Author: Stacy Daniel

Alive Day 10 Hope Unseen

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:24-27
Hebrews 11:4-12:2
Habakkuk 2:3-4

Alive, Day 10

“Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. 

In the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:24-27)

Seeing is believing. What you see is what you get. Prove it. Show me.

When we are skeptical about something, we often seek ways to confirm its truth or error. We want evidence. Even Jesus’ own disciple, Thomas, said He would believe Jesus was alive after the crucifixion only when he saw the scars. (John 20:24-29)

Our Christian walk requires faith in what we do not and cannot see right now. Furthermore, it requires hope that Jesus is Who He claimed to be and is trustworthy. We are promised eternity with God and an end to all suffering and tears. We can trust His promise!

We are not, by nature, good at waiting. We seek the quickest way to the desired result.
Waiting can be excruciating.

During our adoption journey, we were first told our child would be joining our family about a year after we started the process. It wasn’t until two years later, however, we were able to hold her for the first time, welcoming her into our family.

The wait was painful. I prayed my daughter would be safe and cared for, having no idea of her condition. I wept for her as I wondered who was there to kiss her “ouchies”or wipe away her tears. Who was making sure she didn’t go to bed hungry? I wept because I missed her, though I didn’t know I could miss a person I’d never met. I longed to be with her, to hold her in my arms and tell her I loved her.

Though the wait was painful, we had hope that someday she would be with us. Until then, we prayed, we encouraged each other through the hard times while dreaming of what life would be like when she came home.

Our waiting for Jesus is similar. Waiting isn’t easy, as we long to be with Him, to have Him hold us and to tell Him we love Him, to marvel at the beauty and tenderness of His face, and to feel His loving touch.

We are not alone in our waiting! Romans 8:26-27 show us the Spirit knows what we need and is able to communicate with the Father in ways we cannot, because we do not know how to express our longing!

How comforting to know that though we cannot see, the Father planned in advance for the Spirit to guide us!
To comfort us and to remind us of the hope we have in Him!

This world has pain, sorrow, and struggle, but in the midst of it, God is faithfully caring for us while we await the completion of His plan! He not only left the Spirit, He also gave us His Word. There, we find examples of His faithfulness, as well as the faith-filled lives of those who have gone before us reminding us He is preparing a place for us! He has planned for our rescue before He even created the earth! (Titus 1:2)

Hebrews 11 tells of faithful believers who depended on God, clinging to their hope in Him. They were willing to set aside comfort, security, and their very lives, because they considered trustworthy the One who was doing the asking.

In Habakkuk, we find God’s people in captivity in Babylon.
The prophet has inquired of God, how long?
How long will Your people have to wait for rescue? (Habakkuk 1:1-4)

God answers, “I am doing something in your days that you will not believe.” (Habakkuk 1:5) In chapter 2, He urges Israel to wait for deliverance with endurance and hope, “Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late [. . .] the righteous one will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:3-4)

As God gave His word to Habakkuk, He has given us His word concerning our eternity. We labor in this world, looking ahead to the hope He has given us through Jesus, for we are assured, “He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

How do we hold onto hope when life gets difficult?
We continue to join together with other believers, to encourage and remind each other of God’s goodness and the hope we have in Him. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

We live together as a body united in Christ,
praying for one another,
bearing each other’s burdens,
and rejoicing in the victories of other believers.
We continue to keep incorruptible hope before us, remembering from where we have come as sin-sick depraved souls, embracing the sacrifice of Jesus with grateful hearts.
In light of the Unseen Hope, we can live fully surrendered to His lordship and leadership, giving glory to the One Who has called us to Himself.

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Sketched IX Day 12 I Have Seen Him: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out I Have Seen Him!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)

Luke 5:1-11

5 As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, He was standing by Lake Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets. 6 When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners. “Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)
As Peter was a fisherman, a boat was an important tool of the trade. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter was washing the nets by the shore. It was here in this very common moment, Jesus physically stepped into Peter’s boat to better serve the crowd pressing close to hear Him. Jesus often taught from boats as it gave Him a little space from the crowd while the masses could sit on the shore, allowing them to see and hear better.

