The GT Weekend! ~ Nations Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Our beloved writer and GT Partner, Sarah, lives in Jos, Nigeria. She paraphrases a verse from Ephesians 4:17-18 to represent the spiritual journey of many in her village, “We, who once walked in the futility of our minds, having our understanding darkened…” She asserts the reality that “whoever comes into contact with the love of God must realize his sinful condition.” In what ways do you see evidence of this in your own spiritual journey? Where have you encountered God’s divine love, then turned to realize how unworthy we are of such love? How has God’s goodness and kindness towards you made you aware of your sin? If not, spend some time reflecting on why. While your everyday life may look nothing like Sarah’s in Jos, the markers of our journeys with God carry very similar characteristics. Without first embracing the truth that we, on our own, are impossibly far from God, we cannot take even one step toward Him. If you sincerely desire to grow deeper with God, start today by asking Him to open your eyes to the ways you love darkness and sin. Confess these and ask Him to help you understand His love more clearly!

2) Marietta shared her realization that faith, for the African American community, was birthed from a place of needing to feel loved unconditionally and find hope. On the streets where she lives and churches she attends, she understands this need in a way the majority of white Americans miss. While we all are bound together in this common need for love without condition and hope with confident assurance, the Black community brings a unique perspective as they live in the reality where they will never find this unconditional love from the neighborhoods of America. The snare of prejudice, the radical injustices against races other than white, and the naivety of modern white Christianity draw distinct conditional lines against Blacks. How many friends, real friends, not just acquaintances, do you have who aren’t your same race? How are you actively working to connect with others of a different skin tone? Until all of us are willing to sit, listen with walls down, and actively engage with persons different than us, we cannot effectively build God’s Kingdom. Pray for your oppressed brothers and sisters this weekend, and ask God to shift your heart and your eyes to see differently starting today!

3) Regardless of our location in the world, we are each familiar with the potential and vitality wrapped up in our youth. There is something deeply significant and enticing about a young person, whether newborn, or gangly teenager, or a 20-something with the world stretching before them. We recognize the magnetism of youthfulness, which is why many world religions seek to draw in young people to catch the vision for a new generation. In what ways do you see the youth of your culture steering the beliefs for the world around them? What sources can you identify that specifically feed them? How many young people are you currently engaged with who would consider you a confidante? If you aren’t friends with someone younger than you, or if your age ranges below the 20-somethings, consider ways you can begin to intentionally engage for the purpose of sharing Jesus. Being a young person is of high value in growing God’s Kingdom, take the opportunity to pray for this generation and pour into them!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Galatians 3:26-28 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

…through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.
For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see the similarities, as well as the differences, between myself and my brothers and sisters in the Church who live out their calling to follow you around the world. Jesus, I pray you would bind us together through Your Spirit. Make me mindful of the ways we all struggle in our fight against sin, though it takes on different forms in different areas of the globe. Encourage all of us to continue persevering in our faith as we all wait expectantly for our coming Hope of glory found only in You! Remind me to pray for my fellow Christians in Nigeria as they continue to take bold new steps of faith. Remind me to pray for my sisters and brothers in the Southern United States who face the effects of racism on a daily basis. Remind me to pray fervently for those in SE Asia who find themselves worshipping many gods, give them ears to hear truth and embrace You with humble courage. Lord God, show me how I can be part of the fight to stand with each of these sisters and brothers by the bond of Your Spirit!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Nations Day 5 Pray For Us

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 7:9-10
Psalm 22:27-28
Matthew 24:3-14
John 17:20-26

Nations, Day 5

Malaysia is a lovely, multiracial, multicultural country. Let me share a little about our beautiful nation, and give you an insider’s glimpse into the challenges we face and the support we need from you, our sisters in Christ!

Our total population of 33 million people is a diverse mix of Malays, Muslims, Chinese, Buddhists, indgenous Bumiputra, and Indians, to name a very few! Christians (including Catholics) make up around 9% of the population.

Many people in Malaysia are religious and believe in deity; this belief is even affirmed by the National Principles of our country!

As the common view of the society is to believe in God, there are not many debates on the existence of God. Instead, the challenge of the multiracial and multicultural society is the people’s embrace of “respect” of different religions and rejection of “exclusivity.” It is difficult to overcome this listener bias when sharing Jesus is the truth and the only way to God.

There is tremendous cultural resistance to accepting Christianity among the different ethnic groups. Upon conversion and confession of faith in Christ, new believers face pressures and persecutions from family and society. For example, a Chinese teenager who accepted Jesus was cast out from his non-believing family because he violated their traditional “filial piety” practices.

Interestingly, while Malaysia has a national language, “Bahasa Malaysia,” ethnic groups have their own dialects and mother tongues, and often prefer using these to worship God and fellowship with others. From Malaysia, a chorus of praise in many languages rises to heaven!

While the churches in Malaysia are faithfully serving the Lord and their surrounding communities, we face many different challenges, and urgently need prayer support.

First, many churches, especially those in the cities, are losing their youth. Despite our national affirmation of belief, many young people do not believe in God. Please pray for our next generations to encounter God and remain strong in their faith.

Second, while indigenous churches are expanding in rural and emerging townships, the sharing of gospel remains challenging due to high resistance from the community.

Our church also joins with other churches and Christian organizations to care for our community, in ways such as having “tuition” (tutoring classes) for poor students, distributing food to needy families, and ministering to children in the “Orang Asli” Home. We also offer financial support to pastors in East Malaysia who are working in the mission fields, as well as supporting the foreign workers/migrant ministries.

Our challenge in these ministries is that although we are allowed to care for the poor in our local community, by law, we are not allowed to share gospel with people across ethnic lines. Even events like carnivals for the children face strong opposition.

