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Courage

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption

August 7, 2023 by Rebekah Hargraves Leave a Comment

Done Day 11 Reconciled Redemption

Rebekah Hargraves

August 7, 2023

Broken,Christ,church,Courage,Freedom,Justice,Kingdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:11-22
Luke 4:16-21
Galatians 3:27-29
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Isaiah 49:5-6

The past three years have been one of the most increasingly divisive seasons I have ever experienced in my country (the US) in my lifetime. Certainly, this was, in part, due to trauma we all experienced as a result of Covid. But another major aspect of this division hit the national spotlight following the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020. Racial injustice has been an on-going evil for generations, but when Floyd was killed on display for all to see, the ready-embers of injustice that had been growing hotter just below the surface, roared into view in a way none could continue to ignore. 

Today, claims of injustice – and attacks levied against those who dare to acknowledge and condemn injustice! – have reached a fever pitch. Derogatorily labeling people as “woke” or “liberal” as an excuse to ignore reality by refusing to look full into the face of oppression while erecting ever-higher racial dividing walls  has become commonplace in many circles – including Christians. 

My friends, this ought not be so.

Make no mistake, I’m not encouraging blind advocacy or any sociopolitical agenda with my words, I’m calling us to study and hold dear #HisWordsBeforeOurs; this requires Spirit-led discernment. But as followers of Christ, the One who referred to Himself as THE truth (John 14:6), one of most effective ways we demonstrate Christ’s love is by being “slow to speak and quick to listen” (James 1:19-20).

When we adhere to Christ’s teaching in this, the beautiful results are
we learn from others,
we actively pursue truth over opinion or prejudice, and
we cultivate the caring heart of Christ toward all who suffer injustice. 

These ideas of justice, freedom, and an end to oppression are foundational to the very nature of the Gospel itself. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus describes His mission by quoting Isaiah 61:1 as He stood in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-21):

“The Spirit of the LORD is on me,
because He has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” 

Anytime one nationality is set up against another as “better”….
Anytime people are divided along racial lines…
Anytime racism rears its ugly head…
The Gospel is to come in on the arms, ears, and lips of Love as the Bearer of Truth and a harbinger of Good News.

Not only are we all image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27), equal in God’s sight from the beginning, but the Gospel declares the restoration of what sin has ruined in our relationships with others. 

You see, not only does the Gospel have vertical implications (reconciling us to God, Galatians 3:27), but it has horizontal implications, as well as it reconciles us with one another. Early Church preacher and apostle Paul says in Galatians 3:28, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine) We are now one family, one Church; we have been reconciled to God and redeemed for His purposes. His grand purpose? To be His own Ambassadors of Reconciliation with one another as believers while carrying the Ministry of Reconciliation throughout the world. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

The Church.
US.
Harbingers of the Best News Ever.
Slashing through hate walls and barriers of injustice on the arms of love as we listen well and anchor our ready feet in the Gospel of the Savior who laid Himself down in humility to rescue us. (Ephesians 6:15)

Likewise, Ephesians 2:11-14 confirms, “So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called the ‘uncircumcised’ by those called ‘the circumcised,’ which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time, you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.”

Where human sinfulness erects divisions along ethnic, national, socioeconomic, and gender lines, the Gospel says, “No more.”

Psalm 62:10 declares God’s heart when he sings, “Place No Trust In Oppression.”
For His mercy triumphs and His mercy relentless pursues. (James 2:13 and Psalm 23:6, ESV)

Christ’s blood shed on the cross brought the eradication of our segregated lives,
separated by walls of hostility.

A divisive lifestyle has no place among those who bear the name of Christ, for it directly counters what He came to accomplish. Galatians 3:14 confirms, “The purpose was that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles by Christ Jesus, so that we could receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

God desires His Church to be one holy, redeemed family, showing love, equality, justice, respect, and honor for each member. This is our mission, friends. This is how we operate, together, as the holy temple (Ephesians 2:21) and the holy nation (1 Peter 2:9-10) we have been created to be in Christ.

One practical way I have sought to live this out is to be a listening ear, practice proximity, and have a sense of curiosity. I no longer act as if I know everything and understand what others have been though. I am determined to listen to the lived experiences of others, to learn and discover what they have been through, and to prayerfully consider how I can be the hands and feet of Christ. 

It’s hard work sometimes, friends, but it is important.
I invite you to join me in the journey!

