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She Day 13 Gardner Of The Home

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She Day 13 Gardner Of The Home

Rebecca Adams

November 15, 2023

Beauty,Bold,Captivating,Christ,Family,Hero,Holy Spirit,Marriage

Read His Words Before Ours!

Titus 2:1-5
Psalm 92
Proverbs 14:1
Revelation 3:19-22
Psalm 1:1-3

Submission.

The arrangement of those particular letters forming that specific word often turn my insides raw.

A “you will obey me” mentality comes to mind.
Coercion.
Manipulation.
Head down.
Crushed spirit.
Wanting to fight, but knowing it would bring no benefit, and would likely make it worse.

Slap on a “spiritual happy face” and label this scene “submission”.

Ugly Chills.

But it’s not just my heart that revolts against that definition. The Lord’s righteous jealousy glows hot when His daughters believe such sinister lies as they actively exchange the truth of God for an insidious Satanic lie wrapped in a package labeled “Christian Wife Qualities”. (Romans 1:18, Nahum 1:2-3)

Is your stomach churning?
Mine is.

The same slippery snake has been doling out sickening, sugar-coated deceptions since time began in the Garden of Eden with his cunning question, “Did God really say…?”. (Genesis 3:1)

It worked in Eden as creation’s very first She, Eve, took God’s original words, added to them, and twisted His intent, making the Almighty Gracious Creator look like a stingy, self-absorbed power-monger. And it works exactly the same for us every time we hold onto a definition of submission that departs from Scriptural teaching.

Ready for some truth?
I Am!

There’s something richly wholesome about feeding on solid truth, and as Shes in a world of fraud and faux, Truth sets a welcoming banquet like nothing else.
I need truth.
Desperately.

Bring your stretchy pants for this one, girls, we’re gonna’ EAT!

“…older women are to be reverent in behavior,
not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking.
They are to teach what is good,
so that they may encourage the young women
to love their husbands and to love their children,
to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home,
kind, and in submission to their husbands,
so that God’s word will not be slandered.” (Titus 2:3-5)

Pastor Paul sent this letter to Titus who was strengthening house churches on the island of Crete. Church leadership had gone awry as self-love took first place and cultural slothful laziness influenced Christ-followers so much that they began to look more like Cretans than Christians. Paul’s letter provided wisdom and practical insight as Titus went to work correcting poor spiritual habits in the churches on Crete.

Let’s join Titus at the table while the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts through His Word!

Teachers (verse 3)
Women are excellent teachers, whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or at work; we were designed to teach others just by the way we live. The woman mature in Christ will leverage her teaching gifts to influence others for the gospel as she trains them to follow Jesus.

Encouragers (verse 4)
Jesus-loving women have grown strong in emotionally connecting and naturally empathizing with others; they are quick to not only notice when encouragement is needed, but give it generously.

Love (verse 4)
Women are natural born lovers and nurturers. We comfort, tend, fuss over, soothe, and foster nourishment. When that woman has sat under the maturing work of the Holy Spirit, their lives will prove it by loving their children, spouses, neighbors, and teammates with a deep, fight-for-you kind of selfless, humble love.

Self Control & Purity (verse 5)
Spotting the admirable characteristics of self-control and purity in Paul’s list, we understand that women who have learned to dance in step with Jesus will be wearing Self-Control as she lives out Purity of thoughts, words, and actions in her hum-drum normal life.

Then comes “workers at home” and my modern, feminist-culture-influenced-self shoots up flags.
Um, what?
No.
Workers at home?
I can’t have a career?
Can’t speak up?
Don’t have influence?

Soon, we’ve grasped so tightly onto a single aspect, wrenching it free from its original place in Scripture to its original audience, that we’ve lost sight of the Lord’s good intention. (verse 3) In fact, our eyes likely missed “kind” altogether, skipped to “submission”, and we’re ready to make heads roll as the feminist flag flies high.

Before we jump on that bandwagon, sisters, would you be willing to sit quietly with me and reach a little deeper into God’s Word to see something spectacular?

Christ Jesus, Lord of all things, Holder of every molecule, submitted.
It was His idea.
He modeled it.
He chose it.
(Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 22:42)

Steeped in Scripture, we start to rightly define submission.
It’s a choice.
Never a coercion.
Never a manipulation.

If you’ve ever been “commanded” by anyone to “submit”, you’ve been the object of severe mistreatment of God’s Word.
Submission can only ever be willfully given. 

Submission is our gift to the Lord Jesus who submitted to the Father, by submitting to the cross to pay the death penalty in our stead.
Submission is our gift to a husband if we are married.
Submission is our gift to brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Have you ever read the gospel accounts of Jesus healing diseases everywhere He went as crowds gathered? (John 6:2) Have you ever wondered why there aren’t also stories of relationships suddenly healed and marriages made whole?
Answer: Submission

The Author of submission
who wrote the rules of love,
knew that forced behavior
would never equal humble, sacrificial love.
Submissive love must be chosen.

Which is why Christ will never force Himself on any soul. We are each given the choice to accept or reject His offer of total forgiveness for our sin as He powerfully pursues us with mercy and goodness. (Psalm 23:6, 1 John 1:9)

Within a marriage relationship, submission is such a stunning gift and holds such great, steadying value that the Greek word translated in our Bibles as “submit” provides the visual of a pillar that upholds a building. It’s an anchoring support. The building, or in the case of wives, the Home, grows shaky without her influence.

She, as homemaker submitting to her husband, has been handcrafted to uphold structure, to protect those within her care, to guard them from harmful influences and cultivate growth as the Gardner of Her Home.

Does She have influence?
So Much.
And in unique ways that her husband doesn’t because marriage is designed as a partnership.

Should She do whatever her husband says?
Absolutely not, for the Lord God created male and female. Uniquely fitted to work together to reflect the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Incredible!

Through submission to her husband’s love, she reflects what Christ Jesus did unto the Father when He chose death to pay for our sin so that
He could be our pillar of safety,
our anchoring support, our guard,
and our nourishment.
Can there be any more stunning role than this?!

She who submits is a She who has great influence and great power,
yet willingly chooses to use those powers to uphold, guard, protect, and deeply, sacrificially love.

The next time you see letters arranging the word “submission”, I hope you’ll think of Jesus.
I hope you’ll think of Pastor Paul writing to Titus, urging him to find Jesus-following Shes who so deeply loved Jesus they couldn’t think of any better investment for their lives than willingly submitting to Christ and their husbands for the strengthening and nourishing of the whole, beautiful family of God!

“Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.”
(Proverbs 14:1)

Be a She who submits to Jesus!

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She Day 14
Digging Deeper

While current American culture prescribes militant “femininity” as the only antidote for “toxic masculinity,” the church today is rife with women, men, and children who are starving for sound, Scriptural teaching and discipleship.

As women who have chosen to surrender our lives to Jesus and pursue following Him, we seek sound teachers who will speak God’s truth to us and encourage us to joyfully serve those around us.
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She Day 10 Sisters In Christ: Digging Deeper

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She Day 10 Sisters In Christ: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

November 10, 2023

Beauty,Bold,Daughter,Digging Deeper,Family,Friend

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 "Sisters In Christ"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 10:38-42

38 While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said.

40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” 41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why was Martha so distracted by the guests and Mary so eager to listen? (verses 39-40)

In Luke 10:39-40, Jesus’ friend, Mary, “sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?’” Martha, with love and good intentions, allowed the tyranny of the urgent distract her from seeking a place at the Lords feet. While men were expected to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn, managing the household was a woman’s job in Biblical times. (Proverbs 31:27)

It would be a daunting task, especially when crowds of people turned up at your house to hear Jesus. Mary’s choice to learn from Jesus with the men rather than working alongside Martha was as astounding to Martha as it assuredly was to the men gathered there that day. Rather than realizing she should follow Mary’s lead, Martha could only resent that all of the work fell to her.