Please pray for God to open doors and gospel opportunities in this “hard” land. We believe only the Holy Spirit can move hearts and bring people to Christ. Pray also for believers to be alert to the Spirit’s guidance as we minister.

Did you know approximately half of the Christians in our nation are from East Malaysia, especially from the indigenous Bumiputra (non-Malays)? A majority of them are second- and third-generation Christians, they need to encounter God personally and relationally.

There is also rising Islamic influence in these ethnic groups. We urgently need your prayer support as we defend and guide our next generation of indigenous Bumiputra believers.

Malaysia is an official Islamic country, with Muslims comprising more than 60% of the population. In Malaysia, religious freedom is for all people, except Muslims. As I mentioned earlier, the government forbids sharing of any other faiths to Muslims.

Additionally, anyone born into a Muslim family will automatically join the family’s religion. Marriage to a Muslim results in mandatory conversion to Islam. Finally, because of the law in Malaysia, churches in Malaysia focus mainly on non-Muslim communities. The result of these combined factors means the Muslim population in Malaysia will continue to grow quickly and exert increasing influence, while also remaining far from the hope of Jesus.

Yet we hold tight to the promises of Scripture:

“This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world, as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before You, for kingship belongs to the LORD; he rules the nations.” (Psalms 22: 27-28, emphasis mine)

“After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Revelation 7:9-10, emphasis mine) 

We believe these prophecies in the Bible will be fulfilled one day.
All nations, every tribe, people, and language will come to worship God.

We invite you to come alongside and pray for the struggles of Malaysian churches, and our nation!


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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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Here’s a link to all past studies in Nations!

Nations Day 4 Black Sister In The South: 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 Black Sister In The South!

The Questions

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)

Psalm 13

1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me? 3 Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death. 4 My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance. 6 I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.

Original Intent

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
Bible scholars differ on the scriptural validity of the title of some of the psalms. But since the text has been preserved by the Jewish scribes and Christ’s Church through the ages, it is compelling evidence that the attribution (here, “A Psalm of David”) at the beginning of many of the psalms is valid. Because of this, I consider Psalm 13 to be a song of David, the shepherd-turned-king. (1 Samuel 16) His rhetorical but critical question, “How long?”, is repeated four times. It does not take an aged Bible scholar to understand the emotion signified by the question. One commentator used the word “disorientation” to describe David’s pain. (studylight.org) If you have been in an automobile full of kids for an extended period, you have likely heard the question “how long?” The question implies a lack of patience and a frustration that the current situation is lasting too long. David described the wait as feeling like “forever.” Bible commentator, Bob Utley, explains that the repetitive question is “a literary way of expressing the psalmist’s frustration at his current circumstances. He felt abandoned. Grammatically, the word ‘forever’ is considered to be hyperbolic, expressing the psalmist’s feelings of being permanently abandoned by God.” (Bible.org) Maybe David recalled the agony of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25) as they waited for God to answer them. Or he possibly rehearsed the story of Joseph in prison, awaiting God’s rescue. (Genesis 40:20-23) Whatever was on David’s mind, his situation was troubling as he was tempted to doubt God’s rescue. His misery had led him to be agonizingly anxious every single day he lived.

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Psalms 12 and 13 are not placed in any kind of order of each other that is evident, but there are some comparisons to make. Both are designated as David’s psalms; they are to be used by the music/choir director; and both are characterized by lament. The noticeable difference is the scope of the lament. While chapter 12 signifies a national lament, chapter 13 is a personal lament of David. He is expressing his intimate feelings of abandonment due to his enemies’ pursuit. We know from Old Testament history that David had enemies: as a young boy he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41-50), then Saul (1 Samuel 23:24-29) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10-14). There were other foreign kings he had defeated (1 Chronicles 11) that could have been pursuing him. As he thinks out loud about his situation, he petitions God. It almost seems like David is making a demanding request. He wants God’s attention! He wants to be seen by God as he is hiding from his enemies. The NET translates verse 3 with three imperatives, Look at me, answer me, and revive me. What is interesting is that David does not ask the Lord to give him something tangible. His request is for strength in his soul. In the Hebrew text, verse 3 is literally “Give light [to] my eyes.” David envisions himself on the brink of death. His eyes are darkening, and if God does not restore brightness to him, he feels like he will “sleep in death”. (netbible.org) Also troubling David is the fact that his enemies are often the enemies of God. It is likely that David is defending God’s reputation as well as his own. He does not want them to feel like they have triumphed over God!

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
Verse 5 contains transitional wording that often occurs in David’s songs as he considers his God, “But I have trusted …”. In contrast to those who will rejoice when David is defeated, he rejoices in God and trusts in His love and deliverance. David was teetering on despair, but ultimately he preaches to himself and declares his faith in the Lord’s deliverance. He specifically trusts in the Lord’s faithful love. Hebrew scholars have often debated the meaning of the word “hesed” (חֶסֶד) in the Hebrew Bible. It is difficult to translate into English because it has no exact equivalent. Scholars explain that the full meaning of the word cannot be conveyed by a simple word or phrase. (bible-researcher.com) Interestingly, the verb form of “rejoice” is jussive, meaning that David is continuing with petition to God. As he has previously done, he makes his request to God by talking to his own heart. It is as if David is saying to himself, “Soul, trust in God. You know His love is faithful. He is The Deliverer, and I will rejoice in Him.” Declaring this truth leads David to break out in a song of praise and worship to the Lord, YHWH.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
When I think about David’s question, I automatically recognize his angst. When I’m delighting in something, I don’t usually wonder to myself, “how much longer will this take?”. When my grandkids are playing outside and enjoying themselves in the water sprinkler, they don’t ask me “how much longer will this take, Mama Mel?”. Typically, asking “how long?” demonstrates an impatience in a difficult situation. The question itself often signifies that something is amiss and unpleasant. That is exactly how David must have felt. We know the Lord never forgets us. His memory does not slip. But Sister, we have known the sting of feeling abandoned by God. We may have posted His promises on notecards on our fridge or bathroom mirror, but somehow, they do not feel real or sure. The longing for relief is at the very surface of our souls and in our misery, we plead with God, How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?. In his honesty, David cries out to God. It is best for us to be honest with God, too. Confessing our agony is good for our souls and helps us recognize our need for God’s mercy and nearness.