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)
Similar to Isaiah’s call in the Old Testament (Isaiah 6:1-8), Peter was overcome by the power and presence of Jesus. He was overcome and hyper-aware of his sinful nature. Before the miracle was given, however, Peter was faced with a decision to trust a Rabbi’s fishing advice over his long-seasoned experience, or just laugh Him off. Jesus’ advice surely seemed laughable to Peter, but his willingness to humble himself under Christ’s authority paved the way for the Lord Jesus to not only abundantly bless Peter with fish, but entirely re-write the story of his life. As Peter chose obedience, he witnessed the result of one step of faith and became keenly aware of Jesus’ authoritative holiness and his own un-holiness! (verse 8)

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)
Jesus uses Peter’s current occupation as a metaphor to explain his future as a follower of Christ and “fisherman” for “people”. He responds to Peter’s humility with grace and a new assignment filled with rich purpose. Jesus would not divorce Peter’s natural love of fishing from his new calling, but instead, would use it to take Peter deeper and into more meaning than he ever dared dream. Peter would continue to fish, but instead of death, he would “catch” people, leading them to life. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came in the form of tongues of fire, Peter preached the Gospel and about 3,000 people were saved! (Acts 2)

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)
The boat in this passage was a critically important tool Peter used to provide for himself and his family. It was vital for his career and the livelihood of his family. Yet, when allowed to be used by God, it produced so much more than Peter could have ever imagined! What have you been given? The first thing often considered is wealth, and God can certainly do much with our financial generosity, but we all have much more to offer Him. Consider your time. Depending on your season, you may have more time in this season to serve those who need to hear, or see, the saving grace of Jesus manifested through the generosity of your time. Consider other possessions. I know several who open their homes to groups of high school students on Sunday nights, so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus. What about your talents? Are you a gifted writer? An artist? Resist the temptation to compare your gift to someone else’s. Peter wasn’t comparing his boat to John’s, he just allowed the Lord to use what he had! When we surrender our whole hearts and lives to Jesus for His glory, there is no limit to what can be accomplished for His Kingdom!

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)
When was the last time you were overwhelmed by the power and movement of God? Enough so that, not only were you swept up by the sheer magnitude of God, but also were deeply aware of your own un-holiness. Peter witnessed something that could only have been done by the power of Jesus and he was overcome with His divine presence. I remember a time when I sensed the Spirit in an overwhelming way. Following the news that a fertility treatment had not produce the desired results, I sat, overcome with sadness, when the Comforter wrapped His arms around me as only He could. I truly physically felt as if Jesus sat with me as I cried. In that moment, there was nothing else I wanted but His presence. If you’ve never experienced this kind of intimacy with the Lord, there is nothing mystical about it, instead the Lord gives these as we grow closer in relationship with Him, coming to Him with a heart of humility and a desire to know Him for Him, just as Peter did.

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)
Peter’s assignment as a “fisher of people” is the same assignment we have when we decide to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus did with Peter’s natural passion, Christ also takes our natural design to color His new purpose for us. As disciples of Christ, we are called to make disciples as we go through everyday life, however that looks for each of us. Teaching others what Jesus has done in our lives is the centering purpose for all who have surrendered to Jesus. This looks different for every Christ-follower because each of our stories is unique while the freeing, gospel story of hope in Jesus remains exactly the same! Sometimes we make this too hard, thinking we need to know everything about the Bible or be able to teach in formal scenarios. But, we are simply called to share with others the hope we have been given as we chose to trust in Jesus! 1 Peter 3:15 tells us we are to live holy lives and be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in us. Jesus is contagious! People have always been drawn to Him, and as they see Jesus in us, we need to be prepared to share the source of our Hope!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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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 :-))

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Word Day 11 Do As I Do

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 13:1-17
John 13:34-35
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Word, Day 11

“Do as I say, not as I do!”
Have you heard this statement from someone in authority?
Are you drawn to respect them, or do you have another reaction?

As a leader oversees employees, volunteers, or children, it is easier to see the mistakes of others and call them out, rather than coming alongside to model growth. It’s easier to list the rules and expect compliance rather than walk with another to demonstrate, correct, and encourage.

Jesus didn’t choose easy leadership.

Though He was fully God, He didn’t use His authority to demand His followers to go where He was unwilling. In John 13, Jesus postures Himself as a servant, washing His disciples’ feet. His death was imminent, yet He gathered them to observe Passover, serve them, and give instructions on carrying out the will of the Father by serving one another.

Neither the disciples, nor us, have the power naturally to obey this, or any command given by Jesus, on our own. It is only when we belong to Him by surrendering control of our life, through humbly submitting by faith (Hebrews 11:6) to His perfect authority, that we are given divine power through the Holy Spirit to obey Him.