Tags :
gospel,justice,kingdom,mission,righteousness
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Done Day 12
Digging Deeper

At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.

Ephesians 2:12-14
Dig Deeper!

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Posted in: Broken, Christ, church, Courage, Freedom, Justice, Kingdom Tagged: gospel, justice, kingdom, mission, righteousness

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI, Week 2

July 1, 2023 by Katelyn Palmer Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI, Week 2

Katelyn Palmer

July 1, 2023

Believe,Broken,Courage,Faith,Glory

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 Kings 18:36-38

“At the time for offering the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah approached the altar and said, ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that you are God in Israel and I am your servant, and that at your word I have done all these things.

37 Answer me, Lord! Answer me so that this people will know that you, the Lord, are God and that you have turned their hearts back.’ Then the Lord’s fire fell…”
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Yahweh, I have been reminded this week of my propensity to turn from You to other things and people, even myself, to sustain me just as generations of people before me have done. (Deuteronomy 4:23-27) Thank You for Your continued warnings (Exodus 34:12-17) and Your continued grace (1 Kings 18:37-39) as I navigate my brokenness in this world.

I know Your judgment is just and You rebuke those You love (Proverbs 13:24), so I shall accept my afflictions with gratitude (Psalm 119: 75-76). In my afflictions, give me life according to Your Word and teach me Your statutes. (Psalm 119:107-108) Lord, Your faithfulness, despite my brokenness, always astounds me. (1 Corinthians 1:9)

Yahweh, I ask for Your help in learning to discern Your voice from others. I ask for Your discipline (Hebrews 12:5-6) as I study Your Word and practice patience in waiting for Your answers to my prayers. (Psalm 62:1-2) I ask You for a heart that desires You and seeks Your counsel above all others, a heart like David’s who sought Your ways. (Acts 13:22)

Let me walk through this life with uprightness so that others who fear You may see me and rejoice and be strengthened in their faith. (Psalm 119: 74)
In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

When we are struggling deeply inside the griefs of sorrow, loss, and challenges beyond our abilities, we are easily tempted to only see our pain.

Lifting our head feels too difficult, let alone lifting our eyes to see another’s grief or to consider that our limited perspective is not the holistic view of the Lord God. But there comes a point in our suffering, where the intensity of the pain drives us either to surrender or choose to hoard bitterness like a miser who feeds upon it.

The widow in Elijah’s storyline found herself at this crossroads the day her son died. She had witnessed Elijah’s God caring for her, feeding her and her son in the midst of a multi-year famine, but still, it wasn’t enough for her to choose Yahweh as her God. The Lord did not bring her more abundance to help her eyes finally see and choose Him, He brought her a pain so great and a loss so deep, she simply must choose to either worship or walk away.

If you’ve experienced loss of some kind, how have you navigated these waters of decision? What factors have drawn you closer, pleading with you to surrender to the God whose “goodness and mercy” have continued to pursue you?

In what ways have you been tempted to turn away, trust yourself, and pull your pain ever-closer like a tattered blanket? In what ways do you sense the Lord calling you in this moment?
JOURNAL TWO

Elijah’s everyday faith, that grew over time as the Lord taught him to trust, is a great example of acting out our faith in daily life. The way Elijah speaks with the Lord while awaiting His instructions at the widow’s house is a great model for us.

When we feel the freedom to speak with the Lord as though He is a friend sitting across from us, we become actively engaged with Him and focus our thoughts on Him. Additionally, we see Elijah pause in anticipation of a response from the Lord. While it may not be an immediate response – in fact, Elijah spent years waiting for his next instructions – it is vital we intentionally listen for God’s voice when we speak with Him.

This helps us learn to discern His voice from others, including our own; learn patience, as God will answer us when He is ready and not a moment sooner. In actively listening for the Lord, we learn to trust Him regardless of our circumstances. As we seek God’s counsel each time we are faced with a decision, we learn to lean on His ways over our own more and more. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Insistently engaging God and seeking His counsel is something others will begin to see in our lives, just as the widow witnessed in Elijah. Consider whose faith-life has influenced your own. Praise God for their impact!

Ask the Lord to strengthen and increase your faith, making you aware of those around you who are being influenced by your walk with the Lord!

JOURNAL THREE

Humankind was made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:27) God created everything we see (Genesis 1:1-27). Being made in His image means that, because He is creative, we, too, have been blessed with creativity. When we use our creativity for His purposes, we reflect His glory back to Him and the world around us. This is true for every good aspect of our humanity.