Grace Valentine notes that “Martha may have been the one who was being productive, but she was missing out on her purpose . . . You only have one purpose, and it is Jesus. . . Jesus doesn’t want your schedule, your hustle or your good deeds. Jesus wants YOU.”

Martha could not see past the important tasks and needs of the day to discover what Mary saw, which was the invitation of Jesus to be filled with every good thing through His love. (Ephesians 3:19) Cynthia Heald suggests, “the sitting is a prerequisite to knowing the serving that is God-directed, that furthers His Kingdom, and that is right for [you].”

Mary understood that listening and learning from Jesus would prepare her for the service He had laid out for her.

The Everyday Application

1) Why was Martha so distracted by the guests and Mary so eager to listen? (verses 39-40)

In high school, my sister, our friend and I were assigned to write and perform a skit, including preparing historical recipes for our classmates. We underestimated the food service time, so my friend and I ad-libbed while my sister served the tiny crowd.

She kept beckoning us for help, but we were focused on our impromptu dialogue (“Such excellent corn, my dear! etc) She wanted us to stop the play to help her serve, but we knew the show must go on! We were having our own Mary & Martha moment right there in the school gymnasium.

In Luke 10: 39-40, Jesus visits Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?’” I think we have all felt like Martha at some point, distracted by our tasks and exasperated by ministering to others at the expense of having our own needs met.

The good news is that Jesus does not call us to service without equipping us and preparing us by His grace and by time in His presence. (1 Corinthians 15:10) Denisse Copeland asserts, “Christ wasn’t exalting Mary above her sister (or any of us). Rather, He was inviting Martha to be at peace. Mary had chosen peace in that moment, but Jesus wasn’t encouraging Martha to competitive comparison. He was inviting her to observe an example and follow.”

Jesus wants everyone to experience what Mary found. He appreciated Martha’s service, but He cared more about her heart and spending time with her, which was intended to fuel her service.

The Original Intent

2) What was the necessary thing that Mary chose? (verses 41-42)

When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister wasn’t helping her with her hosting duties, “The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)  

Jesus pointed out that spending time in His presence was the only necessary thing on Martha’s pressing to-do list. (1 John 1:3) Jesus was not rebuking Martha as much as showing her a better way. Pastor Robert Morris notes, “In Biblical language, when you use a person’s name twice, it’s compassion…like saying ‘I understand how you feel’”.

In repeating Martha’s name, Jesus was telling her that her concerns were important to Him, but not more important than letting Him teach and lead her. Mary chose the necessary thing, to sit at the feet of Jesus to listen, learn, and adore. (Psalm 27:4) She probably knew her sister had other expectations for her that day, but the presence of God in her midst drew her to His feet to hear and ponder His teachings.

David Guzik suggests “There are people like Mary: Those who know how to serve and also sit at Jesus’ feet. There are people like Martha: Those who diligently, and with the best intention serve God, but without adding the one thing – a continued focus on Jesus – and it results in great frustration.” That relationship with Jesus was what Mary chose and what Jesus offered to Martha. He promised that once she learned His ways and aligned hers with His, everything else would fall into place. (Matthew 6:33)

The Everyday Application

2) What was the necessary thing that Mary chose? (verses 41-42)

My friend loved to go fishing with his dad when he was a kid, but it was a rare treat. One summer, he begged to go fishing until his busy dad finally gave in and drove him several hours to their favorite fishing hole. Once they got there, though, his Dad couldn’t take his mind off of his responsibilities and didn’t even put a hook in the water. “You have fun fishing,” he told his son, “but I can’t enjoy it with so much on my mind.”

His Dad was so preoccupied that he couldn’t concentrate on the reason he drove hours away from home—to spend time with his son. His Dad was anxious like Martha in the Bible, whom the Lord told, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Martha’s sister, Mary, chose to give her time and attention to the Lord, but Martha let her worries and responsibilities keep her from focusing on God in her midst. Jesus let Martha know that He wanted her to spend time with Him, too. Pastor Robert Morris contends, “Every time stress and tension come into your life, you have a choice whether to get quiet or get busy.”

Jesus wanted Martha to come to Him when she felt worried and experience His peace instead of trying to cover the anxiety with busyness. (Ephesians 2:17) Jesus wanted Martha to know He could take care of everything she was worried about. (Philippians 4:6-7)

All she needed to do was seek Him and receive from Him. God has work for all of us to do, but not in our own strength and never alone. (Ephesians 6:10)

The Original Intent

3) Why did Jesus say Mary’s choice would not be taken away from her? (verse 42)

When Jesus described how Martha was worried, but Mary had chosen the one necessary thing, He said, “Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42) He may have been referencing women having access to religious instruction.

It was highly uncommon for women to be taught alongside men, or even at all, in ancient cultures, but Jesus said women were just as welcome to learn at His feet as men. Indeed, many of His traveling entourage were women. (Luke 8:1-3) Christine Caine points out that in 1st century Israel, women “were second-class citizens at best . . . Women had few rights inside the home and practically none outside of it. They were not counted as members during a synagogue count, and received little or no religious education, except from their husband if he so desired.”

When Mary recognized that the most important thing was to sit learning and worshipping at Jesus’ feet, Jesus welcomed her into His presence. He did not banish her from the room or limit her to access to Him. He allowed her to sit at His feet, and He invited Martha to do the same.

Adam Clarke notes, “This was the posture of the Jewish scholars, while listening to the instructions of the [rabbis.] It is in this sense that St. Paul says he was brought up at the FEET of Gamaliel, Acts 22:3”. The Good News of Jesus is that He invites everyone, male and female, to learn from Him and accept His love. (Acts 10:34) Jesus welcomed Mary, invited Martha, and beckons us today to sit at His feet and become more like Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Everyday Application

3) Why did Jesus say Mary’s choice would not be taken away from her? (verse 42)

The story of Eric Liddell, Scottish missionary to China, is fascinating, particularly his participation in the 1924 Paris Olympics as a track and field athlete for Great Britain (depicted in the film Chariots of Fire).

Liddell did not believe it was right to work (or run) on the Sabbath, so he chose to forego a race held on a Sunday, though it would end his Olympic bid. A team mate offered to switch races with him, allowing him to run another day of the week and win a gold medal for Great Britain, bringing glory to God through his victory.

It was almost as if God was saying about Eric Liddell what he said about Mary in Luke 10:42 when she chose to focus on God by sitting at His feet, “Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42) God is well-pleased when we spend time with Him (John 15:4), allowing Him to teach us and provide for us. He desires and delights in our obedience (John 14:15) and our worship (Psalm 150:6).

John Piper says, “Mary was more enthralled with Jesus than with Mary. She cared more about what Jesus said than what others thought of her or her home. And because of this, Jesus commended her choice not to serve.” When we choose to follow in His ways, God honors that decision because He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

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She Day 10
Journey Study

Both pairs of sisters show us their humanity and allow us ours, as well. I love that these women in the Bible are real people, experiencing many of the same emotional and relational triumphs and struggles as we do today.

