Worship

Worship V Day 1 All Glory Be To Christ

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Read His Words Before Ours!

James 4:13-16
Matthew 6:9-13
Isaiah 55:1-3
Revelation 21:5-6

Worship V, Day 1

Every New Year’s Eve my husband and I marvel at the crowd gathered at Times Square.  While we are cozied up enjoying the comforts of home, thousands gather hours in advance, often standing in rain or sleet, to watch the ball drop and mark a new year.
“It’s just sooo exciting”, reporters and party-goers repeat on the quarter hour. There’s a palpable energy even from across the screen. Truly, these attendees are up to their eyeballs in anticipation. As that ball finally drops, so does the tune known round the world. You’ve definitely heard it, but maybe you don’t really know it.

It’s the nostalgic piece written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. Its lesser known title, Auld Lang Syne, can loosely be translated “for the sake of old times”. The song is a celebration of old friendships, good memories, and a plea to not forget or forsake them. It’s certainly a beautiful song and sentiment. We can understand the emotion, the build-up, and the excitement that surrounds the turning of a new year, and paying homage with a song like this.  However, as good and right as it may be to celebrate these earthly gifts, the reality that always pricks my heart and grounds my soul is how much more there is than this.

More to give thanks for, more to anticipate, more to bank on, more to cherish – more to celebrate. Really, Someone to celebrate.

With similar thoughts, worship leader and song-writer Dustin Kensrue felt compelled to pen new lyrics to Auld Lange Syne as he flew home on December 31st, 2011. He explains, “The idea is that—especially at the beginning of the new year—we would dedicate all our efforts to bringing glory to Jesus Christ, to acknowledge that anything else would be of no value, and to celebrate our redemption in him.”

 And my, what new life Kensrue breathed into this song with his new adaptation, All Glory Be to Christ, (recorded by King’s Kaleidoscope)! With a heavy lean on the Word of God, this new hymn ushers us into worship any time of the year reminding us to set first things first.

 Should nothing of our efforts stand
No legacy survive
Unless the Lord does raise the house
In vain its builders strive

 Right at the start, Kensrue pulls from Psalm 127:1, reminding us that “Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.”

 To you who boast tomorrow’s gain
Tell me, What is your life?
A mist that vanishes at dawn
All glory be to Christ!

 The second verse brings in Proverbs 27:1 “Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.” Similarly, James 4:13-14 reminds us we cannot make plans without acknowledging that in the scheme of God’s grand design, our lives are like a vapor appearing for a little while and vanishing.

 His will be done, His kingdom come
On earth as is above
Who is Himself our daily bread
Praise Him, the Lord of love

 Kensrue brilliantly ties in the Lord’s prayer as well as the heartbeat of James 4:15-16 teaching us to preface our every move with a submission to the Lord’s will.  The theme of these first three verses rests on humility.

 All glory be to Christ our king!
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing
All glory be to Christ!

 This repeated refrain is our anthem! Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, may everything be for the glory of God! (I Corinthians 10:31)

Let living water satisfy
The thirsty without price
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
All glory be to Christ!

 The fourth verse references the sweetest invitation found in Isaiah 55. Although “cup of kindness” is in the original lyric of Auld Lang Syne, it clearly has a different meaning here which is beautiful writing! With this line, Kensrue turns our eyes to the cup of kindness our Savior offers (because He took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself), which is intended to lead us to repentance and the fullness of life! (Romans 2:4)

 When on the day the great I Am
The faithful and the true
The Lamb who was for sinners slain
Is making all things new

 The lyrics come to a crescendo now highlighting a future grace where God makes all things new for those found in Jesus Christ! (Revelation 21:5-6) Now THAT’s palpable excitement!

 Behold our God shall live with us
And be our steadfast light
And we shall e’er his people be
All glory be to Christ!

And so now, for the “already but not yet” living, we hold fast to the hope that God will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5)

A beautiful anthem for this life and beyond! Whether we’re turning over the page to a new job, a new stage of life, a new responsibility, or simply a new day, may we choose to ground our anticipation in the hope of Christ, and may we step into what God is calling us towards with a determination to give all glory to Christ!

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Cross Day 15 John The Exiled

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 14:25-33
Matthew 17:1-13
Revelation 1
Revelation 22

Cross, Day 15

The brilliancy of the setting sun against the crystal clear, glass-like waters appeared to combine both fire and water in one, breathtaking view.

Surrounding me, the ocean breeze played rhythmically with the pink, flowering blossoms of the Tamarisk tree. The familiarity of sand grains rubbing between the soles of my feet and the sandals I wore, barely grazed my recognition.
The scene before my eyes had me transfixed.

