Author: Tawnya Smith

Sketched V Day 13 Paul, The Renewed Soldier

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Read His Words Before Ours!

I Timothy 6:11-14
2 Timothy 1:4-7
2 Timothy 3:1-5
2 Timothy 4:3-5

Sketched V, Day 13

Well this just might be it. 

The Sovereign hand of our Lord Jesus Christ released me for a time from Roman house arrest.  I did all I could in that brief time to continue visiting the brotherhood throughout Asia, preaching the gospel to all who would listen and teaching the established churches, encouraging young pastors to hold fast to what they’d been taught.

By the time I returned to Rome however, the city was in chaos.
Controversies were being stirred up, and those who followed Jesus were beginning to be hated, threatened and accused of wrong-doing. When I made my defense, there were no co-laborers who stood beside me, in fact all of them deserted me! However, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it (2 Timothy 4:17).

I was indeed rescued from the lion’s mouth, but here I sit once again bound up, yet this time chained in a Roman dungeon. And this, this just might be it.

As it may be the end, there’s a fire in my bones.
There’s a pouring out of all the things that have been rushing through my mind, my heart, my soul for the sake of the church, and ultimately, for the sake of the glorious appearing of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My body might be guarded night and day, weak as it is, but my heart and soul are set ablaze to send more letters to the brothers and sisters who need them. Why? Because this is a battle – it is a fight for faith to the end, both of myself and for my brotherhood.
I might be the one in chains, but they must know that all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).  For there is no other option for a good soldier but to share in the sufferings of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

That is what I am doing – bound up in chains for the gospel I have preached.
Yet, the Word of God is not bound!
Do they see it?
Do they see how it’s spreading, taking off, taken in, and setting whole regions ablaze?
This is why we pour ourselves out – this is why we suffer – for the sake of the elect, those chosen by God.  And this cosmic injustice that saves us all is that even if we are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13)

I am thinking of one dear child of mine in the faith, Timothy. His is a sincere faith, which was passed on to him from his mother and grandmother – dear women of faith themselves. I praise God for how Timothy received the gospel message and how, as the elders and I laid hands on him, he took up this charge and commission to serve the church of Christ faithfully.

But oh, I must remind him that just as he followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings, he must continue in what he has learned and firmly believed (2 Timothy 3:10-11a, 14).

Yes, he must be warned! In these days, it is becoming more and more difficult to discern truth and preach the gospel without distraction. Many are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4b), and will completely oppose the truth.
I know my dear Timothy understands where truth comes from and how from infancy he has known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give him wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I must remind him to be ready to preach the same gospel he first received is of utmost importance, because the risk for not sharing its fullness grows increasingly larger.
The risks of death and suffering will grow, yes.
But the risk of leading brothers and sisters onto a deceptive path to hell is far worse!
Many will turn away from truth and will beg to hear what their wicked hearts long to hear, rather than the truth from God Himself.  So I must admonish Timothy, my dear son in the faith, to exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, to do the work of an evangelist, and to fulfill his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

For this is what God has charged of me, and for what I have fought the good fight for.
I have kept the faith in Christ that first came to me, and I will finish this race.
But first, I must pass the torch to the brethren so that they too might fight the good fight in the face of opposition and come through awaiting the crown of righteousness that the Lord will award us in that final day!

So this truly might be it for me.
For in this way I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close (2 Timothy 4:6). But this I know and trust completely: The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Sketched V Week Three! 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 Sketched V!

Sketched V Day 10 Paul, The Torch Carrier

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 9:1-19
Galatians 2:11-21
Philippians 3

Sketched V, Day 10

Overwhelming light.

 An unfamiliar voice.

 I dropped to my knees. 

Before I knew what happened, all went dark. My eyes were open, but I saw nothing.
All was night around me, but somehow, everything inside was lit up.
That was the day Jesus of Nazareth stopped me in my tracks.
It was the day He became my Lord, my Light, my salvation. (Psalm 27:1)

My traveling companions led this blind man into the city because that’s where Jesus told me to go.  For three days I saw nothing, ate nothing, and drank nothing until a stranger, Ananias, was sent by God to restore my sight.
Light held a new meaning for me now.

Having spent time, a long time, studying Scripture and experiencing community, I began boldly preaching in the synagogues that Jesus indeed was the Son of God. Barnabas, a true brother, trusted what God had done in me, and helped the apostles to believe this too.
The Light begged to be shared!