There is a bond in being a sister, transcending time and culture. As believers, we are daughters of God and therefore sisters in Christ.
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Known Day 12 Jehovah Rapha: Digging Deeper

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Known Day 12 Jehovah Rapha: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

July 25, 2023

Bold,Faith,Glory,Good,Healing,Heart,Peace,Perfect

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 "Jehovah Rapha"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 103:1-10

My soul, bless the LORD, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all his benefits. 3 He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases.

4 He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. 5 He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle. 6 The LORD executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He revealed his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. 9 He will not always accuse us or be angry forever. 10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why does David exhort his own soul to bless the Lord and remember His benefits? (verse 2)

In Psalm 103:2, David addressed his own soul by saying, “My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits.” David was reminding himself that God had blessed him greatly by recounting the numerous ways God had already provided for his needs.

David Guzik suggests, “It was as if David looked at his soul and understood that it was not praising God enough. He called upon his soul to do more.” It is easy to lose sight of the good things God has given us and focus on the negative aspects of our circumstances. David understood this and was encouraging his soul to concentrate on all of the positive things God had done for him. (Psalm 78:5-7)

Remembering God’s benefits encouraged David and gave him hope. Remembering all the times God helped him in the past reminded him to turn to God when times were tough. (Psalm 42:4-5) Shae Tate asserts, “Remembering what’s true stops the chaos around us long enough for us to remind ourselves, ‘Ok, God’s not forgotten me. So, I’m not going to forget His promises for me.’”

In the Old Testament, God often instructed His people to make a monument to Him after a miracle or blessing so future generations would ask about it and they would have opportunity to teach them about the goodness of God. (Joshua 4:20-24, Genesis 28:10-22)

We can incorporate this practice of reminding ourselves to bless the Lord for His benefits, thereby instructing and encouraging those around us (and our own souls!) of the sure victory and hope found in a God who never changes. (Hebrews 13:8)

He who was faithful in the past remains faithful to His beloved even today. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

The Everyday Application

1) Why does David exhort his own soul to bless the Lord and remember His benefits? (verse 2)

Years ago my church compiled a book of testimonies and answered prayers from parishioners. I recently re-discovered it and marveled at how faithful God has been! There were stories of hardened hearts turning to God and desperate needs being met.

One woman dreamed she should pray about an upcoming calendar date, and on that date her husband experienced a medical emergency while driving and was able to make it to help safely. In one testimony, someone received a free house in answer to a prayer! I was amazed at God’s goodness, but I was also amazed that I had forgotten about so many of these wondrous testimonies. This is why David’s exhortation in Psalm 103:2 is so important.

Reminding ourselves of God’s blessings from the past bolsters our faith in God to continue meeting our needs and surpassing our expectations in the present. (Ephesians 3:20) Arlene Pellicane suggests David is “giving a ‘locker room talk’ to an audience of one — like a rousing speech coaches give to sports teams before playing a big game.”

David reminded himself God has come through for him in the past, and He will come through for him now and in the future. (Philippians 4:13) Shae Tate reiterates the importance of rehearsing God’s benefits to us, noting that “What has always been true will always be true. And it’s true for me today, even if I don’t feel it in completeness right now.”

When we find ourselves dwelling on impossibilities and in need of breakthrough, we can remind ourselves of all the good things God has done for us and for others in the past. Those blessings remind us God is good and faithful at all times! (Psalm 100:5)

The Original Intent

2) Is healing from disease of the same importance as the other benefits from God that David lists? (verses 3-10)

In Psalm 103:3-10, David lists the benefits from God that he wants his soul to remember, including forgiveness from sins, physical healing, satisfyingly good things, renewed youth, compassion, grace, and love. These are some amazing deeds; things that are life-altering and memorable.

Charles Spurgeon suggests David “selects a few of the choicest pearls from the casket of divine love, threads them on the string of memory, and hangs them about the neck of gratitude.” It might be tempting to cherry-pick from this list and elevate the “flashier” blessings, like healing or renewed youth, but the order of their listing gives an idea of their importance.

David Guzik asserts how significant it is that forgiveness of sins is first on the list, “In David’s mind, the most important thing was to have sins forgiven, even more important than physical healing.” These blessings may have been listed as a sequence of events. First, God forgives us, and then He heals and redeems us.

Andrew Murray explains, “Forgiveness is the access to all of God’s love. On this account, forgiveness is also an introduction to all the other blessings of redemption.” David thanked God first for the forgiveness of sins because this is what opens up the door to relationship with God. (1 John 1:5-10)

Forgiving our sins was so important in the heart of God that He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for all our sins upon Himself on the cross (John 3:16) so we would not need to face the penalty of death. (Romans 6:23) Confessing our sins and turning from them allows us to walk with God and experience His many blessings.

God’s forgiveness is the greatest gift; without it we could not experience all the riches of His grace as children of God. (Romans 8:14-17)

The Everyday Application

2) Is healing from disease of the same importance as the other benefits from God that David lists? (verses 3-10)

When I book vacation lodging, I am extremely frugal, which means I am willing to overlook minor inconveniences to gain a good deal as long as my basic necessities are met. A few years ago, I was thrilled to find a vacation rental at a reasonable price that had 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and laundry facilities, which were my must-haves. I was so eager to snag the bargain I didn’t notice the mention of a year-round lodger in the basement, which I discovered only after the cancellation date had passed.

I was so impressed by the low- price that I overlooked some of the most important details about the lodging. I tend to do this in other areas, too. When I read the list of blessings David details in Psalm 103:3-10, my attention is immediately drawn to the words, “He heals all your diseases.” I have a vague recognition of the other items listed in God’s “benefit package,” but I tend to focus on the promises of healing, grace, and love.

I am glad for all the blessings, but I want to especially remind God of the things I can experience in a tangible way. In doing so, however, I overlook the other amazing things God has given me, some of which are even more important than physical healing in the great scheme of things. The first thing David thanked God for was His forgiveness of sins. David recognized that God wiping away his iniquities (Psalm 51:2) was vital to his walk with the Lord. (Psalm 32:1-6)

Without the gift of forgiveness, there would be no other gifts. May we be mindful of and grateful for all the gifts God has given us, not the least of which is His merciful forgiveness.

The Original Intent

3) How can David say God heals all your diseases when people who trust in the Lord still suffer from diseases? (verse 3)

In Psalm 103:3, David praises the God who “heals all your diseases.” David experienced God as a healer personally (Psalm 30:2, Psalm 107:20), which is important to remember as we read David’s personal prayer of thanksgiving.

God holds all power and rule to heal anyone at any time, but His magnificent love and personal knowledge of us knows that physical healing can actually prevent our hearts from turning to God for spiritual healing. David knew Scripture proclaims God as ultimate Healer (Isaiah 53:5, Exodus 15:26), but he also knew God didn’t always answer prayers for healing in the way and time we ask. This scenario was also his personal experience when he entreated God to spare his first child with Bathsheba, who died at 7 days old. (2 Samuel 12:16-18)

Still, David believed that no matter what happened, the Sovereign God (Psalm 135:6) could be trusted with all things. (Psalm 111:7) Ann Voskamp suggests, “We may not always get our miracle. But we always get God. And that is the miracle that is more than enough.” Even if God the Healer doesn’t heal when we ask Him, He is still Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals.

