Author: Rebecca

Beloved Day 4 Radical Love Of Marriage: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 Radical Love Of Marriage!

The Questions

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)

2) What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?

Song of Solomon 8:5-14

5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness,
leaning on the one she loves?

Woman
I awakened you under the apricot tree.
There your mother conceived you;
there she conceived and gave you birth.
6 Set me as a seal on your heart,
as a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death;
jealousy is as unrelenting as Sheol.
Love’s flames are fiery flames—
an almighty flame!
7 A huge torrent cannot extinguish love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If a man were to give all his wealth for love,
it would be utterly scorned.

Chorus
8 Our sister is young;
she has no breasts.
What will we do for our sister
on the day she is spoken for?
9 If she is a wall,
we will build a silver barricade on her.
If she is a door,
we will enclose her with cedar planks.

Woman
10 I am a wall
and my breasts like towers.
So to him I have become
like one who finds peace.

11 Solomon owned a vineyard in Baal-hamon.
He leased the vineyard to tenants.
Each was to bring for his fruit
one thousand pieces of silver.
12 I have my own vineyard.
The one thousand are for you, Solomon,
but two hundred for those who take care of its fruits.

Man
13 You who dwell in the gardens,
companions are listening for your voice;
let me hear you!

Woman
14 Run away with me, my love,
and be like a gazelle
or a young stag
on the mountains of spices.

Original Intent

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)
Solomon spends his entire poetic song declaring and describing the fantastic love between a husband and wife that is unlike any other love relationship. Verses 6-7 speak specifically to the radical commitment strength of marital love that is also not found in other relationships. The word translated “seal” from Hebrew is used multiple times in the Old Testament. When we look up other instances of any word used in Scripture, it helps us gain helpful insight for how the original author intended the word to be defined in their writing context. “Seal” is most often used in connection with a ruler’s “signet ring” like in 1 Kings 21:8. Soft clay was placed over the opening of a scroll containing an important edict or message from the king, then he would press his royal ring into the soft clay. A king’s seal was recognized throughout his land and declared that no one could repeal what he had declared. A king’s seal was the undisputed and irrevocable “final word”. Uniquely, Solomon wrote that the Bride herself was the husband’s “signet ring”. Her living self was the promise of love that would not be defeated and her invitation to her Lover to “set me as (your) seal” is the hope of a covenant love that will be irreversible.

2) What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?
In the ancient culture when Solomon wrote his poetic song, virginity was highly valued. In fact, you couldn’t be honorably married if you weren’t a virgin. The chorus singers in verses 8-10 are poetically speaking of a young woman who isn’t yet of age to be married or carry children. The young girl depicted as a “wall” and then a “door” symbolizes her virginity protecting her (like a wall or door would protect a house) for a one-day-coming marriage. As a community, they sing “we will build a silver barricade on her (wall)” and again using the door illustration, “we will enclose her with cedar planks.” Together, the community agreed to honor God’s design for marriage and together lovingly protect the young girl and her virginity until it was time to give the gift of sex to her husband. Given the type of material described for poetically protecting the girl, we get the idea the community was acting in tender love, not a hardened fist of legislature. Instead of “iron”, the community sings of “cedar planks” and “silver”. In verse 11, the Beloved Wife sings that she herself is her own wall and instead of her body needing safeguarding for a future husband, her breasts are her own “watch towers” and she has found peace in the giving of sexual love to her husband.

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?
To our ears, it sounds pretty far from romantic for a wife to say to her husband, “be like a gazelle
or a young stag on the mountains of spices” (verse 14) To the listening audience of this ancient culture, however, both a gazelle and a young stag depicted beauty, vigor, and grace, so we get the picture of a handsome and strong, yet gentle Lover. Equally as strange to us is the idea of “a mountain of spices” and we shrug our shoulders and move past the weird imagery. Solomon actually didn’t have huge piles of cinnamon in mind when he penned these words. Rather, “mountains” were used earlier in the song to describe the woman’s two breasts. (Song of Solomon 4:5-6) Also earlier in the book, spices carried the idea of delightful sexual intercourse where the “spices” were associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. (Song of Solomon 1:12, 5:1, 5) Understanding how these images were first understood gives us a very different perspective on this love poem! Earlier in the song, before the two consummate their marriage vows, the Lover husband looks forward to “going away” with his Beloved to make love and enjoy each other. (Song of Solomon 4:8) Here, at the close of the song, the relationship has deepened inside the sacred space of marriage and the wife, now free to love her husband sexually, owns this capacity to the full and finds pleasure in inviting him to run away with her and enjoy their love together. In God’s view of marriage, the relationship between spouses is meant to flourish and grow deeper over time, allowing for ever-greater exchange of intimacy.