Unfortunately, we often use what was intended to bring the Lord glory and instead wield its power to our detriment. The most obvious way we do this is through idolatry. (Jeremiah 2:5-9)

Idolatry in Elijah’s time was blatantly apparent with images they worshiped. Baal was the reigning “god” among king Ahab’s people, as well as Asherah, two universal gods of fertility. (1 Kings 16:31-33) While idolatry in our time covertly disguises itself, we are still sacrificing parts of ourselves in the name of gods that have no real power  like social media, cancel culture, approval of others, money, and image.

The prophets of Baal and Asherah who faced Elijah in 1 Kings 18:20-40 gave themselves over to something mankind created thinking it would give them ultimate power. When Elijah calls on the Lord, he knows that he himself is not capable of calling the fire, but God is outside of himself.

God was the Source of power, Elijah was meant to use his life to reflect God’s glory back to Him. What are we giving ourselves to that doesn’t have the power to sustain us like God? Which idols are your favorite?
Tags :
comfort,glory,hope,power,prayer
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Posted in: Believe, Broken, Courage, Faith, Glory Tagged: comfort, glory, hope, power, prayer

Sketched XI Day 1 One Light?

June 19, 2023 by Bri Bailey Leave a Comment

Sketched XI Day 1 One Light?

Bri Bailey

June 19, 2023

Courage,Desperate,Faith,Help,Hope,Journey,Strength,Struggle

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 16
Deuteronomy 18:9-18
Psalm 16
Romans 1:20-25, 28-32

Despair settled over me like a too-heavy yoke. 

I’d secured my sandals, slung a pack of provisions over one shoulder, and caught up my walking staff. Then, with hand on door, I froze, unable to push through the dread into the sunlight outside. 

I can’t do this, my mind protested. 
I’m only one man. 

Go, the small voice whispered. 

Groaning, I straightened my shoulders and set out to Samaria.

As dusk approached, I set up camp, then slumped dejectedly before a small fire. 

“Am I crazy?” I muttered aloud.

I must have imagined the small voice, I decided. In the morning, I’d return to Gilead. The evil in Israel was too great, and one man was too small to save a nation.

Bolstering my growing resolution, I remembered the Asherah poles atop the hills I passed. I’d kept my head down, trying to avoid the attention of prostitutes practicing sexual rituals to entice the goddess of fertility to bless the land.

I certainly couldn’t stop them, I reassured myself. I can’t uproot generations of wickedness.

Israel’s unfaithfulness to God began nearly as soon as their dusty feet touched Canaan. Raised in a community founded by Israel’s early judges, I’d grown up on tales of Israel’s infidelity. 

I could hear grandmother’s voice recounting Israel’s story. Our history was a tapestry laced with tragedy and faithfulness, she explained.

Miraculously rescued from slavery in Egypt, Israel cowered from entering the land God promised them. Consequently, they wandered the wilderness as an entire generation passed away. Yet God faithfully protected and provided for His children, leading them again to Canaan. 

Accustomed to the desert, we’d entered Canaan’s lushness agog, my grandmother recounted. Baal and Asherah worship, the god and goddess of fertility to whom Canaanites attributed their agricultural prosperity, assaulted Israel on all sides. 

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt [. . .] Do not have other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:1-3)

“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire[.] Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the LORD [. . .] You must be blameless before the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-13)

My grandmother’s voice always grew deep with mourning when recounting God’s words. He forewarned us to protect us, she murmured. God is sovereign; He knew evil and suffering would come with worshiping other gods. 

Yet the siren call of other gods was strong, and Israel’s devotion for Yahweh wavered.

Briefly, Israel was led by David, a king whose sinful humanity was undeniable, but who remained a man after God’s own heart, worshiping God alone. 

Successive kings once again married pursuit of other gods with Yahweh’s worship. (1 Kings 11:33)

Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians.
Chemosh, the god of Moab.
Miclom, the god of Ammon.
Golden calves, unsanctioned temples, and an illegitimate priesthood. (1 Kings 12:25-33)

David did what was right in God’s sight, following God with all his heart. (1 Kings 14:7-11)
Consecutive kings each did evil greater than their predecessors, thrusting God behind their backs. (1 Kings 15:1-3, 25-26, 34)

And the people moved again into syncretism. God, Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Armies, was fine for assuring victory in war, the people reasoned.