Tricia Lott Williford offers the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believing God would rescue them from the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:17-18) “They knew what they had asked God to do, and they believed He absolutely could do it. They even said He would. And then they finish the sentence with the giant caveat: But even if He doesn’t, we will not bow to any other god. […] In one hand is faith: I believe He can do anything. In the other hand is sovereignty. Even if He doesn’t, I believe He is still good.”

It is hard for us to understand why God would not heal someone when He is the Healer, but we know His ways and thoughts are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8); we only understand in part here on earth. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

We may not be able to explain or understand God’s ways, but we can trust His Word that He is always with us, working everything out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

The Everyday Application

3) How can David say God heals all your diseases when people who trust in the Lord still suffer from diseases? (verse 3)

Are you familiar with the story of quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada? In her extraordinary life since a diving accident left her disabled, Joni has served the Lord well by painting, advocating for the disabled, providing wheelchairs for the dis-advantaged, and ministering alongside her husband to crowds around the globe. She has prayed for healing, and countless others have prayed for her healing, still, she has now spent 50 years in a wheelchair.

When I read David’s words thanking God for healing all his diseases in Psalm 103:3, I wonder about Joni and others who haven’t experienced physical healing. According to author David Guzik, God “brings healing to us in this life through both natural and miraculous ways. He promises ultimate healing for all His people in the age to come.”

Joni Eareckson Tada says, “When people are healed miraculously, it should encourage us to look forward to the time when healing will be for everyone.” There will be a day when all who have trusted Christ for their salvation and heart-healing now will stand before God in Heaven, free of all manner of disease and pain. (Revelation 21:4) Until then, God continues to sometimes heal people of diseases here on Earth. More often, though, He allows the physical challenges to remain and produce the character of Christ in our lives. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

Author Katherine Wolf, herself disabled by a severe stroke, asserts that until we see Jesus face to face, “the moments of releasing our lives into the hands of a God we cannot see are the closet to wholeness we will come on this side of eternity. This is our truest healing—the healing of our souls […].”

This soul healing is the reason Jesus came into the world (Luke 19:10), and it’s the reason He gives us the grace to become more like Him each day. (Philippians 1:6)

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What I saw broke my heart. His head was down, and his shoulders shook with sobs. He knew cancer was taking the man he loved so much. As his mom I was so concerned for his heart, his faith, and his trust in the Lord His God.

From the time of diagnosis, we prayed, “Lord, we know You are the Healer and You will heal Grandpa here on this side of heaven or home with You.”

Our desire was for healing to happen here. God’s answer was to call him home.
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Known Day 7 El Chuwl: Digging Deeper

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Known Day 7 El Chuwl: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

July 18, 2023

Bold,Family,Fellowship,Know,Meaning,Mercy,Perfect

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 "El Chuwl"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 139:13-18

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. 15 My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began. 17 God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! 18 If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why does the psalmist say God’s works, including the psalmist himself, are wondrous? (verse 14)

In Psalm 139:14, David praises God because he has been “remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” David knew God as the Creator of everything, including people. (Genesis 1:27) He knew God declared His creation to be very good indeed. (Genesis 1:31)

As a shepherd (1 Samuel 17:34) and soldier who lived in caves (1 Samuel 24:3) and slept under the stars (1 Samuel 26:3), David observed the intricacies of nature. He noted with awe the incredible colors, patterns, diversity and abilities of all creation, and he marveled at God’s most complex creation of all, humans. Lori Stanley Roeleveld points out, “Our design—physical, biological, mechanical, functional, mental, emotional, and spiritual—reflects our God’s expansive intelligence, wisdom, and creativity. We are wondrous and awesome in every way, and that was God’s idea.”

David wasn’t a scientist, but he did observe God’s remarkable design in the birth of children (2 Samuel 12:24) and in their growth, and in the body’s ability to heal itself and endure trauma (Psalm 38:7). David’s observations caused him to praise God for His wondrous work in designing people.

David Guzik notes, “The workings of the human body are stunning in their design and execution. We know far more than David ever did about how we are made, and it should make us full of more awe and praise than David ever had.” When we hold a newborn baby, we are reminded of the mystery and the complexity of human life. When we witness an elite athlete run at incredible speeds or a mathematician solve complex equations, we marvel at the abilities of the human body.

Next time we glance in the mirror, we should remember that all of God’s works are wondrous, including us!

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the psalmist say God’s works, including the psalmist himself, are wondrous? (verse 14)

If asked, “Is God’s Word true?” (John 17:17), my emphatic answer is yes! But if you judge by my actions, the answer is less certain, especially when it comes to Psalm 139:14, “I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” I marvel at God’s design of the human body; it is my own human body I find less than wondrous.

Sadly, many women believe lies from the enemy (John 8:44) that tell us we are hideous, not wondrous, and this becomes our mantra when we look in the mirror. Melissa D’Arabian suggests that the negative comments we direct at our bodies are “actually directed at God. He tells us we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and then we respond by essentially saying, ‘Your handiwork is just not good enough for me.’”

Instead of doubting we are remarkably and wondrously made by God, we can use this truth to combat the lies we have believed. Jo Saxton emphasizes that we can use this verse to “acknowledge that your body, your personality, your talents, all of you is fearfully and wonderfully made. His words have the power to level and liberate you, a Spirit-filled sword (Ephesians 6:17) to cut through the most resistant of chains.”

When we focus on God as the Master Craftsman, it is easier for us to appreciate that we are His marvelous workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10) Tara Sun asserts, “When we stand in proper view of the reality of our Savior, we can stand in thankfulness and contentment for how we were created. Bumps, dimples, curves, saggy skin and all.”

Thank You, Lord, for hand-crafting each one of us into a unique masterpiece!

The Original Intent

2) What does the author mean by saying he was formed in the depths of the earth? (verse 15)

Discussing his wondrous creation by God, David states that his “bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:15) David isn’t suggesting he was made deep inside the earth, although he could be making a reference to the first man, Adam, who was created by God from the dust of the earth. (Genesis 2:7)

Harriet Connor suggests, “The first man was formed in the ‘womb’ of the earth, as God shaped and animated the dust of the ground.” The psalmist, according to David Guzik, uses “lowest parts of the earth to refer to any mysterious, unseen place.” Specifically, David is referencing the mystery of human gestation in utero.

Albert Barnes suggests David is describing a place “much beyond the power of human observation as though it had been done low down beneath the ground where no eye of man can penetrate.” The Scriptures refer to the mystery of human development in Ecclesiastes 11:5, “You don’t know…. how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman.” Jeremiah 1:5 also references God forming a person “in the womb”.

Harriet Connor notes, “Woman is like the earth in that she has the potential for gestating new life within her body.” David is awestruck contemplating the mystery of how God forms a life inside of a mother.

Although the secrets of gestational development are unknown to him, David is certain God is there, orchestrating everything.

The Everyday Application

2) What does the author mean by saying he was formed in the depths of the earth? (verse 15)

When I was pregnant 20 years ago, I marveled at how much we understood scientifically about pre-natal development. I showed everyone the ultrasound, which wasn’t available to my parents when I was born. The knowledge for Gen-Z parents is even greater; I recently read a study that linked fetal alcohol syndrome to excessive alcohol consumption by the father before conception.

