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Known Day 6 El Chuwl

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Known Day 6 El Chuwl

Sara Cissell

July 17, 2023

Alive,Daughter,Family,God,Good,Joy

Read His Words Before Ours!

Jonah 3:1-4:11
Psalm 139:13-18
Romans 12:1-2

El Chuwl
The God who gave you birth. 

I love how the Lord moves and orchestrates all the elements of my life, including this Journey Study. Before I truly quieted my heart to listen for the Lord’s direction, I had multiple ideas for where this study may have gone and I guarantee Jonah’s story (an ordinary Hebrew man, commissioned by God to deliver a call to repentance to one of Israel’s fiercest enemies) was not one of them.

Yet within Jonah’s story, I found the Lord’s heart beating for His creation. 

More often than not, I have read the book of Jonah primarily from Jonah’s perspective and considered how it related to my life. However, as I pondered El Chuwl, I saw the four chapters in a new light. 

All genuine Christ-followers have two births: our physical one and our spiritual one. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, a religious leader whose curiosity was sparked by Jesus’ stunning teaching and ministry (John 3), is a great place to begin to comprehend just what the Lord means by being twice birthed.

Our physical births are denoted by our birthdays. Each year, we mark the time we have spent on earth, and declare ourselves another year older. Even before our physical births, the Lord knew us in the womb. Psalm 139 says He knit us together; His involvement in our physical births was deeply intricate and intimate. 

Scripture is clear that His involvement in our spiritual births is equally intricate and intimate. “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44) “For He (Father) chose us in Him (Christ), before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4) Our spiritual births take place when we ask the Lord to be our Savior, to forgive our sins, and we surrender control of our hearts to Him. (1 John 1:9) We are born into His family and now have eternity with Him as our secured future. 

I had my spiritual birth when I was a pretty young child, so I don’t fully remember all the elements occurring in my life at the time. However, I do remember my older brother starting his life with the Lord two weeks before I made my decision. I watched him over those two weeks to determine if I wanted to make the same choice. Thankfully, I did, and I have a vivid memory of the moment I prayed to the Lord. 

For those of you who became a Christian later in life, what was your story? 
Can you look back over your life and see the fingerprints of God leading you towards Him? 

The Lord is an involved Father and He watches over His children and His children-to-be.

This leads us back to Jonah. 

After literally running away from the Lord (Jonah 1) and spending time in the belly of a great fish rethinking his choices (Jonah 2), Jonah finally obeyed the Lord and went to Nineveh, where he obediently declared the coming destruction from the Lord. (Jonah 3) When the Ninevites actually repented, Jonah grew angry at the Lord’s mercy for a wildly undeserving people. The Lord’s response in chapter 4 stopped me in my tracks and spoke directly to my heart. 

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

For some in Nineveh, that may have been the moment of their spiritual birth; only the Lord truly knows. Regardless, the Lord proved His faithfulness to everyone who had experienced a physical birth in Nineveh by sending Jonah to get their attention and challenge them to change their ways. 

The Lord’s character is consistent, and I know He has not changed throughout the years since Jonah walked the earth. (Hebrews 13:8) His heart is still for His creation, and He still longs for us to walk with Him. He is the God of Life who gives us both of our births.

So how do we respond? 

I think Romans 12:1-2 lays out a plan of action quite well: offering ourselves to the Lord and renewing our minds moves us closer to walking with Him. 

I imagine a toddler reaching up for her father, asking him to pick her up. She may even use the innocent phrase, “hold you.” 

This faith like a child rises up within me as I comprehend just a hint of the Lord’s heart for the Ninevites, which brings the realization of the Lord’s intense love for me too. 

So Lord, I turn to You. Thank You for being the God who gave me both my births. Thank You for loving me and leading me each day since. I surrender my will and life again to You today. Transform me and renew my mind. I turn my eyes to You and raise my arms. Hold me, Abba!

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Known Day 7
Digging Deeper

When we focus on God as the Master Craftsman, it is easier for us to appreciate that we are His marvelous workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

Tara Sun asserts that “when we stand in proper view of the reality of our Savior, we can stand in thankfulness and contentment for how we were created. Bumps, dimples, curves, saggy skin and all.”

Thank You, Lord, for hand-crafting each one of us into a unique masterpiece!
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July 10 - July 28, 2023 - Journey Theme #121

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Known Day 5 Parakletos

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Known Day 5 Parakletos

Carol Graft

July 14, 2023

Believe,Beloved,Daughter,Faith,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Luke 4:16-21
John 14:16-17
1 John 2:1-2
Isaiah 11:1-2

“Yada, yada”
A Hebrew phrase meaning to know and be known on the deepest, most intimate levels.

Perhaps you’ve heard it colloquially as “etc, etc, etc,” or perhaps, closer to its true definition, you’ve heard it means “to be familiar with.”

But Truth?
It means to know God and be known by Him in the deepest of ways.
Nothing hidden. Nothing secret. All things known.

Wait, we might say. What about those times when we are deep in sin, or just stepping into the shallows of sin? What about when we feel impossibly far away from Him, separated by oceans of shame and fear?

Even in those moments, He knows us. 

And perhaps more astonishingly, even in those moments, He loves us. (Romans 5:6-11)
Did you know your name is written in the palm of His hand? (Isaiah 49:16a)

Poet, warrior, and eventual king of Israel, David, even wrote about God knowing humankind as we are formed in our mothers’ wombs. (Psalm 139)
God knows us. 

This Journey Theme is focusing on several traits, characteristics, and attributes of God as revealed through His names. Learning His names, characteristics, and attributes deepens our understanding and experience of knowing God and being known by Him.

Parakletos is a Greek word encompassing several attributes of God: 
Comforter (John 14:15-17)
Counselor (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Advocate or Intercessor (1 John 2:1)

In one of Jesus’ last conversations with His disciples and followers, He promised to send a Comforter, and instructed them to wait in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:44-49) Acts 2 relates how, true to His word, the Comforter was faithful to come to the waiting disciples; He remains readily available to every believer today, as well! 

Did you know this incredible encounter isn’t the first time God as Comforter is mentioned in Scripture? Upon hearing Jesus’ promise of the Comforter’s arrival, the disciples may have recalled Isaiah 61:1-2:
“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;
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort all who mourn[.]”