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Did you notice God does not interrupt David’s prayer?! How significant it is that God would permit David to bring his complaining to Him. God patiently waited as David processed his feelings. I am so thankful my Father knows about my human tendencies to falter and doubt amid trials. He is able to lovingly listen and hear my cries without reacting in anger. Even though the Lord is not obligated to wait, it is in His character to do so. Friend, if you are in a relationship with the God of the universe through Jesus Christ, you can rest assured He is able to hear your complaints and is willing to wait on you to realize Who He is.  He cares for you and desires to support and sustain you through your suffering. (1 Peter 5:6-10) Coming boldly to God in your pain does not frighten or disturb Him. Being honest with Him does not push Him away. Whatever has come into your life that has brought you misery, it is not a reason to distance yourself from God. Call to Him, dear Sister. He knows your pain, but He is not bothered by you rehearsing it to Him. Often, telling God the truth about your feelings is just what you need to find healing in your soul.

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
God always knows what is good, even best, for our lives. He will not always answer as we desire, but He will respond with His presence and mercy. Even when David was searching for a seemingly distant God, he chose to preach to his soul. (verses 5-6) We would do well to do the same. Then maybe we will break out in song too!
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
(Tell it to Jesus by Edmund S Lorenz)

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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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Nations Day 3 Black Sister In The South

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:14-22
Psalm 13
Ephesians 4:1-16
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Revelation 21

Nations, Day 3

I was born in  Mississippi and currently live in North Carolina. Both states are part of the Bible Belt, “an area chiefly in the southern part of the U.S. where there are many people who have very strong and strict Christian beliefs.” (Merriam Webster)

The Bible Belt is well-known for church attendance, and I remember attending my grandma’s Baptist church in Mississippi during summer visits. Mind you, I was raised in Chicago, as a member of a Catholic Church.

“North” church equaled a scripted, subdued, short service in comfy clothes.
“South” church equaled a long, exuberant service in my “Sunday best,” whether comfortable or not.

At my grandma’s church, there was much shouting, clapping, and spreading contagious joy in knowing the Lord and His faithful goodness. But sometimes, they’d peel back a layer to reveal this praise was how they survived the hardships accompanying being Black in America. This is especially true in a South where Christians historically not only upheld slavery, but where racism continues to thrive in the present day.

Psalm 13 begins, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

I heard this lament during hot summers at my granny’s church when the pastor preached on persevering in the face of trials, difficulty, and unfair treatment. I didn’t realize then how personally this passage would address my experiences in life and church. It wasn’t until I was older I understood how much African Americans still dealt with the roots of racism.

It was a turning point for me to realize that as African Americans, our faith was born out of a need to find unconditional love and hope. We weren’t going to get it from the world. So we gathered in churches and we leaned into Jesus, Who didn’t rebuff us because of our melanin. The first verse of Psalm 13 has been read and prayed for hundreds of years in the Black church.

But let’s not forget the end of the chapter:
“But I have trusted in your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because He has treated me generously.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

I realized no matter what the world thinks of me or does to me, God loves me and I can trust Him. He sent Jesus to die for me. And not just me, for everyone.
John 3:15 says, “so that everyone who believes in Him”. (emphasis mine)
John 3:16 goes on to explain, “For God loved the world.” (emphasis mine)
Finally, John 3:17 tells us, “Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned.” (emphasis mine)

The message of Jesus’ sacrificial love and redemption is for every. single. person.
When we embrace Him as our Savior, we enter into His eternal victory, regardless of our present struggles.

Ephesians 4:11-13 reveals God has equipped us to do ministry for the growth of the church and unity in Christ. I remember the first time I volunteered with my church serving “under-privileged communities,” which translated to African American and Latin communities in Raleigh. I volunteered to teach kids’ Bible lessons.

Reading through the material, I realized the “canned” examples wouldn’t work, because the kids couldn’t relate; their experiences were nothing like those the lessons referenced. Some examples would even be offensive. Therefore, when I served, I would change the “life situation” examples and the kids would light up with recognition of their own lives in the lesson.

I have frequently encountered this problem with cross racial ministry. If you haven’t walked in another’s shoes, or taken time to learn about their experiences, you’re ministering from a blind spot. I think of Saul, who believed in Yahweh, but not “The Way.” Once he met Jesus and became Paul, he made it his business to walk in other’s shoes when ministering. To the Jews, he became like a Jew; to those under the law, like one under the law; to the weak, he became weak. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

Why? Paul says, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22) This, sisters, is where the Church often goes wrong. The Church often ministers to communities based on what we think they need. Instead, we should intentionally devote time to understand what the need truly is.

Want to minister to a “not like you” community? Partner with and support a church already on the ground. Paul demonstrated this idea by working alongside Priscilla and Aquila, who had already been in Corinth. (Acts 18:1-4) I would venture to say that sometimes when we don’t lead with empathy and authentic relationships, ministry comes off like we’re trying to be a savior. But Church, there is only one Savior, and His name is Jesus.