For all our advancements, there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding what occurs in utero. In Psalm 139:15, David talks to God about the process as best he can describe: “My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.” Alexander Maclaren explains, “The mysterious receptacle in which the unborn body takes shape and grows is delicately described as ‘secret’ and likened to the hidden region of the underworld, where are the dead. The point of comparison is the mystery enwrapping both.” 

How amazing that God has been with me since even before I was born, in the mysterious darkness of the womb. God has “been my God from my mother’s womb” (Psalm 22:10), and He promises He will never leave me or abandon me (Deuteronomy 31:8). There is nowhere we can go that He will not be with us. (Psalm 139:7)

It encourages and comforts me to know that God is with me forever, from before birth to my last day on earth (Psalm 48:14) until I stand in His presence in Heaven. (John 11:25) No matter how dark the situation is, God is there with me, strengthening me and sustaining me with His love (Romans 8:38-39) and through His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).

I know I can trust in God, who has been with me since even before my first breath!

The Original Intent

3) Why does the psalmist say that God’s thoughts are precious to him? (verse 17)

In Psalm 139:17, David declares, “God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is!”. David marvels that the God of all Creation formed him in secret, knit him in his mother’s womb, and planned out all his days even before he was born (Psalm 139:16) The fact that God was mindful of him was mind-boggling and humbling to David. (Psalm 8:4)

Having the God of all things notice him and care for him was precious to the psalmist. David Guzik notes, “David was filled with amazement and adoration by considering how God knew and cared for him. It is precious that God should think of us at all; it is beyond precious that He would think well of us and think so often of us.”

David knew there was nothing spectacular about him that God should think about him, so he found God’s thoughts toward him precious. He was just a simple shepherd, a youngest son (1 Samuel 17:12-14) whom God chose to bless and prosper, and David was overwhelmed by the grace shown him.

Charles Spurgeon remarks, “That God should think upon him is the believer’s treasure and pleasure.”

The next time you feel unseen or forgotten, remember how precious it is that God is mindful of you and thinks a vast sum of thoughts about you!

The Everyday Application

3) Why does the psalmist say that God’s thoughts are precious to him? (verse 17)

Every year, churches around the globe observe clergy appreciation month in October. As the children’s pastor at my church, I enjoy the notes of encouragement from parishioners, the hand-made cards from students, and the letters of thanks from parents. I also look forward to the home-made goodies and the gift cards I receive.

One October Sunday, a couple placed an envelope in my hand and thanked me for my service to the Lord and our church family. I was astonished to find $200 inside! That was a lot of money, and I was flabbergasted that they (or anyone) would think to bless me with such generosity. Their children had long since grown up, and it surprised me that the children’s minister would even be on their radar.

David registers similar joy and surprise when he considers the thoughts of God toward him, and he declares that they are precious and vast in sum. (Psalm 139:17) To know that anyone thinks of you is special, but to know that The One whose thoughts are so high above your own (Isaiah 55:9) thinks much of you is precious indeed!

Ever since David was conceived, before he was even born, God had been with him, thinking of Him and making plans for him. (Jeremiah 29:11) What could be more precious than knowing the Creator of the universe has been thinking of you since before your birth and continues to think about you every day?

Like David, we can rejoice that no matter what we think about ourselves, our Omniscient God has good thoughts toward us.

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The Lord is intensely for us; if you’re breathing, His heart is to draw you near. Jonah was ready to watch the city of Nineveh and all of its inhabitants burn, but the Lord saw His creation. When the people of Nineveh repented, the Lord’s righteous anger turned to sovereign grace.
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Sketched XI Day 6 What Do You Have Against Me?

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Sketched XI Day 6 What Do You Have Against Me?

Marietta Taylor

June 26, 2023

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Note About Sketched

In Sketched themes, we imaginatively step into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally.

We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters viewed God, themselves, and the world around them.

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

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Sketched XI, Day 7
Digging Deeper

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

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

May your compassion come to me so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.
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Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

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Mission Day 7 Mission Invitation: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

May 16, 2023

Bold,Called,Gospel,Grace,Open

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 "Mission Invitation"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 2:1-2

1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What was the relationship between Timothy and Paul, and why is it important? (verse 1)

Paul refers to Timothy as “my son” and “my dearly loved son.” (verse 1, 2 Timothy 1:2) Is Paul referring to Timothy as his biological son? For this answer we turn to Acts 16 where we read that Timothy is the son of a Jewish woman, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5), and an unnamed Greek father. (Acts 16:1)

It stands to reason that if Paul were Timothy’s biological father, the writer of Acts (Luke) would have addressed him as such. We can also deduce from the text that this is the first meeting between Paul and Timothy. Therefore, we conclude that Timothy is not Paul’s biological son, but a spiritual son.

Paul was impressed enough with Timothy’s character and faith in God that he wanted Timothy to travel with him to share the gospel. (Acts 16:2-10) The language in 2 Timothy provides evidence of a deep fatherly and spiritual love Paul has for his “son in the faith”. He speaks of remembering Timothy continually in prayer, longing to see him so Paul would be joyful, and recalling Timothy’s sincere faith. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)

We also learn in 2 Timothy that not only is Paul in prison, but he knows his execution at the hands of the Romans is near. Thus, there is an urgency in his letter as Paul shares what could be his final words to Timothy. These words are rich with exhortations to share the gospel without shame and relying on God’s grace to do so. He instructs Timothy on how to share the gospel and how to handle false teachers while reminding Timothy that God’s word is sufficient. To the very end, Paul tenderly loves, teaches, and leads his spiritual son.

The Everyday Application

1) What was the relationship between Timothy and Paul, and why is it important? (verse 1)

As we have seen, Paul was a mentor and spiritual father to Timothy. Together with other believers, they shared the gospel and made disciples of Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:5) Although both undoubtedly had traditional family relationships, it is their spiritual relationship that gives us a peek into what it means to be part of God’s family.

Mentoring. Receiving. Leading. Following. Teaching. Growing. Encouraging. Exhorting. Even rebuking. All of these are bound together in a genuine love for one another that only comes through mutual faith in and love for God. (1 Peter 4:8-11)

In another letter, Paul instructs believers to “love one another deeply as brothers and sisters” and to “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:10-17) Time spent together as fellow believers in worship, prayer, and teaching is beautiful and holy, knowing God is present. Time spent mentoring and in accountability can be hard, but it is worth the investment when we see marked growth in faith, understanding, and love. Some days it is challenging and messy, but on those days, it is even more important we turn to God to help us love one another, pray for each other, and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters as we have ability. (1 John 3:17-18) After all, we are family.

It’s God’s will for us to join together to share the love of Jesus with those outside of God’s family, inviting them to faith in Jesus Christ that they might become part of our spiritual family as well. This is what we do as family in the strength of the grace that is in Jesus Christ. 

The Original Intent

2) Why was Timothy instructed to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?” (verse 1)

In chapter 1 Paul gave Timothy a mix of instructions, exhortations, encouragements, and reminders. As you read through it you might begin to wonder if Timothy had begun to become fearful or complacent in his calling to share the gospel and live in the power of God. Or, perhaps, he was doing well, but needed more focus or encouragement for the sake of the gospel.

