God’s Word

Sketched VI Day 8 Danielle

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:1-11
Ephesians 4:17-32
Zechariah 8:1-23

Sketched VI, Day 8

I grew up in the Kansas City, KS, metro area and was raised by my mom and stepdad as my mom and biological father had divorced when I was three.  My dad suffered from substance abuse and depression, and was physically and emotionally abusive, and also adulterous. However, once my mom remarried, my home life was safe, Christ-centered, very strict and structured.

My sister and I were enrolled in a Christian school during our elementary years. I made very close friends, had wonderful Sunday school teachers at church, where we attended weekly, and my parents lovingly taught us about Christ and our need for a Savior.

I gave my heart to Jesus when I was five years old. I still remember reading the prayer of salvation with my mom and little sister, found within a small paper booklet, and was so excited to have Jesus living in my heart! I have fond memories and was very happy for most of my early childhood days.

Around 12 years old, my stress level increased.
I started attending public school and lost contact with my biological father all together. Up until that time he had been fairly regular with our bi-weekly visits. I also became overly aware of how different I was growing up in an upper middle class, basically all-white community as a bi-racial youth. With all of these personal stressors spinning uncontrollably inside, I became highly anxious and easily worked up, all of which I took out on my parents.

In high school, I hung out with “popular kids” and dated older guys. I played club soccer year-around in addition to four years of varsity, and traveled for college showcases.
My need for perfectionism, approval, and obsessive tendencies began here.

Although I was very busy, I still made time to party, drink alcohol, and sneak out and smoke. My grades were excellent and I excelled at my sport, so my parents had no idea of my “weekend self”.  I was committed to this double life.

But the shame and guilt I carried as I walked into church each week eventually led me to stop attending youth group and push away my wonderful, God-loving friends.
I no longer fit in. 

My collegiate years were much the same with a hyper-focus on getting all A’s, while also intent on being the best party and sorority girl.
This was what I was good at, being the “fun friend.”
My double life was in high-gear and I made no attempt to refocus my life on Christ as Sundays were spent recovering from the weekend.
In my freshman year of college, I began dating my now-husband, Ben. After college, Ben was drafted and my double-life habits continued.
I was the best at my job, but also the best party girl.

With Ben gone, I was too lonely and full of shame every weekend, laying around feeling sick from partying, to face the truth.
I needed Christ, or I would never be happy.
Ever.

Which I knew!
Believe me, those parents who raised me in the church would constantly remind me, pray for me, and beg God to change my hardened heart.

Fast forward.

Ben and I married, and years later I became pregnant with Hart, my oldest.
Having a son completely broke me, bringing me to my knees.
I wanted my child to know Christ and be raised in a house full of His love like I had been.

For years, I had slammed the door on the Holy Spirit.
I screamed at myself to make better decisions, to get back into church, to repent.
At last, I turned back.
And I was restored! 
Finally.

My first Bible study was with my mom over phone and email, as we still lived states apart.
I began PRAYING to be more loving to my spouse and to crave reading God’s Word.

Slowly through the work of God’s renewing Holy Spirit, I began climbing out of the body I was had been living in, and hating. I was morphing into the woman He always wanted me to be; Christ was making me new! I was connected with Him, deeply loved, and learning to find my worth in God instead of my own performance.

God wonderfully took the YEARS I’d wasted living in sin and completely washed them away.  He freed me from the shame of my lifestyle, the guilt of my decisions, and the sense that I could never go back to Christ because I was too far from Him.
He freed me fearing of what people (“friends”) would think about me for changing core aspects of me. I realize now He will use the rest of my life to keep remaking me and influencing others for His glory!

My life is an on-going, amazing testimony of His gracious hand.
Although I wasted much, the best is yet to come! 

When jealousy pops up for those who have been in communion with Christ or serving Him since their youth, I’m reminded that God wastes nothing, even when I wasted much while chasing worthless idols and focusing on myself.

My decision to follow Christ has blessed every part of my life; it is made all the sweeter as I enjoy His pleasures in stark contrast to the darkness I thought would satisfy me.
Through fellowshipping with other believers, Ben and I have been baptized and blessed with a wonderful support system.

