Author: Michelle Promise

Ten Day 6 Family On Purpose

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:12
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Leviticus 19:9-37
Ephesians 6:2-3

Ten, Day 6

Dread knotted in my stomach.

I had done it.
I was sure my parents would not only find out, but also be disappointed.

I had chosen to do what my foolish little girl brain wanted, instead of listening to my parents’ request. I didn’t honor them with my choice, and guilt mixed with remorse was coming on hot and heavy.

I was probably 10 years old when I decided to sneak into the garage refrigerator after dinner one night. It was the spare fridge, the one Mom used when preparing for company.

I took a spoon to my favorite dessert, Éclair Cake, and thought I could get away with helping myself to a few more bites. Somehow though, when I was putting it away, the pan flipped upside down. Even with the lid on, the dessert was ruined. There was no way to keep my secret now. Mom would undoubtedly realize a little snitch had been to her dessert.

You see, Mom and Dad had some rules. There were four of us kids at home. Left to our own devices, we could create lots of chaos. Therefore, the ‘rents had some parameters for us to live within, which allowed our house to have order, stability, and certainty. In their parental wisdom, they demonstrated their love for us by maintaining boundaries.

The Lord our God also has rules and parameters for us, His children.

As we journey through the Ten Commandments, we first see a list of rules. However, if we look a bit closer, we realize what seems to be a list of dos and don’ts is actually a reflection of God’s character. 

“Honor your father and mother so you may have a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

God created the world in a specific order. (Genesis 1:1-2:3) He put in different systems to maintain this order. (Genesis 1:26-30) The Levitical law shows us God doesn’t act on a whim, but has a plan and a purpose for even the smallest part of our lives. (Leviticus 19:9-37)

Returning to Exodus, we see the family unit has order and purpose.
And we learn our God is a God of order and purpose.

Nothing Creator God does is wasted. His actions were purposeful in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and in our lives now. He holds the systems of this world in His mighty hand and works things together for our good.

Life often seems chaotic and confusing. Bad things happen, loved ones become terminally ill, senseless murder continues. Our finances crumble, our children don’t make wise choices, we need to retire before we had planned. Where is order and purpose?

David, the Psalmist, wrestled with similar troubles. He wrote, “Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck.” (Psalm 69:1)

Yet, by Psalm 71, David was able to declare, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you because you have redeemed me.”

David recognized God was using the overwhelming parts of his life to draw him near. God was redeeming the mountains of challenges David had climbed throughout his life by giving them beautiful purpose. 

Where have you felt the flood waters rising?
When have you experienced the Loving Father’s redemption?

Just as a loving parent has rules in place for the good of their children, God gives us parameters to guide us. When we honor our earthly parents, we honor our Heavenly Father. He loves us perfectly and completely; He knows what we need and how we may stumble. Honoring our parents is a command we can take hold of, trusting the Lord is creating order and fulfilling purpose.

{Let’s talk for a moment about parents who are harming their children. Make no mistake: honoring our parents does not mean submitting to abuse. If you are currently being abused at home, you can reach out here (nationally) or here (locally in KCMO). We, the collective church, support you, even if your abusers are Christians. Even if they’re involved in ministry. Even if they’re pastoring your church. God is not asking you to stay in harm’s way.}

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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 Ten Week Two! 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 Ten!

Sketched VII Day 5 All In

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 13:5-18
Matthew 8:18-22
Luke 14:25-27

Sketched VII, Day 5

My husband and I said, “Yes” to the something big two years ago.
We’ve been married 10 years, we have three children, two with us, and one with Jesus. We’ve lived in seven houses in three countries.
We’re familiar with the Lord asking us to do something and us (trying) to say yes.

Our most costly “yes”, however, came when He asked us to Go.
For us, going meant moving across the world to share the Gospel with people who haven’t heard it and don’t have access to it from other people in their culture.
These are the unreached.

The price tag for obedience is varied for many, but Jesus says in Matthew 8 it may involve not having a place to lay your head. In Luke 14, Jesus says one should hate his father and mother in order to leave and follow Him. While not literal in meaning, these examples demonstrate what it looks like to surrender. We must be ready to give up everything we hold dear to us if we really want a deep, vibrant relationship with Him. This is not only my family’s cost for obedience, this is for every Christ follower!