Whatever the reason, Paul was specific: Was he using his spiritual gifting? Did he remember that God had called him with a holy calling and it was according to God’s purpose and grace? Was he fearful of suffering for the gospel? Was Timothy holding on to the pattern of sound teaching that he had heard from Paul and was he teaching it to others? Was he guarding the good deposit– the gospel– through the Holy Spirit? Was he doing all of this by relying on God’s power? (2 Timothy 1:6-14)

It is no small wonder Paul is reminding Timothy he must be strong in the grace given to him in Christ Jesus before time began, knowing there was simply no other way to accomplish what God called Timothy to do outside of the strength of God’s grace. (2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 12:6; Ephesians 2:8-10) 

The Everyday Application

2) Why was Timothy instructed to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus?” (verse 1)

Paul urged Timothy there was no way to accomplish ministry without God’s grace, and he reminds us of this as well. Our obedience to God’s call will be a failure without relying on His grace because only by His grace can we begin to share the gospel, make disciples, and love one another.

As Paul and Silas began their missionary journey that would eventually bring them to Timothy, their brothers and sisters commended them “to the grace of the Lord” in the journey. (Acts 15:40-16:1) Earlier in Acts, Paul and Barnabas arrived back to the church at Antioch “where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they now completed.” (Acts 14:26) Paul reminded the Corinthian church they had behaved with godly sincerity and purity toward both the world and the church by God’s grace. (2 Corinthians 1:12) Later, Paul tells his readers he had a thorn in the flesh which tormented him. He pleaded with God three times to remove it, but God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Why is God’s power perfected in weakness? Because when we are weak, and His work is still accomplished, we know it is God who did it and should receive the glory, not us. It is by His lavish grace we are saved through Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-10), helped in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), and given all we need to proclaim to unbelievers the incalculable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).

Sweet sister, pray! Ask God to join you together with Him in His work in your circle of influence. Ask Him to make you bold and kind to share Christ and make disciples around you. His grace is sufficient to do whatever He asks! 

The Original Intent

3) What was Paul’s urgent instruction to Timothy and what does it mean for us today? (verses 1-2) 

For what purpose was Timothy to be strong in God’s grace? (verse 1) Why rekindle God’s gift within him? (2 Timothy 1:6) Why guard the gospel? (2 Timothy 1:14) Why hold to the pattern of sound teaching Timothy heard from Paul? (2 Timothy 1:13)

The overarching answer was for Timothy to commit the gospel to faithful people who in turn would be able to teach others also. (verse 2) In other words, to share Christ with a lost and dying world with the hope and prayer they would repent of their sins, accept Jesus as their Savior, and grow in their knowledge, faith, and love of Him. Then they would share Christ with others hoping that they would repent, accept Jesus, grow, and share. A few verses later, Paul told Timothy to diligently present himself “to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of God.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul also reminded Timothy he would encounter evil people and imposters lurking in the church who deceived others and were deceived themselves; Timothy was instructed to use the gospel to combat that deception. He urged Timothy to continue in what he had learned and firmly believed in spite of the deceivers. Then he reminded Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed) and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so the believer is equipped for whatever God asks to be done. (2 Timothy 3:13-17)

Later in the letter, Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2) God strengthened Timothy in grace and equipped him with His Word. Timothy was called to make disciples who would make disciples in the same strength of God’s grace.

The Everyday Application

3) What was Paul’s urgent instruction to Timothy and what does it mean for us today? (verses 1-2) 

God’s message to Timothy is God’s message to believers today. It can be summed up by Jesus’ final words to His disciples before He was taken up to heaven, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

This is referred to as the Great Commission. We are to make disciples who make disciples, not on our own strength but by relying on the strong available through an abiding relationship in Christ Jesus. We are to teach others what we have been taught, and love others as Jesus loved. In the book of Ephesians Paul wrote, “This grace was given to me– the least of all saints– to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8)

Our purpose in life is to glorify God. The primary way we do this is to share Jesus with those who do not know of the riches in Christ we have both now and into eternity.

Share Christ. Make disciples. Be a part of how God is growing His family; this is your invitation to Mission!

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As more people heard and understood the truth of their sin and of the mercy, grace, and salvation found in Jesus, they had the choice to repent, or turn, from following themselves to surrendering to Jesus. Those who accepted the invitation became new disciples, and new partners in Jesus’ mission.

Sisters, this means you and I are invited into the same mission!

If we repent of our sins and accept the forgiveness and redemption Jesus offers through His atoning death and resurrection, we are commissioned just as the small band of believers on a Galilean mountain centuries ago.
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Mission Day 5 Living On Mission: Digging Deeper

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Mission Day 5 Living On Mission: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

May 12, 2023

Bold,Courage,Faith,Gospel

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 "Living On Mission"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 10:8-15

8 On the contrary, what does it say? The message is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the message of faith that we proclaim: 9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, 12 since there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, because the same Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
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The Original Intent

1) To what is Paul contrasting when he states, “On the contrary”? (verses 8-10)

The apostle Paul was grieved by Israel’s rejection of Christ (Romans 9:30-32), apparent in his pleas for the Jewish people to receive the gospel he had come to confidently trust, believe, and preach. This chapter evidences his emotion regarding the lost condition of so many Jews. (verse 1)

As a nation, Israel had incorrectly rendered the Law as validation of a right relationship with God. Paul is writing to contrast that belief (that the Law saved) with the truth of the gospel (only Jesus saves). The salvation the Law offers is the realization no one can perfectly keep it! It is this recognition of our need for a Savior that helps us properly see ourselves. In verse 8, Paul quotes Moses (the one who gave God’s Law) as confirmation his teaching was not original to him. (Deuteronomy 30:14) Being made right with God only comes through faith in Him. It has always been this way.

This message was unpopular with Jews who believed the Law made someone righteous. At the time of his writing, a personal confession of Christ as Lord often resulted in persecution and/or death. A bold confession of faith in Christ was usually indicative of genuine faith. Paul did not intend to communicate that a condition for salvation was a public confession, but he was confirming that such a courageous declaration evidenced a change of heart. (verse 10)

The original Greek verbiage carries the idea of “confirming” with the mouth what has taken place in the heart and being thankful for it. (biblehub.com) A heart full of faith, and a confession of that faith, demonstrates an understanding of the inability of the Law to bring salvation.

The Everyday Application

1) To what is Paul contrasting when he states, “On the contrary”? (verses 8-10)

Studying a verse in its context is the essential element to rightly understanding all of Scripture. Digging into context (asking Who? What? When? Where? Why?) in the book of Romans is especially insightful and helpful. I’m so grateful for gifted teachers (Romans 12:7) who help us understand verses in their context.

But, friend, we can learn much about Paul’s purpose by simply reading and rereading the chapters ourselves. We can then pray for the Spirit to help us apply the truths we dig out of the passage. Reading through chapters 9 and 10 help us understand the intention of the apostle. We don’t need to make a public confession of Christ to earn our salvation any more than we need to do good works.

Confession of Christ and obedience to Him are the results of our genuine faith in Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The Jews confessed many things about God, but it is apparent from Matthew 27 that many of the Jewish leaders were in the habit of quoting the Scriptures while their hearts were far from God.

Shema (“hear”) is the Hebrew word that begins an important prayer in Judaism taken from the Old Testament. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) How sadly ironic that the religious leaders of the day recited these verses without ever really hearing them in their hearts! Sister, may the desire of our hearts be like Paul’s, that our confession of Christ would be from a sincere heart that would inspire others to know God in their hearts and truly be saved!

The Original Intent

2) Paul had a very specific message to share everywhere he went; how is Paul’s purpose evident in verses 11-13?