God used the hardest valleys to make me stronger and grow my faith. I know God has had His hands on every part of my very imperfect story.

You know that person who FINALLY finds Christ as an adult?
That person who is on fire and can’t fully even explain it most times?
That’s me!
I can’t wait to see what else Jesus has in store for this restored, remade sinner!

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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!

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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 Sketched VI Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched VI!

Worship V Day 4 How Deep The Father’s Love: 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 How Deep The Father’s Love!

The Questions

1) Who are the persons referred to as “Every family in heaven and on earth” in verse 15?

2) In this intercessory prayer, what purposes is Paul praying for the Ephesian believers?

3) How are these lofty purposes realized?

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Original Intent

1) Who are the persons referred to as “Every family in heaven and on earth” in verse 15?   
The concept of family is extremely important in the Bible, both physically and theologically. Jesus makes it very clear that in the kingdom of Heaven, the most important family connection is spiritual, not physical. In Matthew 12:46-50, He uses “family language” to describe the connection God intended for Believers to share with each other and the Lord. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother…”
Of course, we understand “family” as a group of persons sharing a common father. Jesus directed His prayers to God the Father and He taught us to do the same. It is to “our Father God” Paul directs his prayers on behalf of those who are members of the family in Christ. Those who have received the “Spirit of His Son“ evidenced by calling Him “Abba! Father!”. (Galatians 4:6)
The family referenced in verse 15, therefore, are all those who are a new creation in Christ. This family is The Global Church consisting of all who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. This family is drawn from “every nation, tribe, people, and language”. (Revelation 7:9) A defining characteristic of this spiritual family is love one for another which John writes, “A new command I give you, love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”

2) In this intercessory prayer, what purposes is Paul praying for the Ephesian believers?
Paul prays for the church to know, in a deeply intimate and experiential way, the vast love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge. He prays this on their behalf in order for them to be fulfilled and overflowing with all the fullness of God. This deep knowing of Christ’s love is at the pinnacle of Paul’s prayer. Before this peak, Paul first prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened in their deep “heart” places within through the Holy Spirit. This strengthening leads to an ever-increasing faith for everyday living, which produces this pinnacle lens through which we are able to grasp in continuously greater degrees the vast richness of Christ’s love. (Ephesians 3:18)
Paul couches this precious exposition in the context of harmonious unity. This experience of Christ’s love explodes when the Global Church (all believers) live and grow together, going steadily deeper into understanding who Christ is through the Holy Spirit’s revealing power.

3) How are these lofty purposes realized?
In verses 14-19, Paul points to the source of a believer’s growth being the strength-imparting Spirit of Christ who dwells within every Christ-follow as teacher (John 14:26), comforter, and counselor (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit enables believers to flourish in an ever increasing, never complete, realization of the love of God the Father. The pathway of growth is discovered through prayer, faith, and submission to God’s revelation found in Scripture. The more we are willing to go deeper in trusting the Spirit of God living and active within us, the more we will discover, with awe and wonder, the glorious riches of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord! None of Paul’s prayed for purposes are possible apart from the work of God the Spirit; we cannot do it on our own strength or determination. He works in the believer’s heart and, in the process of our growth, obedience, and humble submission, He brings glory in the Church and to all generations for the sake of His Name! (verses 20-21)

Everyday Application

1) Who are the persons referred to as “Every family in heaven and on earth” in verse 15?   
The physical family is the most important building block in human society and should be nurtured and protected. When we are born again in Jesus, we are birthed into a spiritual family and are adopted as God’s children and He is our Father. (Romans 8:15)
The spiritual family is not bound or described by ethnicity, gender, or social standing. As Paul says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed , and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

