Fear

Training Day 5 Just Being

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 139
Luke 5:15–16
Luke 6:12-16
Mark 1:35–39
Matthew 11:28–30

Training, Day 5

As disciples, we often learn about the works of Jesus. We study what He did.

We also notice the words of Jesus. Many of us have Bibles with His words in red, highlighting their importance.

In a recent discipleship seminar, I was encouraged to notice the ways of Jesus, learning not just from His public ministry and message, but also from the way Jesus lived His life. With this idea in mind as I read the gospels, I’ve discovered truth I hadn’t noticed before.

For instance, a little verse at the beginning of Matthew 13 caught my attention. The preceding verses describe Jesus teaching crowds of people and confronting the religious leaders. The following verses talk about Jesus teaching such a large crowd, He used a boat as a platform while the people listened from the shore. But between these big ministry moments, Jesus stole time to sit by the lake, alone. (Matthew 13:1)

In fact, Jesus often made time to be alone, even though He was busy and crowds constantly followed Him.
“Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
It was His way. Jesus spent time in solitude.

When was the last time you sat alone, without distraction? The television off, the radio silent, the kids with a babysitter, your phone out of reach. Alone with God, to work through your thoughts, feelings, and memories. It can be a very uncomfortable place.

We don’t make space for solitude very often; life is too busy, right? There is always something to do: good, meaningful, and important things. As soon as the house is clean, the laundry done, and a meal prepared, someone has made a mess, gotten dirty, and is hungry again. Between home, work, and church, the responsibilities of life are relentless. But Jesus didn’t use this as an excuse.

I did.

Early last year I had a significant mental health event. That’s hard to admit. I think of myself as a strong, capable person. I was very busy, but I had everything under control. At least, I thought I did. I developed chest pain and was admitted to coronary care. After four days of uncomfortable tests, my heart was given a clean bill of health and I was diagnosed with vicarious trauma.

I worked in my church as a pastoral carer, supporting those who were sick and grieving. I spent my days visiting, making phone calls, and praying with people. It was a wonderful privilege to represent the comfort of Jesus to those who were walking through life’s most difficult circumstances. I was good at my job, and I loved it. Yet over time, as I was exposed to the trauma of others without giving myself the time to process what I was witnessing, I began to develop trauma symptoms myself.

My Christian counselor prescribed a powerful therapy for my recovery: solitude. Seriously, that was her recovery plan. She told me to spend time alone with Jesus. Not busy time “doing” my devotions. But “wasted” time, just sitting, being with Jesus. It was difficult.

As I sat in silence, the thoughts that emerged were ugly: memories of pain, feelings of guilt and regret, fear and anxiety. It was hard work. But, inviting Jesus to shine a light into the dark corners of my heart in the quietness of my pain was the best medicine. In time, the knot in my chest unraveled as I submitted all to Christ, and He healed my weary soul.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) What a wonderful invitation. If only we weren’t too busy to accept.

Solitude is a discipline. It doesn’t come easily to many of us. Our modern world is full of distractions and interruptions. We are constantly bombarded with cries for our attention. It honestly feels irresponsible to take time to sit quietly and appear to do nothing. Yet, this is where healing comes. This is where we find the rest our souls so desperately seek.

I now have a practice of having a morning coffee with Jesus. It takes around ten to fifteen minutes. Often, it is after I’ve read my Bible and prayed through my list, but sometimes, I sit with Jesus first.

I find it easier when I have a cup of coffee in my hands. I’m less likely to reach for my phone. I also try to be outside or by a window where I can see the sky and the beauty of creation so I don’t get distracted by dirty dishes or the dusty floor.

I often use the end of Psalm 139 as a prayer.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23–24)

I allow God to sift through my thoughts, good and bad. Somehow, I walk away from solitude lighter, more joyful, and with the best creative ideas.

I hope you are able to “waste” some time alone with Jesus today.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

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

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

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Training!

Advent Day 12 A Shepherd’s Heart: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 A Shepherd’s Heart!

The Questions

1) Who is the shepherd?

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?

3) What does the shepherd provide?

Psalm 23:1

“The LORD is my shepherd. I have what I need.”

Original Intent

1) Who is the shepherd?
The psalmist begins by acknowledging that it is the Lord who continually provides all he needs. “The LORD … is my shepherd.” The image of a shepherd suggests the writer is considering himself to be a sheep under the care of the Lord, the genuinely good shepherd. The psalmist expands the metaphor in the following verses of the chapter and describes how the Lord is like a shepherd to him. Each verse is packed with images about the shepherd’s character and care. Bible translation notes offer us insight into the Hebrew language used in the verse. “The imperfect verbal form is best understood as generalizing; the psalmist highlights his typical or ongoing experience as a result of having the Lord as his shepherd (habitual present use).” (netbible.org) The Lord provided constant care to His servant, David. In verse 6, David says to his Lord and shepherd, “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.” (Psalm 23:6) This shepherd of David is the same God who passed in front of Moses displaying His glory, “The LORD came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, ‘the LORD.’ The LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: The LORD—the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7) This is the One to whom the people of Israel sang when the ark of God was returned. David himself was leaping and dancing before the Lord in celebration of Who He is, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:7-18 34-36)

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?
Psalm 23 is a “psalm of David.” This same David was the people’s unlikely choice for king of God’s people. (1 Samuel 16:10-13) Theologian, Charles Spurgeon, said of the psalmist and songwriter, “I like to recall the fact that this psalm was written by David, probably when he was a king. He had been a shepherd, and he was not ashamed of his former occupation. When he had to wear a crown, he remembered the time when he had handled the shepherd’s crook, and as a lad, with his sling and stone, had kept watch over his father’s sheep in the wilderness.” (www.spurgeongems.org) Being a shepherd was a familiar role for David. He had cared for his father’s sheep as a youth. As a shepherd, he knew the constant watchfulness it took to be a faithful and protective shield for the sheep in his care. (1 Samuel 17:12-15, 34-35) As David’s shepherd, the Lord provided him with peace, even when he was pursued by enemies. (Psalm 23:4-5) As Rebekah stated yesterday, “When the going got tough and trial upon trial came up, David repeatedly relied upon the One whom He referred to as ‘The Lord, my Shepherd’. King David understood that his position, a God-given one, was a position of being under God’s protection even as he lived in anticipation of the ultimate Shepherd, King Jesus.” Shepherding was considered a noble occupation for the Israelites before the social shift began with Egyptian prejudice toward them. (Genesis 46:33-34) Still, most shepherds never became kings, and most kings had never been shepherds. God gave David a unique perspective as the shepherd-king.

