Author: Michelle Promise

Champion Day 8 Fearful Made Fierce

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Daniel 1:3-21
Daniel 2:27-30
Daniel 6:10-24
Philippians 1:3-11

Champion, Day 8

“Am I good enough?”
“How could God ever use me? I’m so weak in my faith, in my trust, in my understanding of You, God.”

These questions regularly pop into my head. Sometimes, when I look at the Bible Greats (those characters who *seem* to have it all together and act perfectly before the Lord), I get discouraged. I’m sure my name will never go down in recorded history for doing anything amazing. I’m a hot mess just trying to consistently read my Bible every day. How then do we approach the accounts of people in the Bible doing extraordinary things for the Lord?

Daniel is a Bible hero well-known for faithfully praying to the One True God, despite being forbidden by the king. He was thrown into a den of lions and the king expected him dead by morning. (Daniel 6:16-18)

Miraculously, when the king reached the den the next day, “Daniel said to the king, ‘May the king live forever. God sent His angels and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not done harm.’”  (Daniel 6:21-22)

Wow. Daniel’s faith must’ve been great to be considered innocent before God Almighty. Who was Daniel really? How did he get into this pickle?

Daniel and many others were captured and taken from their home in Israel to foreign Babylon. Forced to leave his family, along with everything familiar, Daniel was taken to a strange new place with many different customs and values.

His whole identity shifted to become Babylonian; he was even given a new name. In the midst of this upheaval, he needed to decide if he would continue following God Almighty or worship other gods, as was expected of him by the king. (Daniel 1:1-7)

As Daniel navigated such challenging circumstances, we see that behind every holy choice Daniel made, God was at work, revealing Himself as the true champion.

Daniel chose obedience when he and his friends decided to break the cultural norms and follow God.
The Lord gave them favor with the king, who then entrusted Daniel and the others with great responsibility.
By living in authentic community, they were able to support and encourage each other onward in obedience. (Daniel 1:17-21)
The Lord empowered Daniel to interpret dreams of several successive kings, a feat impossible for Babylonian sorcerers.
Daniel was humble, giving God the credit and glory for his ability. He was able to recognize his limitations and his need for God’s power.

“No wise man, medium, magician, or diviner is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen[.]” (Daniel 2:27-28)

Notice who Daniel didn’t mention?

Himself.

Standing before the king, in possession of an extraordinary ability, facing an opportunity to curry earthly status and success in a new land . . . and Daniel recognized this as an encounter between the king and God, with Daniel simply present as God’s voice.

Daniel demonstrated this understanding as he closed his speech before the king.
“As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king[.]” (Daniel 2:30)

Repeatedly, the Lord provided perfectly for Daniel. 

The Lord showed Daniel how to be wise with heavenly wisdom.
The Lord gave Daniel strength to be faithful to the truth.
The Lord God Almighty carried Daniel through every trial he experienced;
he was never alone.

At first glance, it’s easy to think we could never do what Daniel did.
In all actuality, he was a boy who was kidnapped and forced to live in a new place.
His God, however, was and is extraordinary.

Daniel chose to be obedient, and the Lord provided for him.
Ladies, the Lord is faithful to finish the work He’s started in us until He returns again! (Philippians 1:6) He is our champion, our rescuer and redeemer!

Lord God Almighty, we long to be great for You. Give us pure hearts when we do what You’ve called us to, humble us if there is any pride in us. Give us favor with those in positions of authority over us. Let us respond with faithful, simple obedience, Lord. Jesus, give us courage to live in community that will keep us accountable. We wait for you to show Your face to us, so we might follow You. We trust you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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Training Day 1 In My Name

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 58
Galatians 5:13-14
Philippians 2:1-11

Training, Day 1

I’ve been working out my salvation for years now. (Philippians 2:12)
I have been a follower of Jesus since the fourth grade. I received salvation in that moment and have been slowly transformed by the Holy Spirit for decades since. Praise God for His slow, steady work, even when I am stubborn-headed!