Everyday Application

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)
While much of Song of Solomon seems to our western eyes and ears to be based on merely feelings of heightened sexual love, these verses shout a bold contradiction. The love shared between Lover and Beloved was enduring, not based on feelings or circumstance. The strength of their love was not found in emotion, but in a covenant seal that could not reversed. While humans experience the sensation described as “falling in, or out, of love”, Solomon’s song affirms a far deeper, much more radical commitment. Beautifully, this type of human love relationship is intended by the Lord to reflect the love He has for us, as His very own chosen Bride. Jesus gave us His living self as the single greatest display of covenant love when He chose to take on our consequence for our sin at the cross. Here, He willingly laid down His life to make us His Bride, washing us in His forgiveness. (Ephesians 5:25-27) Marriage between a husband and wife is meant, by design, to last for as long as either partner lives. If you’re married, stand firm in your marriage covenant relationship. If you’re divorced or single, be reminded that the Lord Himself will never break His covenant love with and for you. As is sung throughout Scripture, His love endures forever! (Psalm 136) If you’re in a marriage relationship where you or your children are experiencing abuse or abandonment, we urge you to please seek safety and wise, Christian counseling. God’s design for marriage is beautiful, and He continues working out His incredible plan through broken, imperfect, and sinful people, but God has never intended marriage to be a place where one spouse is ruled, controlled, or abused by the other spouse. If this describes your marriage, or that of a friend’s, please seek help and know that there is no condemnation for doing so!

2) What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?
Far from teaching “safe sex” practices, the community in Solomon’s day took it upon themselves to together fight for God’s design for sex and marriage. As women, we are very uniquely positioned to link arms together and do the same by championing the sacredness of sex and marriage for the coming generation. Whether you have daughters yourself or maybe you serve with a youth ministry at your church, talk with young girls openly about sex and how amazingly beautiful both sex and their bodies are. Talk about how God handcrafted this gift of intimacy to be explicitly shared between a husband and wife. While it will likely feel awkward for you to begin these conversations, be encouraged that the young girl in your life is indeed listening. When we decide together as Jesus-loving women to honor sex and marriage as a model for younger girls, we are living out biblical community in radical ways!

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?
God’s design for sex and marriage is far from boring; it’s radical. It requires a willingness to trust Him and His plan over ours, love our spouse unconditionally, and find delight in a monogamous sexual relationship. Here in this sacred place, the best experiences of both sex and marriage are discovered and enjoyed! If you’re married, consider writing a love poem to your spouse, or even just making a list of things you enjoy about him. Nothing is off limits here as this is shared between, God, your man, and you. Include character traits you admire, moments that have made you feel close to him, and, of course, be creative and include physical attributes you enjoy and why! I’m guessing you will both enjoy the process! I have the high honor of knowing several vibrant, Jesus-loving single women. They have shown me much about Jesus and His love in ways I never would have discovered on my own. If you’re single, whether by divorce or not, be encouraged that your intentional time developing intimacy with the God of the Universe, and knowing yourself, are gifts to the Church. Yes, girl, the Church. Share what the Father is uniquely teaching you through your relationship with Him as you come alongside your married friends. Jesus’ Bride, the Church, needs all of us. Certainly not just married folks. I know this will feel bold and daring to many, but regardless of whether you’re married or single, this challenge is for all of us. Make space for a few evenings to write down the attributes about your own body that you enjoy. This isn’t a place for criticism and there is absolutely no judgment. What you write is for you and God to share in a sacred space. He crafted your body and wants you to celebrate in it!

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

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 Beloved 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.

Calling Day 14 One To Another: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 One To Another!

The Questions

1) What is the Lord’s will and how does it connect with the straight-forward commands given in these passages? (verse 17)

2) Submission feels like a command that chains us up and makes us a doormat; how does Paul want us to see it from God’s perspective?

3) What connection is Paul making in verses 28-33 between marriage and the Church?

4) Why does Paul specifically call out the roles of wives, husbands, children, and slaves?