In fact, Jesus read much of this passage aloud and proclaimed its fulfillment in His own self. (Luke 4:16-21) When we find ourselves adrift, grieving, or simply saddened, we can bring our hurt to the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3) His comforting spirit will overshadow us, lifting our hearts and our spirits. 

  Just as Isaiah, an ancient prophet who spoke God’s word to the people of Israel, prophesied God’s nature as Comforter, he also declared God is our Counselor. 

“For a child will be born for us,
A son will be given to us, 
And the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)

As we come to know the LORD our Counselor more deeply, we learn to recognize His guidance. 

Sometimes, we might go to God with a question, a concern, a “what is my next step, Lord?” and something sinks into our spirits from Him. Perhaps a word or a phrase or the nudge to read a certain passage of Scripture. 

Sometimes, we might also seek counsel from a trusted friend or mentor, always remembering to weigh their advice against the truth of God’s word in Scripture.

This is God the Counselor at work. 
These nudges are holy. 

Finally, God is our Advocate. Ever sin? Ever repent of that sin? When we repent (commit to changing our thinking and behavior) and ask for God’s forgiveness, God our Advocate works on our behalf:
“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ the righteous one. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours, but also for those of the whole world.” 
(1 John 2:1-2)

Jesus already paid our sin-price; the debt of sin to a perfectly righteous and holy God that should condemn us has been paid by God Himself, in Jesus. 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
(Romans 8:1)

Sisters, God is our Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate.

Today, as He perfectly fulfills each one of these characteristics, He is inviting us to know Him and be known by Him in a deep and intimate way.

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depth,intimacy,knowing,relationship
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Digging Deeper

It’s unlikely that talk of the Spirit was totally new to Jesus’ disciples. They had likely read or heard the passages of Scripture referring to the Spirit of God.

We don’t know how much the apostles understood in that moment, but they would come to understand the Spirit was also their Lord and their God. He was not merely a vague vapor or mist. He was not a force or an energy. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God personified!
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Sketched XI Day 5 Faith Forward: Digging Deeper

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Sketched XI Day 5 Faith Forward: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

June 23, 2023

Alive,Amazed,Daughter,Digging Deeper,Giving,Good,Hero,Hope

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 "Faith Forward"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Kings 17:8-24

8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” 10 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.” 11 As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.”

12 But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked—only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.”

13 Then Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, 14 for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.’”

15 So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. 16 The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through Elijah.

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. 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 would God provide for Elijah through a widow with such meager means? (verse 12)

When Elijah obeyed God in Zarephath by asking a widow for food, she told him she only had “a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.” (1 Kings 17:12) David Guzik notes, “Widows were notorious for their poverty in the ancient world. God told Elijah to go to a Gentile widow and receive provision; it probably seemed to make more sense to wait beside a dry brook.”

God could have sent Elijah anywhere, but he chose an impoverished widow to supply his needs so Elijah would know that God can provide through seemingly impossible circumstances. (Jeremiah 32:17) A widow with minimal food was as useful to God as someone with a storehouse of grain. God was not dependent upon her supply. He only needed her willingness and obedience to cooperate with His purposes. (Philippians 2:13)

God was also stretching and strengthening Elijah to do His will. Donald Wiseman notes, “Elijah was visiting enemy territory and showing the power of God in an area where Baal was worshiped.” Every time God moved Elijah to a new place, he learned to trust God more and believe in His promises and His provision. Garrett Kell suggests, “God doesn’t train His children to trust Him in just one situation; He often changes our circumstances to teach us to trust Him in new ways.”

Elijah learned that no matter what God led him to, He could always be trusted to provide (Philippians 4:19) and keep His Word (Hebrews 10:23). 

The Everyday Application

1) Why would God provide for Elijah through a widow with such meager means? (verse 12)

As a child, I read voraciously. One day I grabbed a book of my Dad’s called Hey God! by Frank Foglio. It portrayed an extremely poor Italian-American family who became Christians and decided to share Jesus with everyone they met.

One day Papa Foglio brought visitors home for dinner so he could share Jesus with them, but Mama Foglio didn’t have enough food for her large family, let alone extra mouths. So they prayed, and she just kept pulling spaghetti out of the pot until everyone in the house had eaten their fill!

As a child, reading Foglio’s unwavering faith that God would provide, made a big impact on me. It was just one in a string of testimonies that built my faith in God and taught me that He can be trusted even when circumstances say otherwise. (Psalm 56:3)

The same kind of faith played a role in the events surrounding Elijah and impoverished widow of 1 Kings 17:12. God sent Elijah to her to be fed and housed, even though she was preparing to cook her last supply of oil and flour on the day they met. Elijah trusted she was the one God provided, even though it looked like she was the last person who could help him. The widow made Elijah the loaf of bread in faith, trusting his words about the flour and oil not running out would prove true.

If the widow’s pantry had been full, all Elijah would have gotten was a meal. Instead he reaffirmed he could hear God and trust what He said. Elijah also became the means of blessing a faithful servant of the Lord who would have starved to death had he not come.

The Original Intent

2) Why did Elijah question God regarding the tragedy of the boy’s death? (verse 20)

God sent Elijah to the home of a widow and her son in Zarephath, where He miraculously fed Elijah by replenishing the widow’s meager store of flour and oil. (verses 13-16) Elijah’s presence saved the widow and her son from starvation, but the son grew ill and died during Elijah’s stay. (verse 17)

The grieving widow brought her lifeless son to Elijah who “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?’” (1 Kings 17:20) Elijah assumed that all of his trials followed him to the poor widow’s house and brought her tragedy as well.

Authors Keil & Delitzsch propose, “These words, in which the [Hebrew] word also refers to the other calamities occasioned by the drought, contain no reproach of God, but are expressive of the heartiest compassion for the suffering of his benefactress and the deepest lamentation, which, springing from living faith, pours out the whole heart before God in the hour of distress.”

Elijah was certain God led him to this widow, as evidenced by the miracle with the flour and the oil not running out. Elijah could only trust God and implore Him to heal the son of this faithful servant. His faith in God’s direction was solid, as was his belief in God’s mercy and compassion (Psalm 145:8)

The Geneva Study Bible also suggests “He was afraid lest God’s name be blasphemed and his ministry condemned, unless he continued His mercies as He had begun them, especially while he remained there.”