2) In this intercessory prayer, what purposes is Paul praying for the Ephesian believers?
New Testament scholar and author of several commentaries, William Hendriksen, writes, “God is glorious in all His attributes, His power, His infinite Love, His mercy, His grace, His wisdom (…) Paul prays that all of God’s attributes be richly applied to those who are followers of Jesus Christ”. Hendriksen emphasizes how God’s character is embedded, nurtured, and grown to flourish within the heart of every believer through the work of the Holy Spirit when a person chooses to accept Christ as Lord of their life.
Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, so should we pray for one another within this family called Church as brothers and sisters, all children of our Father God. To know Christ deeply and experience His love, we begin with simple faith. Faith to receive Christ, faith to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as He leads us deeper, and faith to continue leaning into the character of this God who calls us Beloved.
Let the Spirit of Christ transform in glorious ways!
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) Be made new! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old has passed away; behold the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

3) How are these lofty purposes realized?
EASY! Well, probably not easy, but the process is simple and uncomplicated; the choice rests on us whether we will follow or not.
We begin with the knowledge that God’s Word, the Bible, is what we hang on to daily for wisdom and guidance and is the means by which the Holy Spirit transforms us and makes us new. The psalmist writes, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) This Word of God is for real, everyday life!
In verse 14, Paul notes, “I bend my knees to the Father”.  It is in honor to be welcomed into the presence of the Almighty God! Submission and worship to God the Father is the heart attitude allowing us to draw close to Him through faith. The more we give ourselves over to studying His Word and listening to the Spirit, the deeper faith will root our lives. As we lean into the Father, He grows our understanding of just how deep, high, wide, and long is His love for us as His children. His love is limitless!
Don’t let another day pass before becoming more intentional in your faith walk with God. Whether you have never asked Jesus to be your Lord, or if you’ve been trusting Him more every day for the last 80 years, keep on growing! There is more the Lord wants you to discover about His love! Read His Word. Pray continuously, all day in all situations. Worship God as Father, Son, and Spirit, praising Him for His plan to grow us, root us, and delight to show us His love! “Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children; walk in love just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

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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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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship V Week One!
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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 :-))

Memorize It!

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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)

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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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!

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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Incorruptible Day 3 Worth It

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 1:3-9
Ruth 1:6-22
James 1:2-3
Matthew 5:10-12

Incorruptible, Day 3

This Christian walk is challenging.
It’s scary and sometimes down right crazy.

I remember when my parents told me we were leaving our home country and moving to the US. I was shocked, terrified and downright upset.

How could my parents take me from the life I knew,
and the family I loved, to go to a strange place?
A place where I had no friends or family?

I remember asking them why and their answer will forever stay in my mind,
“We are Christians and we need to leave the comfortable life
we have been living to study God’s word.”

When we arrived, I remember feeling like an outsider, unable to understand the dialogue.
I remember being picked on and people telling me that I was an alien.
Kids made fun of my Bahamian lunches and my accent.
They also poked fun at the fact that I was a product of a mixed-race couple.

Why would my parents bring me to a place like this?
A place where we were outcasts and denied the “joys of life”?

They had a greater hope.
A hope that what Christ had to offer in the long term,
was greater than the temporal struggles.
This hope was worth their endurance.

The lesson I was learning from my parents, was the same one Peter taught.
He encouraged believers to endure through intense persecution in order that the testing their faith would reap heavenly reward and inexpressible joy.
Peter wrote described our hope in Christ as being greater
because our reward is heavenly not worldly.

During this time in history, there were a lot of people facing legal and social backlash from their communities for following Christ.
The cost to follow was Jesus was extremely high.
Yet, Peter reminded them, though their earthly rewards were slim to none, they could trust in the truth that they had an incorruptible inheritance.
The eternal reward freely given to those who call Jesus Lord surpasses anything Peter’s brothers and sisters or you and I could receive on this earth whether in material possessions or relational gain.

Today, believers are ridiculed and mocked for claiming the name of Christ,
yet we are told to endure.

Why?
Because the living hope of Jesus is worth our endurance

God has given us this truth in His Word.
“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Around 1300 BC, a woman named Ruth steadfastly endured in the face of heartache
because of eternal hope.
Ruth chose to return to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law after losing her husband.
She was a foreigner in a new place, yet she said to her mother-in-law,
“Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.”

