Author: Marietta Taylor

She Day 15 A She For The Kingdom

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She Day 15 A She For The Kingdom

Marietta Taylor

November 17, 2023

Courage,Daughter,Encourage,Equipped,Faith,Humility,Identity,Kingdom,Legacy

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 1:15-21
Luke 8:1-3
Acts 16:11-15
Jeremiah 31

“Why have you done this and let the boys live?”
(Exodus 1:18)

How dare the midwives, Puah and Shiphrah, defy Pharaoh’s command and not kill the Hebrew babies when they delivered them! Didn’t they realize he was king and therefore must operate in complete obedience to him? Had they no fear of the repercussions of their disobedience?

While they acknowledged Pharaoh as ruler, they submitted to one higher than him. God was their ultimate king. It was Him they honored, refusing to allow these babies’ blood to cry out to the Lord from the ground as Abel’s had done centuries earlier. (Genesis 4:1-16) They operated with the wisdom found in Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.”  Instead of bowing to tyranny, they embraced courage and strength to show God as The One and Only God.

Had they been in modern times, Matthew 10:28 might have guided them, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Did Pharaoh punish them? Amazingly, he did not. Instead, their loving Father in heaven rewarded them. Not only did He prevent punishment, “Since the midwives feared God, He gave them families.” (Exodus 1:21)

God also blessed His beloved people by making them multiply and become numerous, (Exodus 1:20) in direct opposition to Pharaoh’s desire.
God loved His people and used the obedience of Shiphrah and Puah to put it on display.

Why is Jesus consorting with these women, who were once filled with evil spirits and sicknesses? (Luke 8:1-3)

Having women with “tainted” pasts in His close circle broke all social norms and Jewish tradition.

Can you imagine the looks and whispers?

Despite social norms, traditions, and opinions of others, these women provided tangible support for Jesus’ ministry. (Luke 8:3)

Joanna’s husband, Chuza, managed Herod’s estate; the same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist. (Mark 6:14) Joanna’s allegiance lay not with the Romans who ruled Israel on earth, but with the God who claimed Israel as His people and served as their True King. (Jeremiah 31:1) As she worshiped Yahweh, so she now worshiped Jesus, God in the flesh.

Despite Joanna’s connection with those who hated Jesus, her worship didn’t go unnoticed by the God who loved her first. (1 John 4:19) He gave her co-workers in ministry so she was not alone. And He rewarded her with the sweetest of privileges…

On Resurrection morning, the women went to Jesus’ tomb to prepare His body, but “…found
the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” (Luke 24:2-3)

And then…

 “…suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes”, proclaiming, “He is not here, but He has risen!”

“Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest.  Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things.”

 It makes my heart leap to think, these women, whom society had shunned and discarded, saw angels and were the first witnesses to the empty tomb, the evidence of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Bless the Lord!

He sees the broken and unwanted and calls them His own, using them for His glory and the good of His kingdom while lavishly demonstrating His love and care for them. What a God we serve!

“If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.”
(Acts 16:15)  

Lydia’s resume would read like this: God-fearing woman from Thyatira working in a male dominated industry selling luxury (purple) cloth. First female convert to Christianity. Baptized by Paul. (Acts 16:11-15) Home is a church and work base for Paul’s ministry in Asia. (Acts 16:40)

Lydia had no official leadership titles.
But she didn’t need them.
She was a God-fearing believer. Her capacity and willingness to lead and serve was born not from desire for accolades but from her love for and willingness to follow and obey God.

We’re never told specific “rewards” for Lydia. However, based on watching her in Scripture, I believe the Lord may have rewarded her with success in a mostly male industry alongside the abundantly satisfying joy of simply serving the God she had come to know and love by serving the Church.

Sister in the faith, Co-laborer for Christ, Ministry Partner and most importantly, Friend and Encourager

This description fits, none other than the President of Gracefully Truthful (GT), Rebecca Adams. She’s a homeschooling mom raising seven kids and awaiting the day to reunite with her eighth Treasure who preceded her to Heaven. She’s been married for over 20 years. She’s on staff at her local church. She founded GT and currently serves as the President of our board of directors.

But the role I hold most dear to my heart is as friend and encourager. We share some of the same life struggles. And we pray fervently for, and with, each other over those challenges, right alongside those of this ministry and the lives it touches.

Not only does she encourage me, she does the same for countless other women, serving as a mentor for many. She loves the Lord and His Word and she openly and lavishly shares that with others.

I wish each of you could know her personally, but you can “know her” through her writings at GT. You can see the depth of her faith and her joy in serving the Lord and His people.

You.

Culture would tell you to serve your own wants and purposes, but…
Looking at these “Shes”, it’s evident serving God should be our purpose.

It will look different for each of us, but as we submit to His plans for our lives,
He will guide and reward us for our obedience. And He’ll faithfully bring others alongside us for the journey to encourage us. As She, let’s commit to living His way!

Tags :
Brave,follow,kingdom,mission,purpose,she,Woman
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She Day 15
Digging Deeper

Take the next few weeks and go on your own adventure through God’s narrative of beginnings! Read Genesis and Exodus, then fast forward to Jeremiah and Ezekiel, but read them chronologically (here’s a chapter guide for timeline reading!).

While many are reading narratives of Jesus’ birth leading up to Christmas, read the history of the people Christ came to save! See the devastation of their rebellion, and ours, that brought such a radical, unheard of gift like God Himself wrapped in flesh.