Elijah knew God had shown Himself Good and Faithful to Elijah, and he trusted that God had led him to this widow’s home to show Himself Good and Faithful to her as well. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Elijah question God regarding the tragedy of the boy’s death? (verse 20)

Elijah was finding it difficult to be the Lord’s prophet when he arrived at the poor widow’s home. He was going from one trouble to another, trusting in God to sustain him day by day. By the time the widow brought her dead son to him, he was overwhelmed with the amount of troubles in his path, and 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?’” (1 Kings 17:20).

Elijah was not blaming God or even complaining so much as he was exclaiming, “Here’s yet another hardship God is bringing me through.”

By now, Elijah’s reflex response was to go directly to God with his need and throw himself upon God’s love and mercy. (Hebrews 4:16). Although he was weary of the problems, he trusted God was with him in the midst of it all. (Psalm 23:4)

Most of us, like Elijah, have cried out at the addition of yet one more hardship in our lives. Relationship struggles, financial burdens, health challenges and anxious thoughts can make us feel like we can’t handle everything we need to manage.

Like Elijah, we need to turn immediately to God with every struggle that threatens to overwhelm us and allow Him to help us. He may bring immediate healing or deliverance, or He may provide assistance through friends or family, but He promises to always meet every need (Philippians 4:19) and never leave us alone (Joshua 1:9).

We can trust in His provision no matter how trying the situation becomes.

The Original Intent

3) Why did it take Elijah raising her son from the dead for the woman to believe Elijah was a man of God? (verse 24)

Although Elijah stayed with the widow and she witnessed the daily miracle of no decrease in her store of flour and oil, it was only after Elijah prayed and her son was raised from the dead that the widow proclaimed, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true.” (1 Kings 17:24)

While experiencing the blessing of food on the table every day surely convinced her that Elijah was sent by his God, having her son restored to her showed her the Hebrew God was personal. She went from learning about Jehovah from Elijah to personally experiencing His power and love in a life-changing way.

“Whatever stage her religious belief had before reached, she now advances beyond it, and acknowledges Jehovah as truth itself.” (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges) Elijah was led to this widow’s home so God could meet her physical needs, but also so He could meet her spiritual needs. The visit from Elijah was just as much a ministry and display of God’s power, authority, and personal love for the widow as it was for Elijah.

Author J. Hampton Keathley III suggests that the Lord “was more concerned that she get to know Him because He was her real need.” Bringing a person back to life was something only a powerful, benevolent God could do, and it was what the Lord chose to use to reach this widow with His Truth.

As He had done with Elijah, using his hardships to teach him about faith and trust in Him (Romans 8:28), so God did with the widow, using the famine and her son’s death to teach her about the powerful and loving nature of Jehovah.

The Everyday Application

3) Why did it take Elijah raising her son from the dead for the woman to believe Elijah was a man of God? (verse 24)

My husband is a public school teacher, but we both agreed  homeschooling was the best option for our family. I had been a teacher before our children were born, so he left most of the homeschooling duties and decisions to me.

One day, a friend hired him to tutor their homeschooled children in Spanish for a quarter. Every week he came home excited about the benefits of homeschooling. He was enthused about the opportunities available due to the nature of home education. He had been on board with homeschooling before his hands-on experience, but now he was an active proponent of home learning. Teaching in a homeschool environment made him a bona fide “homeschooler,” and that helped him engage in our own homeschool adventures in a way he never had before.

Having a deeply personal encounter with the God of Elijah changed things for the widow. Before her son was raised from the dead, she was glad to have the man of God in her home, grateful for the food his presence provided, but when he prayed on her behalf and God resurrected her son, she exclaimed, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Lord’s word from your mouth is true.” (1 Kings 17:24)

She went from believing Elijah was God’s prophet to experiencing God for herself in an unforgettable way. This is what God desires for each of us; it’s what He’s building the journey of our lives around. He is pleased for us to learn about Him, but more than anything He wants us to know Him. Personally. Deeply. (1 John 5:20)

He loves us so much that He longs for communion with us. (John 15:4-5) He wants us to know Him deeper and become more like Him every day. He uses every experience in our lives, positive and negative, to bring us closer to Him. (1 Peter 5:10)

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Sketched XI, Day 5
Journey Study

I am struggling.

Struggling with loneliness as I bear the crushing burden of survival for myself and my sweet boy.

Struggling with a society that leaves us scraps at the best of times, dust and searing hunger and the looming specter of death during this time of drought and famine.

Struggling with fear, which snarls in my ear and prods me to clench tight the handful of grain I have left. Who does this stranger think he is? What does he imagine I, who have nothing, can give him?
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June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship XI Week 1

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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship XI Week 1

Carol Graft

June 3, 2023

Adoration,Comfort,Daughter,Fruitfulness,Hope,Worship

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!

Psalm 37:23-24

A person’s steps are established by the LORD, and he takes pleasure in His way. Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD supports him with His hand.
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Lord, I delight in knowing Your hand is on my life!
Even when I was trapped in muck and mire of struggle, grief, or even the mundane, Your hand has always been upon me! Looking back, I know I haven’t always recognized Your loving kindness toward me or the constancy of Your presence, yet You have remained steadfast.
I praise You for Your faithfulness!

I confess how easily I turn to doubting questions, dismay, or even anger and perplexity when my current situation doesn’t line up with how I view Your plans for me should be according to me. Help me hold fast to the truth that You are always good, kind, and loving. Teach my heart to respond in faith when I anchor into this truth.

In every season, whether waiting, hard, thrilling, or peaceable, You have known my pathways before time began and Your steadfast loving goodness guides me, giving me cause for genuine worship.

In every step I’ve taken, whether stumbling and falling, running and rebelling, or skipping with delightful obedience, You have been constantly present. You have always held me fast, always been ready to teach my heart Your ways. You never leave or forsake Your own; I’m so very grateful, Lord! Bless Your Holy Name!

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Sometimes reading the Bible can feel tedious and we aren’t sure what to do with its words. If you feel this way about Psalm 119, visit Deborah’s Journey Study from Monday as she walks us through each line and provides practical application and solid heart-motivation.

