Character

Enough Day 12 Humble King: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Humble King!

The Questions

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)

 

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)

 

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)

Philippians 2:5-11

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
9 For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
11 and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Original Intent

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)
Verse 8 in Philippians 2 says Jesus’ attitude is humble and obedient. Jesus is co-equal in the fullness of deity and divinity with God the Father and God the Spirit. God’s singular essence is expressed in three different persons, Father, Son, and Spirit. In Philippians 2, we are told that Jesus didn’t view His equality as something to be exploited. The Greek word for “exploited” is “harpagmos”, meaning to seize or prize something so as to hold onto it. Picture a mighty warrior armed for battle. He has a sword at his side, but he doesn’t choose to seize (or exploit) it for his own benefit or protection. This is a similar concept for Jesus as He came to earth. He chose not to seize all the power and status available to Him as God the Son, even though it was His. As He “emptied Himself”, He did not become “less God”, rather He chose not to seize His status so He could humbly become not just human, but the likeness of a servant. Jesus is both 100% God while also 100% human. When we look at the heart of Christ’s humility, we see its roots are embedded in fullness and security. Jesus knew His identity as God. When we look at the heart of obedience, it is love. In John 14:15 Jesus tells His followers, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” Love leads to humble obedience.

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)
As Christ emptied Himself, that is, chose not to use His full power and authority as God the Son while on earth, He clothed Himself in the humble form of humanity. He took on the role of servant to the world He created. This posture is not new for God. As we read the entire Bible, we see God calling Himself the helper of Israel, or the helper of a person. He bends toward His creation, entering into our struggles and our reality to help us. In studying Philippians 2, we see the depths and lengths to which Jesus expressed God’s humility. He not only came as a man, but as a servant who would die a convicted criminal’s death on the cross. He died for those who would receive His sacrifice and for those who would reject Him. John 3:16 says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” 1 Peter 3:18 adds, “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.”
1 John 2:2 says, “He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.” He gave His life as an offering for all. This self-sacrifice is the highest form of both humility and obedience. He loves so deeply that His generosity is boundless as He gives up Himself for us, His beloved.

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)
In Hebrews 12:2 we are told Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame for the joy set before Him. What was this joy? You. Me. Our salvation. He humbled Himself so we might not perish, be brought near to God, and made alive by His Spirit. This is His joyful reward! We are the joy set before Him! The restoration of all things that had been wrecked by sin was and is His motivation. The fruit of His humility and obedience is that He is exalted above all names, that every knee will bow on heaven and on earth and every tongue confess the truth that He is Lord. The fruit of Jesus’ humility is our salvation and restored relationship with God. One day, the whole of creation will declare this truth in due time.

Everyday Application

1) What is the attitude of Jesus? (verse 5)
We are to take on the attitude of Jesus who demonstrated humble obedience, rooted in love and security, willing to self-sacrifice for those who receive us and those who don’t. We can try to muster up this attitude, but Jesus warns us that without Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) We are meant to abide in His love so that we are able to bear Christ’s fruit.  (John 15:9) The type of Christ-like humility and obedience we are called toward is utterly beyond us if we attempt to dredge it up without His presence, power, and love as the source of our motivation and capability. When we abide in Christ, and are rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 3:17), we have security in our identity as His beloved children (Ephesians 1:5-13) and are capable of humbling ourselves as He did because He has changed our heart desire to follow the God we trust and love, just as Jesus did.

2) How did He demonstrate that attitude? (verses 6-8)
Jesus demonstrated His humility by choosing to come to earth as a servant and by ultimately going to the cross. We are invited by Him to follow His example and deny ourselves, for the love of Him and others, as we take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24) The meaning of this invitation and exhortation should drive the way we walk through everyday life. To pick up our cross, is to imply that we will not hesitate to cheerfully and willingly bear persecutions, troubles, distresses just as our Savior did. Jesus bore the cross; He took it up and laid Himself upon it in all humility. He did not do this stoically or easily, but He did it willingly and with great humility and love. When we follow Jesus, we ultimately become the type of people who are also willing to die to ourselves as we follow Him. Those who follow Jesus are to consider others as more important than themselves (Philippians 2:3), choosing to live sacrificially because they are filled with the kind of love that pours out freely.

3) What is the fruit of this attitude? (verses 9-11)
The fruit of Jesus’ humble, loving obedience is our restoration to God and also the rightful exaltation of Him above all else. For us, the fruit is surprisingly similar. In James 4:10 we are told to humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us. He lifts us when we bow to Him. When we do not insist on our own way (1 Corinthians 13:15) we bend as Jesus did, making room for God’s way. The fruit of our bending is a character more formed to the likeness of Jesus and it can even have the extended fruit of reaching others for Jesus. Many turn away from Jesus because of the pride of His people. Jesus chided the pharisees for this sin over and over. (Matthew 23, Luke 11:37-54, Mark 12:35-40, Luke 20:45-47) When a Christian has the attitude of Jesus, however, one of humble servitude, combined with obedient love, people who don’t yet know Jesus will see something unique and be drawn to Him through what they see of Him alive in us. (John 13:35)

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Worship VIII Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Grab a pen and prepare for interaction! Scroll the word “worship” across your page and then write down every word that comes to mind. No judgement and no filtering! You might be surprised at what shows up from under your pen. I know I was! When you’ve given space and allowed pause for freedom, look back through your list and ask the Lord to stir your heart. Ask Him to show you more of Himself and more of you as you think about worship. Which words raise their hand and stick out to you? Sit with those. Why do they prod you for attention? What might the Lord want you to understand about these words? Look through your list again and note which ones make your soul press back a bit. Where is your discomfort? Ask the Lord to show you truth and uncover any misconceptions you might have about worship. Close out your time by meditating on Tuesday’s study passage from Revelation 21:5-6. Read it over slowly and consider the insights the Holy Spirit brought to you as you read and pray!