Throughout my journey, I have continuously struggled with legalism. I erroneously believed salvation was by faith, through grace, but held by my good works. In reality, we see over and over in Scripture that salvation is by faith through grace, held by the Holy Spirit as a deposit for our eternal reward. (Ephesians 1:13-14) Unpacking this reality has been transformative in my life.

In Scripture, we see humility is required in this proper understanding of salvation and our good works. (Philippians 2:1-3) Nothing I’m doing is obliging God to love me any more than He already does. In fact, there’s nothing I could do to have Him love me more. Or less. He loves me perfectly and has offered new life through Jesus. (John 3:16-17) It’s not about me, it’s about Him.

So then, why do good works?

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)

In Christ, we have so many freedoms. It is comfortable to think freedom means we can focus on ourselves, making our lives better and easier. However, we see here Paul charges us to not just focus on ourselves, but to love and serve others. This is often contradictory to the values of the cultures in which we live. We might experience tension when we choose to put aside our rights and freedoms for the benefit of the Body of Christ.

Lean into these tensions, Sister. The Lord is leading you and I into these spaces. 

Our God was kind to give us examples for what He calls us to do. We see, in Philippians 2:1-11, a call to a task that feels impossible. Let’s look at verses 3-4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” 

How in the world could we do this? Serve others in this way? Impossible.

But God, in His kindness, leads by example. He didn’t just call us to this high task, He did it first. Christ in us allows us to love others in this way. Let’s look at verses 5-11 to see our model:

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

In humility, Jesus humbled Himself to the Father’s will, even to death on a cross. God’s name was glorified in that act. “For this reason,” God then highly exalts Jesus and we see His name is the one by which we receive salvation.

Our big takeaway is that to love others, we must serve them. When we submit our desires to a lower position and elevate their needs over ours, we are ultimately giving God the glory.

In my life, I put this into practice by serving my husband in the department of food. We grew up on different continents and have very different comfort foods. I don’t love some of the things he loves and vice versa (although I’m not sure why…what’s not to love about hamburgers?!). I choose to cook what he likes after a rough day to bless him. I cook his foods for our kids, so they grow to love what he loves. When it is my turn to choose the restaurant, I often choose a place I know he prefers, even if it’s not my favorite. I love him. I want him to know that. I want to serve him, so he knows I value him. We are a unit; I pray we can act as one, serving each other and glorifying the name of our God.

Whom could you serve today? Maybe the Lord is calling you to love someone you don’t really like to love. Ask for His grace to step up to the task. Love and serve through His power. Receive His joy, and bring Him glory!

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Waiting Day 9 The Anticipated Gift: 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 Anticipated Gift!

The Questions

1) How did Simeon move as the Spirit spoke? (Luke 2:25-27)

2) Where did people find what they were waiting, in anticipation, for? (Luke 2:21-38)

3) What can we learn about prayer and fasting from Anna? (Luke 2:37-38)

Luke 2:21-37

21 When the eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before he was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.

33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.

Original Intent

1) How did Simeon move as the Spirit spoke? (Luke 2:25-27)
Simeon was a righteous and devout man. He spent time reading the Scriptures. Simeon devoted himself to the disciplines of the Christian faith; reading the Word, keeping its commands and spending time being obedient to what he read. As Simeon was going about his normal day being faithful, the Holy Spirit came upon him and gave him a specific command. He had accustomed himself to the rhythm of hearing from the Lord and was ready to obey, which he immediately did. Simeon lived in the rhythm of trusting obedience and daily discovered anew the sweet delights of God.