I guarantee that these four books will bring a fresh understanding of Christmas like never before!
Dig Deeper!

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Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

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Oct 30 - Nov 17, 2023 - Journey Theme #124

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The GT Weekend! ~ She, Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ She, Week 2

Marietta Taylor

November 11, 2023

Adoring,Broken,Busy,Called,Courage,Daughter

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

This Week's Journeys

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

Psalm 34:11-14

“Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is someone who desires life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good?

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

We all have many roles. But, Lord God, for every role I have, I want to use it to point others to You.

All of my actions and words should make others want to know You more fully. Thank you for the many ways I am allowed to show my faith in and love for You. When I fall short, let the grace You extend be evident to those around me so they know You are loving and good.

May I speak of that grace as well. I pray I will be a good representative for Your glory, no matter my role

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

When we think of teaching, we often think of a teacher in a classroom. On Monday, Sara stretched our thinking to consider an expanded role to include those we interact with and those who observe us. We are all teachers!

On Tuesday we studied the importance of holy living. If we are always teaching, then it makes sense we should live holy lives. We are able to do this by the same grace and faith that saved us. Jesus saved us from sinful living and has made us people who want to do good works and live holy.

Sara had some great questions to journal for this weekend and beyond. Am I patient and kind or easily frustrated? Am I humble and own my actions, or do I rationalize my behavior and blame others? Do I show diligence or resignation? Am I relying on God or myself?

Choose one or more of the Journey Studies from the “Another” theme and journal how it connects to one the roles you fulfill.

JOURNAL TWO

On Wednesday, we considered together the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?”. Your neighbor isn’t just one who lives close to you. God actually tells us to love others in 1 John 4:21 “And we have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.”

Make a list of five “Shes” who are your neighbors based on the definition we explored on Wednesday. Journal ways you can love each of them, then go do them!

Thursday’s Digging Deeper walked us through Galatians 5:14, where we discovered the overriding concept is this: Loving God and loving others. Dr. Leslie reminds us that “others” also includes our enemies, and enemies are also neighbors!

Write a prayer asking God to help you love your enemies. If you cannot think of an enemy, pray about someone who rubs you raw like sandpaper.

Finally, check out this Journey Study on Prayer and forgiveness because, if we are praying about enemies or sandpaper people, we need to consider forgiveness as a loving act!

JOURNAL THREE

Ah, the relationship of sisters. It could be a good relationship or a not so great one. On Friday, we considered some sister accounts from the Bible, namely Rachel and Leah and then Mary and Martha. Carol also reminded us we have a large number of sisters as daughters of God. She encourages us to “lean into repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and grace” in our relationship with all our sisters.

Rachel Jones helped us Dig Deeper into Luke 10:38-42, which is Mary and Martha’s story. The takeaway from this, especially in relation to being a sister, is we need to listen to and learn from Jesus in order to do the things we’re called to do. To be a good sister, especially a sister in Christ, we need Jesus to instruct and direct us, which requires us to sit consistently at His feet with a readiness to learn.

Review Luke 10:38-42 for yourself and make your own notes as you read. Journal practical ways you can be more like Mary. Read some of the stories from Sketched VI as an extra challenge and encouragement.

Which ones do you connect with the most? Pray for those sisters in Christ, then write a prayer asking God to help you be a better sister in Christ.
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daughter,Her,neighbor,she,Teacher,Woman
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She Day 8 Is She My Neighbor?

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She Day 8 Is She My Neighbor?

Marietta Taylor

November 8, 2023

Courage,Equipped,Excuses,Faith,Family,gentle,Neighbor

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 3:27-35
Matthew 22:34-40
Matthew 25:31-46
1 John 4:7-21

 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

Jesus, in Matthew 22:37-40, states that these are the two greatest commandments. All other teachings, laws, and regulations could be neatly summed up into these two commands. Simple, right? Yes, unless you are trying to wiggle your way out of it and then you ask:

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

SHE is your neighbor and my neighbor. The woman across the street I wave at but never move the conversation past “hello”. The young mother you see struggling with her toddlers in the church parking lot each week, but you offer nothing more than a kind “I remember those days” smile as you rush to get to your seat. The clerk at the grocery store who smiles at everyone though I know she’s having terrible back pain lately because she shared it with me last week. The difficult co-worker who is like sandpaper to you but is going through a rough patch and could use an ear or a shoulder and you let her know you’re there for her. They are all our neighbor.

There is a verse that tells us to not just hear God’s instructions, but also do what the Word says. (James 1:22) So let’s see what God says about being a SHE and a neighbor. Proverbs 3:27-35 offers good instruction, which, if we followed it, what good neighbors we would be and have.

  • Don’t withhold good from others (verse 27)
  • Help your neighbor now if you can. Why wait? (verse 28)
  • Don’t do harm to your neighbor (verse 29)
  • Don’t tell lies about your neighbor (verse 30)
  • Don’t envy those doing ungodly things (verse 31-32)

The end result of this obedience?

“He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble. The wise will inherit honor, but He holds up fools to dishonor.” (Proverbs 3:34-35, emphasis mine)

Elsewhere in the Word we see other instructions such as, if you are kind to your neighbor, you will be happy (Proverbs 14:21) and “ Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10) 

Jeremiah 29:7 talks about pursuing the well-being of your city, “Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.” We can apply that wisdom to our neighborhood and places of employment. Neighbors are all around us.