Please don’t misunderstand. I love the Church.
But sometimes, she doesn’t act like she loves me.

For instance, during an online racial unity discussion, a woman I considered a friend asked, “Why can’t Black people just get over it, like the Jews did with the Holocaust?”

Unfortunately, in the American Church, this is not an uncommon sentiment. Therefore, it can be hard to attend church, knowing the people there might be against us just because of our race.

Despite the hardships, I fix my mind on this: in the new heaven and new earth, Jesus will wipe away every tear and death, grief, crying and pain will no longer exist. (Revelation 21:1-4) The city’s gates will never close and “Nothing unclean will ever enter it [. . .] but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

On that day, all nations will come and worship Jesus. (Revelation 15:4)
So I live for the day when we’ll be one before our King.
Amen and Amen.

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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 Nations 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 Nations!

Nations Day 2 Out Of Darkness: 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 Out Of Darkness!

The Questions

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)

Luke 9:23-26

23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.

Original Intent

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)
Jesus intended to be very clear in His statements by using the imagery of a cross as He spoke to those gathered around Him. All who wanted to follow Him must understand it involved denying one’s self and daily taking up their cross. To Jesus’ first audience, “cross” wasn’t a lovely symbol to hang around your neck or a decoration for your wall space. Rather, “cross” instantly brought to mind the cruelest form of death and torture known at the time. To “take up a cross” meant death. To take it up “daily” was altogether confusing to Jesus’ listeners as Christ Himself had not yet been crucified on a cross. However, one day, these listeners would look back after Jesus had died and been resurrected. Then they would understand a fuller picture of His words. Jesus meant for us to die to our sinful, natural selves and daily surrender to the new work of His Holy Spirit within us. “If you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13) Christ wanted His listeners to understand that true disciples were committing to making a radical decision to deny themselves and then live this out daily. Jesus demonstrated this when He literally took up a physical cross in complete surrendered obedience to the Father’s will. “Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him severely.” (Isaiah 53:10) There was no self-focus in Jesus’ willful act of surrender, and His disciples were instructed to live out their daily surrender to Him in the same way. Bible scholar, W. Hendricksen, notes that Jesus made His clear statements to an audience of believers and non-believers. Whether His listeners chose to follow Him as disciples or not, their eternity was still at stake.

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)
No one listening to Jesus that day was interested in “losing their life”, just as much as none of us reading this today would like to sign up to “lose”. This is exactly why Jesus chose such extreme language to communicate the all-important decision of following Him. He insisted that if anyone truly wants to save their life and win, they must surrender it to Him. Only by trying to hold onto their lives and their way would they actually end up losing everything. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told a story of a man who felt he was truly “winning at life” by piling up his material goods and pleasurable experiences. This man felt he had a long life ahead to enjoy everything, but God came to him and said, “You fool! This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20) The man’s selfish way of living life cost him everything in the end, even his eternity with God. Jesus pointed His listening audience toward real, lasting hope when He said, “but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.” (verse 24, emphasis mine) The process of losing our life to Christ is costly and painful as our fleshly, sinful desires are crucified. But as the Lord refines us, and teaches us to love Him first and most, we find ourselves whole, healed, and truly free! In surrender, we will ultimately experience great joy for His peace is greater than any sinful thing we give up. The sweetness of living life with the Holy Spirit working within us far outweighs any sin we think is better than Him.

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)
For a time during Jesus’ earthly ministry, it was popular to follow Him. He drew large crowds, everyone knew Him, and His miracles were known far and wide across the region. Everyone was talking about this miracle working prophet. But, Jesus’ mission wasn’t focused on fame and popularity. He regularly preached difficult messages and confronted people in their sin, offering them a chance to come into the Light, to be known and loved, and walk in newness of a surrendered life. Following Jesus when it was popular was easy. Following Him when He claimed to be God Himself and was facing death was quite another. Even Jesus’ disciples all fled from Him, and Peter denied Him, when crucifixion became imminent. (Matthew 26:56, Luke 22:54-62) When Jesus spoke of being “ashamed” of Him, He intended His audience to understand that if they were to continue in their choice not to follow Him, this equaled being ashamed of Him and His teachings of truth. To not follow Him means to be ashamed of Him. It is to be so proud of one’s ownership of their life that they refuse to live in surrender to Him or His words. At His return, Christ will justly condemn and reject those who rejected Him. The importance of how we respond to Jesus’ call to follow Him cannot be underestimated! Will we choose to live for ourselves on our own strength, or will we daily choose His ways and His path? Our world is very topsy-turvy, and many consider it easier to rebuff Jesus and His message so as to continue living for self. In denying ourselves and following Jesus, we will be rejecting the pattern of this world, which means we can expect ostracism, conflict and social dishonor. Yet, we remain confident that Christ will not be ashamed, or reject, us in the end because we have chosen to surrender to Him.

Everyday Application

1) Follow, deny, and take up sound rigorous. What do they mean in real life? (verse 23)
To follow means to attach ourselves to Jesus as His disciple, it requires denying our sin nature and remembering it has been crucified with Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) We are to live continually crucified of all sinful patterns of life that do not harmonize with God and His ways of love. (2 Corinthians 10:5-6) Living lives of surrendered following and self-denial as we take up the cross of Jesus, means that, regardless of what we encounter, we are to trust Christ and His ways over our own. We are to choose His commands for life as we worship Him for His great gift of salvation to us. (Ephesians 4:32-5:2) Crucifying our old nature with Christ means surrendering our bent to rely on ourselves, our abilities, and our logic. It’s the attitude of “I can do this, and I don’t need anyone”. Boy, oh boy, does this ever hit home in my own life! God is gracious by letting me fail on my own, then bringing me back to the reality that I can only follow Him when I surrender my ways to His. It’s impossible to follow Jesus without the power of Christ at work in me! We are to give ourselves away for the gospel! I pray my legacy for my children, grandchildren, and others would be my surrender to Christ so He could amplify His strength in my life. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Jesus is worth surrendering everything for! In surrender to a loving God, we don’t need to fear for His perfect love will never leave us! (1 John 4:18, Matthew 28:20)

