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Accepted

Surrender Day 8 Image Unfiltered

February 1, 2023 by Deborah Rutherford 3 Comments

Surrender Day 8 Image Unfiltered

Deborah Rutherford

February 1, 2023

Accepted,Confession,Constant,Strength

Read His Words Before Ours!

Mark 1:1-8
2 Samuel 6:12-23
John 15:18-21
John 7:18-26
Genesis 1:26-27 

Dazzling celebrities and influencers dance on television, magazine covers, and social media scrolls. They portray worldly perfection with perfect meal plans, body weights, and even “perfect Christians” with flawless pictures from perfect angles, smiles, and filters. 

The world’s lens focuses on external attributes to create desired impressions. Western cultures promote the self-made and superficially flawless person. Although these images may look pretty and offer popular things to attain, buy, or be, they are counterfeits of God’s beauty. 

When Jesus came into the world, He brought His light to shine in the darkness. (John 1:1-5) He didn’t need to “create a persona” because He is the image of the living invisible God. (Colossians 1:15-16) Real beauty. The perverse dark world, blinded by its sin, shrieks at the light and beauty of Jesus.

We are pressured to conform to a worldly concept of shiny perfection, with all of our messy parts hidden.

As Christ-followers, we embrace God as Creator (Genesis 1:26-27), believing we are made to be set apart as a chosen, holy priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) But how often do we feel ourselves conforming to the world’s image? 

Does our image conflict with who we are as people of God, remade to reflect Him? 

I’ve struggled with the impossibility of living up to social media. In high school, I emulated the models in the magazines and fell into an eating disorder. As a writer, I have been tempted to write for likes and followers, rather than for the One who called me to compose.

Did Jesus worry about His platform? 

Was He concerned with what the people, Pharisees, and Romans would think of Him? 

To fit in, did He water down His message?

No. Jesus was counter-culture. He eschewed building a platform, instead building a kingdom. He turned the world upside down with a King who serves and a God who had no place to lay His head, and a Holy One who washes feet. 

By surrendering our image to God, we release the world’s conception of an image, instead becoming His image-bearers.

As we bear His image, we too become counter-cultural as we live Spirit-empowered, holy, obedient lives.

Similarly, consider other figures from Scripture. 

Did John the Baptist, a prophet who declared the coming Messiah, have a nice suit, quaffed hair, and manicured nails? No, he came in a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. (Mark 1:1-8)

What of King David, one of the best-known kings of Israel, stripped down to his ephod, enthusiastically dancing as the Israelites brought the ark into Jerusalem. His wife, Mical, called him vulgar. But David danced before the Lord because it was, and is always, about the Lord. (2 Samuel 6:12-23)

Many despised Jesus, John the Baptist, and David. Many will despise us as Christians. 

“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 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.” (John 15:18-19)

God blesses us for obeying His call to surrender our images and bear His.

Despite their humble beginnings and personas far from worldly acclaim, God used both David and John in significant, radical ways.

King David ruled a mighty kingdom and was a forebearer to Jesus. John the Baptist came ahead of the Messiah. Much like the groom’s friend who stands by and rejoices at the groom’s voice, John knew Jesus must increase, while he must decrease. (John 3:27-30) We, too, must decrease so Christ can increase, for our joy is complete in Jesus.

Just as the Lord was a faithful Sustainer, Supplier, and Satisfier to David and John the Baptist, so He is to us. When we surrender to Him, we no longer act on our own, seeking our glory, instead we seek the glory of the true and righteous God, and this brings us rich delight! (John 7:18-26)

God calls us to be His messengers,
proclaiming the good news of
God’s love and sacrifice
to bring about our redemption.
(John 3:16-17)
For, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news[!]” (Romans 10:15)

God holds His faithful with what the Bible calls “hesed” love, which is defined as an eternal, reliable, faithful, covenant love. As we turn our platforms, images, and life over to God, He proceeds with His perfect plan for our lives.

It took years to love my body and who I was as a child of God. Thankfully, I discovered a vital Christian principle: God is beautiful, and we are made in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27) We no longer need to match up to what society calls “pretty” when we learn how precious we are to the Holy Father.

By surrendering my image to Christ, my life shifted from a rollercoaster of never matching up, full of anxiety and striving, to focusing on Jesus and embracing His peace and joy. 

As a writer, I write for Him first. I ask if my writing and social media align with God’s image. My hair, makeup, weight, or home need not be perfect because God is my perfect.
 
Sisters, will you join me in asking God to show us where we need to surrender our worldly images to Him? For with God’s light in our image, we shine brighter than any shiny, perfected world picture.

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acceptance,grace,image,surrender,Truth,unfiltered
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To everyone else, the stones were just a heap of rubble, but to the people of God, they were a constant reminder that Yahweh was a personal and powerful God, working wonders on behalf of His people. (gotquestions.org) Believers in Jesus are baptized to make a public statement of our faith and a reminder for us that we have covenanted to serve the Lord. Do you remember that day?
Dig Deeper!

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Posted in: Accepted, Confession, Constant, Strength Tagged: acceptance, grace, image, surrender, Truth, unfiltered

Pause VI Day 15 Greet With Grace

January 20, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Pause VI Day 15 Greet With Grace

Melodye Reeves

January 20, 2023

Accepted,Gospel,Grace,Journey,Joy

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 4:21-23

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Read More Of His Words

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus … all the saints send you greetings! (Philippians 4:21-22)

Paul’s gospel is all-inclusive! Don’t you love that, sister? I just cannot ignore the intentionality of his mentions.