In fact, Jesus talks about them in Matthew 25:31-46. While this passage is written about Jesus’ return, it also speaks to how we should conduct ourselves as Christians in relation to others. The “goats” saw others in need and did not help, even if it would have been easy to do so. The “sheep” helped others, even when it cost them something. (if you’re confused by “sheep” and “goats”, go read #HisWordsBeforeMine in Matthew!)

What I love about this parable is how personal Jesus makes it. To the sheep he says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me”. (Matthew 25:40) To the goats He says, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.” (Matthew 25:45) How each group responded to their neighbors, was a reflection of how they lived out their faith. Jesus counted kindness toward others as kindness toward Himself and indifference to others as an offense to Him.

There are other passages as well. Spend a little time reading and praying over these:

Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 27:10, Proverbs 17:17, Galatians 5:14, 1 Peter 4:9-11, 1 Corinthians 10:24, and Ephesians 4:25.

We see throughout Scripture how we should operate with God’s wisdom. And wouldn’t you know, in the Bible, wisdom is personified as a woman. This should make it easier to apply that wisdom to every She we encounter. She, Wisdom, issues many warnings about the consequences of ignoring her, but she ends her beseeching with, “But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.” (Proverbs 1:33)

The one binding thread you notice in all instruction about neighbors is one word. Love.  I think 1 John 4:7-21 best speaks to why this is true. Let’s walk through it, Neighbor.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7) 

“Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10)

“No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and His love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)

 “God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in Him.” (1 John 4:16)

“And we have this command from Him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.” (1 John 4:21)

In his human-ness do you think it was easy for Jesus to be persecuted during His ministry and then willing give His life for us so He could be resurrected for our salvation? Reading the record of His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, I think not. His was the greatest and most extravagant sacrifice. One we certainly do not deserve, but He gave it anyway.

How can we then, choose not love our neighbor, whether it’s easy or hard? How can we not do our best for whoever the She is that God places in our path? Sisters, Neighbors, if you love God, then love your neighbor. Pour out God’s love on her in whatever way you can. And if she doesn’t yet know Jesus, pray your actions will lead her to be a She for Jesus through your faithful “doing” of the Word.

Is She my neighbor? Absolutely yes. Now go love her in Jesus’ name.

Tags :
authentic,love,neighbor,she,Woman
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She Day 9
Digging Deeper

As neighbors, we seek out the unreachable, the downcast and, as the Spirit prompts, live open-handed lives for the purpose of intentionally loving and serving others as ambassadors for Christ who bear His Name.
(2 Corinthians 5:20)
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Known Day 15 Jehovah Nissi

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Known Day 15 Jehovah Nissi

Marietta Taylor

July 28, 2023

Believe,Faith,Fear,God,Humility,Identity,Know

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Samuel 17:45-47
Exodus 17:8-16
Isaiah 11:1-12
Romans 8:31-39
John 12:23-36

When my daughter was a senior in high school, she was very sick and needed to do “home study” for part of the quarter. The principal and teachers were all on board and supportive, except one.  He refused to cooperate in any area. He threw up roadblock after roadblock, though he knew the challenges of her situation. So, this momma bear fought for her daughter. Without me standing up for her, he would have failed her.

We have someone infinitely more fiercely loving than any momma bear. We know Him as Jehovah Nissi, The Lord Our Banner. What does His name mean you ask?

Nissi comes from the Hebrew word Nes (nês), meaning something lifted up as a standard or banner. (Blue Letter Bible) A standard is a flag or rallying point during battle, while a banner was usually set on top of a mountain to show people where to assemble and it flew over the warriors as they fought.

Friends, our Lord is not only the banner flying over us, He is also the One fighting for us. We are assured of this throughout Scripture. (2 Chronicles 20:15, 1 Samuel 17:47, Exodus 14:13-14, Romans 8:37) Tucked in Exodus 17:8-16, we find an excellent portrayal of Jehovah Nissi fighting for His people; it’s also the only place in Scripture specifically referencing the name Jehovah Nissi. Let’s peek in.

The Amalekites, Israel’s enemy, came to fight at Rephidim. Joshua gathered some men while Moses stood on top of the hill with the Lord’s staff (Exodus 4:1-5), along with his brother, Aaron, and friend, Hur. Moses held the staff over the men fighting below. “While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11) So Aaron and Hur helped by supporting Moses’ arms so the staff wouldn’t lower, and Joshua and his men defeated the Amalekites.

Seems like Moses was the banner, right?
Not So!

“And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.” He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne.” (Exodus 17:15-16)  Moses knew and documented the real source of the victory was God. Jehovah Nissi orchestrated this victory, while using Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur and the staff.

Throughout the Old Testament, God fights relentlessly for His people. In Exodus, God protected the Israelites as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. (Exodus 13:20-22) When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites to take them back into slavery, the Lord parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross through and then, “During the morning watch, the Lord looked down at the Egyptian forces from the pillar of fire and cloud, and threw the Egyptian forces into confusion. He caused their chariot wheels to swerve and made them drive with difficulty.” (Exodus 14:24-26)

Other examples you can explore on your own are found in Judges 7:13-22, 2 Chronicles 32:6-22, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, 2 Kings 6:8-18, Daniel 3:8-27, and Daniel 6:1-23. Each example of God fighting for His people gives me chills.