Ephesians 5:15-6:9

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. 28 In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 since we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. 6 Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. 7 Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, 8 knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. 9 And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Original Intent

1) What is the Lord’s will and how does it connect with the straight-forward commands given in these passages? (verse 17)
At a high-level view based on what we’ve already studied in Ephesians, particularly Ephesians 1:3-14 and especially verse 9, the Lord’s will is for us to know Him and understand Him not only regarding the means of salvation, but all the vast riches believers have access to through Christ. This knowing Him is the fullness of His will for a relationship with us, because through this gateway, our lives our transformed in greater and greater facets. Through knowing the Savior, His Spirit makes us new, shaping us into the image of the Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents God the Father. We are drawn in deeply as a child of God. We are given new DNA, a new birth, a new life, a new purpose, and as we study His Word and learn the rhythms of the heart of God, our everyday lives take on new life and purpose. Everything is made new! Knowing the God of the universe in deep intimacy is the crown jewel of our existence; it’s what we were created for!

2) Submission feels like a command that chains us up and makes us a doormat; how does Paul want us to see it from God’s perspective?
In a society where women actually didn’t carry value and were often viewed as being property owned by men, Jesus radically turns their worldview upside down. To the original audience, it was impossible to read these words and get the idea Jesus didn’t value women. In fact, He elevated them! They were partners together in marriage with men. Wives were to submit to their husbands’ leadership, as husbands were called to love and honor wives as their own bodies! (Ephesians 5:25, 28) Husbands were called out to stop viewing women as property, but as partners having equal value as men. In this context, a woman’s passion should be valued just as highly as a man’s passion. A wife’s voice was to receive the same value as a husband’s voice. Co-equal. Co-valued. Yet still, like two beautiful dancers, there can not be two leaders. In a stalemate, one must submit to the other’s lead or the dance ceases to be beautiful and the two, intended to act and love and live as one cohesive unit, split up and walk away in opposition. This is not God’s heart because it isn’t how God operates within Himself. Jesus only spoke what the Father told Him to say. (John 12:49-50) The Spirit only moved between Father and Son in blessed unity. (John 15:26-27) There was never discord, only mutual love and submission. As we hold onto this view of God, we can more clearly understand how God lovingly designed wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. Marriage is intended as a beautiful dance of mutual love and submission!

3) What connection is Paul making in verses 28-33 between marriage and the Church?
God designed marriage for many purposes, but one of the most important was to illustrate, like a breathtaking painting, the relationship between God and the Church, His chosen Bride. Verse 25 is power-packed with breathless, ardent, unconditional love from a God whose love for us will literally take an eternity for us to comprehend. Read these words slowly, pausing after each word for amplified understanding, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her…” Each. Word. Slowly. God chose people to be His own priceless inheritance. He has chosen us to be included in His Bride, the Church. Oh, how He loves each of us as individuals and as a whole as we join together with other believers to make up the Bride! (verse 30) He loved her (the Church) so lavishly, He gave Himself entirely up for her. This is unfathomable! Marriage was always intended to be the public, on-live-display reflection of what it looks like for God to love His people. As husbands sacrificially love their wives, the wife responds with trust, honor, and a love that follows whole-heartedly. Christ sacrificed Himself for every believer as individuals, which composes the whole of His Bride, the Church. Because of this incredible demonstration of radical love, the Church responds by following Him, honoring His sacrifice, and, in turn, radically loving Jesus and all those around us.

4) Why does Paul specifically call out the roles of wives, husbands, children, and slaves?
It’s important not to follow our natural tendency and section off these roles as teachings separate from the main emphasis of the text as a whole. These role distinctions are meant to each be woven in connection with the thick, life-giving cord of living out the calling of following Jesus holistically. Spouses, children, slaves, whatever your role in life, heed this imperative calling from the Lord Jesus Christ, “walk worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1) We have each been called to love the Lord and one another, so let’s walk it out! “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) Live it out with humility and utmost love for one another, regardless of your role in family relationships or in societal rank. “From Him (Christ), the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.” (Ephesians 4:16) Just as each one has a role in life, so do each of us have a role in the Body of Christ. We are called to live it out by “walking in love, as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:2) Whether we answer to mama, sister, daughter, friend, wife, boss, or coworker, each role is uniquely and critically woven to our highest calling, “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