Ruth faced poverty because of her ethnicity,
yet God was faithful to provide.

Through physical eyes she had nothing,
but through spiritual eyes she was blessed beyond measure.
Eventually, she became the great grandmother of King David through whom the Eternal King Jesus would be born.

She clung to a greater hope. She endured. She was blessed.

Christians are spiritual foreigners in this world, just as my family and Ruth were physical foreigners. The United States wasn’t my home, Bethlehem wasn’t Ruth’s,
and this temporal world is not ours.
Heaven is.

We are called to be set apart;
to be in the world but not of the world.

Just as my cultural differences where very obvious to the people around me,
the differences in believers’ lives should also be exceedingly obvious.

James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

While I lived in Virginia, I saw God’s miraculous hand of protection and provision.
When we did not know where our next meal was coming from,
boxes of food would show up on our door step.
When we had no money to pay my school fees,
we received notifications that the fees had been paid by anonymous donors.
My faith was tested and it grew.

Being a foreigner was difficult, but the spiritual benefits were so much greater.
Eternal hope was worth the endurance.

In my life now, those gifts that God blessed me with during difficult times
are the gifts I rely on in the good times, how sweet is that?
He takes us through the fire and we come out pure!
Sisters, this is a truth we must embed in our hearts!

We must remember as believers, as Sisters in Jesus,
that we don’t need to move to another country to be considered foreigners.
If we claim the name of Jesus, we are spiritual foreigners.
We will suffer and face trials for naming that Name.
Yet, be reminded: suffering for His name is considered sweet suffering, because the rewards it produces are much greater than gold.

So, Ladies let’s cling to greater hope!
Let’s endure!
Together!

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

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

Pause 2, Day 1 Follow The Light

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Pause 2, Day 1

We picked our way down a narrow footpath,
the golden beam of the flashlight bobbing ahead of us a few paces.
It illuminated the dirt path just enough for me to take my next few steps and catch the glint of critters’ eyes in the underbrush.

I focused my attention on the footfall of my guide and tightly clutched my yellow flashlight,
for it was my lifeline, lighting my path through the dark woods.

I stepped carefully forward on the path before me and recalled the words of the psalmist:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

God’s word is a lamp, just like my trusty flashlight. It lights my path enough for the next few steps.
But why?
Why would God hand me a flashlight rather than a floodlight?
It would certainly be easier for me if He emailed me a list each day, or handed me a portfolio for the year to come.

But suppose the Almighty God valued relationship 
over facts, “to do lists”, and manufactured obedience?
Suppose what He wanted most was for our hearts to trust His?

Trust is developed through relationship.
Deeper relationship is developed through deeper trust.
A floodlight would illuminate the pathway, making it simple to get from “Point A” to “Point B”.
It would be efficient, would require very little trust, and very little relationship.
A flashlight, however, requires both trust and relationship.
To stay on track, flashlight in hand, I must stay close to my guide and follow the light.  

I stay close to my guide, carefully watching His footfall, listening to His breathing and for the sound of His voice; we begin walking in rhythm without even trying.
We begin enjoying the journey together.  

Whether your journey today is dark and ominous or carefree and delightful,
God’s Word is the intended light for our path. 

As we Pause from our regular rhythm of Journey Studies at Gracefully Truthful,
we invite you pause with us.
Linger with His Word.
Readjust your eyes to His light and re-center the trajectory of your everyday life and relationships
to the gentle cadence of His whispers.  

When we bare our souls, wrestle with truth and its application to our real-life situations,
something holy and beautiful is born,
and we learn how to follow the light.  

Yes, trust, Sisters.
Even when we hear nothing but the crunch of His footfall and steady rhythm of His holy breath.
Yes, trust, Sisters.
Even when we see nothing but the golden glow of truth illuminating the path
and His silhouette proceeding, beckoning us onward.

We step forward in faith to follow the light.
As we do, we will find ourselves falling into His rhythm and gasping in awe
as we share the coolness of the night with the Ancient of Days.

Pause.
Linger.
Light is here!

Today's Challenge

1) Read Psalm 119:97-105 and Psalm 119:27-59 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today.

