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The GT Weekend! ~ Known, Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ Known, Week 2

Rebecca Adams

July 22, 2023

Believe,Dwell,God,Know,Worship

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

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday's DD

Pray His Words Back To Him!

Isaiah 6:1-4

“[…] I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of His robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above Him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; His glory fills the whole earth. The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.”
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Lord, I have no special words, no righteous posture, no “right” on my own accord to come to Your presence now. My sin has scarred these hands anew just today.

Your throne is high and lofty; who can ascend Your holy hill?! (Psalm 24:3) Surely not a sinner like me, but in the same breath, I dare not speak against Your Word that says You condemn none in Christ, which means I’m welcome here in Your Throne room. Simply Unfathomable Grace and Love!

I’m so undeserving to bask in Your presence, to sit awash in Your ocean of comfort, joy, and peace made possible because of Your forgiveness. Yet, You have given me the “right” to be Your child, called as Your own.

Refresh my heart, restore my soul, O Shepherd, as I worship in this place of mercy. Let me glimpse Your glory and be forever changed just a little bit more to look like You! (Romans 8:29)

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

El Chuwl; The God who gives birth. Is it strange to think of God as “one who gives birth”?

Consider the real, messy realities of birth. Bloody. Insides coming out with great travail. Nearly a year of growing a babe (or few) inside, pregnancy comes with its own struggles including heartburn, sleepless nights, hot sweats, stretching skin, painful ligaments tearing under distress, internal organs becoming smashed, and a once-lithe body now awkwardly laboring under a cumbersome load.

Birth comes with wails, pain, grit, tearing, and then, wonderfully, life. Mama weeps with joy as she listens to the most beautiful sound on earth, a newborn’s feeble cry, and strokes the best feeling in the world, silky baby skin, while taking in the sweetest scent known to humanity, freshly birthed life. Now consider, El Chuwl, The God Who Gives Birth.

Take in the incredible humility of this God who authors life, brings it forth, and tenderly holds life close to His divine chest to nurture newness with His own breath.

Behold the beauty of El Chuwl and drink in the truths of this God who cannot forget the work of His hands, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these forget, yet I will not forget you. Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:15-16)

Challenge yourself to carry the image of the Lord as He describes Himself to us as El Chuwl. Decide to remember Him as the God who gives birth and refuses to forget you!

JOURNAL TWO

Rebekah commented that the name, Jehovah Tsidkenu, was a “balm to [her] soul” and “near and dear to [her] heart”.

What names of God are special to you? Slow down to think about and articulate with spoken words why a particular name of God, or trait of His character, is particularly special to you. What need or ache do you recognize in yourself that is healed and satisfied in the heart of God? Pause to praise Him for that now; be specific! Psalm 47:6 exhorts us, “Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise!”

Rebekah’s faith story includes how self-reliant and self-righteous she was until she was faced with the reality that even her good deeds were brought with sin-stained hands, rendering them sin-soaked. She needed a righteousness completely outside herself; we all sit beside her in this.

Melodye wrote of Christ as the “righteous Branch” who would not only make His people righteous, but Who would prepare a city of righteousness for us to dwell with Him. Christ’s blameless righteousness offers to cover our sin-sick wretchedness! Perhaps this name of the gracious, kind Lord is near and dear to you also!

JOURNAL THREE

I’m a mama of 8 Treasures. When they were littles and I pushed them in a stroller, I would often hear comments about how great it would be to be handed snacks and pushed around effortlessly. Who wouldn’t agree?!

Being a mama, a grandmama, a co-worker, a wife, a daughter, sister, or aunt are each challenging in their own ways. When life becomes especially overwhelming, don’t we all wish for the image of that peacefully sleeping little one perfectly cared for and guarded?

Malinda and Stacy’s dive into the Shepherd Psalm reveals that the Almighty God is exactly this kind of kind, attentive, perfectly loving parent for us. Watching for our well-being, leading ahead of us, guarding us against enemies, providing for our needs, even simple ones like food and water.

How have you seen Jehovah Rohi today in your ordinary life? Air, water, food, sleep, relationships, safety, comfort? Have have you seen the Shepherd today? Praise Him for the love you have seen, and then ask Him to open your eyes to see Him in fresh ways! It’s certain He is actively shepherding; will you see Him?!
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holy,known,names,righteous,worship
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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi: Digging Deeper

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Known Day 10 Jehovah Rohi: Digging Deeper

Stacy Winkler

July 21, 2023

Comfort,Dwell,Enemies,Family,Fear,Fellowship,Shielded

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

This DD Connects With "Jehovah Rohi"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23, John 10:2-5, 14-18

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

2 “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.”

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is a shepherd in this context? (Psalm 23:1-4)

Jehovah Rohi means “The Lord is our Shepherd”. Most of us probably do not understand a shepherd’s job description and this beautiful metaphor of God as Shepherd might be difficult for us to deeply comprehend.

Shepherding is first recorded in the Bible early in Genesis describing Abel as a shepherd of flocks. (Genesis 4:2) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, and David were all shepherds. (Genesis 24:34-35, Genesis 26:12-14, Genesis 30:40, Genesis 37:13, 1 Samuel 16) Jacob explicitly declares that God had been his shepherd all his life. (Genesis 48:15)

In his book “Shepherds After My Own Heart,” Timothy Laniak writes that the success of the flock was dependent “greatly on the care, attentiveness and skill of the shepherd.” (Laniak, pg 98) The shepherd led his flock to “quiet waters” and a variety of “green pastures,” rarely driving them from behind. (verse 2)

Kenneth Bailey, in his book “The Good Shepherd”, writes, “The sheep appear to be attracted primarily by the voice of the shepherd, which they know and are eager to follow.” (Bailey, pg 69) Shepherds protected their flock from disease, injury, weather, and predators. (Isaiah 49:10) A good shepherd would not run from danger but stayed with the flock to defend and rescue. (verse 4)

David convinced King Saul he could defeat Goliath, telling Saul how he protected his sheep by killing predators and even rescuing them from a predator’s mouth. (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

The shepherd carried a rod and a staff. (verse 4) “His staff was useful for support, picking off branches, snagging a trapped animal with the crook, or redirecting misbehaving members of the herd…. (It) became a symbol for the protective presence of the shepherd.” (Laniak, pg 103)

The rod was a shorter club that “was a traditional shepherd’s standby for defense and the implement for counting sheep.” (Laniak, pg 104) A good shepherd was a symbol of self-sacrifice as he cared for, protected, and defended the flock he loved.

The Everyday Application

1) What is a shepherd in this context? (Psalm 23:1-4)

My friends, Rebecca and Vance, keep sheep at their homestead and their duties as shepherds are not that different from Old Testament shepherds. They must daily check on the health and welfare of their sheep making sure they have good, clean water.