Emily Post was famous for writing about etiquette. She influenced the nation for years regarding what is proper, especially in writing. The apostle Paul was teaching us long before anyone knew of Emily Post. His letters included all the things that “the best letters” should. Under the influence of the Spirit: 1) Paul mixed the good with bad news, 2) he responded to questions asked or news shared in a previous letter, and 3) he always considered the recipients. (emilypost.com)

Post reminded her audience that good letter-writing included a positive salutation (greeting) and an encouraging closing (goodbye) in which the reader could relate. Paul did just that.

I heard someone say the gospel is not exclusive, but it is specific. And Paul was a master at making sure the reader understood this truth. I don’t know anyone who can preach a more concise gospel sermon in a simple greeting or goodbye. Paul is the GOAT for sure, and writing a good letter wasn’t even his goal!

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1-2)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philippians 4:23)

When I read the letter to the Philippians it brings me such comfort. Even now, thousands of years after he wrote it and his original audience read it, Paul’s writing is relevant to us. Why? Because the grace of God is timeless, and it’s inclusive.

Sister, as believers, we are included in this marvelous grace of the Lord Jesus.

Grace and peace were offered to the Philippians. Grace and peace are offered to me. Grace and peace are offered to you.

Pause.
Receive this greeting into your souls this very day.

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Read Philippians 4:21-23 out loud twice. Explore deeper by studying some cross-references of the authenticity of Scripture. (Here are some references regarding the reliability of the letters of the apostles: 1 Corinthians 14:35, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Romans 16:25-26, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Peter 3:15-16)

2) Here is our last hand-crafted Spotify playlist for Pause VI!
Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause VI! Rehearse the goodness and grace of God. Let your worship be an act of joy and thankfulness before your God!

3)
Memorize Philippians 4:4-5

Tags :
gospel,grace,inclusive,Truth,welcome
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Pause VI
Day 14

Do you ever wonder why so many people suffer from lack of food, clothing, or money? In light of this passage, it’s especially difficult to believe God always provides when it appears to us that believers may not have everything they need.

“And my God will supply all your needs …”

Sweet friend, ponder this: perhaps it is because our greatest needs are not material.
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Jan 2 - Jan 20, 2023 - Journey Theme #112

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Posted in: Accepted, Gospel, Grace, Journey, Joy Tagged: gospel, grace, inclusive, Truth, welcome

Pause VI Day 1 Sanctified Saint

January 2, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Pause VI Day 1 Sanctified Saint

Melodye Reeves

January 2, 2023

Accepted,Believe,Confession,Jesus

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:1-6

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Read More Of His Words

Do you consider yourself a saint? Some people who think they are shouldn’t be so sure, and others who think they aren’t should reconsider!  

The word “saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” The word is most used in Scripture in its plural form: saints. The saints were those set apart in the kingdom of God by God’s grace and for God’s glory. All believers are saints, transformed by Christ and committed to living a holy life. Paul told those gathered as the church in Rome to welcome a sister in Christ in a manner that was “worthy of the saints.” (Romans 16:1-2)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2)

All those who have trusted in the finished work of Christ (His sinless life, His atoning death, His bodily resurrection) have received the eternal grace and peace of God. We are saints.
But we are also being sanctified (shaped to be like Christ) as we await the return of Jesus and our eternal heavenly home.

Paul was thankful he was in a community of saints. Even though they were distant from one another, there was a unity because of their partnership in Christ; they had all been called to share the good news and the hope of the gospel. (Philippians 1:5) He had an assurance of God’s work in their lives. They were saints together.

So don’t fret. Being a saint isn’t about a life of perfection. It’s about a life of confession and completion. (Romans 10:9-10) Our sainthood is solely dependent on the work of God to save us and to sanctify us.

I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Saints … (yes, I am referring to you who have trusted in Christ), let’s pause and consider the weight of that truth.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen, and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Read Philippians 1:1-6, then circle back and re-read verses 1-3 a few times through.
Answer these 3 questions in your journal from verses 1-3:

a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today. Be sure to write out any questions you have as you read! If you’d like to send your questions to us, we’d love to study with you!

Tags :
hope,journal,pause,Philippians,saint
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Journey Into Pause VI!

In the darkest of places, Hope shone bright. For the imprisoned and persecuted; for you and for me. Pause; breathe in joy that can’t be stolen, shaken, or dimmed!

Jan 2 - Jan 20, 2023
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Jan 2 - Jan 20, 2023 - Journey Theme #112

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Posted in: Accepted, Believe, Confession, Jesus Tagged: hope, journal, pause, Philippians, saint

Eden Day 7 Entrusted Caretakers: Digging Deeper

April 26, 2022 by Lisa Marcelina Leave a Comment

Eden Day 7 Entrusted Caretakers: Digging Deeper

Lisa Marcelina

April 26, 2022

Accepted,Christ,Love,Obedience,Sacrifice

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

This DD Connects With "Entrusted Caretakers"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3:17-19

17 And he said to the man, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What tree is God referencing? (verse 17)

God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work within it and be its caretaker. (Genesis 2:15) The garden was a delightful place; I imagine lush green trees and plants with animals basking in their shade. Flowers in various colours and sizes with butterflies, birds and other insects flitting and buzzing among them, all at peace with one another and existing in perfect harmony. I hear the rush of the river flowing jubilantly through Eden, its waters glistening like jewels in the sun. In the middle of Eden stood two trees, the Tree of Life, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Genesis 2:9) 

God told Adam he could eat from any tree in the garden, except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, or else he would die. (Genesis 2:17) Eve, being deceived by the serpent, chose sin over obedience to the Lord, and ate from the tree. Alongside her was Adam, who could have stopped her, but didn’t. She offered the fruit to her husband who willingly took it and ate, sinning with her.