2) Paula wrote on Wednesday of how easy it is to simply recite truths, but forget to allow the Holy Spirit to radically transform our everyday moments with those powerful realities. Let’s keep the interactive reflection going by writing down as many truths you know for sure are actually a real reflection of God according to the Bible. (For example… God is “love”) 30 seconds…..and GO! Now pause and before you critique your word choices, pray and be still. Ask the Spirit to take you deeper into truth and to tear down lies you believe. Now read through your list and circle a few you feel most drawn to and even a couple you feel uncomfortable with. Looking at these words specifically, ask yourself how your everyday moments and interactions might be different if you really truly genuinely believed that about God and His character. Remember you’re only picking words that are actually biblical and true…. So that means “God being angry with me” doesn’t count. J If you’re feeling stuck, try reading Psalm 36:5-12 for some good descriptions.  Ask the Lord to remind you throughout the weekend of His good character and allow them to shape your real life!

3) We can’t stop being interactive with our journals and pens now! What is an image that comes to mind when you think of being relationally “close” to someone? Do your best to doodle that image on your page (don’t worry, you don’t have to show everyone later J). Now think of an image representing “distant” relationally; draw this farther down your paper. Settle in to your seat and think of scenes from your life where you felt close or distant from God and write down a few words to describe each of these under the appropriate image. Before you start digging into these, close your eyes, and ask the Lord to show you new insights about your heart and His, ask Him to draw you into worship. Pen in hand, write down some feelings you associate with each scene. What strikes you as interesting? What do you feel yourself putting up walls against? What emotions are stirring? What differences you do you see in your perspective of God and yourself and others in each scene? Look up Psalm 34:18 and read it out loud as you consider each distant scene. Hold onto truth! Look up Psalm 96:10-12 and be reminded of this truth about our celebratory God as you read these verses aloud for each close scene. Christ is present, every moment, every breath, every sadness, every joy. Lean in to Him!

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 116:17-19 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

I will offer you a thanksgiving sacrifice
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the Lord’s house—
within you, Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

Prayer Journal
Father God, thank You for being a creative God! Thank You for showing me more of Who You are and revealing new insights to me by the power of Your Spirit. I praise You for Your Words which come alive as the Spirit leads me in understanding them! How kind and gracious You are to hear my cry, to listen to me, to love me. Lord, remind me of these truths I’ve learned today. Wrap them around my shoulders as if they are Your very arms embracing me. Spirit, keep the words of Scripture close to me this weekend. Slow down my mind and my hands so I can make space for true worship. I love You, Lord God, may my heart and lips and hands pour out praise to You!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Worship VIII Day 9 Who Is Like Our God?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Who Is Like Our God?!

The Questions

1) What is the meaning of “the Word” in this passage?

2) How was Jesus’ life the light of men? (verse 4)

3) How does this passage lead us to worship?

John 1:1-5

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

Original Intent

1) What is the meaning of “the Word” in this passage?
Perhaps a better question would be Who is the Word. The Word is Jesus. John is explaining in these opening verses of his gospel narrative that Jesus is in fact God; He is eternal, even taking part in creation. Hebrews 1:3 tells us the Son (Jesus) is not only the “radiance of God’s glory”, but also the “exact expression of His character.” John begins his account of the gospel by providing a foundation of Who Jesus is as fully divine as he helps his audience understand this idea of a triune, meaning three-in-One, God. Part of the original intent would have been to link the God the Israelites had studied and worshiped their entire lives to this new guy on the scene, Jesus. John takes his readers all the way back to Genesis 1:1, even using the same wording “in the beginning”, to make the connection. Additionally, the account of creation in Genesis tells us God spoke his “Word” and the world was created. Again, his language points clearly that this Jesus, a man in the flesh, was present at the time of creation as the Word, co-equal with God the Father. The original Greek language used “logos” for “Word”, which signified “a distinct manifestation of God”. Holman Bible Dictionary explains, “John saw that the same agent of God who gave life in the first creation was also giving life in the new creation inaugurated by Jesus’ coming. The creative Word of God became flesh; being divine He embodied divine communication. Now the Word dwells among us revealing the glory of God.” John is leading us towards an understanding of Jesus’ eternal nature, while also providing reasons why He alone is worthy of our praise and worship precisely because He is God!