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Psalm 119:97-105

How I love your instruction!
It is my meditation all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers
because your decrees are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the elders
because I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
to follow your word.
102 I have not turned from your judgments,
for you yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet your word is to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path.

Psalm 119:27-59

Help me understand
the meaning of your precepts
so that I can meditate on your wonders.
28 I am weary from grief;
strengthen me through your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit
and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees;
Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I pursue the way of your commands,
for you broaden my understanding. 

33 Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your statutes,
and I will always keep them.
34 Help me understand your instruction,
and I will obey it
and follow it with all my heart.
35 Help me stay on the path of your commands,
for I take pleasure in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
and not to dishonest profit.
37 Turn my eyes
from looking at what is worthless;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm what you said to your servant,
for it produces reverence for you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread;
indeed, your judgments are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
Give me life through your righteousness. 

41 Let your faithful love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, as you promised.
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth,
for I hope in your judgments.
44 I will always obey your instruction,
forever and ever.
45 I will walk freely in an open place
because I study your precepts.
46 I will speak of your decrees before kings
and not be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commands,
which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commands,
which I love,
and will meditate on your statutes. 

49 Remember your word to your servant;
you have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction:
Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me,
but I do not turn away from your instruction.
52 Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago
and find comfort.
53 Rage seizes me because of the wicked
who reject your instruction.
54 Your statutes are the theme of my song
during my earthly life.
55 Lord, I remember your name in the night,
and I obey your instruction.
56 This is my practice:
I obey your precepts. 

57 The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep your words.
58 I have sought your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I thought about my ways
and turned my steps back to your decrees.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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 Pause 2 Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 2!

Dwell Day 1 Resting In His Promises

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:1-12
Psalm 119:33-38 
Psalm 119:169-176

Dwell, Day 1

I am not a morning person.
I’m also not a night person.
Anybody else a middle-of-the-day person like me? 

Regardless of my three-cup-of-coffee, loving-the-lunch-time-grind, kinda’ gal,
I intentionally choose quiet, early mornings.
Why?
Time with the Lord before the craziness of the day begins.

I’ve come to cling to these times in the morning when the house is silent, everyone is asleep, and I get to welcome the presence of God into my living room. On days when I choose to sleep in or don’t get that precious time as a kick-starter, it throws me off.

I need
that time; just He and I.

Taking time to sit, meditate, and dwell on Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to speak to us all throughout the beautiful tapestry of the Bible. Consistent time devoted to reading and studying Scripture will equip us to live in purity, victory, and intimacy with God.

As we flip through the Psalms, we watch a transformation happen with the authors. They walk through highs and lows,
poor decisions and the results thereof,
as well as victories and celebrations.
The Psalmists knew the power of God’s word.

The author of Psalm 119 beautifully proclaims truths of God and His character.
With elegant strokes, the psalmist paints an
elaborate picture of the
priceless treasure
that is dwelling daily in God’s Word.
It gives us instructions on how to live a prosperous life devoted to the Lord.

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
Psalm 119:11

Hiding His word in our heart looks a lot like memorizing Scripture and thinking on it throughout the day. As we memorize more Scripture, hiding it in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will use those verses to remind us of solid truth in desperate moments when we need to hear God.
When we daily put into practice what God’s Word teaches us,
we will soon move from memorizing words on a page
to forming life-changing habits in our everyday life!

In these real-life-moments, those small choices to spend time in His Word
shape our future.

For example, I’ve hidden Psalm 141:3 in my heart:
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

The Holy Spirit often reminds me of His ways when that person cuts me off on the highway, is rude to our children in the grocery, or posts that comment on social media.
Ask me how many times I’ve prayed that prayer!   

This daily discipline of studying and dwelling in God’s Word
is crucial for rich, intimate, growing life with God! 

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.”
Psalm 119:9

David was called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14),
not because he was perfect,
but because he was repentant in his heart.
He longed for the things of God.
He knew the power of God’s word.
He knew that abiding by God’s laws were the pathway of real life.