3) What does the shepherd provide?
Sheep are vulnerable animals for several reasons. Most of us understand they are susceptible to predators because they are defenseless creatures. They have many natural predators in the wild, but those who care for them tell us sheep are their own worst enemy. They have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. When they stray, they put themselves in danger of being lost, attacked, and even becoming disoriented to the point of tragically killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs. The shepherd’s job is an offensive and defensive one. He guides the sheep to places that will provide for their needs, while being constantly on guard to protect them from prowling enemies. (Psalm 23:2-4) As a king with enemies, David faced many days of fear and worry. Several of his psalms reflect his human emotional turmoil and suffering. It was a natural response for him to have dread and anxiety when his life was in danger. Yet, time and again, David took his fears to his God, the Good Shepherd. He resolved in his heart to trust the God he had come to personally know and trust, the One Who was faithful and generous in love. (Psalm 13)

Everyday Application

1) Who is the shepherd?
As our Shepherd, the Lord provides us all with His personal care, direction, protection and presence. When David declared the Lord as His shepherd, he was acknowledging the connection he had with God. As we read through the Old Testament books, we find that the relationship God had with His people dynamically shifted when Jesus came to earth as a man to bring us nearer to Him. Yet, even the patriarch Jacob had a comprehension of the shepherding heart of God. When he blessed his grandsons, he spoke of the “God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.” (Genesis 48:13-16) The prophet Isaiah also referred to the coming Messiah as a shepherd. (Isaiah 40:9-11) As our gracious and gentle shepherd, God revealed His good news at night to a group of men in a field caring for their flock. How beautiful it is that the angel announcing the birth of the Christ appeared to shepherds! Years ago, I sang a chorus with these words: “Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us for we need your strength from day to day. There’s no other we can turn to who can help us face another day. Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need to you to help us find our way.” Friend, during the season of Advent (when we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s coming), we can worship our Good Shepherd with joy and thanksgiving. The One who chased after David also pursues us with His goodness and mercy, which He will continue to do all the days of our lives. (Psalm 23:6)

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?
Like others in the ancestry of the Christ child, David was an unlikely pick to be king of Israel. When Samuel anointed him, David had yet to defeat Goliath and establish war strategies. But, sister, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? As usual, God chose to lead His people in unexpected ways by calling on a young shepherd boy. As a shepherd himself, David was able to savor the sweetness of having a personal shepherd. He understood the implications of the imagery in the verses in Psalm 23. He said of God, “the Lord is MY shepherd.” Although the prophet Nathan shared a vision with David about his future (2 Samuel 7), I am doubtful that David fully comprehended his part in the fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming. His name would be forever inscribed in the greatest story of all time. “Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son …” (Luke 2:4-7, emphasis mine) To all who call on the name of Jesus, we too become recipients of the Good Shepherd’s goodness and mercy. Oh come, friend. Let us adore Him. “Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21, emphasis mine)

3) What does the shepherd provide?
David was acutely aware of his own need for a shepherd as evidenced in his gut-honest psalms. Only God could fully supply everything he needed. Jesus said we are all in the same condition of need, both spiritually and emotionally. What comfort during this Advent season to know that it is precisely our need that leads us to find the source of our lasting joy. (Matthew 5:3-5) Charles Spurgeon said that to know the Lord as our shepherd, we must first understand our own wandering nature, “for he cannot know that God is his Shepherd unless he feels in himself that he has the nature of a sheep.” (Spurgeon.org) I recognize how I am prone to wander away. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to us. Sweet sister, He is our only hope!
“In the process, in the waiting, You’re making melodies over me. / And Your presence is the promise, for I am a pilgrim on a journey / You will lift my head above the mighty waves; / You are able to keep me from stumbling. / And in my weakness, / You are the strength that comes from within. / Good Shepherd of my soul, take my hand and lead me on. / You make my footsteps and my path secure, so walking on water is just the beginning. / Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention, for You are / calling me to greater things. / Oh how I love You, how I love You! / You have not forsaken me. / Oh how I love You, how I love You! / With You is where I want to be.”
(Shepherd by Amanda Falk)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with A Shepherd’s Heart!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Worship IX Day 13 Lyrical Pursuit

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 14:27
Psalm 5:11-12
1 Chronicles 16:9-24
Psalm 7
Colossians 3:15-17

Worship IX, Day 13

From as early as I can remember, music has been a part of me. At about age 5, I would clear the living room coffee table and begin my “practice sessions,” which consisted of my fingers playing imaginary piano keys and the only audible notes, my constant hum. I mean, really, that coffee table sounded Ah-mazing! 

By age eight, I was practicing with actual piano keys. The sound from those sessions might have been more of a bang, but I was so excited to begin my musical journey! By age 12, I had been a part of numerous piano recitals. At 16, I was playing our church’s offertory each Sunday, and singing monthly specials at church. By age 30, I had been in several musical groups for school and church, and thus began my worship team experience.

I have dabbled in many musical genres throughout the years, but this worship leader was always drawn back to hymns, Christian contemporary, and worship music.

Here’s my story…

I could not contain my excitement any longer! The anticipation was almost overwhelming! Eeeeek! You see, my favorite artist of all time was putting out new music, a new tape! Ok, wait a minute, I just told you my age. A tape means another soundtrack, a CD! Ahem.

