Author: Randi Overby

Worship IV, Day 9 Relentless Worship: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Relentless Worship!

The Questions

1) Why was Hannah moved to worship God in this way?

2) What do we learn about how to worship God through Hannah’s song?

3) What does Hannah’s worship reveal about her heart?

1 Samuel 2:1-10

 Hannah prayed:
My heart rejoices in the Lord;
my horn is lifted up by the Lord.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
2 There is no one holy like the Lord.
There is no one besides you!
And there is no rock like our God.
3 Do not boast so proudly,
or let arrogant words come out of your mouth,
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and actions are weighed by him.
4 The bows of the warriors are broken,
but the feeble are clothed with strength.
5 Those who are full hire themselves out for food,
but those who are starving hunger no more.
The woman who is childless gives birth to seven,
but the woman with many sons pines away.
6 The Lord brings death and gives life;
he sends some down to Sheol, and he raises others up.
7 The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the trash heap.
He seats them with noblemen
and gives them a throne of honor.
For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
he has set the world on them.
9 He guards the steps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked perish in darkness,
for a person does not prevail by his own strength.
10 Those who oppose the Lord will be shattered;
he will thunder in the heavens against them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give power to his king;
he will lift up the horn of his anointed.

Original Intent

1) Why was Hannah moved to worship God in this way?
1 Samuel 1 reveals the background to Hannah’s beautiful hymn of worship.  For years, Hannah had longed and prayed for a child.  As the barren, second wife of Elkanah, she had lived in perpetual torture by the fertile and cruel Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife.  Then in a moment, her whole world changed: God promised her a child.  Some time later, she became pregnant.  Her broken heart, anguish and resentment  (1 Samuel 1:15-16) were replaced with strength, joy and peace.  Hannah had promised to give her child to God as a gift back to Him. Her son would be His servant in the temple, if He would answer her prayer.  The words of her worship come as she is taking Samuel to the temple as a young boy to live with Eli the priest, fulfilling her vow to the Father. (1 Samuel 1:24-28)  In a moment of great personal sacrifice, Hannah worshipped God because of His work on her behalf.  He had removed her shame from being barren (a common cultural belief), and had taken away her sorrow from being childless.  Though she was leaving her son behind, her focus remained on God and His provision in her life.

2) What do we learn about how to worship God through Hannah’s song?
Think about where Hannah was at the moment she voiced this song…she was leaving her son behind!  Let that sink in.  What Hannah knew in the moment was that God had been faithful, and she would be faithful to her promise.  In her song, Hannah worshipped God for who He is, in both character and attributes.  She acknowledged God as her salvation (verse 1); for being altogether different from other gods; for being her rock (verse 2); and for being the God of knowledge (verse 3).  She spends the rest of her song explaining how He has a plan, is in complete control, and will see that justice is done (verses 4-10).  She demonstrates a deep trust in His plan beyond anything she can fathom on her own.  Hannah knew what she had promised to God, and she was committed to following through, yet she did not know how God would ultimately put her sacrifice to use.  Samuel would grow up to play a pivotal role in Israel’s history, serving as the nation’s last judge and ushering in a new era with King Saul being anointed to lead God’s people. (1 Samuel 7-9)

3) What does Hannah’s worship reveal about her heart?
This worshipful response shows us that Hannah worshipped God from a heart grounded in truth.  She was well-balanced in the truth about God and the truth about herself.  Hannah was solid in her understanding of God’s character and the fact that He is in control of everything (verses 4-10).  Even more, she was clear in her need to remain humble (verse 3), acknowledging God’s holy perfection.  Hannah’s accurate view of herself allowed her to fully trust in God and find herself in a place of rejoicing and strength, despite the fact that she was about to leave her child in the care of another.

Everyday Application

1) Why was Hannah moved to worship God in this way?
How often do you worship God because of His work in your life?  Really think for a moment. Like Hannah, we must learn to thank God regularly for His work in our life and on our behalf.  Do you wait for God to do something major?  Or do you remember to worship Him for even the smallest things?  Even when we are waiting for God to answer a big request or a deep longing we may have, we still have the reality of the gospel:  God gifted us with salvation through the death of Jesus Christ, His Son. (Romans 6:23). Nothing we can worship Him for is greater than that!  Do you keep your focus on God alone in those moments of worship, or do you have a tendency to allow your mind to become self-focused?  We must be careful in times of worship to not become preoccupied with ourselves, and end up praising ourselves for the faith I had, or the suffering I fought through, or the pain I endured, or the worship I am giving.  Our focus should be on the One and only who moved on our behalf and is the giver of all good things.

2) What do we learn about how to worship God through Hannah’s song?
How often do you worship God simply for who He is?  Do you find yourself mostly focused on the work God has done in and through your life?  Though that aspect of worship is critical (as discussed in the previous question), when we lack balance, we risk missing the fundamental component of worship that focuses on God and His character.  We must develop our worship of God for his attributes and character.   This aspect of our  worship is important because it reminds us exactly WHO we worship.  God isn’t like anyone or anything else.  He is different in every possible way.  Remembering God and His character builds our trust in Him and His plan for our lives.  To do this, we must put effort into continually growing and expanding our knowledge of God and what we know of Him. This is a lifelong pursuit we will never exhaust as we seek to know more about our infinite Creator.