2) How was Jesus’ life the light of men? (verse 4)
To answer this question, we must first understand what the purpose and essence of light. I know it seems rather silly. Light is obviously an energy source that allows us to see and find our way in the darkness. When we back up to the obvious understandings, we can make more sense of the complicated concepts of Scripture. In this context of seeing in the dark, we can understand that the life of Jesus is meant to provide us with direction, clarity, lighting up the dark paths surrounding us. Up to this point, the Jewish people had been looking to the Law, passed down from Moses to light their path and provide them with instruction and guidance for living. The Law was extremely detailed and confusing, not to mention long, and impossible to keep in its entirety. Nonetheless, the Law of Moses was all the Israelites had ever known. Now, Jesus comes on the scene and things began to change. John tells his readers they no longer need to look to the Law or religious leaders for direction, but to the God-man, Jesus because He embodied the fullness of the Law and the prophets. He was the one who would light their paths and show them how to live. This meant a new way of thinking for the Jews. It was also one of the reasons why the religious leaders (Pharisees and Scribes) didn’t really like Jesus. Can you imagine how freeing this would have been to your average Jew?! Your entire life had been lived under an exhausting set of rules. Then Jesus came to shine the true Light of freedom and forgiveness found only in Him that leads to eternity. There is only One Worthy of our worship, and it’s Jesus, the Life and Light of the world!

3) How does this passage lead us to worship?
John’s readers had been taught their entire lives that you only worshiped the Lord God and this worship happened most often in the temple where the Spirit of God resided. Not only that, but only those chosen as priests could enter the Holy of Holies (inner sanctuary of God), the place where His Presence dwelt. Teaching them to see and understand that Jesus, this guy they could see, hear and follow, was in fact the same God they had grown up worshipping. His Presence was however, no longer confined to the temple, but was walking among them. This was mind-blowing! It meant they no longer needed to travel to the temple to worship, but could worship God wherever they happened to be. It also meant they had just as much direct access to God as did the priests. They themselves could talk to God because He gave His Spirit to live within all who believed on Him! These few verses clearly pointed to Jesus and His eternal nature, His power, and His authority. I mean, talk about a reason to worship!!

Everyday Application

1) What is the meaning of “the Word” in this passage?
As with the original intent, John’s gospel helps us connect the dots so to speak, providing the critically important understanding that Jesus has always existed. There was no “beginning” for Jesus; He was present before, and involved in, the creation of the world. Jesus is One with God. (John 17:21) This “word play” can become confusing for us when we talk about God as our Father and Jesus as the Son of God, because those terms seem to indicate two separate beings in the English language and our minds! Returning to the Greek “logos” and reminding ourselves of the original meaning, “a distinct manifestation of God” is incredibly important as we work to understand the meaning of Jesus’ identity. Christ Jesus is that very distinct manifestation or visual representation of the fullness of God. It’s important to note that this same word “logos” is used in Revelation 19:11-13 speaking of the return of Christ. The Word (Jesus) was, is, and is to come. Someone once asked me, “Isn’t it a good thing that you don’t completely understand God? Do you really want to worship someone you 100% understand?” While at first you might think, “Yes; that would make life so much easier!” But, if we give some time to pondering the idea, we will land in a place of honesty where we realize we would certainly not want to worship One we could fully comprehend. God is utterly unlike anyone we know; His ways and thoughts cannot be understood by mere human beings! His altogether otherness is what makes Him worthy of our worship!

2) How was Jesus’ life the light of men? (verse 4)
As we study this passage and carry its truths into our everyday moments, let’s keep in mind the purpose of light by providing us with the ability to see where we are going. The older I get, the more light I seem to need in order to see clearly. Whether it’s driving at night or trying to read pretty much anywhere, I find it much easier for my old eyes to focus and see clearly when the light is bright. Given a choice, I will always choose the well-lit road to travel. This principle is the same when it comes to following Jesus. The way He illuminates is the way that leads to abundant life! It really is simple; the light Jesus provides is just like the brightness that a lightbulb provides, allowing us to see clearly and pointing out any obstacles that may be in our path. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus, He teaches us how to follow Him where there is shadow or darkness. Even the darkness is light to Him! (Psalm 139:12) Reference after reference in Scripture talk about Jesus being our Light. Psalms 119:105 tells us, “your word is a lamp for my feet and light to my path”. In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world”, and Matthew 4:16 says, “those living in darkness have seen a great light (Jesus)”. The Life of Jesus provides the best Light possible because only Jesus can conquer the darkness of our sin through His infinite Life. His Light never burns out or grows dull, but shines just as brightly today as it did hundreds of years ago.

3) How does this passage lead us to worship?
Allow me to offer perhaps an easier to understand paraphrase of these verses by inserting “Jesus” in place of “Word”. Jesus was in the beginning, Jesus was with God, Jesus was God. Jesus was the Creator of all things, and nothing was made without His involvement. Jesus is life. Jesus is light and no darkness has or can ever overtake the light He alone provides. These are clear and easy to understand facts that lead you and I to understand who Jesus is; our natural conclusion is that He alone is worthy of our worship. Without Jesus, we wouldn’t exist! Without Jesus, we would not even understand Light. Without Jesus, we would have no access to God. Without Jesus, we would still be trying to live up to the impossible standards of the Law. Without Jesus, there would be no hope of being free from the condemnation we deserve because of our sin. Without Jesus, we would be lost, wandering, and constantly searching for something or someone to make our life complete. Without Jesus, there would be nothing. Our everyday lives are flooded with many distractions and loud voices all claiming to have the answers, the product, or the experience we are missing. This world wants us to believe we are our own gods, that we can be and do whatever we want, without consequence. This world elevates celebrities, athletes, politicians, and lately, even medical professionals and vaccines, as the answer. These things simply are not true, and won’t last for eternity. All of these people need Jesus just as much as you and I. We all have one Creator; one Savior and His name is Jesus! He is absolutely the only One worthy of our worship!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Who Is Like Our God?!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Worship VIII Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Worship VIII Day 5 How Great Thou Art