But for daily provision? For ensuring consistent rain cycles? For flourishing in stone-built houses, rather than wilderness tents?

Perhaps Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides, wasn’t quite up to the task, the people reasoned.

Better include Baal,
also known as lord of the earth.
Lord of rain and dew.
Rider of the clouds. 

I broke from my reverie, memories of my grandmother slipping away into the blackness edging the fire. Fire . . . and Baal.

Baal was reintroduced to Israel through the marriage of our current king, Ahab, to Jezebel, a Sidonian. Baal was worshiped with massive fires laid at the base of monstrous effigies. In times of plenty, livestock were sacrificed.

But in times of drought or famine, people believed Baal could only be aroused to send rain by the sacrifice of first-born children. Young children were thrown into the outstretched, superheated arms of the flaming idol, as priests created a cacophony of sound to drown out the horrific death-screams. Nearby, worshipers engaged in ritual sex, hoping to stimulate the gods to their own acts of fertility, bringing the rain.

Israel had known God, His eternal power and divine nature, as Creator of the world; yet they exchanged His truth for a lie, worshiping and serving creations instead of the Creator. (Romans 1:20-25) The evil into which Ahab led Israel and the rushing flood of suffering in its wake were nearly incomprehensible.

The people overflowed with unrighteousness, greed, and wickedness.
They breathed envy, murder, and malice.
They reveled in gossip, slander, and God-hating pride.
They abandoned trust, love, and mercy. 
(Romans 1:28-32)

Israel, it seemed, had done their very best to obliterate any trace of the One in whose image they were created. (Genesis 1:26-27)

“So why are you sending ME?!” I flung my vehement question toward the star-pocked heavens. “I am no one from nowhere, nearly the last of Your followers. You want ME to convict Ahab?! To convince him to repent? By foretelling famine and drought?? Do You understand, this will only drive him further into the fiery arms of Baal? I can’t compete with those priests! I can’t persuade the people! I can’t do it!”

My throat raw, my chest heaving, I turned away to the shadows.
“I’m not even sure You’re really there,” I whispered.

As I gazed into the darkness, a flicker of light appeared, diminutive as the flame of a single candle. 

Elijah, the small voice gently replied.

I am Yahweh, I AM WHO I AM.
I am the Sovereign One;
I alone possess the power and responsibility to convict, convince, or persuade. 
I am the Sovereign One;
no evil is so profound I cannot overcome it, no one is so lost I cannot rescue him, no darkness is so complete I cannot light it.
I am God With You, now and always;
I will go with you wherever I send you, for I hold your days in My hands.

Now, go.

A Note About Sketched

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

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

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

Tags :
courage,faith,present,question,trust,Wandering
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August 7, 2023
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Sketched XI, Day 2
Digging Deeper

It doesn’t appear David was looking to God for protection from anyone or anything particular.

He was requesting God Himself to be near – a reflection of his own desire to abide (dwell) in God’s presence.

Just as Moses desired. Just as Elijah desired.
Dig Deeper!

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Posted in: Courage, Desperate, Faith, Help, Hope, Journey, Strength, Struggle Tagged: courage, faith, present, question, trust, Wandering

Worship XI Day 10 Nun, Samek, & Ayin

June 9, 2023 by Meribeth Schierbeek Leave a Comment

Worship XI Day 10 Nun, Samek, & Ayin

Meribeth Schierbeek

June 9, 2023

Courage,Family,Fellowship,Glory,God,Grace,He

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:105-128
Revelation 19:11-16
Proverbs 2:1-15

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” 

Can you hear the music as we read Psalm 119:105?

The verse brings me back to the days of Amy Grant’s song “Thy Word,” based on this passage. 
“When I feel afraid and think I lost my way, you are there.  
Jesus be my guide, hold me to your side and I will love you to the end.”  

Today, this verse and song bring me back to my younger days, when everything felt safe and God was so big and so good. Yet even as my life has grown more complicated and struggles have crept in, He is still good today because of His unchanging character. The God of the Bible is GOOD, FAITHFUL, STEADFAST, and RIGHTEOUS. 

Your story and memories may not look like mine, but our God remains the same. Yes, there are times when we wrestle with doubt, but He carries our lives and our feelings, and He invites us to share all of it with Him.

This first small section, from Psalm 119:105-112 (ESV), contains 4 “I” statements belonging to us as God’s children who have placed our full trust in Him as our Savior.