Everywhere I preached, some believed, and many hated, spurning me, forcing me to flee for my life just as I had once made others do. The more I shared, the more persecuted I was, but the more pressing the mission of sharing Light began. I was coming to truly understand that I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) That life is the same light that continues transforming me and others as I preach Christ crucified!

Barnabas and I, like fellow torch bearers, eagerly carried this news to many areas including Antioch, Cyprus, and cities throughout Asia. We so desperately wanted our Jewish brothers to understand a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, and that even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 2:16) Faith made possible by Light entering the world. Faith for which I carry this torch, no matter the cost. (John 1:4-5)

It quickly became apparent that the degree of rejoicing and freedom many brothers and sisters were experiencing would also be equally matched with severe opposition against our bodies, our plans, our message – ultimately, we knew, against Jesus Christ.
Yet, the Spirit of God strengthened us for each mission,
each task, each opportunity to preach this good news.
In fact, we couldn’t contain it!
The gospel of Jesus Christ was a fire set ablaze by the Spirit of God
to build His church – His people!
Joy in our hearts fueled our eagerness to lay down our lives to be a part of this incorruptible flame.

So, I pressed on that the message given to me when I opened my mouth would make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19). And oh how I loved the church Christ was growing!  They became to me like children, so that whether I was present with them or apart, it was my joy to teach, instruct, correct, discipline, and pray that their joy in Christ might be full!

The Sovereign Spirit led me all the way to Rome, and to eventual imprisonment, yet by the grace of God this did not limit my ability to preach the gospel – it only made it flourish!
For this Light shines in the darkness, and darkness cannot overpower it! (John 1:5)
The churches throughout Asia were growing while experiencing intense persecution. Some speculate that this suffering will squelch us, but I know better.
The more we carry the Torch, the stronger the flame will grow.  

I fervently wrote while on house arrest, urging them to hold firm to the word of life, so that I could boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I was poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of their faith, I was glad and rejoiced with all of them. In the same way I so desired that they would also be glad and rejoice with me! (Philippians 2:16-18).

I desired that my imprisonment would be a source of encouragement to the saints in their own suffering. I boldly reminded them to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), and that this would be possible for us as we acknowledged that to live is Christ, and to die would be gain (Philippians 1:21).

Carrying the light of Christ is worth it, infinitely more so than the “meaning” my former life brought me. It’s worth it because Christ is my life. (Colossians 3:4)

Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:24-28).

I have certainly lost much
But this I fully know and believe that everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3:7)
But, the treasure of the Light, the honor of carrying it, is worth everything, even my life.  

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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 Sketched V Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Awaken Day 15 Soul Song

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119
Psalm 34:8-10
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 150

Awaken, Day 15

God awakened me to the life-giving nature of His Word during a low season physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  My journey to wholeness and healing involved a combination of common graces such as food, exercise, medication, friendships, counseling, and sleep. However, the foundational truth God showed me is that His Word is my very life.

Far from being a band-aid, His Word became a soul-companion
walking with me through challenge, pain, difficulty,
temptation, joy, blessing, and doubt.

Index cards of truth were stashed in my purse,
providing a quick intake of truth while waiting in the check-out line.
Songs of truth were kept in the car for long drives, defending my mind against preoccupation with lies or despair.
Settling into a daily reading plan of His Word with purpose and intention was transforming into a lifeline, and not just something to check off.
Reading the Scriptures and thoughtfully meditating on them made me want more.
I tasted and saw through His Word, that God is good, (Psalm 34:8).

The author of Psalm 119 takes us along his own journey of tasting and seeing (verse 103), in his tribute to God’s Word.  He wants us to understand that to encounter the One true God, we must turn to His own Words for life.

HIS WORD IS TRUTH
The psalmist uses all kinds of language throughout the chapter to affirm his position on God’s Word. However, when verse 160 comes around toward the end, it acts much like a thesis declaring, “The sum of Your Word is truth”.

God’s Word is the standard and plumb line (Isaiah 28:17). It tells me what is true, and brings clarity when I’m foggy, tempted, confused or simply ignorant. In a complimentary way, Psalm 107 gives a dramatic look at the war being waged in the heart of one seeking out truth in the wrong places. When the people finally “cried to the Lord in their trouble”, “He sent out his word and healed them” (verse 19-20).

HIS WORD IS PROTECTION
The instructions of God are guardrails on a dangerously high bridge, like boundaries on a forest trail and bright lines on a busy highway. The psalmist pleads in verses 9-11, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Verse 133 similarly says, “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me”

I’m so grateful for the psalmist’s example!
He’s honest about our frail human nature easily lured away and deceived by sin. Obeying God’s Word is not a badge for the pious – no! It’s a weapon for the one who understands their capacity to sin, and clings to the Word to guard her heart (verse 176)!

