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Identity

Philemon Day 8 A Sheep Called Useful

February 22, 2023 by Bri Bailey Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 8 A Sheep Called Useful

Bri Bailey

February 22, 2023

Accepted,Affectionate,Beloved,Broken,Called,Identity

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:11-13
Ephesians 2:4-5
Titus 1:15-16
Titus 3:3-8
Psalm 82:3-4

Imagine a flock of sheep grazing on a picturesque hillside under the watchful eye of a shepherd. The sheep are useful to the shepherd; they prevent overgrowth of vegetation, reproduce and grow the herd, and offer milk and wool. Each sheep is known by the shepherd, lovingly named, given its own unique call. (John 10:3-4)

Around the pasture runs a stone wall; in one spot, it has crumbled, leaving a gap. The shepherd, aware of the dangers beyond, had filled the opening with wooden pickets interwoven with fallen twigs and branches, even propped up a placard painted in brightly-colored dyes . . . all to clearly convey: Do. Not. Pass. 

When an ewe approaches the breach, the shepherd cries out, “No! Stay here! Trust me!”

The sheep meets the shepherd’s gaze, quirks an eyebrow. She places a hoof on the barrier. “Don’t do it! You’ll be lost!” the shepherd warns again. She bleats belligerently, and scrambles over. (Isaiah 53:6)

Instantly, she is careening down, dashed over boulders, flung through thistles, choking on grit. The sunshine of the pasture is replaced by utter blackness. When she finally comes to a stop, she can’t distinguish sky from ground. Everything hurts. A terror she has never known settles over her.

She tries to struggle to her feet, but her injuries are far too great. 
She tries to call for help but manages only a wheeze.

Her special, shepherd-given name has been shattered in her fall.
Now, she is Lost, Helpless, and Powerless.

Shame and despair join hands with terror, specters dancing around her.

“You’ve done this to yourself,” they taunt. 
“You knew not to cross the breach, and you did it anyway. 
You certainly can’t get back to the pasture.
You’ll never enjoy its abundance again. 
You’ll never contribute to the growth of the flock, never share your milk or wool. 
You’re Useless; you’re Hopeless.
You’re already dead.”

Her tears soaking into the bracken beneath her, she waits for the death in her spirit to overtake her body.

Time passes.
Suddenly, she hears her name. Not her death-names, but her true name. Her shepherd-name.
She opens her eyes . . . and there he is.
Her shepherd, emanating light into the darkness, crouching before her. (John 8:12)
His body is more broken and bloodied than hers, yet he lives. (Luke 24:1-8)

Gentle as a whisper, he gathers her to his chest.
“Sweet lamb,” he murmurs, “I’ve made a way back. Do you want to come home?”

Too overwhelmed for words, she nods.
The shepherd settles her into the satchel used for carrying newborn lambs (1 Peter 1:3-4), tucking her securely against his side (Psalm 91:1-6).
“Let’s go home.”

Friends, this shepherd is Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” (John 10:11)

And this sheep?

Her name is mine, which means strength.
Her name is yours, which means ____________.
Her name is Philemon, which means loving.
Her name is Paul, which means humble.
Her name is Onesimus, which means useful.

Well-versed in the oratorical practices of his time, in today’s passage, Paul purposefully uses the meaning of Onesimus’ name (Philemon 1:11) to describe the transformation believers in Christ undergo when we are rescued and redeemed by Jesus.

Like the sheep in our story, we have all chosen to abandon our Shepherd and pursue our own way, leading to death.

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked[.]” (Ephesians 2:1)

Lost in our sin 
like the sheep in our story, 
like Onesimus before he met Jesus, 
we are Useless. Powerless. Helpless and Hopeless. (Titus 1:15-16)

But not worthless.
For our Good Shepherd’s love is unbroken.
So He pursued us, bore the eternal consequence of our sins, and defeated sin and death, rising back to life. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Now, He invites us into new life with Him. (Galatians 2:20)
Our death-names are gone; He gives us a new identity, a new call as a child of God, a sheep of His flock. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us–not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy–through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit [. . .] I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.” (Titus 3:4-8)

When our identities are renewed and regenerated through God’s loving mercy, we are transformed from useless to useful. God calls us to actively live out our faith through good works, works that bless and grow the body of believers *and* serve as living proclamation of the good news of the Gospel.

Sisters, in closing, I leave us with 2 action steps.

First, pursue God’s understanding of our new identity in Him. 
Ask Him and search His Word.
Here’s a place to start: 
Romans 6:4-11
Ephesians 4:20-24
John 5:24
Ezekiel 36:26
Romans 8:1-2

Second, seek God’s guidance for the good work to which He’s calling us.
Ask Him and search His Word.
Here’s a place to start: 
Ephesians 2:8-10
Romans 6:15-23
1 John 3:16-18
Isaiah 1:17

Redeemed and commissioned, we are transformed into useful sheep of His flock!
We will demonstrate our faith through our works . . . our faith is active together with our works, and by works, our faith is made complete. (James 2:18, 22, paraphrased)

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broken,identity,made new,Rescued
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Philemon Day 9
Digging Deeper

When I stop to think about my own usefulness, it can feel as if I myself am pulled in so many directions, I am not really useful to anyone. My messy home with half-accomplished clean-out tasks. My Bible study partly addressed. My children receiving partial attention and my work receiving another piece. Oh, my long list of half-dones and lofty hopes of accomplishment. While I have not run away like Onesimus, I frequently find myself failing someone.