The Lord’s instruction is for each of us, offering to stabilize our path with perfect wisdom. The obedience and willingness to follow is on us!

How have you struggled in reading Scripture in the past? What heart-motivations do you sense when you think about reading your Bible? Take time to journal these out and bring them to the Lord in curiosity of where He will lead you!

Then take a quick read of Alef & Bet with Merry as she helps us unpack some of the rich depths of Psalm 119:1-16 and helps us understand the original culture and audience. The more we know the Lord, the more we love Him, and the more we hunger for His ways!

How have you seen this truth play out in your own spiritual journey? Looking for personal encouragement on heeding Scripture?

Deborah’s testimony reminds us of the value of steadfast following of Christ while rejecting the temptations to sin!

Wondering how to increase your delight in the Lord? Begin with prayer, worship, and regular reading of God’s Word!

JOURNAL TWO

Sarah provided us a treasured peek into her personal time with the Lord in what she shared with us on Wednesday’s “Gimel & Dalet” from Psalm 119:17-32. If you haven’t read these 16 verses, do it now!

While you read, write down a few words that stick out as curious. What is interesting about those? Have you ever experienced those “fear of falling” moments Rachel described in her Digging Deeper Study on Thursday?

She encourages us to trust the Lord’s wise ways because His faithfulness will never leave us flailing and abandoned; He is always available to steady us.

When have You experienced the faithful hands of the God who never abandons? When have you wished for something more stable and secure? What does it mean for your heart to know the Lord’s steadfast ways and kind voice are always present for you?  

Sarah shared transparently of her rebellion against God and her confession of sin that brought her near to Him again. She returned boldly because she knew the deep truth that she was always welcome because God is perpetually gracious and forgiving.

Think of one instance when you experienced grace and forgiveness. Verbally give God praise for His love for you!

These women journaled their prayers of joy, confession, and worship; let’s follow their example and practice doing the same!

JOURNAL THREE

It’s hard to write your testimony, but it’s a joy to share of what the Lord has done to bring His Light into your darkness! The more we practice sharing, and declaring God’s work in our lives, the easier it becomes!

An easy way to start sharing is by writing your story. Share it with us by joining our Faces of Grace women who boldly tell of God’s work in their lives! Reading another’s story of transformation by Jesus can greatly encourage us as we see how pieces of our story connect with hers. Flee the temptation to discount your hard places, thinking others are “farther ahead” than you because their story is different. Rejoice in what the Lord is doing in you!

Repentance from sin, finding the freedom of forgiveness, and growing in our knowledge of Jesus’ love radically makes us new as Amy’s story so beautifully reminds us. Turn to Psalm 119:33-56 and pick up your pen to journal your experiences in either walking with the Lord and delighting in Him or your longing for something richer and deeper.

Digging Deeper, Stacy guides us in exploring the heart motives and easy applications for worship and prayer we can make from He, Vav, & Zayin starting right now! Take 10 minutes and sit with the Faithful One whose commands for life are overflowing with love and freedom; far away from cold and legalistic, He longs for you to truly know Him!
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Whole Day 13 The Hope Of Wholeness

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Whole Day 13 The Hope Of Wholeness

Marietta Taylor

July 6, 2022

Believe,Blessed,Broken,Cross,Daughter,Forgiven,Freedom,Righteousness,Sacrifice

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 5:1-7
Revelation 22
Psalm 34
Luke 11:33-36
Psalm 19:7-14

Hope.
Trusting in, waiting for, and looking for.

Those who are broken hope for wholeness.
And aren’t we all broken in some way, big or small?

In seeking wholeness, we easily find ourselves looking for healing from wrong sources.
The Bible talks about our misplaced gazes so we can recognize them and reject them.

We look to idols such as
money (Luke 16:13),
popularity (Galatians 1:10),
politics (Matthew 22:21),
and possessions (Luke 12:16-21).

We try to heal ourselves through things like
willpower (Romans 7:19-20),
sex (Hebrews 13:4),
ambition (1 Corinthians 8:2),
and a host of others (Colossians 3:5).

Do any of these actually heal our brokenness?
Absolutely not. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We look everywhere but the one true place to fix our eyes and be made Whole.

Only one place exists where our hope for wholeness can be perfectly fulfilled. 

The apostle John described it like this,
“Then he [an angel] showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse.” (Revelation 22:1-3)

Of this place where Wholeness knows no end, Jesus said to His disciples,
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

Where was Jesus going?
Do we know the way to where He went?
Absolutely!

He was going back to His Father, Our Father God, in heaven.

Heaven, where we will be…
wholly united with God.
wholly worshiping Him.
wholly free from fears, tears, and suffering.
wholly unbroken.
(Isaiah 25:8-9)

This is the place we long for as we suffer many things in our “earthly tents”.
2 Corinthians 5:2 says, “Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling.” We groan because here we are broken and not whole.

Yet, we are not without hope for Jesus is our Living Hope.
(1 Peter 1:3)

Through His sacrifice on the cross we are able to enter Heaven, despite the load of brokenness and sin we carry. His blood paid the price for our sin, cleansing us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior is the key to turning over our brokenness and allowing Him to usher us into wholeness.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.” (Revelation 22:14) Our dirty robes of sin and death are washed clean by the blood of Jesus, “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

We live today with our brokenness while focused on the guarantee of wholeness in Heaven. But how do we live today, while longing for eternity? Scripture gives us direction, if we’re paying attention.

Truthfully, I’m not always paying close enough attention. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own brokenness and the sharp edges of those around you. Add in the broken world we live in and we become even more distracted from Scripture’s clear commands that light our paths. (Psalm 119:105) But the Bible is our lighthouse, our beacon, our “you are here” map with the star planted squarely on heaven as our destination.

Psalm 19:7-14 tells us these things about the Word of God, the Bible:

  • The perfect Word of God revives our souls
  • The reliable Word of God makes us wise
  • The “rightness” of the Word of God should cause us to rejoice
  • The pure Word of God enlightens us
  • The fear of the Lord (as we read the Word of God) is cleansing and proves eternal
  • The rules of the Lord (found in the Word of God) are true and righteous
  • The Word of God is worth desiring more than anything on earth
  • The Word of God should cause us to read, study, memorize, apply it to our lives and share it with others

This is what we desire so deeply at Gracefully Truthful. We want every one of those statements to be true for everyone’s life. We take this verse to heart as we study alongside you, “If, therefore, your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be entirely illuminated, as when a lamp shines its light on you.” (Luke 11:36)

We want the Word of God to shine so brightly in and through you that people are drawn to it and gain their promise of wholeness through faith in Christ. We want it for ourselves, for each person in our ministry, each of you reading this today, and for every person we encounter.