HIS WORD GIVES HOPE
Consider how the psalmist conveys hope in God’s Word:
“Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (verses 49-50)

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (verse 92)

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” (verse 114)

God intends our suffering to drive us to Him, His Word, and lean on His promises.
Psalm 143 exemplifies how David’s suffering sent him running to God and clinging to the promises in His Word. Our suffering may come by evil hands or hearts, but affliction teaches and points us to the unwavering character of God (119:71).

Humility Asks for Help
Knowing the value of God’s Word is critical, but a humble position is prerequisite to even this.  Over and over the psalmist asks for help to see, understand and keep God’s law.  Yes, he declares trust in and belief that God’s Word is perfect, yet in the same breath,
he asks for help to keep believing and following it.
Plenty of times! (verses: 12, 17, 27, 34, 36-37, 43, 66, 73,117, 135,169).
This carries the same posture of the father in Mark 9:24 who says, “I believe, help my unbelief!”

How comforting it is to know that we can
firmly declare truth while acknowledging we have not arrived at perfection.
We do not yet fully believe all we should,
and we need His constant help to keep believing and walking in God’s ways.

When we rightly see ourselves in great need, and see God for who He is, Majestic King, Compassionate Shepherd, and Mighty Lord, we will respond with praise and exaltation.
We see a beautiful example of this in the completion of the Psalms in chapters 146-150, (written for the dedication of the second temple.)

Just as the author of Psalm 119 consistently declares,
let us also taste and see God’s Word as our very life.
Not for a badge, but for a vision of who God is and what is true.
This will propel our hearts and lives to cry out,
“Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
praise Him according to His excellent greatness!” (Psalm 150:2)

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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 Awaken 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?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Awaken!

Worship IV, Day 10 Pathway Of Worship

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Read His Words Before Ours!

I Chronicles 29:11-13
Romans 9:20-21
Luke 1:46-55
Philippians 2:6-11

Worship IV, Day 10

When I consider the coming of Christ and the events leading up to his birth, I am stunned and drawn in by the response of the key players in the narrative.  Mary, a young girl who seems to come out of nowhere, yet who is clearly chosen by God, responds to the angel’s news with courage, (despite initial fear), humility, and trust.
How is this response possible?
Did she understand what this meant?
Why don’t we see her falling apart or self-pitying?
How was she able to enter into this narrative with ease of heart, and go on to proclaim through song her worship of Yahweh God?

If I dare imagine myself in Mary’s place, I cannot with confidence say I would have the same response.  In my sin tendencies, I am focused on myself, my anxieties, and my desires.
My prayers and songs might have been more lament in nature than praise and worship. The same might be true of you.
We may wonder if our faith would live up to a big moment like this or hope that we’d have an ounce of the same kind of courage.

But are our responses of worship just a game of emotional Russian Roulette, never knowing where our hearts will land? Or are there postures God plants in us along the way that prepare the course of our heart’s worship?

Mary’s story in Luke chapter one gives us insight into her heart of worship and how God can prepare ours as well.

Where Worship Begins: Position
When Mary was given the seemingly impossible news that she would carry the Son of God, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) This simple but poignant statement reveals two things, 1) Mary already knew her position before Almighty God and 2) she humbly placed herself under His authority.

Psalm 111:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.”
This is how humility is born and stoked in a human heart.
When we rightly see God for who He is (I Chronicles 29:11-13), we will rightly see ourselves for who we are (Romans 9:20-21).
The result is a holy humility that not only understands, but embraces His will.

How Worship is Sustained: Belief
Another foundational layer of Mary’s heart is revealed when Elizabeth says of her, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”. (Luke 1:45) Mary chose to believe God’s faithfulness.
He does what He says He will do!

Her position of humility was bolstered by trusting God, not her own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5 warns us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;”.
The temptation to rely on our own understanding of circumstances, timing of events, brokenness in life, and even God’s own Word, can drive us mad and self-centered.

True worship is sustained in the recesses of our hearts by continually turning to the promises of God and His proven faithfulness.

How Worship is Proclaimed: Praise
Mary’s heart spills out through song in Luke 1:46-55. Traditionally called The Magnificat, Latin for “my soul magnifies the Lord”, we have a picture of Mary’s mouth pointing like an arrow to what her heart knew all along.