Without complete submission to Him,
we are only playing a part without any heart change.

Jesus submitted to the Father with obedient surrender.
Just as He modeled, so are we to follow.

As the triune Godhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons, while also One Being. The very existence of the triune God is actively lived out with mutual submission to One Another out of shared respect and love just as they have always done for eternity past, and will continue for eternity future.

God does not choose easy leadership. He perfectly models, and humbly walks beside us, teaching us to live and love like Him.

“By this everyone will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Love.
Our greatest command from Jesus.
His greatest example to us.

Jesus modeled the love we are to have for others;
none were considered too “damaged” for His perfect love.

The truest test of a disciple of Jesus is how we love.

Today, it’s often difficult to see love in action, especially if we focus on the media’s newsfeed. With sin and brokenness ruling our world, the selfless love modeled by Jesus doesn’t take the spotlight.

Therefore it takes courage…..
To stand against the norm and love like Jesus.
To defend the bullied or mistreated.
To serve both the arrogant and the diseased.
To sacrificially love those society has rejected.

This kind of love….
requires a boldness only available through the power of the God
who gave Himself entirely for us.
When we love like Jesus, we risk ridicule or even bodily harm.
Loving like Jesus isn’t easy.

Jesus’ love alive within us….
Offers kind words to those who are hateful or mistreat us.
Sacrifices time, puts on humility, and sees those who need a smile and gentle touch.
Courageously expands our circles to include those different from us.
This is how Jesus loves us.

Just this morning, I broke down weeping as I read of disunity and brokenness in our culture. It all felt like too much! Overwhelming! How much we need humble, self-sacrificing love to bring genuine healing! This broken world and its hurting relationships are clearly not what God intended as He so carefully created every detail from nothing. (Genesis 1)

Sometimes I feel Jesus’ command to love others, in good and bad times, is a crushing weight! To reach out and love those who have hurt or blatantly oppose me feels impossible! Through tears, I shared with my husband that sometimes I want to quit, step outside this command to love and raise my white flag in defeat.

But Jesus!
Jesus washed the feet of Judas,
fully knowing those feet would soon rush to betray Him!

He faced the cross in our place to save us!
Us, the outcast, the hurting, the unclean, and rejected.
He stretched Himself out to pay for every sin past, present, and future,
even as He became unclean and rejected.

As Jesus suffered cruel torture, He reached out with perfect love to rescue souls condemned to an eternity apart from Him.

Magnificent Love!
But not devoid of truth.

His love was not a permissive “you do you” kind of love. He loved the world enough to declare the truth of the Gospel that all are separated from Him because of sin, and only can return to God through Christ’s sacrifice to pay for sin.
Likewise, He calls us to love others with this truth.

Paul invites us to, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
I want to echo this invitation.
I want to, yet I hesitate.

Such an invitation is risky.
It requires humility, transparency, and vulnerability.

It would be more comfortable, easier, to hand over some verses and say, “just do what the Bible says”. But that isn’t loving like Jesus.

Instead, I’m called to die to my own comfort and let others see Jesus actually living through me!

I can’t do it alone.
I must be willing to both live in constant communication with God through His Word and prayer, and actively engage in biblical community, surrounding myself with others who will share Jesus’ truth in love alongside me. Jesus’ sacrificial love, alive in me, requires me to meet others where they are, demonstrating Jesus’ love in everyday life.

Like Paul, I must be willing to live a life worth imitating
as I do as Jesus has done for me.

Will you join me?!

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

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Beloved Day 13 Catching Foxes

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Song of Solomon 2:15
Galatians 5:22-26
Philippians 4:8-9
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Matthew 22:37-40

Beloved, Day 13

“I now pronounce you husband and wife . . . and now present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Brad Daniel.”
[Audience applause as we joyfully exit the church]

Oh, how sweet are the memories of that day! We believed the best in each other, couldn’t imagine what could possibly ever come between us, had no idea that someday we’d have to actually work to make time for each other. And we certainly couldn’t imagine we’d ever be so angry with, indifferent toward, or deeply wounded by one another. We were embarking on a journey full of mystery, knowing and becoming known, memories, and the true meaning of the vow, “til death do us part.”