The quiet lapping of the shining water beckoned me back decades prior as an eager, know-it-all, 20-something on another beach as a fisherman.
Ah, the smell of sweat mingling with a fresh catch of fish!
Our biggest catch, actually.

But the catch had nothing on the Creator who’d brought the fish to our nets that morning.
My brother, James, and our friend, Peter, had no idea what we were embarking on that day.
We only knew we were utterly captivated by the winsome authority of the seemingly average, but clearly extraordinary, man who commanded even the fish.
Who was this?
Was He worth it?
Jesus? Yes!
So we left everything to follow Him.

I pulled my eyes from the shimmering waters and felt my gut clench and my heart ache as I couldn’t help but spot the towering temples dotting the coastline. One each for Artemis, Apollo, and Aphrodite. I felt the bile rise in my throat as I knew that even now, there were many on the island prostrating themselves there. A precious memory quickly appeared and I felt my breath catch as it always did with this particular scene.
It was only Peter, James, and myself with Jesus that day as we scaled the mountain. We arrived at the top, catching our breath and sweating profusely from exertion, curious for Jesus’ purpose in bringing us here, when suddenly everything changed.

Shining white cloud-like brilliance was all we could see emanating from Jesus Himself.
Caught off guard and confused, we watched as suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared.
Moses, the great rescuer of Israel, the champion of our history.
And Elijah, Israel’s great prophet, the one who didn’t die, but was simply carried away into glory. Highly revered, the greatest men in history stood before us with Jesus!
Peter, always impetuous, moved forward saying we should build three tents for each of them, honoring them equally.
But then, the Presence of God Almighty appeared, just as it had in the time of Moses and Elijah, and the same Voice we’d heard at Jesus’ baptism boomed around us. The Voice elevated Jesus above the others, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!”
Who was this?
Was He worth it?
Jesus? Yes!
So we fell down and worshipped Him as Lord of all.

Lord of all, I reflected.
“King of the Jews” was the inscription above Jesus’ head as they crucified Him.
Pilate meant it as mockery, writing it in 3 different languages for every onlooker to understand this self-proclaimed “King” was stripped naked and dying a criminal’s death.
Ha, some King.

Yes, Pilate, some extraordinary King.
King of All
The King who gave His life as a ransom for many.
The King who died in the Sinner’s place.
The God who sacrificed Himself for His enemies that we might have relationship with Him.

Oh God, my God!
And I bowed my head and wept for this lavish love poured upon me, so undeserved!
As if the act of God Almighty becoming flesh to live among us and sacrifice Himself for us were not gift enough, He then gave His Spirit to live and move and breath within us, making our own souls His very temple.

Jesus told us countless times that following Him came with a significant price.
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate
his own father
and mother
and wife
and children
and brothers
and sisters,
yes, and even his own life,
he cannot be My disciple. 
Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27)

We are called to a sacrificial life.
A life where everything is placed secondary to Christ.
Is He worth it?
Absolutely.

Is it painful and difficult?
Absolutely.

The persecution in Ephesus where I led the church was intensifying. I knew it was only a matter of time before Domitian, the Roman ruler 13 years after Nero, would take more extreme measures to get rid of me. So here on Patmos I’ve been exiled.

Exile.
I scuffed my shoes, making the grainy sands fly towards the water, the shining orb of the sun appearing to be swallowed by the sea.
What can I do for you here, my King?
I’ve lived for You, followed You, been persecuted for You, and now I’m being silenced.

My Word shall never pass away, John.
My Word is trustworthy and true.

In the blink of an eye, the Spirit pressed in upon me, an angel appeared, and a voice filled with thunderous authority, yet still so keenly familiar, surrounded me with its trumpet-like sound declaring, “Write what you see….”

Jesus.

Majesty robed in unspeakable glory, a Warrior surrounded with brilliant light, dazzling as it had that long-ago day on the mountain.
“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one.
I died, and behold I am alive forevermore,
and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
Write therefore the things that you have seen and will see.” (Revelation 1:17-19)

Jesus.
Coming King.

The scenes came quickly now, the words flowed like the roar of many waters from my Lord’s mouth.

The Lord had a letter for seven churches in Asia minor, all of which I was familiar with.
But oh, Church, there is more!
I saw the throne room of our Most High God!
I heard the angels declaring in continuous, renewed awe,
“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”
I witnessed worship like I’d never dreamed possible and the beauty of it held me breathless.

I heard a song calling every tongue, every nation, and every tribe to the throne of the Almighty. I heard all creation declare our Jesus worthy.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!