“Be good to Your servant while I live, that I may obey Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.”
Psalm 119:17-18

When we pray, let’s pray God would open our eyes to see as He sees.
His perspective.
His path.
His truth.

“Teach me, Lord, the way of Your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep Your law and obey it with all of my heart.”
Psalm 119:33-34

Lord, we pray for understanding!
When life doesn’t seem to make sense, teach us to choose to yield to Your wisdom and understanding above our own.

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
Psalm 119:50

We can rest in God’s promises all the days of our lives because His word says He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Therefore, when we find promises from Him in His word,
we can rest assured they are true.

David, shepherd, king, psalmist, and follower of God,
clung to the power of God’s Word.
He “meditated on it day and night.” Psalm 1:2 

For some, morning isn’t the most ideal time to spend with Jesus. If this is you, try making time in the afternoon or evening to get away with God, even if it’s only for a few minutes.  God longs to be found by His children!

Another option is to post notes throughout your house reminding you to pray or memorize Scripture as you’re doing dishes, folding laundry, or getting ready in the morning.

That’s the beautiful thing about a relationship with God: it can happen anywhere!
Let’s be women who cling to Jesus.
Women who dwell deeply with Him through His Word.
Women who rely fully on His faithful, sustaining strength to get us through each day.
Women who rest in His promises!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
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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 Dwell Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Flourishing Day 14
Our Double Edged Sword: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Our Double Edged Sword!

1 Corinthians 15:50-55 English Standard Version (ESV)

50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The Questions

1) Humans are flesh and blood; why does the verse say we cannot inherit God’s Kingdom?

2) What is the mystery that is referred to?

3) What is the good news here?

The Findings for Intention

1) Humans are flesh and blood; why does the verse say we cannot inherit God’s Kingdom?
To understand these final verses in chapter 15, we need to back up and see the full context of Paul’s argument. There were many who were questioning the validity of the gospel because they held that it was impossible for the dead to be raised to life, which, of course, the entirety of the Christian faith hinges upon. Paul’s point was that if God allows a kernel of corn to be buried, die in the ground, and then produce 100 times itself, how much more so could that same God who hung the planets and created the solar system design for our bodies to die and then be brought to life in a manner that could support eternal life? Our flesh and blood bodies will die here in this temporal earth, but we will be resurrected and changed in order to live in the coming Kingdom of God forever.

2) What is the mystery that is referred to?
The grand mystery that Paul is bursting at the seams to share is that “we will all be changed”! Not slowly, not in the long, laborious groans of childbirth, like we are now slowly being shaped into the image of Christ through His Spirit in the hearts of believers, but in a momentary twinkling of the eye. A trumpet blast loud enough to literally wake the dead and joyously summon the entire collective Bride of Christ will announce a triumphant final victory and our earthly bodies will be transformed into heavenly ones perfectly suited for our new eternal home!

3) What is the good news here?
Aside from new bodies and the sure promise of a coming future that will last forever and be far beyond all our imaginings, the greatest news here is that death is swallowed up by life. For. Ever. Death is the sting of the human race. Physical, definitely, but spiritual even more so. And both will be eradicated! Physical perishable bodies exchanged for imperishable perfect ones that we will be able to fully experience true life as it was meant to be lived without the ache of sin or sorrow. No grief, no heartache, no abuse, no injustice, no ugly pride or wounding shame. No Death. No Sin. Only sweet, unadulterated grace, truth, and freedom!

The Everyday Application

1) Humans are flesh and blood; why does the verse say we cannot inherit God’s Kingdom?
So much about what happens in life doesn’t add up. Disasters, sickness, devastating loss, wounds, and deep heartache are all the “norm” in this broken world. My spirit longs so deeply for restoration when I see all the shattered hearts around me, and I’m so gratefully reminded that we were indeed made for so much more. We weren’t created for brokenness. All the senselessness parts of life are opportunities to be encouraged, even in dark sorrow, that the Father will bring change. Justice is coming. Righteousness will win. We will be set free to love Him as He has so loved us! Take heart, beloved!