3) What does Hannah’s worship reveal about her heart?
When you worship the Father, what is revealed about your heart?  Think back to the last time you were in church, or your car, or your bed, or in a chair in the morning, offering worship to God.  What was on your mind?  What occupied your thoughts?  What feelings and emotions did you have?  How do all of these reflect your heart and what preoccupies you?  Our worship and thoughts reveal much about our hearts and their current status, whether we are preoccupied with ourselves, with fear, with doubt, with demanding expectation, with truth, with faith, or with love.  Just as we learn from Hannah, we need to ensure that our worship is built on truth and focused on God alone.  Take a good look at yourself and see what comes to mind and what the Father shows you as you seek insight into your own motivations in worship.  You may want to even pray Psalm 139:23, “Search me God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns,” as you seek His wisdom.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Relentless Worship!

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 Worship IV 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.

Incorruptible Day 7 Inner Shift: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Inner Shift!

The Questions

1)  How does having a mind “ready for action” impact our holiness? 

2) What does being “sober-minded” have to do with hope and holiness? 

3)  Why is it important we set our hope on the grace we received in Christ?

1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

Original Intent

1)  How does having a mind “ready for action” impact our holiness?
Peter writes this particular letter, “to those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad…” (1 Peter 1:1).  His audience consists of believers who have been displaced from their homes due to their faith, and who are thus familiar with hard circumstances and persecution.  In their time of struggle and need, Peter doesn’t tell them to take a break or that their trouble is over; instead, he tells the exiles to live a holy life within the battle.  How are they to do that?  First, be ready for action.  Peter understands that when God’s people are ready to take action in battle, they will already be on the defensive, looking out for the enemy, and ready to put up a fight.  With the next potential battle as their focus, Peter understands that these disciples will be more likely to resist the schemes of the devil by living lives that are focused on God and His standards for holiness.   

2) What does being “sober-minded” have to do with hope and holiness?
Peter follows his call to be prepared for taking action with the direction to be calm in spirit.  He says that not only do we need to be ready to act, but that those actions should be accompanied by a mind that is even-tempered (see Thayer’s definition).  He calls for the people to refrain from overreacting, even in the midst of difficulty and an uncertain future.  Peter knows that if the people of God fail to be sober minded they will be unlikely to come across as holy to the watching world.  Not only that, Peter understands God’s people would risk detracting from the hope others might find in Christ.     

3)  Why is it important we set our hope on the grace we received in Christ?
Peter’s final admonition to the people is to have the right focus before them: hope in the grace offered through Christ Jesus.  First, Peter desires for the people to have a right view of themselves,  as sinners in need of salvation.  When hope is placed in Christ, Peter understands the people will be less likely to try to save themselves, do enough, or be enough.  Instead, he wants them to know that they can do nothing apart from Christ.  Second, Peter desires for the people to have a right view of Christ:  as the Savior.  Not “a” savior.  Not an option.  THE Savior.  One and only.  Peter grasps the truth that a mind set on the salvation and hope that come from grace through faith in Christ alone offers a much more accurate and appealing image of Christ to others as they watch us navigate difficult times in life.

Everyday Application

1)  How does having a mind “ready for action” impact our holiness?
Looking at this passage begs the question:  am I ready for action?  Peter continues this idea later in this same book when he says we are to be, “…ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you,” (1 Peter 3:15).  Are you ready to answer questions others may have?  Are you ready for the next battle you may have to face?  Are you prepared to put up a good fight?  Are there areas of your life and walk with Christ you need to shore up?  Does your response to difficult circumstances in your life cause others to ask why you are different? 

2) What does being “sober-minded” have to do with hope and holiness?
Cool, calm, collected.  It’s a favorite phrase of mine and a friend.  We tend to use it as a joke, but in the context of this scripture, it’s quite serious.  Why?  Because that’s exactly what being sober minded looks like.  When you consider the application of that truth in your life, ask yourself some hard questions.  Do you give yourself space to THINK before you react?  Would people look at your social media and be able to call you sober-minded by what they see?  Or would they see someone who speaks before thinking?  Or speaks to provoke and argue?  Or seeks attention for themselves?  Take a sober minded look at your posts during the last battle or difficulty in your life and ask Jesus to help you see what He sees.  Are you attracting others to Christ in your words, or pushing them away? 

3)  Why is it important we set our hope on the grace we received in Christ?
If my focus is on the grace I have received through Christ, I will understand my place as a sinner in need of salvation.  For some of us, there is discomfort in seeing ourselves as sinners.  We want to think we’re better than that.  Or perhaps we are tempted to believe that though we are sinners, we must work to save ourselves.  Neither of those stand up to the truth of scripture that Jesus is the only one who saves sinners like each one of us.  He is the only one who can do that work.  He is our only hope for rescue.  Are those ideas clear in your mind, or do you sometimes struggle with those truths?  What evidence is there in your life to support your answer?  Do others see and hear you articulate that during the difficult times in your life?  Or do they encounter someone who is constantly striving and working to control or manage life and its difficulties?  Will they see someone who is self-focused, or someone who points them to the hope of Christ? 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Inner Shift!

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 Incorruptible 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.