God came to save all (2 Peter 3:9) and He invited us to be part of that effort. (Mark 16:15-16) What a privilege that He would make us co-laborers with Him in His redeeming work. (1 Corinthians 3:9) We cannot neglect this incredible opportunity!

Bless and praise Him always.
Boast in Him, not ourselves.
Proclaim His greatness, not ours.
Seek Him when we need rescuing.
Have reverential awe of Him.
See that He is good.
See that He is Provider.
Keep our tongue from evil and deceit. (Psalm 34:1-13)

“Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14)

Do all these things, not alone, but by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.
This is how we live broken with an eye on wholeness.
We boldly share this Hope with others so the nations, each incredibly broken on earth, can be healed by the leaves of the tree of life in Heaven.

I want us all to rejoice on that day. So, shine forth your light from your beautiful, broken lantern and give His light to the world!

Tags :
broken,eternity,hope,Sin,whole
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If we have a loved one or know someone living with a disability, illness like cancer, or suffering of any kind, we can take heart knowing this is only temporary for those who trust Jesus as their Savior. My own mother has dementia, and it is heart-breaking knowing she was once a vibrant woman who loved to sing. But I take comfort knowing that one day, she will become whole again at the resurrection with a new spiritual body.
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Alive Day 13 Dearly Loved

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1
Genesis 22:1-19
Psalm 44:17-22
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Romans 8:31-36

Alive, Day 13

“What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
Because of you
we are being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.” (Romans 8:31-36)

When I became a believer, I selected a life verse (a passage of Scripture I especially wanted my life to embody) reflecting my limited understanding of the Gospel as I felt I had to “live up” to a standard of “gospel” in order to keep God’s favor:

“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27a)

As I grew in my understanding and the Lord unpacked the legalism I carried, He gave me Romans 8 as my new life passage. This shift has been monumental in my understanding of who God is, how I interact with Him, and how He cares for me. I pray that as we walk through this chapter today, you will allow Him to lead you deeper in relationship with Him! 

Verse 31: Is any enemy greater than our ally, our God?

The Creator of the entire world has called us unto Himself. He is Elohim, the only One who has ever created something from nothing. He has given us an eternal inheritance as His children and conformed us to the image of His Son. Nothing in the earth, physical or spiritual, is more powerful than our Great God. No one can remove what He has so graciously given.

Verse 32: Having given us THE greatest gift, Jesus, would God then withhold anything we need for a transformed life?

In Genesis, Abraham was willing to give up his precious son, Isaac, with unshakable faith in and love for God; how much more astounding is God’s sacrifice of His own perfect Son, Jesus, because of His love for us? Out of that same love, He promises to equip us, carry us, and sustain us until we reach our eternal home.

This doesn’t mean, “If I pray to win the lottery, God must give it to me.” Our Heavenly Father has so much more than money or other temporal items to give us, if we embrace His gift of a Spirit-led life!

Verses 33-34: Who is qualified to justify, judge, save, and intercede before God for us?

A joy of mine is using Scripture to interpret Scripture, for the Lord’s letters to us are consistent and true! In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, I found a similar theme: only the One who sets the standard for righteousness can justify, judge, and save.

God gave the law to demonstrate our need for a Savior.
Jesus, fully God and fully Man, came to fulfill the law.
Therefore, we can have right relationship
with God
through Jesus.

Jesus is sitting next to the Father, speaking to Him on behalf of you and me (also known as interceding). Because Jesus bore the wrath of God in His death and then showed ultimate victory over Satan’s limited power in His resurrection, we can have new life! Only the One who designed this plan of redemption can justify or condemn. 

Verse 35: Can anything separate us from God’s love?

Isn’t it kind of the Lord to set these verses in this order?
He affirms our adoption.
He offers us everything we need for a God-filled, Spirit-led life.
He justifies us.
And now in verse 35, He reminds us nothing can steal any of those gifts.
Sometimes, when we walk through a serious trial, we wonder if God has left us alone.
Take heart, my sisters, He hasn’t left. Nothing can separate us from His perfect love. 

Verse 36: Does ridicule or persecution or suffering mean God has abandoned me?

At first glance, this might seem like a strange reference! However, King David was writing of Israel’s hardships. He was lamenting that Israel had walked away from God and was experiencing His judgement. The enemies of Israel were mocking and taunting them; they were “being put to death all day long.” And yet, throughout all their hardships, the Lord God cared for His people by continuing to redeem them.

We can take heart in our current sufferings, for the Lord God will not abandon us, but will redeem us! Our sufferings do not change the realities and truths of God’s love for us. We can rest in His promises and walk forward confidently in His love! 

Lord, as we study this passage verse by verse, show us Your heart. We want to build on these foundational truths so when we fall, we land on Your truth. Would You make clear Your desire for relationship, and show us Your great love? Let us respond to You with humility and a longing to know You. You are our good God and we praise Your holy name! 

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Sketched IX Day 2 Who Is This?: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Who Is This?

The Questions

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?

Acts 9:36-43

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good works and acts of charity. 37 About that time she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who urged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.” 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. He called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.

Original Intent

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)
Bible commentaries and geographical maps reveal that Lydda was a city northwest of Jerusalem and was about 10.5 miles (16.9 km) from the city of Joppa. With recent news concerning the notorious persecutor, Paul, becoming a disciple of Christ, the apostle Peter had been able to travel in the area with less anxiety. Paul’s conversion story is found in Acts 9:10-31. Verse 31 sets the context for us, “So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” Peter, having been called by God to Samaria, was now making his way back to Jerusalem with his traveling partner, John. (Acts 8:14-25) He had been staying in Lydda and had healed a man there. Upon hearing that Peter was nearby, some disciples from Joppa sent for him because a beloved woman in town had become very ill and died. We are not told if the people in Joppa had heard the story of the healing God had done through Peter while he was in Lydda, but we do know there was urgency in their plea for him to come. The Bible makes it clear in verse 38 that the proximity of the two towns was significant in several ways. 1) News of Peter’s presence had rapidly traveled from Lydda to Joppa because of the short distance. 2) Disciples could promptly be sent to find him, which strengthened the church through proximity.  3) Peter was able to swiftly arrive in Joppa from Lydda to fulfill the urgent request. The church was growing rapidly, and being free to move between locations greatly aided this spread of the gospel.