Everyday Application

1) What is the Lord’s will and how does it connect with the straight-forward commands given in these passages? (verse 17)
Often, Christians want an “easy answer” button to the specifics of their life choices, so we concoct a mysterious pursuit of “finding the will of God”. Which job opportunity? Which spouse? Do we adopt a child? Which house should we buy? We are tempted to elevate this “finding God’s will” in specificity far above focusing on the relationship we have with God in our ordinary day-to-day lives. He intends for us to follow Him one small step at a time. He will make the specifics clear to us, but first and foremost we are to seek His face, know Him deeply, and study His Word to understand who this God is we follow. It’s in the unpacking, not the pursuing, of the God who is right here with us. He is not far off and we are left trying to chase after Him. Our pursuit should not be a mysterious “God’s will”, but rather God Himself! As we seek Him, we will find not only the most precious jewel of all, the fullness of God, but we will slowly, over time, find that we are being faithfully, gently, graciously, being led step by step in small and big decisions. Follow Him by studying Him, then allow that knowing of Him to color everything else. When we know Him, we want to be like Him. This means we won’t choose to live foolishly like the world. We won’t make rash decisions, because our God is not rash. We won’t enable others because God calls out our own sin with His gracious truth. We won’t speak with rudeness, because God is not rude to us. When it comes to major life-decisions like where to move, which job to take, and who to marry, the Lord will faithfully lead us through those decisions, just as He has faithfully led us before. However, if we don’t make a habit of knowing Him, of choosing His will (which is to know Him), then the big decisions will continue to be a wrestling match of uncertainty. What God wants most is not our decision to move to city A instead of city B, it’s to know Him. If we refuse to prioritize this “will of God”, nothing else will fit.

2) Submission feels like a command that chains us up and makes us a doormat; how does Paul want us to see it from God’s perspective?
There are many passages in Scripture that have tragically been manipulated to assert someone’s twisted perception of reality and justify their own sinful actions. Sadly, this beautiful passage in Ephesians 5 has been used to press women down, especially regarding their role in marriage. Even in Christian marriages where the husband genuinely loves the Lord, these verses on submission are often taken out of context to assert the wife has no voice or value. Sisters, let’s be so clear here, this is not the heart of God! Jesus stopped everything on a busy day of ministry to call out an outcast woman, elevate her, value her, heal her, and esteem her by publicly declaring her His Daughter. (Mark 5:25-34) As we read these verses in Ephesians, it is imperative we study through the correct lens of lavish love God has for women and all people regardless of race, gender, or role in life! (Galatians 3:27-28) Each human being was created on purpose by the handiwork of God. (Jeremiah 1:5) Each was made in His image. (Genesis 1:27) He knit together every bone and marrow, every patch of skin, and artfully crafted every hue of eye color. (Psalm 139:13-16) There are no “cookie cutter molds” in God’s craftsmanship; He intimately loves every person as an individual with the exact same value and worth. It is simply not in His character to show favoritism. (Ephesians 6:9)

3) What connection is Paul making in verses 28-33 between marriage and the Church?
A husband is meant to love his wife so deeply and unconditionally that there are no boundaries on his faithful, sacrificial love for her. He is to forever be willing to sacrifice himself for her because he loves her. She, in turn, is to respond to this love by trusting her husband and following his lead, respecting and honoring him as the God-ordained leader in her home. This colors how wives speak to their husbands, spend their money, raise their children, have disagreements with him, and even sleep with their husbands. Radical love is intended to foster trust and respect because this is the picture of how Jesus loves us and designed us for deep, intimate relationship with Him! I know what you might be thinking… ‘If I had a husband who loved me like that, it would be easy for me to respect him and follow him. But I don’t.’ I know, Sister, I know. God, however, does not call us to lovingly submit to our husbands only when we are in a phenomenal marriage and all our needs are being met. He calls us to live out love and gentleness and respectful submission even when we aren’t being loved the way we were created to receive love. God is not a selfish God. When we do not follow Him, when we love ourselves and our ways better than His, He does not withhold His love from us. He continues to be present, offer love, tenderness, and forgiveness! We cannot love our husbands like this on our own! Even in great marriages, this kind of love requires supernatural help! When we fix our eyes on knowing God first and foremost, investing daily and intentionally into our relationship with Him, we will be given the strength and ability to love and honor our husbands. Whether it’s a marriage relationship or your relationship with Christ, honor the Lord by loving Jesus first and most. This always translates to loving others sacrificially and unconditionally just as we are loved by God Himself!

4) Why does Paul specifically call out the roles of wives, husbands, children, and slaves?
The specific roles in chapters 5 and 6 are not additional, new concepts, but rather they are a pinnacle demonstration of all Paul has been teaching regarding what it looks like to live out Jesus’ calling in real life. These truths Paul wrote of are not mere doctrines to study or pious words to memorize, but they are the very fabric of the life we are to live in Jesus! No true Christ-follower is exempt from this high calling, regardless of their role in life! Paul didn’t call out these specific roles so we would isolate them from the rest of his teachings, but would view them, and every role, through the stunningly beautiful lens of submission, love, respect, and honor for others. When the whole Body of Christ, every single believer, follows this pattern of living, we truly are exhibiting what it means to live a life worthy of the calling we have received in Jesus! Imagine the difference it would make if you took this high calling seriously and began thinking through your everyday actions through the lens of loving submission, charged with the aim of honoring others before yourself? How would meal times feel different around the table as you encouraged others? How would your relationship with your spouse deepen as you intentionally chose to lay aside the weapon of offense and instead pick up the grace gifts of humility and tender love? What transformations might happen as you choose loving respect and submission at the workplace instead of gossip and self-promotion? Live out this rich love Christ has called us to as we love one another!