Dwell Day 3 Rhythm Of Rest

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 16:22-30
Exodus 31:12-17
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Ezekiel 22:23-26 

Dwell, Day 3

Sitting on top of a mountain in Colorado for a week, disconnected from life and the rest of the world, brings a rest to the soul that is hard to describe.  That time of silence and solitude made my husband and I realize we weren’t doing enough to observe a time of dedicated rest, or sabbath, in our lives.  We were good at disconnecting from work and obligation, rest didn’t feel life-giving. With four teenagers, a full-time ministry position for my husband, a dog, a full-time job for me, a weekly community group, friends, school and much more…the idea of true rest often felt like a cruel joke.  Yet, what we began to grasp was the truth that, if we were willing, we could enjoy the kind of rest God desired.  Intentional decisions and planning were required, but it wasn’t out of reach.   

To understand why we were committed to making adjustments in our lives, you first have to understand how sabbath rest serves to distinguish, focus, and remind.   

Sabbath Distinguishes
God himself established the idea of sabbath rest on the final seventh day of creation. (Genesis 2:1-3) He took a step back, considered the work He had done, saw what was good, rested, and declared the day holy. He effectively distinguished the seventh day from the other six.  God then asked His people to observe the same pattern of work, labor, and gather for six days; rest, remain, and trust in Him for the seventh. (Exodus 16:22-30, Exodus 20:8-11) 

Simple, right?  Not so much… 
In our pride, we think we know better. 
In our greed, we think we need more.
In our need to be the best, we think we need to do more.  
In our need to be important, we think we must been seen. 

None of those beliefs lend themselves to rest and pulling back.
Sabbath is admittedly counter-intuitive to our current cultural way of life.  But God’s desire is that as His children, we distinguish between the common and the holy.  Six days are common and we work just like everyone else; but then, there is one day where we are to declare how we are different (Ezekiel 22:23-26).
When we ignore the Sabbath, it ends up looking like any other day.
We’ve declared the common to be enough! 

Sabbath Focuses
“Sabbath is that uncluttered time and space in which we can distance ourselves from our own activities enough to see what God is doing.” —Eugene Peterson 

Setting aside the cares, burdens, and work of the world opens the ability to reflect on and think about the God of the universe.  Throughout scripture, we see God time and again instruct us to remember.  With the Sabbath, we are to remember a couple of specific things:  God’s work AROUND US  through His creation (Exodus 20:11) and God’s work IN US as He sanctifies us (Exodus 31:13), making us more like Christ.   

Not only are we given the Sabbath to focus on our relationship with God, the time also allows us to focus on the earthly relationships that matter most.  We are called to observe the Sabbath with anyone within the walls of our home at the time  – family, friend, co-worker, or someone just passing through. (Exodus 20:10) 

Sabbath Reminds
Perhaps my favorite benefit of observing the Sabbath is its purposeful  reminder that I am no longer a slave, but have been set free (Deuteronomy 5:15).  Regularly reflecting on what my life was like without Christ, realizing all God has done to rescue me, and acknowledging that I could not do that on my own, has a profound effect. 

God receives the credit.
I remember how imperfect I am.
I am aware of my desperate need for salvation. 

Realizing our need for salvation isn’t just a one-time thing.  

Sabbath reminds me there is freedom available.
Sabbath reminds me there is a God willing to rescue.
Sabbath reminds me I cannot do this on my own. 

Sabbath Isn’t Easy
Coming home from our time in the mountains, we had a strong commitment to adjust how we would intentionally observe the Sabbath; but reality has proven it difficult to remain consistent. Resting well requires us to work well.   

To enter into our sabbath time with the ability to remember, focus and be aware of God and His work, we must do the prep work to allow these to happen.  When we do that, we experience the life-giving, empowering and rejuvenating joy God gives as a result.   

And then there are the questions….
What’s the right way to do this?
Am I allowed to….?
Is it ok if we….?
What about…..?
Can I go and….? 

We can quickly get caught up in the “rules and regulations” of what is or isn’t “Sabbath” to the point that it’s no longer restful.  Mark Buchanan, in his book The Rest of God, provides two principles that characterize a healthy Sabbath: DO NOT DO what is necessary; DO what is life-giving.  Those have become our Sabbath filter. The simplicity has helped us let go of questions and concerns about doing it the “right” way.  Our Sabbath doesn’t look like others, but it honors the expectations that God has put in place for us.  We can follow the command to keep the observance (Hebrews 4:9), yet we have freedom in how that takes shape (Colossians 2:16) through the gifts gained in Christ.   

Work hard. 
Rest well.
Distinguish yourself.
Focus on God.
Remember His work. 

The fight for Sabbath is worth it! 

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

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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

Roads Day 12 The Weight Of Hopelessness: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out The Weight Of Hopelessness!

The Questions

 

1) What was the man hoping to hear from Jesus when he approached him?

2) What did Jesus’ response reveal about true hope? 

3) Why did the man walk away dejected, despite the fact that Jesus did give him an answer?