Serving in cross-cultural evangelism is hard.
We moved to a country where we knew no one and didn’t speak the language. The food was strange and spicy, the traffic didn’t seem to have any system beyond Don’t Crash. While we have a really comfortable place to live, the plumbing is taped together, the washing machine is filled with mold, and the bugs and critters seem to multiply overnight.

One of our elderly neighbors passed away a few months ago. We attended the wake service for her and our eyes were opened again to the lostness and lack of hope without Jesus. Her religion believes that the night someone dies, God and Satan fight for the soul of the deceased. In order to get that person to Heaven, the family and friends must say special prayers and recite parts of their holy book with great fervor.
Hopefully, the deceased makes it in to Heaven.

We sat for nearly three hours listening to these petitions.
Many people had the prayers memorized.
Some used a book as they recited empty, hollow, words.
Wearing a scarf and long sleeves in the uncooled room was stifling.
Our kids were fussing and bored, tired of sitting quietly for so long.
Spiritually, the heaviness and darkness in that place was oppressive.
This is part of our price for following Jesus with everything we have.

When we see the heart of God, it’s easier to understand why He requires a 100% surrender. Jesus says in John 10:16,
“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen.
I must bring them also.
They too will listen to my voice,
and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

The why is rooted in radical love!

This neighbor and her family belong to an unreached people group in our city.
If there is no one to tell them of the redeeming love of our Creator God,
How Will They Know?

How will they believe anything different
than their traditional upbringing dictates?

Paul asks these same, bold questions in his letter to the Romans.
How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in?
And how can they believe without hearing about him?
And how can they hear without a preacher?
And how can they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
(Romans 10:14-15)

If all Christ asked of us was a head-nod assent to the fact that He is God and died to save us, then we not only cheapen His sacrifice, but we also miss out on being bearers of His good news. The cost to carry the good news is high, it’s total surrender.
But it is worth it!

Jesus asks us to give all, but He gave all of Himself first.
And He did it out of love for the lost who did not know Him.

Part of our task is sharing the Gospel with everyone the Holy Spirit prompts us to share with. This requires boldness we do not possess on our own, which is why God gives us His own Spirit inside of us to teach us how to surrender in obedience.

We frequent our neighborhood mall, markets, and playgrounds with the desire to proclaim the Good News often. We also work with a local group of believers to bring increased health to our church, with the long-term goal of seeing them reach their neighbors with the Gospel. All that sounds good on paper, but in the flesh, it’s messy at best, and always involves surrender.

In reflecting on our previous year on the field, the Lord has taught me repeatedly how the goal of my life is not to make it easy.
I’m not promised an easy life in Scripture.
In fact, I’m promised quite the opposite.
“If they persecute me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:18)

In the midst of this challenging year, He has shown how the joy of my salvation will sustain me. By God’s grace, we may learn to be more effective on the field, but it likely will never get easier. And that’s okay.

What “yes” is He leading you into today, dear one?

Carve out time to ask Him, Lord what would you have me do?
Listen for His gentle whispers.

Praise the Lord, you don’t have to be ready for what He’s asking you to do.
He’ll do it through you as you give Him your yes!
Count the cost, place it before Him as an offering, and step out in surrender.
Immense joy, found in that tight space, is waiting for you!

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

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched VII 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 Sketched VII

Questions Day 9 I Saw A Sign: 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 I Saw A Sign!

The Questions

1) Why did God have mercy on His creation and spare Noah?

2) How is a covenant significant?

3) Why does God make a covenant to include “all the living creatures on earth” (verse 16)?

Genesis 9:12-17

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all future generations: 13 I have placed my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature. 16 The bow will be in the clouds, and I will look at it and remember the permanent covenant between God and all the living creatures on earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and every creature on earth.”

Original Intent

1) Why did God have mercy on His creation and spare Noah?
We see from the beginning of Genesis, God the Father, God the Son, Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit present at Creation Genesis 1. Their detailed care for the creation of the physical realm including galaxies and planets, every animal from elephant to slug, and the intricate, unique design for human beings is evidenced in the progression of Creation. God loved His world and longed to have a relationship with those made in His likeness Genesis 1:26-27. Noah pleaded on behalf of humanity, and God, in His Holy Love, conceded and left the few faithful to begin again. Because of God’s great love, He had mercy and spared Noah’s family.