But what about the New Testament?
Have I got news for you!

Isaiah 11:1-12 tells us of the “new” banner.
Verse 10 says, “On that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will look to him for guidance, and his resting place will be glorious.”

Who is the root of Jesse?
Jesus.

Jesus, the root of Jesse,
was hung on a cross on the hill called Golgotha
as a banner over us.

He said of Himself,
“As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth
I will draw all people to Myself.”
(John 12:32)

He was lifted up on that cross,
becoming the banner of righteousness and redemption
so that sin and death would be forever conquered.
All who trust in Jehovah Nissi would live!

With His life, He showed us what God was like as love lived out.
With His death, He won every victory for us, spreading the banner of reconciliation with our Most Holy God over all who trust in Him.

Why though?
It’s simple yet profound.
John 3:16-17 explains, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

God loves us. He loves us so much He fights for us.
He is our protection and our rallying cry.
We assemble under His power and authority so we can win and then give Him every ounce of glory.

In my Faces of Grace story I share of a time when I traveled down some dark roads. The darkness appeared to hold the victory, but Jehovah Nissi fought for me, His daughter.
“He saved my life.
And it wasn’t because I deserved it,
but because He loved me.
He still loves me.”

Sisters, let us draw near to God.
Read His Word.
Carry it in our hearts.
Live it out.

And when we need a victory, rely on the One known as Jehovah Nissi.
We are known as His daughters.
When He wins, we win, then we glorify Him.

Let me leave you with something to help you remember Jehovah Nissi,
who will never stop fighting for you!
“Fighting For Me” by Riley Clemmons

Tags :
banner,Jehovah,love,Names of God
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Known, Day 15
Digging Deeper

Armed with years of learning to rely on the Lord (and speak and sing to Him, as the psalms record), the confidence David displayed as he faced Goliath wasn’t out of character from his everyday walk with the Lord, this was just one more opportunity to trust Him as evidenced by his own words, “The LORD […] will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (verse 37)
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Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

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Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

June 27, 2023

Believe,Community,Enough,Faith,Restored,Truth,Yahweh

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "What Do You Have Against Me?"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:17-24

17 After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness got worse until he stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death?” 19 But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, brought him up to the upstairs room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow I am staying with by killing her son?”

21 Then he stretched himself out over the boy three times.ad He cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, please let this boy’s life come into him again!” 22 So the Lord listened to Elijah, and the boy’s life came into him again, and he lived.

23 Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Elijah had lived in the widow’s home for a period of time (1 Kings 17:8-16) and she had experienced the miraculous power of God sustain her and her son in a devastating drought; by this, the widow knew God was with Elijah.

When her son fell ill, she likely expected God to again display His miraculous power. Instead, her son died. Maybe Elijah’s God was not the giver of life after all. In her grief, she began the age-old game of blaming. (Genesis 3:11-13) First, she blamed Elijah, then she blamed her own, unspecified sin for her son’s death. According to David Guzik, “Whatever her sin was, the guilty memory of it was always close to her.” (Enduring Word)

Now that the one closest to her was gone, all she could see was her sin and her grief. Self-loathing and Shame are horrible places to dwell, but this is exactly where this grief-ridden mama found herself. 

Another likely reason for her self-shaming guilt was her cultural and spiritual background. Baal worshipers were taught that their sins would be met with anger and fury from Baal. (Cornerstone Church Kingston) Since this was what she believed of Baal, seeing her son die in the presence of the “Man of God”, caused her to naturally assume Elijah’s God operated the same as Baal.

Again, the question of, “Is it true that Elijah’s God is the giver of life” is up for debate in her heart and mind; she chooses her answer based on her spiritual background and not on her most recent experience with God. 

The Everyday Application

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Many years ago, my husband and I went through a rough patch. He was in a car accident and had some minor injuries and resulting back pain. A week later, I had a car accident and had to be transported to the ER for observation. A couple weeks later, he started having trouble at his job, and on and on it went for a time. We had some professing Christians say to our faces that we needed to get rid of our sin so God would start blessing us and quit punishing us.

This is wrong theology! John 16:33 says, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” This world is a hard place and trouble will come. We cannot avoid it, but we have no fear because God is with us and will help us through it all. (John 14:18-21) God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on both the evil and the good. (Matthew 5:45)

Haven’t we all witnessed someone enjoying what looks like a blessing, but turns out to be an ill-gotten gain? Can hard things be the result of sin? Yes. Are we the ones who can absolutely determine that every time? No.

If we think something might be the result of a specific sin, we can ask the Lord to reveal it to us and convict us by His Spirit, allowing us to confess and repent. If He does not show us anything, then we can know this is most likely a growth opportunity as it was for the widow.

I like how Sermon Notebook phrases it, “God’s method for growing us isn’t always pleasant, nor is it fun. However, it is essential that we pass through the growing process so that we can be better used of the Lord. As God takes us through the battles, and we see Him win them all by His power, we are enabled, by faith, to trust Him for even greater victories.”

The Original Intent

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

Elijah, and indirectly, God, had been blamed for the death of the widow’s son. Rain had not fallen, therefore, according to God’s promise in 1 Kings 17:13-14, flour and oil should still be plentiful, allowing everyone in the home to still be living.

That would be true, if flour and oil, if bread alone, were the Source of life. But Scripture teaches differently. (Colossians 1:17) In fact, Christ taught differently by saying, “Man should not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Perhaps the Lord took the boy’s life, proving His authority over life and death, that the woman’s heart might learn to lean on Truth instead of her own understanding.