Paul’s purpose for living was never far from his mouth or pen. God’s mission had become his mission. (Luke 19:9-10) There was only one condition for salvation, genuine faith in the LORD Jesus, specifically in His promises about our sure future. (Romans 10:9)

The promises of God are the basis of the believer’s assurance. In verse 12, Paul is referring to the blessing of being made right with God, a gift which was available to the Jew and Gentile. This reality was not based on a person’s religion or ethnicity but on God Himself! There is one LORD, the One who saves all who turn to Him in faith.

Notice Paul’s inclusive emphasis: everyone who believes, everyone who calls. Salvation is available to anyone and everyone who believes and confesses God is the only one who can deliver them.

Verse 13 is a quotation from Joel 2:32 and is also mentioned in Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:21. It is without doubt the apostle connects “calling on the name of the Lord” to Jesus Christ. It is one of many instances in which a New Testament writer confirms their belief in the deity of Jesus. Referring to the “name of the Lord” was a way Bible writers pronounced the authority and supremacy of God. (Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 20:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:10)

“There is not one God to the Jews, more kind, and another to the Gentiles, who is less kind; the Lord is a Father to all men. The promise is the same to all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, as God manifests in the flesh.” (biblehub.com) God’s mission and message is unchanging, THE LORD of all wants the world to be saved! (2 Peter 3:8-9)

The Everyday Application

2) Paul had a very specific message to share everywhere he went; how is Paul’s purpose evident in verses 11-13?

In Acts 2:21, Peter made an appeal from Joel 2:32 in his sermon on the Day of Pentecost for the same reason Paul does. They both wanted to make known the gospel’s availability to everyone. Commissioned to take the good news of Jesus mainly to the Gentiles, Paul was well-qualified for the mission.

I have loved seeing how God uses certain people in situations that are suited just for them to share Jesus. Paul was an educated man, well-trained in Jewish Law while also possessing a working understanding of Roman and Greek culture so as to engage Gentiles. Paul’s training as a Pharisee, as well as his Roman citizenship, allowed him access and privileges that gave him opportunities to share the gospel everywhere! The Lord specifically chose Paul to be on mission to the Gentiles to show His offer of salvation to all people. Isn’t that beautiful?

Sister, can you see how God has shaped and equipped you specifically for a certain mission?  This passage challenges us to pray for a heart like Paul’s that desires people to call on the name of the Lord.

We plead with God for their salvation, and we trust Him to give us words to say as we engage in conversations about the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Our desire is for people to know the Lord as we know Him, so that on the day of judgment they will not be put to eternal shame and judgment. We also want to be faithful to honor Christ by sharing Him on every occasion God gives us! (Philippians 1:18-20)

The Original Intent

3) Is it essential for a person to hear the gospel message to be saved? (verses 14-15)

Paul sets forth these questions: 1) How can they call on Him they have not believed in? 2) How can they believe without hearing about Him? 3) How can they hear without a preacher? 4) How can they preach unless they are sent? Based on the context, these questions have an implied answer of “they can’t.”

Paul has previously stated in his letter to the Romans that people are accountable to God whether they have heard about Him or not. (Romans 1:18-21) So, it’s important to rightly understand Paul’s motive for asking these questions. As we have learned, all who call on the Lord Jesus are saved from being shamed (Romans 10:11) in God’s presence when He judges the world. (Hebrews 9:27-28) The reason for the emphasis on all is because all need saving.

Do you remember in the beginning when sin entered the garden and humans found themselves sent away from the perfect environment God had given them? (Genesis 3) Their understanding of sin was seen in their shame. The dilemma for humanity is that no one escapes the corrupt condition in which we find ourselves due to rebellion against our Creator. (Romans 3:21-24, 1 John 1:8-10)

If it were not for God’s grace, all would be separated from God forever. Only God could fix what was broken by sin and disobedience. Thankfully, He was willing to do so! (Romans 5:9-14) But it is essential we understand our need lies in the extreme deficiency in our own ability to save ourselves. Only in acknowledging our incapability to be our own savior will we see our need for God’s grace.

We must be told the bad news so we can receive the good news. And that’s why it is indeed essential to hear the gospel message for us to be saved from ourselves!

The Everyday Application

3) Is it essential for a person to hear the gospel message to be saved? (verses 14-15)

Scripture teaches that people are put in certain places, ordained by God, in order for them to seek and find Him. (Acts 17:26-27) Paul told us that many people have rejected God by dismissing what they have heard or what is clearly seen about Him in nature. (Romans 1:18-21) Sometimes this causes confusion about our mission.

But instead of using our efforts and time in debates about the end of time or the eternal destiny of those in nations who have never heard, we believers should be doing our best to make sure they do hear. Jesus left His disciples (that includes you and me) with a mission while also giving us His Spirit to empower us in that mission! (Acts 1:7-8)

Since the Scriptures tells us people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature, may we be motivated to pray for unbelieving hearts to be open to His revelation. Dear Sister, if we have been saved by God’s grace, we will desire to see the salvation of others through Jesus Christ. Those who don’t know God personally will face an eternity separated from Him. We have a mission to encourage people to call on the name of the Lord.

Because,
unless we go, there will be no preacher;
and unless there’s a preacher, they won’t hear;
and without hearing about Jesus, they have not opportunity to believe in Him;
and if they don’t believe in Him, how will they call on Him to save them?!

As Isaiah the prophet first declared and then Paul repeated: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! (Isaiah 52:7) Paul’s life’s purpose was to preach Jesus Christ to THEM! (1 Corinthians 9:16) May it be our burden and delight as it was his!

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Mission Day 5
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The new disciples would then make more disciples, spreading the message far and wide, to the ends of the earth, generation after generation.

They were given a mission. Though we didn’t walk the dusty roads of ancient Israel alongside Christ, we, too, are disciples. His words were recorded for a reason because we’ve also been assigned these instructions.

Often, we think of “missions” as traveling to a distant land to deliver sermons and meet physical needs. Intimidating visions of missionaries living far from the comforts of home persuade us to stick to something safer.
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Confidence Day 1 Confidence In Testimony

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Confidence Day 1 Confidence In Testimony

Lesley Crawford

April 17, 2023

Bold,Courage,Equipped,Holy Spirit

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 John 1:1-4
1 John 5:5-13
Acts 1:4-8
1 Peter 3:13-17
Psalm 107:1-3

Each year, I’m privileged to work with a group of Christian teenagers at an event preparing them for leadership and service. One of my favourite parts of the event occurs when they are invited to share a story of God’s work in their lives.

For many, this is a daunting prospect. Some are sharing for the first time and are hesitant, others bring stories not easy to share, and some simply feel their stories are “boring” and doubt anyone will want to listen. However, without exception, each one of their stories is encouraging and faith-building. I’ve likely heard over a hundred of these testimonies, but I never fail to be interested and encouraged as I hear of God’s work in their lives.

I don’t know how you feel about sharing your story, but let me encourage you as I encourage young people each year: have confidence God will use your story. 

Whether it’s an account of faithful people who pointed you to Jesus all your life or whether yours is the tale of a more dramatic discovery of Christ later in life, if you know God, you have a story to tell and your story is powerful.

We see the power of personal testimony in the opening words of John’s letter. (1 John 1:1-4)

As a follower of Jesus during His earthly ministry, John writes from his own experiences to proclaim who Jesus is as the One who was with the Father and was then revealed. Christ is the eternal One who existed from the beginning, the One who is Life itself. 