Death instantly became their earned consequence. Not only would they physically die one day, but the effects of spiritual death were already upon them as shame and fear slipped over them.

The Everyday Application

1) What tree is God referencing? (verse 17)

The NKJV MacArthur Study Bible suggests it was a test of obedience to see whether they would choose to love and follow themselves or God as supreme. Many years later, God gave Abraham a similar test, but Abraham acted in faith and obeyed the Lord. (Genesis 22:1-8)

Adam & Eve’s disobedience resulted in death, spiritual and physical both for themselves and every human born after them. Sin had entered the world; spiritual death meant separation from God. Even today, every sinful choice against God’s character and His commands brings the same consequence. Proverbs 6:20-23 provides some benefits of obedience, “My son, keep your father’s command, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching.  Always bind them to your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk here and there, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you. For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.” 

If Adam and Eve had eaten of the Tree of Life, they would have experienced eternal life and been forever trapped in their sin. Today, through Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God and experience eternal life but without the consequence of sin and death! “Truly I tell you, (…) you do not have life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:53-54)

The Original Intent

2) What is the significance of the thorns and thistles? (verse 18)

Because of Adam’s disobedience God cursed the ground, meaning food would no longer be easily available as it was in the garden. Adam and Eve would now need to labor painfully to cultivate their own food. The ground which Adam once ruled and yielded to him in gentle submission, would now resist his reign by producing weeds, thorns, and thistles. Work would be hard, laborious, and toil wouldn’t produce the fullness of results as was originally intended.

Symbolic references to thorns and thistles are common in the Bible as they point to the struggle against sin. Proverbs 15:19 says, “A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge, but the path of the upright is a highway,” which indicates that a lazy person makes his own life difficult by not working hard for what he wants, while the righteous man is willing to do what it takes to make his life work. Ezekiel 28:24 says, “The house of Israel will no longer be hurt by prickly briers or painful thorns from all their neighbors who treat them with contempt.”

This means Israel’s enemies who oppressed them or lured them into sinful idolatry, would be freed by God when he restores his kingdom, and brought them into His Land of freedom from the thorns of sin. (Ezekiel 28:25-26)

 

The Everyday Application

2) What is the significance of the thorns and thistles? (verse 18)

In the Bible, thorns and thistles symbolized difficulty, pain, or suffering as a result of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus used thorns to represent the pull of sin in His famous parable about the Sower and the Seed. He warned that thorns (sin) had the power to choke out the freedom and forgiveness only found in Jesus when a person chooses worry and the deceitfulness of wealth over trusting Jesus. (Matthew 13:3-22)

About a year ago, I had a situation at work where they hired an assistant for my office. She had an annoying habit of trying to do my work for me. I objected and complained to my boss, who was also new. He ignored my complaints and the assistant used this as leverage to continue disrespecting my desk and my office. This caused me many sleepless nights to the point I wanted to resign. But I decided to pray about it and the Lord told me, “Lisa, you work for Me.” (see Colossians 3:23-24) When the Lord shifted my heart, I was able to press against sin and its effects with God’s perspective and His help as I began working for the Lord! I dedicated my work to the Lord and I must say today, my boss recognizes my worth so much, he not only verbally praised me but gave high ratings on my performance appraisal.

The Lord has shown favor when I submitted to Him, and now the assistant respects my office space and my work. Thorns are plentiful in life as sin lures us away from a close relationship with God, but we don’t need to let them win. We can take any problem to Jesus and He will help us overcome. (James 4:7)

The Original Intent

3) What did God mean by, “you will eat bread by the sweat of your brow?” (verse 19)

Following verse 18 we see how Adam now needed to work hard to cultivate his own food. The Hebrew word for bread, ‘lehem’, is also translated as food in other passages like Proverbs 27:27 that describes God providing enough food for whole households.

The work Adam did in the garden before his disobedience must have been pleasurable and fulfilling, and I’m guessing there were no such things as weeds. Now, he had to clear the land from all its weeds, till the soil and plant, all without the garden tools we are familiar with today. The work would have been grueling and he would do this for the rest of his life in order to survive. By his painful toil, he would labor just to eat.

The Everyday Application

3) What did God mean by, “you will eat bread by the sweat of your brow?” (verse 19)

Before ‘the Fall’ from perfect relationship into sinful brokenness, Adam and Eve had everything provided for them directly from the Lord. All they needed to do was just pick their favorite fruit or vegetable and eat. This didn’t mean they didn’t work, as they had been entrusted with caring for the whole land and living things! The difference was ease and enjoyment without sin, and struggle and pain with sin.

Because of disobedience, work became difficult and reduced in glory to merely providing food to survive. This consequence continues as our reality today as we must work hard and diligently to earn a living. My work days are usually long, with a two-hour commute to work, eight hours at work, and then another two-hour commute home. I’ve been doing this for over thirty years. By the end of the day I’m exhausted, but I must say looking back, God has blessed me. I want for nothing and have come to a point in my life where material things are no longer important. What’s important is living for Jesus. In Him, even the curse of toilsome work is lessened.