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?
Read verse 37! A serious and sorrowful situation had occurred. A woman named Tabitha (Dorcas is the Greek translation of the Aramaic name Tabitha, netbible.org) had died. Tabitha was well known for her acts of service and charity, as a result of her outpouring of love, her death was deeply felt by her community. We learn in verse 39 that the deep sorrow was a response to the life she had lived so well. As Peter approaches the place where they had laid Tabitha’s body, her weeping friends approached him first. They showed him gifts she had given them and expressed to him the ways she had cared for them. I wonder if, at that moment, Peter thought about another incident where someone beloved had died. Did his mind go back to the day his Lord Jesus had taken him to the family gathering on the occasion of Lazarus’ death? John 11 records the scene. As Jesus neared the place where the dead body of his friend lay, the sisters of Lazarus ran out to Jesus to tell Him what happened. Jesus was evidently so deeply moved by their sorrow that those standing around noticed and commented. I cannot help but believe that Peter’s heart was stirred by the memory as he was approached by the mourners on this day. Not only that, did Peter quickly rehearse in his mind the outcome of that day with Jesus? Did he reflect on the resurrection power of his Master? Whether he thought about it in that moment, we do not know. What is clear is that a community’s love for Tabitha moved Peter to action. In faith, Peter knelt by the body of the beloved woman, awakening her to life by God’s resurrection power. (verse 40)

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?
It is not apparent in the passage that the disciples from Joppa came to Peter in Lydda with the hope he would raise their beloved Tabitha from the dead. It is possible they simply hoped for him to come back to serve and care for their grief-stricken community. But on this day, God chose to respond to Peter’s faith with a resurrection! Had Tabitha not been raised, we would probably not know what happened in the privacy of her room that day. I wonder if there would even be a record of the day as Peter simply followed some disciples to minister to a group of mourners. This was the common life for Peter as He followed the Holy Spirit leading him. Reading through Acts, we don’t find any indication that bringing back the dead was common practice. Though the New Testament records resurrections happening (Mark 5:35-43, Luke 7:11-16, John 11:1-44), this was a remarkable event among believers. Just as the sisters of Lazarus thought the death of their brother was final, these mourners were not expecting Tabitha to wake up that day. (John 11:38-39) But she did! As a result, her amazing story was shared throughout the community, leading many to believe the gospel and prompting Peter to remain in Joppa. (verses 42-43)

Everyday Application

1) What is significant about knowing the proximity of Lydda and Joppa? (verse 38)
You have likely heard, or used the phrase, “bad news travels fast”. With social media, this seems truer than ever! But I love to think about how good news also finds its way to people quickly. Lydda and Joppa were “near” enough to each other that news of Peter’s visit quickly passed to other believers in the area. Do you remember reading stories of Peter as a disciple when Jesus walked the earth? In today’s vernacular we would call him a “wild card” for his impetuous spirit! What Peter had witnessed in his years of following Jesus continued inspiring him to do bold things in Christ’s name. In Acts 8 and 9 we find Peter speaking the word of the Lord and preaching the gospel in many villages as he traveled from place to place. What a beautiful picture of God’s grace to know that the believers in Joppa called for Peter, the same disciple who had once fearfully denied even knowing Jesus. (Matthew 26:69-75) We don’t know what these grieving believers expected from Peter, but we do know they felt it necessary to have him come to them. God had placed Peter in Lydda to also do miraculous things through him in Joppa. Dear Sister, you may not understand why God has you where He does right now. Like Peter, maybe you have failed Him (we all have!) and wonder if He will still use you to do great things. Thankfully, we know our failures don’t thwart God’s purposes. Though we cannot always see all He is doing where we are, you never know what God is working out around the corner from you.

2) What do we learn in verse 39 about Tabitha (Dorcas) that made this scene so poignant?
Tabitha’s life gives us a picture of what it means to be a true friend, deeply invested in biblical community. If she was living in 2021, I imagine her to be one of those friends everyone considered to be their “bestie.” We all need those kinds of sisters and friends in our lives. If we follow Jesus, we should desire and strive to be a generous friend like this to others. Sincere and selfless deeds demonstrate we have been changed by Jesus’ life at work within us! The Bible tells us that on the night before He died, Jesus picked up a basin of water and a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. (John 13:3-15) He was modeling how all of His followers are to treat others. Tabitha lived this kind of life. The sorrow felt by so many in her community at her loss inspires us to find ways to be this same kind of woman; one who leaves a lasting impact on those around us. I am confident the traveling missionary, Peter, was inspired by Tabitha’s reputation. Though there are a variety of ways we can serve in our churches and communities, we all have gifts to share with others. All believers are to “to remember the poor”. (Galatians 2:10) Sincere religion, the kind God accepts, is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress”. (James 1:27) Peter witnessed the gospel in action by observing the effects of true religion practiced by Tabitha.

3) How did Peter’s private encounter with Tabitha in verse 40 impact so many people?
I doubt that bringing Tabitha back from the dead was done for her own sake. I believe Peter knew her death meant she was in the presence of God. (2 Corinthians 5:8) But maybe he considered those dear widows and others in need. Her presence in their lives brought them comfort and joy and pressed them closer to knowing God. It reminds me of how the apostle Paul came to view his life surrounded by those he loved, as well as longing for life with Christ through death. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-22) If we have put our faith in Christ, and if we trust His work on the cross for our salvation, then while we live here on earth we are to live for Jesus. When our time on earth ends, we get to be with Jesus. But beyond that practical concern for her friends, this resurrection had a far-reaching impact. The miracle of Tabitha’s resurrection was spread among the community. Because of it, many people in Joppa came to believe in the God of miracles. This event opened the door for Peter to come to Joppa and stay a while, strengthening and teaching the local believers. And friends, I just can’t help but think that he did not waste a second of his time there sharing the story of Jesus! John Piper said, “the book of Acts is written to encourage us again and again that the Jesus who began to do and to teach on earth is now alive with omnipotent power and continues to do what he began to do and teach what he began to teach. He is turning things around all over the world—from huge political upheavals to personal periods of gloom and discouragement.” (John Piper)

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Sketched VIII Day 10 Tamar & Judah

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 38
Matthew 1:1-16
Isaiah 30:18-22

Sketched VIII, Day 10

“Judah has chosen you to marry his son, Er!”