“The long-ago moment danced and breathed and lived inside her.”
(A Distant Shore, Karen Kingsbury)

And my “long-ago moment”… 

I was a teenager awaiting the anticipated soundtrack, Lead Me On, from a popular artist, Amy Grant. Whenever a new song was released, I continuously listened to the lyrics and music. I would lay on my bed, pouring over the lyrics, line by line, memorizing each word, verse by verse, chorus to bridge; knowing exactly when to come in. (For us musicians, it’s all about the lyrics, timing, tempo, and beat!)

As years passed, I began viewing lyrics and music a bit differently. I discovered how it shaped my outlook on life, love, and relationships. At the Desiring God 2008 National Conference, John Piper said, “Music can move our emotions, but it can’t speak propositional truth.” Oh my, does it speak! So let’s talk about emotions and music.

Emotions play an important role in music, but emotions are momentary, fading upon each minute in our fleeting lives, a roller coaster of feelings dependent on our circumstances, our expectations, our hopes, our fears—well, you get the picture.

But what if song lyrics became a “prayer” and spoke truth to our souls? Or, better yet, what if the cries of our souls became a lyrical pursuit of praise?

Let me give an example. Look up a song on YouTube. It could be one of your worship favorites, or a song that is speaking to you today. Mine is “Great You Are” by Jordan Smith.

I’ll give you a few minutes . . . ready? Ok, now listen to the video.

Look through the lyrics. If it helps, retrieve a song with a lyric video. Really hear the song. Can you feel what the writer or the artist is trying to convey? What emotions are you feeling as you listen? In the song mentioned above, it is speaking of the greatness of my God. I ponder all He has done for me!

These days, many songs also have a “story behind the song” video. Does yours? If your song doesn’t have one, then listen to it again, paying special attention to words or phrases that contain Scripture reference. (“Great You Are,” see Luke 19:39-40) Do you see how this song could be a prayer of praise to the Holy One?

Here’s another example: “No One Higher” (Psalm 145:3) by Aaron Shust. 👈🏼👈🏼Go ahead, click the link. Notice the Scripture references at the end of each line? This song speaks of the Truth and gives praise and honor to Whom it is due, God. (Psalm 65:1, Psalm 92:1)
God is Sovereign over all. There is no one higher than our God!

I went a little further and researched a familiar hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” I listened to many versions and then started looking up Scriptures like Psalm 145:3-7. Did you know the book of Psalms is actually a group of songs David wrote? Every Psalm could become a prayer of praise reminding us of Who God is! Isn’t this amazing?

Here is what I found, every lyrical line or stanza in How Great Thou Art speaks a different Psalm. In other words, while singing, we are singing Scripture. When we do this, our praise and worship becomes powerful! When we speak God’s Word back to Him, we are truly worshipping our Heavenly Father. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Now, how’s that for “lyrical pursuit?”

Oh, about my childhood soundtrack, I still know every lyric of every song on that album. Just listen to Lead Me On. Still speaks to me! I’m going right now to take another listen, too! 

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Worship IX Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Worship IX!

Waiting Day 12 Victorious Patience: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 Victorious Patience!

The Questions

1) What events had preceded the gathering of the disciples that evening? (verse 19)

2) Why did the disciples fear the Jews? (verse 19)

3) What did Jesus offer the anxious group and what was their response? (verse 20)

John 20:19-20

19 When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you. 20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”

Original Intent

1) What events had preceded the gathering of the disciples that evening? (verse 19)
Their Master, the one called Jesus, had died three days before. John tells us what happened in John 19:16-19 . “When they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him and two others with Him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Jesus had walked alongside most of those who had gathered for three years in ministry. Some had known Him all His life like His half-siblings and mother. He had been their teacher and had shown them the way to God. (John 14:9) Even though the kings and prophets of old had foretold the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Psalm 22:1 and Isaiah 53), even those who followed Jesus had misunderstood. Together with the crowd who often followed Jesus, they had continued to believe He would bring an earthly kingdom to help them escape Roman oppression. (Matthew 21:9-11) Even the disciples closest to Jesus had misinterpreted His kingdom. (Matthew 20:20-22, Mark 10:38-40) There were moments His close friends had seemed to be willing to die with Jesus in a rebellion against Roman tyranny. (Mark 14:46-47) But this was not the way of the Messiah. He tried to explain it to them repeatedly, but it was hard to hear and understand when their thinking was focused on a different end goal. (John 14-16) His death likely stunned many of them even though He had told them several times He would soon die. (Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 8:31-32, Mark 9:30-32, Luke 9:21-22) Some friends had indicated Jesus was now alive, and as they gathered, they surely wondered about all these things. (John 20:3-10) Waiting.

2) Why did the disciples fear the Jews? (verse 19)
Jewish traditions surrounding death give us insight into cultural customs that may be unfamiliar to us. “Following the death of a family member, Jewish families observe strict Jewish mourning traditions. The purpose of these traditions is to allow for a full expression of grief.” (Jewish Mourning Customs) Study help on verse 19 says, “the fact that the disciples locked the doors is a perfectly understandable reaction to the events of the past few days.” Likely perplexed by all the events, they had gathered behind securely fastened doors. Possibly they were discussing the women’s reported sighting of angels, or what Peter, John, and Mary had witnessed. Even though Jesus had told Mary He would meet them in Jerusalem (Matthew 28:5-7), they appeared to be hiding from Jewish leaders. The text says they locked the doors “because they feared the Jews.” Though there is much to possibly speculate, we must not conclude more than in this scene. They may have feared other threats, but we know for certain they were afraid of their own people, the Jews, because that’s what Scripture records. Yet there also seems to be a unity being formed among this group. They were “gathered.” They hadn’t run away, dispersing to hide in solitude. Neither had their anxiety driven them to flee Jerusalem. There must have been something about this day that prompted them to be together despite their fear. Was it the hope that maybe there was more to the story? Saints of old had come to believe there was more. (Luke 2:25-26, 38) What had been happening for hundreds of years was now happening in that very room. Glimpses of hope collided with anxious thoughts and agonizing recollections of the last few days. Was Jesus really alive? Was He the Messiah they had longed for? Waiting.