I saw tribulation, I saw persecution, I saw famine, and darkness, and sword,
yet I beheld the Lamb who overcomes!
I saw the saints made clean by His precious blood.
I saw no more hunger, pain, thirst, death, or even sadness for God Himself wiped away every tear.
I saw the prayers of the saints lifting upward to the Almighty and I saw His pleasure over His Bride as we prayed.
I saw the wrath of God poured out on sinful humanity.
I saw the Savior’s atoning blood.

And as He summoned His Bride, the Church,
I heard the voice of a great multitude,
like the roar of many waters,
like the sound of mighty peals of thunder crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns!” (Revelation 19:6)

Oh Church!
He is coming again!
His glory is magnificent beyond measure!
All authority belongs to Him.
Church, Your Groom is coming!

Who is this God?
He is the Alpha, the Omega.
The Beginning and the End.

Is He worth it?
Yes, Church, Yes, He alone is worthy!

Give Him your all, brothers and sisters, He Is Coming Soon!

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A Note About Cross
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters in Scripture and looked through their eyes as they saw the cross. We do our best to research the culture and times and all biblical support surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives as they watched the crucifixion, but we can’t be 100% accurate. These first-person stories are our best interpretation of how these characters viewed Jesus as He gave Himself up for us. Our hope is that by looking through their eyes, we will see the Cross differently as well, and be dramatically changed as we encounter the Savior!
Enjoy!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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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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.”

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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

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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 :-))

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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.

Anchored Day 13 When The World Is At Stake

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 95:2-5
Matthew 28:16-20
Colossians 4:2-6
1 Corinthians 16:9-10

Anchored, Day 13

Our world is dying.
Those of us walking with Jesus know the narrow road to life,
and we are commissioned to invite the perishing around us on the
journey to life everlasting. (Matthew 7:13-14)

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

This urgency drove Paul’s words to the Colossian church in chapter 4.
Having laid a foundation for Godly living in chapter 3, Paul now invites the Colossians to broaden their perspective to the lost world stretching out before them.

“Fellow saints,” he seems to say, “remember your transformation is unto transferral:
the transferral of lost souls from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light.”

Paul extends the hand of ministry partnership to Colossian believers.
He begins by highlighting the power of prayer, fundamentally understanding the success of his local evangelism depends on a suffusion of supernatural power garnered by prayers of distant believers.

So too for us, sisters!
While evangelism may not be our main vocation, we are not sidelined!
Our supportive role is critical to the work of those on the mission field.
When the world is at stake, our prayers matter.

But how should we pray?
Verse 2 of this passage provides three main guidelines for powerful, supportive prayer.

First, we are to be STEADFAST in our prayers for those sharing the Gospel.
Consistency in prayer exponentially strengthens both the pray-er (growing both motivation and intensity within her) and the recipient.

Next, we are to be WATCHFUL in prayer.
When we get busy praying, the enemy gets busy opposing us. We need to be alert to his strategies, which he’s crafty enough to tailor to each of us. Head on a swivel, sisters, let’s fight to protect our prayers.

And finally, we are to be THANKFUL in prayer.
While the view from the trenches may be discouraging at times, it’s important to remember that ultimately, the victory has already been won. As we reflect on our testimonies, we are reminded God has been faithful and will be again.
We find ourselves infused with fresh hope and strength for the fight.

We’re ready to be consistent in our prayers,
alert to the strategies of the enemy to thwart us,
and gratefully confident that in the epic struggle for the world,
our God has already been declared Victor.
We’re ready to pray.

But what should we pray?
Verses 3-4 provide timely guidance.

First, Paul requests prayer “also for us”.
Again, this refers to those whose main vocation is spreading the Gospel, whether local or far distant. Specifically, Paul shares a deep desire to make the most of “open door” moments: those special opportunities to share Jesus in unusually effective ways. These are not day-to-day conversations with a single person, but rather unique openings to minister on a large scale.

In every interaction, Paul longs to declare the mystery of Christ in a way that makes it clear. Some people may have been taught a wrong understanding of the Gospel.
Others may have no frame of reference at all and find it overwhelming.
Paul seeks wisdom to spread the word of God in a way that is relatable to each person he encounters.

So, as we pray for our missionaries, let’s ask God to create open doors for the exponentially effective move of the Gospel.
Let’s ask Him to give those on the front line precisely the right words
to make clear the heart of the Father.

In the last few verses of this passage, Paul moves instructs the Colossians
how they ought to share Jesus.

Because of course, evangelism is not just for missionaries.
Each and every one of us have been commissioned
to engage in everyday, ordinary ways of sharing
the most extraordinary story ever told.