Elijah could not make sense of this turn of events. Surely, it was very discouraging after all the life-giving things he had seen God do in his own life and the widow’s. So, he took his crisis of faith to the True Source, Yahweh. This is very reminiscent of King Hezekiah who took his concerns about his enemies’ death threats and even his failing health to the Lord, expecting God to handle it, regardless of Hezekiah’s personal confidence level. (Got Questions)

This was Elijah’s way of drawing near to God at a time when his faith was rattled, yet believing God could do the impossible, just like we see so many times on the Psalms. Elijah had learned a lesson the widow had not yet owned for herself, within God’s sustenance, Truth lived, regardless of circumstance, and He was worthy of Elijah’s worship. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

It’s so easy to have faith when things are going well. So easy to not doubt. But when things get really tough, does our faith flourish or does it wither? Elijah prayed such an honest prayer, bringing his confusion and doubt to the Lord, but then he immediately demonstrated his faith in God’s character.

If you read through even just a few psalms, you’ll see this rhythm played out over and over in the raw honesty of the psalmists. Another great example of a “Why God?! But I trust You, God” prayer is found in Daniel. Jami helps us understand these depths well in her Journey Study, “Why God?”. She beautifully offers us this encouragement, “God doesn’t require us to have all of the answers, and we can rest knowing we don’t need them. He simply welcomes us, right now, as we are, to trust Him for the Journey.”

Rest in the knowledge that if He did not chastise Moses (Exodus 33:12-26), or the man whose son was demon-possessed (Mark 9:23-24), or even doubting Thomas, His own disciple (John 20:25-29), He will not chastise us for our moments of doubt, unbelief or lack of faith either. 

The Original Intent

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

The widow had decided God was not trustworthy. Meanwhile, Elijah was depending on God to be truthful and faithful to His character, which was why he was confident in asking God to resurrect the widow’s son. Elijah knew that nothing he specifically did would bring the boy back, But God…with God, nothing was impossible! (Luke 1:37)

The Sermon Notebook says, “God honored the faith of the prophet and raised the child to life again. Why? Because Elijah trusted God by faith!” If by faith we believe, God is ABLE to do the impossible, we have laid the necessary groundwork for coming before the Father who is “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) The widow, seeing her son brought back to life, realized that everything Elijah had ever spoken about his God was true. God was indeed both giver and sustainer of life.

“Elijah’s miraculous, never-ending oil jar hints at such life-giving power, but it is the widow’s witnessing of her child’s renewed life that convinces her.” (Working Preacher) She realizes that Yahweh is NOT like Baal. It is true that He is compassionate and does not cause harm just for harm’s sake. Everything He does is intentionally for good. (Genesis 50:20) And the truth is, it took suffering to get her to this place of firm belief. I believe in the end, that was okay with her. 

The Everyday Application

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

There are so many promises in the Bible, but one that is commonly quoted and is among my favorites is Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or abandon you”, which was first given in Deuteronomy 31:6.

God never changes, His character is always the same, and His promises never fail. Just read through Hebrews 11, listing out all the heroes of the faith. They all trusted God, but not all saw His final promise. What made them heroes in spite of this? They trusted that God’s Word was Truth.

We don’t even need to wing it, stretching beyond all reason that what God says is trustworthy, for He has provided His Word, His testimony in His people, and His Spirit to teach us all truth. In John 17:17, Jesus asks God the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” 

Every good thing that happens. Every hardship we endure. Every stronghold that is broken. Every wound that is bound and healed. Everything comes back to the character of God.

Can we trust Him? Resoundingly, Yes!

“God is not a man, that He might lie, or a son of man, that He might change His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

Our God is Truth so we can always trust that no matter how the landscape of our lives appears, He is in control and He will keep His promises. 

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Sketched XI, Day 6
Journey Study

My son lives! Elijah has done this!

No; my heart pulls back at those words. It is his God, his Yahweh.

Recognition and realization of truth washes over me as my heart and voice affirm what my eyes have seen, “Now I know you are a man of God and the LORD’s word from your mouth is true.
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Sketched XI Day 6 What Do You Have Against Me?

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Sketched XI Day 6 What Do You Have Against Me?

Marietta Taylor

June 26, 2023

Bold,Brave,Faith,Glory,God,Help,Hope

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:17-24
Psalm 119:74-77
Mark 9:14-24
Romans 10:14-17

Elijah
Yahweh revealed Himself to the widow every day as He kept the flour jar plentiful and the oil flowing, just as He’d told me to speak to her. (1 Kings 17:8-16) She did not worship Him before (1 Kings 17:12) so I had hoped that through me, she would believe and worship the One True God.

Since starting my journey, I have come to know the Lord more deeply and I long for her to know Him just as I do. I’ve seen the shape of His sovereign heart as He led me to prophesy against Ahab’s wickedness, I’ve seen Him be enough in the never ending supply of basic necessities, and omnipotent as the God who commands even unclean birds to feed me.
There is none like Yahweh.