I have . . . (verse 106, ESV)
I am . . . (verse 107, ESV)
I hold . . . (verse 109, ESV)
I incline . . . (verse 112, ESV)

Each of us could fill in these lines of poetry with our own experiences, and the Psalmist fills them in with His thoughts:  
I have sworn an oath. I am severely afflicted. I hold my life. I incline my heart.   

How would you complete these thoughts with your own words? 

Where can we draw near to the Lord to delight in Him, or to confess things we have held too tightly? How can we incorporate these 4 statements into our fervent prayers?  

I am drawn to verse 109 (ESV), reflecting that I too hold my life in my hands, sometimes in thankfulness, but sometimes in control. Yet, in my humanity, I forget His law, His better ways, sometimes. In those times, I seek God in confession, asking for help and reminding myself to continue to draw near to His presence in delight, rather than hiding in the darkness of my shame. 

As I have journaled the Psalms, I have come to love them because they share real, raw, and hard experiences, yet point us back to God’s truth over and over. We see this in verse 114: “You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word.” 

This verse brings to mind Genesis 3, where we find Adam and Eve hiding from the Lord, dressed in fig leaves in a vain attempt to cover their shame. I am so grateful God seeks each one of us out, calling us to hide or shelter ourselves in Him, our true shield. God describes Himself as our shield in several places: Genesis 15:1, Psalm 28:7, and the beloved Ephesians 6, which reminds us of the armor we have been given in Christ.

Next, we move to the middle section of verses, titled Samek. This heading in my Bible sounded scary, so I looked up its meaning. I learned Samek means to uphold, support, or lean on. Not scary after all, just a huge blessing! What a delight to behold the psalmist leaning on God and praising Him for upholding us! This psalm teaches us that when we don’t feel His everlasting arms sustaining us (Deuteronomy 33:27), we can cry out in prayer.

We finish our time together with 8 verses titled Ayin, which means “to see, to understand and obey, and possibly, as a silent Hebrew letter, conveys humility”. We see this humility in understanding reflected in the dependance and delight of the psalmist in verse 125.
“I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your decrees.”

Like the psalmist, I desire to be fervently asking God to deal with us according to His steadfast love, continuing to teach us His ways.

As we close, I’d love to leave you with these questions:

How are we delighting in God in our daily lives? 
How are we leaning on Him, depending on Him alone to uphold us?
How are we seeing, understanding, and obeying His words and instructions from a heart posture of humility? 

Tags :
forgiveness,grace,hope,mercy,purpose,worship
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August 7, 2023
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Digging Deeper

In this passage, we discover that through the Scriptures, the psalmist learns about the Lord’s promises and His commands. As he experiences affliction, he cries out to the Lord and offers worship.

The source of his joy is not from his circumstances, but from the Scriptures and the intimacy he experiences with the Lord through them.
Dig Deeper!

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May 29 - June 16, 2023 - Journey Theme #119

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Posted in: Courage, Family, Fellowship, Glory, God, Grace, He Tagged: forgiveness, grace, hope, mercy, purpose, worship

Worship XI Day 8 Kaf, Lamed, & Mem

June 7, 2023 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

Worship XI Day 8 Kaf, Lamed, & Mem

Carol Graft

June 7, 2023

Comfort,Courage,Faith,Fear,Focus,Hope

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 119:81-104
Luke 5:37-39
Revelation 6:9-11
Psalm 89:1-2
Proverbs 24:13-14

כ Kaf (Psalm 119:81-88)
“I long for your salvation;
I put my hope in Your word.”
(verse 81)

True confession:
I sometimes spend more time dreaming, wondering, fretting, and catastrophizing, rather than seeking answers in God’s Word. (Maybe you can relate?)
It’s easier to be upset; it’s also exhausting.

As I reflected on this verse, I felt God drawing me to relinquish worry, instead quiet myself as I prayerfully read the Word and listen for His voice. 

 “My eyes grow weary
looking for what You have promised;
I ask, ‘When will You comfort me?’”
(verse 82)

Like the psalmist, we may find ourselves wondering,
“Why haven’t I seen these dreams fulfilled?”  

We know God is fully aware of our dreams and desires.
When they intersect with His plans, 
we know He will keep His promises to fulfill His plans for us.
Sometimes, we see the fulfillment right away;
other times, we may not recognize it, because it appears different than we imagined,
or it may not happen on our preferred timeline.

In the waiting, we can look for the Divine and Holy in the midst of our now.

“Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke,
I do not forget your statutes.”
(verse 83)

Forty-plus years into my walk with Christ, I can easily forget the fresh love, joy, and rebirth I experienced in the early days of my salvation. Life has a way of drying out the “wineskins” of our souls; yet I know God will never abandon me. 

When we feel cracked and brittle, we are invited to refresh our weary souls with His presence, softening these vessels so they can hold fresh words, anointings, and callings. (Luke 5:37-39)

[If this resonates with you, check out “New Wine” by Hillsong!]

 “How many days must Your servant wait?
When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?
The arrogant have dug pits for me;
they violate Your instruction.
All Your commands are true.
people persecute me with lies—help me!
They almost ended my life on earth,
but I did not abandon Your precepts.
Give me life in accordance with Your faithful love, 
And I will obey the decree You have spoken.”
(verses 84-88)

 Daughters of the King, when we feel surrounded by enemies or suffering or lies, 
we can hope in His promises of true justice, faithful love, and life everlasting.  

ל Lamed (Psalm 119:89-96) 
“Lord, Your word is forever;
it is firmly fixed in heaven.  
Your faithfulness is for all generations;
You established the earth, and it stands firm.”
(verses 89-90)

Isaiah 40:8 echoes, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God remains forever.”

Throughout the generations, God remains steadfast. The same God who cares so tenderly for me will lovingly hold my great-great-grandchildren! 

To every generation, He reveals Himself anew 
as Jehovah Nissi, our banner or protector
as Jehovah Jireh, our provider
as Jehovah Rapha, our healer.

[Check out “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe, based on Numbers 6:22-27!]

 “Your judgments stand firm today,
for all things are Your servants.
If Your instruction had not been my delight,
I would have died in my affliction.”
(verses 91-92)

 My afflictions, my offenses, my sins were great. Yet even in my humanity, my stumbles, my failures, You are there. You draw me close. You forgive me and wash me clean. 

 “I will never forget Your precepts,
for You have given me life through them.
I am Yours; save me,
for I have studied Your precepts.
The wicked hope to destroy me,
but I contemplate Your decrees.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but Your command is without limit.”
(verses 93-96)

 I will call upon You day or night, for You alone can still the storms within and around me.
I am Yours; save me!

[Check out “Take Me to The King” by Tamela Mann!]

מ Mem (Psalm 119:97-104)
“How I love Your instruction!
It is my meditation all day long.
Your command makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me.”
(verses 97-98)

Line upon line, precept upon precept. Lord, let me cling to Your promises, meditating on them. I must seek You and Your word daily.

[Listen to the lyrics of “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me!]

“I have more insight than all my teachers
because Your decrees are my meditation.
I understand more than the elders
because I obey Your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path
to follow Your word.
I have not turned from Your judgments,
for You Yourself have instructed me.”
(verses 99-102) 

I will praise You even in the midst of my questions. As I meditate on Your word, You bring true understanding to my heart and guide my path.

“How sweet Your word is to my taste—
sweeter than honey in my mouth.
I gain understanding from Your precepts;
therefore I hate every false way.”
(verses 103-104)

A generation after Israel’s king David penned these words, his son, Solomon, wrote in Proverbs 24:13-14:
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good, 
and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate; 
realize that wisdom is the same for you. 
If you find it, you will have a future, 
and your hope will never fade.”

The delight and sweetness of Your word draws me near again and again. 
Thank You, Lord, for Your life-giving Word!

Tags :
courage,forgiveness,freedom,hope,power
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We know God’s Word is true, and that we can trust what the Scriptures say. (Psalm 33:4)

In a world where the rules are constantly changing and what was deemed moral yesterday is considered immoral today, having God’s Word forever settled in Heaven keeps believers off the merry-go-round of confusion and ambivalence regarding Truth.
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Posted in: Comfort, Courage, Faith, Fear, Focus, Hope Tagged: courage, forgiveness, freedom, hope, power

Mission Day 6 Mission Invitation

May 15, 2023 by Multiple Authors Leave a Comment

Mission Day 6 Mission Invitation

Multiple Authors

May 15, 2023

Christ,Confession,Courage,Gospel

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 28:16-20
Psalm 96:1-3
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Romans 5:15

“The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:16-20)

As I listen, shock reverberates through me.
Along with a small group of devoted followers, I’d witnessed Jesus’ brutal death. 
Three days later came the angel’s message, confirming the women’s proclaiming His resurrection.