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

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 Calling 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.

Calling Day 5 Living Love Story

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-22
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
John 5:24-29

Calling, Day 5

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.”
(Ephesians 2:1)

This is not the way to start a love story.

Declaration of one’s death isn’t winsome or sweet, inciting feelings of depth and happiness. Unbidden, news of death reminds us of our own mortality, or experiences of walking the grievous pathways of heartbreaking, tragic loss.

A vibrant family diagnosed with two cases of brain cancer within months of each other makes me consider how fleeting and unexpected our lives are.

A fatal shooting of a 5-year-old on the news brings to mind images of my own precious 5-year-old, alive and well, but I’m haunted by “what if.”

My wonderful friend’s 2-month-old daughter is found lifeless in her crib, and my arms ache for the babe I carried inside, but never held outside my body.

death.
destruction.
fear.
impenetrable pain.
desperately alone.
death.

Here, in this setting of closed curtains and covered graveyards, Paul inhales deeply and pens to the Ephesians, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.”

Sin feels easy, even as if it’s the only real pattern for life.

Gossip. Anger. Bitterness. Lies. Manipulation. Disrespect. Sharp words. Silent treatment. Lust. Pride. And so, the litany of our pattern for life continues gushing from us like a spring of poison.

Dead.

We have already been rendered deceased, by the very alive God, the moment we sinned.
Our sins chain us to our own cemeteries.

Dead.

In vast deception, we love our death.
We crave it.
We want more of it.

We move through our everyday completely oblivious to our own death stench, unaware of the emptiness of our actions as we chase incessantly after our lusts, our control, and our everything. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

However, a deception, no matter how hauntingly insidious, never negates the truth.

We were already dead,
and we deserved to stay there because of our illustrious love affair with sin.

But God loved us.
But God was merciful to us.
But God, intently focused on bringing dead things to life,
held
out
life
to
the
already
dead.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, 
because of His great love that He had for us,
made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.
You are saved by grace!”
(Ephesians 2:4-5)

In the face of our rebellion and hearts that shunned Him, the Light of Life gave of Himself in such costly, glorious magnificence, we are left with only two ridiculously simple choices.
Life or Death.

Jesus Christ, wholly God, wrapped Himself in the frailty of human flesh, submitted Himself to the vast array of human emotion and devious temptation to live for Himself; yet from His first breath of oxygen as a tiny babe to His final, ragged gasp on a criminal’s cross, He was perfect.

He did what we never could because we are chained to sin, while He was free.

He lived sinless. Wholly without a single lustful thought, one self-centered angry word, or any other hint of sin. Then, with more humility than I can possibly conceive, He lowered Himself even more and willingly placed Himself under the punishment for sin that we deserve!

In His death, He took on our sin, and suffered the consequence of being an outcast from the presence of God.

death.
destruction.
fear.
impenetrable pain.
desperately alone.
death.

Lifeless, He lay in a borrowed tomb for three days, until, at just the right time, His cold limbs grew warm, His chest rose and fell, His pulse began to beat rhythmically, and His dead eyes opened.
Death had been defeated!

And so, Paul’s ominous entrance unfolds, indeed, to the greatest love story ever told.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins. (…)
But God, who is rich in mercy,
because of His great love that He had for us,
made us alive with Christ”

Alive so that, miraculously, these once-dead-hearts now beat in tandem to the heart of God. (Ephesians 2:6)
Alive so that, unfathomably, God might continue to display His vast, magnificent love towards us with all richness in the eternity stretching out before us. (Ephesians 2:7)
Alive so that, astoundingly, we can walk into a new life filled to the brim with purpose and divine intention. (Ephesians 2:10)

Awakened to life, real life.

But since we have a tendency to forget this lavish gift was either once given, daily made new, or ever extended in the first place, the apostle implores, “So, then, remember….” (Ephesians 2:11)

Remember, you who have been made new and alive, remember what it was like to be dead.
Remember the destruction, the fear, the impenetrable pain, the desperate loneliness.
Remember what it was like to walk around faking life while you were dead.