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Job 9:1-12
Psalm 139:1-18
John 1:1-5
Luke 1:46-50

Worship VIII, Day 5

“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”
(How Great Thou Art, lyrics by Stuart K. Hine)

When you consider creation, what comes to mind? Have you ever seen a close-up of a butterfly’s wings? Or a fly’s eye? Our great God created even the insects to be diverse and complex, for a purpose, and with protective measures in place. Yes, even for a fly.

In the beginning, God revealed His master design through creation. How many of us have marveled at the stars and planets in the night sky? We might even catch a glimpse of the vast Milky Way Galaxy, or the Northern Lights. While we see God’s handiwork all around us, how often do we thank Him for it?

When some of us are shoveling knee-deep snow from our walks this winter, will we stop to revel at the incredible uniqueness of each snowflake?

“When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.”

It’s easy to express our appreciation to God when spending time in His creation or witnessing a spectacular sunrise or sunset . . .
But do we praise His greatness when the hard things happen?

Several years ago, I found myself riding in an ambulance with my daughter, the day before she turned 6. She was extremely ill with newly-diagnosed Type 1 diabetes. In hindsight, I realize we almost lost her. It was one of the hardest days of my life.

I confess I lacked gratitude to God during that time. Sure, I was thankful we’d caught the diabetes in time to save her life, and thankful for a kind, understanding healthcare team. But, juggling the terror of nearly losing my child and the overwhelming nature of her diagnosis and its implications for her life, was gratitude my first instinct? Probably not.

But now? Absolutely.

I give thanks to God for creating Drs. Banting and Best. Their discovery of how to use pigs to manufacture insulin for human use continues to save lives. Furthermore, I marvel how one little spot on a pancreas is vital for life. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.

Are you struggling with a chronic illness? A diagnosis that came out of left field, as most do?

Let’s be honest with Him, bringing Him our fears, uncertainties, and even our anger.
Then, let’s look up. God knows all and God will indeed work all things for His glory.
Let’s sit in His Word, soaking in the truth of His character and His heart for us.
When we feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of all a diagnosis can steal from us, let’s fight back with gratitude for our great God, who walks with us, holds us and sustains us through whatever lies ahead. (Check out Laurie Wilcox’s story of lifting praise in the midst of a “left-field diagnosis”)

For example, a few years ago, I discovered I was grateful for fog-shrouded beaches. My mom, in apparent good health following bypass surgery, traveled to Florida to visit friends and family. Despite her full recovery, she became ill and was hospitalized.

Then came the phone call and a race to the airport.
I made it in time. I saw her awake … twice . . . before she passed away.

We began to slog through the official minutiae that follows death, especially one away from home. My sisters urged me to slip away, to regain my equilibrium after the whirlwind of the last few days.

I only had a few minutes to take one public access path to a nearby beach. Fog engulfed the walkway, thick and isolating.

But that stretch of beach . . . there was such a holy hush. It was as if God used the fog as His blanket, surrounding and comforting me.

Am I grateful to God for that hard time? Yes.
Do I wish things turned out differently? Of course.
But I still declare God’s greatness through it all.

“And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.”

Remembering my college days, when I didn’t know I was seeking Christ, and how He put people in my path to befriend me, speak His word over me, and give me glimpses of my Savior, I am awestruck and forever grateful.

When I contemplate how Christ, God made flesh, willingly took on the world’s sins in order to offer us eternal life, it blows my mind. Truly.

In our innate sinfulness, we are wretched.
Yet, as God’s creation, He considers us worth saving.
In fact, He wants none to perish. (2 Peter 3:9) He didn’t just take on the sins of people in 33AD; He took on the sins for generations and eons to come.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for the forgiveness I receive every time I repent, and that my burdens are lifted when taken to Jesus.

“When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee…
How great Thou art.”

Soli Deo Gloria.
To God alone be the glory.

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

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

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

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Worship VIII Day 3 Everyday Praise

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 11:33-36
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 3:1-8

Worship VIII, Day 3

The fall colors were stunning, adorning the towering trees in red and gold finery. The autumn sunshine warmed my skin as I laced up my shoes and prepared to run the leaf-covered path stretching before me.

I had been praying over this run, asking the Lord to reveal Himself. I wanted to meet with Him. I wanted to know Him. I wanted to be held and comforted and loved. Today was supposed to be my son’s 6th birthday; instead little Elijah James has spent every September 30th running the fields of Heaven with Jesus. When I was pregnant with him, running kept my nausea at bay, so I ran often. As I ran, I prayed for him, for his life, for his future, and I thanked God for giving me the gift of being his mama.

Then, one day, his heart stopped beating and Jesus called my little boy home before I ever saw his face on this side of my womb. The last day of September will always find me running outside, enjoying the gift of fall sunlight and remembering an incredible truth, my little boy knows more about Jesus than I do, for he sees Him face-to-face.