They provide over-seeding and rotational grazing for fresh, clean, high quantity and quality food. They provide shade during hot summers and shelter during the cold winters. Electric fencing assures them that the sheep are kept in while the predators are kept out. Some shepherds also use livestock guardian dogs for extra protection. They trim the sheep hooves regularly to help their mobility and avoid injury.

Rebecca said, “Shepherds have to spend time with their flock to build familiarity and trust. When sheep know and trust their shepherd, they will come when called, and the shepherd can better care for them. Our more tame sheep love to get their heads and necks scratched. Their trust in us encourages the other sheep to trust us as well.”

Do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Have you experienced His care, attentiveness, and skill? (Laniak, pg 98) Do you go to Him regularly? Are others encouraged by your relationship with Him? Have you called upon Him to be your Shepherd?

Through His shed blood on the cross, all who trust in Him and repent of their sin have complete forgiveness. Yes, we walk through dangers and griefs in this life, but our Shepherd has promised His constant presence to comfort, strengthen, and provide for those who have been redeemed by His blood. (verse 4, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:7-8, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 5:10)

The One who has inscribed His beloved ones on the palms of His hands can never forget us nor lose us. (Isaiah 49:15-16) 

The Original Intent

2) How is God the Shepherd of His people? (Psalm 23:1-4, 6)

Psalm 23 begins with David speaking about God. (verses 1-3) He writes that YAHWEH, the only true self-existent eternal God, is His shepherd, linking God’s most holy name with the intimacy of a shepherd caring for his sheep. (verse 1)

It isn’t that God simply provides, but David paints a picture of how He tenderly and faithfully provides. God “lets him lie down in green pastures” and leads him “beside quiet waters.” (verse 2) According to “The Good Shepherd” by Kenneth Bailey, sheep are afraid to drink from moving waters, so quiet waters are essential in keeping the sheep well hydrated and feeling secure.

David knows God provides him with everything he needs, including food, water, and security. He also notes that God leads him along the right paths for God’s glory and reputation. (verse 3) But here there is a change in the psalm as David no longer talks about God but begins talking to God, building even more intimacy into the psalm.

He knows there are dangers everywhere even as God leads him on the right paths, yet it is God’s presence that comforts and protects him in the midst of danger. There are metaphoric predators, bad weather, and injury but David is secure not in his circumstances, but in the God who is always with him. David confidently knows God’s goodness and faithfulness will pursue him all of his life, even when he is disobedient to God. (verse 6, 2 Samuel 11-12)

It is in this relationship that David declares how he longs to be with God all the days of his life. He is safe, secure, cared for, and loved by his shepherd.

The Everyday Application

2) How is God the Shepherd of His people? (Psalm 23:1-4, 6)

Though familiar to many, Psalm 23 isn’t the only place where a psalmist references God as shepherd. Elsewhere, the psalmist makes a connection between God the majestic Creator and God the caring Shepherd, declaring His worthiness of our worship and adulation because He is both magnificent and loving. (Psalm 95:6-7)

It is this majestic and caring, loving God who did what was necessary to rescue us from our predator, the devil. (1 Peter 5:8) Our Shepherd sent His one and only Son to live a perfect life and die in our place for the sins we committed, thus snatching us out of the jaws of our enemy, Eternal Death and separation from God. (Galatians 1:3-4) We are saved from the penalty of sin while we are saved to an abundant life. Jesus said He came to give us life and give us life in abundance. (John 10:10)

He is our Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Protector, Counselor, and constant Companion. (verses 1-4) It is His goodness and faithful love that pursues us for the rest of our lives and never lets us stray very far. (verse 6) Have you come to know Him for yourself?

Is he your Shepherd? If he is not, pray, and ask him to be your Good Shepherd and He will with joy receive you into His flock, never letting you go!

The Original Intent

3) How is Jesus our Shepherd? (John 10:2-5; John 10:14-18)

Just as God is the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23, Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd in John’s gospel and reminds His audience of the attributes of a good shepherd.

The sheep hear His voice, He calls His sheep by name, and He leads them. (verse 3) He goes ahead of His sheep and the sheep follow Him trustingly because they are keenly familiar with His voice. (verse 4)

His sheep will never follow a stranger because they don’t know any voice but the shepherd’s. In fact, they will run from a stranger’s voice. (verse 5) A few verses later, Jesus says something staggering and nearly unimaginable, “I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.” (verses 14-15) The relationship between the Father and the Son is one of thorough intimacy, full omniscience, and complete oneness.

It is the only perfect relationship extending from eternity past to eternity future. Jesus then says this is the relationship He has with His flock. He knows everything about each of His sheep. He knows what they are thinking, feeling, and how they have been hurt. He knows their sorrows and their joys. 

Later in the text, Jesus tells the audience He is not only willing to lay down His life for His sheep, but that He will take it up again. (verse 17) He tells of both His impending death and resurrection, both of which are for the sake of His flock.

He willingly and painfully gives up His life in the greatest example of self-sacrifice man has ever known and picks it up again, proving eternal victory over Death, Sin, and the Grave; He then hands this victory to His precious sheep who trust in Him! (Romans 14:8)

The Everyday Application

3) How is Jesus our Shepherd? (John 10:2-5; John 10:14-18)

What do we do with this understanding of Jesus’ intimacy, love, and self-sacrifice toward us? If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I want to remind you He knows you. He sees you. He knows your thoughts, your actions, and your feelings. Knowing all this, He still loves you with perfect love and open arms of forgiveness and joy in His presence. (Psalm 16:11)

Difficult circumstances may still exist, but His love and provision He shows while leading us on the right paths while providing constant companionship will never end. (Psalm 23:1-4) You cannot flee the Good Shepherd because He is always with you. (Psalm 139:7-10) If you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, come into His flock and allow Him to be the loving, good, perfect Shepherd over you and your life.

He loves you and provides grace and forgiveness and eternal salvation when you enter the safety of His fold. You are not too dirty, too sinful, or too far away that He cannot find you, cleanse you, and make you whole.

It is a strange thing, isn’t it, when we consider how Jesus is the Shepherd who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, and at the same time He is the Lamb of God whose sacrifice on the cross takes away our sins? He is both Shepherd and Sacrificial Lamb. This is how God showed His love for us even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Meditate on and pray Psalm 23 and John 10. Ask God to show you how He has been your shepherd since before you were knit together in your mother’s womb. Thank Him and rejoice in your very Good Shepherd who loves you to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8)

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leading,love,quiet,rescue,sacrifice,shepherd
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Resting Day 10 Journey Study

The Lord is my King and Guardian Caretaker; I have everything I need. Even when I despair, He comes through and takes care of it all.

He leads me to His good blessings, whether they are basics like good food and clean water, or more complex as a loving community and purpose in Him. He gives me rest and eases anxiety. God guides every step and shows me the way to His goodness.