He tells us, “So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed in the Garden of Eden, and while we understand that life is not easy and there will be thorns to overcome, He promises care for us if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

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Eve Day 6
Journey Study

When we feel ill-equipped, or wrestle with the sometimes-overwhelming sense of futility in our work, we must harken back to those first moments between God and humankind. We must remember that, attached to the actions we are commanded to take for human flourishing, is GOD’s word of provision, “I have given…”
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Posted in: Accepted, Christ, Love, Obedience, Sacrifice Tagged: Christ, love, obedience, sacrifice

Sacrifice Day 13 One Sacrifice

April 13, 2022 by Carol Graft 2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 2:5-8  
2 Corinthians 5:17-2
Leviticus 16:2
Hebrews 10:19-22

Sacrifice, Day 13

The priest arrives early to the temple. As he enters the courtyard with the others, the noise from the animals waiting beyond the gate sets him on edge.

If he is honest with himself, he began the day on edge.

This morning, his wife was unusually quiet. He remembered her tightly drawn mouth as she helped him on with his priests’ robe and shawl, as if she was willing herself not to speak. She was spending too much time listening to rumors; surely, she must understand he had nothing to do with what was happening outside the city gates.

Here comes the lamb.
The handlers bring the animal closer for inspection. The priest looks it over. Not a blemish upon it. He nods to the handlers.
He looks to the altar, plates ready to receive what is left of the sacrifice. Levites are ready to complete that task.
He walks up the steps to The Holy Place, counting them, trying to focus on the duties at hand. He lights the candles and incense, hoping the aromas bring him an extra measure of peace.

He begins down the steps, pauses.
At once he feels the atmosphere change, and abruptly the sky grows dark. A hush falls over everyone in the inner court.
A sound like nothing he has ever heard before echoes behind him and he turns back to The Holy Place. The curtain! The veil–separating his priestly place of sacrifice from the cloud of God’s presence–is ripping before his very eyes. (Matthew 27:51) He gasps and falls to his knees, pressing his face to the ground. The curtain has been split in two, from top to bottom. Life, as he knows it, is finished. (John 19:30)

The curtain in The Holy Place was four inches (10 cm) thick, 60 ft (18 m) tall, and 30 ft (9 m) wide. Splitting the woven linen from top to bottom was humanly impossible.

But why was it split? And what does it mean?

The plan of blood sacrifice began in Eden, to cover Adam and Eve’s first sin. As we’ve seen  throughout this Journey Theme, sacrifice played an important role in the ongoing relationship between God and His people.

Sacrifice would be a regular part of religious life for Israel following their miraculous rescue from bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 11-12) On the eve of their departure, God established the sacrificial rite of Passover.

That first Passover night, God was making a way for freedom from physical bondage.

As the people of Israel began life after Egyptian enslavement, blood sacrifice became a measure of escape from the bondage to sin. 

The priests became the only people permitted to perform the sacrifices, which needed to be repeated, because they couldn’t offer complete redemption. (Hebrews 9:6-10) People were not brought into relationship with God Himself; He remained separate, His physical presence among them hidden behind the curtain in the temple. (Leviticus 16:2)Until Jesus took the role of High Priest and Sacrifice. Redeemer and Savior.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus–he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)– and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith[.]” (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Jesus became the final, atoning sacrifice, the embodiment of God working to bring His sin-stained children to Himself.
“Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

Jesus’ one sacrifice covered the sins of every person, across the world, for all time.

“He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

The eternal penalty for our sin was paid.
The path to a full, restored relationship with the Father was opened. (John 10:7-9)
At the very moment Jesus gave up His last breath, His work of purchasing salvation for humanity was finished (John 19:30), and the proof was evidenced by the Hand of the Holy One granting access to the Holiest place, His own dwelling place.
(Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45-46)

As the tattered edges of the temple curtain fluttered in the breeze, the separation of sin between God and His children was ended.
A barrier between man and God no longer existed;
the Mercy Seat was exposed and available to all.

In three days, Jesus would rise to life again in victory over sin (Matthew 28), and soon after, He would send His very Spirit to live within His people. (Acts 2)

I am so grateful for the people in my life who helped me realize I needed a savior, and pointed me to my God, who loves me so much He willingly gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for my redemption.

Sisters, His love is calling out to you, too. Today, you can turn away from your sin, toward God, and accept His gift of forgiveness and redemption!

Father, I have sinned. I believe Jesus is Your Son, God in the flesh, and His sacrificial death paid the eternal penalty for my sins. I believe in Jesus’ resurrection, and I accept Your gift of forgiveness and redemption for the complete payment of my sin. Amen.
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Posted in: Accepted, Believe, Forgiven, Holiness, Love Tagged: believe, forgiveness, holy, love, sacrifice

Sacrifice Day 2 Eden’s Sacrifice: Digging Deeper

March 29, 2022 by Dr. Leslie Umstattd Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Eden’s Sacrifice!

The Questions

1) In verse 1 of this passage, who is the “you” Paul is referencing?

2) In verses 2-3, what characteristics and inclinations does Paul describe?

3) What contrasting statement takes place within this passage and what is its impact? (verse 4)

4) Who makes it possible to move from fleshly desires? (verses 4-10)

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Original Intent

1) In verse 1 of this passage, who is the “you” Paul is referencing?
Paul, a missionary in the 1st century, wrote the book of Ephesians. He visited Ephesus on his second and third missionary journeys. In writing this letter, he is speaking directly to the Ephesians within the church. When he says “you”, it is much like the word “you all” rather than a singular person, he is speaking to all believers who gathered in the various house churches in Ephesus and the surrounding areas.