3) What did Jesus offer the anxious group and what was their response? (verse 20) “Jesus came, stood among them, and said…” (verse 19) This is unbelievable! Jesus was suddenly present. The variety of reports had most assuredly affected those gathered in that room, but now their shock and skepticism were replaced with a fierce hope. Their Master was WITH them. And He offered them peace from their fear and worry. Did they flash back to that last meal with Him when He washed their feet? This was the One who loved them so well. I appreciate how this scene provides insight into the effectiveness of Jesus’ prayer for them. “The world hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth… I am in them and You are in Me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:14-26) Guzik reminds us “It was good that the disciples stayed together. Jesus told them that when He departed they must love one another, which assumes that they would stay together. He also prayed for their unity after their departure. This command was fulfilled, and prayer was answered in the days immediately after His crucifixion.” (EnduringWord.com) Jesus spoke to them, He showed them His wounds, and He comforted them by His present nearness. They had been waiting, it was hope deferred. Now Jesus was present, it was Hope alive.

Everyday Application

1) What events had preceded the gathering of the disciples that evening? (verse 19)
Scripture tells us Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin. After Jesus’ death, Joseph risked his reputation, and possibly his life, to go to the Roman governor, Pilate, requesting Jesus’ body. (Luke 23:50-52, John 19:38) Sometimes when we wait, we find ourselves conflicted. We may fear the future, but we also recall the past and know we’ve experienced something extraordinary about Jesus. As was Jewish custom, Joseph wrapped Jesus’ body. Because it was nearly the Sabbath, he couldn’t complete the full burial process, so he hurriedly placed Him in one of his own tombs, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 53:9. Considering how often Old Testament stories include trusting God while waiting, it’s no wonder the theme of waiting is continued after Jesus’ death. Those who had watched Jesus closely in the days leading up to His death had much to consider. As the saints of God continue to wait for Jesus’ final and ultimate return, we can all relate to the disciples’ fear and confusion. In these days of chaos and unknowns, we are tempted to huddle together with other believers and lock the door. Yet, at the same time, we know. We’ve witnessed in our own souls the power of the resurrection! Like Simeon, the Spirit has revealed to us the truth about our future. He could never have waited so patiently in faith without the Holy Spirit’s power and wisdom. (Luke 2:25-32) Expectant hope has always been supernatural. Sister, as we seek to partner together through the Word and prayer, we are jointly cultivating a habit of patience by trusting God’s Word and the work of the Spirit in our lives. Although waiting is often difficult, hopeful patience is not unattainable. Let’s confess our anxious hearts for the Spirit within us is producing patience in our waiting! (Galatians 5:22-23)

2) Why did the disciples fear the Jews? (verse 19)
People who put their hope in Jesus are growing into being people of eager expectation. The world is scary. We can’t know for sure that our faith in Jesus will be met with receptivity as we live it out and share it with others. We have all seen the hatred and anger some have toward the gospel message and the truth of Jesus. Yet we continue to serve and love those around us with an eye turned toward heaven and our glorious future. We are people who daily live with a longing and assurance that our hope will become realized. The Old and New Testaments are full of promises about the return of Jesus Christ. Of the 260 chapters in the New Testament, there are more than 300 references to the Lord’s return. For every prophecy regarding the first appearing of Christ as man, there are eight on His second appearing as Judge and King. (preceptaustin.org) This should give you reason to rejoice, my sweet friend. There will be days you wake up with anxious thoughts. You’ll have to fight your fear. Personally, the last month has been a brutal season of waiting for me. Yet I have resolved to know that Jesus is real and near even when my humanity cries out in pain. Where are you, Jesus?! You promised Your presence in the waiting, but You feel so far. The disciples could not have known how very close Jesus actually was. They knew what appeared to be. Then suddenly everything was different in the room. Emmanuel. God with us. “Peace be with you, my daughter” Jesus says to our souls. “Remember, I am WITH you. Always and to the end of the age.” (Mathew 28:20)

3) What did Jesus offer the anxious group and what was their response? (verse 20)
Jesus was indeed alive. And His word for them was, PEACE. Years ago, a song came on the Christian music scene that portrayed the possible angst of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. It describes well the feeling we all may have at one time or another as we wait for Jesus to show up and speak peace to our weary souls. As you consider its words, be encouraged that the nearness of the same Savior is available to each of us if we reach out in faith!
Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame.
When at last it came to choices I’d denied I knew His name.
Even if He was alive it wouldn’t be the same.
Suddenly the air was filled with strange and sweet perfume.
Light that came from everywhere drove shadows from the room.
Jesus stood before me with His arms held open wide.
And I fell down on my knees and just clung to Him and cried.
He raised me to my feet and as I looked into His eyes.
Love was shining out from Him like sunlight from the skies.
Guilt in my confusion disappeared in sweet release, and every fear I’d ever had just melted into peace.
He’s alive.
(He’s Alive, by Don Francisco)

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Waiting Week 2

Leave a Comment

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 story of God’s people is one full of waiting and watching. From Adam and Eve, to Abraham and Sarah, to David and the prophets, nearly everyone in Scripture waits for the Lord to work. Often the stories we read show us our own human nature of waiting poorly. In the waiting, our doubts and our sin so easily ensnare us. Not only that, but we get so caught up in our day-to-day trials, we forget to look for the work God is doing. What are you waiting for? How are you living as you wait? Is your mind caught up with fretting about the thing you are waiting for and how to ensure it arrives? Or do you distract yourself so you won’t even think about it. Spend some time in self-reflection. Confess the ways you are waiting poorly, and ask God to give you a steadfast hope in His good timing. Meditate on the truth of God’s faithfulness by writing out Psalm 13 and praying it aloud to God as you write.