But now this tragedy has happened with her son. What she thinks of my God, she is placing on me. How Lord do I show through a dead son that You are still the truth she seeks? I have nothing against her and I don’t believe Yahweh does either. Though the gods she worships might be shifting shadows, my God is not. (James 1:17)  

I should believe without a doubt, but I cannot understand why, after such a grand display of power and faithfulness, this loss would befall her. Help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24) Only the Lord can fix this. I am the messenger and God’s vessel. May I hear and obey how He plans to bring new life to the seed of faith that was planted in her. (Matthew 17:20-21)

Widow
This God of Elijah’s. How can I trust Him? Yes, He showed great favor by not allowing me and my son to die that day I met Elijah by the city gate. (1 Kings 17:10-12) I began to think maybe He is truer and more powerful than my gods. But now, my son lies dead. Just like the Baal gods, Elijah’s God also put his anger at my sins on my son and sent Elijah here to kill him. (1 Kings 17:18)

I cannot take back my sins, but watching my son die, I wish I could. All I can do is weep over my son and how my shortcomings have surely caused his death. I feel this is the suffering I’ve earned, but I struggle to reconcile my sin with the loss of my son. Is this the right punishment? (Psalm 119:75) How can the man of God help me? Do I believe he or his God can do anything? Is He even willing?

Elijah
I have taken the boy and will go to the Lord in private to not harm what little faith the widow might still have. (Matthew 13:20-21) I fear the Lord and so I put my hope in His word, praying the widow will see and rejoice. (Psalm 119:74) “Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow I am staying with by killing her son?” (1 Kings 17:20) The Lord is not like the gods of Baal, but how can she know the truth of who my God is when the outcomes can look the same? How can I be reassured of that truth? 

Dare I be bold like Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18) and believe for that which has never been done? (Mark 9:23) What if the Lord does not do it? But…what if He does? Stretching myself over the boy three times, I pray, “Lord my God, please let this boy’s life come into him again!” (1 Kings 17:21) The Lord’s “faithful love comfort(s) me” (Psalm 119:76) and the boy’s life returned to him and he lived again! (1 Kings 17:22) 

Widow
My son lives! Elijah has done this!
No; my heart pulls back at those words. It is his God, his Yahweh. Recognition and realization of truth washes over me as my heart and voice affirm what my eyes have seen, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true. (1 Kings 17:24) Were my sins overlooked? Discarded? I do not know. But I know Elijah’s God gave me “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3) Though my grief was great and my sins were before me, my joy overflows abundantly more. This God works so differently, so graciously. 

The gods I have followed all my life do not operate in truth and compassion. But this God, He had compassion on me and now my son lives. If I follow Yahweh’s instruction I will know the truth and I will LIVE. (Psalm 119:77) Blessed be Elijah whose beautiful feet brought the good news of The One True God. (Romans 10:15) Now I will tell of this God to my son, who lives because of Him! May my son also follow Him. 

Elijah
I wept as I saw the seed of faith grow in the widow; my own faith grew alongside hers. As she embraced Truth for the first time, I thrilled all the more in the veracity of Yahweh’s Name and character. Because I have delighted in God’s instruction, His compassion came to me by granting of my bold prayer (Psalm 119:77), solidifying my faith and growing hers. I think forward to our promised Messiah. He will be the Living Truth. (John 14:16) He will rescue us from all our sins and He will fulfill all the Lord has told us about Him. When He comes, we will worry about nothing for He will be God with us. But while we wait for the Promise, I will testify to all people of the unchanging truth of Yahweh, who continues to shape my heart as He has done for this widow and her son. 

A Note About Sketched

In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step 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 viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.

Perhaps we will find parts of our story reflected in theirs!

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Sketched XI, Day 7
Digging Deeper

I know, Lord, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly.

May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant.

May your compassion come to me so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.
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Worship XI Day 15 Shin & Tav

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Worship XI Day 15 Shin & Tav

Marietta Taylor

June 16, 2023

Amazed,Broken,Captivating,Faith,Fellowship,Glory,God,Grace,Heart

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:161-176 
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Psalm 23
Romans 7:14-25

Faithful and dedicated servant.
A wandering sheep needing rescue, understanding, and assistance. 

Which one am I?
Both.

Though redeemed, my flesh still wins some battles. This makes me grateful for God’s Word, which is “profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

ש Shin means to consume, destroy, eat. 

“Our God is a consuming fire.” He purifies and refines us. Therefore, He will “consume” our idols and destroy strongholds that exist in our lives. It is the truth of the Word that burns up anything that is against His will, promises and plans. 

“I rejoice over Your promise like one who finds vast treasure.” (Psalm 119:162)

We know God’s promises by reading His Word. We can claim them when we belong to Him. From my prayer journal:

Lord, You promise to strengthen, help, and uphold me. (Isaiah 41:10) You promise to keep me in perfect peace if I fix my mind on You. (Isaiah 26:3) You’ve said You will never leave nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8) I love this because, sadly, I tend to wander like a lost sheep. But You will never lose me. You said You would instruct and teach me, showing me what to do. (Psalm 32:8) I praise You Lord for loving me through these and other promises. 

We should praise Him continually for all His promises because “The Lord is faithful in all His words and gracious in all His actions“. (Psalm 145:13)  

“I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your instruction.” (Psalm 119:163)

Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. (Psalm 119:165)

Let me share two different perspectives of Shin. 

Father God, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me and your strength is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I repent of the sins of boasting, worrying, doubting, and deceiving. I seek Your grace and forgiveness, for without it I would surely perish. I love You and I know You delight in Your children. I pray that You will cleanse me, praising You in advance for Your mercy and grace. 