Let that remembrance embolden you to live like you’re alive!

Love one another.
Love the God who set you free.
Fight for unity in your relationships, your families, and your churches.
Honor one another before yourselves.
And share this glorious gospel goodness with others who are dead, just as you once were!
May our everyday lives be living love story testimonies of the God who brings life from death!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

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 Calling Week One! 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 Calling!

Calling Day 1 Into Inheritance

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 1:1-14
Haggai 1:1-11
Revelation 21:1-5

Calling, Day 1

“We will not neglect the house of our God!”
(Nehemiah 10:39, emphasis mine)

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. (Exodus 36:1-2, emphasis mine)

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ.
(Romans 12:4-5)

You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? Because of My House that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. (Haggai 1:9)

The Lord has always carefully guarded, and given clear instruction for,
His dwelling place among His people.

In the Old Testament, chapter after chapter overflow with specificities on not only building the tabernacle, but also regarding its operation and management.

God’s heartbeat is, and always has been,
to be in deep relationship with His people.
Thus, He placed high priority upon
the place where He would meet with them. 

Moses’ original site of communion with God, the Tent of Meeting, gave way to the moveable Tabernacle where God dwelt in the Holy of Holies. This was eventually replaced by Solomon’s temple in the holy city of Jerusalem, which was destroyed in 70AD.

Over time, as Jews multiplied and spread, synagogues became the gathering places for worshipping and studying the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament). In fact, the Greek word for “assembly” is “synagogue”!

Finally, after Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within everyone who trusts in the Lord for their eternal salvation.
The new tabernacle was the very heart of every believer!

Whether it was the Tent of Meeting,
the Tabernacle in the wilderness,
the temple in Jerusalem,
a synagogue in the ancient Roman world,
or your local Bible-teaching church,
each of these represent something precious to the heart of God,
a meeting place with His people. 

Just as God protected and cherished those dwelling places in the Old Testament, so does He lavishly love and care for how the Church, local and global, lives out its calling to advance the Kingdom of God.

Ephesians is like the handbook for church life, detailing out our identity, our mission, and our calling. Before you check out because you aren’t on staff at a church, or maybe only attend on occasion, sink into this truth:

Every believer is the Church.

Please, as fellow member of this beautiful Body called Church, I plead with you to read every word of Ephesians with us as we study.
Our words are meaningless without His.
Our studies merely point to His truth.
So, if you’ve made it this far without reading His Words Before Ours, please back up and read today’s selection from Ephesians 1:1-14!

As you read, drink it slowly, deliciously; let the message wash over you, bringing renewal.
These are the words of the Lord God for His precious Bride, the Church.
These words are for us as His Beloved, the place where He dwells!

Because, here’s the ravishing secret, we are His inheritance and He is ours!! 

I’m giddy with excitement every time I consider this glorious reality!
Come! Look!

To the saints…
Grace & peace to you, (Read: washing over you and embracing you on all sides)
from God our FATHER (how wondrous!)
and Christ Jesus our SAVIOR (breathtaking love!).
(Ephesians 1:1-2)

And just like that, we are ushered into a book of radical love and steadfast truth with a warm embrace.

In the first 14 verses, we, the Church,
every saved-from-sin-rescued-from-death believer, are hereby declared…

Blessed
With every spiritual blessing available in the infinite heavenly riches of Christ.
(verse 3)

Chosen
Set apart from before the beginning of time to be blameless and holy before the Lord.
(verse 4)

Adopted
With every right and every inheritance given to us, not based on our works, but solely because He lovingly chose to love us.
(verses 5-6)

Lavishly Covered
With His limitless gifts of redemption, forgiveness, and grace.
(verses 7-8)

Unified With God
Having been invited to understand the rich mysteries of how God has planned for our salvation and welcomed us, the Church, into the great gift of unity between ourselves and the godhead.
(verses 9-10)

Heirs
We are the recipients of this profoundly rich inheritance.
(verses 11-12)

Sealed
On hearing the freedom offered in Christ, having trusted Him as our only Savior and Lord, God poured His Spirit into our hearts, remaking our DNA to be like His own. Here is the proof of our salvation! The God who safeguards our souls by His Spirit until one, indescribable day, when our inheritance is seen with naked eyes and we behold the glory that is
God dwelling with us FACE TO FACE!
(verses 13-14)

Church!!
How wondrous is the love the Father has lavished upon us!
May our tongues never cease to praise Him for calling us into this inheritance!

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

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 Calling 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 Calling!