2) In verses 2-3, what characteristics and inclinations does Paul describe?
Within these two verses Paul references a former way of life where the Ephesians walked in opposition to God in a spirit of disobedience. This “old way of sin” was still the pattern for unbelievers in Ephesus. Think of neighbors, friends, merchants at the marketplace, or passersby on the streets; these friends of the Ephesian believers, without Jesus, were still “dead in their trespasses and sin”. (verse 1) Paul is reminding the Christ-following Ephesians they too were at one time no different than their neighbors as “children of wrath”. Without the rule of Christ within them, they once were under the authority of Satan, the “the ruler of the power of the air”, and carrying out the inclinations of the flesh, meaning their prideful lusts. Paul was using the people around them to remind the believers of their past so they would neither become self-righteous in what they have been given in Jesus, nor forget the glory of their coming hope!

3) What contrasting statement takes place within this passage and what is its impact? (verse 4)
In verse 4, the linking word “but” provides contrast to Paul’s previous statements. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us” (verse 4), sacrificed His Son. Although this verse is linked to verses 1-3, it is a contrasting statement of what Paul has previously discussed in this section of Ephesians. He is contrasting a former way of life apart from renewal in Christ with the Ephesian believers’ current state of living under the authority of God. Paul is emphasizing the believers’ movement from death to life, from worldly desires of the flesh to good works for Christ, and from children of wrath in opposition to God to being saved by grace in relationship with God.

4) Who makes it possible to move from fleshly desires? (verses 4-10)
The second half of this passage in verses 4-10 offers a different set of characteristics to the first. Although God was aware of the previous sinful state of the now-believing-Ephesians, He richly offered mercy, grace, and an eternal hope that could only come through His Son’s sacrifice. God is the one who, from the beginning of sin in the Garden of Eden, knew the price tag of sin, and was already willing to pay it by sacrificing Himself in order to restore the relationship that was stolen by sin. Paul reminds the Ephesians in verse 8, it is nothing they could ever accomplish on their own, but rather God who is at the center of their salvation and new life. The work of paying for sin was finished in Christ’s death, and the hope of eternity was guaranteed with Christ’s resurrection; Christ, and Christ alone.

Everyday Application

1) In verse 1 of this passage, who is the “you” Paul is referencing?
Reading Scripture in the 21st century can sometimes feel odd because it was written so long ago. When we read letters written to a specific group of people, it can seem even easier to dismiss them as archaic and unrelatable to our everyday lives. In this passage, Paul is addressing the Ephesian church as a group, but he is also addressing the larger Christian population past, present, and future. The truths Paul writes are timeless for all who surrender to Christ, as the author of Hebrews emphasizes in Hebrews 4:12 in saying the Word of God (the Bible) is “living and effective penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells us the Word of God “is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching and (…) training” so all believers will be equipped. Although the original context is a letter written in the 1st century, Scripture spans the ages and God’s Spirit makes His Words come alive regardless of the historical date so His people will be equipped with truth for everyday life.

2) In verses 2-3, what characteristics and inclinations does Paul describe?
Paul references a “former” way of life and a place that some still live. The characteristics he describes provide detail on what it looks like to live separated from God. There are only two positions before a holy God. You are either in relationship with Him actively working out your salvation in real life because of Jesus’ transformation inside (Philippians 2:12), or you are running from Him as a child of wrath and disobedience. From the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world and permanently separated all of humanity from God. (Genesis 3) This is the default starting point for each of us, but, as Paul states later in this passage, it doesn’t have to be our ending point.

3) What contrasting statement takes place within this passage and what is its impact? (verse 4)
Paul’s word, “But God” dramatically change eternity for all of mankind if we are willing to surrender to Him, accepting His gift of mercy for ourselves. Despite a sinful nature, God “who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.” (verses 4-5) God’s mercy and grace built a bridge through the death of His Son Jesus effectively providing a pathway of redemption for every person, a path for freedom from sin that can change the ending of our story. (Romans 3:23-24) For those who believe, Paul is speaking to you as a reminder that you were once lost but now you are found, you were separated but now you are together with Christ for all eternity. May this reminder urge you to lean all the more fully upon Christ’s work and live daily in the light of a remade life. If you have never fully surrendered to Jesus, or are unsure if you have, take Paul’s words as the most grand invitation available, accept His gift of merciful forgiveness, and move from Death to Life!

4) Who makes it possible to move from fleshly desires? (verses 4-10)
Paul desires readers of this letter to remember we are absolutely helpless to save ourselves from fleshly desires and God’s wrath. Humanity, by its very nature, is fallen and sinful. In His perfect timing, God sacrificed His Son, Jesus, to die a sinner’s death on the cross. (Romans 5:6-10) Nothing we can do or say makes us stand as righteous before the perfectly holy God; salvation is a free gift He willingly offers to us. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Fellow genuine Christ-follower, remember where you came from so you can clearly see God’s sacrifice and faithfulness to complete His work in you. (Philippians 1:6)

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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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Posted in: Accepted, Alive, Grace, Mercy, Truth, Victorious Tagged: grace, mercy, Sin, trespass

If Day 7 Triune God: Digging Deeper

July 20, 2021 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

If Day 7 Triune God: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

July 20, 2021

Accepted,Dwell,Freedom,God,Guidance,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Unity

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

This DD Connects With "Triune God"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 14:18-26

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me. 25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus say, “Because I live, you will live too?” (verse 19)

In John 14:19 Jesus tells His disciples, “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too.” Jesus was referencing His resurrection and the eternal life He gives to those who accept Him as their Savior. Though His followers will die one day, each one will live forever in Heaven with Jesus because they chose to fully rely on His sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt owed for their sins. 