“Papa!” my disgust was as thick as the outrage in my voice.

I’d always been too outspoken, and Mama’s quick glare reminded me I’d spoken out of turn, again.

“Tamar!” My mother clicked her tongue and added reprovingly, “Judah is one of the twelve sons of Jacob; you should be honored! Covenant promises with Yahweh surround his family.”

I whirled to face her. My family was well-accustomed to my vigorous debates, and this was one I would not lose. “You know Judah’s reputation! I don’t care a whit whether he’s Jacob’s son, that man has a wandering eye for any woman with a pulse!”

“Well, Tamar, you’re marrying Er, not Judah. That’s final!”

“Papa! No! It’s not fair!” My shrill voice drew the glances of passersby.

Papa responded with tender grace, “Tamar, I love you. You are important and precious, and Yahweh will use you for His work.” He reached out to touch my cheek. “My fiery girl, I adore you. Er has no idea what he’s in for.” He winked and took his seat to bless our meal.

I smiled at the memory. I loved Papa dearly, and he had loved me for who I was. I grieved every day he was gone, but also breathed a prayer of thanks he never had to witness the obscenity that was my marriage to Er.

Er was spiteful and addicted to many things: alcohol, women, and anger . . . but mostly, himself. Whatever Er wanted, he got, until finally, the Lord mercifully answered my pleas for safety. Er was killed by the Lord’s hand.
Truly, the Lord is a God of justice.

In accordance with the Lord’s law, Judah gave me to his next son, Onan.

“Onan.” I spat out his name like a curse. Onan was devious, passive aggressive, and manipulative. Where Er had beaten me with his fists, Onan cut my heart with his words and insidious deception. The death trap of marriage to Judah’s sons was stifling.

My only hope was to bear a child. Even one son would bring purpose to my suffering. Please, Lord, please, I whispered all day and through the watches of the night, grant your daughter redemption.

My situation felt hopeless. Onan only had sex with me for his own pleasure, pulling out at the last moment so I couldn’t conceive. Yet, I knew Yahweh saw all. I clung to my God of justice, waiting.

Mercifully, the Lord did see Onan’s treachery, and He hated it. By Yahweh’s hand, Onan was also put to death. Two dead husbands, a heart damaged enough for a lifetime, and all hope was dashed.

Still, Yahweh was and always would be just, even if I couldn’t see it. There remained Judah’s youngest son, Shelah. I would be close to the end of my child-bearing years by the time Shelah was old enough to marry, but Judah, with some semblance of honor, promised me Shelah if I returned home and waited for him.

Mama. Sweet mama. I nestled my head against her aging shoulder, wrapping my arms around her. “Tamar, my girl, I love you. You are important and precious. Yahweh will use you for His work.” Despite my pride, tears flowed down my cheeks into my mother’s silvery hair. Such faith! Lord, look upon Your daughter! Extend Your just arm!

Shelah’s coming of age came and went. Weeks turned to months as I waited, sure the Lord heard my pleas, but Judah never fulfilled his promise. Word had it, he blamed me for the deaths of his other two sons.

Angry, I cried out to the Lord. Where is your justice, Yahweh?! Have you not seen me waiting, oppressed, and broken all these years?! I have trusted You, haven’t I?!

“Tamar, Judah is heading to Timnah to shear his sheep.” My friend’s bit of information lit a match within me and hope sparked to life. My plan was devious, yes, but I was too angry to care. Yahweh had given Judah the responsibility of protecting and caring for me, yet he shirked his duties. Now was the time for action.

My heart raced as I removed my widow’s clothing, and hurried to the outskirts of Timnah where Judah would pass. Dressed as a prostitute, I was counting on old Judah to be as scandalous as always. I was not disappointed, for moments later, he asked for my services.

I would not be taken advantage of this time. “Give me your signet, your cord, and your staff from your hand as pledge of your payment.” Greedy Judah readily agreed and the deed was done. We both went on our way, Judah to shear his sheep, and me to plead with Yahweh for mercy.

Three months later, Judah’s baby was 12 weeks along.
The Lord had heard! Evidence of His justice fluttered in my womb.

Proof of His abundant kindness washed over me when I safely delivered two sons a few months later. As I held their tiny bodies close, tears streamed from my eyes. The Lord was righteous! Perez and Zerah were proof!

But when the community heard of my sons’ birth, they cried out for my death as an adulteress. As they dragged me to the place of judgement, I clenched Judah’s signet, cord, and staff, calling out for their owner to claim his items, and his sons.

The blood drained from Judah’s face as he put the fragmented pieces together.
I held my breath.

Would the Lord bring justice?

Judah stepped forward, raising a shaking voice,
“She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her my son, Shelah.”

I trembled, in shock at Judah’s confession and in awe of the Lord’s justice.
I would live and raise my boys in peace!

Hundreds of years later, Yahweh further unfolded a plan Tamar wouldn’t know until she reached Heaven: Perez and Zerah are listed in the lineage of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is faithful and just; His righteousness knows no limits. God used a woman of fierce bravery, fighting through difficult circumstances, to usher in the One who would bring justice and righteousness to all people through His death and resurrection. Never doubt, dear sister, the Lord sees, and knows, and fights for you!

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping 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 view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sketched VIII Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Blessed Day 9 Blessed Are The Merciful: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

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

1) How did faith in Christ’s goodness translate into the giving of mercy?

2) Why does our faith make Christ turn towards us?

3) What made Jesus turn around and see the woman hidden in the crowd?

Matthew 9:18-22

While He spoke these things to them, behold a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live. So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well. But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well. And the woman was made well from that hour.