“The time has come,” Paul seems to say, “to put all of your learning, all of your discipline, all of your growth, into action. Being transformed into the Father’s image means your heart also becomes more like His, broken for His lost children. Go now; it’s time to act.”

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders,
making the best use of the time.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Right off the bat, Paul encourages us with the simple command to engage those outside the family of believers. Time is short, and every interaction matters.
Therefore, Paul explains, wisdom is paramount.

Where is this person in the process of salvation?
What action on my part would be most beneficial
for this person
in this moment?

Perhaps my role is to sew a seed, leaving the harvest for another worker. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) Or perhaps this is the moment of decision, and I ought to press on.
God’s timing is perfect, and my desire is to move in step with Him as He leads.

Furthermore, operating in the Father’s wisdom and listening the Spirit’s whisper allows our words to be seasoned in a way that makes the Gospel most powerful in each interaction. Because it isn’t about us, this is God’s Work!

A highly effective approach with one person might prove detrimental with another.
Before we’re overwhelmed by the weightiness of what lies ahead, remember we have God on our side. He created each soul; He is perfectly capable of leading us as His Spirit courts each one for the Kingdom.

When the world is at stake, the power of prayer is critical
along with a willing obedience to go.
Let us meet the Lord on our knees,
hear His whispers in our hearts,
and take Him with us to the streets.

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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Anchored 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 Anchored!

Anchored Day 2 Saints, Apostles, & Brothers: 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 Saints, Apostles, & Brothers!

The Questions

1) Why does Paul call out that he is an apostle “by God’s will” and notes that Timothy is “our” brother? (verse 1)

2) Is there a significance to Paul’s greeting, “grace and peace to you from God our Father”? (verse 2)

3) Why would Paul include a reference to his prayers for this particular church in his greeting, especially since he hadn’t met them? (verse 3)

Colossians 1:1-3

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother:
To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you

Original Intent

1) Why does Paul call out that he is an apostle “by God’s will” and notes that Timothy is “our” brother? (verse 1)
Paul was writing to Gentile believers he had never met; he had only “heard of their faith” through Epaphras. (verse 4, 7-8) Through Epaphras, the brothers and sisters in Colossae would have known who Paul was and of his missional heart for the Bride of Christ, His Church. They knew their own pastor, Epaphras, was a believer because of Paul’s willingness to extend the gospel and disciple him. To receive a letter of encouragement and instruction from Paul would have carried significant weight because of his reputation alone, but Paul doesn’t put any stock into man-made reputation. Instead, Paul puts the full weight of his authority and ability to speak truth over them as a church body on the effective call and will of God the Father, working in community with God the Son, Jesus Christ. Then, distancing himself even further from what could be seen as his “self-made-platform”, Paul identifies Timothy as the collective “our” brother in the Church. What Paul is preparing to write and teach isn’t about himself or puffing up his reach as a pastor with authority, it’s about the community of Christ as brothers and sisters, all saints together.

2) Is there a significance to Paul’s greeting, “grace and peace to you from God our Father”? (verse 2)
Lest we forget, every word of Scripture was written on the breath of the Holy Spirit. He used human writing styles, human words, and human author’s unique stories and experiences, but the words and message are fully the Lord God’s. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Every word of Scripture is significant, which is why we take such time and energy to study it well. (2 Timothy 2:15) This isn’t simply a Pauline greeting we casually pass back and forth like, “Hey, how are you?” “Good! We are doing great! How are you?” “Good thanks!” This greeting is rooted deep in the anchor of the gospel. Grace. God’s richest gift to mankind demonstrated through the offering of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin. When we accept this gift of undeserved grace, unable to be earned by our attempt at being good, we have peace with God. Grace and Peace. Because of His grace, we have peace. Peace with God and peace we can extend to others. Paul’s greeting is not an ordinary hello, it’s rooted in the depth of the gospel, because only there in the anchor of lavish grace, do we have hope for relationship, for life, for community, and for peace.

3) Why would Paul include a reference to his prayers for this particular church in his greeting, especially since he hadn’t met them? (verse 3)
Again, nothing preserved in Scripture is accidental or unimportant. All of it holds treasure to reap as we seek to know and understand God better. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” This single sentence reveals much! It was commonplace for Paul to pray and when he did, it wasn’t a show or religious rite, but a conversation centered around a deeply intimate relationship with God as Father. God wasn’t a foreign entity Paul worked to appease and then occasionally beg Him for something. Prayer allowed a vibrant, continuous relationship to grow between Father God and beloved child. Paul’s prayers, while deep and intimate, were woven through with gratitude. When Paul prayed for the church, gratitude bubbled up for their partnership in the gospel. He was grateful for the opportunity to share the mission with other believers. (verse 4) Whether he personally knew them or not, what mattered most was that these brothers and sisters, fellow saints, were co-laborers for the gospel. Going farther in the letter, Paul has “big rock” items to teach them as he corrects their beliefs, but despite the issues ahead, Paul begins with gratitude for these, his brethren in Christ.