Elijah worships the King in His very presence, while I ache earthside for eternity.
EJ’s everyday praise looks magnificently more brilliant than my own, but even so,
I’m invited into the same sacred space as I offer up my praise because we worship the same Lord and Savior.

As my feet rustled the fallen leaves that afternoon, I knew my heart was ready to hear from the Lord. I had slowed down, preparing to listen and know Him. The Lord asked questions, and my heart wrestled with them, seeing areas of sin and patterns of rebellion and distrust. Weeds were cut back as my Father sang over me and once again, I was made new from the inside out. My heart responded to His melodies of love by praising Him, speaking with Him, and delighting in Him.

Spiritual retreats, special church services, and times set aside specifically for prayer are rich and powerful in our lives and marked with deep heart worship. While these milestones are significant, such experiences are not intended to be sequestered to “holy retreat days.” Yes, the Lord met me on that beautiful fall day and I was drawn into deep worship, but this access to the Holy One is available every day, in all of my ordinary moments.

Cultivating a heart of everyday praise begins with realizing the fullness of His Holy Presence is as close and available as our skin and bones for those who have made Jesus their Savior.

Paul was an apostle full of passionate zeal, and his love for God overflowed into everyday praise simply because he practiced rehearsing the truths of God’s character on repeat. In his letter to the church in Rome, he writes of God’s radical grace in making eternal salvation available to all people. His pen practically shouts praises inspired by God’s love, which bestows spiritual gifts and calling and divine purpose upon all who call on His name. (Romans 11:29) Paul’s emotion catches up to him as he proclaims to his audience, “You were disobedient, but God took your wretchedness and showed you unfathomable riches!” (Romans 11:30-32, my paraphrase)

The more Paul speaks of the glories He knows to be true about God, the more his intensity grows until finally he can’t help but sing,
“Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
And who has ever given to God,
that he should be repaid?
For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.”
(Romans 11:33-36)

This morning, I was hurt by a loved one’s words. I was frustrated by my children. I was angered by the mess. I felt unseen and unknown. I hadn’t spent hours praying over my day, asking the Lord to meet me and prepare my heart to know Him. I wasn’t reflective and open to the Spirit’s work; I was a mess.

But my reality didn’t equate to God becoming distant.
His nearness isn’t dictated by my feelings or circumstance, only by His choice.
And His choice is faithful love for those who have been clothed in His own righteousness through Jesus, every single time.

My heart status this morning was nothing like the afternoon of September 30th, but the Lord was unchanging. As I sat in the Target parking lot and cried (….and shouted), the Spirit reminded me of Who He Is. As I breathed in His grace, His Spirit flooded me with peace I absolutely cannot describe. My clenched jaw instantly relaxed, my breathing slowed, my head rested back against the seat. As anger seeped away, peace invaded, and I was once again graciously reminded that I live out my everyday messiness in the very presence of the God of holiness who has declared me righteous.

His love for me will never abandon and will always pursue my heart that I might know Him more, inviting me into everyday praise.

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Fervent Day 5 Character Counts

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 3:16-21
Acts 9:1-26
Psalm 111:1-10

Fervent, Day 5

I have been blessed with amazing parents. The Lord has used them and their examples to shape me in innumerable ways throughout my life.

Sitting down to prepare for this study helped me see another such way they impacted me.

Recently, a friend of mine had unexpected car trouble and needed a ride. As it was the middle of a work day, I could not leave to help. However, I knew my parents might be available. I texted them and quickly got a response they could come to the rescue.

In this scenario, I confidently knew if my parents were not in the middle of another commitment, they would be willing to help. Over the years, they’ve shown their hearts are to serve and demonstrate the love of the Lord in tangible ways.
This pattern enabled me to ask with humble expectation. 

Just as I had confidence to ask my parents for help, Paul had confidence to pray according to the proven character of the Lord. His rich history with the Father enabled him to pray with faith and fervency.

That history began when Paul, formerly known as Saul, hunted those who loved Christ. His first encounters with the Lord involved witnessing the faith of those he persecuted. How must Saul have been impacted by the faithfulness of the Lord shown to someone literally suffering for believing in Him?

The road to Damascus encounter shifted Paul’s world, and he became as those he’d once hunted. His knowledge of the law became a foundation for freedom as he learned to walk with the Truth. The fervency with which Saul once attacked Christians became the fervency with which Paul sought to spread the Gospel.

Paul did not lead an easy life. He experienced great persecution throughout his missionary journeys. Beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments are only a few of his documented trials. I have no doubt Paul’s understanding of the Lord’s character carried him through every struggle. Because Paul boldly walked with the Lord in his private life, he was able to carry that boldness into his public life. The God he knew first in intimate prayer, was the God he depended on in persecution and trial. Prayer was the undercurrent weaving both together with integrity. Paul captured his encounters, both public and private, in writing so we have powerful examples of perseverance, humility, and faithfulness.

While I haven’t experienced the degree of challenges Paul did, the Lord has revealed His character to me by faithfully walking me through every season of my life. For instance, I waited for my husband for decades (for the record, I did not start counting at birth!). I relied heavily on the Lord and Scripture throughout those years. I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13-14), that He would never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5-6), and many other promises in the Word. He poured into me sustaining contentment because I knew He is faithful.