2) What does it mean to lose one’s life? What is the cost involved? (verse 24)
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He had a slogan, if you will, “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.” This was the theme of the messages He preached as He ventured from city to city. The crux of His message then is just as important for us now. Jesus is not interested in “casual Christians”. Only those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus in full are genuine. Of course, because we still love our old sin nature, and we forget that Jesus died for us, even true Christians still sin. But Christ stands ready to forgive! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Even this returning to Jesus in humble repentance isn’t possible without His Spirit at work within those who have given themselves to Christ. True followers are marked by God’s Spirit at work in them as they surrender daily to His will. Living for ourselves, following our agendas and desires, refusing to deny our sin nature, and choosing not to lovingly serve others through Christ’s power is to live in opposition to God. None who follow this pattern of life can claim to also follow Jesus. “If we say, “We have fellowship with Him (God),” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.” (1 John 1:6) We must not miss the seriousness of this distinction! Living separate from God is dangerous! If we die in our sinful state, we will earn eternity apart from God; this equals pain, brokenness, and shattering loss for ALL eternity! The cost of surrender may feel high and painful, but the price tag that comes with an eternity separated from Him isn’t even worth comparing!

3) Is being ashamed of Jesus really possible? (verse 26)
When we choose not to be ashamed of Jesus by surrendering our lives to Him, we are free to anchor our lives in steadfast truth. We no longer need to be carried away by every wind of doctrine or whim of peer pressure around us. As we continue living daily in surrender to God’s Spirit within us, the Lord leads us to give our lives away for Him. One mark of knowing we do indeed belong to Jesus and haven’t rejected Him is the desire to boldly tell others of the forgiveness found in Christ. Sharing about God’s redemption in our lives can be scary, but when we consider that someone’s life for eternity hangs in the balance, we can choose to courageously explain how Jesus gave Himself for all people. Remember, Jesus taught this passage to an audience of both followers and those who didn’t believe. The consequence for choosing to be “ashamed” of God’s gracious gift of salvation is an eternity separated from Him! Jesus wanted all people to know this truth, which is why He has commissioned His followers to go and tell His good news! How often in our daily lives do we shrug off Jesus by avoiding telling someone about Him because we are afraid or unsure? His forgiveness and grace are available to us when we don’t take every opportunity given to us to share the hope of Jesus, but these missed chances should strongly encourage us to share Hope all the more often with others! The Lord is intentional in giving us opportunities to share about Him with others. Pray fervently for who the Lord wants you to share the Gospel with! Be of good courage, God is building His kingdom through His followers! Praise God for His desire that all people come to Him! (2 Peter 3:9)

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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!

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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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Nations Day 1 Out Of Darkness

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-7
1 Peter 2:4-10
Luke 9:23-26

Nations, Day 1

When I consider the transformation we, the people of my village, have undergone, I find reason to thank God again and again. We, who once walked in the futility of our minds, having our understanding darkened, ignorant and separated from God, have received the mercy of God. Indeed, we’ve seen God’s great love toward us. He called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. Once we were not a people, but He has made us a people in Christ; a people belonging to Him. Hallelujah! (paraphrase, Ephesians 4:17-18)

Surely, God’s love is not selective, conditional, or judgemental; if it was, who would have chosen and called us to follow Christ? Like His own disciples, we have been called irrespective of our backgrounds; like His own disciples, when confronted with His love, we are also confronted with the depths of our own sinful disqualification. When Peter experienced Christ’s overwhelming love, he exclaimed, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord!” (Luke 5:8) Yet His call, and His love, remain undaunted.

By the grace of God, the gospel of salvation has penetrated all over our village, and many people are following Jesus Christ. A typical Sunday morning sees villagers of all ages rushing to various worship centres.

Women are at the forefront of God’s move in my community, following in the footsteps of Mary of Magdalene and other heroines of faith in Scripture. Their incredible zeal for the Gospel prompts some to even offer their “widow’s mite,” trusting tomorrow’s provision to God alone.

But there are some cultural issues frustrating the Christian journey among our people, and women are significantly affected. As with most Africans, witchcraft is a monster ravaging our people; every misfortune is attributed to it. Almost every death of a person below 70 years is attributed to witchcraft; likewise, any lingering or chronic illness. Most devastatingly, women and children are most often accused of being witches or secret cult members.

Additionally, many women experience tough times in their marriage as the culture demands a wife owe her in-laws respect and care. Some family members go beyond their boundaries and become a “thorn in the flesh” of the woman. In most cases, the husband is handicapped to protect his wife. Even more challenging to marriages is the issue of childlessness, because marriage without children, to our people, is like an orange tree without fruit.

Poverty also places a significant burden on women, as they are the primary contributors to household income, often through menial work. Drug use adds to the poverty level, as women lose spouses, followed by homes and belongings.

However, amidst those challenges, some women are forging ahead in following Christ. These courageous sisters do not allow hardship to determine their spiritual standing; they are making a lifetime of sacrifices for the sake of Jesus. They daily live out the words of Jesus: “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Surely, following Jesus Christ requires self-denial, and we must not allow hardship or any inconvenience to deter us. We must be willing to sacrifice everything standing between us and Him. It is well-understood that challenges create room for our faith to grow, because the more challenges we face, the more we seek refuge in Christ. As the Scripture says, “Consider it great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3)

Unfortunately, when tough times come, some turn their backs on Him, like the seed that fell on stony places. On Sundays, they rush to church for worship, but in ignorance, turn to others beside Jesus in their suffering. To worsen their situation, they usually fall into the hands of fake pastors, who exploit the women’s pain for monetary gain.

