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She Day 12 Flesh Of My Flesh: Digging Deeper

November 14, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

She Day 12 Flesh Of My Flesh: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

November 14, 2023

Beloved,bride,Broken,Christ,Community,Love,Marriage

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 "Flesh Of My Flesh"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 13:1-5

Let brotherly love continue. 2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

3 Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily. 4 Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) In its context, who is the writer addressing from verse 1 onward?

Much like the apostle Paul does in his letters, the unnamed author of Hebrews makes a shift from the direction of his letter leading up to this point as he prepares his closing. The transition of verse 1 signals an upcoming practical exhortation to believers.

As chapter 13 begins, the writer offers final encouragement to live in such a way that honors one another. In the previous verse, he referred to his audience as participants with him in the kingdom of God. He writes, “Since we receive it … let us be thankful.” (Hebrews 12:28) He begins by speaking to them regarding brotherly and sisterly (philadelphia) love.

The Scriptures teach that all the saints are to demonstrate a familial love for one another within their spiritual relationship. What we read about in verse 1 is an affectionate love among men and women who are connected to each other through Christ, therefore are unified spiritually just as a biological family is unified by blood. (John 17:21-23)

The reference to “brotherly love” is a combination of the Greek word phileo (Biblehub.com) with the Greek word adelphos (Biblestudytools.com). In its different forms, the word adelphos occurs several times in the New Testament with a variety of meanings which can be determined by looking at the context.

Adelphoi, the plural form of the word, is used by Paul in Galatians 3:27-29 to refer to siblings in the family of God who are heirs of promise. It identifies those who are in a sacred relationship with one another in Christ. There is to be a unique ‘kindredness’ of love and honor among those who are in the family of God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:20)

The Everyday Application

1) In its context, who is the writer addressing from verse 1 onward?

Since the book’s author never names himself nor specifically designates his audience, both are an uncertainty for the Bible reader. Ancient theories suggest that the original recipients were Jewish Christians, hence the title Hebrews. (Hebrews 1:1: “Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors…)

If that is so, the reader would have understood the book’s many references to the Old Testament. Becoming familiar with the biblical traditions which were previously taught helps us interpret the writer’s mindset and possible meaning. It guides us to understand God and learn what He thinks about practical living.

For instance, reading the psalmist’s reflection in Psalm 133:1 provides us insight on his perspective of unity. His expression was possibly indicative of his own experiences of the hostile existence between those who should be kindreds. (1 Kings 15:3-6) David, the author of Psalm 133, knew it was better to have unity and love rather than disharmony and dishonor.

Continually demonstrating brotherly and sisterly love toward one another is essential for us as believers. Dear GT Sister, let’s pray for God to ignite within us a deep love for all our sisters in Christ. There are women in our sphere of influence who need our genuine compassion and care. I encourage you to look around within your own church family to find them. I assure you there’s someone who needs a caring friend.

May we prayerfully look toward others with our eyes and hearts open to God’s prompting to really see them and reach out to one of them today.

The Original Intent

2) What connection does the writer make in verses 2-3?

Family ties were common in Jewish culture with a rich heritage of honor running through their bloodlines. Psalms and Proverbs give us several examples of familial ties that would have existed within God’s people. (Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 12:4, Psalm 127:3-5)

The Ten Commandments given by God indicate the vital role that family plays in His covenant with them as six of the ten handle relationships between people. (Deuteronomy 5:16-21) Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21), the writer of Hebrews is making sure the reader understands the responsibility they have beyond their physical family. (verse 1) He urges them to carry their hospitality into the realm of potentially uncomfortable.

His mention of angels in verse 2 in interesting. Was the writer remembering the strangers who appeared at the door of Abraham? (Genesis 18:1-8) We learn from that Old Testament story the magnitude of extending hospitality to needy strangers! The author then mentions in verse 3 the prisoner and the outcast.

It could be tempting to gather with family and never consider the unseen suffering of those beyond those we love. Not only were they to be ready to serve those who needed hospitality, but also those who needed their remembrance. (Greek: mimnesko) This was a call to share in the suffering of others by consistently being mindful of those who were in prison or were abused (likely because of their faith).

Whether it was tangible support, prayers, or simply reminding each other of those suffering, there was to be acknowledgment and love for the “unseen”! Jesus told His followers that when they refused to help “the least of these brothers and sisters”— they were refusing to help the Lord Himself. (Matthew 25:35-45) In verses 2-3, we learn genuine love isn’t neglectful of others’ needs!

The Everyday Application

2) What connection does the writer make in verses 2-3?

Friends, as women of Jesus, we should be consistently developing a heart of love for others. Some of them sit near us each week in our local churches. But there are more!

Maybe you’ve read in your church’s ministry announcements of opportunities to love the marginalized and often disregarded. Or maybe you can open your home to someone who needs shelter. Not everyone can serve in the same capacity or give the same amount of time to community ministries or local missions’ efforts, but we can probably do something to demonstrate Jesus’ love for all.

Maybe it’s helping someone who is helping someone. Some churches offer groups who work together to minister to prisoners, widows, orphans and the poor. Women can also lead the way by joining together with other women to form teams to serve alongside one another. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)

There are many ways we can serve “the least of these.” Careportal.org serves kids and families by connecting believers to real-time needs in their own cities. See if it’s available in your area! Likely, you also know women who are striving to love Jesus well who may live across the world from us.

Gracefully Truthful is a great resource for finding and “meeting” women from other cities, states, and nations. We would love to increase our international opportunities to love and honor women all over the world who desire to follow Jesus in deeper ways.

Join a GT POD, register to study with us, or perhaps the Lord is calling you to join our team and write with us! Maybe you can’t move across the world and serve suffering believers. But we can ALL … 1) pray, 2) give and 3) remember those who are in need.

The Original Intent

3) Why might the writer include the subject of marriage in this passage? (verse 4)

The author of Hebrews continues his teaching on love by offering instruction on how to reflect God’s image as faithful, God-honoring wives. We may feel the subject is out of place as it can seem like it has been inserted in the middle of a thought without connection to its surroundings. So, we must ask ourselves if and how it connects.

The writer explains how marriage is to be honorable and “the marriage bed kept undefiled.” (verse 4) The Greek word translated “undefiled” (amiantos) is used three other times in the New Testament, and it carries the idea of being “set apart.” (Hebrews 7:26-27)

Just as it was essential to honor one another within community, the author commands the recipients to show honor within marriage by having an exclusive sexual relationship within marriage. An honoring kind of love in marriage guards against betrayal, specifically sexual unfaithfulness.

Notice the importance of honor in marriage: ONLY in verse 4 of our passage does the verse come with a warning of God’s judgment. We don’t always know God’s will about something. But in this we do! Scripture tells us it is God’s will we abstain from sexual immorality. (1 Thessalonians 4:2-5)

God does not take lightly dishonoring the marriage vow. The word for honor (timios) used in verse 4 means precious. Marriage was to be considered as precious. It’s the word used in 1 Corinthians 3:12 regarding precious stones and in 1 Peter 1:19 in reference to the precious blood of Jesus.