Ironically, but probably not surprisingly, the arrival of my husband presented new and intense opportunities to lean heavily on the Lord’s character and deepen my prayer life. We married as the pandemic shut down the world, and I stepped into an overwhelming whirlwind of change.

In the midst of a season when almost all of my identity markers have shifted, I have rooted myself in who the Lord says I am and trusted He would remain true to His character, bringing to pass what He desired in me. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

I am deeply thankful for the answered prayer of my husband and all the growth my marriage has already evoked in me. I am even more appreciative that, as my world tumbles into a new normal, the Lord faithfully remains the same. Knowing I can call on Him and will surely find Him enables me to pray with confidence and purpose.

Trust His character and pray with confidence. He is faithful!

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Follow Day 1 Trust Through Tears

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Job 1-2
Job 42
John 9:1-7
Romans 8:26-39
Romans 9:14-24

Follow, Day 1

Conventional wisdom says following God is easy when life is going well. We can trust Him when our circumstances seem to confirm God is good.

But what happens when life doesn’t go as we expect?
What happens to our faith in God when our circumstances seem to push back on our idea of the “goodness” of God?
Can we still trust Him?
Can we still follow God in the midst of suffering?

Job and his friends wrestled together with these questions (sometimes well, and sometimes poorly) throughout the Biblical book of Job. Job’s experience can be difficult for us to read; I find myself asking uncomfortable questions.

Why did God allow all of these terrible attacks against Job?
Why did Job lose everything after he had lived a blameless and upright life?
Didn’t Job deserve better treatment from God?

Job and his friends asked these same questions. Job maintained he was innocent of any wrongdoing, while his friends insisted he must have sinned to deserve the suffering to which he was subjected.

While I am often too afraid or embarrassed to ask these questions, Job was not. He asked and asked why he was suffering. He asked his friends to help him see his wrongdoing, but they could not.

Finally, Job was so discouraged by his circumstances that he began questioning God directly.
“I will say to God, ‘Do not declare me guilty! Let me know why you prosecute me. Is it good for you to oppress, to reject the work of your hands and favor the plans of the wicked?”
(Job 10:2-3)

Overwhelmed by his suffering despite his innocence, Job began to question God’s character. He was honest before God about his struggles, and sought to find answers. He never denied God, but he did question His plans.

When life beats us down, and we wonder where God is, it can be tempting to think we have done something wrong to deserve this hardship. We might consider suffering as a “sign” we have gotten off-track, just as Job’s friends believed his suffering to be a punishment for secret sin.

But this is not how God has revealed Himself. In fact, centuries later, Jesus and His disciples have a conversation about this very idea! The disciples see a man born blind and assume his condition is a direct result of someone’s sin. Jesus corrects their thinking, explaining, “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3) Jesus reveals the man’s blindness was not a punishment for sin, but a tool God was using to declare His glory.

This is where we can get uncomfortable again.
We ask those troubling questions.

Is God unjust?
Does He inflict pain just because He can?

Of course not! Paul addresses these questions in Romans 9.
“What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! For He tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:14-16)

When Job questioned the purposes and wisdom of God, God Himself came down to speak to him. The Lord answered Job, but with more questions. He revealed to Job his own limitations and ignorance.

God asked Job, “Would you really challenge my justice? Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself?” (Job 40:8) He asked Job to explain the whole of the universe, from the stars of the sky, to weather patterns, to the behavior of the animals. God did this, not to be cruel or harsh, but to remind Job of the vastness of His knowledge and power.

We have a limited view of the world. We only see, know, and understand a sliver of His plans, but the Lord knows all. He purposes all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and we can count on this truth.

So, when life is confusing, and doesn’t seem to be going our way, we have a choice. We can choose to question God and wonder if He cares about us. Or we can choose to follow the Lord, trusting His ways are good, even when we can’t see how.

As wise followers of the Lord, we can maintain our devotion to Him even when life seems unfair. God’s vast wisdom is far superior to our own plans.

In the end of the story, Job repented of his self-righteous questioning. Job did not suffer perfectly, but he continued in his faithful pursuit of God’s character, even in his brokenness and despair. Job knew how to follow, because he knew the character of God.

Finally, God not only forgave Job, but also restored to him his fortunes, wealth, and position in his community. While we are not guaranteed a “happy ending” in this life, if we faithfully serve the Lord, we can trust we will receive our reward of eternal life with the Father.

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Reveal Day 14 We Have This Hope: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) What is the “new birth” Peter refers to in verse 3?

2) What is the “inheritance that is… kept in heaven” in verse 4?

3) Why does Peter tell his readers to “rejoice” in spite of “suffering grief in trials”? (verse 6)

1 Peter 1:3-6

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials.

Original Intent

1) What is the “new birth” Peter refers to in verse 3?
This isn’t the first time in Scripture a new birth is mentioned. Jesus and Nicodemus discuss this very subject when Nicodemus visits Jesus in the night in John 3. Peter is referring to salvation and becoming reborn when we become believers. It is the same concept Paul writes about to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where he reminds the believers there they are a new creation in Christ. Peter is reminding his audience that, when they accept the salvation Jesus offers, they are a new creation in Him. They have now been included into God’s family.