Mark 10:17-22

17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”
20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.”
21 Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

Original Intent

1)  What was the man hoping to hear from Jesus when he approached him?
I can almost hear this man’s thoughts as he runs up and kneels at Jesus’ feet, seeking His approval, and desiring to justify himself.  Did you notice the man called Jesus a “good” teacher, and Jesus brought that out in His response?  Jesus tells the man that if he acknowledges Him as “good”, he is agreeing that Jesus is a prophet/teacher from God and is therefore owed the authority and deference that would be given to one sent from God.  Without saying it, Jesus essentially warns the man, “Remember that you called me ‘good’ when you don’t like my answer.”  The man asks Jesus what is required for eternal life.  Jesus reminds him of the commandments, and the man quickly responds, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth,” (verse 20).  CHECK.  AND.  DONE.  The man had to feel victorious in that moment.  Jesus knew the man wanted the easy answer of “you’ve done enough.”  The man’s works were the center of his hope.  He wanted to hear that he was good enough, had done enough, and was “in” for eternal life.  All because of his own efforts.  

2)  What did Jesus’ response reveal about true hope?
Jesus knew the reality that this man was putting his hope in his own works and earthly possessions before He ever heard his answers, yet it didn’t change Christ’s love for the man.  In fact, Jesus loved this man enough to tell him about true hope.  Jesus exposed to the man what was still a false hope in his life (his works and his riches).  Jesus then shared with him that hope always has to be in a Person, not in things or works.  “Follow me” was the only hope this man would ever know and it would require him to let go of all else. 

3) Why did the man walk away dejected, despite the fact that Jesus did give him an answer?
Jesus was clear about His expectations and not afraid to ask for more.  The man had hoped his works would be enough.  But Jesus said there was more required: to give it all up and follow.  However, the man’s riches proved to be a hindrance that would keep him from fully following Jesus.  The man loved what he had more than what he would gain from accepting Jesus’ challenge.  In that moment, the man chose to love his riches and the false hope of good works, over the One who could have given him everything he truly desired.

Everyday Application

1) What was the man hoping to hear from Jesus when he approached him?
Just like the man who approached Jesus, many of us and those we know, look for the same answers: easy checkboxes that say “Yep, you’re good and don’t need to do anything else.”  However, the work of sanctification is a lifelong pursuit.  We will never fully arrive. We never get to the point of being done and accomplished on this side of eternity.  There will always be more growth for us to do.  Psalm 39:7 says, “Now, Lord, what do I wait for?  My hope is in you.”  Jesus alone completed the work of a perfectly righteous life.  As humans, we are unable reach that level of perfection.  Instead, all we need is to believe that Jesus was the perfect son of God.  And His perfection makes it possible that we don’t have to be.  

2) What did Jesus’ response reveal about true hope?
Are you willing to hear the truth about hope?  Jesus’ teaching proved to be much harder to accept than the man in this passage had bargained for.  Often this is our same experience.  But just like this man, Jesus loves me, and you, enough to tell us the truth about hope.  Titus 3:7 says we are justified by grace through Christ’s death on the cross, which gives us hope.  Jeremiah 14:22 warns us that worthless idols can do nothing, so our hope must be in God alone.  Ephesians 1:18 promises us the hope that comes through His calling in our lives; He gives us meaning and purpose in a way that nothing else can. 1 Timothy 4:10 says that since our hope is in Christ alone, this is the reason why we labor, rather than in any wasted effort to save ourselves.  And what about those you know who are putting their hope in good works?  Are you willing to share the truth about hope?   To ask them how they will know when they have reached enough?  To let them know that hope comes in Christ alone? 

3) Why did the man walk away dejected, despite the fact that Jesus did give him an answer?
Unfortunately, I can resonate with this man’s story.  For years, my career was the one thing I would bargain with God over. ”You can have anything in my life…please just don’t ask me to give this up.”  What about you?  Are you clinging to anything over Christ?  Like the man in this passage, what do we miss out on when we make that choice?  Psalm 62:5 says, “Rest in God alone my soul, for my hope comes from Him.”  Trying to earn our way in and do enough is exhausting.  Rest comes when we place our trust in Him alone.   When we are finally willing to make that transition, our rest and hope will be noticeable to the world around us that is still busy striving to earn something. In those moments, we have the opportunity to share the truth of the gospel, the “…reason for the hope that is in [us],” (1 Peter 3:15).   This is our calling. This is why we have been set apart, to bring His hope to the world around us that is still busy striving and looking for more.

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

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Roads Day 9 How Much Is Enough: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out How Much Is Enough?

The Questions

1) What does John mean about Jesus being the light in the midst of darkness?

2) What is John saying when he writes that Jesus is the Word who became flesh?

3) What is the importance of Jesus bringing grace and truth (verse 17)?

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side — he has revealed him.

Original Intent

1) What does John mean about Jesus being the light in the midst of darkness?John’s gospel about Jesus’ life and ministry is written toward a Greek-thinking culture, Hellenized Jews and Gentile Greeks, driven by intellect and reason.  John’s goal is to capture for them the true identity of Christ as the one and only Son of God.  He opens his gospel account with the tangible metaphor of Jesus being the light in the darkness.  He uses the image to contrast that Jesus is different and stands out from all other sources of light; to acknowledge the real battle between spiritual darkness and spiritual light; and to say that Jesus is the one and only true light, unlike any other man.