Considering marriage as precious and priceless should instill in the recipients the value God placed on marital faithfulness. It was a strong command and a lesson in the significance of honoring one another in marriage in a marked way.

The Everyday Application

3) Why might the writer include the subject of marriage in this passage? (verse 4)

We have read that loving others in the right way works for the good of everyone: for the brothers and sisters in Christ, for the strangers, and for the prisoners. But in the midst of these thoughts, we also learn how to please God in marriage.

Calling people to lifelong faithfulness was as counter-cultural then as it is today. Though seemingly a random mention, I believe the writer meant to include it here to indicate its significance. My friend, if you’re a wife as I am, may we understand that honoring our marriages is good for us and for society. Malachi 2:13-15, Proverbs 14;34,  Because this is God’s original plan, He would not be just if he did not judge those who disgrace marriage and treat it with contempt. (Psalm 89:14)

Yes, all Jesus-loving women are called honor others. But Jesus-loving wives are also called to honor our marriages. Scriptures teach us that our marriages are to be set apart as precious. If you are following along with our GT theme of “She”, we are considering the intentional delight of the Lord God who formed femininity and wrapped it in strength, courage, and dignity for the purpose of reflecting the image of the Lord who made “She”.

There are so many ways “SHE” can become involved in reflecting the image of the Lord. For wives, we have one particular way we are to reflect Him, by honoring our marriages in remaining faithful to our husbands and making marriage an exclusive sexual union. Friends, please know this: if you’ve failed, there’s grace. There’s always grace. (1 John 1:9)

You can walk in forgiveness, choose faithfulness, and trust God to provide you with strength to remain faithful.

The Original Intent

4) What essential truth is expressed in verse 5 to give the believer confidence and peace in all our circumstances?

We read in the previous passage how grace and thankfulness are to be lived out, knowing the reality of the unshakeable kingdom of God. (Hebrews 12:14-29)

With this in their minds, believers are to live with one another in loving and honorable ways within 1) faith relationships (verse 1), 2) local communities (verses 2-3), and 3) marriages (verse 4). In addition to these responsibilities, the author instructs believers to rightfully consider money matters. Again, the verse may seem to be an interruption of thought until we notice the contrast from the previous verses.

The perspective of a person who follows Christ is that our love is to be given to people, not money. We are to be content with what we have because of God’s faithful presence. (verse 5) There is no reason to place priority on keeping money for our security when we have God Himself.

The author’s goal was to communicate that what matters most in the kingdom of God was the forever relationships we’re creating. Believers are to honor others by sacrificially giving to them, honor marriage by being faithful, and honor God by not being consumed with self.

Jesus also addressed money issues in ways least expected. (Luke 12:13-21) The Jewish recipients of this letter had faced plenty of adversity, and they felt the sting of abuse, prison and need. (Hebrews 10:32-34) But they are reminded that God had made a promise to them just as He had to Moses (Deuteronomy 31:6) and to Joshua (Joshua 1:5).

This isn’t as much about money as it is about WHO God is. He is the believer’s confidence and contentment as He was the apostle Paul’s. (Philippians 4:11-13) They could graciously serve others, even if they had to sacrifice their own possessions.

The Everyday Application

4) What essential truth is expressed in verse 5 to give the believer confidence and peace in all our circumstances?

It is in the DNA of humanity to worry. (Matthew 6:19-34) But when we worry, it’s a sign that we believe something can go permanently wrong. So, we begin to make plans to save and gather all the things for ourselves to be “secure”. But, Sister, we don’t need to do this!

What a wonderful promise we read, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’” He Himself. That’s the Lord God of all creation. Even though this is probably a reference to Deuteronomy 31:6, God’s never-forsaking presence is a prevalent promise found throughout the Bible.

Long before Jesus promised His disciples His presence (Matthew 28:19-20), God promised to be with His people. The Old Testament believers were assured of God’s presence with them. The psalmist often declared the Lord’s nearness to him in days of distress or trouble. The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s promise to the people when he told them the Lord would give a sign of a baby born of a virgin whose name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us.

One day, all true believers will be with the Lord forever and ever! (Genesis 28:15, Psalm 46, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21-23, and Revelation 21:3) So, my Friend, the end of verse 5 is really the key to obeying the rest of the instructions in this passage. We can love others and we can honor our marriages because God is faithful!

“Now, trusting anyone is risky. But the biblical story portrays a God who has been faithful all along and whose promises were fulfilled in the story of Jesus. And so, as we look out at the obstacles facing us and our world, we’re invited to take that same risk and join Abraham, David, and the people of God in trusting that God is overflowing with faithfulness.” (bibleproject.com)

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While I had some vague, dreamy understanding that marriage was designed to honor God, I am absolutely certain my definition would never have included the curious verse that reads like a cliff-hanger at the close of The Love Chapter.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
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Posted in: Beloved, bride, Broken, Christ, Community, Love, Marriage Tagged: bride, Lover, marriage, she, Wife, Woman

She Day 2 Called To Friendship: Digging Deeper

October 31, 2023 by Debbie Collin Leave a Comment

She Day 2 Called To Friendship: Digging Deeper

Debbie Collin

October 31, 2023

Accepted,Called,church,Community,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 "Called To Friendship"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:39-45, 56

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What motivated Mary to visit her friend and relative, Elizabeth? (verses 39-40)

The first priority in answering any question in Scripture is to read the surrounding verses, sometimes even chapters, to gain a base understanding for the context of the passage. If we miss the context and its intended meaning, we will most likely miss proper application, which skews God’s Word for us!

The gospel author, Luke, provides the context for Mary’s visit earlier in chapter 1 verses 5-25. In this passage, we are told Elizabeth has experienced a miraculous pregnancy as well! We can imagine that one of the reasons Mary sought out Elizabeth was for support in pregnancy; what a special season for friends to walk through together! They could empathize with each other about all the weird looks and whispers of disbelief as well as encourage each other through all the ups and downs. 

Another possible motivation for her visit was to rejoice together. The two of them had a unique perspective on God’s faithfulness and how He was fulfilling His promises. What a privilege for these friends to share this experience together.

The Everyday Application

1) What motivated Mary to visit her friend and relative, Elizabeth? (verses 39-40)

According to a global survey by statistia.com, 33% of adults experience feelings of loneliness. Feeling lonely is complicated, isn’t it? We might feel isolated or disconnected. From my personal experience, it feels lousy. 

We were designed to have a relationship with our Creator. “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

You have a standing invitation from the Lord to visit with Him, feast with Him, and enjoy His company. What might your motivation be for meeting with Him and building a deeper relationship? 