As someone who is passionate for the gospel, my heart bleeds when I hear the perils my fellow countrywomen pass through. The biggest need I see is for a deep knowledge of God’s Word, which will only happen through sound teaching. My appeal to the global Church is to join me in prayer for God to open doors to enable us organise more teachings, and to add labourers for the work. Pray also that God will create in their hearts a strong desire for His Word, and also bless the work of their hands.

I am thankful to God for the Church in the nations, joined and knitted together in Christ despite physical distance; therefore, we share in the pain and joy of one another. How marvellous and glorious it will be when we see eachother face-to-face at the throne of Jesus!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Word Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “Do as I say, but not as I do” implying that the speaker’s life choices don’t necessarily align with their words. They likely see the wisdom of following a certain guideline, but find that in real life, it’s easier or more comfortable to choose a different action, even one that’s counter to what they advocate for with their words. In what situations have you witnessed this inconsistency? Identify some areas you are more prone to do this. In contrast, how does it make you feel knowing that someone’s life matches with full integrity to the words and teachings they verbalize? Would you be willing to trust a God who said one thing and did another? What does it say to other people who are watching your life when they see inconsistencies between what you “practice” and “preach”? Intentionally ask the Lord this weekend to open your eyes to where you tend to live inconsistent with what you assert to be true, then begin recognizing these patterns as they pop up in your everyday life.

2) Chosen. What feelings and thoughts do you conjure up with this word? What scenes from you life do you associate with chosen? What does it mean for you that God has chosen you? Are you living surrendered to His choice over you? What’s holding you back?  Appointed. We all hunger for purpose in our life’s story. What you involved in that fills your “cup of purpose”? What engagement makes you “come alive”. Do you feel boxed in or freed in knowing that the God of the universe has appointed you for work in His kingdom? Loved. Having a purpose is one thing, but knowing you are also dearly loved is altogether more significant. Do you view God has being Love? In what ways do you feel or know you are loved by Him? In what ways do you feel abandoned? Bring Him your honesty! Persecuted. We enjoy the feelings of being loved and adored, chosen, and appointed for a purpose, but the idea of persecution catches us off guard. What are your emotional, mental, and physical responses to the idea of persecution? In what ways do you feel these four descriptors are connected or in opposition to each other? Consider how you view Jesus, as God the Son, having demonstrated each of these. Look up Luke 6:40 as you process this.

3) I once worked for a librarian who left me with a pile of books that needed covered. She provided all the necessary materials, books, and a clear end goal. I snipped and trimmed and pasted and folded, spending significant time meticulously covering the books, but when the librarian returned she realized she’d forgotten to leave me with actual instructions. A task that should have taken minutes had turned into hours when I was left without an example to follow. What is something you learned just by watching someone else model a behavior or pattern for you? Did this process of learning effectively carry over into your own rhythms of life that you can identify today? In the same way, who has been influential in living out how to follow Jesus for you? Who has negatively impacted your perception of living a God-focused life? Can you identify some markers in your life where you are influencing others in their spiritual growth? We all follow someone’s spiritual example whether we realize it or not, therefore, we would be wise to make sure the people we are taking our spiritual faith cues from are those whose lives consistently align with the ultimate model of Jesus’s life.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from John 21:15 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Feed My lambs,” He told him.

Prayer Journal
“More than these…” “Do you love Me more than these…” The words echo around my heart, Lord. Do I? Do I love you more than these? Show me my own personal “these”, the people and things and purposes I give myself for and the comforts that I love. As I consider next steps for our family, and some stretching possibilities that make me hedge in fear and discomfort, ask me again, Spirit, “Do you love Me more than these?”. It’s one thing to verbally confess that I trust You and I love You, but you don’t care about my lip-service. Will my life decisions, the big, scary ones and the seemingly insignificant ones, point brilliantly to a heart decision of trusting You or myself? Lord, align my heart with Yours. Teach my feet to follow in Your pathways. Guide my hands and heart to build Your kingdom, not mine. Hold me faithfully fast, even when I choose myself over You. Bring me back to following You.

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Word Day 15 Follow Me

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 21:15-23
John 8:1-29
John 8:30-59
Matthew 4:12-22

Word, Day 15

It’s an invitation as ancient as the beginning of time, gathering intensity and fervency as it rolls through the ages. Ever so gradually, the curtains have been drawn back by the hand of the Ancient of Days, allowing more light to slowly color the invitation with ever-deepening hues of brilliancy and splendor.

Follow Me.

True. In the arena of life, many sit in the audience, blithely conversing with their neighbor, caught up in the distractions of circumstance, utterly oblivious to the array of color and exuding joy sweeping around them.

What of these theatre seats?
What of the lighting?
Can you believe this horrible service?
Look at her! How did she get in here?

Some are gathered in pools of their own tears, awash in a grief so deep and terrifying, onlookers feign ignorance, blocking out pleas for compassion.

Some, shifting in dark shadows, lie in wait to attack the innocent, hell-bent on satisfying their own lustful desires of all kinds.

Still, the invitation awaits acceptance for all who listen.
Follow Me.

A lush garden. Perfect paradise sweeping across every butterfly antenna, every snail’s slime, every particle of rich dirt, and every blade of grass. Light cascades across each drop of dew and breezes frolic among the bushes laden with glistening fruit.