2) Where did people find what they were waiting, in anticipation, for? (Luke 2:21-38)
Both Simeon and Anna found the long-awaited Messiah and physically laid their eyes upon His face. Many others around them were also waiting for this very same Messiah but refused to believe Jesus was who He claimed to be. Their waiting had not been focused on receiving God, but rather on gaining political control or rescue from governing authorities. God Himself is the great reward for all who seek Him (Genesis 15:1); Simeon and Anna were given the gift of seeing the Christ because their spiritual eyes were attuned upwards. Therefore, they saw the gift that came from heaven. Simeon spent time reading the Scriptures, Anna spent her days in the temple serving the Lord. They were faithful servants going about their daily routines. The eyes of their heart were focused on things above and not distracted by things of this earth. (Colossians 3:2) It’s no surprise they were the ones to catch the significance of baby Jesus’ entrance to the temple area as God’s Spirit led them along.

3) What can we learn about prayer and fasting from Anna? (Luke 2:37-38)
Anna was committed to her Yahweh. She knew from the Scriptures that One coming would save Jerusalem from her many sins against the Holy God. She knew when to come in her temple work and meet Baby Jesus because she spent committed amounts of time before the Throne of Grace in prayer and worship. The way she tied to the word of God to herself in life harkens back to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them (…) Talk about them (…) Bind them as a sign on your hand (…) Write them on the doorposts of your house…”. She practiced the disciplines of the faith, including prayer and fasting, not as a religious requirement but as lifeblood. She had learned to feast on the delicacies of God’s Word and was satisfied. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

Everyday Application

1) How did Simeon move as the Spirit spoke? (Luke 2:25-27)
Simeon displayed a close connection to the Father, an abiding in his Abba. Scripture teaches this practice as an important, guiding principle. We stay close to the Father; He speaks to us through the Spirit, and we obey. It sounds so simple but often it feels overwhelming and monumental to maintain this rhythm of life. Believers often wonder how to “hear from  God”, but it isn’t mystical. It is found in the pattern of consistently submitting ourselves to reading His word and speaking with Him in prayer. As we tune our hearts to listening and following, He speaks in a voice our souls respond toward because His Spirit is dwelling within us. (1 Corinthians 3:16, Galatians 4:6) Our human sinful inclination longs for control. The first sin came from asking, “Is that what God really said?” (Genesis 3:1-4) When we begin asking these questions about our situation and God’s authority, our hearts become hardened and it becomes difficult to hear from the Lord. Spend some time today reflecting on when you’ve been guilty of taking back control of a situation. Confess, repent, and rest in His forgiveness and grace. Choose again to submit yourself to listening and learning from the living and active Word of God through His Spirit. (Hebrews 4:12)

2) Where did people find what they were waiting, in anticipation, for? (Luke 2:21-38)
The intimacy we see in the brief narratives of Simeon and Anna with God can embolden our own hearts. We can know with confidence that the Lord will speak to us and use us at any time of day as we surrender ourselves to Him completely. Some of us may be called into full time ministry, but for all of us, our call is to follow the Spirit’s lead in our lives as we move through our everyday moments. Everyone who has called upon Jesus for rescue and given up control of their lives to His lordship are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the normal things of life. The beauty of this situation is that our Lord takes the mundane everyday things and transforms them into something incredibly special.

3) What can we learn about prayer and fasting from Anna? (Luke 2:37-38)
If we say we are serious about our faith, our lives should reflect it. We should be binding His words on our hands and doorposts. There’s no need to be pretentious while doing this, but genuine devotion to the Lord is needed! Prayer and fasting are powerful tools to help us surrender control and learn how to trust the Lord since the Spirit is leading and guiding our time fasting instead of our fleshly desires. If you’ve never fasted before, here are a few tips. 1) Be Alert The enemy hates your choice to fast and be so intentional with your time in committing to the Lord. He will try to distract you and make it seem like you can’t continue. You can. Lean into the Holy Spirit and don’t do it on your power. This is a spiritual battle, stay alert in it. (1 Peter 5:8-9) 2) Be Emptied We can fast from anything; food, social media, chocolate, but the goal is to give up something you will tangibly miss, feeling its absence, so you are reminded to pray. I recommend fasting from food unless you have a medical situation preventing you. 3) Be Teachable Fasting is something to grow into and learn from others and the Spirit as you go, so be flexible as you go. Start small to be successful. If you’re fasting from food and have never done it before, start with one meal. Be successful in that and grow into a full day fast. The Lord isn’t looking for lip service, He wants our hearts. Give Him yours today!