  • Would you praise and thank Him for what He is doing in and around your life?
  • Are you, or those around you, in need of encouragement or healing that you would bring those needs to Him?
  • Do you need to confess sin and receive forgiveness?

Consider God’s great love for you and His promise of salvation if we trust in Him. Each of us are destitute without the friendship of God for we are forever separated from Him by the vast chasm created by the death we have earned from even one, solitary sin. (Romans 6:23)

Yet, while we rebelled against the Lord, God sacrificed His son in our place. (Romans 5:8) He poured out on His Son the wrath that was rightly deserved on us. (Romans 3:25-26) Christ swallowed the whole of our sin, and because He was wholly without sin, God raised Him from the dead forever conquering the consequence of sin: Death and Separation from the God who desires friendship with us. (Romans 8:11)  

To come near and accept this gift of grace and love requires our recognition that we are indeed sinners and the desire to place our faith entirely on Christ to pay for our sin. Turn to the Lord, repent of your sin, be wrapped in the freedom of forgiveness, and let Him teach you the rhythms of His friendship! (Acts 16:31)

The Original Intent

2) What is the significance of Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s arrival? (verses 41-45)

As we read the narrative in Luke 1, the first sign of something uniquely special is happening is that the baby leapt in Elizabeth’s womb when she heard Mary’s voice. (verse 41) The Messiah’s presence was already being felt and made known by those around Him, and the response was JOY!

I hope you read #HisWordsBeforeMine from Luke 1, then you would know straight from the Lord that Someone Else was present when Mary (and unborn Jesus) arrived to see Elizabeth (and unborn John the Baptist): The Holy Spirit. “…Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit…” (verse 41) The Holy Spirit enabled her to speak the welcoming blessing of encouragement to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (verse 42)

How encouraging it must have been for Elizabeth and Mary to share these moments together. While they shared very unique pregnancies, they were knit together by the friendship of the Holy Spirit! He gave joyful evidence of the miracles involved in both of their pregnancies.

The Everyday Application

2) What is the significance of Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s arrival? (verses 41-45)

How do we respond to the work the Lord is doing in other peoples’ lives? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words in responding to others? Are we quick to celebrate with them, allowing the friendship of the Spirit to bind us together? “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” (Romans 12:15) Or, do we follow temptation’s pull and lean toward comparison and discontent, leading us eventually into bitterness and disunity? (James 4:1-2)

Being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-19) enables us to practice “one-anothers” like these:
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Let’s welcome one another in the joy of the Lord as we have opportunities! What a privilege it is to be connected as friends and sisters in the body of Christ through the binding friendship of the Holy Spirit! Ask Him right now to lead you into deeper friendship and extend it well to others!

The Original Intent

3) Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. What might have been some of the reasons for the extended stay? (verse 56)

Our meticulous physician, Luke, recorded that Mary remained with Elizabeth for three months. Does that detail even matter? Why include something so minor? When we are tempted to gloss over something we see as insignificant or unimportant in Scripture, let’s remember that all of Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching our hearts to better know the Lord and be shaped into the image of His Son. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 8:29)

One possibility is given to us in the beginning of Luke’s account, “So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable, Theophilus,  so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.” (Luke 1:3-4)

In his gospel, Luke usually gives us a detailed accounting. In this case, it seems he included that Mary stayed long enough to see Elizabeth give birth to John the Baptist, which was a fulfillment of God’s promise.

Practically speaking, it would have also been a time for Mary to care for Elizabeth during the last months of her pregnancy. Mary would have also gained spiritual insight and both practical and spiritual wisdom from Elizabeth about faith, obedience, and trust in the face of unexpected circumstances.

The Everyday Application

3) Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. What might have been some of the reasons for the extended stay? (verse 56)

This verse highlights the importance of mutual Christian community and support during different seasons of life. Can you think of some benefits of having someone to walk alongside you during significant life transitions? What a comfort and encouragement the friendship of these women surely was to each of them!

Friendships are strengthened during those times when we provide emotional and practical support to one another, especially when our need is deep. We can send messages, deliver meals, or spend time together on a regular basis. The key is to be present in a meaningful, genuine way for each other. This is the heartbeat of God’s friendship with us as He sends His Spirit to comfort and guide His children at all times; never once does His Spirit leave a true believer! (John 14:26)

Another important aspect in a believer’s life is discipleship, which means teaching other believers to “grow up in maturity” in Christ. (Colossians 1:28-29) We need to be intentional in having relationships with other believers where spiritual growth and learning takes place. Who is mentoring you? Who are you mentoring? We can always be deepening and strengthening our faith through these connections!

Friendships bound together by the Spirit of God are special indeed! We are never alone!

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Friendship is a high calling.

When the Lord calls us friends, it is an invitation and challenge, one highly worth accepting.

Friendships take time, energy, and intentionality, but the return on our authentic investment will be deeply worth it.
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Posted in: Accepted, Called, church, Community, Friend Tagged: Community, friend, friendship, God, Holy Spirit, she, women

She Day 1 Called To Friendship

October 30, 2023 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

She Day 1 Called To Friendship

Sara Cissell

October 30, 2023

Accepted,Community,Discipleship,Family,Friend

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:39-45, 56
Ruth 1-4
John 15:1-17

I met Kelley more than a decade ago. Little did I know our first greeting would lead to a deep, lasting friendship, one crafted by the Lord and for the Lord. 

The Lord, in all His goodness, created friendship, both for us to experience with each other and, even more importantly, with Him. 

Friendship is a high calling. 

When the Lord calls us friends, it is an invitation and challenge, one highly worth accepting. Friendships take time, energy, and intentionality, but the return on our authentic investment will be deeply worth it. 

In any relationship, the health of those in the relationship determines the overall health of the relationship itself: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If two unhealthy people are in a relationship, the relationship struggles. Two individuals striving to be healthier themselves will result in a relationship showing greater signs of health. 

Thankfully, when we are friends with the Lord, we are in a relationship with the perfectly healthy friend! The Lord always does things flawlessly. The more we interact with the Lord and seek to be like Him, the healthier our relationship with Him becomes and the more we flourish in His ways.

Graciously, the Lord brings people into our lives for seasons and purposes. Our role is to obey His leading and aim to reflect His character of kind, generous friendship in our relationships.

The Lord has preserved beautiful examples of friendship in His Word as practical examples for us! Within the Old Testament, we find a moving story of friendship against all odds: Ruth and Naomi.

These were women from different nations and cultures, serving different gods, bound only through the marriage of Ruth to Naomi’s son. When Ruth’s husband died, anyone would expect the relationship to meet a swift end in grief, each a painful reminder to the other of all they had lost. 