With His help, everyday decisions are stepping stones to fuller plans He has for me to proclaim His glory. Even in difficulty and pain, I’m not afraid because God is right beside me. I know He will always protect me, therefore I feel safe.
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Sketched XI Day 2 One Light?: Digging Deeper

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Sketched XI Day 2 One Light?: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

June 20, 2023

Adoring,Affectionate,Dwell,Joy,Know,Praise,Prayer

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 "One Light?"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 16

A Miktam of David
1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you.
2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you.”
3 As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones. All my delight is in them.
4 The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves will multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips.
5 Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who counsels me— even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
8 I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.
10 For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay.
11 You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Against whom or what is David asking God for protection? (verse 1)

David. That shepherd boy turned king. His name and story were a significant part of Israel’s religious and political history long after his reign. Bri’s Journey Study yesterday sketched him well as “… a king whose sinful humanity was undeniable, but who remained a man after God’s own heart, worshiping God alone.” It is he who penned this psalm.

Commentators are unsure of the original meaning of the psalm’s Hebrew title, “A Miktam of David.” So, without certainty of its title’s meaning, we read it and learn it is a prayer-like reflection of David. It centers on what he had come to know about his God and how this knowledge had so often brought him comfort. Verse 1 is a prayer for protection from an unidentified distress. Though it may leave us curious, it appears this psalm is more of a general prayer rather than a request regarding a specific situation or person. Herein lies its beauty.

David’s plea for protection is not about his circumstances. It is about his God! David’s confidence in God’s character isn’t conditional. The Lord is his refuge. Always. Although he is not identified, the writer of Psalm 91 repeats this sentiment. The psalmists saw refuge, not so much in a place but in a Person.

“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2, emphasis mine) It doesn’t appear David was looking to God for protection from anyone or anything particular. Rather, He was requesting God Himself to be near, which is a reflection of his personal desire to abide (dwell) in God’s presence.

Just as Moses desired. (Psalm 90:1-4)
Just as Elijah desired. (1 Kings 19:11-13)

The Everyday Application

1) Against whom or what is David asking God for protection? (verse 1)

What a joy to remind myself and you, my Friend, that God is so present. It’s who He IS and who He has always been.

It’s the reason we can cry out to Him right along with David as if no time has transpired in these thousands of years. Emmanuel: God with us. (Isaiah 7:14) This is our confidence.

We are not facing a crisis too big. We are not too broken to approach Him with our request for His nearness. Jesus is our place of refuge. (Matthew 11:28-30)

There is no right or wrong time to plead with Him to receive us in our weariness or woundedness. When we cry out to Him, it isn’t necessary to define the who or the what in our prayers.

All we must know is this: The Lord will always be who and what we need most. It will never ever be about the circumstances behind our need. It will only and always be about the One to whom we go.

HE IS our hiding place, our song in the night, our deliverance.

Listen in to Selah’s “You Are My Hiding Place”!

The Original Intent

2) What is the importance of the declaration David made to the Lord? (verse 2)

In verse 2 David reminds himself of what he knows about the Lord and has confessed previously. In the Hebrew text, two different words are used for “Lord”. He repeats what he knows: The LORD (Yahweh, Exodus 3:11-15) is his Lord (Adonai, Blue Letter Bible) and is the only truly good thing in his life (Mark 14:60-62).

David has already declared Yahweh as his master. He is now rehearsing his very own declaration of dependence. He had pre-determined that amid his troubles he would speak the truth to himself about His God. It was a practice he observed throughout most of his life.

David does not underestimate the value of speaking to his own soul. Other psalm writers did the same by preaching songs to their souls. The sons of Korah were leaders of music in the tabernacle during the time of David’s reign.

Their prayers of reflection offer more insight into the relationship the Old Testament writers and singers had with God, their God. (Psalm 42:4-8) The musician Asaph led the people to sing, “Who do I have in heaven but you?” (Psalm 73:21-26)

The importance of this declaration is seen in David’s posture toward Yahweh. I have nothing good besides You. God was all the world to David. This didn’t mean David wasn’t aware of, or thankful for, his many other blessings. He had simply come to know God as incomparably greater than all other things in his life.

His LORD was the all-sufficient, all-satisfying joy, truth, and purpose of David’s life. (2 Samuel 7:18-24)

The Everyday Application

2) What is the importance of the declaration David made to the Lord? (verse 2)

Oh, my Sister, this declaration of David is ours too! His confession exalts the Creator God as the only God while acknowledging a personal connection to Him. It was David’s regular practice to consider the Lord as his personal source of peace and strength.

Many of us may have one of his well-known psalms memorized, “The LORD is my Shepherd. I have everything I need.” (Psalm 23)  David knew the Good Shepherd was his only truly good thing. His very best thing!

Jonathan Edwards said, “God is the highest good of the reasonable creature. The enjoyment of Him is our proper happiness, and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied.

To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here: better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any or all earthly friends.

These are but shadows; but God is the substance.
These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun.
These are but streams; but God is the fountain.
These are but drops; but God is the ocean.” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 17:437–38)

There is nothing more important in our lives than to practice dwelling in the presence of God by rehearsing who He constantly is.

The Original Intent

3) What necessary comparison is David making in verses 3-6?

David delighted to consider others who also shared in thirsting after God in the same way as himself. Again, we see the evidence of David’s confidence in the Lord as he chose to keep company with these.

In contrast to sincere worshippers, David pondered the false worship of the pagans to their idols. These traded worship of the true God for what they believed they would gain from following other gods. Sadly, they only received multiplied sorrows. David found their godlessness and despicable habits so distasteful he refused to mention their names. (verse 4)

Unlike them, Yahweh was David’s “portion”. He was ascribing to God the reward of a valued inheritance passed down to him by his family. His God was like a choice wine in a cup that brings great joy and pleasure to the one who drinks it. (verse 5 Isaiah 25:1-10)

He also recognized God as the One who supported him in his “lot in life”. (Proverbs 21:1) The life ordained for David was pleasant in as much as God was in it. The lines marking the boundaries of David’s inheritance had turned out to be good lines, offering him joy and pleasure because of Yahweh. (verse 6)

He viewed his inheritance as lovely, and he was pleasantly content with God who had provided so generously. These images of land and food communicate David’s feelings of peace, prosperity, and safety which were all grounded in his personal relationship with God.

The Everyday Application

3) What necessary comparison is David making in verses 3-6?

Psalm 2 is filled with the promises of inheritance made to David at his coronation. The blessing for us is that the promise is made to all of the children of God because of Jesus. (Acts 2:29-36)

David delighted in being in the presence of those who, like him, were set apart to be in communion with God. It’s good to remember the fellowship we have in the family of God as believers together following Jesus.

Elijah felt alone. Oh, but he wasn’t! The New Testament says sorrow isn’t limited to the unbeliever. The difference is our sorrow is temporary, and future glory is for all the saints! (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

We have a united hope that refreshes our souls amid whatever we face that brings us pain right now. The reason we rehearse the blessings of God is because it reminds us of our future inheritance.