2) How is a covenant significant?
A Biblical covenant included a promise along with a physical representation of the agreement between the two parties. God made the first covenant with Adam and Eve in the Garden. (Genesis 3:20-24) God made a promise that the offspring of Eve would one day strike the head of the serpent, Satan. The physical representation of this covenant was shown to both Adam and Eve for all mankind; women would have painful labors, men would toil in labor to grow food. (Genesis 3:14-16)
Because of the Israelites’ continuous choice to give in to the desires of the flesh, God continued this covenant with Noah in this passage. The same pattern continued with Abraham (Genesis 17), Israel through Moses (Exodus 19), David (2 Samuel 7:12-17), and finally culminating in the New Testament with Jesus (Luke 22:14-23). The overarching theme of these covenants make up the backbone of the Bible. They show God’s faithfulness to very specifically keep promises and fulfill them in ways only He could.

3) Why does God make a covenant to include “all the living creatures on earth” (verse 16)?
We see in verse 10, this phrase did include both humans and animals that came out of the ark. It’s interesting to me that God would include animals in His covenant as they cannot have relationship with Him. However, since He is holy, He does not have malice available in His heart to forget about the non-human parts of His Creation. Throughout Scripture, we see our ultimate goal on earth is to glorify our King. His covenant protects all living things for His glory on display in the world among us!

Everyday Application

1) Why did God have mercy on His creation and spare Noah?
Praise the Lord for His consistency! Just as He was merciful to Noah, his family and the animals, God will be merciful to those who call on His name. Because of the finished work of Christ accomplished through His sacrifice at the cross, our past sins have been forgiven from all consequences of sin, both past and present. For the one who believes in Jesus, putting their full weight of trust in Him, the debt required to pay for sin is removed because of Jesus! We take Paul’s words to heart when he writes, “Should we continue in sin so that grace can multiply? Absolutely not!” Hop over to Romans 6 to read more on how to live in our current reality!

2) How is a covenant significant?
The physical representation of these promises serve as a reminder for us to recall God’s faithfulness. We take His example of a covenant and we apply it to life within the Body, as it applies. Maybe a community group decides to make a covenant agreement to study and care for each other on a weekly basis this semester. A group text with a reminder bell might serve as the physical representation of that commitment. It helps us remember His faithfulness and our desire to emulate that character trait. Or a man and women during their wedding ceremony might enter into a covenant agreement in marriage with a ring as a symbol of their decision. It helps us remember His faithfulness and our desire to emulate that character trait. Maybe you decide to covenant with the Lord to meet with Him daily in prayer. What physical reminder could you use to remind you of His faithfulness to always meet with you and your desire to meet with Him? Remember His faithfulness and your desire to emulate that character trait!

3) Why does God make a covenant to include “all the living creatures on earth” (verse 16)?
If the God of the Universe has included all living things under His protection, it’s our responsibility to care for this world too. Accountable, loving followers of Jesus ought to care for the sick, the marginalized, or the impoverished among their community. We also should be mindful of how we are using the limited resources this earth has; stewarding them with care and awareness of our environmental impact. Plug into your local Body (church) this week and see what needs are available that you could fill. Commit to one small practice, like bringing your own bags when shopping, to make a longer-term impact on the environment. Let us know in the comments below what you’ve pledged to; we’d love to cheer you on!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with I Saw A Sign!

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 Questions Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

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

Esther Day 7 The Price Of Obedience: 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 The Price Of Obedience!

The Questions

1) Did Jesus really mean we need to hate those we love most?

2) How can we count the cost in our decision to follow if we don’t yet know the happenings of our life?

3) What does salt have to do with anything?

Luke 14:25-35

25 Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

28 “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and decide if he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

34 “Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty? 35 It isn’t fit for the soil or for the manure pile; they throw it out. Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”

Original Intent

1) Did Jesus really mean we need to hate those we love most?
John said of God, “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). The overarching story of the Bible is God’s great love for mankind and His plan of redemption. Hating those dearest to oneself would go against the very nature of God. In the ten commandments, God’s very first one is “to have no other gods before Him” (Exodus 20:3). From the beginning of the law, God made it clear to His children that following Him required complete love and devotion. Jesus wanted these listeners to remember this old-time truth from their Jewish heritage as part of God’s covenant and recognize that nothing, not even their families, could limit their commitment to following Him.