Romans 6:23 tells us the “wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Because Jesus died, but now lives again, all who trust in Him can live forever just as the original disciples are even now!

This life Jesus promises, however, is not only eternal life. His followers can live an empowered life while on earth as well with new perspective and purpose. Author Matthew Henry explains, “The life of Christians is bound up in the life of Christ; as sure and as long as He lives, those that by faith are united to Him shall live also; they shall live spiritually, a divine life in communion with God. This life is hidden with Christ; if the head and root live, the members and branches live also.” Because Jesus lives, Christians are alive in Him, learning and growing in Christ, praying to Him and hearing from His Word precisely because He Lives! 

Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that He came so we could have “abundant life”. We can live this abundant life now today because of Jesus’ work on the cross to put to death our sin nature and wake us up to real life inside of His life! Let’s purpose to live fully today in surrender to His Spirit at work within us, thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice and aware of His power working in and through us.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus say, “Because I live, you will live too?” (verse 19)

One year, my family received a fabulous deal on all-inclusive passes to a giant theme park.  Everything was included in park tickets, hotel rooms, meals, and transportation. We went to dinner with some friends at the park, and as their eyes popped out of their heads when the pricey bill arrived, we just flashed our park pass and the meal was free!

Living life with God is a lot like having that all-inclusive pass to the amusement park. Everything we need for life and godliness is accessible in Christ. (2 Peter 1:3) Jesus tells us in John 14:19, “Because I live, you will live too.” Because Jesus is alive, we have life in Him. 

Charles Spurgeon notes, “A man is saved because Christ died for him, he continues saved because Christ lives for him. The sole reason why the spiritual life abides is because Jesus lives.”  Jesus not only gives us abundant life on earth (1 Timothy 6:18-19), but this life also extends into eternal life in Heaven (1 John 5:11).

Life with Jesus also gives us full access to the Father. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can come boldly to God’s throne of grace and receive mercy in times of trouble. (Hebrews 4:16) In fact, Jesus is the only way we can get to Father God because only He lived our human life perfectly for us. 

Jesus tells His followers that no one comes to the Father except through Him. If we know Jesus, then we know the Father (John 14:6) We can rejoice in the full access we have to the Father through Jesus’, His Son!

The Original Intent

2) What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you?” (verse 20)

Jesus’ words in John 14:20 sound a bit like a tongue twister, “I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.” Jesus can authoritatively say He is in the Father because God Himself is three persons, known as the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus is not just the Son of God; He is God.

The Bible tells us Jesus only does what He sees the Father doing, and only speaks what the Father says (John 5:19-23). Father, Son, and Spirit are separate Beings while also the exact same God.

The Holy Spirit only speaks what He hears God the Father say (John 16:13-15); three Beings, but only One God. When Jesus tells the disciples, “You are in Me,” He refers to the fact that Christians are a new creation, now alive in Christ, and free to live in unity and communion with God, just as the 3 distinct Beings are 1 God.

Author, James Burton Coffman, explains, “The identification of believers with Christ is revealed in this verse to be exactly the same as the identification of Christ with God. God is in Christ; Christ is in God; Christ is in Christians; and Christians are in Christ.” Christians have given God control of their lives and hearts. His Spirit dwells within them, leading them and guiding them into deeper unity with Himself. (John 14:26)

When we surrender our hearts and our lives to God, we experience the love of the Father (1 John 3:1), relationship with Jesus (John 15:4-5), and freedom and guidance from the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17).

The Everyday Application

2) What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you?” (verse 20)

The Triune Godhead is made of Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit; all are co-equal as God. Jesus told His disciples, “I am in my Father, you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20) His words declared that Jesus and the Father are both different parts of the same Godhead.

Jesus also promised the disciples that the Father would send them the Holy Spirit, another member of the Trinity, to teach and guide them. (John 14:26)

Author, R.C. Sproul, explains, “The three persons are not distinguished by different divine attributes, for They share the same attributes. Instead, they are distinguished by Their relation one to another. We confess that the Father is unbegotten and that the Son is eternally begotten of the Father . . . We confess that the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son.” 

The three Persons of the Trinity are the same in Their characteristics, but differ at times in the expression of those characteristics and in the roles They play. Each Person of the Trinity is equally important and equally God. As Christians, we are blessed to have a relationship with God in three Persons, and experience the blessing of God’s Triune nature.

The Original Intent

3) How does the Holy Spirit teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus taught? (verse 26)

Just before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus taught the disciples about the Father God and their relationship to the Father because of their relationship with Jesus. He explained that, though He would not always walk with them on earth, God the Father would send them a Helper to continue teaching and reminding them of the things they learned through Jesus. He told them, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit, given to us by the Father, dwells in each Christian and empowers each one to follow the teachings of Jesus. As author David Guzik explains, “The disciples would not only see Jesus by the Spirit, they would also continue to live in Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit. Their dependence on the life of Jesus would not end when He departed; it would continue in greater measure through the Holy Spirit.”