2) What is John saying when he writes that Jesus is the Word who became flesh?In Genesis 1, the world is brought into being through the power of God’s word, as every part of creation is spoken into existence.  John states that Jesus is, in fact, the source of those words of God and therefore was, and still is, God.  John wants his readers clearly understand that he is writing about someone who is much more than a mere man; instead, Jesus is God, who became flesh, in order to reveal Himself to the world.  Jesus’ coming in the flesh did not change his identity as God in any way, but served to reveal to humanity the invisible God they had been unable to approach and see up until that time.

3) What is the importance of Jesus bringing grace and truth (verse 17)?
John writes to the people first about Moses bringing the law to God’s people.  Transitioning, he tells them that something even greater has arrived.  He makes the statement that, “…grace and truth came through Jesus Christ,” (verse 17).  For the Jews reading his words, John addresses how Jesus gives grace, emphasizing that grace is critical in even being able to follow the Law.  This was a critical point because for centuries the Jews had been trying to follow the Law in their own strength as a means for salvation.  But Jesus brings grace to fill the gap between our inability to follow God’s perfect law and God’s righteousness.  For the Greeks reading his words, John tells them that Jesus is truth.  Not just a truth, but THE truth.  This would have been significant, and important, to the Greek people, as truth was an important pursuit to them culturally.

Everyday Application

1) What does John mean about Jesus being the light in the midst of darkness?Jesus is different than any other man.  First, we must be clear on that in our own thinking.  We should not make Jesus out to be any less than who He is.  Second, we should be careful in how we present Jesus to the world around us to clarify His uniqueness.  Jesus is altogether different from any other figure in any other religion.  There are many religions that will acknowledge Jesus as a good teacher or prophet, but that doesn’t go far enough.  He was, and is, the Son of God.  Anything that makes Him less than that doesn’t line up with the truth of Scripture.  We must stand firm in that truth.

2) What is John saying when he writes that Jesus is the Word who became flesh?We cannot waver on the truth that Jesus was fully God, yet became flesh to walk the earth.  We must share that same truth with others when we want them to learn more about Jesus.  That is what makes Him so distinct.  In Jesus’ humility, He loved us enough to dwell among us and make Himself like us by taking on a human form.  In the Old Testament period, God would dwell with His people in the Tabernacle and then in his holy Temple. The literal meaning of the Greek in this verse is that Jesus came “to tabernacle” with us. He did this to help us understand God’s true heart for His people and the efforts He was willing to make to reconcile us to Himself.

3) What is the importance of Jesus bringing grace and truth (verse 17)?
The teaching about Jesus being both grace and truth is as relevant in our world today as it was to John’s original audience.  In a modern world that can be harsh and can feel like nothing we do is ever good enough, the message of grace is a welcome relief.  Instead of constantly striving to do or be more, grace gives us the assurance that Jesus will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.  He is our perfection.  In that, we can find rest and peace; this is a message that is needed by so many!  In a world where truth is relative, subjective, and shouldn’t be questioned, Jesus offers an absolute.  He removes the confusion of what is real and right.  He brings clarity.  Think of those in your life; who needs to hear the message of Jesus as grace?  Who needs to hear the message of Jesus as truth?  How can you share the hope that Jesus offers with those people in a way that is winsome and inviting?

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with How Much Is Enough?

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 Roads 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.

Prayer Day 7 Hmm, Daily Bread: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Hmm, Daily Bread!

The Questions

1) What did Jesus mean when He told the people not to look for “food that perishes” in verse 27? 

2) What is Jesus saying with the phrase, “bread of God” in verse 33? 

3) What does Jesus mean when He says in verse 35 that He is the “bread of life” and that there will be no more hunger and thirst? 

John 6:24-35

24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27 Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.”
28 “What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked.
29 Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the one he has sent.”
30 “What sign, then, are you going to do so we may see and believe you?” they asked. “What are you going to perform? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
32 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, Moses didn’t give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

34 Then they said, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
35 “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” 

 

Original Intent

1) What did Jesus mean when He told the people not to look for “food that perishes” in verse 27?
In John 6:1, just before this passage, the same crowd of people we see here experience the miracle of Jesus feeding them with nothing more than a few loaves of bread and fish.  When they seek Him out again, Jesus calls out the fact that they are looking for Him to meet their earthly needs, or “food that perishes.”  Jesus wants the people to understand that they are searching for satisfaction in things that don’t matter, when He could offer them so much more – eternal life through belief in Him as the son of God. 

2) What is Jesus saying with the phrase, “bread of God” in verse 33?
As Jesus continues to talk to the people, He refers to God’s past work with the Israelites, when He provided them manna from heaven to take care of their hunger (Exodus 16) before they made it to the Promised Land.  In verse 30 above, the people ask for a similar miracle from Jesus.  The motive of their request is to see another miracle, in order to confirm that Jesus is who He claims to be.  Jesus responds by telling them that God has already given them something more in Him, through His life and ministry among them.  Jesus tells the people that the only requirement is for them to believe in Him as the one and only Son of God.  In Him, they can know life in a deeper and more meaningful way.   