But Christ has a different goal. His goal is for the truth of the Gospel to move forward and build His kingdom. Christ redeems, renews, and rebirths.
Dig Deeper!

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Posted in: Accepted, Affectionate, Beloved, Broken, Called, Identity Tagged: broken, identity, made new, Rescued

The GT Weekend! ~ Philemon Week 1

February 18, 2023 by Katelyn Palmer Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Philemon Week 1

Katelyn Palmer

February 18, 2023

church,Faith,Family,Fellowship,Holy Spirit,Identity

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

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Pray His Words Back To Him!

1 Thessalonians 5:14-21

And we exhort you, brothers and sisters; warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything. (...) Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies but test all things. Hold on to what is good.
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Yahweh, I come to you tonight broken and defeated, but with the words of Psalm 56:3 on my heart, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” I am ashamed of how much I have pulled away from You, which only gives the enemy room to taunt me and make me believe I should pull away even more.

I’m so grateful to know I’m not strong enough to separate myself from You, Lord – nothing is – but sometimes the darkness of the world makes me forget truth. So many are struggling, including myself, and depression seems to cover society like a weighted blanket.

As I meditate on Your Word and Your character, Lord, I ask You to bring to mind verses of comfort for my soul and encouragement. I know that ultimately, I will triumph by Your hand (Psalm 92:4); I just need spiritual refreshment, as do my brothers and sisters.

As I await your whispers of comfort, I will do as You commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and rejoice in Your love, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. Hear my prayer, oh Lord, and do not hide from my plea for help. (Psalm 55:1)
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Paul is particular with his letters when it comes to his greetings and closings. Like bookends, he illustrates unity in both. Philemon 1:1-4 is a great example of how Paul sees himself in relation to Christ, how he sees his intended audience as family in Christ, and how he remains in constant prayer for every brother and sister he encounters.

In just the opening sentences of his letter, Paul demonstrates the kind of attitude we are meant to have toward our believing brothers and sisters.
He closes his letters with the same grace and reverence toward each believer.

It’s important to remember that churches in Paul and Philemon’s day didn’t own properties or buildings in which to meet, they gathered in homes for worship, preaching, and shared fellowship. These churches were intimate, tight communities that depended on one another and supported each other in daily life.

With this understanding, when we consider Paul’s terminology of “fellow laborers,” “fellow prisoners,” “coworkers,” and “sister/brother”, we gain a deeper appreciation for what these terms truly meant in real life. These terms support the intimacy of a small home church and the true compassion Paul had for these believers.

Are we seeing others this way when we show up to our local churches on Sunday? Are we compassionately loving one another by first seeing them as beloved family members? This weekend, ask the Lord to prepare your heart to see your church family through new eyes!

JOURNAL TWO

The Bible was written by men inspired by the hand of God. God wastes nothing in our lives and certainly wastes no words in the Bible. In studying Paul’s letter to Philemon, Rebekah noted how Paul directed his audience’s attention to God’s call for unity between Jewish and Gentile communities through Christ simply by combining two common greetings from both peoples: “grace to you” (Jewish greeting) and “peace to you” (Gentile greeting).

With the simplicity of a greeting, God reminds us of the work Jesus finished with His death and resurrection as He, the God of Peace and Grace, reconciled sinful humanity back to Himself by paying our debt.

Because of His perfect redemptive work on our behalf to bring us peace, we are then empowered to spread His peace and grace to others, along with His love. (Ephesians 2:14)

As we share His love in our everyday lives, we carry out Jesus’ command to love others in the same way He has loved us with grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. (John 13:34-35)

In God’s hands everything is connected and purposeful, especially including our surrendered life to Him. If that isn’t something worth rejoicing over, then I don’t know what is!

JOURNAL THREE

The story of the widow who feeds Elijah and her family on God’s provision fascinates me! (1 Kings 17:8-16) The physical drought their land was experiencing is interesting to me as I consider the spiritual, emotional, and mental drought of our post-COVID world. The widow in this story was on her last bit of food and prepared to die with her son once it was gone.

Many today are feeling that same devastation following the COVID pandemic. Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns are at an all-time high. Just as Elijah served as a vessel to rescue this woman and her son from a seemingly hopeless end, we too must be the instruments of rescue for those around us as we carry around the hope of Christ.

We are the vessels, like Elijah and even like the jars that held the flour and oil, and the Holy Spirit is God’s provision inside us. Under Christ’s leadership and by His Spirit, we have the power to bring restoration from spiritual drought one soul at a time, but this requires surrendering ourselves to God’s ways.

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Posted in: church, Faith, Family, Fellowship, Holy Spirit, Identity Tagged: family, generosity, grace, hope, love, peace

Surrender Day 5 The God Who Holds Us: Digging Deeper

January 27, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Surrender Day 5 The God Who Holds Us: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

January 27, 2023

Faith,Hope,Identity,Legacy

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 "The God Who Holds Us"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 11:13-16

13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them!
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who died without receiving what they were promised? (verse 13)

“These all died…” without receiving the things they were promised! (verse 13) That’s a challenging promise, isn’t it? Yet to many Bible students, this chapter of Hebrews 11 has become known as Scripture’s “Hall of Faith.” In other words, these became famous for their faith.

“These all” refer to those mentioned in the preceding verses: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. (verses 8-11) THESE lived as exiled strangers by faith. The writer of Hebrews began this section by rehearsing the faithful lives of these Old Testament characters. (For more study on these characters, see Genesis 12-35)

In previous verses, the author had been stressing to his readers the importance of actively living a life of faith. (Hebrews 10:35-39) This chapter begins by defining faith (verses 1-3) and giving examples of what it looks like in real life. These faithful saints all continued to live by faith, believing God would fulfill His promises to them.