Now, He stands with us, inviting us to live on mission with Him.
The questions colliding in my mind are echoed in the whispers of those around me…

Can this truly be our Messiah risen from the dead?
What does it mean to make disciples of all nations?
How can we, struggling to understand the scene unfolding before us, share our stories of the Good News we’ve received?
How can we teach, edify, and encourage those who partner with us on His mission?

This final in-person encounter between Jesus and His disciples is often referred to as The Great Commission, when Jesus charged His followers to make disciples throughout the world, teaching everything they’d learned from Jesus. In this commissioning, Jesus invites those who knew Him best to join His mission foretold by the prophet Isaiah:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, 
because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, 
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners[.]” 
(Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:16-21)

These initial disciples, or students, of Jesus were invited to proclaim what they’d experienced, seen, and learned during their time with Jesus. As more people heard and understood the truth of their sin and of the mercy, grace, and salvation found in Jesus, they had the choice to repent, or turn, from following themselves to surrendering to Jesus. Those who accepted the invitation became new disciples, and new partners in Jesus’ mission.

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

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

Indeed, Psalm 96:1-3 invites us,
“Sing a new song to the LORD;
let the whole earth sing to the LORD.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name; proclaim His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations, His wondrous works among all peoples.”

When we accept this invitation, we prepare to share how Jesus has redeemed our spirits and is actively transforming our lives.

When we accept this invitation, we must be careful to observe the boundaries of our mission. We are not called to condemn (John 7:53-8:11) or convict others (John 16:8), for Christ is Judge and only the Spirit can convict hearts of sin.
Nor are we called to convince by strong-arming people into believing, as this doesn’t result in authentic, personal faith. (Romans 10:9-10)
Finally, we are not called to “sell fire insurance” by extracting a confession of faith, then sweeping away to the next target, leaving our new sister in Christ stunned and blinking with no concept of how to follow Jesus and make their faith sure. (1 John 1:6-7)

Instead, we are invited to follow Jesus’ example to disciple disciple-makers. As we read of Jesus’ earthly ministry in Scripture, we see Him call disciples, then invest three years in teaching, loving, correcting, and encouraging them before commissioning them to make new disciples. (Luke 6:12-16)

Three years isn’t a magic number for discipleship; rather, Christ demonstrates the importance of a continual posture of learning for believers, and of those more mature in the faith to invest in those who are newer. Decades later, early church apostle and preacher Paul spoke to this:
“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Some believers, like Paul, might be called to share the gospel with those in distant lands, as the Good News of salvation is for everyone! Others might be led to join God’s mission closer to home, reaching out to those in their own communities. Both are necessary and valuable!

For me (Bri), a mom of three youngish kids in the middle of the US, sharing the Gospel has entailed reaching out to other moms I encounter in my day-to-day mommin’. I still remember screwing up every ounce of courage I could wring out of my shaking self to ask another mom at the local community center if I could pray with her about a challenge she faced. A few years later, she and I and a small group of other moms gathered around my crumb-covered kitchen table, exploring Scripture, sharing our hearts, and learning together while our littles played nearby. 

Friend, how is Jesus calling you to partner with Him on His mission?
With whom can you share the Gospel?
How can you pursue discipleship, for yourself or investing in another?

Our mission can seem scary and overwhelming! 
Take courage, for He has not sent us out alone. 
He is our Emmanuel, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14)

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

*This Journey Study was co-authored by Bri Bailey and Carol Graft

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gospel,mission,purpose,share,transformation
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Time spent mentoring and in accountability can be hard, but it is worth the time when we see how we have grown in faith, understanding, and love.

Some days it is challenging and messy, but on those days it is even more important that we turn to God to help us love one another, pray for each other, and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters as we have ability.
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Posted in: Christ, Confession, Courage, Gospel Tagged: gospel, mission, purpose, share, transformation

Mission Day 5 Living On Mission: Digging Deeper

May 12, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Mission Day 5 Living On Mission: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

May 12, 2023

Bold,Courage,Faith,Gospel

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

This DD Connects With "Living On Mission"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 10:8-15

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

The Original Intent

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Everyday Application

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Journey Study

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

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

Often, we think of “missions” as traveling to a distant land to deliver sermons and meet physical needs. Intimidating visions of missionaries living far from the comforts of home persuade us to stick to something safer.
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Posted in: Bold, Courage, Faith, Gospel Tagged: bold, gospel, hope, rescue, salvation, share