2) What is the “inheritance that is… kept in heaven” in verse 4?
Inheritance is not a new tradition. In the ancient days of Israel, inheritance was bestowed to a father’s sons upon his death. It consisted of all that belonged to the father including his land. The eldest son typically received the greater portion while all other sons received a smaller portion. God had also promised the Israelites the inheritance of the Promised Land; a gift He bestowed on them as His chosen people. Peter is using Israel’s common understanding of an inheritance to remind his audience of an eternal, incorruptible inheritance promised to all believers whether Jew or Gentile. Jesus spoke of a treasure stored up in heaven where moth and rust will not destroy (Matthew 6:19-20) and Paul spoke of an inheritance in several of his letters. Peter is referring to this same inheritance that will never fade. (For more in depth study on this incredible inheritance, check out the Journey Theme, Incorruptible!)

3) Why does Peter tell his readers to “rejoice” in spite of “suffering grief in trials”? (verse 6)
Rejoicing while suffering trials sounds absurd. However, that is exactly what Peter intentionally writes. To understand it fully, we must keep reading. Peter is clear that suffering reveals a character only found in Christ, a character that shows an unbelieving world what only Jesus can do in spite of terrible trial. Peter wrote as one who knew suffering well. He walked through the three days before Jesus rose fully knowing that in Christ’s last moments he had betrayed Jesus. Although Peter preached a strong message, it was a message which met opposition along the way. Peter suffered many trials, eventually giving his life, for the sake of the Gospel so that an unbelieving world would have the opportunity to know Jesus.

Everyday Application

1) What is the “new birth” Peter refers to in verse 3?
When we accept the salvation offered through Jesus’ sacrifice we become a new creation. We are born into the family of God and forever have a place within it. Peter is referring to this as he writes about a new birth. Just as we were born into our earthly family the day we were physically born; the day we choose to place our faith in Jesus, we are born into God’s family. This new birth solidifies us as heirs with Christ. In his book, “The Knowledge of the Holy”, theologian A.W. Tozer explains, “Self is so subtle that scarcely anyone is conscious of its presence. Because man is born a rebel (to God), he is unaware that he is one. His constant assertion of self, as far as he thinks of it at all, appears to him a perfectly normal thing. He is willing to share himself, sometimes even to sacrifice himself for a desired end, but never to dethrone himself.” When we are willing to allow Christ to remove ourselves off the throne of our lives, giving Him rule and reign, we are reborn with His nature instead of our selfish one.

2) What is the “inheritance that is… kept in heaven” in verse 4?
An inheritance is bestowed on a member of the family when someone else dies. Even today the idea of an inheritance is familiar. Peter is writing not of an earthly inheritance but a heavenly one; this coming reward will surpass all sin, death, and even suffering in this world. The inheritance available through Christ is guaranteed to us when we become members of God’s family at the moment of salvation. If we trust in the work Jesus did to die in our place, taking the punishment for our sin upon Himself once and for all, we are welcomed as His and given His own great reward as our inheritance. It will outlast this world because it is founded in our relationship with Jesus, who beat death and conquered the grave, and therefore it’s an inheritance which is kept in heaven with the promise of our receiving it for eternity. Take heart! Christ has overcome the grave and gives Himself to you for now and for eternity if you take Him as your own!

3) Why does Peter tell his readers to “rejoice” in spite of “suffering grief in trials”? (verse 6)
Peter knew what facing trials felt like. Yet, time and again he chose to continue forward in the mission of the gospel, rejoicing in the Lord for what He had done and continued to do. Our lives are not promised to be free of suffering or trials. However, just as Peter could rejoice so can we! As believers, we have a hope found in Christ that is a gift like nothing the unbelieving world knows. When we choose to rejoice in Him regardless of our circumstances, we look different than those of this world who haven’t experienced the rebirth of Christ. While we live in this world, we are no longer of this world because we have a hope in what is to come. We know the end of the story, and we know the joy of knowing Jesus. Therefore, regardless of our circumstances we can choose to live in the hope promised to us and rejoice even when we walk through suffering and trials just like Peter.

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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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Worship VII Day 14 One Day: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out One Day!

The Questions

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?

2) What are the causes of our worship?

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?

Romans 5:6-11

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Original Intent

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?
The original word for worship in Greek is proskyneō. It means submission to a higher authority, often accompanied with a bowing to the ground. The image given to demonstrate this kind of submission is a dog licking his master’s hand in a token of reverence and adoration. This is a picture of whole-hearted devotion and loyalty. Worship, at its heart, is humble submission, which is why Paul writes in Romans 12:1 that we, as Christ’s Body, are to offer ourselves together as a living sacrifice. Paul says, “This is our true worship”. Worship is a lifestyle characterized by a giving of self in whole-hearted surrender and whole-minded submission to the goodness and greatness of God. It isn’t only something felt or acknowledged, but something lived through attitudes of our heart and sacrifices of ourselves and our resources in everyday life. Paul’s words in Romans 5 speak specifically of God’s magnificent grace towards us in offering Himself as the ransom for our sin-wrecked souls. He concludes in verse 11 by stating, “we boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”. Paul exhorts his audience, and clearly models for them, that true worship is anchored in reverent humility to God for the vast love He has lavished upon us, sinners that we are!