We can do the things set out in Scripture, not in our own strength, but through the help of God’s Spirit. When we try, in our own strength, to obey God and keep His commands, we end up failing. (Romans 7:18-19)  But when we are weak, God is strong (2 Corinthians 12:8), and enables us to remember and carry out the plans of the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives us power through His presence and enables us to display His fruitful work (Galatians 5:22-23) in our daily lives.

The Everyday Application

3) How does the Holy Spirit teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus taught? (verse 26)

My church wanted to get involved in a summer camp for foster kids, so a small team went through rigorous hands-on training and learned the contents of a ginormous training manual. When we brought our first kids to camp, however, no one had time to look up the section on runaway campers as we were scampering in all directions to keep a kid from making it to the highway. Knowing what to do and putting it in action were two different things!

Christians are blessed because not only does God give us a “training manual” in the form of the Bible, but He also gives us the Holy Spirit to help us live out His Word in real-time. Jesus taught that God sent the Holy Spirit to instruct us and remind us of Jesus’ teachings. (John 14:26) God revealed in Nehemiah 9:20 that His Spirit was sent to instruct us, and Scripture also tells us that God’s anointing teaches us about all things. (1 John 2:27)

We also learn in Luke 12:12 that the Holy Spirit can teach us what to say even while we are being called upon to make an answer. God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us, instructing us what to do, and even telling us what to say when needed.

Referring to John 16:12-14, author R.A. Torrey asserts, “It is His (the Holy Spirit’s) work above all else to reveal Jesus Christ and to glorify Him. His whole teaching centres in Christ. From one point of view or the other, He is always bringing us to Jesus Christ.”

As Christians, it is our heart’s desire to know God more and to know Him better. What a comfort to know that God sent His Holy Spirit to bring us into deeper knowledge of His Son!

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One God. Three persons. Three holy Beings comprising One Divinity. Wholly singular, yet holy They. God the Father. God the Son. God the Holy Spirit. Co-equal. Co-eternal. None created. None superior. One. Perfect. Deity.

Scripture is clear, yet we still question. Inquiring minds beg to be satisfied.
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Posted in: Accepted, Dwell, Freedom, God, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Unity Tagged: alive, disciples, eternal, Free Gift, Savior, Son, surrender, teach, Triune

Enough Day 5 Prophet & Priest

April 2, 2021 by Bri Bailey Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 28:7-8
Jeremiah 5:21-31
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Romans 3:10-12
Ephesians 2:1-3

Enough, Day 5

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

At the moment of choosing self over God in the Garden of Eden, mankind’s sweet and intimate communion with God was shredded to tatters. Rebellious thought became disobedient action, and instantly, horrifyingly, a gulf of sin yawned eternity-wide between Father and children.

But God.

In His unbroken love and unending mercy, He designed a way to remain in relationship with His children, a system that left His justice undefiled.

The sins of the people required payment, and so He established the priesthood, a lineage set apart to approach a holy God on behalf of a sin-riddled nation.

Descendants of Aaron (Moses’ brother) would dedicate themselves to upholding meticulously stringent rules for offering countless sacrifices to cover countless sins.

Aside from sin offerings, priests would oversee
burnt offerings,
grain offerings,
guilt offerings,
and fellowship offerings, to name a few.
The people of Israel would now relate to their God at a distance, through ritual.

Sin
would separate their spirits.

The tabernacle, maintained by the tribe of Levi, would separate their physical presences. The people would remain outside, while God’s presence resided within the Holy of Holies, the tabernacle’s innermost sanctuary. Only the high priest, after strenuous cleansing rituals and offerings to cover every possible sin, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies as a shadowed, hollow mediator between God and man.

“You must distinguish between the holy and the common,” God directed the priests, “and the clean and the unclean, and teach the Israelites all the statues that the Lord has given to them through Moses”. (Leviticus 10:10-11)

But the priests were not immune to mankind’s legacy of sin, and almost immediately, they became corrupt, continuing in their sinful nature of grubbing around in darkness rather than living holy before the Lord God.

Leadership roles, including that of high priest, were sold to the highest bidder or, later, appointed at the whim of foreign political leaders. Priests either taught from their own wisdom or put their authority up for sale (Micah 3:11), leading the people astray and violating their covenant work. (Malachi 2:8)

Finally, even before the dust of Egypt could fall from their shoes, Aaron commanded the Israelites to fashion and worship a golden calf as their one, true God. Again and again, priests sanctioned the casting of idols and the worship of false and foreign gods over the One True God. (2 Kings 17:16-17)

The cycle was unbroken, endless, despairing. No sacrifice made by man could provide permanent absolution; no spilled blood of an animal could transform the people’s sinful nature. (Hebrews 10:4)

God’s judgement was unequivocal, His words condemning their sin as a tragic echo of His commission:

“Her priests do violence to my instructions and profane my holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they do not explain the difference between the clean and the unclean. They close their eyes to my Sabbath, and I am profaned among them.” (Ezekiel 22:26)

Moved to action by a generation of priests who stole offerings meant for the Lord, threatened violence against the people they were meant to lead, and sexually abused women who served in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22), God called a young boy to serve as His voice to Israel.

Thus began the age of prophets in Israel’s history, men and women who were called to approach a sin-riddled nation on behalf of a holy God. Some were people of incredible faithfulness, honor, and endurance, whose own words foreshadowed the Word made flesh.

In fact, much of the Old Testament has been dedicated to prophets’ exhortations.