2) What is the mystery that is referred to?
I don’t know about you, but there’s a great deal of encouragement offered to me in the promise of newness! A new body that will be able to keep step with all the new heart passions and interests and loves that we were designed to live out that couldn’t be experienced in this sin-wrecked skin of humanity is incredible to think about! To love fully and perfectly isn’t possible with the restrictions of this human “tent” of a body as Paul liked to refer to himself, but eternal glorified change is a guaranteed promise!

4) What is the good news here?
This incredible good news of being remade for eternity is rooted in the solid truth of Christ’s own death and resurrection. He swallowed death with His own death. He defeated sin with His own sinlessness. He is our blessed hope and sure confidence. He has proven Himself trustworthy, and He invites us in to life. Deep life. Not to keep this abundance to ourselves, but to share it! My sweet beauties, we have been given this imperishable treasure (of Jesus Christ) in jars of clay (that’s our perishable bodies), that we might share Him with the world while there’s still time before that trumpet sounds! We’ve been invited in to much, let’s extend that embrace as far as the Father takes us and as long as we have breath in these perishable lungs!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
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I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Flourishing!

Flourishing Day 13
Our Double Edged Sword

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 3
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.
For people will love only themselves and their money.
They will be boastful and proud,
scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.
They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving;
they will slander others and have no self-control.
They will be cruel and hate what is good.
They will betray their friends, be reckless,
be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Stay away from people like that!” Verses 1-5

I don’t know about you, but reading Paul’s warning to Timothy, which was written so long ago, caught me off guard. I felt as though I could’ve been reading something written today.

I’ve experienced some of those very examples written by Paul in my lifetime, and I bet you have too. Though written centuries ago, it’s no surprise to God that these ancient writings are the perfect description for the world we live in today.

When we know what living the Jesus life looks like, it makes it easier to realize when we’re not acting walking in the love that He calls us to. Without spending time in His word, we just can’t know what wearing Love looks like for the believer.

Every day, I aim to have as many moments with God as possible. Whether it’s on my drive to work, singing a worship song while I cook dinner, or even stepping out to my car on my lunch break to catch up on some reading and journaling, I try to make it a habit.

I can tell when I’ve been in the Word and when I haven’t. You see, when I’ve gone too long without falling on my face before the King, the way I view myself and others can shift to a dark place. The trust that I have in God dissipates without the solidity of His Word, and my worship seems lifeless.

Yet, when I’m studying Scripture on a consistent basis, I find myself craving it.
Just as I need water and food, I need time alone with my Savior.
Funny thing is, my craving for the Word is never fully satisfied, it just leaves me wanting more and more of Him.

I cannot stress to you the importance of making time to spend with your Father. The business of life isn’t going to slow down on its own. The ‘Time with God” sign will never just “light up”, it requires us to shift things around, make priorities, allow quiet time to be a little loud with life sometimes, but you know what sweet sister? It’s worth it.
God is worth it.
Every single time.

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

But evil people and impostors will flourish.
They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.” Verses 12-13

Being a Christian is hard; there is no denying that. If you read Paul’s story in its entirety, you would see that he suffered much as a believer, yet his view of Jesus never changed.

Paul knew that because we live in a sin-wrecked world, where nothing fits as it was intended, and because God’s wisdom goes against the very grain of culture, hardships and trials were going to come. Following Jesus is never without cost.

You see, it’s not a ‘when’ you suffer persecution rather a ‘you will’ suffer persecution. I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t face fear when it comes to the persecution that Paul talks about. But, Paul’s words serve as a reminder that the enemy is going to lose, no matter what, because I have Christ inside of me.

So bring it on. I’ve got the double-edged sword on my side.

“But as for you,
continue in what you have learned
and have firmly believed,
knowing from whom you learned it
and how from childhood you have been acquainted
with the sacred writings,
which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.” Verses 14-15

It is so important to have our foundation built upon the solid truth and wisdom that comes from Scripture. When we have established that foundation, it allows us to dive deeper into the Father’s heart and the truth of who He is. We can open His Word every single day, and read the same scripture, yet each day receive something different through it.