Yet Ruth clung to Naomi, pledging devotion, lovingkindness, and companionship down the fraught road of widowhood stretching out before both women. As their story progresses and the Lord brings redemption and restoration to their lives, we see their lives and hearts intricately, intentionally, and irrevocably intertwined. Their friendship is sweet and strong as each woman reflects different aspects of God’s friendship to one another.

Read their story for yourself and explore the friendship of God these women lived out!
(Ruth 1-4)

Turning to the New Testament, Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Elizabeth’s (the mother of John the Baptist) relationship offers another glimpse into the friendship the Lord offers us. (Luke 1:39-45, 56) Across the decades likely separating their ages, these cousins were united by the touch of the miraculous in their lives. (Luke 1:5-25; Luke 1:26-38) They demonstrated generosity, selfless love, and humble service like the God they worshiped!

In one another, these women found respite from the stares and whispers of those around them, the empathy of another trusting beyond her understanding, and a fellow reveler in the glory of the Lord’s plan as it unfolded in their lives.What can we learn from these women? 

1. Know the Lord through His Word and prayer.
When we know the Lord’s heart and grow in friendship with Him, we learn the rhythms of His design for friendship. Prayer and Scripture are the hallmark entry points for an ever-deepening intimacy with God. Though we fail in our relationships, we can point to Christ, the perfect friend, again and again through His Word, who remains kind and gracious, forgiving, and loving. (Psalm 103:8-10)

2. Know ourselves.
A woman who builds her identity in the Lord will set wise boundaries in friendship as she keeps her eyes focused on her Lord and her relationship with Him. Worship for the Savior, and grace for others will be her fragrance. She won’t be tossed around by the temptation to compare, gossip, or slander for she remembers Christ holds the first place in friendship for her. (Titus 3:1-5)

3. Know how to be a friend.
The woman who practices cultivating a friendship with the Perfect Friend will naturally reflect God’s kind heart of mercy and love to all her friends. She will listen to others as the Lord listens to her. She will walk wisely in conflict for her feet have learned to trust the Lord’s ways over her own. She will selflessly treat others with respect and grudgeless forgiveness for she understands that, despite her own rebellious sin, the Lord still pursues her. “Mean girl” doesn’t mark her character for she has learned to put off the old pattern of life and has dressed herself daily in the clothing of Christ. (Colossians 3:5-17) 

Kelley and I met when we both lived on a college campus as resident directors in on-campus housing.  We lived and worked in the same place. We saw each other at meetings, on the quad, and in the cafeteria. We shared life in a unique way. 

Over the years, we have seen each other at our best and at our worst. As we have each grown in our walk with the Lord, we’ve found ourselves being a better friend to one another.  

May we each draw closer to Jesus, the best friend any of us could ever find, and may we find our friendships flourishing as we reflect Him! 

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Worship XII Day 12 Go Tell It On The Mountain: Digging Deeper
December 5, 2023

She Day 2
Digging Deeper

Friendships are strengthened during those times when we provide emotional and practical support to one another, especially when our need is deep.

We can send messages, deliver meals, or spend time together on a regular basis. The key is to be present in a meaningful, genuine way for each other.

This is the heartbeat of God’s friendship with us as He sends His Spirit to comfort and guide His children at all times; never once does His Spirit leave a true believer! (John 14:26)
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Oct 30 - Nov 17, 2023 - Journey Theme #124

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Posted in: Accepted, Community, Discipleship, Family, Friend Tagged: Elizabeth, friend, Holy Spirit, Mary, One Another, she

Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

June 27, 2023 by Marietta Taylor Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 7 What Do You Have Against Me?: Digging Deeper

Marietta Taylor

June 27, 2023

Believe,Community,Enough,Faith,Restored,Truth,Yahweh

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 "What Do You Have Against Me?"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:17-24

17 After this, the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. His illness got worse until he stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “Man of God, what do you have against me? Have you come to call attention to my iniquity so that my son is put to death?” 19 But Elijah said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him from her arms, brought him up to the upstairs room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, have you also brought tragedy on the widow I am staying with by killing her son?”

21 Then he stretched himself out over the boy three times.ad He cried out to the Lord and said, “Lord my God, please let this boy’s life come into him again!” 22 So the Lord listened to Elijah, and the boy’s life came into him again, and he lived.

23 Then Elijah took the boy, brought him down from the upstairs room into the house, and gave him to his mother. Elijah said, “Look, your son is alive.” 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Elijah had lived in the widow’s home for a period of time (1 Kings 17:8-16) and she had experienced the miraculous power of God sustain her and her son in a devastating drought; by this, the widow knew God was with Elijah.

When her son fell ill, she likely expected God to again display His miraculous power. Instead, her son died. Maybe Elijah’s God was not the giver of life after all. In her grief, she began the age-old game of blaming. (Genesis 3:11-13) First, she blamed Elijah, then she blamed her own, unspecified sin for her son’s death. According to David Guzik, “Whatever her sin was, the guilty memory of it was always close to her.” (Enduring Word)

Now that the one closest to her was gone, all she could see was her sin and her grief. Self-loathing and Shame are horrible places to dwell, but this is exactly where this grief-ridden mama found herself. 

Another likely reason for her self-shaming guilt was her cultural and spiritual background. Baal worshipers were taught that their sins would be met with anger and fury from Baal. (Cornerstone Church Kingston) Since this was what she believed of Baal, seeing her son die in the presence of the “Man of God”, caused her to naturally assume Elijah’s God operated the same as Baal.

Again, the question of, “Is it true that Elijah’s God is the giver of life” is up for debate in her heart and mind; she chooses her answer based on her spiritual background and not on her most recent experience with God. 

The Everyday Application

1) Why did the widow ask Elijah if he was calling attention to her sin? (verse 18)

Many years ago, my husband and I went through a rough patch. He was in a car accident and had some minor injuries and resulting back pain. A week later, I had a car accident and had to be transported to the ER for observation. A couple weeks later, he started having trouble at his job, and on and on it went for a time. We had some professing Christians say to our faces that we needed to get rid of our sin so God would start blessing us and quit punishing us.

This is wrong theology! John 16:33 says, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” This world is a hard place and trouble will come. We cannot avoid it, but we have no fear because God is with us and will help us through it all. (John 14:18-21) God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on both the evil and the good. (Matthew 5:45)

Haven’t we all witnessed someone enjoying what looks like a blessing, but turns out to be an ill-gotten gain? Can hard things be the result of sin? Yes. Are we the ones who can absolutely determine that every time? No.

If we think something might be the result of a specific sin, we can ask the Lord to reveal it to us and convict us by His Spirit, allowing us to confess and repent. If He does not show us anything, then we can know this is most likely a growth opportunity as it was for the widow.

I like how Sermon Notebook phrases it, “God’s method for growing us isn’t always pleasant, nor is it fun. However, it is essential that we pass through the growing process so that we can be better used of the Lord. As God takes us through the battles, and we see Him win them all by His power, we are enabled, by faith, to trust Him for even greater victories.”