Lord, You commanded we walk before You and be blameless. I must intimately know You and be instructed in Your ways to do this. I need Your mercy and grace because it is impossible in my own strength…but Your Holy Spirit lives in me. I’ve given the throne of my heart to You. And I read, study, and follow Your Word, which allows me to grow in faith and toward blamelessness. I have no worries or anxiousness because I know You are guiding me. 

The Word is “able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) I pray we allow God’s Word to burn up and destroy our desire for anything that doesn’t line up with His instructions for our lives. Let it purify, refine, and rescue us from our own flesh. Psalm 23:3 says, “He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.” May His Word lead us where He would have us go. 

ת Tav means mark or seal.

Seals protect and preserve. Jesus bears the seal of God. (John 6:27) When we accept the free gift of salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, preserved for our entry into heaven and God’s holy and glorious presence. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

While salvation is a one time event, transforming us into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), the sanctification that happens after is a lifelong process. It is how God grows us and teaches us His ways. 

“Let my cry reach You, Lord; give me understanding according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:169)

John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” God teaches us by His Word. We gain godly wisdom and understanding by reading, studying, and following these truths.  By this, we also know we need the Lord to save us from our own sinful ways. We cry out and He answers. 

“My lips pour out praise, for You teach me Your statutes. My tongue sings about Your promise, for all Your commands are righteous.” (Psalm 119:171-172) 

I wrote this prayer in my journal:           

Lord Jesus, I praise You for setting me free from the tight clothes of this world to be dressed in Your righteousness instead. 

I don’t exactly remember the circumstances here, but my journal entry speaks to intentionally choosing something godly over something worldly. None of us has any righteousness besides the righteousness of Jesus. (Romans 3:10-12, Romans 5:19) As we continue to choose the godly way, we are sanctified all the more. From this sanctification springs our worship of the One who continues to lovingly transform us. 

“I wander like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commands.” (Psalm 119:176)

We will wander from what is right and good, because we still have a sin nature. (Romans 7:14-23) But praise God, He always knows where we are and what state we are in and He will rescue us. (Romans 7:24-25)

I was once lost. Now I am found, loved, sealed, and transformed by The One whose Spirit lives in me!

“Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

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Worship XI Day 15
Digging Deeper

Fear, anger, anxiety, pride, the desire for control, insistence on one’s own way, complaint, and all other forms of self that actively fight against perfectly satisfying love have been consumed and drowned out by the Lord’s ways, wisdom, and good presence.

Praise, rejoicing, adoration, peace, and delight have taken their place; there is secret joy here!
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Confidence Day 3 Confidence In Fellowship

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Confidence Day 3 Confidence In Fellowship

Marietta Taylor

April 19, 2023

church,Spirit,Suffering,Together,Truth

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:26-31 
1 John 1
Mark 12:28-33
Acts 2:36-47
Hebrews 10:19-25

One of the first verses I memorized as an adult was 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It was the quickest I’ve ever memorized a verse and it has never left me.

Over the years, I studied the surrounding verses and realized those words stuck with me because they help me connect to God and people. This is our mission as God’s girls.

Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
and
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) 

We can be confident that having and maintaining fellowship with God allows us to do the same with people; this is God’s design! In fact, 1 John 1:7 tells us that walking in Christ’s Light through fellowship with God naturally demonstrates Christlikeness in fellowship with people. 

So how do we go about fellowshipping with God?
I’m glad you asked!

Let’s start with God Himself, noting He has always existed in a community of fellowship as Father, Son, and Spirit. (John 1:1-5, 1 John 5:7-8)
Are we not called to be like Christ, imitating Him?
Absolutely, we are!
(1 John 2:6) 

If we are to be Christlike, then we too must exist in fellowship, both with God and others who belong to God’s family (fellow believers in Jesus). This brings us back to “my” verse, 1 John 1:9. To maintain good fellowship with God, we must confess our sins.

Unconfessed sin places a barrier between us and God.
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.
The one who does good is of God;
the one who does evil has not seen God”. (3 John 1:11)

We’ll call it “un–fellowship”.
The antidote of confession cleans us, breaks down barriers, and closes the distance between us and God. Praise!

Along with confession, we must walk in truth. (3 John 1:4, Galatians 4:19)
We know the truth by knowing God’s Word.

Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of all believers, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) So we read the Word and study the Word, treasuring it in our heart. Then we do what it says, otherwise we aren’t walking in truth but in the darkness of deceit. (James 1:22)

How do we fellowship with others?
Another good question!

Fellowship with the Trinity is what equips us with the ability and confidence to fellowship with others. (2 John 1:1-3)

Some aspects of this fellowship are:

When we actively pursue fellowship with other believers, the love and grace of the Lord will abound within that fellowship, binding us together! (1 John 4:7-12) 

Friends, we are either working for fellowship or un–fellowship.
We are either pursuing truth and love or deceit and destruction.
As believers, we must be aware of who we choose to fellowship.
What are they pursuing?
2 John 1:10-12 warns, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home, and do not greet him; for the one who greets him shares in his evil works.” 

I won’t lie. Sometimes being active in fellowship feels hard, because it is hard.
But it’s always worth it. Take a little field trip to Love Lived Out. I’ll wait (smile).