Everyday Application

1) Why does Paul call out that he is an apostle “by God’s will” and notes that Timothy is “our” brother? (verse 1)
Are you involved in a local church body? If so, who are you able to identify as leaders? Are you attaching that label of leader to yourself? If not, you should be. You, sister, have a calling and responsibility as a member of God’s Body, to be actively serving her and partnering with other members to preach Christ! If you’re already serving in the local church, think through who you are willing to link arms with in serving the mission of the church. Do you view someone as “beneath” you? Who do you, perhaps unwittingly, choose not to serve with? Paul’s message is clear, not just in Colossians, but in each of his other letters; the unity of the church is paramount to her accomplishing the mission of God. Pray through how you can leverage your role, regardless of what it is, to strengthen that unity. Partner well, love well, live well in biblical community with fellow brothers and sisters, remembering that it is only because of Christ that we, together, have this mission!

2) Is there a significance to Paul’s greeting, “grace and peace to you from God our Father”? (verse 2)
What if we, like Paul, began looking at each of our interactions as opportunities to share the gospel? Suppose the words we choose to use in our relationships very intentionally pointed towards Christ? What would our social media accounts reflect? Would the tone shift? Might people leave our conversations better encouraged, or maybe seeing the face of God a little more clearly? Challenge yourself to become more cognizant of the questions you ask, the intention behind the asking, and the words you use in your response. Intentionally deciding to bless another with truth can be as simple as “grace and peace”.

3) Why would Paul include a reference to his prayers for this particular church in his greeting, especially since he hadn’t met them? (verse 3)
In just this one sentence, we see such a deep and wide scope of Paul and his prayer life. What about yours mimics this model? Where would you like to see your prayer life grow? Is prayer mostly a “you-talking” experience? Do you use prayer in conjunction with Scripture? How often do you sit, still and silent, before the Lord, just to listen? Keeping a prayer journal is a great way to reflect on the content of your prayers. How often is gratitude woven throughout them? How frequently do you simply enjoy the glory of being in God’s presence and meditating on His character?  Consider too how often you lift other saints before the Lord, and with what attitude you do so. When we position ourselves at the Throne of Grace, the Spirit will naturally move our hearts to intercede for brothers and sisters. Joined to the Father, insistently means joined to the Saints in this beautiful community of Church! What is your prayer for the church? Share it with the GT Community today on Facebook and let’s encourage each other as we pray for one another!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Saints, Apostles, & Brothers!

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 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.

Sketched V Day 15 Paul, The Legacy Leaver

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:18-30
1 Peter 5:6-11
Ephesians 3:14-21

Sketched V, Day 15

“Paul, Paul!”
The kind, prodding voice called a welcome down into the inky blackness.
“Brother, it’s Luke.”
Luke plunged his hand into the dank hole in the floor where he knew I sat below, locked inside the lower level of the Mamertine Prison under the fast-paced streets of Italy.

Nero’s iron fisted rule of Rome and his bloodthirsty hatred of Christians had finally landed me here. “Prison”, up until this point, had generally meant “house arrest”. Limited mobility, and chained almost constantly to a Roman guard, but still, the Lord had granted me freedom to write and continue teaching and encouraging churches.

But this prison cell was different.
Marked men like me were brought here short-term, for one purpose: execution.

There was that time Silas and I had been bound together in a cell.
I smiled at the warmth of the memory as I stretched my hand to reach Luke’s above me.
Brothers bound by the gospel.
A gospel that was free despite my chains!

Silas and I had sung together late into the night before the Lord had sent an earthquake to break our physical chains and free the jailer from his spiritual ones. Melodies of rich grace, the deity of Christ, and the unfathomable truth that God had come in the flesh to rescue us.
I grinned, grabbing Luke’s hand and began in a rambling, throaty voice, “He is the image of the invisible God…”
“The firstborn of all creation”, Luke finished the line for me in his lighter voice and back and forth we went.
“For by Him all things were created….”
“In heaven and on earth…”
“Visible and invisible..”
Onward through the glorious mysteries of Christ we sang until we reached the refrain.
Now singing lustily with tears streaming down both our faces at the wonder of it all, “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.”