The Original Intent

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

Elijah, and indirectly, God, had been blamed for the death of the widow’s son. Rain had not fallen, therefore, according to God’s promise in 1 Kings 17:13-14, flour and oil should still be plentiful, allowing everyone in the home to still be living.

That would be true, if flour and oil, if bread alone, were the Source of life. But Scripture teaches differently. (Colossians 1:17) In fact, Christ taught differently by saying, “Man should not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) Perhaps the Lord took the boy’s life, proving His authority over life and death, that the woman’s heart might learn to lean on Truth instead of her own understanding.

Elijah could not make sense of this turn of events. Surely, it was very discouraging after all the life-giving things he had seen God do in his own life and the widow’s. So, he took his crisis of faith to the True Source, Yahweh. This is very reminiscent of King Hezekiah who took his concerns about his enemies’ death threats and even his failing health to the Lord, expecting God to handle it, regardless of Hezekiah’s personal confidence level. (Got Questions)

This was Elijah’s way of drawing near to God at a time when his faith was rattled, yet believing God could do the impossible, just like we see so many times on the Psalms. Elijah had learned a lesson the widow had not yet owned for herself, within God’s sustenance, Truth lived, regardless of circumstance, and He was worthy of Elijah’s worship. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Elijah ask the Lord if He killed the widow’s son? (verse 20)

It’s so easy to have faith when things are going well. So easy to not doubt. But when things get really tough, does our faith flourish or does it wither? Elijah prayed such an honest prayer, bringing his confusion and doubt to the Lord, but then he immediately demonstrated his faith in God’s character.

If you read through even just a few psalms, you’ll see this rhythm played out over and over in the raw honesty of the psalmists. Another great example of a “Why God?! But I trust You, God” prayer is found in Daniel. Jami helps us understand these depths well in her Journey Study, “Why God?”. She beautifully offers us this encouragement, “God doesn’t require us to have all of the answers, and we can rest knowing we don’t need them. He simply welcomes us, right now, as we are, to trust Him for the Journey.”

Rest in the knowledge that if He did not chastise Moses (Exodus 33:12-26), or the man whose son was demon-possessed (Mark 9:23-24), or even doubting Thomas, His own disciple (John 20:25-29), He will not chastise us for our moments of doubt, unbelief or lack of faith either. 

The Original Intent

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

The widow had decided God was not trustworthy. Meanwhile, Elijah was depending on God to be truthful and faithful to His character, which was why he was confident in asking God to resurrect the widow’s son. Elijah knew that nothing he specifically did would bring the boy back, But God…with God, nothing was impossible! (Luke 1:37)

The Sermon Notebook says, “God honored the faith of the prophet and raised the child to life again. Why? Because Elijah trusted God by faith!” If by faith we believe, God is ABLE to do the impossible, we have laid the necessary groundwork for coming before the Father who is “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) The widow, seeing her son brought back to life, realized that everything Elijah had ever spoken about his God was true. God was indeed both giver and sustainer of life.

“Elijah’s miraculous, never-ending oil jar hints at such life-giving power, but it is the widow’s witnessing of her child’s renewed life that convinces her.” (Working Preacher) She realizes that Yahweh is NOT like Baal. It is true that He is compassionate and does not cause harm just for harm’s sake. Everything He does is intentionally for good. (Genesis 50:20) And the truth is, it took suffering to get her to this place of firm belief. I believe in the end, that was okay with her. 

The Everyday Application

3) What does the resurrection of the widow’s son teach us about truth? (verse 21)

There are so many promises in the Bible, but one that is commonly quoted and is among my favorites is Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or abandon you”, which was first given in Deuteronomy 31:6.

God never changes, His character is always the same, and His promises never fail. Just read through Hebrews 11, listing out all the heroes of the faith. They all trusted God, but not all saw His final promise. What made them heroes in spite of this? They trusted that God’s Word was Truth.

We don’t even need to wing it, stretching beyond all reason that what God says is trustworthy, for He has provided His Word, His testimony in His people, and His Spirit to teach us all truth. In John 17:17, Jesus asks God the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” 

Every good thing that happens. Every hardship we endure. Every stronghold that is broken. Every wound that is bound and healed. Everything comes back to the character of God.

Can we trust Him? Resoundingly, Yes!

“God is not a man, that He might lie, or a son of man, that He might change His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

Our God is Truth so we can always trust that no matter how the landscape of our lives appears, He is in control and He will keep His promises. 

Tags :
comfort,doubt,faith,rest,trust,Truth
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Sketched XI, Day 6
Journey Study

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.
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Posted in: Believe, Community, Enough, Faith, Restored, Truth, Yahweh Tagged: comfort, doubt, faith, rest, trust, Truth

The GT Weekend! ~ Mission, Week 2

May 20, 2023 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Mission, Week 2

Carol Graft

May 20, 2023

church,Clothed,Community,Faithfulness,Hope

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

This Week's Journeys

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

Philippians 2:5-8

5 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.
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Lord, I come before you humble, I hope.
I come before you contrite.
Please show me any instances where I’ve lacked love for others today. I plead for conviction; increase my desire to be holy like You are holy. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, and teach me, Spirit, to follow Your ways.

Thank You for making my life on purpose to live on mission with You. Keep teaching me to daily lean on Your sufficiency by walking according to Your word. Show me how to serve others more than I serve myself. Show me how to link arms in mission with other believers so the world may know You.

Fill me with the sweet fruit of Your Spirit as Your love leads my heart to engage others with the same grace, mercy, and kindness You have shown me. May Your love be evident in me today, through my words, thoughts, and actions. I live for You!

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Jesus’ final words to His disciples instructed those who were gathered around Him to go. Those who had entrusted their lives to the Savior of the world were not just instructed to go back to their homes, but out into all the world. They were to live on mission, teaching others to follow Jesus just as they had been taught. As Bri and Carol reminded us on Monday, authentically fulfilling the mission Christ has commissioned us with means loving genuinely and sharing the whole of the gospel message without strong-arming others or condemning them.

Our mission for Christ is not a mandate to travel to a foreign country outside of our own, although the Lord of the Harvest may lead us there in His time and His way. Our mission begins at home with our neighbors, our friends, the strangers we regularly see, and even those who are hard to love.

Who are the ones Jesus wants you to truly see this week? What open door opportunities is He giving you so you can trustingly share Hope and Love with those who need Him?
JOURNAL TWO

Stacy led us through 2 Timothy 2:1 as she emphasized how Paul and Timothy’s family-like relationship wonderfully reflects the relationship we are to share with fellow believers in Jesus. Timothy lightened Paul’s load, Paul modeled following Jesus to his “son in the faith”, and both were deeply encouraged by one another. What a gift to belong to the family of God!