I can only imagine how often Abraham and Sarah revisited the promise God made to them in the decades of time between “promise given” and “promise fulfilled”. (Genesis 17:10-14) In fact, the writer of Hebrews, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), gives a vivid description by saying these saints “saw them from a distance and greeted them.” They saw and greeted the promises they had received from a trustworthy God!!

Even though they died before receiving them, they trusted God would provide just as He always had. (Genesis 22:14) “The saints ‘embraced’ the promises. The Greek word signifies ‘salutes,’ as when we see a friend at a distance.” (Spurgeon, Blueletterbible.org) They were able to greet the distant promise with faith because they assuredly knew that their condition was temporary and their God was ever-faithful and trustworthy.

The Everyday Application

1) Who died without receiving what they were promised? (verse 13)

The term Hall of Faith is never used in the Bible. It is a title that has been used to describe Hebrews 11. It comes from the modern-day idea of the “Hall of Fame” which we find in the world of sports. One of the greatest honors of an athlete is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. One of the remarkable things about it is the opportunity for fans to hear of the extraordinary athletes who they never saw play in their lifetime. In the same way, and of much more significance, is this chapter in the book of Hebrews.

God inspired the author to place these names on a list of people who HE wanted to be remembered for their faith. (verse 4) Reading the life stories behind these people, I’m shocked at the brokenness I discover. But God! He saw them differently. Oh, my sweet Sister, aren’t you glad? He has a perspective we don’t. He knew their hearts’ deepest desire.

Faith that is from God enables us to see the things not humanly revealed by our present experiences. This faith is perfected by God Himself. It’s not up to us, praise His glorious name!! We are broken people, but just like these, He sees and hears our cries for mercy. (Psalm 86)

A personal relationship with God begins when our eyes are opened to see His promises revealed in Jesus Christ. When we confess we are helpless to save ourselves, He welcomes our contrition and invites us to His heavenly dwelling, our eternal home. It’s a promise! (1 John 2:24-25) “O for the wonderful love He has promised for you and for me … Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon for you and for me. Come home, come home … you who are weary come home.” (Softly and Tenderly, Will L. Thompson, pub.1880)

The Original Intent

2) What was the attitude of those who were seeking a different homeland? (verses 14-15)

The term foreigner in the Bible refers to a person who is just passing through. The verse describes them as “temporary residents.” These were willing to surrender control of their lives to God’s purposes and promises. They chose not to turn back to what they had left and known. Instead, they looked forward and believed God was faithful because He had proven to be so. Each of them needed to choose to trust God rather than go back to what they could see. This was the proof of their faith: continued hope amid the unseen. (verses 1-2) Their mantra had become “believing is seeing.”

We learn of the testing of Abraham’s faith in Hebrews 6:13-15. God had given him a specific promise after he obeyed God by offering up his son. Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promise by raising Isaac from the dead. (James 2:21-23, Genesis 22:16-18)

The author is prompting his readers to recall the history of faith in the Old Testament characters. He is also reminding them there is a history of faithfulness in their God. These could have returned to their homeland if they had been looking for an earthly inheritance. The living conditions “back home” were likely more developed than the place they found themselves wandering. I feel certain had they returned, their family and friends would have welcomed them with open arms. (Genesis 12:1-5)

But they didn’t go back because they were seeking a better country. A future one! There was a time Jacob fled to his familiar country, but he understood it was never to be his true homeland. (Genesis 30:25)

The Everyday Application

2) What was the attitude of those who were seeking a different homeland? (verses 14-15)

When you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) you realize that not all who saw Jesus’ miracles in person believed in Him. When you talk to neighbors or coworkers, you’ll find the same to be true. Not everyone who hears or reads the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ miracles in the Gospels believe in Him. Many wonder if something that can’t be proven is true?!

The story is told of a pastor who met three young boys and asked them, “Do you want to go to heaven?” The pastor was shocked when one of them answered, “No, not me!” The perplexed pastor asked, “You don’t want to go to heaven when you die?” The boy answered much like we might answer if we were honest, “Oh, you mean when I die. I thought you were getting up a group to go today!” Some of us may share those feelings about Heaven.

Someday, it would be nice to go there. We may say we long for heaven, but we don’t necessarily wish to change our address today! The author of Hebrews reveals the discomfort the saints of old had with this world. They didn’t completely comprehend what the future promise meant for them, but they had learned to trust the God who made the promises.

We can too, my friend! We can have confidence that God made us for so much more than we can imagine! (2 Corinthians 5:4-8)

The Original Intent

3) Why was God not ashamed to be called their God, and what makes that reality so essential to this passage? (verse 16)

When God appeared to Moses, He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:5-6) Even though these were frail and sinful people, God was pleased to identify Himself with them. He had made them and envisioned a better future for them. (Isaiah 64:4-8) God’s mercy toward humanity, represented by these, is demonstrated in the many times He identified Himself as “the God of Jacob”, who was quite possibly the least exemplary of these! (Psalm 146:1-10)

God is not ashamed to be called their God, and “He has prepared a city for them!” (verse 16) The Creator God (Genesis 1:1) has a city crafted just for them, one unlike their temporary dwelling places. This one has foundations “whose architect and builder is God.” (verse 10) It is God who has worked for them. The pleasure of God was rooted in what He had accomplished.