2) How can we count the cost in our decision to follow if we don’t yet know the happenings of our life?
Jesus used the whole of chapter 14 to explain that many people would be invited into the kingdom of heaven, but many would also reject Him. Beginning in verse 15, Jesus gave a parable of a rich ruler throwing a royal banquet, but no one was able to attend. The ruler sent out for the “least of these” to be invited, and, finally, those guests agreed and attended the lavish banquet. Jesus wanted non-believers to realize they were dearly loved and desired, while also sending a message to the Jews, especially the religious elite, that while they had been invited, they were rejecting the invitation because they were missing who Jesus was as the Promised Messiah. Later in Luke 14:27, He also wanted his audience to know that He expected them to follow His example in complete, sold out dedication to God the Father regardless of personal cost. Implicit in surrendering to Jesus, is the reality of trusting Him with your whole life, both now and for eternity. Surrendering and following are not optional exercises for the believer.

3) What does salt have to do with anything?
The Israelites lived near the Dead Sea for many years. The Sea was a plentiful storehouse of salt for the Israelites to use. It was helpful to preserve foods and to enhance their flavor. As Jesus spoke to the Jewish people, He used the idea of salt as a metaphor to remind Believers what their purpose was in the lives of non-believers. They were called to enhance the lives of others by flavoring it with the extravagant love of Christ. If the first believers forgot their charge of sharing Christ’s love in a manner the world would notice, there was a very real consequence to be faced. The repercussions to choosing not to share Jesus’ love and message are strong, being thrown out as ineffective! While Jesus did not mean the believer would lose their salvation, He did mean those believers had self-selected to be removed from effective Kingdom work. They would be missing out on the rich delight of living for Christ, having traded in “bare existence” for the unspeakable, full joy of following Jesus!

Everyday Application

1) Did Jesus really mean we need to hate those we love most?
Following Jesus always means 100%; it’s everything we know of ourselves surrendered fully to everything we know of the Savior. Of course, we are called to love our family, our spouse and the friends God has given us as we demonstrate Christ’s love for them! In the doing so, however, we must always be vigilantly on guard for when our love for them might be superseding our love for, and willingness to obey, Christ above all else. A wise leader once told me, “Our desire for relationship with someone can never be more important than the Truth of the Gospel.” Spend some time this week thinking about when you might have been silent for the sake of keeping the peace, but you knew you should’ve spoken Truth in love. Repent, and ask forgiveness from our Gracious Loving Father. Ask the Holy Spirit to attune your heart to His that you might know when to speak and when to be silent this coming week.

2) How can we count the cost in our decision to follow if we don’t yet know the happenings of our life?
Talking about these life and death decisions is nothing to take lightly and the weight of these choices can feel overwhelming. However, we can trust that the God of the Universe wants to have relationship with you. He is asking for 100% of your affections; He can accept nothing less. He asks us to be ready to give up everything; our comforts, our possessions, our wants, and potentially our lives. For those sitting in safe countries, lean in when He asks you to sacrifice your comfort by inviting a young single mother for Thanksgiving this year (or whatever the case may be!). For those sitting in dangerous places to be a believer, know that He who can do immeasurably more than you ask or imagine is fighting for you! He is worth whatever cost you may need to bear in the future and will carry you through to glory in whatever trial you will face!

3) What does salt have to do with anything?
A sprinkle of salt can take plain Jane scrambled eggs from blah to BAM! Too much salt though leads everyone to scrape those eggs to the trash! We, as believers, have the same charge as the people listening to Jesus in the first century. We have the gift of showing the world how Jesus loved! There will often be sacrifice involved in loving with open arms, often the first of which is our own comfort. We may be taken advantage of, ignored, laughed at, or mistreated in our efforts to sprinkle salt in someone’s life. That’s ok, Sister! Breath that in! This is a sign of your obedience as you live out Jesus’ great commission. Remember that “success” is simply being obedient; it’s all the Father asks of you. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s whisper and act when He leads. Your reward will be waiting in heaven and the joy you experience while being obedient will knock your socks off!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Price Of Obedience!

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 Esther Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

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

Sketched VI Day 4 Pat: 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 Pat!

The Questions

1) Why does Paul open his letter with the character of God?

2) How are sufferings and comfort related?

3) Whom do we need to comfort?