The cavernous, stout room amplified our voices making us feel as if we were only 1 voice among hundreds.
“Peace by the blood of His cross.”
The hush enveloped us as words ceased. We squeezed hands and let go, fingers nearly numb as we had stretched to reach the other.

We both knew the days were ending for my pilgrimage here.
My tent of a body would soon lay motionless aside Ostian Road outside of Rome. For a Roman citizen like myself, crucifixion was considered too inhumane, so beheading would take my final breath.
It would be a quick death.
I’d known much worse suffering in the years before now.

Finally, I was going Home.
Home to see again the face of Jesus who had appeared to me so long ago on that road to Damascus.
“I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name”, Christ had told Ananias the day I became blinded.

And suffer I had, but now, now I was nearly Home!
I would have done it all again for “these light and momentary troubles were achieving for me a glory that was unfathomably rich.” The life I’d lived here in the body, I had lived for Christ as I’d sought to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Dead to sin. Alive to Christ.

And now, here I was under the streets, awaiting my final new birth.
The thought of it bubbled up inside me as if I were a young man again and I couldn’t help the chortle of laughter from coming out and echoing around me.

“Paul? Are you… laughing?!” Luke’s incredulous voice belayed a teasing smirk.
He knew me well enough to know that of course I would be laughing.
Nero thought he had me, thought he had killed the Church, but what could possibly end what the Lord had determined would be?! It was as ludicrous as saying there would be an end to the love of the Father. Outlandish!
Nothing could separate us from the love of God, and I told Luke as such.
To which he responded, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth…”
I chimed in victoriously, “nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the Love of God!”

The echoes hammered around us again before fading.
“I will miss you, brother,” said Luke, and I heard his voice catch in the darkness above me.
I reached my hand out again.
That sting of death.
Soon I would gaze upon the glory of the Lord, waking up to endless day, the fullness of God realized in a resurrected body and renewed purposes yet unknown to me, but Luke would still be here, journeying onward. Without me.

“For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ
this will turn out for my deliverance.”
Remember that line in the letter I penned to the Philippians, Luke?
How I love those brothers and sisters!
Their prayers buoyed me as the Spirit strengthened me through them.

“Yes, I remember,” mused Luke thoughtfully. “Deliverance….”, his voice trailing off and his thoughts drifting to a day when suffering would end.

“Brother! You must keep running! Your race is not over yet, but one day it will be.
With full courage now as always
Christ must be honored in our bodies,
whether by life or by death.
As Barnabas encouraged us often with the imagery of a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ cheering us on from glories above, be encouraged you are not alone.
Keep running, brother.
Christ is worth it.
Hold fast to the word of life, Luke, so that in the day of Christ you may be proud that you did not run in vain or labor in vain.”

I felt Luke’s sadness linger, but a steadfast determination filled us both.
We weren’t the first to face the temporary separation of death, or the grand welcome home awaiting us. Brother Peter had traveled Home just a few months before, spending his last days in this same cell. My heart shook for grief at the loss, but then revived nearly immediately with the knowledge I would soon see him whole and healthy as well. Home, I was almost there.

Peter’s words came to me through the Spirit and I lifted my face to speak truth firmly over Luke as an embrace, “And 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.”

In His mysterious way, the gracious Lord raised our spirits beyond the walls of my confinement, binding us together, reminding us of His mission, strengthening us for the pilgrimage ahead. The unity of His Spirit is unspeakable!
We would each keep running on our journey toward Home, full of faith given by the Father.

Luke leaned his face down as close to the portal as possible, and with a voice full of jubilant victory declared, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
“And Amen!”

To live is Christ…
To die is gain.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
~
We don’t know for certain of Paul’s last days on earth, but historical tradition leaves us with a decent idea. Paul was likely released from house arrest for an undetermined time and then captured again by Nero and placed in the Mamertine prison for a handful of days before execution by beheading. We don’t know if Luke was with him, but his letters to Timothy give a good indication he was. We do know for certain, Paul died a free man on his way Home.
Free because who the Son sets free, is free indeed.
He lived his life for Christ and encourages us, the Church, you and me as sisters, to keep running the race marked out for us, until we too are finally Home!

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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 Three! 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 13 Awake My Soul

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 91:1-4
Psalm 94:16-19
Romans 8:31-39
Hebrews 4:14-16

Awaken, Day 13

Her back against the wall of the dark corner, she slid to her knees. Forehead met floor as she clenched her arms tighter around her waist, trying desperately to muffle her cries. Despite her efforts, the roiling within couldn’t–wouldn’t–be contained, and her keening echoed in the emptiness around her.