The author of Hebrews explains in the next chapter how salvation began with HIM and would be finished by HIM, that is the LORD Jesus Christ! (Hebrews 12:1-2) “Therefore” signals the reason God is not ashamed. (verse 16) It was because these desired a better country, the city God had made ready for them. Their desire was pleasing to God, and they would be rewarded for their faith.

God had made a promise to them. He would certainly fulfill it. (Genesis 15:1) Their desire demonstrated their faith in His promise of a new city. (Revelation 21:1-4)

The Everyday Application

3) Why was God not ashamed to be called their God, and what makes that reality so essential to this passage? (verse 16)

Sister, do you SEE it?! Do you FEEL it? Do you KNOW it?! I hope you do. We can surrender our lives to Jesus knowing that one day it will be worth it. John writes in 1 John 3:1-3 “that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

Our hope in God’s promises reveal our faith in Him. The desire we have to one day look at the face of Jesus and spend eternity with Him MOVES the heart of God! Isn’t that incredible?!

Because of our faith, the faith HE has given us (Ephesians 2:8), He is preparing a place for us. He unashamedly calls us His own for He has forgiven us, redeemed us, and is shaping us to be like Him! Sister, it is our longing that points to the superior worth of what God offers compared to what the world offers.

While there are many questions we can’t answer about Heaven, we can know with certainty it will exceed all our imaginations and expectations. (1 Corinthians 2:9) The revelation to John talks of golden streets, walls and gates made of precious stones. (Revelation 1:1) God gave him a vision of indescribable beauty for us to gain a dim idea of how magnificent it will be.

The best part of Heaven, and what these understood, is that God Himself will live among His people. (Revelation 21:3) His glory will illuminate the earth as we dwell with Him. Hebrews says that these were not ever fully at home while they lived on earth. This is true for you and me, dear friend. We live on earth recognizing we will never fully belong and have yet to arrive at our destination.

But we live here with hope! This hope keeps us near Jesus, relying on His promise to hold us fast until the day He makes everything right and complete. (1 Peter 1:3-9)

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Journey Study

Will things go as we want?
Or will we be required to leave our comfort zones, surrender control, and trust the Lord with the results and outcomes?

When, like Abraham, our futures are unknown . . .
When, like Hannah, our souls are overwhelmed with anguish . . .
…will we surrender control to the God Whose plans are best for He sees the end from the beginning?
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Posted in: Faith, Hope, Identity, Legacy Tagged: faith, glory, hope, saints

Pause VI Day 13 Surprising Secret

January 18, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Pause VI Day 13 Surprising Secret

Melodye Reeves

January 18, 2023

Adoration,Gospel,Identity,Joy,Kingdom,Longing

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 4:10-14

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

Read More Of His Words

Heard any of these expressions?

I’ve got a secret.
This is our little secret.
Do you want to know a secret?
The secret leaked out.

Or now at my age, I’ve asked this one when I observe ageless beauty, graceful grandparenting, or meaningful marriages:
What’s your secret?

Paul had a secret.
But it was a different kind of secret. It was a “sacred secret” that wasn’t to be kept from public knowledge. It was his explanation regarding his previous instruction to the people in Philippi. He had stated and repeated:
Rejoice … always.

“In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content.” (verse 12)

 Reflect for a moment on Paul’s location as he wrote this letter. From other verses in Philippians, we know he was in prison under house-arrest. Still, multiple times in his letter he has made a case for consistent, joyful living. Maybe he anticipated the Philippian believers feeling sorry or sad for him, and he wanted to assure them he had everything he needed. Because for Paul, knowing Christ was his single need.

Sisters, let’s take time to reflect on our own contentment. Do we miss much of the joy in our lives because we are wishing for something else we think someone else has? Maybe we have concluded that others have discovered the secret we’ve been trying to uncover. Is it possible we’ve lost sight of what we received when we gained Christ?

Paul had come to understand the essential, but often missing, element of knowing Christ. Though he had come to realize that the grace of Jesus equipped Him for every task (2 Corinthians 12:9), he had learned the secret sauce was the joy found in contentment. We can do it too, my friend! We can do all things through Jesus!

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down every word of Philippians 4:10-14 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, consider the joy of Jesus! (Hebrews 12:2) He knew what was ahead of Him would be agonizing. He also knew the joy of obedience far outweighed the temporary suffering He would experience. Certainly, Paul considered Jesus as he meditated on the secret of his joy!

2) Choose one of these options to live boldly with authentic honesty in biblical community. As we grow deeper in God’s Word, the Lord designed us to share and grow with others walking alongside us.         

a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.

b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.   

c) Leave a comment here about it.

d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 

e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.

f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.

g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

3) Continuing to work on memorizing Philippians 4:4-5

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The GT Weekend! ~ Another, Week 3
March 25, 2023

Pause VI
Day 12

One day on a hillside near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus began teaching a group of people. What became known as The Beatitudes sums up Jesus’ teachings on earth. In essence, blessed are you if you need Me for you shall have Me. The reward and joy of the believer is Jesus! In the world as we know it, prosperity means bigger and better. It means accumulating more stuff.
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Explore This Journey Theme!
Jan 2 - Jan 20, 2023 - Journey Theme #112

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Posted in: Adoration, Gospel, Identity, Joy, Kingdom, Longing Tagged: Christ, gospel, need, source

Sketched X Day 13 Dinner & Identity

July 27, 2022 by Marietta Taylor Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 43:15-45:15
John 14:9-11
John 13:1-17
Luke 24:13-35

Sketched X, Day 13

After all this time….
Thirteen years (Genesis 37:2, Genesis 41:46) spent wondering what would become of me. Years of wondering what had become of those who had sold me into slavery – you, my half-brothers. (Genesis 37:12-28) Now here you are, back for more grain. (Genesis 43:1-14)

This time I won’t be rough with you as I was at your last visit when I desperately needed to know if your hearts had truly repented. (Genesis 42:9-20) Instead, I will continue to show kindness like I did as you returned home to our father. (Genesis 42:25-26)
I will instruct my servant to invite you to the noon meal. 