Original Intent

1) How did faith in Christ’s goodness translate into the giving of mercy?
The law was the basis for Israelite society and was a blueprint for mankind to approach a holy God. The law is holy, its commandments are holy, righteous, and good. (Romans 7:12) Knowing the commandment declared a woman like her unclean, she took her life in her hands and made a gamble. The command says, “If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, that goes beyond her customary impurity she shall be unclean. Everything she touches and sits on is unclean. Any person that touches her or an object that came in contact with her shall be unclean until evening.” The woman with the issue of blood was a living breathing scarlet letter. The commandment which was to bring life brought death to her relationships and her standing among God’s people. But the goodness of God embodied in the Son of God brought life that day. The laws of uncleanness declared that no one could approach the temple of God and defile it, the penalty was divine retribution or death. Thankfully, we serve a God full of mercy, and God’s mercy is rooted in His goodness. It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4) The word had spread that Jesus was near and the woman reached out on the chance that His goodness and mercy would heal even a woman like her. Instead of divine retribution for touching the living temple of God, she received grace, mercy, and healing.

2) Why does our faith make Christ turn towards us?
During Jesus’ day, the Pharisees taught the people a purity code. This purity and holiness code were based on being untouched or undefiled by unclean things or people. “If the holy or unclean came into contact, one or the other ceased to exist: the holy became unholy or it destroyed the unclean thing”. In this culture, the holy is kept away from unclean things lest either one is destroyed. But what is the most important thing to a God that has confined all under sin? (Romans 11:32) The reason all have been confined to sin is so He might have mercy on all! The path of mercy is laid by the stones of faith. For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) The righteousness which is of faith is not based on outward appearance. It is not based on a set of rules and regulations that keep the marginalized out and away from sight. The righteousness of faith gives us peace with God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1) Jesus made sure to tell the woman in front of the crowd it was her faith that moved the hand and heart of God that day.

3) What made Jesus turn around and see the woman hidden in the crowd?
In Mark’s version of this story there are a couple more details that give additional context. The first is that a multitude is pressing against Jesus and the disciples. Imagine if the Rock decided to take a stroll through town and word got out he was giving out autographs. As the Rock is making his way to a friend’s house the crowd presses to get a chance to see him. However, the Rock has some bodyguards around him, trying and failing, to keep the crowd under control. In the midst of the chaos, a woman pushes through crawling and getting stepped on for a chance to touch the cuff of his pants. The Rock feels something tugging at the bottom of his pants and suddenly stops and demands to know who touched him? When this happened with Jesus, of course the disciples’ reaction was, “Are you kidding me right now?!” I know you see this crowd of people and you’re asking “Who touched my clothes”? In Mark’s version, the woman knew immediately she was healed and Jesus knew immediately He had intentionally healed. I don’t know what made the woman shrink back into the crowd after receiving her healing, perhaps it was fear or shame at being on public display. Thankfully, Jesus stopped everything and everyone from moving, in order to acknowledge her miracle and call her Daughter. If Jesus did not publicly acknowledge it, the society around her would have still treated the woman as an outcast. I’m glad our Savior didn’t let the woman shrink back into the shadows. That day, she received her healing for her body and soul.

Everyday Application

1) How did faith in Christ’s goodness translate into the giving of mercy?
Many times in life, we have received a message of promise from our God, that defies belief. God has given us a word of healing and restoration, but the circumstances shout a different reality. A marriage that has no hope of reconciliation, a wayward child that has abandoned the faith, or a sick and tired body bound with pain. It can be a struggle to see the goodness of God in the midst of life’s circumstances. Especially if the circumstances have lasted for years, like the woman with the issue of blood; goodness, hope, and mercy can seem like alien concepts. One day Moses had a meeting with the Lord God and asked to see His glory. Instead, the Lord God decided to give Moses a revelation of His goodness, “I will make all My goodness pass before you.” (Exodus 33:19) “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7) Goodness and mercy walk hand in hand. In fact, the roots of mercy are found in the goodness of God. Because we know that God is good, He will have mercy to those that call on His name. One, long ago day, the woman encountered the goodness of God passing before her just like Moses and trusting in Christ’s goodness her faith made her whole. I would implore you to ask God for a fresh revelation of His goodness towards you. Like the psalmist says His goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life (Psalm 23:6), and I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

2) Why does our faith make Christ turn towards us?
In Hebrews 11:6 it says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. Have you ever stopped to wonder what did the author of Hebrews mean by the phrase, “He is”? He is what exactly? It doesn’t say it’s almost like a fill in the blank scenario He is ___. It reminds me of when Moses asked God “If they ask for your name what should I say to them? God replies tell them I AM has sent you.” (Exodus 3:13-14) Most gods then and now are known primarily for one thing. In Hinduism if you need help with love or fertility, you would pray to Gauri. In Buddhist teachings, you would pray to Chana Dorje for power. Because Yahweh is all-encompassing, He is everything you need. When approaching the I AM, and the HE IS you must remember that because of Christ’s sacrifice, He has forever proven He is good and He hears you. Once you realize the goodness which leads you to repentance, you know He hears your requests. You can be confident in your position in Christ. “Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14) That confidence is your faith in Christ, just like the woman with the issue of blood had confidence in Christ’s ability to heal. You have confident faith that He is whatever your situation needs at the moment. The great I AM is good. The great I AM is loving, and the great I AM is the author and finisher of your faith. That confidence in God Himself is what causes Him to turn towards you.

3) What made Jesus turn around and see the woman hidden in the crowd?
One thing I have noticed as I’ve grown older, is that people are really good at hiding hurt and shame. There is a good reason for hiding because life can be cruel, especially when we are most vulnerable. Over time we put on masks to hide the hurt, shame, and pain of life. Like the woman with the issue of blood, we can become so good at hiding, that those around us can’t see and we get trampled underfoot by the crowd. Part of the process of restoration involves revealing those hidden parts we like to hide and bringing them into the light. Because God looks at the inward heart of man, He is more than capable of healing wounds the eye cannot see. The beautiful part of the story of the woman with the issue of blood and Jesus is that He ended her days of hiding from the crowd. Jesus purposely called her out and, instead of shaming her, gave her double honor. During these lockdowns, protests, and pandemics it can be easy to get lost in the midst of so many social issues, but even in the midst of all these things, you are still the apple of His eye. You are hidden no more.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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