Marriage is a gift.  How sweet that our Father has established a relationship so intimate, it provides a glimpse of the most intimate relationship of all, God’s relationship with His people, His Church.

I don’t remember the night I met Jesus as my savior as clearly as I’d like, but I do recall wanting to make sure I knew Jesus. I didn’t understand a lot of the Bible at the age of 10 or 11, but I knew Jesus loved me and had sacrificed Himself for my sins. As a child, I couldn’t grasp the gravity of my sin and the costliness of my salvation, I knew I wanted to follow Him with all I had . . . I just didn’t know what that meant.

Beginnings.
We love them.
We dream about them.

Everything seems fresh and fun as we begin to learn something new, whether it’s in marriage or our relationship with Jesus. We start off with stars in our eyes as we experience new love and speak of “forever” as if it’s clearly visible to us.

One of my favorite ways to serve with my husband is to meet couples for pre-marital counseling. It is an honor to walk with an engaged couple, helping prepare them for marriage.

In counseling sessions, we work through various areas in the relationship possessing the potential for conflict, and provide tools to navigate those areas well. We encourage intentional communication and potential resolution before little problems become big ones. We also affirm areas of strength and encourage the couple to keep communicating and working together.

Song of Solomon paints a picture of two lovers, completely enthralled with one another and willing to do whatever it takes to be together.  Song of Solomon 2:15 advises them to “catch the foxes” before they ruin the vineyards. Foxes are known for being cunning, sly, and destructive, an enemy to the vineyards, not only eating the grapes, but gnawing and digging, destroying an entire vine.

What a great analogy when applied to the marriage relationship! In the beginning, everything is new and fun and effortless. It is then we should begin to prepare for the possible “foxes” to creep in, small and seemingly innocent at first, taking just a few minutes of our time or attention, but if left unattended, potentially destroying the relationship.

Relationships require quality time and attention. My husband and I encourage engaged couples to find a recreational activity they both enjoy, and to use its intentional pursuit to provide relaxation and something different to look forward to doing together.

To sustain any relationship requires time. Our culture tends to value busyness, so our spouses . . . or Jesus . . .  can get the leftovers of our day if we are not intentional in planning and honoring our time together.  We all need time alone together to remember the specific reasons we love each other, and to nurture the unique friendship marriage brings.

Distractions come in all forms, including electronic devices, children, and careers, as well as our own pursuits or selfishness. Most of these are not inherently evil; we just have to hold them in proper perspective.

One of the most familiar distractions in our society is the cell phone. I know I am guilty of mindless media scrolling, as my husband is in the room with me, neglecting prime time together. Instead of pursuing genuine connection, I look at the lives of others, comparing myself, my life, and my marriage to those on the screen. This has the potential to evoke jealousy, insecurity, and irritability.

In addition, our scrolling habits tend to rob us of time we could be spending with Jesus, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts and actions. Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8-9 to think about what is true, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise.  When we begin comparing and focusing on what we lack, we abandon lovely thoughts toward our spouses, or the truth about ourselves.

Marriage was created by God and is GOOD. Good marriages serve others and each other, out of the overflow of being strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.  As we spend time with Jesus, we are filled with His perspective, strengthened by His Word, and able to bear good fruit. (Galatians 5:22-26)

Empowered by God, we see the needs of our spouses, and set aside the time necessary to invest in and nurture the relationship. We are able to prevent cute little fox kits from destroying an entire vineyard. With vigilance and intentionality, prioritizing time with both God and our spouses, we can help the vineyards of our relationships to flourish!

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

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Calling Day 10 The Jesus Life

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 4:17-5:5
Colossians 3:12-17
Psalm 1:1-3

Calling, Day 10

What are some of your family traditions? Do you vacation at the same time in the same place every year? Do you have a unique way of celebrating birthdays? What marks your family as a unit, a team? What are your values?

Every family has certain characteristics setting it apart from other families. Each is unique in its own way, and the family of God is no different.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we make the decision to leave behind past ways of thinking, believing, and behaving. We become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We join a new family, and adopt a new set of values along with a new identity. We are called to leave our former way of selfish living and, instead, take on the character of our adoptive Father, with our thoughts and actions reflecting Christ’s.

But how?
How do we develop the mind of Christ? 

Our culture loves self-help books. Whether we need to better manage our time, money, business, or diet, we can find many resources to help us succeed. While we might run across a few tips, lasting change requires more. We all know the motivation bought by those helpful tricks will wane after a few weeks, because our hearts and minds remain untouched.