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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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This is Waiting Week Two!
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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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Alive Day 13 Dearly Loved

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1
Genesis 22:1-19
Psalm 44:17-22
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Romans 8:31-36

Alive, Day 13

“What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Romans 8:31-36)

When I became a believer, I selected a life verse (a passage of Scripture I especially wanted my life to embody) reflecting my limited understanding of the Gospel as I felt I had to “live up” to a standard of “gospel” in order to keep God’s favor:

“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27a)

As I grew in my understanding and the Lord unpacked the legalism I carried, He gave me Romans 8 as my new life passage. This shift has been monumental in my understanding of who God is, how I interact with Him, and how He cares for me. I pray that as we walk through this chapter today, you will allow Him to lead you deeper in relationship with Him! 

Verse 31: Is any enemy greater than our ally, our God?

The Creator of the entire world has called us unto Himself. He is Elohim, the only One who has ever created something from nothing. He has given us an eternal inheritance as His children and conformed us to the image of His Son. Nothing in the earth, physical or spiritual, is more powerful than our Great God. No one can remove what He has so graciously given.

Verse 32: Having given us THE greatest gift, Jesus, would God then withhold anything we need for a transformed life?

In Genesis, Abraham was willing to give up his precious son, Isaac, with unshakable faith in and love for God; how much more astounding is God’s sacrifice of His own perfect Son, Jesus, because of His love for us? Out of that same love, He promises to equip us, carry us, and sustain us until we reach our eternal home.

This doesn’t mean, “If I pray to win the lottery, God must give it to me.” Our Heavenly Father has so much more than money or other temporal items to give us, if we embrace His gift of a Spirit-led life!

Verses 33-34: Who is qualified to justify, judge, save, and intercede before God for us?

A joy of mine is using Scripture to interpret Scripture, for the Lord’s letters to us are consistent and true! In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, I found a similar theme: only the One who sets the standard for righteousness can justify, judge, and save.

God gave the law to demonstrate our need for a Savior.
Jesus, fully God and fully Man, came to fulfill the law.
Therefore, we can have right relationship
with God
through Jesus.

Jesus is sitting next to the Father, speaking to Him on behalf of you and me (also known as interceding). Because Jesus bore the wrath of God in His death and then showed ultimate victory over Satan’s limited power in His resurrection, we can have new life! Only the One who designed this plan of redemption can justify or condemn. 

Verse 35: Can anything separate us from God’s love?

Isn’t it kind of the Lord to set these verses in this order?
He affirms our adoption.
He offers us everything we need for a God-filled, Spirit-led life.
He justifies us.
And now in verse 35, He reminds us nothing can steal any of those gifts.
Sometimes, when we walk through a serious trial, we wonder if God has left us alone.
Take heart, my sisters, He hasn’t left. Nothing can separate us from His perfect love. 

Verse 36: Does ridicule or persecution or suffering mean God has abandoned me?

At first glance, this might seem like a strange reference! However, King David was writing of Israel’s hardships. He was lamenting that Israel had walked away from God and was experiencing His judgement. The enemies of Israel were mocking and taunting them; they were “being put to death all day long.” And yet, throughout all their hardships, the Lord God cared for His people by continuing to redeem them.

We can take heart in our current sufferings, for the Lord God will not abandon us, but will redeem us! Our sufferings do not change the realities and truths of God’s love for us. We can rest in His promises and walk forward confidently in His love! 