I see my brother Benjamin (Genesis 35:24) has returned with you, as I had previously instructed. (Genesis 42:20) How my heart is both joyful and heavy. I missed so much of his life while I served Potiphar and sat in prison. (Genesis 39, Genesis 41:1) O Benjamin! Let me retreat to my room as I am overwhelmed to see him as a mature young man. (Genesis 43:30)

I want to reveal myself to you, my brothers, on this visit, but I also want to continue to test your hearts. You were honest with my servant about the money I returned to you, and you gave more care to Benjamin on the journey here than you did to me that fateful day. Maybe you have learned. But how will you handle favor? Will you be jealous, like you were when our father favored me with the coat? (Genesis 37:3-4) Let us see.

First I arranged you in birth order. (Genesis 43:33) I knew that would alarm you. Then I gave my brother Benjamin five times more food and drink than the others.
But you did not get upset and for that I was overjoyed. (Genesis 44:34)
I enjoyed my time with you, but I needed to prepare for my final test. Well, not my final test, but Yahweh’s. It is He who is guiding and obstructing me in how I deal with you brothers.

As you left to return to our father, I sent my servant after you to accuse you of thievery. (Genesis 44:1-2) Many would think you are thieves, stealing my freedom and so many years of my life. But you stole nothing. Not this day, nor the day you sold me into slavery. It was all part of God’s plan, and I intended to share this truth with you if you passed my final test.

When my servant stopped you and found the cup in Benjamin’s bag I had placed there, you returned to me, not angry and indignant, but humble! You fell to the ground and bowed before me, (Genesis 44:1-14) just like in the dream that made you hate me enough to sell me. (Genesis 37:5-11) In that moment, you were more humble than I had been when I shared the dream.

And then Judah. O Judah! You mentioned I was dead, but I was not. I was right before you. But despite still holding onto that story of what happened to me, you, above all, amazed me. You came to me with humility, a sense of responsibility and dare I say love and compassion. (Genesis 44:18-34)

You offered your very life for my brother Benjamin. You offered your life to prevent our father from any further grief. I saw none of that before, but now, now, my brother, I see the change. You passed my test. All of you passed.

Now, I weep as I reveal myself to you brothers. Yes, I tricked you, but it wasn’t done in vengeance or hate. I sense your worry, but I say to you, “…don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) Brothers, I love you in spite of your actions.

And now, I await your return with my father, Israel. How I have missed him! How I have missed all of you! My soul rejoices for the plans of Yahweh, for they are always true and right. Now hurry my brothers and bring our father to Egypt, where he will be well cared for and Yahweh will be glorified.

John: Joseph invited his brothers to a meal to reveal who he was. We see Jesus openly reveal who He is at a meal, but without any trickery in John 14. Joseph used trickery to confirm his brothers’ heart intentions, but Jesus had no need for such tactics. He simply served them humbly and lovingly by washing His disciples’ feet. (John 13:1-17)

Cleopas: Joseph went to great lengths to reveal to his brothers who he was, with the big reveal at the noon meal. I wonder if they sensed it before he told them? As I walked the road to Emmaus, I felt something, a recognition. But it was at the meal that He, Jesus, fully revealed Himself. And it was my great privilege to truly see the God who keeps on revealing Himself to humanity through our telling of Him. (Luke 24:13-35)

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched X!

Posted in: God, Heart, Identity, Joy, Love, Yahweh Tagged: God, heart, identity, joy, love, Yahweh

Whole Day 1 The Broken & The Cure

June 20, 2022 by Guest Writer Leave a Comment

Whole Day 1 The Broken & The Cure

Guest Writer

June 20, 2022

Broken,Christ,Clothed,Faith,Forgiven,Freedom,Future,Healing,Heart,Identity

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Mark 5:21-43
John 8:1-11
Acts 9:1-16

I sat on the floor of my closet, squeezed between an overflowing laundry hamper and a stack of neatly stored shoes. Tears streamed down my face. Maybe if I couldn’t see the brokenness, it wouldn’t be real? With the lights off and the door closed, I hoped to find an escape from the wave of emotions threatening to take me under. I was broken, in need of mending. 

What makes you want to run and hide, blinded by unbidden tears? While it’s likely different for each of us, brokenness is something we all experience. Sitting in the dark doesn’t make it go away, because it knows how to burrow inside of us.

Sickness, disease, family feuds, a broken marriage, a wandering child, addiction, death, war, hate. It’s all here in our world. In the muck of life, amid the hard and the heavy, who is suitable to hold our tears?

When God created the world, He made it perfect and whole. Humanity revealed its weakness when the first Adam leaned into the Great Deceiver’s carefully crafted deception. (Genesis 3:1-7) The moment Adam and Eve chose themselves over God, the world became twisted, wraithlike, shadowed. Broken. 