The apostle Peter included David’s words from Psalm 34 to remind the believers to let their sure and certain hope be the bold testimony to those who are looking for a real, lasting kind of hope. (1 Peter 3:8-15)

Friend, it is a testimony to our God’s good sovereignty when our lives are filled with hope instead of despair or dread. It points to His glorious promise which WILL BE fulfilled because He is a promise-keeping God!

It may look like “the bad guys” or “the wrong side” is winning, but the enemy’s doom is sure. We have a never-failing bulwark WHO is the LORD of all creation. What is true about God is always true. His kingdom and rule are forever.

(Listen to “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther sung by Matt Boswell)

Praise His name with me, my Friend, as we rejoice that our “boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places; indeed, we have a beautiful inheritance”! (2 Peter 1:5-11)

The Original Intent

4) David’s confidence does not come from his circumstances. How does his perspective shape his outlook? (verses 7-11)

David proclaims his trust in God even as he is praying, “I will bless… even at night.” (verse 7) He has purposed to put his confidence in his God whatever day or night brings. He is aware that negative thoughts may tempt him to despair, so he makes a commitment to preach to himself.

David makes a bold claim in verse 8 as he says he “always” lets the Lord guide him and “will not” be shaken. Other translations say he “constantly” or “continually” trusted the Lord. (biblehub.com) Attentive Bible students know David better than to think he was bragging about his ideal faith; he wrote too many psalms admitting his weakness, his doubt, and his fear to read a spirit of vanity into this psalm.

Based on prior knowledge of David’s struggles, he was not attempting to communicate that he had attained perfect trust in God. (Psalm 56:3) He was spotlighting God’s character! God had never failed to be a God he could trust. David rejoiced greatly and rested securely because of who God is!

This was the reminder to himself, “For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your faithful one to see decay. You reveal the path of life to me in Your presence is abundant joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (verses 9-10) 

 When faced with difficult circumstances, Elijah began to tell himself all the wrong things. (1 Kings 19:10)

Thinking on God’s character brought David the perspective he needed to face the potential struggles to come.

The Everyday Application

4) David’s confidence does not come from his circumstances. How does his perspective shape his outlook? (verses 7-11)

Can you hear David’s heart, sweet Sister? I really can. Maybe it’s because I’m going through a season of heartache right now in which I simply need to know a few things for certain, beyond my circumstances.

This is David’s confidence; He was persuaded that his God was holding him fast forever. This is our confidence, as well. Paul reminded Timothy to keep this truth in mind as he suffered, or when he heard of Paul’s suffering. (2 Timothy 1:9-12)

We may wonder and doubt and even have moments of fear. Neither Elijah nor David were strangers to all of these feelings. But we must continue to preach to our souls the truth of who God is. On every page of our story as believers is the watermark of His goodness and love.

It isn’t about our circumstances. It’s about our God!!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God;
born of his Spirit, washed in His blood.

Perfect communion, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blessed.
Watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is MY story,
this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is MY story,
this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

(Listen to the Getty version of this classic hymn!)

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beloved,comfort,daughter,father,prayer,worship
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Sketched XI Day 1
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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.
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June 19 - July 7, 2023 - Journey Theme #120

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Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

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Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

Dr. Leslie Umstattd

May 23, 2023

Dwell,Spirit,Trust,Truth,Wisdom

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 "Purposeful Pace"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proversb 4:20-27

20 My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

When we read Proverbs, it’s important to note this book is categorized as “wisdom literature” by biblical scholars. It is grouped with the other “wisdom literature” books of the Old Testament, Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. This is not a book of promised outcomes, rather it’s an instructional book on living according to God’s wise ways and His Word.

Proverbs reflects God’s perfectly good character and should be read as a guide to knowing Him and practically applying His wisdom to our everyday lives. In Proverbs 1:2-6, the author, King Solomon, informs us that the book’s purpose is for gaining wisdom and practical instruction for prudent behavior. The king’s book provides guidelines for living in righteousness, justice, and integrity as these reflect God’s heart. (Proverbs 1:3)

Unlike biblical books like Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, Mark and several others, Proverbs is not written in narrative form but in a poetic format. The first nine chapters of Proverbs are written in discourse form where a father is talking to his son as he instructs his son in wisdom. (Carpenter Commentary)

This is important for us as readers because as we work through Proverbs, we need to understand God is providing us with guidelines that increase our “fear of the Lord” which leads to greater knowledge and discipline according to His will. (Proverbs 1:7)

The Everyday Application

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

Proverbs offers us encouragement and focus amidst life’s regular, everyday moments of distraction. Regular, consistent intake of Proverbs reminds us that God’s wisdom brings clarity and singular focus on Him, allowing the clouds of distraction to fade away.

“We can’t completely control what thoughts come into our mind. But we do have a choice of what we dwell on.” (The Bible Says) Proverbs is an excellent choice for “dwelling” upon the character of the Lord and allowing His Spirit to guide us in His ways every day.

Within the safety of God’s wisdom we find opportunity for growth, spiritual challenge, increasing depth of character, and a desire to keep seeking the things that set our minds on Him rather than the distractions of this world. (Colossians 3:1-4)

The Original Intent

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)

Imagine a father speaking to his son out of love and a desire to see his son follow a straight path that is under God’s authority. This is the manner in which the writer of Proverbs penned this book under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we can study this passage and see a biblical standard from which to live our life.

King Solomon instructs his son to pay attention to my words and listen closely (verse 20), don’t lose sight and keep them in your heart (verse 21), guard your heart above all else (verse 23), don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly (verse 24), fix your gaze and look forward (verse 25), carefully consider the path for your feet (verse 26), and keep your feet away from evil (verse 27).

These directives build the foundation of practical “how-to” instructions for wise living under God’s authority

The Everyday Application

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)      

As we think through practical ways we can maintain our focus on Christ, this passage gives clarity to how we accomplish this in real life. In an age of relativism and entertainment, God’s word must be stored in our hearts and regularly placed at the forefront of our minds. Our gaze must be on the fixed point of Christ, the perfecter and pioneer of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2) 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 tells us God’s word should be stored in our hearts and talked about with our families. This active engaging dialogue is not just a Sunday morning mission to keep God’s word close, rather it’s an everyday moment-by-moment call to action. In Deuteronomy 6:7-9, the author described a daily encounter and connection with God’s Word in the course of our normal walking, talking, sitting, and lying down.

The daily circumstances of life can distract us from the things God desires for us. When we intentionally and carefully consider where we are spending time and where we are establishing ourselves, what do we see? God’s wisdom described in Proverbs shows us that true life is found in Him, therefore, we should place our focus on Him. (Proverbs 4:23)

The Original Intent

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

In verse 22, King Solomon describes that following these commands will give “health to the whole body”. In the words of David Guzik, “God’s word – communicated through the words and sayings of this father to his children – brings life and health. The pursuit of wisdom is rewarded.” (Enduring Word)

In verse 26, Solomon says all our ways will be established when we follow the commands given in this passage. Although these are not guaranteed “if-then” statements, the general principle the wise king described is that when we follow the wisdom of God’s way and His path, there will be a delighted experience of well-being for heart, mind, and soul. 