Barely able to string words into thought, she flung a desperate plea to the heavens.

“I can’t do it anymore.
It’s too big, too hard, hurts too much.
I can’t.”

Never had the Throne of Mercy seemed more distant. The disappointment He must surely feel thundered in the silence, its weight crushing.

Exhausted, her sobs spent, one final whisper escaped her lips:
“ . . . help . . .”

Into the void, He spoke.

“My sweet girl,
I
am
here.”

She felt a hand on her back, and instantly her frenetic shaking ceased. Lifting her head, squinting through her tears, she saw Him. There. In her dark corner, His other hand reaching out to smooth damp hair from her face. He was there.

He pulled her into His lap, encircling her in the strongest, most gentle embrace.
Peace began to creep into her soul . . . until she remembered.

Remembered what had driven her to this place of desolation.

Overwhelming troubles.
Mountains she had tried again and again to scale, only to fail and fall and crumble.

Or perhaps rejection.
Barbed reminders that she didn’t belong, wasn’t good enough,
and therefore was destined to be alone,
piercing her soul until she was too wounded to stand.

Or injustice might have flung her into this pit,
blindsided and bleeding.

Whatever the root cause, its oppression began to close in again.
Hopeless, she cried out, “I don’t know what to do!”

“Beloved,” He murmured, shattering the encroaching darkness, “it’s time to worship.”

“Worship?” she echoed in confusion . . .

Dear sister, perhaps her puzzlement reflects our own?

Surely heartfelt hymns of praise spring from mountaintop moments,
not deepest, darkest valleys.

And yet, His Word shows us
life and hope and peace
in the midst of
death and hurt and despair
are found in the place of worship.

Praise . . . when it hurts.
Speaking truth we know and believe . . . when we don’t feel it.

When the giants of OVERWHELMED and FEAR and FAILURE loom large before us,
He reminds us:

He is the One Who created our universe (Psalm 95:1-5).
Whose dominion is absolute and glory is all-surpassing (Psalm 97:2-6).
Who performs wonders on behalf of His beloved (Psalm 99:1-3).

He is bigger, stronger, and victorious over
the obstacles we are powerless to surmount on our own.

When the bitter seeds of rejection begin to wither our spirits,
He uproots their lies with His hope-full truth:

We are intimately known by and called to belong to the flock of our Maker (Psalm 95:6-7).
We are deeply loved and faithfully cared for (Psalm 98:3).
We are His (Psalm 100:3-5).

We are never alone: we are the little sheep of His pasture,
created for and belonging to Him, always.

And when the devious cruelty of another leaves us
suffering, despairing, and crying out for vindication,
He is our justice:

He alone is Judge, and His faithfully righteous words speak joy into our aching souls (Psalm 96:10-13).
He sees the truth and will judge fairly (Psalm 98:9).
He loves justice (Psalm 99:4).

He promises to end our story with justice,
turning the wicked intentions of man against us to good,
for the glory of His name.

Truth begets life.
When we are helpless and hopeless in the place of deepest pain,
speaking the truth about our God revives our dying spirits.

Because the truth is, He is still worthy of our praise.
When we are overwhelmed, alone, wronged,
He is still God.
He is still good.
He is still for us.
And if God is for us, what can stand against us?

Remember that thing, that ugly hurt that drove us to our dark corners?
The truth we access in worship is because of who He is, because of His crazy love for us, He’s got that thing covered.

Drawing in a deep breath, she paused for a moment, biting her lower lip.
In a barely audible whisper, she began, “You are my God. You made me, and I. Am. Yours.” Words of life spoken in her own voice built her courage.

Stronger, now. “I come to You with thanksgiving and praise. Thank you for all that You are, and for being here with me now.

“You are my way through. You are my Good Shepherd and I belong to You.
You are my justice and my vindication.
You are good, and Your faithful love endures, forever.”

The mountains still rose before her.
The pain of brokenness with man remained.
But her Guide was at her side.
His very presence was salve to her wounds.

Slipping her fingers into His, she stepped forward, her soul awakened to deep life.

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Awaken Day 12 Victorious Wonder: 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!
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The Questions

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?

Psalm 91

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust:
3 He himself will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.
4 He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
6 the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
8 You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
10 no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
12 They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

14 Because he has his heart set on me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
16 I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him my salvation.