In verses 46-49, she points us to what God has done for her personally.
She is quick to say that HE has done these things, that she will be called blessed because THE MIGHTY ONE HAS DONE great things for her, and that HIS NAME IS HOLY.
There’s not an ounce here of self-exaltation.

Verses 50-53 point to God’s authority over all the earth. Mary sings of His mercy, might, provision, strength, omniscience, sovereignty, grace and justice.
She is not consumed with God’s work in her singular life.
She knows that God is over all, in all, and she is one portion of a more magnificent display of His full glory.

The last section of Mary’s song, verses 54-55, shows that she is no stranger to the Old Testament Scriptures.  She knew well the promise given to Abraham and how it would be a mercy for all of Israel. This circles back around to the sustenance of Mary’s worship: belief in the promises of God.  She recalled what she already believed, and proclaimed that the fulfillment of this promise was happening within her own womb, for the good of all mankind. 

The Same Attitude as Christ
Mary’s heart posture foreshadowed the very attitude that Jesus Himself would have. The One whom she was carrying, had been teaching her how to be carried beyond herself to a place of humble obedience that exalts God and brings every knee to bow before Him.  Philippians 2:6-11 expresses the cosmic mash-up of God cloaked in flesh.
Christ embraced a position that lead to His humility as He laid aside privilege, power, and rights. He believed the Father’s plan, stepping into limitations that we might live, into pain for our joy, and into obedience for the ultimate magnification of God.

Oh Father, create in us a holy humility that believes in your promises so we might respond in worshipful proclamation of who You are and what You have done!
Lead us into ever deeper worship!

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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 IV Week Two! 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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Screenshot Day 3 Treasured Kingdom

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 13:44-50
Philippians 1:18-26
Matthew 16:24-26
Philippians 3:7-8 

Screenshot, Day 3

It was the summer before my sophomore year in high school.  I trusted in Jesus as my Savior at a young age, but I had gradually given in to cycles of sin and hardness to the Word of God.  God had created a perfect storm between my heart and life circumstances.
It all came to a head at summer camp.   

By the final session, God had tendered my heart to listen to His calling on my life. When the speaker called those to the stage who were committing to give their lives to vocational ministry for the Kingdom of God, I stood up, tears streaming, and joined the small group on-stage.
I was emotional, but I was thinking clearly.
I knew I needed to lay down my future, devoting it completely to Him.   

Over the years, I’ve wondered:
“Did I even understand what God’s kingdom is and what I was committing to?”
“Is the Kingdom of God something only those in vocational ministry work for?”
“Maybe it’s something bigger than that?”
Regardless of where I was then, that moment began a series of opportunities throughout my life to give all I am and all I have for the glory of God and His kingdom purposes.  

But what exactly is the kingdom of God?
Simply put, it is where God rules and reigns.

And what does He do as He reigns?
He lovingly redeems and sanctifies His people,
always working for our good and for His glory.  (Romans 8:28) 

If you haven’t already read Matthew 13:44-50, go ahead and do so now!
Here, Jesus uses three short parables to help us think about the kingdom of God.   

Hidden In A Field
Verse 44 compares the Kingdom of Heaven, (synonymous to the ‘Kingdom of God’ in Scripture), to a treasure hidden in a field. Jesus explains that once a man discovered it, he sold everything to buy the field and obtain the treasure.
The point here is not that the kingdom of God must somehow be purchased, (impossible!). Instead, it teaches us the value of this kingdom.

The use of the word treasure is very strategic.
Jesus had already told His disciples in Matthew 6:21,
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. 
He’s urging us to let His kingdom rule in our hearts! 

Valuable Pearl
Verse 45 compares the kingdom of God to someone searching for a pearl of great value.
If God’s kingdom is where He rules and reigns,
and if we have eyes to see Him doing so in all of His perfect beauty and glory,
then we will value and treasure this kingdom work as highest priority in our lives.
Likewise, since God’s kingdom is about redeeming and sanctifying lost souls,
then the greatest pearl is Jesus Christ Himself! 

Casting The Net 
Verses 46-50 illustrates the sobering truth that what we treasure now on earth, will have eternal implications. The gospel of Jesus Christ is thrown out as a net over the entire world.  Those who hear the good news, and have eyes to see Christ as Redeemer, are covered with the righteousness of Christ.  Those who hear, yet turn away from Jesus, will receive the full punishment of their sins in eternity.  

So, what does this mean for my everyday life?  
Does a follower of Jesus have a choice to participate in this kingdom?  