The Everyday Application

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

Proverbs 3:1-12, in a similar vein to this passage, provides direction and wisdom for how to follow God and the resulting rewards of living according to His wisdom. Keeping His commands brings a “full life” and “well-being” (Proverbs 3:2) as well as “a straight path to follow” (Proverbs 3:6).

Following God does not mean you will have a perfect life without issue or struggle, but when we intentionally choose to follow His ways, we actively trust and rely on His wisdom instead of our own.

God’s wisdom is a solid foundation that stands when all else around us crumbles. (Matthew 7:24-27) In our weariness and distraction, the Lord offers hope and focus to carry out His mission. (Isaiah 40:28) 

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Resting Day 10 Journey Study

Idolatry is a heart issue rooted in pride and begetting self-centeredness, greed, and a love of possession. Left unchecked, idolatry quickly distances us from God, but when we turn to Him in repentance we find in God’s gracious embrace, “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more[.]” (Romans 5:20)

In His forgiveness and through the work of His Spirit within us, we are freed from idolatry.
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May 8 - May 26, 2023 - Journey Theme #118

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Another Day 1 Live At Peace

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Another Day 1 Live At Peace

Rebekah Hargraves

March 6, 2023

Dwell,Family,Fellowship,Fruitfulness

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 12:9-21
Mark 9:43-50
Galatians 5:13-15
1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Psalm 34:11-14

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 

These words from Paul, an apostle and preacher of Jesus, in Romans 12:18 amaze me. Not only are Paul’s words wise and important, but they also demonstrate how far we as the Church have fallen from actually living at peace with one another.

It seems that everywhere we turn – especially since 2020! – there is increasingly more infighting, more drama on social media, more name-calling, more squabbles, more rash and harsh judgments, and much, much less peace. 

The problem with this – beyond the obvious sin! – is we have abandoned our role as the representatives of Christ, the Prince of Peace, to a hurting and sin-stained world. (Isaiah 9:6) They need us, the Gospel we share, the hope and love we can offer.
Sisters, we are letting them down.

It can be easy to know what our behavior as believers should not look like, but challenging to grasp what it should look like. How can we practically live out the “one another” verses in the New Testament as we do life together.

At Gracefully Truthful, we believe holy transformation happens when we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s ways as we are cut by the living Word of God when we read it. The brokenness, hurt, betrayal, pain, and utter lostness happening around us every single day calls for a radical battle plan to usher in healing and hope. 

Thankfully, we have God’s Word to lead the way!
Christ Himself provides our perfect example of real, practical actions and words teaching us how to love one another (meaning fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus), so the world around us can see Jesus and find the Hope He pleadingly holds out!

“Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are My disciples,
if you love one another.”
-Jesus (John 13:35)

Paul’s words in Romans 12:18 point to the emphasis Christ places on unity in His body, which is a fruit of living at peace with one another. Christ desires His people to be at peace with one another within His family.

In fact, in Mark 9:50, Jesus goes so far as to say that if we are not at peace with one another, we have lost our saltiness. In other words, we have lost our ability to positively impact the world for good by bringing light and goodness, truth and beauty, and the good news of the Gospel and the hope of the resurrection, to a lost, dying, hurting world. Jesus’ words are sobering and convicting.

Scripture tells us to stop biting and devouring one another with our words and behavior (Galatians 5:15) and Jesus compares angry outbursts with murder (Matthew 5:21-22). Engaging in negative, hurtful behavior renders us incapable of heeding Paul’s admonition to live at peace as far as it depends on us.

Honestly, the command to be at peace with others is challenging to obey… 

            when we are bent on conforming others to our preferences and opinions. 

            when we want justice to be applied to others, but not to us. 

            when we are more concerned with garnering praise for ourselves than extending encouragement to others.

We can combat these self-loving desires and fulfill Christ’s call to be peacemakers, both as individuals and as the larger Body of Christ, by aligning ourselves with His teachings. 

Pray
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
This must be our first, most foundational step. Pray for a humble, teachable spirit, and a heart of love for the other person. Pray for opportunities to sew peace. Pray for a desire to be the peacemaker you have been called to be.

Build unity around doctrines of first importance.
“You are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching.” (Titus 2:1)
If being peacemakers in the Body is about cultivating unity, then we can begin to cultivate peace by standing in solidarity with fellow believers on doctrines of first importance. It doesn’t matter if I am a Baptist and you are a Presbyterian; if we both believe salvation is found by grace through faith in Christ alone, we ought to enjoy unity and peace regardless of differing views on non-essential doctrines.

Ask questions, don’t make statements.
“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19)
This wisdom should be our motto as believers; then, peace (and therefore, unity!) will flourish. We should neither assume another’s thought process and motivations nor assume the worst about another because she differs from us on certain points. Instead, let’s ask questions, seeking to understand before trying to be understood. This goes a long way toward building peace and unity!

In this day and age, pursuing peace can feel so hard, but rest assured, dear sister, that with the Lord’s help and the Spirit’s guidance, it is possible!

May it be said of us that we sought to be peacemakers
in the times we were given.
And may we spur one another on to faith, love, and good works!

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Another Day 2
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We can be peacemakers through our attitude and actions even when it is us who are the ones being hurt or offended.

Living at peace will show the world what is possible. When they see our lives, it will draw them to God. This is God’s ultimate goal, bringing peace between God and man. (1 Timothy 2:1-6) We can introduce people to Jesus, the true Mediator and Peacemaker, through our peaceful lives.
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March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship X Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The idea of praising God in the midst of challenge or pain sounds impossible at first glance. But this reveals the humanity of our perspective and the depth (or shallowness) of our faith. On Monday, Lesley pointed to David’s decision to praise the Lord despite the prolonged difficulties he faced. She also challenged us to consider the justice of God as He acts on our behalf to protect and defend His people. It’s easy for us to view our pain or unjust treatment and determine God to be unfair and unjust because He has not resolved our pain on our timetable. This reveals how small our box is that holds our faith and our beliefs about God and His character. David’s songs stand out as often declaring the character of God, reminding himself of God’s promises, even in the mire of trials. Challenge yourself to keep a list on your phone over the next few days of God’s promises. Every time you read one in Scripture or remember one, write it down. Return to this list often and proclaim praise to the God who never fails!

2) The majority of our everyday moments are lived out in the tangible and experienced by our physical senses. Pause for 30 seconds and close your eyes; begin listing out the most recent experiences you’ve encountered with your senses. What were the last images you saw, items you tasted, sounds your heard, sensations you felt, and scents you’ve smelled. Reflect on your list, allowing yourself to relive those moments. Now ask yourself how many of those were connected to relating to God. We tend to relegate our experiences of God to the confines of the church building or spiritual retreats, but the Lord crafted each moment of our everyday to be pregnant with opportunities of knowing Him more fully. Creation testifies of His glory. His mercies are new every morning, waiting to be unwrapped in our days. He is in regular pursuit of our hearts. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and see Him in real, everyday life!