Follow Me. The Spirit breathes as delight and laughter embrace hearts and lift them to the Father who loves them. And delight they do in Abba, in each other, in the stunning creation around them. The invitation holds steady, winsomely inviting them ever deeper into knowing God in richer, more resplendent ways.

An aging, childless man walks through his ordinary days, at first unaware of the seeping light, gathering momentum in the space of his everyday life. The holy invitation is coming for him. The fruit of his labors and that of his father, and his father before him, are everywhere. Sheep and goats far too numerous to count. The richest of foods at his disposal. Servants at the ready, listening for his every beck and call. Success is his, as evidenced by his respect at the city gate and position of influence. The invitation brightens in the call of whole-life surrender, Follow Me.

The stench of urine and wet fleece surrounds him on the crags of mountains and the sparse grasses of the rocky terrain beneath his calloused shepherd feet. He’s been hiding here for decades since he murdered a man in an act of zealous justice. He found shelter in the barrenness as he attempted to outrun the flames of his past. It was fine here, at least moderately so, living with the tentacles of his past strangling his heart in unending days of blistering sun and smothering silence.

Until the moment the grand invitation opened his 80-year-old eyes to see the brilliance drawing him in. The heat from the fiery proposal scorched his soul, burning away the past in the blaze of a holy encounter with the Living God. What once was dead, what once was scarred, what once lay in ashes, now suddenly quickened to life by the wooing invitation. Follow Me.

None who followed were ever the same.
Each journey became an astonishing beacon of the life into which the follower was welcomed.

Ordinary lives drawn into Light ablaze with vitality, now turned extraordinary.
Mundane lives actively awash with Life, now flooded with purpose.
The victim and the offender, the broken and the angry, the calloused and the crying, all.
All swept up into the un-ending luminosity of the incredible invitation.

To all
the Spirit’s voice crashes like so much water cascading over falls, Follow Me.

Come away and walk in the purpose for which you have been crafted.
Discover the thrill of joy rushing beneath the current of your everyday lives.
Available, this sweeping joy is oh, so available.

The cost is surrender.
The reward is the richest of joys and satisfying delights that escalate with ever-increasing hues of rapture as we know Christ more and follow Him closer.

Jesus Christ, God the Son, through whom stands the invitation to return to the sacred garden space of delight with God the Father.

He saw our shadowed selves, lying in wait for another’s demise.
He saw the shards of brokenness tattering our existence.
He knew full well it was our fault we sat in the theatre of life, insisting on our own twisted fascination with upholstery and self-service while the glory of the Almighty shimmered before us.
He knew we would turn away with mockery and disinterest.
He knew our sin-nature would make us love our sin more than the Savior.

Still, He came.
Intending to give His life as the necessary sacrifice to span the too-wide chasm between us and a loving God, gulfed by our own sin-loving-selves.
He came, knowing it would cost His total surrender,
but recognizing the reward would be calling us His own daughters and sons.

The cost would be surrender.
The reward would be unending delight and satisfaction in calling us His own.

Follow Me.
Are you in?

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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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Word Day 14 Chosen, Appointed, Loved, Persecuted: 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 Chosen, Appointed, Loved, Persecuted!

The Questions

1) How does having the joy of Jesus make our joy complete? (verse 11) 

2) What does Jesus mean in saying, “If they kept My word, they will also keep yours?” (verse 20)

3) To what passage is Jesus referring when He states, “They hated me for no reason.” (verse 25) 

John 15:9-25

9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

11 “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

17 “This is what I command you: Love one another.

18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates me also hates my Father. 24 If I had not done the works among them that no one else has done, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this happened so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled: They hated me for no reason.

Original Intent

1) How does having the joy of Jesus make our joy complete? (verse 11)
In John 15:9-10 Jesus tells His disciples to remain in His love and keep His commands. He says, “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) Having the joy only Jesus can give will makes their joy complete. This fullness of joy comes from following the commands Jesus gives to His followers. Jesus proclaims that obeying God is the same as loving God when He says, “If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” (John 15:10) Obedience to God causes us to remain in a close loving relationship with Him; this intimacy brings us the deep Joy of Christ. Remaining in God’s love is to dwell in His presence because God is love (1 John 4:16) When we remain in His loving presence, then we are enveloped in the fullness of His joy as a result. (Psalm 16:11)    Jesus calls this “complete” joy. (John 15:11) Author, Melissa Kruger, explains, “Jesus is the source of our joy, and He’s the sustainer of it. Apart from Him, our lives are empty, meaningless attempts to find satisfaction. (…) Our desire for joy is ultimately a desire for Jesus.” When we love God and keep His commands, we experience complete joy because our obedience brings us closer to Jesus, the source of our joy.

2) What does Jesus mean in saying, “If they kept My word, they will also keep yours?” (verse 20)
In John 15:20, Jesus reminds His disciples, “Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours.” The overall gist of the passage is clearly understood, the world will treat Jesus’ followers the same way it treated Him. But the phrase, “kept My word” causes some confusion. Some people see it as sarcasm. Author, John Knox, suggests Jesus is saying, ‘they will pay the same attention to your words as to mine; that is, none.”  John Gill notes that the remarks can be taken positively or negatively, “either they will attend to your doctrines, or they will make the same spiteful remarks, and put the same evil constructions on your words as on mine.” We learn from the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Scholars that “The phrase ‘keep the word (or words)’ of any one is frequent in this Gospel . . . [and] occurs in John’s writings only.” John chooses to emphasize the fact that, in the eyes of the world, the disciples’ words are the same as Jesus’ words. Choosing to obey Christ and share the Good News of the Gospel comes with the blessing of complete joy, but there is also a cost. The disciples saw Jesus persecuted and ultimately killed for the words He said, and they chose to love and obey God even though He warned the same would happen to them. The love and joy that comes from following Christ was a bigger blessing than the persecution was a deterrent. Let’s share Christ’s words today, praying God will use them to impact lives and bring life to those around us, no matter the opposition rising against us!