In Matthew 16:24-26, Jesus teaches that to be His follower,
taking up your cross isn’t optional.
Sufferings, celebrations, trials, burdens, joys, sickness, blessings, pain, brokenness, everyday life, are all intended as opportunities for us to follow His example.
What example is that?
Death to sin and self.
Jesus gave Himself up for a greater gain,
that we might be awakened to real life in every part of life. (Philippians 2:6-8) 

Does this internal work of God only happen on mission trips,
in ministry teams, and at summer camps?
Is it reserved for the local pastor, the Bible academic, or Sunday-School teacher?

As a follower of Jesus, the kingdom of God has been prepared for our participation
no matter our title, our role, where we live, or occupation.
Kingdom work is for all of us! 

Over the past decade I have been schooled in what God’s Kingdom looks like.
His Kingdom calls out for wisdom in the corners of my home, amongst crumbs on our van floor and whining in the back-seat.
It whispers patience to me in the grocery-store aisle with a defiant preschooler, and less than perfect family dinners.
It commands hope amidst a despairing heart, and gives vision for a fully redeemed future.   

I’ve been pressed up against a wall with the words the apostle Paul wrote,
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. (Philippians 1:21)
I’ve had to choose to let go of things I thought were a gain; things I thought would be an asset, a help, a strength of mine, and have been shown that Christ is my greatest treasure. (Colossians 3:7-8)  

Treasuring God’s Kingdom means you and I will
seek Jesus as our greatest gain and
will die to our own kingdoms of self-love and preservation.

In this dying, He will make us alive to the work Christ will accomplish through us to redeem and sanctify others.
Let us press on to live, move, and breath for this Kingdom;
it will show itself to be the highest treasure!

To God be the Glory! 

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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 Screenshot Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Tabernacle Day 6 Purpose & Pieces

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Leviticus 17:11
Exodus 25:21-22
Hebrews 10:19-23
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 7:25 

Tabernacle, Day 6

The Old Testament laws and details of the Tabernacle have sometimes felt cold and distant to me.  I have wondered at the seemingly stark difference in the way God related to His people in the Old Testament and in the New.  I’ve even disregarded the Old Testament covenants and laws entirely, with the excuse that I am under a new covenant.  The fault in this perspective is that it fails to look at these ancient ways through the lens of Jesus. 

Over the last few years God has shown me that everything in Scripture, everything in God’s story with mankind, is strategically there to point us to Jesus.  When we choose eyes to see it this way, these seemingly dry, dusty concepts come alive with incredible insight, hope, and glory.  Let’s consider the Old Testament Tabernacle that God instructed His people to construct as a means to worship Him. (and since this will stretch our imaginations, here is a Super Helpful Visual!)

THE TABERNACLE 
The Court of the Tabernacle
The Bronze Altar was the first thing an Israelite encountered after entering the Tabernacle tent.  God told the people to bring their animal sacrifices here. The priests stood by to assist in the slaughtering, burning, and catching of the blood. It’s a horrific thing to imagine, especially for our modern minds. Yet, then and now, it was meant to demonstrate the horrifying nature of our sin. The animal represented the sinner, and its blood was shed to atone for the individual’s sin, according to God’s instruction in Leviticus 17:11. These were not once and done sacrifices, but were offered repeatedly for sin.  

Praise be to God that He sent an even better, eternal and perfect sacrifice in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.  How incredible to know that because of this we were “ransomed…with the precious blood of Christ, like that without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1:18-19) 

The Bronze Basin was set up immediately after the Altar and right outside the entrance to the Holy Place. Here, God required priests to wash their hands and feet before entering, so that they would not die (Exodus 30:20). Being pure in the presence of God was of paramount importance. 

In reality, no amount of water can truly wash away our sin-stained hearts. Christ made a way for us to be cleansed forever.  Hebrews 1:3b tells us that “After making purification for sins, he [Jesus] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”. 

The Holy Place
After entering the Holy Place, you would find the Golden Lampstand made entirely of gold. God gave instructions for the stand to be shaped as an almond tree.  Each branch had a golden flower that held an oil lamp.  These lamps were kept continually lit by priests.  

Jesus came and declared Himself the Light of the World (John 8:12), telling us that if we follow Him, we will actually live in the light of His life.   

The Table of Showbread was made out of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.  It held the Bread of the Presence, which was a special bread prepared weekly for the Sabbath as a memorial food offering. As priests, Aaron and his sons were the only ones allowed to eat this special bread.  