Before we get too consumed by righteous indignation at Adam and Eve, how often do we still fall for the lie God is withholding something good from us? 

Similar to our beeline to our closets, the first Adam ran and hid. (Genesis 3:8) Maybe he, too, hoped the brokenness wouldn’t catch up to him? In His love and goodness, God didn’t leave Adam hiding under the inadequate covering he created. (Genesis 3:9-21) God sought him out and provided a suitable replacement. 

God hasn’t left us in our brokenness, either. He’s provided a covering for us, as well. Jesus, referred to as the second Adam, would enter our brokenness and live out the perfect life sinful humanity could not. 

“So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45)

In His final days, he was betrayed, abandoned by those who claimed to love Him, mocked, beaten, and eventually crucified. (John 19) 

He lived the life we couldn’t live… 

and died the death we deserved…

and made a way back to the Father we could never have forged. 

Over His head on the cross hung the words “King of the Jews”. (John 19:19) While this placard was tacked up in mockery, it proclaimed a haunting truth: the Jews’ long-awaited King hung on a cross, dying in front of them, at their demand. 

God’s refusal to withhold anything good from His children, even Himself, was displayed that day, hoisted high on a bloody cross for all to see. Yet, they missed it. How often, amid our brokenness, do we miss the goodness of God so clearly in front of us? 

It doesn’t matter who we are, our status in life, where we live, our education level, or what we’ve done, our greatest need is to know the One who made a way out of brokenness and into wholeness with Him. 

When Jesus walked the earth, time and again He brought wholeness from that which was broken. When he delivered two demon-possessed men, he demonstrated authority over darkness and evil. (Matthew 8:28-34) When he healed Jairus’ daughter, He revealed His power over sickness and death. (Mark 5:21-43)

Jesus touched those whom others refused to touch, and He permitted the untouchables to touch Him. (Mark 5:25-34) He welcomed sinners, withheld condemnation, and forgave sins. (John 8:1-11) He redeemed a chief sinner into a chief messenger of the Gospel (Acts 9:1-29), showing us Jesus can change even a once-murderous heart and use it for great good. 

When life hurts, when the world is unfair, when we fail, when evil is rising, 

we have a place to run – the cross. 

We have a place to hide – Jesus. 

He is the One who willingly holds our tears. (Psalm 56:8)

He turns closet floors into prayer rooms, hiding places into healing spaces.  

Our Savior understands our weakness, our brokenness. He knows what it’s like to be human. 

“For we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:15-16) 

Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way to restore our brokenness into wholeness.  

*Written by Mandie Maass of Brave Girls Gather

Tags :
broken,cure,hope,Jesus,whole
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Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023
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March 25, 2023

Whole Day 2
Digging Deeper

Subtle lies tell us enough of the truth to make us curious, but we can become too lazy to seek the whole truth. Sin begins to take root in our hearts when curiosity turns to doubt followed by wrong choices. God has given us His word that is sufficient instruction for our lives. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) He has also provided for us everything we need to enjoy life to its fullest. (1 Timothy 6:17) God has not left out anything.
Dig Deeper!

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June 20 - July 8, 2022 - Journey Theme #109

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Posted in: Broken, Christ, Clothed, Faith, Forgiven, Freedom, Future, Healing, Heart, Identity Tagged: broken, cure, hope, Jesus, whole

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched IX Week 2

July 3, 2021 by Erin O'Neal 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) When Peter saw the beggar at the gate, he saw a man in need. It was apparent to all who saw him that this beggar had a physical problem which could only be fixed by divine healing. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, satisfied his need for physical healing, but he didn’t stop there! Peter invited everyone who saw this man’s healing to receive healing for their hearts. Because of Peter’s own experience, he knew their spiritual need was much more pressing than any physical need. Peter did not sweep their wrongdoings under the rug, but neither did he withhold mercy from them because of their sin. Peter told the crowds the good news of Jesus, inviting them to repent and find true healing for their hearts. What about you? Have you repented of your sins? Have you trusted in Jesus for spiritual healing? If not, what is holding you back? If you have received this healing, have you shared it with others? When we are healed from our physical ailments, we are quick to share with others our good news. Who can you tell today about your spiritual healing? Consider sharing your story with a neighbor, coworker, or even your social media friends. Go forth walking, and leaping, and praising God!

2) What drives you? Doubt? Fear? Passion? Truth? When Jesus calls you, how do you answer? When the world asks why you call yourself a Christian, how do you respond? Who do you say Jesus is? Peter walked with Jesus, answering His call day in and day out. Peter declared the truth of Jesus’ identity, and then denied Him. But in the end, Peter risked his very life to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah, the Healer of the world. As you look at your life, are you walking with Jesus? Do you know who He is? Are you obeying His call on your life, and declaring His name to the people around you? Take some time today to write down who Jesus is to you. Look to Scripture to see what it reveals about His identity and how this lines up with your definition. Then, consider how His identity can change you. What does it mean to follow Jesus, and how can you grow in your walk with Him? Write a prayer to God asking Him to help you grow in your understanding of Jesus, and in your ability to follow His leading.

3) In yesterday’s journey, we were reminded of Peter’s continual struggle to obey. Even after walking with Jesus, seeing Him resurrected, and hearing directly from the Holy Spirit what was expected of him, Peter fell short. Part of living in a broken world is falling short of perfection. We desire to follow Jesus and we long to serve Him faithfully, but our human nature holds us back from perfect obedience. I read recently that the Holy Spirit enables us to obey, but He does not do the work for us. James 2:17 tells us “faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.” Where in your life are you struggling to obey God? Is there an issue in your life where you are putting your trust in earthly wisdom or the approval of others rather than trusting God’s way? Write a prayer of confession to God, and ask Him to enable you to trust Him and be obedient. Then take a step towards obedience. Maybe obedience looks like giving more generously to your church or having a hard conversation with a friend or family member. Whatever it is, show you believe God by walking in obedience to Him.