Pause IV Day 15 Joy

Leave a Comment

Today’s reading is the crown jewel of the book of Habakkuk because it describes the pinnacle of God’s work in His prophet’s heart. Remember where Habakkuk started, and then read these verses. Only the Lord could bring Habakkuk’s wrestling, angry, fearful, indignant heart to a place of complete and utter worship and dependence on God alone.

This is where God longs for each of our hearts to journey towards!

Trust.
Reliance.
Adoration.

Not for circumstances, but in spite of them.

Notice Habakkuk’s determined statement of faith, “I will rejoice in the Lord, Yahweh. I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

Habakkuk resolutely chose joy in the face of exile, because He intimately knew the goodness of his God!

As we close out Pause 4 and our study of the ancient prophet, Habakkuk, know that his God is your God. We pray your heart has been encouraged because you have come to know Him better, which will result in deep joy!

Today's Invitation

1) Read through Habakkuk 3:17-19 out loud today twice. Slowly. Explore deeper by studying some cross-references or write out your own version of these verses using your circumstances. Give them over to the Lord as you pray!

2) Here is our last hand-crafted Spotify playlist for Pause 4! Remember, you are prayed over and delighted in! Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause 4! Remember Habakkuk set this last passage to a song as an offering to the Lord from his heart. Let your worship be an act of joy before your God!

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

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:17-19

17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
He makes my feet like the deer’s;
He makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 IV 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 Pause IV!

Pause IV Day 14 Quiet

Leave a Comment

Pause IV, Day 14

I’ve always been captivated by the word “quiet” in the Bible. Being still and silent is not something I do well, or often. When my watch reminds me to breathe for one whole minutes, I feel like it’s an eternity!

Being quiet before the Lord, submitting to the discipline of waiting for Him, takes intentional practice over time. The more we practice, the better our hearts become at willingly waiting and silently being still.

When we are silent, the Lord speaks most clearly.
While we wait, the Lord acts.
As we sit still, God trains our hearts to trust Him, instead of ourselves.

Habakkuk has heard the unequivocal word of the Lord to bring about His justice on His people, Israel. He has reminded himself of the Lord’s sovereignty, His kindness, His righteousness, His deliverance, and protection of His people.

Where Habakkuk has wrestled with tongue and spirit against the Lord,
he now sits quietly waiting.

Tomorrow, a beautiful unveiling of Habakkuk’s changed heart is poetically revealed, but first, quiet.

Hush, be still, wait quietly for what the Lord will do.

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of Habakkuk 3:16 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com).

2) Take time to wander through these Scripture passages on being quiet before the Lord, letting His Spirit teach you. Copy down 1 or 2 verses onto notecards and place in prominent spots in your home so you can memorize them in the coming days. Share them with a friend and ask her to memorize them with you!
Exodus 14:14, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 37:7, Job 6:24, 1 Peter 3:4, Lamentations 3:26, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 26:3, Mark 1:35, Isaiah 30:15, Habakkuk 2:20

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

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:16

I hear, and my body trembles;
my lips quiver at the sound;
rottenness enters into my bones;
my legs tremble beneath me.
Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble
to come upon people who invade us.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 IV 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 Pause IV!

Pause IV Day 13 Limitless

Leave a Comment

Pause IV, Day 13

In the middle of my day, my conflict, my relationships, my marriage, my friendships, my worry, my mess, my inabilities, my weakness, it becomes apparent how limited I am.

How striking is the contrast Habakkuk paints of our God!

As you dig into today’s passage and write it down, word-for-word, be intentional to slow your heart. Breathe deeply. This is the Word of the Lord to your heart for your everyday!

There is no power beyond God’s abilities to apprehend and overcome. There is no wisdom wiser than His. No authority above His. Nothing escapes His sight, His understanding, or His knowledge in how to bring about victory in it.

He is the Lord.
He is limitless.
How does this affect your view of your own messy everyday and your weaknesses?

For more sweet passages describing God’s ultimate power and authority over all things, check out Psalm 18 and Romans 8!

Rest assured, there is no distance the Lord is not willing to go to rescue your heart!

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down every word of Habakkuk 3:7-15 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, consider the limitless power and authority of our God! He is near, He is not far. He sees all, and He will most assuredly bring justice, and He will defend and guard His own people who call upon Him for salvation. Which verse stands out to you as being especially for your heart as a message from God?

2) Choose one of these options to live boldly with authentic honesty in biblical community. As we grow deeper in God’s Word, the Lord designed us to share and grow with others walking alongside us.
            a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
            b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
            c) Leave a comment here about it.
            d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
            e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
            f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
            g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

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

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:7-15

7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 IV 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 Pause IV!