2) As we wait on the Lord, we will inevitably face questions and doubts. Will God keep His promises? Am I hearing Him correctly? Can I trust Him? Maybe we will discover that what we thought we were waiting for was not, in fact, God’s plan for us. Maybe we will find that the time we spent waiting has changed both us and our desires. Are you willing to put your trust in the all-knowing all-powerful God who has promised that all things will work for the good of those who love Him? What hopes and dreams are you holding onto? Where are you questioning God’s goodness? How are you anxious about the future? Can you submit those dreams, questions, and fears to almighty God? How has He shown Himself faithful to you before? God tells His people time and time again to remember His faithfulness. Take some time to look back today on how the Lord has been present. Remember the goodness God has shown you in the past, and submit to His will for your present and your future. Remember Him in the waiting.

3) In Friday’s journey, we considered the rich tapestry of history God has woven by His good will, and continues to work until the end of time. Sarah reminded us that while we see the messy underside and crisscrossed threads that don’t make sense to us, God sees the big picture. This image resonated with me as a person who enjoys crafting. I can’t tell you how many times I have re-started a crochet project because something didn’t look right, or because I hadn’t read the instructions properly, or because I was confused. Praise God He knows what He is doing from eternity past to eternity future; He never needs to unravel the work He has begun. Do you trust that God’s timing is perfect and abundantly more merciful and good than we can imagine? Do you trust He knows what He is doing, even when we don’t? Consider the works of your hands. Perhaps you sew or crochet, maybe you paint or write, or maybe you are an expert home organizer (can you share some of that skill with me?!). Often our projects start messy and get worse before they get better. As you do your work today, consider the great plan God has for all of history and entrust to His care all of your hopes, dreams, and desires. Ask Him to sustain you in all things.

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 Isaiah 40:28-31a back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary;
There is no limit to His understanding.
He gives strength to the powerless.
Youths may become faint and weary,
And young men stumble and fall,
But those who trust in the Lord
Will renew their strength…

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord, our Hope in times of trouble, our Grace in times of restless waiting. You give us rest for our souls. You give us security in Your completed work. You are the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and we trust You. My sight is limited, my knowledge incomplete, but You, oh God, have a good plan. Help me to trust You when my faith grows weak. Forgive me for my tendency to doubt and attempts to fix everything myself. Forgive me, and strengthen me, for Your great glory. Father, I commit to You my every step. My future is in Your hands, and I rest securely, knowing You will do what You have said. Help me to be bold in my faith, proclaiming Your goodness to a lost and broken world. May my life show Your good will to those around me: my children, my neighbors, my church, and my community. May my life be a testimony to Your great faithfulness.

Worship Through Community

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

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

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Fruitful Day 13 The Gentleness Of Jesus

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Mark 5:25-43
Matthew 11:28-30
John 13:12-17
Galatians 5:22-23

Fruitful, Day 13

The crowds were gathering, pressing relentlessly on all sides.
With His power to heal illness and drive away demons, word was spreading quickly. People from all walks of life, with all manner of brokenness, flocked in masses in pursuit of Jesus, the Christ.

In the midst of this particular crowd was a well-respected Jewish man, high-ranking with authority and political clout as a synagogue official, for he too was desperate. Jairus was familiar with Jesus’ growing fame and His divine ability, as he had likely witnessed Jesus healing a man’s hand in the synagogue in the weeks prior. (Luke 6:6-11) None could do what Jesus did. While Jairus was surely intrigued, he entered the crushing crowd that day out of pure desperation.

His daughter’s life hung in the balance.

It’s easy to step back and critically analyze. One can afford to be curious at a distance, but when it’s your desperation, nothing matters but the pursuit of wholeness.

Jesus immediately responded to Jairus’ urgent pleas to come to his house and slowly they moved in that direction.

Again, the crowds followed.

Can you imagine being Jairus? Desperation met reality as faces swam in front of both men. The mob was filled with shoving and jostling, loud noises, body odor, and incessant pressing of desperate bodies running rickshaw over one another as one little girl’s life hovered between life and death.

I’m not really comfortable with crowds like that, but if I wanted to be near Jesus, I am certain I would have set aside my discomfort to join the throng in pursuit of Christ that day.

Which is exactly what one woman did. Like Jairus, her desperation drove her into the tangled mass of people. She’d endured twelve long years of uterine bleeding, living as a shamed outcast from her community (Leviticus 15:25-27), taken advantage of by doctors who promised cures but worsened her condition. (Mark 5:26) Ironically, she, who had lived over a decade in isolation, was now driven by desperation into a crowd of hundreds with one goal in mind. Wholeness.

Twenty-nine years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like this suffering woman, I’ve experienced isolation from friends and even family because of disease. People are uncomfortable with such ravaging illness and don’t know what to say, so they stay away. They fear “catching” cancer themselves, and in their attempt to self-protect, they left me alone. I imagine this woman and I had many common experiences. Fear. Shame. Abandonment. Loss. Grief. Add to those woes the fact that her condition was neither diagnosable nor curable, despite the costly search for answers, and her desperation becomes nearly palpable.

Unrelated to cancer, five years ago I experienced intestinal disorders that no test or exam could identify. I too was neither diagnosable nor curable, and after six months of constant appointments, pokes, and prods, I was exhausted. I can only imagine twelve years of such! I can hear her heart’s cry, “What could it hurt to find Jesus? I’ve tried everything else. I have nothing more to lose.”

Jairus, desperate for his little daughter’s life.
This woman, desperate for her own.

Both were met with a radical gift surpassing their expectations.
Gentleness.

I’m sure the woman planned to press through the crowds, likely on her knees, to touch just the hem of His garment and then slip away unnoticed. But at her touch, despite many hands pressed against Him, Jesus’ voice of authority pierced the cacophony, “Who touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:30)

My reaction would have been the same as the disciples’. “You see this crowd pressing in on you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” (Mark 5:31) Jesus knew the difference between the touch of physical nearness and the hope of desperate faith.

In His divinity, Jesus knew who had touched Him.
In His gentleness, He asked His question of invitation.