3) What does Jesus mean when He says in verse 35 that He is the “bread of life” and that there will be no more hunger and thirst?
Once again, Jesus exposes  the true heart condition of the people seeking after Him.  Though the people say in verse 34 that they want the bread He offers, Jesus still knows they are still missing the point; the people are looking for their physical hunger and thirst to be satisfied.  However, Jesus isn’t promising that physical hunger and thirst will not be an issue; rather, He tells them that they can have their deepest needs, their spiritual needs,  filled and met in Him, through placing their faith in Him alone.  

Everyday Application

1) What did Jesus mean when He told the people not to look for “food that perishes” in verse 27?
Physical needs are real, and we do have to deal with them regularly…there’s no getting around that reality.  But how often are we guilty of the same thing these people were?  Have you considered how many times you come to God seeking Him for his practical blessings, only when you have a felt need?  Do you ask Him as often to meet your spiritual needs?  Are you ever guilty of ignoring Him until there is something you want?  Consider how you need to seek God for all things, not just the physical needs of this life.  Don’t lose sight of the fact that earthly things are temporary.  Jesus wants us to instead focus on the eternal, spiritual things that truly matter – our relationship with Him.   

2) What is Jesus saying with the phrase, “bread of God” in verse 33?
Take a few minutes to examine your heart and your patterns of coming to Jesus with your prayers.  It’s hard to admit our faults, I understand.  But try to be honest with yourself.  Do you relate at all to the demands the people make of Jesus?  Do you ever find yourself looking for something that you want God to DO for you, all the while missing what he has already provided in the person of Jesus?  We must always remain mindful of the truth that Jesus is all we truly need.  He is the answer to every deep desire or hope.  Are you ever in a place where you require proof from God, asking Him to do something specific to somehow prove His love or power to you?  If we ask in that way, we expose a lack of faith and belief similar to the crowds Jesus was addressing.  Instead, we should trust in His greater power, believing He will work on our behalf.  In His time.  In His way.  Not according to our selfish requests. 

3) What does Jesus mean when He says in verse 35 that He is the “bread of life” and that there will be no more hunger and thirst?
Jesus promises that in Him, we have all we need.  Yet hunger and thirst are still a real part of life.  We often have difficulty being satisfied.  We covet what others have.  We long for more.  We want “just one more” of whatever we desire.  Where do you still hunger and thirst for “more” than what He has already given?  Consider why you struggle to be satisfied with what He has already provided.  What things other than Jesus do you turn to in order to fill that need for more?  How do you need to turn to Jesus instead, trusting in Him to provide for you?  Write out as many thoughts as you can, with practical ideas of how you can place your trust in Jesus alone. 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Hmm, Daily Bread!

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 Prayer 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.

Prayer Day 4 What’s In A Name: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out What’s In A Name!

The Questions

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”? 

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name? 

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”? 

Matthew 6:5-9

5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him. 

9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy…” 

Original Intent

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”?
When Jesus decided to teach about prayer to the people who were listening to Him on the mountainside (Matthew 5:1), His first lesson was on structuring their prayers (beginning in verse 9).  Jesus first focused on how to address the most holy God:  as FATHER.  Jesus’ simple, uncomplicated model for prayer begins with acknowledging to whom we pray.  Of all the names and titles given to God throughout the ages that Jesus could have emphasized, He focused on the one that reiterated the relationship God has with His people.  He reminded those listening that God is their perfect Father.  In fact, in verses 5-8, Jesus refers to praying to the “Father” 3 times.  While it is not wrong to pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, for they are the other 2 persons of the One Triune God, Jesus establishes and models for us the normative practice of praying to God, the Father.  Jesus’ instruction was to come before God with that kind of intimacy and knowledge – like a child approaching his or her father to have a personal conversation.  

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name?
Jesus’ instruction continues to highlight the father-child relationship as He further instructs that God’s name is to be honored.  There is a correlation here to the Ten Commandments in which God’s people receive the instruction to “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12); Jesus reiterates a concept that would have been familiar to those listening.  Not only are we to honor God because of His relationship to us as Father, but also in how we pray – not to be seen by others (verse 5) or in the number of words we use (verse 7).  These two instructions from Jesus emphasized to His disciples that their prayers were to be focused on God, rather than their own actions. 

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”?
Jesus understood that there were many names that were treated as important by the people He was teaching – leaders, priests, idols, and so many more.  As a result, He instructs the people listening to treat one name alone as holy, their Father in heaven.  In a world full of options and idols, Jesus distinguishes the name of God as the only one deserving special significance.

Everyday Application

1) What is important about calling God “Our Father”?
As mentioned before, Jesus’ instruction to address God as “Father” when we pray echoes Exodus 20:12 from the Ten Commandments where we are called to honor our earthly fathers and mothers.  His instruction is a confirmation of the  relationship we have with Him.  We must be sure that we do not allow that relationship to be defined or distorted in any way by our earthly fathers;  no matter how good or bad our experiences may be, GOD IS MORE.  Do you ever struggle to relate to God as your Father?  If so, why would  you say that is a challenge for you?  What truth do you need to remember to help you better relate to God as your Father?  If you are comfortable relating to God as your father, how does that impact your relationship with Him?   