Pause IV Day 12 Worthy

Leave a Comment

Pause IV, Day 12

God had come to Israel before.
He had delivered them from slavery.
He had shaken the earth with His mighty glory as He descended on Mt. Sinai to deliver the Ten Commandments.
He had gone before Israel as she was welcomed into the Promised Land, Canaan, and given victory after victory. (verse 3)

In the dark land of Canaan, filled with heathen worshippers of false gods, the Lord’s righteous glory shone brilliantly as He moved His people in, clearing the way before them. (verse 4) Even though His display of power over all Canaan’s inhabitants and armies was lucidly evident, Habakkuk knows this demonstration was as nothing to the Lord. His power is infinite.

When Israel sinned against the Lord, He brought them to repentance with pestilence and plague, leaving no doubt He alone held all authority. (verse 5) Even the “eternal mountains” crumbled before the Lord God, the Everlasting One, El Olam. (verse 6)

This God who announced coming punishment and exile in Habakkuk’s day, was the same God who had walked beside Israel before in love, compassion, justice, and power.
This same God would continue to remain faithful to His character.

His power had not weakened, nor had His authority waned.
He was worthy then, and He is worthy now!

Today's Invitation

1) Pull out your Bible and read Habakkuk 3:1-15 fully through 2 times. Then focus in on reading verses 3-6 several times through. Go slow. Emphasis different words each time you read it. Savor the message, and pray as you read. Write out verses 3-6 in your journal.

2) Each time you re-read verses 3-6, write down everything that pops out at you, makes you curious, or wonder “why?”. When you’re finished, go back through and you’ll be amazed at the new things the Spirit is leading you into knowing about Him!

3) Pay special attention to how Habakkuk planted himself in the truths he already knew about God, even if he hadn’t experienced those specific instances for Himself. How can you do the same?

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:1-15

A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. According to Shigionoth.

2 Lord, I have heard the report about you;
Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Revive your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In your wrath remember mercy!

3 God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His splendor covers the heavens,
and the earth is full of his praise.
4 His brilliance is like light;
rays are flashing from his hand.
This is where his power is hidden.
5 Plague goes before him,
and pestilence follows in his steps.
6 He stands and shakes the earth;
he looks and startles the nations.
The age-old mountains break apart;
the ancient hills sink down.
His pathways are ancient.
7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 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 Pause!

Pause IV Day 11 Tremble

Leave a Comment

Pause IV, Day 11

“Oh Lord”, Habbakuk knelt and wept, hands outspread.
“I have heard You answer me, and I am left in awe, trembling at the majesty of Your justice and righteousness flowing together in ways I never would have imagined. I never dreamt Your ways were so far beyond mine; they take my breath away. Who am I to question You?!” (Habakkuk 3:2, paraphrased)

Habakkuk brought his everything to the Lord God, who listened with kind graciousness.
The Lord walked beside Habakkuk as He helped him understand the great depths of God’s righteousness and justice.

Now, we are left with Habakkuk’s response to God.
And it should take our breath away as he helps us see God more clearly.

He is in awe of God’s work that far surpasses any man-made design.
Habakkuk is left trembling at the work God will do in His people.

He brings his humble amen, meaning, “make it so”.
“Revive your work…make it known.”  (verse 2)

He did not understand it all, especially the why and the how, but what he did know was enough to make him stand in trembling awe.

In the midst of his swirling questions, Habakkuk takes a full one-third of his prophetic book to express the majestic glories of the Lord God who deserves our awe-filled trembling.

Habakkuk acknowledges the Lord’s justice and all-surpassing wisdom, power, and authority, then bows his heart and flings himself and his people on the gracious mercy of the Almighty God. Our question is, will we do the same?

Today's Invitation

1) Read Habakkuk 3:1-15, then circle back and re-read verses 1-2 a few times through.
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. Be sure to write out any questions you have as you read! If you’d like to send your questions to us, we’d love to study with you!

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:1-15

A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. According to Shigionoth.

2 Lord, I have heard the report about you;
Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Revive your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In your wrath remember mercy!

3 God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His splendor covers the heavens,
and the earth is full of his praise.
4 His brilliance is like light;
rays are flashing from his hand.
This is where his power is hidden.
5 Plague goes before him,
and pestilence follows in his steps.
6 He stands and shakes the earth;
he looks and startles the nations.
The age-old mountains break apart;
the ancient hills sink down.
His pathways are ancient.
7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one 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 IV 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 Pause IV!