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

Original Intent

1) Why does Paul open his letter with the character of God?
Paul had an amazing transformation when he met God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6). Where arrogance and pride once flourished, he now had a healthy reverence and fear of our Lord after his encounter with Christ that changed everything for him. He knew his position under the authority of God because of his dramatic experience and he repeatedly opened his letters with a note on the character of God. God’s character was essential to Paul’s story, but also how Paul viewed his missional calling and the happenings around him. Paul recorded his praise of God, his joy in serving Him, or his gratitude in conjunction with these notations of God’s lovely character. Reflecting on the qualities of the One True God allowed Paul to position his heart on His Lord and opened the hearts of the listeners to receive the word of the Lord.

2) How are sufferings and comfort related?
Paul was writing to the church in Corinth who were struggling with freedom from past sin. Immorality was rampant and the temptation to fall back into the old way of life was strong. Cultural pulls and the heavy shame of regret fed lies that these believers would never be free or declared righteous before a Holy God. But God’s comfort and grace breaks that self-focused cycle that leads to sin! Paul described this tension in a cycle where one begets the next. We experience suffering à We receive comfort from God à We comfort others

In Paul’s understanding, suffering and comfort were two inseparable parts of life that both require complete dependence on God. We may never be able to fully understand all of they whys behind suffering, especially when it feels so unjust, but God’s comfort reminds us that He loves to redeem all things, even the difficult trials! As we learn to rely and trust His character as Redeemer, we will learn to find comfort in Him and His good heart, even in the middle of suffering.

3) Whom do we need to comfort?
Paul wanted the church in Corinth (and all churches!) to care for each other as members of the same Body. Never one to sugar coat the reality of the Good News, Paul made it clear that we all need each other within this beautiful Body of Christ called Church if we are to endure to the end. Sharing abundantly in the sufferings of Christ was not a popular idea for the Corinthians whose culture enjoyed the finer things in life. His encouragement to the church members was to look past the momentary afflictions and be reminded that so also our comfort abounds through Christ. When one person lifts their eyes from the pain of their circumstances, instead choosing to focus on God and His character, they are then freed to comfort others because they have experienced the peace and comfort only found in the Lord God.

Everyday Application

1) Why does Paul open his letter with the character of God?
We can follow Paul’s example to speak the character of God out loud. As we get familiar voicing these truths of God we find in Scripture that describe Him, we are more prepared to remember them in times of trouble. The more truths of God we know, the faster we can recognize a lie from the enemy and ditch it before it has time to take hold and cause our hearts to wander. Let’s be in the practice of listing the traits of God as we pray, share life in community, or as we shepherd our children. As you sit with God’s Word this week, make a list of which qualities and characteristics you read about, then look for opportunities to share these with the people around you!

2) How are sufferings and comfort related?
If we view our sufferings and being comforted as part of a cycle, we can see how the Lord gives us purpose in our sufferings. When we’re feeling miserable, we can run to the feet of Jesus and cry out. He will hear us and bring comfort! The world often tells us that comfort needs to look like relief, but this isn’t a biblical view of comfort. It’s important to note how Paul did not use the word relief; our suffering may indeed continue even after seeking, and finding, comfort from God. The promise we can cling to is that He will comfort us as we walk through whatever valley we are experiencing. As we walk with the Lord, know Him better, and experience more of His character, we can remember His faithfulness as we wait on Him in the middle of difficulty. After we’ve been touched by His sweet salve of comfort, we will be better equipped to love on another sister He will bring into our lives.

3) Whom do we need to comfort?
The simple answer: everyone. The more realistic answer is to bring comfort to those in our lives. Community is where it’s at girl! We are so thankful you are here at Gracefully Truthful and consider it an honor to walk with you through the journey of life with Jesus. We believe physical community is also invaluable and encourage you to find a local body of believers to do life with. If you’re needing help finding community, email us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com and we’d love to talk you through some next steps. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to those around you needing comfort and be ready to step forward in obedience! Begin praying now for the Lord to bring you someone in need of comfort in the way you have already experienced in Jesus! Or, maybe this is a new area for you and you aren’t sure what that looks like. Be intentional in seeking out biblical community and dig in with authenticity as you seek the Lord’s own comfort through His people!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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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 Sketched VI 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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Roads Day 11 The Weight of Hopelessness

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 86:5-10
Matthew 27:45-28:10
Mark 10:17-31
Luke 8:26-39

Roads, Day 11

On one trip to the mountainside in South Korea,
we met up with my husband’s extended family for lunch at their family restaurant.
We were welcomed by the sour-est faced elderly grandma sitting in the back corner,
sulking for no apparent reason.
As lunch was served, I discovered she was my auntie-in-law and we were sitting at the entrance to one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country.
She was a firm follower of Buddhism and wore her sufferings plainly for all to see.
Her faith permeated every facet of her life, yet she looked so hopeless.