Tightness grips my chest as I think of her “being caught,” and then I relax, remembering Jesus’ gentleness has invited this woman to step out. I can envision His calm eyes searching the crowd for the woman’s face, fixing His gaze of compassionate love upon her. Scripture records the woman coming with “fear and trembling.” Aware of her healing, she came to Jesus, fell down before Him, and told the whole truth. (Mark 5:33)

Christ’s gentleness drew her to Himself, invited her to unpack the entirety of her brokenness, then responded by publicly calling her His own, “Daughter.” He made her whole.

Not just her body, but her soul.
“Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Mark 5:34)

Amid a stunned crowd, a messenger for Jairus arrives with the tragic news his daughter has died. In the span of time it took Jesus to call one woman out of brokenness and into wholeness, another’s life passed away.

Yet, the gentle Jesus turns unhurried, peace-filled eyes to meet Jairus’ red-rimmed ones, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”  (Mark 5:36)

The nameless woman fades away into the crowd, no longer hiding nor walking with head bowed low. She dances in grace, for the gentleness of Jesus has called her His own, healing her body, heart, and soul.

As for Jairus’ daughter, the Gentle Christ takes her slim, cold hand in His as His divine voice awakens her from death to life. (Mark 5:41-42)

Our desperation, no matter how dire, is no match for the Gentle Christ.
So bring your exhaustion, your desperation, and your faith, and find wholeness in the gentle touch of our Savior.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Fruitful Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Fruitful!

Sketched IX Day 8 Who Do You Say I Am?

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 4:1-22
Luke 9:18-20
Luke 22:54-62
Matthew 16:13-20

Sketched IX, Day 8

The Sanhedrin thought they had me cornered. But this time would be different. I would set the record straight and tell of the Truth. (John 14:6)

My life has always been wrapped up in catching fish. I love it! Night after night, my brother, Andrew, and I would boat out to sea. We would cast our nets into the water, waiting for that ONE BIG CATCH.

I remember one night in particular, which should have been a great night for fishing, but as much as we tried, there was not a single fish to be caught. As the sun began to rise, we pulled to shore. Along the shore, crowds of people were coming closer. Nearby, Jesus told us to return the boat to sea. I was exhausted from fishing all night. But being Jesus’ disciple, I pushed the boat back out and hopped inside!

After teaching the people gathered on the shore for a bit, Jesus turned to us and told us to cast our nets on the other side of the boat. Of course, I had to reply, rather insistently, “Uh, Jesus, we have been out all night. We didn’t catch one single fish, and we are too tired to try again!” He just looked at us and said, “Throw out your nets!” So we did. And guess what? We pulled in so many fish there were too many to hold!

Jesus said, “Peter, today you will catch fish in your nets, but one day you will catch people for Me!” My mouth dropped open. I didn’t understand what He meant, but looking back, I see so clearly. (Luke 5:10-11, paraphrased)

See, I was an ordinary man, like you. Doubt came easy. Fear, even easier. Passion drove me. Let me explain. One night, the winds were fierce and the waters were overtaking the boat. I, with the others, noticed something out on the water. What is that? A ghost? But suddenly, I knew Who it was! “Jesus, My Lord, if it is you, bid me to come.”

As I stepped onto the treacherous waters, “Come” was the only word I heard. I kept my eyes focused on Him, until I was slipping onto the water. How is this possible? For one brief second, I was walking on water.

The next second, the wind howled and tore against me, the roar of the waves was deafening, and I took my eyes from Jesus . . . “Uh, Jesus help me!” Instantly beside me, Jesus lifted me out of the water and we climbed into the boat. The others began worshipping, “Truly You are the Son of God!” The other disciples knew Who He was. But, did I? (Matthew 14:28-33)

Another time?

“Come, follow Me” were the first words I heard Jesus speak to me. And, on that very day, I became His disciple. Each day, talking and walking with Jesus, I was developing a relationship like no other! I was quickly learning He was exactly Who He claimed! Day after day, I watched as He healed, loved, and shared with others about His Father.

One day, He asked the other disciples, “Who are others saying I am?”.
Without hesitation, everyone began speaking.
“Elijah.”
“A prophet.”
“John the Baptist.”

“But Who do you say I am?” He asked with quiet insistence.
I didn’t hold back for a minute. “Oh, Jesus, You are the Messiah.”

Another question?

“Aren’t you a disciple of the One they call the Messiah?”
I quickly hid beneath my cloak. “You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
Three times, I was asked. And three times, I denied My Lord.
I, who once walked on water, heard teachings to the multitudes, witnessed countless miracles, healings, and the-never-ending-catches-of-fish, I could not even speak His name.
I was one of three disciples to pray with Him in the garden. How could I have done this? Deny the Messiah?

This moment? 

So, I understood the confusion of my inquisitors at this moment. Upon acknowledging their accusations, I saw the elders, rulers, and scribes converse. They seemed to be bewildered as I faced them with the Spirit’s courage and spoke of the very One I denied so many years ago.

“You ask me, by what power? In what name? Until my last breath, I will proclaim Jesus as the One True God. With boldness, I say this man was healed by Jesus, and in His Name.” (Acts 4:7)

One of the Sanhedrin turned to face me. “Um, Peter, well, we do not understand how an uneducated man could say these things to us. We’re going to let you go, but we order you not to speak in His Name again.”

Me? Not speak in Jesus’ Name?
I, who after years spent by His side, knew Jesus as both a man and as my Savior, my Lord?
I, who quickly learned I was loved and forgiven by the One Who carried my sins to the cross?
I, who was called and chosen by The Messiah to carry the Good News across the nations? (Luke 9:20)
I should remain silent? Impossible.

I knew Who He was because I had been truly touched by Jesus! I will remain immovable and unshakeable, just like the name Jesus gave me, the rock upon whom He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18)

But, my sweet friends, how would you answer this question? If I, Peter, a disciple and follower of the Messiah, who also had a deep relationship with Jesus, could truthfully answer this question, can you? Without hesitation, who do you say He is?

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

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!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 IX Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched IX!

Ready Day 7 Laboring Love: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

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 Laboring Love!

The Questions

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?