But even prophets were not immune to the gnarled fingers of sin curling around their spirits.

Like the Israelites all the way back to Adam and Eve,
like the priests before and alongside them,
like every single human after them, some began to choose self over God.

What “prophetic” message would garner the most political favor?
What message would bring financial gain, or community stature?
What message would bring physical satisfaction, pleasure, or ease?
Then surely, that message was intended for God’s children . . . regardless of whether it bore any resemblance to His words.

As with the priests, God spoke out against false prophets:
“Because you have disheartened the righteous person with lies (when I intended no distress), and because you have supported the wicked person so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will rescue my people from your hands. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:22-23)

. . . and eventually, the true prophets fell silent. For hundreds of years, Israel heard nothing from God. Never before had He seemed so distant, so separate.

No man, hopelessly bound in the sticky, spidery web of sin and death could free himself, save his people, and stand blameless before God (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Not priests.
Not judges, or kings, or elders.
Not prophets.
Not you, or me.

Where, then, does our hope lie? What sacrifice, what true High Priest, could be enough to break, once and for all, sin’s death-grip on our spirits?

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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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Posted in: Accepted, Desperate, Enough, Excuses, Faith, Faithfulness, Fear, Fellowship, God, Help, Journey, Pain, Promises, Redemption Tagged: alone, Christ, Desperate, empty, hope, loss, Sin

The GT Weekend! ~ Questions 2 Week 2

February 6, 2021 by Erin O'Neal Leave a Comment

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) The world offers us an empty promise that we can be free only when we are true to ourselves. We are lured in and seduced by the idea of living totally for ourselves doing what feels good and rejecting what is uncomfortable. The motto of a generation rings out: you do you! But the only reward for this kind of life is bondage. We sink under the weight of our own selfishness. We must instead surrender to the wisdom of our kind master, Jesus, who has given us a better way to live. Where are you still living in bondage to your old self? What sins do you need to lay aside so you might fully surrender your life to the freedom found in Jesus? Prayerfully read Colossians 3:1-10 again. Ask God to reveal to you where you are holding on to false promises of freedom, and ask Him for true freedom in Him. Stretch your soul by confessing your sin to a trusted sister and asking her to pray for you as you surrender to Christ. (James 5:16) As you share your burdens with others, they can speak the truth in love, strengthening you for the work ahead.

2) Hebrews 11:1 tells us “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV) But what happens when our confidence waivers? What happens when we are not so sure about the things we cannot see? Where do we go with our questions? When I have questions, I want to know the answers. Quickly. I often turn to Google to answer my questions. But questions about God can be trickier. We have a choice when we have questions about God. We can run and hide, and decide for ourselves God isn’t worth our time, or we can press in and ask Him to reveal His truth to our clouded hearts. God is big enough to handle our questions, but we must be willing to do the hard work of asking Him to help us. Where do you go with your questions? What have you doubted about God, and how have you tried to find the answers? Are your questions drawing you into conversation with Him, or pushing you further away? Have an honest conversation with the Lord today about your questions. Boldly voice them out loud and ask Him to grant you wisdom and discernment. You may not get your answers today or tomorrow, but you can start the process of pressing in and seeking out the heart of Jesus.

3) On Friday, Rebecca reminded us of the hard truth that no one can follow God’s law perfectly. There is no such thing as “close enough” when it comes to obeying God. The only way for a person to be saved is by trusting fully in the work of Jesus on the cross. We read, “either we are covered completely by His righteousness purchased for us… or we are on our own.” And sisters, this is good news! We never need to wonder if we are being “good enough” or working “hard enough.” If we believe in Jesus, we are accepted by God. Because of that acceptance, we are free to walk in obedience. And when we fall short, Jesus is delighted to welcome us back with open arms, comforting and forgiving us, never surprised by our weakness, but identifying with us and healing us. Do you believe this? Or are you still trying to earn your place in God’s kingdom? Spend some time today thinking about what it would look like to be fully surrendered to God, not trying to work your way into His good graces, but simply receiving the gift of righteousness that Jesus offers. How would you live differently if you truly believed God accepted you, not based on your work, but on the work of Christ? Ask God to help you live out of that truth.

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 Psalm 36:5-9 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

your judgments like the deepest sea.

Lord, you preserve people and animals.

How priceless your faithful love is, God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They are filled from the abundance of your house.

You let them drink from your refreshing stream.

For the wellspring of life is with you.

By means of your light we see light.

 

Prayer Journal
Oh heavenly Father, it is true: “The wellspring of life is with You [and] by means of Your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) You are the kind and gracious master, providing us with a life that is full and abundant and free. I know I often turn aside from Your good plan. I question Your goodness, and I seek my own way. Help me, oh Lord, to be humble and obedient to Your word. Help me to see where I have strayed from your design. Lord, my questions feel so big sometimes. Help me know You are bigger than my questions. Help me turn to You with my questions, and may they draw me in closer to You. I admit I often try to earn Your approval as I would with an earthly authority. Remind me of the grace You have freely lavished upon me, and help me to walk in obedience as a response to Your grace, and not as a means of proving myself. Thank You that I never need to wonder if I am acceptable to You. Thank You for the assurance you provide to Your children. May I never lose sight of Your abundant love for me.

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Posted in: Accepted, Bold, Christ, Follow, Gift, God, GT Weekend, Jesus, Love, Reveal, Seeking, Truth, Wisdom Tagged: Delighted, Press In, questions, righteousness, surrender, True Freedom, You are
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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14