3) Name the things that have changed in your life in the last 24 hours. Maybe it was your plans. Maybe it was the nuances of an interaction you had with a friend. Perhaps you received new information. Unread emails, laundry to fold, meals to plan, change is constantly around us. Now name the things that have never once changed in the course of your entire life. You may be able to name some things that haven’t changed much, or perhaps people you’ve come to rely on fully over time. But, to assign an “always” statement to someone or something’s unchangeability isn’t very accurate. The Lord does not increase His love for us over time, and neither does it decrease. His justice and goodness does not ebb and flow depending on political standing or cultural trends. He is ceaselessly full of all that embodies His character. Never once has He changed. Ever. Which means He is endlessly trustworthy. What was true of Him at the dawn of time will be true of Him in the ages to come. None is more faithful and true than the Lord God. Given this reality, what are you holding back from entrusting to His care? Plans for your future? Relationship struggles? Finances? Fear? Wounds? Sister, there is none more able to love you, and none more worthy of your total surrender than the Lord Jesus Christ. Give it all over to the Unfailing One and worship Him for His faithfulness!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from John 15:4-5 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

Prayer Journal
None is steadfast like You, O Lord! Your goodness never ceases, yet how easily I become “bored” with praising You because I forget Your benefits. I neglect to remember the constancy of your nearness and the immediacy of Your accessible Presence. Shift the focus of my heart to see with eyes of faith. Teach me to trust the good love of Your heart that has never abandoned me. Teach me to pause here, to rest in it, and then live it out in worship that speaks of Your glory!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Eden Day 5 Crafted For Community

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:26-31
1 John 4:7-21
Romans 5:1-11
Matthew 22:37-40

Eden, Day 5

I think the Garden of Eden must have been paradise for those who are averse to crowds. Since Adam and Eve were the only humans on the planet, I cannot quite picture one of them mumbling, “I hate crowds.” Unless, by chance, a cacophony caused by all the animals Adam had recently named counted for crowd noise.

No large groups of people rushed to and fro on their way to the market or gathered close to hear someone speak as Adam and Even walked with the Lord in the cool of the day. (Genesis 3:8) But, in those evening times of sharing, five distinct persons were present, three of whom are found within the single triune Being of the three-in-one God.

Deuteronomy 6:4 clearly states there is only One God.
“The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

This truth is reiterated across Scripture, but we also discover this One God is revealed in three distinct persons as God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. All three persons dwell in unity as the Lord God; all three were present in Eden.

I can only imagine the community Adam and Eve shared with God in the Garden.
Abundant peace! Flooding Love! All shared so beautifully!
How glorious it surely was to interact with the Lord before sin marred everything!

There are four Greek words for love: eros, storge, philos, and agape.
Eros is sexual and romantic.
Storge is felt for family.
Philos is shared between friends.
Agape is Divine love poured out through self-sacrifice.

The Triune God is Lord of love, it is His DNA, and He created us to both give and receive it, mirroring how He shares self-sacrificial love even within His own Being.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

“God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him [. . .] We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:16, 19)

Adam and Eve were the first humans to experience love and, to borrow the wording of Genesis, they saw that love was good.

Adam and Eve were the first husband and wife.
Eros

Scripture lists their children as Cain, Abel, Seth, and other sons and daughters.
Storge

The Lord walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden and talked with them directly.
Philos

Finally, Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden due to their sin. (Genesis 3)
They lost their direct access to the Lord.

However, out of His love, the Lord did not destroy them, even at the expense of His connection with them and the eventual sacrifice Jesus would make to restore our access.
Agape

Regardless of the type of love demonstrated, one common denominator is present: more than one person. This means that when the Lord decided to make man in His image, humanity was crafted for community.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’” (Genesis 1:26, emphasis mine)
The Trinity is on display within the first chapter of Genesis!

God as Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in perfect community, and we are invited and challenged to foster healthy community as well with divine agape love as our foundation.

A common cultural mantra is “Love Wins.”
Yes, yes it does.
But not according to the world’s definition of “winning”.
It’s not the selfish love of one having her every whim satisfied, but a love reflecting Matthew 22: 37-40.

“He said to [the Pharisee], ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commands.’”

Every interaction we have with another person is a chance to grow in agape love as it undergirds every other type of love and reflects the beautiful, sacrificial love of the Triune God.

Before finding ourselves incredibly overwhelmed at trying to muster up this kind of love on our own strength, remember this love is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) We are to love with and through the help of the Holy Spirit.

In order to effectively love others in community,
we must first be in community with the Lord.

Lord, we need more of You. We need Your ability to love those around us.
Holy Spirit, please cultivate agape love in us. Empower us to love like You
when it hurts,
when it’s scary,
when we’re tired,
when we’ve been wounded,
and when differences threaten to divide us by prejudice.

**Please note we do not advocate remaining in unsafe, abusive relationships. Setting healthy boundaries is also a demonstration of love.

Lord, we will continually fail without Your help; we need Your help when we inevitably fall short. Help us to love enough to ask for forgiveness, pour out grace, listen to understand, extend forgiveness, and to seek Your face for wisdom in our relationships. 

You crafted us for community.
Helps us to experience this by drawing close to You and loving our neighbors as ourselves. 

For Your Glory.
Amen. 

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Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Eden Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Worship IX Day 14 Lyrical Pursuit: Digging Deeper

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Worship IX Day 14 Lyrical Pursuit: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

December 2, 2021

Digging Deeper,Dwell,Fullness,God,Good,Holy Spirit,Joy,Love,Promises,Protection,Pursue,Salvation,Trust,Worship

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 "Lyrical Pursuit"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 5:11

But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How can we take refuge in God?

The concept of God’s people taking refuge in Him is central to the Bible’s teaching and is most often found in the Old Testament.

In Psalm 5:11, David writes, “all who take refuge in You (God) rejoice.” To take refuge implies removing ourselves from harm’s way and under God’s wings of protection. Author, Alexander MacLaren, explains, “As a man in peril runs into a hiding-place or fortress, as the chickens beneath the outspread wing of the mother bird nestle close in the warm feathers and are safe and well, the soul that trusts (God) takes its flight straight to God, and in Him reposes and is secure.”

To take refuge in God means to run to Him when trouble comes. Psalm 46:1 proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” One way David takes refuge in God is by coming to Him in the morning; he habitually begins his day communing with the Lord.

Author, David Guzik, explains that Psalm 5 is a “morning prayer. It shows David coming to the LORD in the morning and receiving the strength and joy he needs to make it through the day against many adversaries.” David had real enemies and dire circumstances to fear, but He trusted in God to shield and save him. 