In contrast, Jesus calls us to a radically transformed life, beginning with our inner selves. (Ephesians 3:16) Lifelong change will only grow from a renewed mind and transformed spirit.

True change, working from the inside out, will, in turn,
display the power of Jesus to a watching world.

I love preschoolers! Their hunger for learning and amazement with the simplest of concepts inspires me to approach life with wonder. One experiment I’ve loved performing with them is to place a white flower into a vase of water tinted with food coloring. After a day or two, the children note the flower petals are no longer white, but have become the same color as the tinted water.

Simple experiments teach the most profound lessons in life. Just as the flowers take on the color of the water in which they are placed, so we must be careful what we allow into our minds. God has graciously given us His Words, contained in the Bible, to show us how He expects us to live and why those expectations are necessary.

For example, we are told to treat each other with compassion, to encourage each other, to forgive each other just as God has forgiven us. (Ephesians 4:32) We can fake all of those behaviors to a point. Occasionally, we can force the action, much like a child who has been told to apologize turns with contempt to the one he’s wronged and mumbles an insincere “sorry.” Empty words have been spoken, but no heart change or reconciliation has taken place.

This heart change is only possible as we saturate our minds and hearts with God’s Word and by spending time in His presence through prayer. Colossians 3:16 encourages us to “dwell richly” in the Word of Christ and live together in unity. The more time we spend with Him, the more we develop the mind of Christ, and our actions will reveal His character.

The world today needs hope. As followers of Jesus, we possess that hope and are directed to share it with the doubting world. (Romans 15:13)

What are we showing the world? 

Are we showing love in our treatment of those who don’t know Jesus, and each other as brothers and sisters?
Are we known for building each other up, or are we tearing each other down over disagreements?
Are we forgiving, letting past offenses stay behind, as Christ has done for us?
Do we strive to mend broken relationships, believing the best in each other, or do we gossip to create further division?

In full transparency, I am guilty. 

This passage has wrecked me the past few weeks as I have wrestled with some attitudes which do not honor God or represent His character well. I am thankful we serve a Father who is generous in forgiveness, and continues to welcome me back into His arms. He listens to my apology and, with full knowledge I will certainly mess up again, He still chooses to love me and partner with me on His mission.

Sisters, shall we embrace this Jesus life?
Like my preschoolers’ flower and the tree described in Psalm 1, let’s deeply root ourselves in our Father through prayer, study of His Word, the exhortation and encouragement of fellow believers, and authentic repentance and reconciliation. As we are transformed from within, we will bear fruit in season, inviting the lost around us to join us on this journey, the Jesus life.

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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Calling Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

Redeemed Day 11 The Waiting Game

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ruth 3:1-18
Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Philippians 4:6-7

Redeemed, Day 11

Fear, anxiety, anger, sadness. These words describe the current emotions of many Americans. As I write, the world is experiencing a pandemic that has taken thousands of lives and impacted countless others.

Uncertainty pervades our country right now. Some are worried about contracting the virus or losing a loved one who is already medically compromised, while others are overwhelmed with financial concerns as their jobs are impacted. Businesses have closed and we have been instructed to “shelter-in-place” and to practice “social distancing” to try to stop the virus from spreading too quickly.

We have been given an end date for our stay at home order, and then watched as the date was extended. Disagreements abound as some are concerned about opening businesses too quickly, jeopardizing safety, while others are concerned about the effects of a broken economy.

Couples are postponing weddings. Graduations have been pushed back or moved online. Medical and dental procedures have been put on hold, and funerals are limited.

When will it be safe to go out? What will happen in the days to come? When will we be able to go back to the life we knew as normal? What are we to do in our uncertainty? How do we handle the waiting?

In the book of Ruth, we are introduced to two women who also faced uncertain times. As we’ve learned, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were both widows. Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth couldn’t have known what the future held for her. But she trusted and respected Naomi, complying with Naomi’s suggestions for provision.

Naomi was aware of a kinsman-redeemer, a man named Boaz.  A kinsman redeemer was a close family member who agreed to marry a widow, providing financially for her and carrying on the family name.

Naomi gave instructions to Ruth, to approach Boaz as kinsman redeemer and trust his noble character would move him to treat Ruth with honor.

Just as Ruth had a redeemer in Boaz, we, too, have a Redeemer.
His name is Jesus.