The daily goal of Buddhism is to find an end to suffering through a constant recycling of life by re-incarnation. That is, after death, a soul is “reincarnated” or “comes back to life” as a different life form.
Good works are cornerstone in having any hope of coming back as anything better. The ultimate goal, however, is enlightenment (also known as nirvana); an experience saved only for monks and nuns.
Publically demonstrating sufferings followed by an outward display of good actions becomes an easy way to convince yourself there’s a good chance of returning as a monk/nun in the next life.
There is no thought that any choice you make in this life has the power to improve, change or even alter your current life, only the one to come.
Many Buddhist friends believe the bad things that happen to them are the result of karma. They presume they must’ve done something bad in their previous life and, in hopes of improving their next life, must simply buckle down, grin, and bear it without grumbling.

My auntie passed away last year thinking she had done a sufficient job of enduring the difficulties of her life. She passionately believed that she would come back to life as something better than a female human.
The very sad reality is that she died without knowing the hope found in a relationship with Jesus.

Hope.
We all cling to something as truth, praying it will stand up under fire.

Matthew 27:45-28:10 vividly records the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We see Jesus holding ultimate power over death with the ability to break the chains of sin and bondage.
This is an important truth of Christianity for your Buddhist friend!
There IS something we can do to change not only our current life,
but also our eternal one!

Accepting, believing and confessing Jesus as Lord brings instant hope into one’s life, forever changing the trajectory of our lives.

Most Buddhists do not recognize Jesus as God’s son, co-equal with God the Father in deity. Before they will understand the truth of God’s Word, we must PRAY.

Pray, pray, and then pray again.

Prayer is the most important work to be done in cross-cultural sharing of the Gospel.
We need to rely heavily on the Holy Spirit to lead us as we share truth.
We need Him to guide us to engage with those who are ready to listen, those who have an open heart, and who will respond in faith to the hope we share from Scripture.

Because Buddhist people do not believe there is a God, or that God has any power to influence their life, studying Scripture about the character of God is useful.
Psalm 86:5-10 highlights several aspects of God’s character. Dig into these truths and be prepared to share about the character of our great God!

Forgiving. Good. Abounding in love. Ready to answer. Almighty. Doer of mighty deeds. Father.

In the muck of life when all seems lost, these are truths we, as followers of Jesus, claim and cling to. Truth of God’s character build hope within our hearts, providing solid assurance and calming our fears in the middle of real suffering.

We have hope, Sisters!
Hope that our Buddhist friends have yet to experience.

When your friend watches you navigate the messiness of your life circumstances, seeing you cling to the truth of Jesus and Scripture, they will begin to wonder, “how is it possible to actually find joy in this difficulty” rather than just endure the situation.
Faithfulness to Scriptural truth and actually living it out daily, coupled with intentionally inviting your Buddhist friends into everyday life with you, will influence your friends in a mighty way for eternity!

Buddhist, Zen, or New Age people are our neighbors, our baristas, our librarians, sports’ coaches, teachers, and friends.
Find the ones in your community!
Pray for them to be open to the solid hope the Gospel offers.
Tell them of the power, authority, and victorious freedom of the cross of Jesus.
Explain the character of God and allow them to see firsthand in your life who He is and how He can impact their daily life.
Hold tightly to the truth of Scripture while sharing His love letter with them, remembering He is a God of grace and truth and He expects us to share His forever hope with gracious love and respect!

In doing so, you can help others be
forever free from this heavy weight of hopelessness!

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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 Roads 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 Roads!

The GT Weekend! – Roads Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) When we talk with people that believe some Christian tenants, it’s much more comfortable to accept them as believers. It’s important to carefully discern what the person, or religion, believes and check it with Scripture. The core, non-debatable truths of Scripture must align or it’s some form of untruth. How have you prepared to identify untruth? How can you engage and ask questions to help them see the Gospel clearly?  

