for a weak God who can’t accomplish a task without us. We are simply vessels God created to be His human hands and feet on earth. When we ‘count our blessings’, we aren’t tallying what we owe God. We could never repay Him. Nor should we see it that way. God doesn’t give because He needs a return. God gives because He is a giving God. In Isaiah 41:10, God says “I’ll help you, and I’ll hold you.”
John Piper said, “Trust this God, and every day pray as a helpless, empty recipient of this promise. And when you pray and when you trust as a helpless little kid, God will work for you. And He will get the glory, and you’ll get the joy.”

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with That He Gave!

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 Gospel 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.

Anchored Day 14 When The World Is At Stake: 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 When The World Is At Stake!

The Questions

1) What is the author of Psalm 95 urging his audience/readers to join him in doing?

2) In what way is the posture of the psalmist (demonstrated by his language) communicating an important aspect of prayer?

3) In the context of the entire Psalm, what can we conclude about this writer’s previous encounters with the Lord?

Psalm 95:2-5

Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.
For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.
The depths of the earth are in His hand, and the mountain peaks are His.
The sea is His; He made it. His hands formed the dry land.

Original Intent

1) What is the author of Psalm 95 urging his audience/readers to join him in doing?
Though there is no name attached to this specific psalm nor details given of the occasion, it would be very reasonable to conclude from the book of Hebrews that David penned this psalm. A likely reference to verses 7-8 is found in Hebrews 4:7 and includes David’s name. There are bible scholars, however, who believe the mention of David in the Hebrews passage is a more general reference. Whoever the author, the call to the Hebrew people is clear: Let’s join together to approach God and worship Him.
The writer is making an appeal to his audience to draw near to God in worship. Just as a pastor may stand before a congregation and invite them to “join in prayer”, the psalmist is seeking to generate a corporate awareness that God’s presence is available to them. In the original Hebrew, the call to “come” to the Lord (verse 1) includes anticipation. In some translations, the word “come” is repeated in verse 2. The CSB is valuable here, using clarifying wording instead and giving us insight into what’s meant by “come.” As God’s people, we enter His presence (Hebrew “meet His face”) together. We may recall that the Old Testament believers’ entrance into God’s presence was restricted (Hebrews 10:19-22 ). But from 95:2, we can know that does not mean the people of God had no access to Him. The psalmist’s invitation communicates and celebrates this access to come and enter.

2) In what way is the posture of the psalmist (demonstrated by his language) communicating an important aspect of prayer?
Psalm 95 is a picture of someone who is captivated by God’s supreme nature and His personal nurture. He uses terms that reflect the majesty of the One he worships, while also acknowledging the constant care He receives from Him. “Come”, he says in verses 1 and 6, to “bow down” and “kneel” before God, the One who created us and everything else. Preaching to ourselves the truths about God through song and prayer reminds us of His greatness and His goodness. We often think of bowing before someone of royal greatness as a demonstration of honor and humility toward that person. Yet in verses 1-2, there’s also a courageous cry of victory. The writer declares to the people that they should “shout triumphantly” in thanksgiving for God’s goodness. Verse 7 says, “He is OUR God, and we are HIS people.” Entering His presence is a holy honor that prompts our sincere and energetic worship. He is great! He is good!

3) In the context of the entire Psalm, what can we conclude about this writer’s previous encounters with the Lord?
Psalm 95:1 begins with “Come, let us shout joyfully …” Barnes (studylight.org ) explains that the psalmist is telling the people “to make a loud noise .. like the sound or clangor of a trumpet. In public worship it would denote praise of the most animated kind.” The people of God were to express their joy in Him with exuberant worship. Why? Because, as Barnes expounds, God is “the Rock of our salvation – the strong ground of our confidence; the basis of our hope; our security.” The psalmist and the people had come to know God’s character. He had a history of faithfulness with them. (Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Kings 8:56, Psalm 23, Psalm 33:4). The people were to remind themselves of Who He was and what He had done by expressing their worship. “Let us enter HIS presence.” This God. The magnificent One who created and ruled the universe. The One who had brought them this far.