Jude 1:20-25

20 But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. 22 Have mercy on those who waver; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory without blemish and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.

Original Intent

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?
The Bible book of Jude is considered to be a “general epistle” written to a broad audience. Epistles (a letter or message) were the primary form of communication in New Testament times. Though difficult to determine, it is thought to be written somewhere between A.D. 60 and 140. (netbible.org) The name of the author was “Judas,” but most English translators have used the name “Jude” to avoid connection with the one who betrayed Jesus. Most Bible teachers believe he was the half-brother of Jesus, though he did not see Him as the Christ until after the resurrection. (enduringword.com) Jude’s letter is filled with references to Old Testament stories. By recalling history that was familiar to the readers Jude reminded them of the urgency of sincere faith, Spirit-led prayers, and obedience to God. Just as the apostle Paul was concerned for his fellow believers in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3), Jude also desired believers to know his love for them, even though he knew he was writing to many he would never meet. (verse 2) He had hoped to write about their shared salvation (verse 3), but he “found it necessary” to address a serious issue that had arisen among them. Contrasting the people who were “discontented grumblers, living according to their desires” and “flattering people for their own advantage”, Jude wanted his readers to remember what they had been taught and to remain in the faith and love of God. (Jude 1:17-20) He bluntly described in verses 10-13 the people who were causing division, and compared them against those who had received the Spirit of God through Christ. Jude begins verse 17 and verse 20 with “but you, friends…”, effectively juxtaposing the way godly believers should be living and the way some of the ungodly in their midst were conducting themselves and misrepresenting who Jesus Christ really was.

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?
Jude’s tone may seem harsh at times, due to his obvious agony over those who sought to deceive these dear friends of his. But this “servant of Jesus Christ” reveals his deep care for them as he closes his letter with reassurances of God’s love and confidence in their perseverance. (verse 21) Just as they were to personally obey God and spiritually fight for the faith they proclaimed and possessed (verse 3), Jude wanted them to have wisdom and humility as they interacted with others in their circle. Jude used the word “mercy” twice in verses 22-23. Though he had strong words for those who had wormed their way into the church, his desire was to present these people to God as pure and holy by calling out correction to their trajectory. As a servant of Jesus Christ, he possessed a divine love for them which connected his heart to theirs through their common salvation and shared indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His firm warning of truth was tempered with words of grace. The Bible says in John 1:14 that Jesus Christ is characterized by total truth and total grace. Jude’s words of concern were combined with words of compassion. He recognized the challenge in determining those who were merely struggling in their faith from those defiantly opposing it, and he offered practical encouragement. Being led in prayer by the Holy Spirit (verse 20), the saints of God were to be patient with the doubters, but also boldly confront sin that was evident in some. Unlike those who had no reverence for God (verse 12), connecting the fear and mercy of God is essential when disciplinary action is necessary. “Being merciful without fear can turn to unwarranted sympathy for the individual, absolving him of personal responsibility, but fearing God without showing mercy can turn into personal judgment and condemnation.” (NetBible.org)

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?
Jude ends his epistle with a beautiful doxology, a declaration of praise to God.  He has told his readers to “keep yourselves in the love of God” (verse 21), and now tells them how this happens! The Bible explains that righteousness does not come from ourselves, but from God alone. (Philippians 3:6) It also asserts that we are to work out our salvation in the way we submit to God. We keep from stumbling by active obedience that comes out of our salvation, not working for our salvation. (Philippians 2:12-13) Thankfully, the good news for the recipients of Jude’s message was that those who were firmly in Christ didn’t need to be anxious about keeping themselves “in the most holy faith” (verse 20) by their own effort or strength alone. It was God’s power in them that would keep them from denying Jesus (verse 4) and being destroyed (verse 10). It is God, the “only God,” who makes us able to stand in His presence “without blemish and with great joy!” (verse 25) Jude encouragers his believing friends to be faithful and patient and reassures them they can trust God to be faithful to present them unblemished before Himself. (Romans 7–8) It is this truth that causes Jude to break out in praise and recognition of the One who possesses all “glory, majesty, power and authority” forever. (verse 25)

Everyday Application

1) What is being connected and contrasted by the two words “but you” in verse 20?
The “evil works” Jude mentioned in his letter were evidence that some in their midst had abandoned The Faith. As I read his admonition, I feel his agony for them to continue striving for holiness. His love for them, even though he wasn’t with them, jumps up from the pages of Scripture. Jude wanted to write about all the good things they experienced as companions and recipients of God’s grace, but he knew it was more pressing to begin with a warning. He realized the warning was just as necessary as the encouragement he eventually shared. Scripture tells us God’s mercy and kindness leads people to see their need for Him and to repent. (Romans 2:4) But there are times we must state the stark contrast between those who live for God and those who do not. I like sharing good news! When I write, I try to offer the most positive way of seeing things. Every now and then, though, the bad news must be presented to know just how good the good news really is! If I saw, from a distance, a friend walking in a beautiful field of flowers, my initial thought would be to wave and smile and shout out how glorious it looked there. But if I looked ahead and saw a snake hanging from a tree she was nearing, I would interrupt myself with shouts of warning and dread. Jude deeply loved the church, calling them his friends. Because they were so dear to him, in love, he warned them of how important it is to stand firm in Christ’s love and to remain hopeful and ready for His coming return.