Jesus fulfilled this requirement by being the very Bread of Life (John 6:35).  We know that He is the only one who truly satisfies our hunger and gives eternal sustenance. We are promised that when we seek the Lord with our heart’s hunger, we will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). 

The Altar of Incense was the last structure housed in the Holy Place. It was stationed just in front of the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, God’s very dwelling. The Lord gave Aaron the job of continually burning incense in the morning and evening as an offering to the Lord.  

The placement of the altar of incense, (just before the curtain to the holy of holies), gives us the image of Christ as our intercessory incense (Hebrews 7:25). He fulfilled this requirement when He gave Himself up as an aroma to God on the cross. Just as His flesh was torn, so was the curtain, allowing us into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20). 

The Holy of Holies
The Ark itself was a box made out of Acacia wood, and overlaid with gold.  The cover on the box is referred to as the Mercy Seat and was also overlaid with gold. God instructed that two gold-hammered angels be set on top of the Mercy Seat. The entire Ark of the Covenant was the exact place God chose to dwell with His people. He told Moses He would meet with him, and speak to him here. (Exodus 25:21-22) 

When Christ gave His life as a redemptive sacrifice, He paid our sin debt in full, giving us not only complete access to God, but also making our heart a place where God’s Spirit chooses to dwell. (1 Corinthians 3:16) 

HE IS WORTHY
Seeing that Christ came and fulfilled every requirement of the law proves He is truly worthy of our worship! Revelation 5:9 says,  “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’” And in 4:11 the angels sing, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” 

God no longer requires the worship of animal sacrifices on an altar, because Christ completely atoned for our sin. However, as a follower of Christ, true worship does require our lives. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship.  

This looks like daily taking up our cross by dying to our own desires, control and little kingdoms, and living a life that points entirely to Jesus and His kingdom.

One Old Testament Tabernacle, with all of its ornate and intricate details pointed to One Glorious King, who would come to rescue us from sin and redeem us that God might forever dwell with man.
Not in a box, but in our hearts!  

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Worship III, Day 5 Made For Worship

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 19:1-6
Romans 12:3-8
Job 38
Job 39

Worship III, Day 5

We live in a fascinating era where information can be received and shared at an astounding rate and volume. You can make a transfer between bank accounts, order a new bathtub, share a work-proposal, make a deposit in your kid’s lunch account, and face-time your cousin in China, all from the comfort of bed if you want.  And that’s just before 8am.

The tools and technology God has allowed mankind to progress in have also enabled us to make some pretty amazing progress in spreading the gospel, making disciples, educating ourselves, and simply staying in touch with our moms.
There’s no arguing that technology is pretty great.

But is it that great?

In this wonderfully wild era of exposure, I am presented with a unique temptation to think that I am pretty great.  The tech and tools that allow my voice, image and thoughts to reach further than ever before, can also deceive me into thinking my voice, thoughts and ideas are greater than ever before.

And well, that’s simply not true.
But it’s hard to remember this unless I encounter the voice, the image, and the thoughts of Greatness Himself.

What we need is a regular dose of what Carl Gustaf Boberg responded to in the late 1800s. This Swedish pastor was on a walk when he was caught in a terrific thunderstorm.  After it died down, he heard church bells ring and was overcome with God’s majesty on display. He immediately scribbled down a poem that would eventually become the beloved hymn, How Great Thou Art.This song has stood the test of over a century and is still considered a favorite today.

It is a stunning depiction of man’s response to God’s greatness.  The first two stanzas come from Boberg witnessing the might and wonder of God’s creation:
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

The refrain leads no one to wonder who the greatest is.
Boberg responded with what the human heart was hard-wired to do – worship.
When we see God for who He is, we will worship Him!
How similar to David’s declaration in Psalm 19:1-3 when he observed,
“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.”

Boberg went on to fully reflect on God’s greatness displayed through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus,
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

In the final stanza he mixes inevitable humility with the hope of being home with our Maker:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

This hymn has built memories and familiarity for most modern Christians today.
This past month I collected thoughts, stories and memories from people on their perspective of this song.  It was fascinating to see the following four themes emerge from the responses I received. 

God’s Majesty
Most commented that this song often comes to mind when they are out enjoying God’s creation. Many resonated with the idea that they feel closer to God when outdoors.  It reminds them of their position, and helps them rest in God’s.

History
Many had stories and memories of their grandmothers singing this song. It also evoked feelings of safety or being “at home”.  Along those lines, some expressed the lyrics themselves reach across denominational backgrounds, and helping bridge familiarity when relocating.  God’s greatness is far reaching across generations, cities, countries and church bodies!