Confidence Day 1 Confidence In Testimony

April 17, 2023 by Lesley Crawford 10 Comments

Confidence Day 1 Confidence In Testimony

Lesley Crawford

April 17, 2023

Bold,Courage,Equipped,Holy Spirit

Read His Words Before Ours!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Not only did Jesus conquer sin on the cross, but He also conquered death by rising from the dead and making a way for us to no longer be condemned to spiritual death, but to live forever with Him.
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Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors

March 3, 2023 by Lori Meeks Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors

Lori Meeks

March 3, 2023

church,Community,Courage,Encourage,Faith,Family,Fellowship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:23-25
Acts 15:36-40
Colossians 4:10-15
Genesis 2:15-22

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philemon 1:23-25)

How often do we skip right over these benedictions in Scripture? If you’re anything like me, do you ever wonder why these verses are included and important to the Bible? 

2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine) tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable [. . .] so that the [woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Therefore, these closing verses are God-inspired and useful in our journey! Let’s jump in and see what we learn as we meet Philemon’s coworkers.

Epaphras is first mentioned in Colossians 1:7-8, then again in 4:12:
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.”  

Here, we gain some insight into this man with an unusual name. Possibly one of the founders of the church in Colossae, Epaphras partnered with the Apostle Paul in deep care for the church and in ministry. 

Mark, often referred to as John Mark in Scripture, is more familiar as the author of the gospel of Mark. John Mark was also a cousin to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who often traveled with Paul; Mark is introduced in Acts 12:12, 25. 

Paul’s relationship with Mark was tumultuous. While we don’t know the details, at some point, Mark left the group of missionaries traveling with Paul. (Acts 15:36-40) It’s possible Mark was young, immature, or just took a wrong turn, as many of us do in our journeys following Jesus. This upset Paul so deeply that when Mark tried to rejoin the mission, the team parted ways over his return. 

The letter to Philemon, however, leads us to believe they were reconciled. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul even requested, “Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.” Paul’s words indicate the men had grown to rely on each other as they served together to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Next is Aristarchus, who we learn from Acts 27:2 is a Macedonian from Thessalonica and a companion of Paul. We meet him when Acts 19:21-41 describes a riot in Ephesus. Aristarchus, as Paul’s traveling companion, was swept along as the mob converged on a local amphitheater. 

Additionally, he accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys (Acts 20:1-6), as well as on his trip to Rome. In Colossians 4, Paul referred to Aristarchus as a “fellow prisoner.” Throughout the trials accompanying spreading the Gospel, Aristarchus remained a devoted co-laborer with Paul.  

Demas, like the other men, started out as a “fellow worker” of Paul’s and was with him in Rome. (Colossians 4:14) However, 2 Timothy 4:9-10 reveals his commitment was short-lived, “Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone on to Thessalonica.”

As I was researching these men, one commentary made an interesting point: at least three of them (Epaphras, Aristarachus, and Mark) were faithful workers in sharing the Gospel, starting churches and going on missions with Paul, yet I cannot recall a sermon preached about Epaphras or Aristarchus. 

Yet, clearly they were hard-working and faithful companions to Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament. From their stories, we learn we don’t have to be well-known to do great work for Jesus. These lesser-known men were simply faithful to God’s call and faithful to their mentor, Paul. Here is a lesson for all of us! 

As I write, I’m reminded of the song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” 
We were not made to do life alone. (Genesis 2:18) 
We all need people in our lives. 
People to serve with us, to encourage us, to stick by our side no matter what. 
People who will continue the work of Jesus when we can’t. 
People who share the desire to serve our Father. 

Personally, I have been blessed with such people. My kids call us the Kool Momz; these ladies (Marla, Dawn, and Katherine) love Jesus and desire to honor and serve Him as much as I. We pray together, eat together, laugh together and support each other. 

This past fall, Katherine’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer, devastating news that rocked her to the core. But God knew and He had worked to bring the four of us together so she did not walk through that deep valley alone. We stood in the gap for our hurting friend, doing whatever was needed, whenever it was needed. And when they received the news the cancer was gone – we celebrated together! 

I pray each of you will find your people, those with whom you can do life. 
Those who will encourage you, challenge you to grow in Jesus, pray with you, study with you, walk beside you during the hard, and celebrate with you during the good. 
The grace of God bonds us not only as friends, but as family.
Life is better together!

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