Though these two men differed in age, season in life, and experiences, they both shared the same Holy Spirit living inside them. I have experienced this precious gift of encouragement through teaching one younger than myself in the faith, as well as being encouraged and challenged by someone farther ahead of me spiritually.

When we choose to partner together with other believers in this way, the mission of Christ can only be blessed! Consider who the Lord might be calling you to live authentically alongside as a “Paul” or “Timothy” in order that the body of Christ might be strengthened and encouraged!

JOURNAL THREE

We are not designed to live out God’s purposeful mission for our lives alone. It is a gift and a blessing to work alongside others pursuing the same goal to reach others for Christ. True, God created us all different with a wide, beautiful variety of gifts, abilities, and experiences; these are purposefully intended in order to complement one another and reach more together than we would as individuals. (Romans 12:3-8)

Linking arms with other believers strengthens our faith when we feel it’s dwindling. When we work together with one another while keeping our focus on Jesus, we demonstrate the beauty of unity and love that Christ intends. If we are working alone, we can easily become caught up in the practicality of mission with plans and programs, derailing our focus from worshipping Christ.

When we serve with others, we are open to accountability as we remind one another to not make idols of the Lord’s mission. Who will you partner with this week on mission as the Lord has called you?  
Tags :
life,mission,power,purpose,spirit
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Posted in: church, Clothed, Community, Faithfulness, Hope Tagged: life, mission, power, purpose, spirit

Mission Day 3 Heart Of Mission

May 10, 2023 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Mission Day 3 Heart Of Mission

Sara Cissell

May 10, 2023

church,Community,Confession,Faith,Healing,Heart,Humility

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 28:16-20
Romans 12:9-21
Hosea 10:12

I love how God’s Word is described as living and active!
“For the word of God is living and effective[.]” (Hebrews 4:12)

Until we experience this reality, verses may simply be words on a page. 

The moment the Holy Spirit highlights a verse and brings deeper understanding, it comes alive in an entirely new way, like a diamond held up to the light. 

Hosea 10:12 is a prime example from my own life. I recall reading it and sensing the Holy Spirit bring it to life within me. 

“Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your unplowed ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.”

In that moment, I knew the Lord was talking to me about my fallow ground. 

I had an area in my heart I had been carefully guarding and protecting. At first, this had been wise and useful, much like the practice of letting a literal field lie fallow in order to better cultivate crops in a future season. Yet, if it is allowed to remain unused for too long, the purpose of that season of rest may become lost.

The Lord seemed to say, “Sara, it is time to turn over that section of your heart. It is time to let me soften it and prepare it for what I desire to grow there. I want you to bear fruit.” 

The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart as only He could, presenting the verse as an invitation. It was accompanied by a peaceful assurance surrendering to Him would be well worth it. 

And it was. 
It was also a process of releasing control and believing that the work of tilling the hard soil of my heart would result in good things, in glory unto the Lord. 
It was boxes of Kleenex and copious amounts of tears softening the proverbial ground. 
It was vulnerability, trusting, sharing wisely, and making room for the Lord to show up however He decided to engage. 
It was brave obedience.

As a result, I began to see the Great Commission come to life in my everyday moments as never before. 

I’ve experienced this process more than once with different “fields” of my heart. One would think I would be able to apply what I’ve learned in one season to another, but alas I am still discovering how desperately I need the Lord to redeem all the areas of my heart. 

One thing I have discovered and can accurately apply to situations across the board is the desire to not miss what the Lord is doing. 

The Lord is faithful and sovereign. (2 Thessalonians 3:3, Jeremiah 32:17) He loves people and His plans will come to pass. I truly believe if I miss the prompts of the Lord and/or refuse to participate in His mission field, the Lord is big enough to bring about His purposes another way. The timing and method may be different, but it will come to pass. 

However, I will miss out on being a part of it. 

I want to catch every opportunity to bring Him glory. I do not want to watch on the sidelines as He does what only He can; I want to be part of His work. 
I want to share His unfathomable love for us (1 John 3:1), and share how the Lord rescues and redeems us through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and indwelling Holy Spirit.
I long to obediently make disciples of all who put their faith in Him. (Matthew 28:16-20)
I want to get to heaven and glorify the Lord for all the ways He used me. 

This desire helps me keep a heavenly perspective, to look at the world around me and strive to see what the Lord may be doing. 

The more time I spend in the Lord’s presence, reading His Word and praying, the more I have the ability to look for Him. Time spent in corporate worship, listening to sermons, and engaging in Bible studies enable me to sense the movement of the Holy Spirit and learn from other believers.

Essentially, the closer I am to Him, the softer the ground of my heart becomes, even the fallow parts. It is easier to say yes to Him. 

Do you sense Him asking your permission to break up some ground today or to join Him on mission? 

Maybe it is related to finances. 
Time.
Prayer intercession.
Resources.
Being willing to be inconvenienced for the Gospel. 

Even if the topic the Lord is highlighting seems insignificant, that which seems incredibly small to us may be the very thing He uses to set off a dramatic chain reaction. 

Lord, may our hearts be fertile ground for Your use.
Help us to bear much fruit for the sake of Your Gospel.

Tags :
faith,grow,heart,Holy Spirit,listen,mission
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Mission Day 4
Digging Deeper

To love without hypocrisy, we have to hate lies and deception (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

We may have to confront uncomfortable issues that we would rather gloss over or ignore. We might want to pretend like we don’t have any problems, but loving others in truth requires that we be transparent about the heart-changing work Jesus is doing in our own lives (Philippians 1:6).

When we can love without pretense, we approach the love without hypocrisy that Christ wants us to share with others.
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Posted in: church, Community, Confession, Faith, Healing, Heart, Humility Tagged: faith, grow, heart, Holy Spirit, listen, mission

The GT Weekend! ~ Confidence Week 1

April 22, 2023 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Confidence Week 1

Carol Graft

April 22, 2023

Called,Christ,church,Community,Family,Fellowship

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

This Week's Journeys

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

1 John 2:2

He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

My atoning sacrifice is you Lord.
That you would take on my sins; You, who were perfect.
You could have turned your back on mankind, on me.
Even now you could.

But you don’t.

You still show immense grace and mercy. You overwhelm me with unconditional love.
But I know this unconditional love isn’t just for me.
You gave your life for all.

Everyone who is willing to turn from their old life can have eternal life with You.
Thank You for shining Your light and hiding my life in Yours.
Give me words and divine appointments that I may declare Your truths to others.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Confidence in anything can be hard to come by. There are some who exude confidence 24/7. That is not me. I dare say, it’s not most of us.

Confidently sharing our faith story, which is so precious to every Christ-follower, can feel intimidating and terrifying. We often wonder, “What will this person think of me? Of God? What if I don’t share well?”