It is applicable for any circumstance
Reading others’ memories pointed out that this song has been used for a broad spectrum of life events including funerals, weddings, celebrations, loss, and in giving praise.  When we reflect on the greatness of God, He provides comfort and joy in every season of our hearts.

Full scope Gospel lyrics
This hymn quite naturally takes us through the gospel of Jesus Christ!  For some, the third stanza comes to mind while taking Communion, for others the fourth stanza encourages them to keep longing for their forever home.

How Great Thou Art gives the Bride of Jesus Christ a beautiful way to collectively express our worship. It is a perfect of seeing ourselves rightly, in light of who God is (Romans 12:3). When we see His greatness, beauty, sacrifice and promises,
it will not make us cower, but it will make us worship!

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Character Day 11 Warrior God

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 42:10-13
Zephaniah 3
Psalm 23
Ephesians 6 

Character, Day 11

El Shaddai, God Almighty. 
Yahweh Sabaoth, Lord of Hosts. 
The Lord is a Warrior,
The Lord is His name. (Exodus 15:3)

The Lord advances like a warrior;
He stirs up His zeal like a soldier.
He shouts, He roars aloud,
He prevails over his enemies.
(Isaiah 42:13) 

Have you considered the aspects of God’s nature that make him mighty, strong, valiant, a warrior?
We might know those things about God.
We’ve probably heard and read them.
But do we consider what this looks like in action?

Does the idea of God’s battle anger being compared to a drunk waking up out of control make you uncomfortable? (Psalm 78:65)
Can you imagine God shouting and roaring as He attacks His enemies? (Isaiah 42 13) 

It might be hard for some of us.
Perhaps we’re more inclined to remember God’s gentleness, kindness, and compassion since we are urged to submit to the Spirit’s growing this fruit within us. (Galatians 5:22)
This doesn’t negate however what the Bible also shows us of
His wild, warring, just hand,
and His unstoppable defense of His name and people. 

A Warrior in our Defense
The Hebrew name Yahweh Sabaoth, speaks directly to God being the Lord of Hosts.  He’s the head of His army, leading us in His strength, might and power.  Many Old Testament saints believed this and acted upon it.  When David showed up to battle Goliath he declared, I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel—you have defied Him, (I Samuel 17:45). When Aram’s armies were hunting down Elisha and his servant, Elisha prayed for eyes to see God’s host of protection.  His servant looked out to the hills and saw them covered with the Lord’s armies (1 Kings 6).  The night before the battle at Jericho, the Lord of Hosts appeared to Joshua, affirming that He would indeed bring the walls down (Joshua 5:13-6:2).  

A Warrior After Me
Zephaniah 3 explains that the people of God were in deep sin, disobedience, and oppression.  Their own priests were wayward, the people had stopped trusting in God, and they had no shame in wrong-doing.  Here, God declares that He will rush in and rescue His people from this oppression and restore them to Himself.  He declares His faithfulness over them, even when time and time again they failed to turn to Him.  It is then that Zephaniah pens the following familiar verses that paint the spectrum of God’s character, including the zeal of a warrior. 

On that day it will be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear;
Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will be quiet in his love.
He will delight in you with singing. (vs 16-17) 

God’s intense, just nature is fueled by His holiness, His purity, and His desire for His people to be in a right relationship with Himself. 

I grew up memorizing Psalm 23 and in particular I learned verse 6 this way:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
All these years it sounded like David tied a sweet little bow right onto the end of this well-known, comforting Psalm.  I’ll admit that it even had the ring of something that sounded a little too good to be true, like a hallmark card.   

Yet, I’ve come to trust this is God’s Word – His promises for those who trust Him, and there’s nothing trite about that. Over the last couple years God has shown me that what I thought was a sweet little “follow”, is actually not a passive, “follow-the-leader” kind of meaning at all. Nor is it like my little one straggling behind me in the store, forcing me to keep saying, “come on now, keep following me”.
No, God is warring after us, and this is very different. 

The Hebrew word for follow here is radaph and every other time it is used in the Old Testament, it is in reference to an intense, passionate chase or pursuit, often used in terms of battle. In fact, I love how the Christian Standard Bible version translates Psalm 23:6 this way,
“Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all of the days of my life.” 
Pursue! Battle! Chase! Hunt!
These are things warriors do.
And this is the intensity in which our God chases our hearts down. 