2) We know Jesus + nothing = EVERYTHING. Nothing needs to be added to it or taken away from it to include completion. Where have you been tempted to believe untruth? It could be something big blatantly false or something small like believing “I need to work hard for God so He will love me.” Take time this week to sort through your deep-seated beliefs and assess any untruths that might be lingering.  

3) Questions are a great place to begin with your atheist friend. What questions would you start with? How would you respond when you don’t know the answer to one of the questions? A great starting place is a question you had previously that you found a good, Biblical answer to! Don’t worry about knowing all the answers; trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and go find the answer to bring back to them!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Matthew 7:15-20 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

15 “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.

Prayer Journal
Father, we want to see Your face more clearly. Let us know Your word intimately and completely so when we’re met with false teachings, we can recognize them as the deceptions they are. As we try to discern someone’s belief, give us grace Lord, to not come across as self-righteous. Clothe us in your humility as we gently prod to find our friend’s thought process.  

Lord, I know I have untruths buried deep in my heart. Things I subconsciously believe about You or about myself. I would guess Lord, there are even some mistruths I believe about other people in my life. Remove those, Lord, and replace them with Truth from your Word.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend! – Screenshot Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Jesus loves you dearly, my sister. He has a plan to use your precious life. How does it make you feel knowing He loves you so much? How are you being obedient in letting Him transform your life? Who can you share truth with this week? 

2) Grab a card and write out Ephesians 2:8-9. Post it somewhere you can see it and be reminded of this truth all week long.
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; 
it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9) 

3) Radical love is costly and can take many different forms. When have you chosen to do something uncomfortable to reach across obvious social, racial or religious lines? How did it feel? If you haven’t taken that risk yet, what is holding you back? As the Holy Spirit to embolden you to love radically this week! Share your experience with us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com . 

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage
from Luke 6:27-30  back to the Lord and let His Spirit speak to you through it!

27 “But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.  

Prayer Journal
Lord, we are provided with example after example of You calling us to love in ways that don’t make sense in our earthly culture. Loving our enemies doesn’t come naturally; it requires a close walk with You so we can learn to trust You calling us into these deeper waters. As we teeter on the edge of the boat, waiting to jump in, let us trust you as we take a step onto the water. Keep our eyes fixed on You Jesus, so we might not waver.  

 

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend! – Screenshot Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The temptation in Christianity to follow rules rather than focus on our relationship with God is constantly present. Where in your local church have you seen “religion” creep in? What do you see as your role in bringing life-giving change? How can you encourage others to walk in relationship with Father Abba rather than get stuck in religion? 

2) “As a follower of Jesus, the kingdom of God has prepared our participation no matter what title you have, what role you own, what place you live or what work you do.” (Treasured Kingdom, Gracefully Truthful) What do you think about this statement? Do you agree or disagree? Where have you been participating in the kingdom of God in your daily life? God gives purpose to our hands at work for His kingdom sake regardless of how glorified the task seems to be in our human opinion. Take heart and join the work of His kingdom; you have a vital part to play!  

3) Our participation in leading others to faith, discipling and pouring into their lives, is clearly shown throughout Scripture. Along with these investments, we often take on the responsibility for the outcome of our efforts. That part is not from Scripture, but is a lie from the evil one. God, via the Holy Spirit, is the only One who can change hearts and soften them towards His Truth. Where have you been tempted to believe this lie from the devil? Where do you need to grow in boldness in sharing or discipling?  

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Colossians 3:14-17 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!
 
14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (emphasis added)

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, forgive me of my regular return back to religion. It’s so comfortable and I know that I’m meeting the made-up requirements my mind has created. I want to walk closely to You; to know Your heartbeat well because I’ve listened to it for so long. Bind me to Your side and guide me back to You when I start to step away.  

As I fold laundry, wipe my baby’s nose, or scrub the toilet remind me I am working for the kingdom of God. I am teaching my precious children how to do everything in the name of the Lord; an invaluable life lesson. And when I’m sharing truth with non-believers or discipling my new sister in Christ, remind me that no life change happens at the work of my hand. I’m called to be obedient in sharing truth and asking for You, Holy Spirit, to be moving in their lives. Less of me Lord, and more of You!  

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music