2) What are the causes of our worship?
In the Romans 5 passage we discover how worship is rooted in awareness of what we have been given and how we have been loved. 1 John 4:19 says we love because He first loved us. In like fashion, we worship because we have experienced God’s goodness. In Psalm 150 we are reminded to praise Him for His deeds (what He has done), the greatest of these being our salvation and restoration to relationship with Him (Romans 5:10). The “hymn book of the Jews” (Psalms) is replete with specific reasons to worship the God in whom alone is found salvation. (Romans 5:11) Psalm 115:1 instructs our hearts to praise God for His steadfast love and faithfulness while Psalm 103 recounts “His benefits” including forgiveness, rescue, and redemption. Psalm 100:1-5 says we praise Him for making us and Ephesians 1:3 says we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing because of Christ, and therefore we bless God. Worship wasn’t something that began after Jesus died to rescue our souls, neither is it something Jewish people did in the Old Testament when circumstances were wonderful. Regardless of feelings or situation, there are always reasons to worship because we need not look any farther than God and His character to discover a reason to worship Him!

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?
We are talking about worship being a lifestyle of humility and honor toward God. In 1 Samuel 15:22, God says (through Samuel) “to obey is better than sacrifice.” To worship God is a sacrifice, but it is best carried out through obedience. God’s Word is filled with examples of His people choosing to worship in faith and obedience, which then resulted in God showing favor and victory. (2 Chronicles 20:22) Worship brought physical victory in battle to Israel. Their decision to worship out of obedience removed themselves as an idol in their hearts and gave room for God to move in the way He had willed. Scripture teaches us to give thanks to the LORD with all our heart. (Psalm 9:1) When we are truly thankful, our hearts are engaged. Worshipping God brings us to a place of full engagement with Him. God invites us to lift our eyes over the things of this earth and focus on the place where He sits at the right hand of God; here, our real life is hidden. (Colossians 3:2) Because Paul’s life modeled consistent, humble worship, the Lord worked through His life in incredible ways. Paul recognized his life was nothing compared to knowing and experiencing God. (Philippians 3:8-9)

Everyday Application

1) What is worship and how does Paul encourage believers to worship?
God created us to live out worship in everyday lives, but we often are tempted to worship anything but the Only One Worthy of worship. As we come to understand worship as humble surrender and loyal submission to the Lord, amazingly, we see a connection of humility to God Himself, the sole worthy object of our worship. Though God had every right to never lower Himself, He did exactly this by coming to earth in human form to become our Reconciler and Salvation. (Romans 5:8-11, Philippians 2:6-8) Our great God is a humble God! When He calls Himself the Helper of Israel (the word “ezer” in Hebrew refers to Helper and the name of God JEHOVAH ‘EZER emphasizes it). These terms reflect the heart of God as He calls Himself one who concerns Himself to stoop down. (Psalm 113:4-6) As we worship, we stoop in response to how the Savior God has already bent for us. Worship, at its heart, is grateful submission. It’s a bowing and acknowledgement that someone is greater and worthier than ourselves. Yet, we serve and love a God who stoops to bless us; Who came to a cruel cross to die for us; Who takes on a lowly life for us. God is lofty, yet He tells us His way of greatness is not one that holds Lordship high over others’ heads (Matthew 20:25-28), but instead stoops to bless us. (John 13:3-5) Worship is both a response and a fully engaged bending as we answer the One who bent for us and continues to bend humbly for us out of love.

2) What are the causes of our worship?
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, “I pray that you, being rooted and firmly 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.” (Ephesians 3:17-19) As we practice living our everyday lives rooted and grounded in love, we become motivated to love God responsively. This creates a heart of true worship. As we fix our minds on what is good, true, noble, and praiseworthy, our minds are lifted to remember the goodness of God and genuine worship overflows. (Philippians 4:8) As we consider His character and His names (which reflect His character) we are drawn to recall the truth of who He is. This creates a mind of worship. As we humble ourselves in the sight of God, surrendering self to the Savior, we receive the will to worship. Here in this sacred space, we truly begin loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Matthew 22:37) This is the picture of lifestyle worship, wholly engaged with our Creator, Redeemer, and Lover of Our Soul.

3) How does worshipping God change us and impact our daily life?
We know God wants us to take on a heart of obedient worship that consistently permeates our everyday lives. What does this look like? In Micah 6:8 He says, “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” This is a picture of lived-out worship. Even though we will have trials in life, He will use them to shape us. Along the way, He calls us to worship Him through the storms, as this anchors our hearts in truth despite changing circumstance and feelings. This is how He develops our dependence and strengthens our endurance in faith as He reinforces our hope. In Romans 5:3-4 Paul writes, “…we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Worship gives us perspective in every circumstance, the capacity to be joyful in the face of affliction, and the means to be filled with strength when we are at our weakest. Like a faithful dog leans on his master, giving his life in devotion, we can give our lives to God. He takes that sacrifice and multiplies it for our good. We cannot out-give God. Our life of sacrificial worship always fills us more than any other thing we seek on earth. When we offer true worship, we lift our eyes and gain perspective.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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This is Worship VII Week Three!
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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 :-))

Memorize It!

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