2) What does it look like for us to “honor” God’s name?
No matter what activity we undertake, we are called to represent God well.  This includes when we pray, whether in private or public.  When you pray in private, do you give God the honor He deserves?  How do you do that?  Or are you ever guilty of treating Him like a magic bullet just when you need help?  Or of approaching Him flippantly?  Or with a demanding attitude?  What about when you pray publicly?  Are your thoughts ever dominated by what others may think of your words?  In those moments, are you more concerned about your own reputation more than you are with voicing a prayer that honors His name?  Do you ever find yourself concerned with getting the approval of others when you pray in a corporate setting – wanting to be seen as “wise” or “spiritual” by those listening?   Consider your motives carefully and whether or not you are honoring Him in all your prayers. When you pray, take time to offer praise to God before petitioning Him for your own needs, creating space to remind you to Whom you pray.  

3) What does it mean for God’s name to remain “holy”?
“Holy, holy, holy…” (Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8) is a phrase reserved for God alone.  There are other references, of course, that refer to people and actions as holy.  But the use of the three repetitions together is solely referencing the Almighty God showing that He is the only One worthy of that kind of praise. He is wholly different and set apart (which is the meaning of “holy”) from any other being in the universe.  In order to keep God in His rightful place in our hearts, attitudes, minds, and actions, we must be sure that we don’t allow anything to have priority over Him.  Our idols may not look the same, but we all struggle with them in one way or another.  Where do you find yourself challenged to keep God in His rightful place in your life?  What pulls for your attention above Him? 

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with What’s In A Name!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Worship III, Day 9 Fight Song: Digging Deeper

1 Comment

Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Fight Song!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of having God as our refuge and strength?

2) How is God my helper – doesn’t that seem “beneath” him?

3) What do we need to know when we are fighting a battle?

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah

4 There is a river—
its streams delight the city of God,
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God is within her; she will not be toppled.
God will help her when the morning dawns.
6 Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when he lifts his voice.
7 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

8 Come, see the works of the Lord,
who brings devastation on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease throughout the earth.
He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;
he sets wagons ablaze.
10 “Stop your fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
11 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of having God as our refuge and strength?
The specific background and occasion of this Psalm are not known, however the author is clearly familiar with battle and war, which was not an uncommon scenario for God’s people.  From the opening line of, “God is our refuge and strength…” (verse 1) to the very last words, “…the God of Jacob is our stronghold,” (verse 11), the psalmist outlines the benefits of having God on the side of His people during struggles.  This part of Scripture acknowledges that the battles being fought were both real and difficult, and that the circumstances may have felt out of control.  However, the author comforts God’s people by reminding them that the One who created and is in control of it all is for them.  As their Refuge.  God will give them rest when they are battle weary.  As their Strength.  God will help them to endure the battle.  As their Stronghold.  God will give them a safe place from which to fight.

2) How is God my helper – doesn’t that seem “beneath” him?
God’s people needed a reminder that He is “…a helper who is always found in times of trouble,” (verse 1).  His presence would not forsake them.  He would be at their side.  No circumstance would be beyond His reach.  Not only is God present, but He willingly offers up His help.  He doesn’t passively watch what is happening while they fight, but instead intervenes and works on behalf of His children.  Our finite, earthly problems are not too small or insignificant for the God of the universe.  Not only that, the author also reminds His people that, “...God will help [them] when the morning dawns,” (verse 5).  What the psalmist emphasizes is that God’s timing is perfect.  While He is always there and present for His people, His tangible help for them comes when He determines the time is right.  He wants His people to have confidence in the fact that His help will come, without question, and faith to know that He will offer it when He knows it will be best.

3) What do we need to know when we are fighting a battle?
The psalmist wants those who hear these words to know the truth.  The reality of their struggles – crushing fears, roaring waters, quaking mountains, trembling earth, toppling mountains – is part of life.  Even God’s chosen people cannot avoid the battle.  However, the author also wants them to know that the battle is not theirs to fight.  God specifically addresses His people and says, “stop your fighting, and know that I am God,” (verse 10). He promises to make the wars cease.  And when He fights on our behalf, He becomes the center of the story, instead of His people taking the glory for the work of His hands, and His hands alone.

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of having God as our refuge and strength?
“It is said of Luther that, when he heard any discouraging news, he would say, Come let us sing the forty-sixth psalm.,” (Matthew Henry Complete Commentary).  This psalm is meant to lift us in our darkest of times, to give us hope for the morning.  Let the reality of these promises sink deep into your soul – God is your refuge, your strength, and your stronghold – not accessible only for those who do the right things, wear the right clothes, go to the right places, say the right things, or “feel” close to God.  No…He is those things for every imperfect and struggling one of us.  You too.  When your world feels out of control, where do you seek to find stability and strength for the fight?  Do you turn to the One who can offer you what you need, or do you instead turn to counterfeits that will always fail you in the end?

2) How is God my helper – doesn’t that seem “beneath” him?
“I don’t want to BE a helper, I want to have one!”  This is one of my favorite quotes from a friend, related to a wife’s role in marriage.  Her statement was funny, yet it captures well the sentiments that can hide in the depths of our hearts.  We often look at someone who simply “helps” as beneath us – less than and unimportant; so, imagining God with that role can feel a little bit…well, wrong.  But when we do that we cheapen how God actually feels about us!  We can be tempted to handle things on our own, so as to not bother Him with things too insignificant.  Yet, that is not what God has asked us to do.  He invites us to extend what we have received from Him to others in our lives to help them (2 Corinthians 1:4).  Think about the people He has placed in your world.  Who needs help right now?  What experiences or gifts has God given to you that could be leveraged for the benefit of someone around you who is facing battle?  How can you offer that help on behalf of God as a source of encouragement and strength?