Since sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, we all are broken.
We experience pain, loss, and disappointment.
We cause the same and continue the cycle of brokenness.
Ultimately, we are separated from the Father by our sin.

We need someone who will meet us in our need, just as Boaz did Ruth, and redeem us, protecting our future. Jesus willingly came to earth, in the form of a man while fully God, to do just that. 

He experienced pain, scorn, shame and rejection. And then, He went to the cross, to put to death sin and shame on our behalf. To pay our innumerable debts, once and for all.

He chose us. He chose to love us enough to buy our freedom and our security for eternity.  He longs for us to come to Him, leaving behind our sin and shame and following Him as we journey on this earth. He knows there will be pain, but He promises to never leave or forsake us while we finish our days here before He welcomes us into eternity with Him!

What are you waiting for today? Is it a job or a promotion? Or maybe a husband? A child? Are you awaiting test results from a physician? Are you praying fervently for a family member to come to Jesus or to return from their wandering? Are you waiting to see the loved one you’ve been separated from during this time of uncertainty?

Paul admonishes us in Philippians to not be anxious for the future, but to pray and give our concerns to God with thanksgiving, allowing His peace to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is near. In the waiting, He is near. Wait with hope, remembering He who calls us remains faithful to His promise that He will never leave us. Though our prayers may not always be answered the way we want or expect, we can trust that God is good, and one day we will see Him and realize He is the One we were waiting for all along!

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Neighbor Day 10 El Roi – Representing The God Who Sees

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 16:13-14
Genesis 21:14-21
Luke 8:43-48
Luke 10:36-37

Neighbor, Day 10

Imagine you are Hagar and have just been excommunicated from your community.
You and your only son.

You have fulfilled your duty to bear a son for your master, but in so doing, you opened the door for strife with your master and his wife, leading to your banishment from the community.

You are alone, and terrified for your son.
How will you care for him? If you can’t find food, will you be forced to watch him die?

And then the Lord comes to you and promises He will care for the boy and make him a nation. You are overwhelmed with relief.

El Roi.
The God who sees.
The God who sees me.

The God who sees my pain and heartbreak, and promises to care for me. He gives me hope.

Now, imagine you are the woman in Luke 8:43-48. You’ve suffered from a bleeding disorder and been deemed an unclean outcast for as long as you can remember. Your family has exhausted all resources, to no avail.

Then one day, Jesus comes to town and changes everything! You take a risk, touching the hem of His robe, and you are healed! But that’s not the best part . . .

Jesus finds you, looks in your eyes, and SEES you, calling you daughter!

Imagine, after years of avoiding public places and bearing the title UNCLEAN, you are free! How good it feels to be seen! And given hope!

Now, let’s consider our own stories. Who do we encounter every day? Who, within our spheres of influence, desperately needs to be seen? Who needs to hear the hope we have within us?

Think about the student who always sits alone at lunch. The one who appears confident, trying to look like isolation is a choice. The one who eats quickly and retreats to the library.

What if you said hello? And the next day, said it again?
What if you simply acknowledge you see her? 

Then one day, you ask if you can sit with her. Ask her about herself, her interests or hobbies. Is she in band? Into art? Sports? What does she like to do for fun? What are her hopes and dreams?

Think about the mom in Target who always looks put together, yet exhausted as she struggles to keep her children in the cart. Can you see the stress in her face if you look closely enough?

Maybe smile and say hello. And the next time you see her, thankful for a little respite from your own crazy life, smile and greet her again, looking into her eyes to show her she is seen.

A friend shared a story of a seasoned mom who, while shopping, would frequently approach frazzled moms of young children. Instead of showing disapproval, she’d offer a hug and say “Is there anything I can help you with today?”

Imagine how refreshing it would feel to be offered support, instead of judgment! Instead of a censuring glance and a shake of the head, you experienced grace!

You feel seen.
And accepted.
And hopeful.

Picture the couple in the stands at the football game who are cheering for their child, but barely speak to each other. Their tension is obvious.

What if you just begin with a smile, sharing observations about the game, and eventually build a relationship in which you share the hope you have in Jesus?

I often fly through my time in public with a single purpose: to accomplish what needs to be done as quickly as possible so I can get to the next thing on my list. I try to stay on task with efficiency, which is great . . . unless I miss the people God’s placed in my path along the way. People who need encouragement, who need me to see them as He sees me.