2) How is Jude encouraging his readers to respond to “those” and “others” in verses 22-23?
Author and pastor, Tim Keller, says, “Truth without grace is not really truth, and grace without truth is not really grace.” I am so thankful Jude includes instruction about “those” who hadn’t completely abandoned The Faith. Sometimes we are in circles with people who have not fully rejected God, but who are on the verge of walking away or who doubt His goodness. Sister, I have been there. I have wondered how I am supposed to respond. Demonstrating the love of God sometimes means waiting on someone (and with someone) to find answers to strengthen their weak faith. We can assist them by offering accountability through Bible study and by fervently praying for them and with them. We hate the sin sitting at the root of their pride and doubt, but we mercifully wait on God to show them their sin. In verse 23, Jude reminded them to confront “with fear”, which indicates how our truthful warning to our brothers and sisters of encroaching sin should be done in humility and love. (Matthew 7:4-5) We are never to conduct ourselves with an attitude of sanctimonious superiority. “He has graciously accommodated Himself to my weakness, borne with my mistakes, and helped me through innumerable prejudices, which, but for His mercy, would have been insuperable hindrances: I have therefore no right to be angry, impatient, or censorious, especially as I have still much to learn, and am so poorly influenced by what I seem to know.” (John Newton)

3) Who is the one in verse 24 who is able to protect them from stumbling in the ways Jude previously mentioned in verses 4 and 10?
When Jude says God is able to protect us “from stumbling”, it literally means that He keeps us unfallen! (studylight.org) We see this even more clearly as he goes on to write that we stand in the presence of God’s glory “without blemish.” One of the things I love about Scripture is the paradox. Do we stand firm or is it God holding us up? YES! Some Christians adhere to a belief system that declares we are “once saved, always saved.” If I was hard-pressed to concisely explain the gospel’s power to keep us, I would not be hesitant to use this four-word phrase. I believe it is Scripturally accurate. But, dear Sister, there is much more to our salvation than a mere nod to certain truths, an appropriately worded prayer, or even a baptism. There must be a sincere desire to surrender to Christ. Jude had found the ultimate source of mercy, peace, and love. He knew that he served Jesus because Jesus was keeping him. (verses 1-2) Jude’s passionate plea was a matter of life and death to those he dearly loved. Even in his closing remarks of blessing, he preaches a mini sermon to his friends, Jesus is the only God. Jesus is the only Savior. Jesus is Lord of all, and He is Lord forever. AND it is this Jesus who holds us fast and keeps us ready for His return. He receives us with endless mercy, and faithfully safeguards our souls, when we come to Him in humble faith and truly repentant hearts, ready to surrender to Him!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Word Day 8 It Is I Am

17 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 6:16-21
Exodus 3:11-15
Isaiah 26:3-4
John 1:1-5
John 10:27-30

Word, Day 8

I can only imagine the disciples’ terror as the “high wind arose, and the sea began to churn.” (John 6:18)

When they set sail, the lake was calm, but in the darkness, far from shore, they were suddenly caught in a ferocious storm. As they battled against the wind and waves, they must have been in a desperate state. Perhaps they wondered if they would survive.

Have you ever been caught in a storm?

I’m fortunate to never have an experience like the disciples of being out in a boat in such a fierce storm, but I can certainly identify with their fear.

We all experience storms in life through challenges, disappointment, and suffering when life feels out of control just as it did for the disciples. We, too, can feel like we’re battered by the waves and desperately straining to find a way through the chaos back onto solid ground.

At moments like these, it’s very easy for circumstance and fear to overwhelm us.

Into the midst of the disciples’ fear and panic came a figure walking on water. I imagine this sight only deepened their terror until they heard the comforting call of a familiar voice, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (John 6:20)

The storm still raged as waves continued rolling, but Jesus invited His disciples into a space without fear. The tumultuous seas had not calmed, but Christ was present.

The Greek words translated “It is I,” in John 6:20 are “ego eimi,” which literally means, “I am.”

I am.
Don’t be afraid.

These words are reminiscent of Moses’ encounter recorded in the Old Testament. While he wasn’t caught in a physical storm, he was catapulted into a similar state of overwhelming fear. When God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, calling him away from his comforts to lead the Israelites to freedom from slavery in Egypt, Moses’ first response was, “I can’t.”  (Exodus 4:13)

He felt inadequate. (Exodus 3:11)
He was not skilled at speaking. (Exodus 4:10)
Surely, no one would listen to him. (Exodus 4:1)
Who was he to take on this momentous task? (Exodus 3:11)

The reassurance God spoke to him was not to encourage Moses that he really had all the skills required within him to pull it off. Instead, the Lord God simply promised, “I will certainly be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

Still unsure, Moses asked for God’s name; on whose authority could Moses point to when coming up against the rulers of Egypt. To which, “God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.”” (Exodus 3:14)

I AM – two very small words with an incredibly powerful meaning.

I love the explanation provided by Compelling Truth:

“With this statement, God declared that He is self-existent, eternal, self-sufficient, self-directed, and unchanging. But this statement also declared that He is present.”

This truth was exactly what Moses needed to give him the courage to approach Pharaoh. This Name was precisely what the disciples needed in their boat on a stormy sea.
The storm didn’t need to cease, their faith needed an anchor in the all-powerful Name of the Great I Am.

For every storm we face, this truth remains for us, meeting us exactly where we are to provide precisely what we need, His presence.

If we have put our trust in Jesus, then the almighty, eternal God who created the universe, and holds all power over darkness is with us. We are secure in Him and nothing can snatch us from His hand. (John 10:28)

The more we get to know God and grasp this truth, the more we are changed.
Our circumstances may remain the same, but we are transformed.

Only a few short years after that night on the lake, the disciples displayed amazing courage and boldness in speaking out for Jesus. They were even willing to face death rather than renounce their faith in “I AM” or stop telling others of His mighty rescue of their souls. By this time, they had witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion as He took on the punishment each of us rightfully deserves because of our sin. They had seen Christ breathe His last, be buried, and then prove Death powerless as He was resurrected from the grave.

Because they knew Him more,
they trusted Him more.

They were willing to surrender their lives if required;
they knew He was worth it.

What about us?
Will we allow ourselves to be transformed as we come to know Him more?

We may not have a choice about our circumstances, but we do have a choice about where we place our trust.

Isaiah reminds us of the peace that’s possible if we can lift our eyes from our circumstances to gaze on God:

“You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Trust in the Lord forever, because in the Lord, the Lord himself, is an everlasting rock!” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Whatever challenges you’re facing, big or small, whether you’re caught in a storm like the disciples or facing a daunting task like Moses, may you know God is with you, and may you quiet yourself to hear Him speak:

“It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Word Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Word!