Lesley’s Journey Study brings such encouragement for us as we consider talking about Jesus! She pointed to the apostle John who urged believers to share our personal accounts of witnessing God at work in us. Lesley described three witnesses from Scripture that grow our courage to share Christ. (1 John 5:5-13)

Water. Jesus showed us His humanity through submitting to baptism by water while the affirming voice of Father God provides testimony to Christ’s divinity.

Blood. Christ bled on the cross as the curse of sin for all time was broken when Christ gave His perfect life for each of us. The Divine nature of Jesus was again abundantly clear.

Spirit. God is Spirit and He poured out Himself to dwell within all believers. His Spirit encourages, comforts, and convicts as we share in community with Father and Son through the Spirit.

Sharing our testimony, anchored in the beautiful wholeness of the Trinity gives us courage to speak with boldness!

JOURNAL TWO

When we hear the word “fellowship” we most often think of connecting with friends. As believers the first thought could be the church community or your small group that you worship with. There is another more important aspect of the word fellowship. That is fellowship with Christ himself.

Marietta explains the difference between walking in the light of fellowship with Christ and walking in darkness outside of that relationship with Christ. You can’t have both complete darkness and the life and light of Christ. She shares practically what it means to walk in the light, and what it doesn’t mean.

In the Digging Deeper Study, Rachel explains how we must not think that walking in the Light equates to never making sinful choices. Since the fall of man, we are sinful creatures, but by choosing to walk in the light in fellowship with Christ, we are free to fellowship with God and brothers and sisters in the church.

Walking freely in the light means we are continually confessing, repenting, and being aware of our sin nature as we seek to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and encouraging our fellow believers to do the same.

JOURNAL THREE

Sara opened her Journey Study with a prevalent catch phrase of our day. It’s actually been a popular mindset for generations evidenced in different forms.

The idea that we are our own version of truth; whatever we think is right in our own lives is true, at least for us. But this is a horrible lie from the enemy!

The key word is “our,” we could trade this word for “self.” Even the Old Testament records humanity consistently doing what was right in their own eyes. (Judges 21:25) This phrase is always followed by mass chaos of people choosing their own truth.

If “our” truth is not rooted in Christ, it is a foundation made of shifting sand. (Matthew 7:24-27) We must build our lives, our mindsets, on Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the light.” (John 14:6)

Sara encourages us with great reminders from Scripture about heeding the voice of the Lord and confidently following Him. Still, it’s not always 100% easy though, is it?

Sara urges us to read and memorize God’s Word so we can be ready to follow His ways by knowing His heart. When we declare the truths found in Scripture over ourselves, truth directs our hearts, minds, bodies, and tongues. Spend time memorizing His Word this weekend!  

Tags :
confidence,fellowship,follow,hope,light,Truth
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Worship XII Day 14 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!: Digging Deeper
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December 5, 2023

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Posted in: Called, Christ, church, Community, Family, Fellowship Tagged: confidence, fellowship, follow, hope, light, Truth

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration: Digging Deeper

April 21, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

April 21, 2023

church,Community,Faith

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 "Confidence In Declaration"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 5:6-11

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone He can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. 10 The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) To whom is Peter writing and why? (verse 6)

Peter’s first letter was written with the assistance of Silvanus, often called Silas, and circulated to churches in five provinces under Roman rule. (1 Peter 1:1-2)

The people in those churches were living in exile from their homelands and were most likely displaced Gentile believers (non-Jewish). Based on the contents of Peter’s letter (1 Peter 1:3-9), we know they were enduring persecution, trials, and suffering of many kinds.

Peter’s exhortation and encouragement to the recipients reveal he knew a great deal about their suffering, although his letter doesn’t indicate specifically how he knew these things. Throughout his letter, he continually offered hope to those reading or listening (1 Peter 1:13-21), encouraging them to keep their faith and trust in the promise of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Peter addressed believers in many walks of life and specifically highlighted their everyday relationships with one another (1 Peter 2:18-25), marriage (1 Peter 3:1-7), government authority (1 Peter 2:13-17), and their relationship with Christ (1 Peter 5:6).

Peter was intimately acquainted with the cost of following Jesus, and he had firsthand experience with the temptations that come when faced with persecution and suffering. Peter was equipped by the Spirit of God to encourage these believers and remind them to keep their eyes on the hope of Christ’s eternal glory and their eternal future in Him. (1 Peter 1:4-5)

The Everyday Application

1) To whom is Peter writing and why? (verse 6)

Persecution and suffering may be difficult for some of us to grasp, but believers across the globe today are actively experiencing physical persecution and suffering for their faith in the Lord Jesus.

Some Christians are hunted down and killed or beaten for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. Even in places with religious freedom, there are believers who experience forms of persecution in their workplace, school, and daily lives for their beliefs.

Regardless of where we are, when we experience persecution or suffering for our faith, we will do well to remember there are fellow saints (persons who have trusted Jesus for salvation) around the world who are being persecuted for what they believe.

We are not a single individual going through suffering; we are part of a great host of believers who continuously choose to remain steadfast, holding on to the hope we have in Christ because of the assurance of our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3) and victory over Sin and Death. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

The Original Intent

2) Why does Peter exhort the recipients of this letter to be sober-minded and alert? (verse 8)

The believers in exile to whom Peter was writing were experiencing persecution and suffering; this much is clear. Peter wisely called on every believer to be humble and remain submitted to God’s hand in all things.

He knew just what the adversary, Satan, was like and he painted a memorable visual of the devil prowling about like a roaring lion, looking for anyone to devour. As he finished his letter of encouragement because of the Hope all believers have in Christ, Peter deliberately reminded his fellow saints of three realities. 1) They did not suffer alone. 2) The enemy is active in his pursuit. 3) God Himself empowered them to resist Satan by holding fast to faith.

Peter exhorted them to stay the course and keep in mind there were other believers across the world who were also being persecuted for their faith. Peter knew that in times of suffering and persecution, the temptation to deny Jesus is a breath away, and engineered by the enemy himself.

Peter had experienced it personally. Not so very long ago, Peter had been tempted and denied Jesus. (John 18:15-27) He knew the devouring well, so he warned earnestly.

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Peter exhort the recipients of this letter to be sober-minded and alert? (verse 8)

When we experience difficulties, illness, struggles, trials, and certainly suffering and persecution, the immediate temptation we face is to make it all about us. We easily focus on our feelings, our sense of unfairness, and how we are being singled out and isolated for defeat.

Peter knew; he was human. He’d experienced it. When faced with the threat of persecution and being identified as one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter had caved to the temptation to preserve himself. Not just once; three times. Peter knew what it was like to lose sight of what is real and true, and he knew just how easy it was. Peter knew how quickly the enemy can devour those who aren’t on their guard, standing firm in faith.

The believers Peter encouraged desperately needed the reminder to stay alert and be sober minded, and so do we. If we have experienced persecution or suffering for our faith, has our first response been to press in to the Lord? Or has it been to shy away from discomfort and try to negotiate our way out of it?