Wasn’t that a great little journey?
What Jesus did for us wasn’t easy.
It was hard.
It was sufferable.
But, most importantly, it was love. (1 John 3:16)

Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on our behalf to pay for our sin while He was sinless was an act of love by our most faithful God. This same God invites us into fellowship with Him because of Jesus. If we place our confidence in Christ alone, He will fill us with His love, freeing us to share this same love and fellowship with others.

Even when it’s hard.
Even when fellowship with people is painful.
Yet, because our fellowship with God is always fruitful,
our fellowship with others is always worth the investment.

Over the years, I have experienced both the hard and the wonderful of fellowship, but I’ve never experienced the Lord’s abandonment. God’s fellowship with us is always perfect and loving, sustaining us in all things, because that’s who He is.

I have confidently placed my trust in Him, asking Him to teach me to love like Him.
You know what?
He will grant this because,
“This is the confidence we have before Him:
If we ask anything according to His will,
He hears us.
 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask,
we know that we have what we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15) 

Sisters, let us place our confidence where it will increase and do good by choosing fellowship with the Lord and others.
Our faithful God will never fail! (Isaiah 26:3-4)

 

 

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Resting Day 10
Digging Deeper

I had been lying to myself, trying to claim fellowship with God while continuing to pursue things that I knew were outside of God’s gracious plan for my life.

God continued to draw me to Himself, offering me kindness that led me to repentance (Romans 2:4) causing me to turn from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).
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Steadfast Day 6 Dead Or Alive?

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Steadfast Day 6 Dead Or Alive?

Marietta Taylor

April 3, 2023

Faith,Freedom,Fruitfulness,Grace

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Leviticus 23:9-14
Romans 5:12-21
Philippians 2:1-13

My mother is a big fan of “wild west” movies which often include the phrase, “Wanted: Dead or Alive”. 

If the person was dead, they were no longer a threat.
If they were alive, they could be punished.
Today we consider a debate in 1 Corinthians.
Jesus: Dead or Alive?

When Jesus was laid in the tomb, the Romans and Jewish leaders thought they were done with Him. He was delivered to them alive, thanks to Judas, then they “punished Him” by crucifixion. Problem solved and enemy vanquished, right?

Yes and no. Yes, their “enemy”, Jesus, was dead and the problem they thought they were solving was “fixed”. But Jesus was a solution to a whole other problem and the vanquisher of an entirely different enemy. Death. (1 Corinthians 15:26)

The real problem started back in the Garden of Eden, where the first man, Adam, introduced death into the world through his sin. (Genesis 3:17-19, Ecclesiastes 12:7)
Death became man’s enemy.
Another man, Jesus, would destroy it.
Death on the cross was the necessary precursor to resurrection.

Sure, others had been brought back to life like Lazarus (John 11:38-44), the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24), and Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:22), but they came back in their same perishable bodies, which death would claim again. When Jesus was resurrected, He returned with an imperishable body that would never again be defeated by Death.

How does this help us?
As Paul points out, if Jesus was never resurrected, remaining in His grave, “…your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-18) But Jesus was resurrected. He is alive!

Paul says Jesus’ resurrection is “the firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep”.  
What are firstfruits?
In the Old Testament it referred to the offering of firstfruits, which was a grain offering with no blood involved. (Leviticus 23:9-14) You anticipated the harvest with your offering. Consider it as a down payment or entrance fee.

Jesus’ resurrection was the first of its kind; His was our entrance fee into eternity. Just as the grain offering meant God would provide a good harvest, Jesus’ resurrection guarantees we too will be resurrected with imperishable bodies.
Adam brought death to us, but Jesus brought life.

It’s a beautiful gift to anticipate. But is that all we do with it?
Paul concludes chapter 15 with, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters…”
Anticipate and be thankful, but also….be obedient to do some things in the meantime.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose obedience to the Father in the face of His upcoming suffering. Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.”  (Luke 22:42)

Jesus, in his humanity, was like us and toyed with the idea of an easier path to the desired outcome. But He willfully chose to obey the Father no matter what. Make no mistake, Jesus was fully God. He was, and is, in no way inferior to God the Father.

Ephesians 1:20-23, tells us God seated Jesus “at His right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given” and “subjected everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church”.  

Jesus’ obedience at the cross demonstrates economic subordination within the Trinity. “…the Trinity is not comprised of greater and lesser gods; rather, there is one God existing eternally in three co-equal Persons. The three Persons of the triune Godhead voluntarily submit to each other respecting the roles They perform in creation and salvation.” (Got Questions)

As we strive to become more Christlike, we should follow Christ’s example, living each day in obedience. We are empowered to do this because after Jesus ascended into Heaven, He sent the promised helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), who lives inside all who trust Christ for their eternal rescue by repenting of their sin. (Acts 2:1-4) The Spirit equips us to contend for the faith.

How do we become contenders?
Looking forward to verse 58, “… be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

“Because we know death is defeated and we have an eternal, resurrected destiny with Jesus Christ, we should stand firm and unshakable all the more for Him right now. We should work hard in everything now, working for the Lord, because right now counts forever!” (Enduring Word, emphasis mine)

Open your Bible and read #HisWordsBeforeOurs for clear instruction on how to contend for this Life that was won through Christ’s resurrection!

Ephesians 6:10-18
Colossians 3:1-17
Micah 6:8-9
Philippians 1:21-29
1 Timothy 6:12-16

And in the end…..
“The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Night will be no more; people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:3-5)

Meet you there, sisters!

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death,eternity,hope,life,resurrection
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