3) To what passage is Jesus referring when He states, “They hated me for no reason.” (verse 25) 
In John 15:25, Jesus describes people who hate Him and who hate His Father.  He says of them, “But this happened so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled: They hated me for no reason.” When He says, “written in their law,” He is referring to the Jewish religious leaders who purport to love God’s law, but who are, ironically, fulfilling it by hating God’s Son. Jesus explains their selfish motivation for hating Him in John 15:22 when He says, “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin.” The law He refers to comes from Psalm 69:4, where David says that “Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful.  Though I did not steal, I must repay.” This Psalm, along with Psalm 39:15 and Psalm 109:3, are among the Old Testament Messianic prophecies that Jesus ultimately fulfills. The Pulpit Commentary asserts that “Jesus knew . . . that He would have to complete and fulfill the solemn portraiture of the suffering, burden-bearing, and rejected Christ, as well as that of the triumphant Christ and King.”  Knowing He would be despised, rejected, and hated for no reason, Jesus still chose to be our Reconciler, bringing us into a right relationship with God the Father through His death and resurrection. He is our Redeemer and also our King, leading us into abundant life as we follow His Word and trust in His plan for our lives.

Everyday Application

1) How does having the joy of Jesus make our joy complete? (verse 11)
It happens to every parent or teacher, regardless of their skill or acumen. A child in their care will purposefully disobey some clearly stated rule. When caught, they might deny their guilt (though the case against them is air-tight) or, when they see there is no way out, they pour on the apologies and “I love you” professions. They are likely trying to soften their consequences, but they also seem to understand that disobedience puts us outside of a close and loving relationship we would otherwise enjoy. This is the same idea Jesus conveys to us in John 15:10 when He declares, “If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” Jesus presents it as a simple equation, obedience equals love. Author, Leon Morris, points out, “This is not some mystical experience. It is simple obedience. It is when a man keeps Christ’s commandments that he abides in Christ’s love.” When we obey God and abide in His love, Jesus promises our joy will be complete, not lacking anything. (John 15:11) Without the joy of communion and intimacy with God, which we experience by obeying Him through loving Him and others, our joy is not full. We may have moments of joy, but we lack the sustaining joy that only comes with abiding in Christ. Author Scotty Smith explains it was Jesus’ obedience “that earned the fullness of God’s love for us, and it’s our obedience that frees us to enjoy every good thing we have in [Christ.]” My desire is to love and obey God and live in freedom to enjoy all the good things He has in store for me. My heart’s cry is to love and obey God at every turn and experience the full joy of life in Jesus!

2) What does Jesus mean in saying, “If they kept My word, they will also keep yours?” (verse 20)
Jesus is very clear to His disciples in John 15:20 that they would be persecuted for following Him. While the wording at the end of the passage can be difficult to understand (“If they kept My word, they will also keep yours,”) the meaning is clear. According to the Expositor’s Greek Testament, “In so far as they are identified with Him, their experience will be identical with His. The attitude of the world does not alter.” Jesus is transparent with His followers. He doesn’t promise all the good stuff up front and then spring the persecution part of it on us when we sign on the dotted line. Christ’s sacrifice is the very heart of the Gospel. 1 Peter 2:24 tells us Jesus died on the cross so we could live as a result of His death and ultimate victory over the grave. His invitation to live as Jesus did includes the invitation to love like He loves, sacrificially. Jesus says in John 15:12-13, “This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” If you don’t know Jesus’ love or the freedom He gives for yourself, this call to be like Jesus might not seem very appealing at first glance. Why risk the pain of persecution? Hebrews 12:2 tells us Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the joy set before Him. To Jesus, it was pure joy to reconcile all people to God. In like manner, He promises us complete joy if we love Him and obey His commands. (John 15:11) Abiding in Christ and living in fullness of joy are part of the benefits of obeying God, along with the many other blessings that come from living life with Christ. May everyone who reads about His love today embrace Him and reach out to others with His love!

3) To what passage is Jesus referring when He states, “They hated me for no reason.” (verse 25) 
When I was little, my parents broke some news to me about my friend, Missy, they thought would upset me. Missy’s parents were divorcing. My ugly response shocked my parents, “Good! I don’t like Missy. She thinks she is so perfect.” My parents explained that my jealousy of Missy’s “perfections” did not reflect poorly on Missy. She was just living her best life, with her long hair, pretty penmanship and gentle, sweet spirit. Since I didn’t have the patience to grow out my hair, or practice my handwriting, or hold my tongue when angry, I hated those characteristics in Missy. In a way, my attitude was like that of the Pharisees and Sadducees who hated Jesus without reason. (John 15:25) Jesus said their hatred stemmed from the fact that He showed them sin in their lives, and they did not appreciate it. (John 15:22) They should have pleaded for Him to change them when Jesus revealed sin in their lives, but instead of repentance, they hated Jesus and plotted to kill Him. (Matthew 26:3) Sometimes my response is still ugly when Jesus reveals sin in my life. I ignore that twinge of conscience when I watch certain programs. I pretend not to notice the person God keeps asking me to help. Instead of turning from my sin and embracing His ways, I resist. I don’t want to see my sin clearly, because then I will need to either decide to change my ways or go against God. I have no good reason to hate God by continuing in my sin except for my own selfishness. If you also struggle with choosing your own will over God’s, join me today in declaring His ways are better and higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9) We can rejoice that He is working in us to help us want to do His will. (Philippians 2:13)

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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.

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