One practical opportunity I’ve found to share His love is going to a cashier instead of the self-checkout lane. Honestly, as an introvert, I prefer to get through as quickly as possible, without chatting and losing my focus on the task. Yet, I have found it more satisfying to slow down and see the one who is providing me a service.

He invites me to share in His primary purpose, drawing others into relationship with Him.  Jesus is the only One who can save, yet He sends me to love others, introducing them to the hope I have in Him.

What if we made a conscious effort to notice our neighbors, praying before we leave the house for God to show us who He wants to bless through us? Who would He have us greet, in order to build a possible friendship that may eventually lead to sharing the hope of the Gospel?

I still have much room to grow, but I am hopeful God will choose to use me in His grand adventure! I hope you will join me!


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Treasure Day 8 The Gift Of Laboring

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 127:1-2
John 15:4-8
Colossians 1:16-18
Matthew 11:28-30

Treasure, Day 8

As treasures of God, created by and for Him,
we have been given the gift of work. 

Whether leading a corporation or a family, God has given each of us unique talents and opportunities to glorify Him and draw others to Himself. He has also provided guidelines to protect us and to help us learn to trust Him. As our Creator, God invites us into a working partnership, one in which He is both guide and co-laborer.

Psalm 127:1 explains,
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
the workers labor in vain who build the house;
Unless the Lord watches the city,
the watchmen watch in vain.”  

Our work should begin with God in mind.
Colossians 3:23 reminds us to do everything for the Lord. We are to seek Him first, allowing Him to guide our decisions and processes. When we do this, our priorities line up with His and we make decisions based on the principles He’s given His followers. Then, He can bless the work of our hands and we can step back and celebrate His work through us!

However, our identities can get tangled up in the work we do, instead of who God says we are.  When this happens, we become greedy, prideful, critical, and absent from those we love.

When we don’t view our work as God’s purposes through us, we begin micromanaging and hovering over every project instead of trusting those assigned to the work. Rather than working as a team, allowing all members to learn and thrive, decisions are made to feed the ego of the leader.

As we continue to find identity in our work,
we are consumed with busy-ness,
eventually neglecting regular meetings with our Father,
and further becoming enslaved to the success of the job to prove our worth.

We were made for work, but not for constant work.
Our bodies were made for a balance of work and rest. How kind of our Creator to model this for us! He spent six days creating, then spent the seventh day resting.

As God, He doesn’t need rest, but He showed us the importance of stepping back, seeing all we’ve done, and resting. As we practice regular Sabbath, lovingly given for our good, we demonstrate the trustworthiness of our God, who designs our work and holds all things together.

In addition, as Jesus modeled, we need to take time away daily to connect with the Lord, He who loves us best and in Whom we find our true identity. When we allow ourselves to be filled with Him first, the work we do is fueled with His purpose and energy.

As we consistently abide in Him, our work bears fruit as God intended, glorifying Him. He also reminds us how deeply He loves those we lead, and we learn how to lead them well.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to getting time away from work is our devices. Our phones are no longer connected to the wall, but accompany us wherever we go, making us constantly, immediately accessible. With the ease of remote work comes the double-edged sword of always being “on” and consumed by work.

In addition, our devices make it all too easy to trade quietness and reflection in favor of unceasing preoccupation with social media or even games. Peeking at the screen “just this once” becomes an entire vacation lost, or a day with the family plunged into electronic isolation.

Be assured, sister, if you identify with any of this, you are not alone.

I am currently working to build limits for my own cell phone use and lack of true rest. Though I don’t work outside the home, I can get lost in the search for dinner ideas, recipes, or ways to more effectively manage my home.

The too-high cost is precious time with my family. I end up feeling more frustrated about my lack of productivity, lack of time to pursue creative outlets, or inability to rest and connect with Jesus. If you find yourself there as well, take heart and be reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30,

“Come to me all you who are weak and weary,
and I will give you rest.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Our Savior knows we need rest.
The Holy Spirit gently reminds us true rest, like our true identity, is found in Him.
When we seek Him first, trusting Him with the details of the job, He is faithful to provide restoration to our weary souls as He blesses the work of our hands.