Original Intent

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
The Hebrew word for “dwell” literally means “to sit” and “remain”. A few months ago, a lovely saint in Christ invited me to lunch in her home. She prepared a delicious soup and bread and set the table with cloth napkins and delicate silver. As she invited me to sit down and eat with her, the intention was that both of us would be fully engaged and remain with one another until the conversation had pleasantly ended. We weren’t in a hurry or thinking about all the “nexts” of the day. We had no agenda other than enjoying the gift of being with each other. This is the meaning of the Hebrew word for “dwell”. When we abandon everything else about life with all of its burdens and aches and pressing insistences, coming to the Lord with His Word for the purpose sitting and remaining, He delights in extending His gracious presence to us. He fills us with good things, He teaches us to trust His heart, and He leads us into righteousness. He protects us at the very core of who we are in our hearts when we choose to dwell with Him.

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
Yes, Scripture itself teaches that trials, persecution, and burdens are indeed the reality of life lived here on earth, but we cannot possibly know the depth and breadth that the Lord has protected believers from. This psalm isn’t a promise that nothing “bad” will ever happen to a believer, but it is promising that even in the midst of “bad things”, He is still for us. He uses all things, good and bad, as if they were tools to shape us to become more like Him. While the reality of present danger cannot be ignored, neither can the very real testament of believers who have received innumerable protections from the Lord. God is intimately acquainted with our lives, our comings and goings, and, holding all power, protects us constantly. We are never outside of His gentle, fatherly hands of love.

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
Verses 1-2 are the psalmist’s personal testimony of his own experiences with the Almighty One as he has chosen to make Him his dwelling place. The Lord is “my God, my refuge, and my fortress”. He then proceeds in verses 3-13 to prompt his listeners to do the same. He sees the busyness, the unrest, the destruction, and the pain happening in their lives and pleads with them to just dwell with the Lord. “He will rescue you…He will cover you…you will not fear…pestilence will not reach you…no harm will touch you…..no plague….He will protect….He will support.” But it is not the protection believers who receive this gift are seeking, it is simply to dwell with the Lord, to know Him in ever deepening ways. His protection is a gift overflowing from the relationship. (verse 9) The final perspective is of the Lord Himself in verses 14-16 which depict that precise intimate love between Most High God and us, the Beloved of God. Protection is given because the one who seeks after Him “has his heart set on Me” says the Lord. God extends loving protection “because he knows My name.” Relationship is central! These last 3 verses are precious indeed to the one who daily chooses to dwell with the Lord!

Everyday Application

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
If we are to truly “sit and remain” with the Lord, we are to do it regularly, daily, and consistently. We benefit from the Lord’s protection and His presence when we are immersed in it, daily choosing Him over all other, lesser loves. A curious philosopher holding a chirping sparrow in his hands, wanted to discover the source of the sparrow’s song, and sliced open the bird to find the reason it sang. Of course, the song ended with his life. Similarly, the love, intimacy, and buoying protection shared between the one who dwells with the Almighty and the Lord God Himself, is also one of mystery. It simply is not fathomable or searchable unless it is experienced for one’s self. Have you discovered that rich delight that comes with dwelling with the Almighty? The intimacy that protects your heart, guards your mind, and teaches you the path of right living? Come away with Him! Dwell with Him! Know Him as He already knows you and delight in the rest and protection He brings!

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
An unexpected check in the mail during a difficult financial time, encouragement when we were tempted to give up, a friend offering to get groceries for us when we ran out of time, an easing of the schedule because of a cancellation, these are all protections from the Lord. Sometimes we take these things for granted as just a “coincidence of life”, but it is the Lord who sees and knows, and acts to protect on our behalf because we love Him and He loves us. Praise Him for these! The Lord is so mighty that even in the midst of intense suffering, as the believer draws near to dwell with the Father, enough strength and peace are given to bring rest and encouragement because while the Lord does indeed give protection in this life, His protection into life eternal is immutable and permanent! Rest here in His presence and find unspeakable treasure!

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
We bring glory to the Lord when we tell of His deeds in our own life. The act of writing down His faithfulness in our own personal faith story not only encourages our own faith because we can see on paper the mighty hand of the Lord, but it also equips us to better share with others how the Lord has been our sheltering refuge. If you’ve never done this, take the challenge to do it this week! Consider upping your personal challenge and sharing it here with the GT Community by emailing your story to Faces of Grace. When you get the chance in everyday, regular life, implore those around you to find shelter with the Lord by dwelling with Him. Speak of His goodness, share of little moments when He has protected you, boldly declare Him! For the last 3 verses in Psalm 91, take them in deeply. Savor them. Memorize them. Pray them out loud over yourself, your friends, your spouse, your children, or even your enemies. Experience the precious gift of truly dwelling with the Almighty and being hidden in Him!

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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

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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 :-))

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