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 53:4-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Yet He himself bore our sicknesses,
and He carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded Him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on Him,
and we are healed by His wounds.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished Him
for the iniquity of us all.

Prayer Journal
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You for telling us the true stories of Your followers. How comforting to know I am not alone in my struggles to follow You. As I consider the life of Peter, I see a man who was excited and ambitious to follow You, but still fell short. He wanted to obey, and even did miracles in Your name, but he was not a perfect man. Thank you for showing us that Your love for us is never ending. Help me to walk in obedience to You. I know on my own, I cannot follow or obey You. Lord, I believe in You. I believe Your plans are better than mine. Come and heal my heart. Transform me into a person who is driven by obedience and love for You. And when I fall short, as I often do, remind me of Your great love and compassion. Enable me to show Your love and compassion to those around me. Please help me to obey Your commands and to love my neighbor as myself.

Worship Through Community

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Posted in: Faith, Faithfulness, God, Holy Spirit, Identity, Jesus, Mercy, Obedience, Perfect, Praise, Prayer, Scripture Tagged: glory, good news, healing, hearts, Messiah, Peter, reflect, Reflecting, Who Is?

Word Day 8 It Is I Am

April 28, 2021 by Lesley Crawford 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.”

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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!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Word!

Posted in: Christ, Fear, Freedom, God, Identity, Jesus, Promises, Transformation, Truth Tagged: afraid, call, Comforting, Do Not, I Am, I Will, Inadequate, It Is, Reassurance, spoke, storm, suffering, Word

Fervent Day 9 When All Seems Lost: Digging Deeper

February 25, 2021 by Mandy Farmer 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 When All Seems Lost!

The Questions

1) What is our identity as believers? How Does Living “in Ephesus” and “in Christ” affect identity? (verse 1)

2) What are the spiritual blessings we have in Christ? (verse 3)

3) How do these blessings in Christ bring hope? (verse 18)

Ephesians 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the right time —to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Original Intent

1) What is our identity as believers? How Does Living “in Ephesus” and “in Christ” affect identity? (verse 1)
Our identity is often connected with our basic core values which then dictate the choices we make (e.g., relationships, career). Where we live and how we grew up are also tied to our identity; this was also true for the Ephesians. “The ancient city of Ephesus was the third-largest city in the Roman empire. Located on the southwestern corner of modern-day Turkey, Ephesus was a busy port city. It was the hub of four major roads going out into Asia Minor. In addition to being a commercial center, it was the link between Rome and the East. This unique position made it a diverse city of multiple ethnic groups. Ancient Ephesus was home to the temple of the Greek goddess Artemis (or Diana to the Romans). Artemis was the goddess of fertility, magic, and animals. The temple built in Ephesus was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, with a size that was four times as large as the Parthenon! …  Tradesmen made their living selling silver statues of the goddess. The Ephesians had a vast array of gods and goddesses to choose from and they worshiped many of them.” [First 5 Bible Studies in Ephesians] In contrast to this pagan world, Paul brought the Gospel to the Ephesians. Those who trusted Jesus were given a new identity in Christ. They no longer served other gods or worshiped idols like other citizens of Ephesus. Being “in Christ” meant more than a way of worship. They were set apart; taken out of the world and placed in Christ. Their faith gave them freedom from the slavery of sin which was all around them. They had a new citizenship in heaven. Ephesus was no longer their home! They were “in Christ”.

2) What are the spiritual blessings we have in Christ? (verse 3)
All who surrender to Jesus are redeemed. The ancient Greek word for redemption is lootruo meaning “to liberate on the receipt of a ransom.” (Gaebelein) Our sin incurred a debt, the price of death according to Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Christ paid the punishment for our sins through His death on the cross. We are accepted (chariot meaning “highly favored” or “full of grace”) because of Christ’s work to redeem us. God chose us before the foundation of the world before we did anything for Him, and He offers His grace to all willing to accept Him. (verse 4) Strong’s Concordance says grace (xáris in Greek) means God is “always leaning toward (us)”. Can’t you see God leaning over the rails of heaven waiting for us to respond by accepting His wonderful gift? He adopted us as His own. (verse 5) In Roman law, “The person who had been adopted had all the rights of a legitimate son in his new family, completely losing all rights to his old family. Even old debts and obligations previously connected to him were abolished.” (Barclay) Gaebelein adds, “Believers in the Lord Jesus are not merely adopted into the family of God; they are born again. There is no “previous life”. Think about our old identity prior to salvation; what a relief to have all guilt and shame removed! David sang, “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1-4) All believers have unspeakable spiritual riches! (verse 18) Considering Ephesus was the “bank of Asia”, it is significant that Paul mentions the believer’s wealth in Christ. Our bank is in heaven where the fullness of our glorious inheritance awaits! (See Warren Weirsbe’s Be Rich for a great resource on heavenly inheritance!)