Proverbs 14:26 tells us, “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.” David feared the Lord and trusted in God’s promises of protection more than he feared his adversaries. David knew God alone would provide true refuge from life’s perils.

We are blessed that the same is true for us today. I encourage you to call on God and let him be your refuge from the chaos of life today!

The Everyday Application

1) How can we take refuge in God?

When I hear the phrase “take refuge,” I remember the storm cellar we had in my childhood home. It was a mound of earth with a door leading down to a dirt floor. It was dark, dank, and covered in cobwebs, so we never went inside unless we either wanted to impress visitors with our “dungeon” or a storm was coming.

Several times each summer we found ourselves throwing open that cellar door and scurrying inside to wait out dangerous storms in the company of bugs and the spiders. One time, we emerged to find tree limbs down and damaged property. We knew the storm was bad, but we didn’t know the level of devastation from the safety of our cellar refuge. This is how it feels to take refuge in God.

He shields us from the dangerous storms of life. No matter how bad things get around us, we are safe in His sheltering arms. His plans are good, despite how it feels at the time. (Psalm 119:68) He is sovereign over all things, even the difficult.

Author Josh Philpot notes, “Taking refuge in God does not always mean immediate escape from pain and suffering. But because God is enthroned, he is in control and unperturbed by the apparent chaos on earth. . . He remains unshaken and eternally in power, which provides us with confidence in the day of trouble.”

I can understand why David said of God, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever”. There is true joy in having God as your protector. Again in Psalm 34:8, the psalmist declares, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him!” 

No matter the storms raging around you today, take refuge in God and rejoice in the shelter He brings.

The Original Intent

2) How does God shelter those who rejoice in Him?

In Psalm 5:11, David tells God, “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You.” David notices a correlation between God sheltering His people and their praise to Him.

David asserts that God’s shelter–His presence and protection–is not extended to the unrighteous, and His people should praise Him for the loving refuge He provides. God drives out His enemies (Psalm 5:10), but He shelters those who love Him. He shields them, sheltering them through hard times. (Psalm 119:114)

Those who are sheltered have reason to rejoice, and those who shout for joy to the Lord will be sheltered by God. David again calls God his shelter in Psalm 27:5-6, declaring that he will shout for joy because of God’s salvation. David implicitly trusts in God’s protection. Author, Bill Crowder, contends that we rejoice “because we know Someone who is strong enough to carry us through the churning waves of life that threaten to overwhelm us. . . In the face of life’s great dangers and challenges, we can know a joy borne out of our trust in God. His strength is more than enough!”

God shelters those who love Him by being with them in their troubles and sometimes helping them out of their troubles, resulting in rejoicing. God’s people can call on Him when life is challenging, and He helps them. Author, Becky Harling, suggests, “As you praise Him in the middle of your anxiety, the Holy Spirit awakens your soul to His presence and the Holy One calms you down.”

Those who trust in Christ are blessed that His presence acts as a shelter from the problems they face on a daily basis. This is reason to rejoice!

The Everyday Application

2) How does God shelter those who rejoice in Him?

Two weeks overdue with my daughter on March 19, 2003, I fell asleep knowing I would be induced the following day. It was already March 20 in Iraq, and war ensued as the USA fought to defeat Saddam Hussein. I kept thinking of the Iraqi women like me, about to give birth, but with nowhere to seek medical care due to the chaos. I prayed these women would find safety and shelter in the midst of the conflict, and I thanked God for the roof over my head and a hospital nearby in the morning.

I’m reminded of this scenario when I read Psalm 5:11, “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May You shelter them, and may those who love Your name boast about You.” I rejoiced in the physical shelter God provided for me and prayed He would shelter those in need, but He has faithfully provided shelter in many ways throughout my life.

He provides godly relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25) as a shelter from loneliness and discouragement. He provides the shelter of my church family (Acts 2:44-47) who help me grow in faith and reach out in service to those who don’t know Christ. God also makes His presence a shelter for me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

The presence of His Holy Spirit empowers me to do His will and strengthens me when hard times arise. (Romans 8:26) God shelters me in the physical world, and for that I rejoice! But He also provides refuge when I am sad, when I am afraid, and when I am losing hope. In those times, I run to Him and find shelter from life’s troubles and strength to endure. (Proverbs 18:10)

The Original Intent

3) What does it mean to boast about God?

David tells the Lord, “…may those who love Your name boast about You.” (verse 11) David wants God’s people to tell everyone about His great and glorious works and how He makes Himself a shelter for His people.

Author, Tony Evans, explains that David “urges God’s people to boast about Him and to shout for joy as a way of expressing recognition of who God is, what He has done, and what He can be trusted to do.” We should boast about Him so others know about His goodness, but also because God delights in our praises. His Word says He is enthroned upon the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)

According to author Jessica Brodie, this means that “God inhabits—rests in, sits upon, dwells within—His people’s songs of worship and adoration.” God delights in our praises because He loves us, and He desires a relationship with us. When we praise Him, we invite His presence to actively dwell with us. Psalm 16:11 tells us abundant joy is found in God’s presence.

Praising God ushers us into the fullness of His presence, which brings us the fullest joy we can know! John Piper asserts, “God would not be loving if He was indifferent to our praise. If He didn’t pursue our praise in all that He does, (…) He would not be pursuing the fullness of our satisfaction.”

God is worthy of all praise and honor (Revelation 4:11), and He encourages us to do everything for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). When we boast about our loving God, we are entering His presence in more full ways; this is where we find abundant joy.

The Everyday Application

3) What does it mean to boast about God?

In high school, my friend participated in a basket lunch auction where the girls bid on lunch dates with boys to raise money for charity. My friend spent the morning of the auction bragging on his basket, which consisted of fish and chips from a local restaurant. He raved about the golden fried batter, the flaky fish, the crispy fries, and the creamy coleslaw. When it came time to eat, he was mortified to find his order was wrong and the paltry meal he offered did not live up to his hype. He had boasted in something that did not deliver.

When David hopes that all those who love the Lord will boast in Him in Psalm 5:11, it is because God’s works are definitely worthy of boasting about. Much of the Psalms consist of David and other writers boasting in God for who He is and what He has done.

In Psalm 34:1-2, David declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord…”. 

Psalm 44:8 declares, “We boast in God all day long; we will praise your name forever.” 

David also prays in Psalm 86:8-10, “Lord, there is no one like you among the gods, and there are no works like yours. All the nations you have made will come and bow down before you, Lord, and will honor your name. For you are great and perform wonders; you alone are God.”

When God’s people recognize His goodness and His divinity by praising Him alone, God is glorified. We serve a mighty God who is worthy to be praised, so let us boast in the Lord by praising Him for being a God of wonder and majesty!