Lord, as we study this passage verse by verse, show us Your heart. We want to build on these foundational truths so when we fall, we land on Your truth. Would You make clear Your desire for relationship, and show us Your great love? Let us respond to You with humility and a longing to know You. You are our good God and we praise Your holy name! 

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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!

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Enough Day 8 Perfect Prophet

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 53:3-12
Luke 24:13-27
Matthew 5:17-20
Revelation 22:1-5

Enough, Day 8

Of the four seasons we experience in the Midwest, I like spring the best. My birthday is in the spring, the weather is just right, and mostly importantly as a homeschool momma, summer is on the horizon.

Honestly though, it’s the flowers. Several years ago, we lived in a house with a yard. Planting flowers and tending them was my greatest joy. I loved choosing which plant needed which location in the sun pattern, ensuring something blooming in every season. I was thrilled by morning surveys to see which daffodil, tulip, or lily was on the verge of popping open.

I only planted perennials, flowers that re-bloomed every year. As a lover of flowers, I would not keep any plants in the same location that didn’t thrive. If a plant didn’t bloom well, I either transplanted it to a new home in the garden or pitched it out.

Anticipation.
Knowing previously-blooming flowers were trustworthy and would bloom again.
Waiting for each individual petal’s final beauty to be revealed.

This is how we wait for Jesus’ return!
We wait in anticipation for His glorious restoration of the earth, and His beauty to fully be revealed. We long for the time when every tear will be wiped away, when all pain and suffering is restored, and the curse of sin will forever be broken.

But how can we know this will really happen?
God’s Word promises it will.

How can we trust this is not some “pie in the sky church talk,”
but real, solid truth upon which we can build our lives?

Just as with my flowers, we can look back.

Scholars calculate there are over 300 prophecies regarding Jesus in the Old Testament. For example, the prophet Isaiah foretells detail after detail of Jesus’ coming, ministry, death, and resurrection hundreds of years before Jesus is even born. When we read of Jesus’ life in the New Testament, we find at least 20 prophecies in Isaiah alone that Jesus already fulfilled.

The same holds true for the expansive list of prophecies recorded from other Old Testament prophets: Jesus fulfilled each one, proving Himself faithful over and over again. That truth, combined with our understanding of the infallibility of Scripture, solidifies in our hearts Jesus is who He says He is, and His own prophetic words will be fulfilled in His return! 

Jesus was brutally killed, overcame death and the grave, and was miraculously resurrected. In Luke 24, Jesus is talking with several disciples on the road. Though they had known Him during His ministry, they didn’t recognize Him. Having heard His tomb was empty, they were upset.

Jesus pauses to share His true identity.

“He said to them, ‘How foolish and slow you are to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into His glory?’

Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:25-27)

Not only did Jesus fulfill prophecies, but He was, Himself, the perfect prophet. 

Fully God, there was no stain of sin on His nature to corrupt the messages He communicated from the Father.
“For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command to say everything I have said. I know that His command is eternal life. So the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.” (John 12:49-50)

Fully man, He redeemed the ministry of the Old Testament role of prophet, choosing at every turn obedience to His Father’s words and plans over satisfaction of self.
“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.’” (John 5:19)

Jesus himself says He was the prophet of all prophets;
all of Scripture weaves together His story.

We cannot read the Old Testament without finding the foreshadowing of His
coming.
We are immersed in His life through the Gospels.
We see teachings on how His church will grow all across the New Testament.
The conclusion of His Book floods with the magnificent promise of Jesus’ final return to bring His people home.

Christ is the beginning and the end; we can trust in Him, the One who came to redeem us!

Father, You have proved Yourself time and time again. Let us lean into Your faithfulness and trust in Your infallibility. Jesus, You so freely gave of Yourself so we might have new life in You. Thank you. 

Lord Jesus, we anticipate Your return! Lord, as we cling to you, let us rest in the promises of Your second coming. Use that promise to spur us on to share You with those around us. Stir our hearts, Lord, that many more would come to know You before You return. 

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!
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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.