Everyday Application

1) What is the author of Psalm 95 urging his audience/readers to join him in doing?
Throughout His Word, God invites His people to commune with Him regularly. The psalmists, in particular, call God’s people to corporately worship Him through confessing His goodness and His greatness. It has been said that the book of Psalms is a “Him” book. In Psalm 95 the author is appealing to the people of God to make Him known by verbalizing (singing and shouting) His presence and His power. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that He has redeemed them from the power of the foe …” (Psalm 107) We come boldly to God, making our requests known. And we bow humbly before God, recognizing His majesty.
We speak to Him, to our own hearts, and to each other through prayer and song. We also speak about Him and what He’s done for us personally and corporately. In quiet time with the Lord, the expectation can be that the conversation remains internal, but suppose we challenged ourselves to speak out loud of the Lord’s goodness?!

2) In what way is the posture of the psalmist (demonstrated by his language) communicating an important aspect of prayer?
In prayer, we come to the God who cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7 ) and we recognize He’s great and He’s good. The simple prayer of a child at the dinner table communicates an amazing and inseparable two-part aspect of God: God is great, God is good. This is a helpful filter for all our prayers. We acknowledge He’s great – exalted above all – and we bow in humble adoration. We also acknowledge He is good – inviting us to draw near – and we thank Him.
God, You are great. Far and above all people and powers, above all creation and circumstances, and above all that has even been or will be.
God, You are good. Thank You for Your goodness to us. You care for us like a shepherd cares for the sheep. You lead us to quiet waters. You provide and protect us.
We bow down and worship You!

3) In the context of the entire Psalm, what can we conclude about this writer’s previous encounters with the Lord?
As the psalmist remembers the Rock of our salvation, so should we! David constantly rehearsed the Lord’s faithfulness to himself and those around him. “My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.” (Psalm 103 )
On the first day of this new year, my friend penned these impeccable truths:
“2018: Jesus was endlessly faithful, wholly sufficient, indescribably beautiful, and the source of all enduring hope.
2019: Jesus will be endlessly faithful, wholly sufficient, indescribably beautiful, and the source of all enduring hope.
Worthy He has been and worthy He will be.”
Yes and yes! This is the essence of what prayer is. We come to Him … in exuberant expectation because of His greatness. We bow to Him … in humble adoration because He will never be anything or do anything that isn’t perfectly good.
God is great. God is good.
Let us thank Him.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with When The World Is At Stake!

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 Anchored Week Three!
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.

Glimmers Day 9 Hope; It’s Coming: 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 Hope; It’s Coming!

The Questions

1) Did the vision given to Habakkuk (verse 2) offer him any hope?

2) When people talk about their hope, especially non-Christians, they are most often referring to a feeling or mindset regarding their future. With this in mind, what is the difference between biblical hope and the hope we frequently observe in many people?

3) Are we, as people of the new covenant, still waiting for that “appointed time” (verse 3) of which was spoken to Habakkuk or was this vision fulfilled?

Habakkuk 2:2-3

2 The Lord answered me:
Write down this vision;
clearly inscribe it on tablets
so one may easily read it.
3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
it testifies about the end and will not lie.
Though it delays, wait for it,
since it will certainly come and not be late.

Original Intent

1) Did the vision given to Habakkuk (verse 2) offer him any hope?
The context of Habakkuk 2 places the people of Israel in a predicament they had created for themselves. Because of their disobedience towards God, they are experiencing the consequences of being among godless people (Chaldeans, aka the Babylonians). In the first chapter (Habakkuk 1:3, 3:1), the prophet is literally questioning God’s plan for His people in Judah. He recognized their unfaithfulness, but He believes God is good. God’s answer, through a vision, is probably not the answer that initially produced in Habakkuk a hopeful heart. In essence, God said it would get worse before it got better. When God told Habakkuk He was going to deal with Judah’s rebellion by using their enemies to do so, Habakkuk had to rely on the kind of faith mentioned by the author of Hebrews (Hebrews 11:1-2). The kind of faith that doesn’t have all the answers. Though we aren’t given much information about Habakkuk’s vision itself, the kind of ‘hope’ it apparently offered was the waiting and trusting God’s character and His Word kind.

2) When people talk about their hope, especially non-Christians, they are most often referring to a feeling or mindset regarding their future. With this in mind, what is the difference between biblical hope and the hope we frequently observe in many people?
One of the ways Webster defines hope is “to want something to happen or be true … without any basis for expecting fulfillment”. Typically, we have this in mind when we hope for something. It’s more like a wish. But biblical hope is much more than a wish. In verse 3, God tells the prophet that it “will certainly come.” Biblical hope centers our desire in “someone … accompanied by expectation of fulfillment.” The Bible dictionary connects hope to words like “trust” and “confidence” and “eager expectation”.
“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth…He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 20:28-31)
Peter reminds us that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Biblical hope is about Who. In Luke 2, Simeon waited expectantly for God’s promised One for many years. God was faithful to allow him to see the promise unfold. God will always accomplish His good purpose, even if we have to wait for it.