3) What do we need to know when we are fighting a battle?
First, God wants to fight for you.  All He asks is that you stop trying to manage and deal with it on your own.   He is asking you to allow your strength to come directly from Him, through prayer, scripture reading, and biblical community.  On the surface, the ask He makes of us seems simple.  But when it comes to living out the command, it can feel impossibly hard.  Our struggle to surrender control is always just under the surface as we attempt to be our own gods.  But just as the hymn A Mighty Fortress ends, we are wise to remember WHO, exactly, fights for us when we let Him:
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:

The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

The “right Man” is none other than Jesus.  And at a simple word, His victory is sure.  Rest in that truth. Allow Him to fight your battles.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Fight Song!

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 Worship III 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.

Misunderstood Day 6 No More Than I Can Handle

2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 10:1-13
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Psalm 118
Psalm 73:26 

Misunderstood, Day 6

I remember the moments like they were yesterday as we walked in the mall on a Saturday.  The scene played out regularly.  Inevitably, someone would stop the one of us pushing our twins in our stroller…. 

Stranger:  Oh my goodness, they’re so cute!  But wow, that’s a lot of work.
Me: Thank you.  And yes, it is.
Stranger:  I’m glad it’s you and not me, I could never do that.
Me:  (polite laugh and a smile…) 

And then, the real fun started.  The other one of us would roll up with stroller number 2, occupied by a 3 and 5 year old.  

Stranger:  Ooooohh.  Wow.  You guys have your hands full, don’t you?
Me:  Yes, we do. 
Stranger: (super chipper!) Well, remember God won’t give you more than you can handle.
Me:  (polite laugh and smile #2 as I found the exit as quickly as possible) 

It wasn’t just strangers at the mall.  It happened everywhere.  The grocery store.  With friends.  At church.  In those moments, I just wanted to cry and yell a little: 

Really?  Are you kidding me?
Why do I feel like such a mess?
I have no idea what I’m doing.
Why do I get upset sometimes?
Why do I get angry? 

The list could go on…
In those moments, I knew those people were 100% wrong. 
They thought I could handle it.
They thought God believed I could handle it.  

But 4 preschoolers was WAY more than I could handle.  So why did people keep telling me that?  Was I even cut out to be a mom?  The tears would come and I would think, everyone keeps saying I can handle this because it’s what God gave me, so why am I having a hard time? 

None of those people meant any harm, but I know the words were harmful.
They made me question why I was overwhelmed and struggling,
and they were patently untrue. 

Why do people use that phrase?
Where does it come from?   

 It’s a misapplied use of 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says,
“No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.”

God will allow us to be tempted,
but never to the point that we cannot resist,
if we choose to obey and follow the way out that He will provide. 

The reference has been taken out of context and applied to any and every situation,
not just temptation.
That is where the danger comes in.

What does that say to….
The parents who just lost a child?
The addict who just hit rock bottom?
The man overwhelmed by the pressure of work who is considering suicide?
Those taking care of kids, parents, and grandkids all at the same time?
The abandoned and abused?
Lonely spouses who cry themselves to sleep? 

When we hear someone tell us that we’ll be okay because God won’t give us more than we can handle, we walk away thinking,
I can handle it…I should handle it….
that’s what God expects me to do.

Then in our struggles, we end up feeling like there’s something wrong with ME.
It’s MY problem.
Do more.
Get better.
Cowboy up.
Pull yourself up by your bootstraps. 

The lie of the enemy is that I’m on my own,
meant to handle it by myself. 
“You got this…” he whispers in a loud scream. 

With that thought process, why is there a need for God at all?
Why do I need grace?  

I just need to do more, be more, try harder, and handle it better.  

But the truth of the gospel is that God WILL ALWAYS  give me more than I can handle,
but NEVER more than He expects Jesus to handle for me.  

The apostle Paul grasped the truth and reality of the gospel.  He writes to the church in Corinth about some of the difficulties he and Timothy encountered (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).  He admits that they were pushed to the point of despair
so much that they would have chosen death in the moment.

However, Paul knew that God pushed them to force them to
put their trust in Him over their own strength.
Paul understood the truth and the power of the gospel;
he didn’t have to handle it, because Jesus would handle it for him. 

Now that my preschoolers have become teenagers, the “Oh’s”, laced with pity and thankfulness it’s not them, have returned once again.
But now, I process the comments differently.
Parenting is more than I can handle.
So is being a wife, much less a pastor’s wife, writer, employee, or friend.

When I am allowing Him to handle it for me, the most overwhelming of circumstances is laced with a peace and rest in the strength that comes through someone bigger than me (Philippians 4:7).  And when I do feel overwhelmed, it becomes a sign that I am relying on myself, not allowing Him to be my strength, song and salvation (Psalm 118:14).   

With the truth of the gospel, and the strength that I receive in Christ, 
He promises to handle everything He asks me to do.  
I listen and obey, and He carries the burden. 

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

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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