For those who are familiar with this truth, it can be easy to overlook how momentous this claim is: the eternal One – God – can be known and has chosen to reveal Himself. Yet, John’s personal experience with Jesus offers a compelling reason to believe his words.

John is careful to emphasise he is not merely writing what he has heard second-hand about Jesus. He is sharing “what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands[.]” (1 John 1:1) John was with Jesus for three years as He travelled, healing and teaching as He went. He witnessed Jesus’ miracles and was present at His crucifixion. He writes of what he has personally seen and experienced, and, in addition to his letters, we have his Gospel – a carefully-compiled account of the life of Jesus and the signs pointing to His true identity. (see the Bible book of John)

The testimony of the other Gospels, written by other eye-witnesses, support John’s words, but in 1 John 5, he points to three other witnesses: water, blood, and the Spirit.

Water refers to Jesus’ baptism. The gospel writers tell us not only was Jesus identified by John the Baptist as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29) but God the Father Himself spoke, identifying Jesus as “my beloved Son[.]” (Luke 3:22) As well as revealing Jesus’ divinity, His baptism also points to His humanity. He was not baptised because of sins He had committed, but to identify with humanity.

The second witness – blood – refers to Jesus’ death on the cross while also pointing to both the divine and the human aspects of Jesus. Only as a human being could He die, but events surrounding His death show His identity as God. The temple curtain was torn in two, providing access into God’s presence (Matthew 27:50-51) and the centurion soldier at the foot of Jesus’ cross declared, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54) 

Then we come to the third witness – the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the Spirit convicts people and leads them to saving faith in Jesus. Therefore, we can take comfort as we think about sharing our testimonies of what God has done. The work of salvation is the Holy Spirit’s, and the outcome is His responsibility, but often He chooses to use us and our stories as part of that work.

Just like the first disciples, we have been commissioned as God’s witnesses to share what He has done in our lives. Also like them, we are equipped for this task by the Holy Spirit. We have God’s promise of His presence in us and His power working through us. (Acts 1:8)

So, let’s speak out and share our stories as God leads, confident in His power.

Our stories display God’s love, mercy, faithfulness and power in ways others can understand and relate with, proving God is not confined to the past, but He is real and active today. 

Storytelling brings truth to life in a memorable and accessible way which is difficult to argue against, and every story is unique. We are called to be ready, to be prepared to explain to “anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)

The results of our sharing can be significant and bring great joy. It may even play a part in others entering into fellowship with the Father and Son, and together with us as believers. (1 John 1:3-4)

“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” (Psalm 107:2 NLT)

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Not only did Jesus conquer sin on the cross, but He also conquered death by rising from the dead and making a way for us to no longer be condemned to spiritual death, but to live forever with Him.
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Philemon Day 13 Abundant Expectation

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Philemon Day 13 Abundant Expectation

Sarah Young

March 1, 2023

Bold,church,Community,Gospel,Grace,Welcome

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 21-22 
Philippians 2:1-4
Colossians 3:1-17
Galatians 5
Psalm 86:1-7

Pack your bags, Philemon! Paul is taking you on a guilt trip.

That’s how I used to view this compact Bible book. On the surface, Paul begins with a bold appeal to Philemon to do what is right (verse 8) and ends with confidence Philemon will exceed his expectations (verse 21).

Even though Paul assures Philemon he doesn’t want him to act out of obligation (verse 14), my readings left me thinking Paul had backed Philemon into a corner, pressuring him to obey (verse 16).

Yet even as we focus ONLY on verses 21-22 today, we can appreciate the DEPTH and richness of Scripture. 

If we scratch past the surface, 
we see Paul’s words speak to the beauty of the united body of Christ, 
the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through believers surrendered to His will,
the corporate maturity that follows as individuals submit to Jesus,
and the confidence with which Christians can pray.

Instead of a guilt trip, we travel with Philemon on an incredible journey as Paul unpacks remarkable truths about our amazing God. 

If we circle back to Paul’s introductory commendation of Philemon’s “love for all the saints” and his “faith [. . .] in the Lord Jesus” (verse 5), we can better understand why Paul is so confident Philemon will exceed his expectations in welcoming back Onesimus, his fugitive slave-turned-disciple. (verse 20).  

Furthermore, we realize Paul was not simply counting on Philemon’s acquiescence (verse 8), but was trusting Philemon to submit to the work of the Spirit within him. The Holy Spirit would be accomplishing the work of reconciliation when Philemon accepted Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, strengthening the believers as the UNITED body of Christ.

We, too, have been given this work of reconciliation. We have ALL been slaves to sin, deserving death, facing eternal separation from God. But then, God sent His one and only Son to the world to die in our place and pay the penalty for OUR sin. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, whoever believes in Him and accepts His FREE gift of salvation will be forgiven of their sin, restored to relationship with God, and begins a NEW, eternal life in Christ. THIS is the good news we have been commissioned to share! 

Paul writes of how Jesus brings ALL people TOGETHER to form the united body of Christ.  Indeed, people from all tongues, tribes, and nations will join as one in heaven, singing and praising God forever and ever. (Revelation 7:9-17) Paul expects rich and poor, Jew and Greek, slave and free to come together as equals to worship the Savior Who died for them all.

I am sure if Paul were to write a letter to believers in ANY church today, he would have the SAME expectations as he did for those in Colossae: 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another [. . .] Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts.” (Colossians 3:12-15, emphasis mine)

Like Philemon, we ARE called to love our neighbor, even the one with the annoying dog who barks at 3 am, the reckless driver who cuts us off, the coach who doesn’t give our children equal playing time, and fill in the blank. The same Holy Spirit who helped Philemon greet Onesimus as a “dearly loved brother” (verse 16) will work in and through us to continue the work of unifying and strengthening the body of Christ.

Philemon wasn’t able to control or change his circumstances. 
Nor can we.  

However, like Philemon, we CAN CHOOSE to surrender to God, who is constantly willing to re-shape our hearts. When our focus is on Jesus, what’s happening AROUND us fades in comparison to what God is doing IN us. Our trust grows as we look to our Sovereign Shepherd who works all things for our good and His glory, in His time, and in His way. (Romans 8:1-17)

This confidence becomes evident as we live in earnest and eager expectation of answered prayer.  Consider Paul, who was so positive Philemon’s prayers would be answered for Paul’s release that he instructed Philemon to prepare his guest room! (verse 22) Paul was relying on the Spirit to work in Philemon to accomplish reconciliation with Onesimus AND for Paul’s own restoration to freedom. 

We can have the same confident expectation as we pray TODAY. The same Spirit is guiding and teaching us, leading us in Truth. (John 16:13-25) The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us, empowering and equipping us to carry out the divine ministry God has given us. (Romans 6:1-11; Romans 8:1-11)

So we end our journey through Philemon with Paul’s prayer for unity in the body of Christ, the growth and maturity of believers, and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being firmly rooted and established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us– to Him be the glory[.]” 
(Ephesians 3:14-21)

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Philemon Day 14
Digging Deeper

Paul knew that God used the prayers of His people to perform His will (John 15:7-8).

Paul asked for prayer and prayed constantly himself because he believed that when God’s people prayed, God worked in them and through them to perform His will and His Word.

Like Paul, let's pray for our friends and ask them to pray for us, inviting God to work in every situation we face.
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Feb 13 - Mar 3, 2023 - Journey Theme #114

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