Persecution is not always bodily harm; sometimes it can be the loss of our influence or career, or even the loss of family relationships. If we haven’t experienced persecution or suffering, or even discomfort for our faith, is it possible that’s because we are keeping it so well hidden?

The Original Intent

3) How does Peter encourage believers by writing of our lion-like adversary, attacks, and shared suffering? (verses 8-10)

The believers who received Peter’s letter were experiencing persecution and suffering, and Peter knew they were also being tempted by the devil to let go of their faith and turn away, considering it no longer worth the price tag of faithful following.

Peter encouraged them by telling them they were not alone in their sufferings. He reminded them of their brothers and sisters in faith who were soldiers in arms with them, persevering in faith and resisting the devil alongside them. Peter did not give them false hope of an end to their immediate sufferings, but instead reminded them they were part of a great company of believers, all of whom were enabled by the steadfast Spirit of God to stand firm in their faith.

Peter reminded them that after they endured suffering, the same God who called them would personally strengthen, restore and support them for His glory! I can’t imagine stronger encouragement! 

The Everyday Application

3) How does Peter encourage believers by writing of our lion-like adversary, attacks, and shared suffering? (verses 8-10)

Just like the believers Peter encouraged in his letter, we are also encouraged to look at the whole picture, too. Rather than hyper-focus on ourselves and the pain of our journey, we need to be encouraged to turn our eyes to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), recognizing that though we may suffer, our hope and future are secure in Him and our efforts for Christ are not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

While we may not be able to personally relate to the kind of persecution and suffering these believers experienced, we can be encouraged to turn our eyes away from self and toward the whole company of believers, past, present and future.

Together, we are soldiers in arms, and when one of us is persecuted or suffers for their faith, the entire body is affected. We are part of Christ’s universal Church; we are brothers and sisters in Him! 

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church,conviction,eternal,forgiveness,hope,Sin
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Live your truth.

Have you heard this recently in the world around you, especially in the western world? If not, maybe one of these: You do you. Do what makes you happy. Be true to yourself.

What would you add to this list?
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Posted in: church, Community, Faith Tagged: church, conviction, eternal, forgiveness, hope, Sin

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration

April 21, 2023 by Sara Cissell 1 Comment

Confidence Day 5 Confidence In Declaration

Sara Cissell

April 21, 2023

Christ,Clothed,Comfort,Community,Family,Fellowship

Read His Words Before Ours!

3 John 1:1-8
1 Peter 5:6-11
John 8:30-36
Psalm 86:11-13

Live your truth.

Have you heard this recently in the world around you, especially in the western world? 

If not, maybe one of these:
You do you. 
Do what makes you happy.
Be true to yourself.
What would you add to this list? 

Such statements may sound nice, but they are a false foundation upon which to build a life. 
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” 
Jesus is the truth. 

How do each of the phrases above shift when held up to the light of Christ?
Live Jesus’ truth.
Let the Lord, not your happiness, guide your actions.        
Truly reflect the Spirit of God living within you.

When presented with the absolute truth of Jesus Christ,
our focus shifts from ourselves to the Lord. 

Therefore, we must consistently and intentionally remind ourselves of the truth. We have an enemy actively working to keep us lost, distracted, consumed by ourselves, and confused.
The truth of Jesus declares the good news of the Gospel.

“If we walk in the light as He himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

“If we confess our sins,He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

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

As I write this study, I am looking in the proverbial mirror and practicing preaching the truth to myself. It is both refreshing and painful to embrace the truth, but I already feel the Lord growing me. 

What does declaring the truth to ourselves actually look like? 
For me, it currently means listening to the Lord regarding my marriage. 
Relationships are hard, and communication will make or break them. 
Recently, the Lord has demonstrated how speaking His truth to myself can help me healthily communicate with my husband. 

After a recent disagreement, the Lord, in His goodness, used a 15 second Instagram clip to arrest my attention and drill the truth into my heart. In the video, Christian writer, speaker, and musical artist Jackie Hill Perry asserted the Lord’s purpose for marriage is not to make us happy, but to make us holy.

Holiness. 
Not happiness. 

Conviction swept through me. Several Scripture passages came to mind on how to love my husband the way Jesus desires. I needed to hear the truth and I felt my perspective shift towards the Lord. Only He could help me. Instead of relying on my strength alone, I leaned into Him. 

Since then, the truth of marriage’s purpose has come to mind often and, with the Lord’s help, I have been able to communicate much more effectively with my husband. I have drawn closer to the Lord in the process and am looking to Him for my happiness and holiness. 

This is just one example in which the truth has truly set me free from a prison I was actively constructing with my thoughts and actions. 

Being in the Word is vital to knowing the truth. The next step is to declare it with confidence to yourself, and potentially as the Lord leads, to others. Had Jackie Hill Perry not confidently spoken the truth, I may still be wallowing in the muck of my unredeemed thoughts. 

In your life, where do you need to confidently declare the truth to yourself? 

Here are a few steps that have helped me:

  1. Acknowledge the area needing truth applied. 
  2. What does the Bible say? Read and write down applicable verses. 
  3. Speak that truth to yourself: out loud, in prayer, on sticky notes around the home, reminder alarms on your phone, any way that would bring the truth to the forefront of your mind. 
  4. Trust the Lord will honor your submission and reliance on Him.  (Hebrews 11:6)
  5. Repeat this process as needed. 

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give a friend is to speak the truth in love. I have been so grateful for the times friends have approached me with the truth, even if at the time I did not want to hear it. 

You may be the person to declare the truth to a friend, and I have found a similar process helpful:

  1. Name the struggle.
  2. Spend time in the Word.
  3. Pray. Is the Lord calling you to talk with your friend, or to intercede? Pray hard and listen carefully. Speaking the truth to a friend is an entrustment, not an entitlement, and is not to be taken lightly.
  4. If called to intercede, pray as the Holy Spirit leads. If called to conversation, approach it with humility, love, and patience. Your job is to share the truth, not to convince. Let the Holy Spirit do the convicting. 
  5. Pray for them moving forward, listening for the direction of the Holy Spirit.  

May we all learn to more confidently declare the truth to ourselves and others. It safeguards our paths as we navigate this life and enables us to draw closer to Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. To Him be the glory. 

Tags :
anchor,confidence,hope,Truth
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Digging Deeper

When faced with the threat of persecution and being identified as one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter had caved to the temptation to preserve himself. Not just once; three times. Peter knew what it was like to lose sight of what is real and true, and he knew just how easy it was. Peter knew how quickly the enemy can devour those who aren’t on their guard, standing firm in faith.
Dig Deeper!

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April 17 - May 5, 2023 - Journey Theme #117

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Posted in: Christ, Clothed, Comfort, Community, Family, Fellowship Tagged: anchor, confidence, hope, Truth
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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14