There was a too-long period of my life when I had been living under private oppression, my heart weighed down and held captive with lies. With one phone call it all came crashing down, as God swung in with His severe mercy. It felt like the fist of God pounding down on a table hollering “ENOUGH!”, not in anger toward me, but in battle against sin, darkness, lies and oppression. It was like Jeremiah expresses in 20:11,
But the Lord is with me like a violent warrior. 
Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

His faithful, violent love hunted me down and didn’t stop until I was found.
This is the kind of warring love our Savior has for us! 

Let us fear this Warrior Lord for who He is, 
and draw near to Him because of the love He gives. 

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Character Day 5 Righteous Anger

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Read His Words Before Ours!

James 1:19-21
Ephesians 4:26
Galatians 5:16-24
Psalm 37:7-8

Character, Day 5

I stood there holding the severed kitchen faucet handle, adrenaline still pumping. My then five-year-old son had been helping me rinse dishes. Our stubborn hearts were at odds. He was ignoring my instruction. I was being controlling. In anger, I slammed my hand down on the faucet breaking it beyond repair. Shame, sadness, and despair rushed over me.

I never considered myself an angry person, but suddenly, in the trench years of very small children, flares came easily. Anything from obnoxious noises, toothpaste on towels, and spilled milk (I know, I know…), to sibling spats, sassing, and willful disobedience were moments I could erupt.

I knew that fits of anger were a work of my flesh (Galatians 5:19-20), and I began crying out for God to help me. I knew I needed the Word of God to save me from myself (James 1:21). The Spirit began showing me the connection between my anger and whose kingdom I’m bowing to – mine or God’s.

The question isn’t simply, ‘Is anger sinful?’.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26 that to be angry and not sin is possible.
Yet a few verses later he also admonishes the church to
“let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away..”.
Psalm 145:8 explains, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”.
Yet, Psalm 78:49-51 paints a picture of God’s unleashed anger.
So how are we to discern this visceral emotion?

Unrighteous Anger of Man
In their book The Cry of the Soul, Dan Allender and Tremper Longmann bring clarity stating, “the core of unrighteous anger is a hatred of vulnerability and a love of control”.

When we feel pain, offense or exposure, unrighteous anger attempts to secure for ourselves satisfaction right now. It might be triggered by a legitimate wrong, but the defining point is how that anger is directed.

James 1:20 says, “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

This pricked my heart early on in my battle with anger. In my attempt to correct and discipline my children, I had allowed my own satisfaction to be a driving force. Instead of submitting to the Spirit’s control, I was tossed around by my natural reactions to things that jarred my comfort, peace, and control. My own desires were the things I was seeking to satisfy my heart.
Unrighteous anger is a hungry search for satisfaction in our own timing,
and with our own methods.
Ultimately, it is a display of discontent with God. 

Righteous Anger of God
Is righteous anger, then, shoving our desire under a rug or ignoring injustice?
Is it playing nice and downplaying an offense?
Not at all.
It is critical for our souls to acknowledge that all is not right in this world. The Psalms are full of laments and questions directed toward God. A re-orienting of the direction of our anger, however, is needed. To be righteous in our anger is to reflect God, whose anger is always directed at sin and darkness.

Looking to God in our anger, we also wait on His timing to show His character.
Psalm 37:7-8 begs, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”

We must acknowledge our anger honestly before God, acknowledging our inability to make things right. Psalm 4:4 tells us to “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”
This is counterintuitive and uncomfortable.
It can also feel incapacitating.
Yet this is exactly where God wants us:
running to Him in our anger and crying out for His action.

Allender and Longmann explain,
“Righteous anger warns, invites, and wounds for the greater work of redemption.
It is full of strength that is neither defensive nor vindictive, and it is
permeated by a sadness that is rich in desire and hope…..
righteous anger allows the offense to be seen as an issue between the offender and God.” 

Is your anger permeated by sadness over sin and rich in desire for God’s holiness?
Or is it a short fuse connected to the hope of your own desires?

When I slammed my hand down in exasperation on my kitchen faucet, I wasn’t thinking about the greater redemption of my son, nor was I full of hope. I was mad and wanted to end the struggle.
But God has more for our anger.
He desires to use us to bring about His greater work of redemption.
As we submit to His Spirit, He will do this through us!

Lastly, consider God’s example.
We deserve His full wrath because of our sin,
but instead received mercy and grace.
God poured out His fury upon His perfect Son, who paid the punishment for you and me.
God’s wrath was satisfied, His holy standard maintained.

Father thank you for your grace.
Use our anger to point us to your holiness, righteous fury, and redemptive work.
Help us embrace utter dependency as we wait on you to make all things new and right.

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