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Alive Day 12 For The Good: 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 are we called according to God’s purpose? (verse 28)

2) What does it mean to be “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son”? (verse 29)

3) How are we called, justified, and glorified by God? (verse 30)

Romans 8:28-30

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

Original Intent

1) How are we called according to God’s purpose? (verse 28)
First, we must understand what it means to be called by God, then we must consider what Scripture tells us about His purposes. The Greek word for called is “κλητός”, meaning to be invited as if to a banquet. God’s purpose for those who are called is answered in the next verse, “to be conformed to the image of His Son”. (verse 29) To respond to God’s call and live out His purpose means to believe in God and obey His command to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) God’s plan for us is to know Him and make Him known. (Galatians 1:15-16) Anyone who responds to God’s invitational call accepts His purpose to both deepen their relationship with Him (Jeremiah 33:3) and share the love of God with others (Matthew 28:19). Author Albert Barnes suggests that being called according to God’s purpose “Implies that God had a plan, purpose, or intention in regard to all who became Christians. They are not saved by chance or hap-hazard. God does not convert people without design; and His designs are not new, but eternal.” God desires everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), so this means we are all called to accept the message of the Gospel and fulfill His purposes. When we surrender to God and accept His purposes, we can be sure He is working everything together for our good and His glory. Whatever happens, He uses it for our eventual benefit and the expansion of His kingdom, even if we see no apparent good at the time. We can rest assured His plans are good, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise, if we accept the invitational call to follow Him.

2) What does it mean to be “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son”? (verse 29)
The Bible tells us God created us in His image. (Genesis 1:27) When Adam and Eve sinned and humans were separated from God (Genesis 3), the Divine plan was for Jesus to reunite us with God by coming to earth, fully human and fully God, to take our sins and show us how to live in right relationship with the Lord. God wants us to be like Jesus; He is the model of how to live life for God’s glory. In Romans 8:29, Paul writes, “For those [God] foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” God’s plan before the beginning of time was for humans to be conformed to God’s image. God tells us that those who trust in Jesus should “walk just as he walked”. (1 John 2:6) We have the example of the humble, loving life of Jesus to teach us how God designed us to live. God sent His Son not only to save our lives for eternity, but also show us how to live today. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us to follow Jesus’ example, which is impossible to do on our own. (Galatians 5:22-23) Not only do we have the life of Jesus to pattern our lives after, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us be more like Jesus.

3) How are we called, justified, and glorified by God? (verse 30)
Romans 8:30 includes what some scholars call the Golden Chain of Salvation, the “inviolable order in which our Creator saves His people” (Ligonier.org) The first link in the chain occurs in verse 29, which says that God foreknew those He would save. Author Adam Clarke explains that foreknow means to “design before, or at the first forming of the scheme to bestow the favour and privilege of being God’s people upon any set of men.” The second link in the Golden Chain is predestine, which author J.D. Watson describes as “God’s marking out a destiny befitting His foreknown people.” God decided ahead of time that He would make a way of salvation for His people. Predestination sets up the next two links: being called, or invited to be saved, and being justified, where God declares us righteous in Christ. We are called by God because He wants no one to perish. He calls every human to follow Him. If we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus, we can be saved. God justifies us through the blood of Christ Jesus, His Son, Who gave His life so we could stand blameless before God. The last link of the Golden Chain is being glorified by God. This can refer to going to heaven, but author N.T. Wright suggests, “Our glory in the present is focused as we stand in prayer at the place where the world and the church are in pain . . . so that the gospel may be seen at work in power through our praying as well as our preaching.” We are glorified by God in that Christ lives in us. His presence and His glory dwell within each person who trusts in Christ and shines from each person as they demonstrate His love.

Everyday Application

1) How are we called according to God’s purpose? (verse 28)
Something that frustrates many Christians is trying to discern God’s will for their lives. People want God’s crystal-clear direction about every decision. Should they marry, should they move, should they change jobs? While we are commanded to pray about all things and ask for God’s leading regarding decisions, following God is much more about making wise decisions with the information He provides through His Word and His people. (check out our Journey Theme “Follow” for more on this!) When it comes to knowing God’s will, the Bible reveals much about His purposes for us. When we lean into these principles, we will be following Him. Romans 8:28 references those who “love God and are called according to God’s purpose.” His purpose in being conformed to Jesus is for us to love God and share His love with others like Jesus. Author W.E. Vine explains that “them that are called and them that love God, are to one another as cause and effect. Those who love God are necessarily those who are called. The call . . . produces the response of love to Him who calls.” We love God because He first loved us and drew us to Him. (1 John 4:19) When we love Him, we want to share His love with others, which is one of God’s purposes for us as we are shaped to reflect Him to the world around us. (John 13:34) When we follow the express purposes of God as found in His Word, we can know for certain we are following His will for our lives. As we live this out, we can ask Him for wisdom to know more specific things He wants for us. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” We can rejoice that God shares His plans and purposes with us!

2) What does it mean to be “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son”? (verse 29)
Do you ever cringe when you see Christians doing a shabby job of representing Christ? Surely you have seen the guy who left the waiter a Gospel tract as a tip instead of cash, or the lady with the I LOVE Jesus bumper sticker cutting folks off in traffic. Jesus provides us an example of how to live humbly and righteously with love and mercy, but sometimes we don’t do a good job of following in His footsteps. Learning to be more like Jesus is part of God’s plan for our lives. Romans 8:29 tells us God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. His Word is given to us, in part, to teach us how to live like Jesus. Author Howard Hendricks asserts, “The Bible was not written to satisfy your curiosity, but to make you conform to Christ’s image. Not to make you a smarter sinner, but to make you like the Saviour. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts, but to transform your life.” Because Jesus is the Word, the Word has the power to change us into God’s image. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1, 4) From the beginning, Jesus has been the Life that is the Light to illuminate the path for all people to know God and be restored to Him. God’s plan is for us to be more like Jesus, and He wants us to represent Him wherever we go, including restaurants, the freeway, at church, our neighborhoods, and our social media profiles. He wants us to be loving and kind so people see Jesus when they look at us.

3) How are we called, justified, and glorified by God? (verse 30)
It has always fascinated me to read God’s Word regarding His plans for His people even before they were born. In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells the prophet, “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born . . .” In Psalm 139:16, the psalmist writes, “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.” To know that God has a plan for us before we are born is incredible! His plan for everyone includes salvation through His Son, Jesus. This plan is described in Romans 8:30, where Paul tells us God has called us, justified us, and glorified us. This is God’s plan for salvation for us. He calls each one of us to come to a genuinely saving knowledge of Christ through repentance (turning away from) our sin and accepting His free gift of salvation. He tells us in John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” It is the blood of Jesus that justifies us by washing away our sin and making us righteous before God. When we are saved through Christ Jesus, we can be glorified by living in Heaven with Jesus when our life on earth is done. We are also glorified because Christ lives within us here on earth, teaching us how to be more like Him through the power of His Holy Spirit. (1 John 2:27) It is comforting and empowering to know that God has a plan for each one of us that extends from before we are born until after we pass into Heaven.

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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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