Just as Paul mentioned before, we know that God says evil impostors with flourish, but he points us back to our security of a genuine, solid life built on His truth.

“All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful to teach us what is true
and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
It corrects us when we are wrong and
teaches us to do what is right.
God uses it to prepare and equip
his people to do every good work.” Verses 16-17

Yes, the world is a messy place today, but God is prepared. He hasn’t gone anywhere. So while we recognize the evils of this world, we can press on, with the scripture in our hearts, knowing it is the single greatest weapon we will ever have.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

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 Flourishing 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 Flourishing!

Worship Day 12
His Excellent Word: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out His Excellent Word!

Psalm 62:8-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.

The Questions

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?
Here the psalmist calls the people, who would have been the Israelites, God’s chosen people, to “pour out their hearts” before the Lord God. We get the image of water being poured out as in Lamentations 2:19, where Jeremiah also pleads with Israel to “pour out their hearts” to God. The “why” behind this outpouring is rooted in God’s character. He is a refuge, a safety, bringing peace, calm, and clarity to our hearts, as alluded to by the word “selah”.

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?
When we get desperate and afraid, wracked by fear and loneliness, it’s often our perspective that first deceives us. We begin seeing the world through jaded eyes and begin living based on emotion rather than truth. Here the psalmist reminds his audience that despite appearances of wealth or social standing or possessions, life, like breath, is fleeting for everyone. Only God holds truths that are solid enough to build an unshakeable life upon.

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?
The Psalms are poetic and full of literary devices. The numbering of things God says is used in various places throughout Scripture and always denotes supreme importance among other things. Here, God having spoken “once” capitalizes on the fact that only one word from God is more than enough because of His ultimate supremacy. We need know nothing else other than the Word God speaks because He is the author of life and all truth. Nothing is swayed that comes from Him. He is steadfast in all He says and does. The “two things” heard are 1) His all-consuming power and 2) His steadfast love.

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?
When studying Scripture, it is crucial that we never pick up a verse and tear it away from its context, and then insert our own preconceived ideas about what it means. “For you will render to a man according to his work” cannot be severed from the previous statements regarding God’s character, especially given that this phrase begins with the word “for”, which refers backwards. Man’s “work” must be seen in context of God’s power and justice as well as His steadfast love (again, made manifest in Christ Jesus). God’s justice says that all of our work is filthy and not good enough to attain salvation or right standing with Him. But because of His love, He offers the free gift of salvation in Jesus’s sacrificial death and resurrection. Our “work” is the act of faith in choosing Jesus or rejecting Him. It’s this work that God will “render” or judge us by.

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?
Our hearts are the innermost places of our beings, the place where ache, injury, love, joy, delight, fear, secrets, and pain all dwell together. Our hearts encompass everything about us and God asks for all of it, the good with the bad. He is the only true place of complete safety, where intimacy can genuinely flourish. Where do you long for refuge in your heart? Bring it to Him, every part!

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?
These verses hit at the core of our insecurities, no matter what they are. Whether we falter when comparing ourselves to others, or struggle with fear about finances or health or livelihood, God’s Word calls us to sink the foundations of our being into the solidity of Himself. He is a strong refuge, He holds all power, His love is steadfast. Take a few minutes to evaluate your own insecurities…..where are you holding onto anything other than the Truth God offers in His Word?

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?
How deeply do you cling to the very Word of God? It’s one thing to claim it as your source for truth, but another thing to make it the essence of your every day. How vital is your Scripture intake? In the same way, God’s single “Word”, is made manifest in human form through Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent One. He is before all things and in Him, all things hold together. Take a look at Colossians 1:15-20 and John 1:1-18 for some deeper insights!

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?
How deeply have you considered salvation through Jesus Christ? Is it yours? Do you claim Him as your own? Does you life reflect this utter dependency on His sacrifice and are you pursuing Him and His word ever deeper? Every current Christ-follower has had questions and doubts and wonderings along the way of their faith journey. If you’re simply exploring what it means to have Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we’d love to engage with you about those thoughts and questions. Shoot us an email and let’s connect!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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.
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Worship!