3) Are we, as people of the new covenant, still waiting for that “appointed time” (verse 3) of which was spoken to Habakkuk or was this vision fulfilled?
Reading Old Testament prophecies can leave us wondering if they were meant only for the specific reader/hearer or if they had future application. We study the context of a passage to help us understand what is occurring. In verse 3, the ‘appointed time’ would come specifically, and will come ultimately. Though there would be waiting, God was faithful in His judgment against Babylon (Isaiah 13; Jeremiah 50-51) and the enemy kingdom would certainly fall. (Daniel 5:28-30)
As we meditate on these words of God to Habakkuk in context of all of Scripture, I believe we can also conclude that God was communicating His ultimate judgment and redemption. At the ‘appointed time’ God will render His judgment on His enemies and He will save His people through His Son. Every single word of His will come to pass exactly as He has spoken. The God of Habakkuk never changes. Just as He told the prophet, he spoke similarly to John. “Mark my words: I AM TRUE AND FAITHFUL.” (Revelation 21:3-5)
So, the answer to the question is YES! “For every one of God’s promises is ‘Yes’ in Him. Therefore, through Him we also say ‘Amen’ to the glory of God!” (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)

Everyday Application

1) Did the vision given to Habakkuk (verse 2) offer him any hope?
In verse 3, Habakkuk was told to wait, but that God would certainly fulfill His plan. This is what biblical hope looks like for us in our daily lives. We are to trust in who God is even when we can’t understand what He’s doing. We believe His word and can expect Him to keep His promises. The vision gave hope to Habakkuk only as much as he was willing to trust and wait patiently for God’s fulfillment. God’s perfect plan will happen. But it will happen in His time. Maybe you’re experiencing suffering and confusion. Like Habakkuk, you are wondering how long it will take for God to reveal what He’s doing. (Habakkuk 1:2)
Even though it took some time, Habakkuk ultimately learned to rest in God’s sovereign plan for himself and the nation. In the waiting, he learned to hope in faith. In our waiting, we can unveil a present and very real hope by seeking the faithful and true God Himself. Who was. Who is. Who is to come. (Revelation 1:8)
When we’re tempted to fret and ask God for a timeline, it is our sure hope that gives us the strength to wait.

2) When people talk about their hope, especially non-Christians, they are most often referring to a feeling or mindset regarding their future. With this in mind, what is the difference between biblical hope and the hope we frequently observe in many people?
Proverbs 13:12 tells us that “delayed hope makes us heartsick.” In our human frailty, when we must wait for something we can succumb to feelings of hopelessness. When we continue to pray without receiving the answers we long for, we tend to despair. But biblical hope is connected to faith. It’s not just wishful thinking. Biblical hope helps us rest in the reality of a future we can’t yet see because of the God who controls it. The old hymn says it this way: Standing on the promises that cannot fail when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail; by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.
God’s promises CAN’T fail. Faithful in His character and true to His Word, He will give us the strength to prevail. This kind of hope is sure and steady in the midst of long days that might otherwise tempt us to doubt.

3) Are we, as people of the new covenant, still waiting for that “appointed time” (verse 3) of which was spoken to Habakkuk or was this vision fulfilled?
God was faithful to do what He told Habakkuk He would. The appointed time for the destruction of the enemies came. But in another way, it hasn’t yet come completely. In the New Testament book of John, Christ says on several occasions that His time “has not yet come.” He was referring to the first part of His coming to earth. The time when He would die and be raised again. But there’s a second part to the story. And God will be faithful to see it to the very end. The final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the judgment and redemption of Lord will come at the end of history when Christ will return to claim His Bride, the Church. God will punish evil and fulfill all His promises. To make it clear, the writer of Hebrews points us to Jesus: “For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. But my righteous one, will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.”
Christ has come and will come. It is in Him we have a working faith, believing in what is not yet fully known. He is our living Hope!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Hope; It’s Coming!

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 Glimmers 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.

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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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!

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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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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!

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