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

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Esther Day 15 A Legacy Of Celebration

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Esther 9:16-10:3
Psalm 78:1-8
Ephesians 1:3-14
Ephesians 2:1-9

Esther, Day 15

Mordecai went from the king’s presence clothed in royal purple and white, with a great gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen.  The city of Susa shouted and rejoiced, and the Jews celebrated with gladness, joy, and honor.  In every province and every city, wherever the king’s command and his law reached, joy and rejoicing took place among the Jews.  There was a celebration and a holiday. Esther 8:15-16 

The Jews had much to celebrate!
Imagine receiving a death sentence from a power-hungry leader for no other reason except he didn’t like your people. Imagine the fear and despair you’d feel; hopeless and helpless to save yourself or those you love.  Then you receive word of a new law to counter the first one and the leader being punished; you and your people are free!

There was rejoicing and shouting and celebrating going on in Susa!
Thanks to the courage of Esther, as she followed Mordecai’s wisdom and was covered by prayer and fasting of the Jewish people, God rescued His chosen people.  I doubt there is anyone who would look unfavorably upon them or think their celebration was too extravagant. I doubt the Jewish people themselves were concerned with how they were perceived by others.  Their death was imminent, but they had been spared!

After the Jews were saved from destruction, the holiday, Purim, was established and is still celebrated by Jews today.  The holiday is a joyous one, preceded by a day of fasting as they remember how the Jews fasted and prayed for Esther as she approached the king. The story of Esther may be read as they remember from where they have come, and from where their Help came. They rest and feast and celebrate! The celebration was a decree and was established as an official holiday so future generations would not forget the great rescue. Esther 9:27-28

Sometimes we forget how we, too, have been spared.
Ephesians 2 tells us that, as sinners, we are also dead, eternally separated from God because of our unrighteousness. We had no access to God and His holiness, and were destined to face eternity apart from Him.  But in His great mercy, God sent Jesus to rescue us so we can have a restored relationship with Him. We are made alive in Christ! Ephesians 2:1-9  That is reason to celebrate!

How can we celebrate?
One way is to share your story.

Every single Christ-follower has a story worthy of celebratory re-telling!
At one point we were all separated from God because of our sin.  Then, He, in His infinite grace, sent His only Son to take our sin upon Himself and put it to death on the cross.
Not only did He die for our sins, but He defied the enemy who thought he had won by rising from the grave, forever to live with our Father God in Heaven where He continues to fight for us.  Out of great love, He left His Holy Spirit to personally live inside each one who calls on His name. The Spirit guides into Truth and fills us with power to do the work He has called each of us to do.

He invited us into His story so we may draw others to Him as well.
As we share what He has done for us, others see His faithfulness and are drawn into a relationship with Him as well.

At the very moment we decide to follow Jesus with our whole being, our faith stories don’t end, but are only beginning! He continues the work in our hearts and lives through the Holy Spirit so we may encourage others and grow closer to Him as we journey through life.  He provides us encouragement while challenging us to lean on Him during trial so we can encourage others in their growth. I know it encourages me in difficult times to hear how God is moving in the lives of others, especially if I’m walking a path similar to another’s. As we continue to share our stories, God is glorified and we can celebrate together who He is and all He has done for us.

I’ve been convicted recently about how little I share my story of faith and growth.
Also, how infrequently I ask others about their journey.
Perhaps it’s fear of rejection or being thought too “religious”, or maybe I just don’t pay enough attention to those around me to be sensitive to what God is doing.

What if we spent some time in the mornings inviting God into our days,
thanking Him for the work He has done in our own hearts,
and asking Him to specifically show us someone who needs to hear the hope of the Gospel? What if we were intentionally open to readily sharing how God has proven Himself real in our own lives?
It may feel risky, but we have much to share with great reason to celebrate our Rescuer!
The God who created the universe invites each of us into a relationship with Him!

Who needs to hear about the hope that lives within you?
Who might God want you to share your story with so they can know Him?
Who in your life needs to be encouraged that God is still good and still at work?
Whose life will be forever changed because you chose to share?
Do your children know your own faith story so they are able to continue your legacy of faith to future generations?

The next time you hear about Esther and her reason to celebrate with her people, remember you have even more reason to declare the goodness of God!
Celebrate out loud for the world to hear!

A P.S. from Gracefully Truthful….
Maybe, you’ve never told your story to anyone before; today is a great day to start!
We want to make it easy for you to get started and we would be honored to help you share boldly through the Faces of Grace platform.
Check out the “Get Started” tips, then send in your story and begin celebrating out loud what God has done!


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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Esther Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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