3) How do these blessings in Christ bring hope? (
verse 18)
When we accept Christ’s wonderful gift of salvation, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like earnest money. His indwelling in a believer is the proof of God’s guarantee that He will follow through with His promise and bring us home to dwell with Him forever in Heaven. This is our confident hope! One glorious day we will be fully alive and free from the temptation to sin as we live eternally in God’s physical presence. We have a guaranteed inheritance through Jesus. Paul wanted the Ephesian believers to know the great magnitude of this rich inheritance in God’s people. We usually think only of our inheritance as salvation, righteousness, or Heaven, but Paul wanted the Ephesians to understand they were so precious to God that He considered them His own inheritance. Knowing our spiritual poverty, we wonder how God can find anything of value in us, let alone His only inheritance. Yet God creates unspeakable riches out of poor men and women because He invests Himself in them. He has invested riches of love, riches of wisdom, riches of suffering, riches of glory, and riches of holy transformation. These things accrue to a rich inheritance in the saints. (Enduring Word) He has invested Himself in us and His return on that investment will be magnificent!

Everyday Application

1) What is our identity as believers? How Does Living “in Ephesus” and “in Christ” affect identity? (verse 1)
My identity includes farmer’s daughter, baker of sweets, musician, computer programmer, and yes, a Yankee (I was born in Ohio, raised in Wisconsin). When I married Michael, I became a mother to two boys (9 & 14). My identity immediately changed from single working girl to pastor’s wife and mother while also transplanting to the south. My new family consisted of Georgia boys who rooted for the only ball team, the Georgia Bulldogs. Before long, we were expecting a child. Though we lived in Georgia, we chose a regional hospital just across the border of Tennessee to deliver our baby. I teasingly told the boys, “I didn’t want to have my baby in Georgia; thus, I was going over the state line to the birthing center in Tennessee.” Oh! We had fun joking about our baby’s identity. Now 29 years later, his blood runs Georgia red, as does mine! Our place of birth, our residence, our career, and environment we grew up in all play a role in how we identify ourselves. As Christians, however, our core identity is steeped in faith in Jesus. Those who have professed their faith in Christ are new creations! (1 Corinthians 5:17-21) We are citizens of heaven, but also ambassadors to the world around us. We are called to point others to the eternal life available only in Jesus! (Philippians 3:20, 2 Corinthians 5:11) We are on a journey to our true home and to bring along as many as possible. (1 Corinthians 9:19-27) Just like the church in Ephesus, all believers are a chosen people (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:9-10); set apart for godliness and holiness as children of God. (Psalm 4:3, John 1:11-13) Can others see your full identity? Are you bringing as many as possible to heaven with you?

2) What are the spiritual blessings we have in Christ? (verse 3)
God’s unfolding plan for those who surrender to Him not only includes the blessings of salvation and personal transformation, but also a warm, confident relationship with the Father. (Guzik) My own earthly father was loving and caring who demonstrated God’s love. As a child, I loved to sit on Daddy’s lap or cuddle next to him. This comforting image of a good father has translated into my spiritual life. When I have a problem, I climb right into God’s lap and we talk about it. I am blessed to have this personal, confident relationship with the Father and it’s available to all! As His child, we can go before Him boldly because He is our loving Father. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Charles Spurgeon said, “We are not sitting here groaning, and crying, and fretting, and worrying, and questioning our own salvation. He has blessed us. If you think little of what God has done for you, you will do very little for him; but if you have a great notion of His great mercy to you, you will be greatly grateful to your gracious God.” (Enduring Word) When we realize His great mercy, we cannot help but “make every effort” to live holy and godly lives in worship toward Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not only to praise God for what He has done, we are to live a wholly surrendered life before Him and share His glorious hope with others! (2 Peter 1:3-11) Honoring the Lord with our lives and sharing the gospel with those around us are to be marked with and woven through with love. Clarke reminds, “But as love is the fulfilling of the law, and love the fountain whence their salvation flowed, therefore love must fill their hearts towards God and each other.” Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel in love and be intentional in engaging with people as you point them to Jesus!

3) How do these blessings in Christ bring hope? (verse 18)
“Because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3-9) What a glorious hope we have! I urge you to read the entire passage in 1 Peter. No matter what we face in life, hope in Jesus is certain and sure, never fading away. This confident hope comes from the sealing of the Holy Spirit. We know, that we know, that we know, that God holds our lives and our souls for eternity, sustaining us through His Word. We can trust Him with eternity, with our next breath, our next celebration or tragedy; He will never change or abandon us. We can remind ourselves of His faithfulness by 1) reading accounts of His perfect timing in human history (see The Hall of Faith in Hebrews; look for “faithfulness” in the Psalms 66, 74, 80, 81, 89, 111, 114, 135, 136; read God With Us by Christoph Barth ); 2) read about His faithfulness to the apostles (The Acts of the Apostles); 3) and encourage one another about His faithfulness for all believers (Hebrews 10:23-25), including you! Holding tightly to our assured hope is hard, but if we keep a written record of God’s specific blessings, we can remind ourselves of His faithfulness when our faith is weak. In my own life, there have been many trials, but my hope is found in knowing God is faithful and never fails. I like to use Psalm 136 as a template to write my own blessings from God; repeating after each blessing, “His faithful love endures forever.” I pray you have this confident hope in Christ! It is yours by giving your life completely to Him. Leave everything in His hands and you will find peace, hope and security.

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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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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?!

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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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Posted in: Christ, Digging Deeper, Faith, Fervent, Freedom, Gift, God, Gospel, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Hope, Identity, Paul, Redemption, Salvation Tagged: Children Of God, Citizenship, inheritance, lost, New Identity, Spiritual Blessings, value
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