Joy Archives - Gracefully Truthful

The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 3

May 3, 2025 by Katelyn Palmer Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 3

Katelyn Palmer

May 3, 2025

Alive,Comfort,Encourage,Faith,Glory,Joy,Kingdom,Obedience

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

His Words Before Ours

John 16:20-22

Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.

Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Dear Yahweh,
I begin this prayer with gratitude. Thank You for the encouragement brought forth by the stories of others’ deep faith in You. Thank You for the reminder of the larger difficulties of this world allowing me to realign my perspective of my personal hardship and blessings. Your gentle rebuke also points me to the truth of John 16:33, which says Jesus has already overcome the world!

I thank You, Lord, for the community of sisters in GTC that support souls all over the world facing various levels of persecution and hardship, as well as celebrate and fortify the growing faith of those very same souls.

As we walk into a new week, God, I ask You to fill each of us with love, hope, and mercy. As You fill our cups to overflowing, place people in our path who need You; give us the opportunity to encourage them with the joy You have given us!

Help us realign our perspectives to those of gratitude and increase our desire to wash ourselves clean in Your Word. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-27, Colossians 3:12-17) Let us walk without fear for we know You are watching, guiding, and protecting those who trust You. (Psalm 121) It is in Your Son Jesus’ name I pray this, Lord. Amen!

Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Following Jesus faithfully is simply stated in “full surrender”, but incredibly difficult to live out. In fact, we can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside believers!

We are offered the free gift of salvation by the mercy of the God who allowed His only Son to bear our sins on the cross, reconciling us to Him as His children and heirs to the throne. All that is required of us is to believe His promise and accept His gift. (Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 10:8-13) Simple.

Jesus’ commandments to His followers is to love God and love one another as Jesus loved us. (Matthew 22:34-40) Simple.

Loving our enemies. (Matthew 5:44-48) Difficult.
Controlling our tongue. (Proverbs 13:3, James 3:8) Difficult.
Daily dying to our flesh. (Galatians 5:24) Incredibly difficult.

This same sentiment permeates Monday and Tuesday’s studies as Rhonda and Rachel encourage us with John 16:31-33. They remind us that trials and persecutions in this life should be in some way accepted joyfully as they will not overcome the promise of eternity with Christ. Additionally, they play a crucial role in deepening our relationship with God. (James 1:2-4 and 12-18)

Simple truths, difficult to walk out as we live in full life surrender. Sisters, armed with the knowledge that we will face hardship as we follow Jesus, let each martyr’s story encourage you to seek and serve the Lord all the more! Stand firm in your faith when threatened by temptation and persecution, choosing faith over fear.

Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

Death leaves a mark on all of our lives, but as we study the stories of martyrs, death can be particularly tender. Each author in our Slain Journey Theme has reminded us most people will not be called to die for Jesus, but all are called to live sacrificially for Him.

If you knew you only had 24 hours left to live, how would you choose to be intentional in love and in mission? Would you spend your fading hours in effort to win the lost? We must mourn the loss of lives like Rocio Pino, but then we must stand in their legacy and mimic their faith and fervor for our shared King!

We must become so intentional that our loved ones recall of us as they did of Rocio, “All who came to her heard about Christ.”

We must focus on the truth that a life favored by this world means we are not living in God’s light, for this world first hated Christ and will therefore hate us as His children. (John 15:18-27)

Sisters, I ask you, are you living a life that would beg others to ask of you for a reason for the hope you anchor in? (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

“I love Jesus more than anything” was the common refrain found on Abdiwelli’s lips, but the real proof was evidenced by his regular, ordinary life of constant, willing surrender. No one comes to faith in Jesus and hopes to be martyred; death for Christ wasn’t Abdiwelli’s aim in life, but willing surrender to the God who died to save him? Yes, certainly!

I recently was enthralled by a novel that emphasized regular surrender. The novel was a biography of sorts of a woman who made a significant impact in the lives of those around her, and she happened to live in my city. I had never heard her name, and likely, the vast majority who live in my city wouldn’t recognize her name either, but her life carried weighty impact for many immigrants to the US. Each day, Mrs. Kip surrendered her full self to the service of Christ, whatever it was for the day, and in so doing, she died to herself a little more every day. (The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip)

You likely hadn’t heard Abdiwelli’s story until this week, and you’ve probably never heard Mrs. Kip’s either. But, to the Lord Jesus Christ who appointed each of them as His faithful stewards of the gospel He entrusted to them, every breath in their story infinitely matters.

And so it is with us.

We are called to die to self, everyday. This won’t make land us in the book of martyrs, but it will further the Kingdom of Heaven. It will make us more like Jesus. It will honor our King. It will bring more souls to Him. Not because we are somehow faithful or especially wonderful, but because the Lord God promises to fulfill His purposes in us.

So run faithfully, Sister. Die to self today and live full and free for Christ, the One who holds eternity!
(Written by Rebecca Adams)

2-for-1 Friday

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courage,Easter,eternity,hope,joy,life,martyr,persecution

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Slain Day 10 Pastor Chung-Ryeol: Digging Deeper

April 25, 2025 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

Slain Day 10 Pastor Chung-Ryeol: Digging Deeper

Rebecca Adams

April 25, 2025

Alive,Freedom,Joy,Kingdom,Life,Safe,Treasure

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:27-30

Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God.

29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

The church in Philippi was started by Paul. (Acts 16:11-40) For additional context surrounding the writing of the letter, Trevin Wax’s commentary provides studied insights. When studying Scripture, don’t hesitate to use the assistance of trusted biblical sources to help you! (The Gospel Coalition)

Although a small town, Philippi was proud of its recent Roman history and was “very Roman in its self-perception.” Nearly twenty five percent of the town consisted of Roman war veterans and the town held a strong pride in its Roman connections. Near the end of his first chapter, we come to the first instruction (imperative) Paul provides in his letter, “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel.” (verse 27)

Paul used the pride Philippians had in their Roman citizenship and turned it around, reminding Christ-followers in Philippi that they were first and foremost citizens of heaven. (verse 27,Philippians 3:20) As Roman citizens took pleasure in living a life worthy of Rome, so the church should take pleasure in living daily lives worthy of the gospel.

We know the Philippian church took the gospel seriously because earlier in the letter, Paul recognized both the prominence of the gospel in their lives, and the advancement of it through his sufferings. (Philippians 1:4-5, 7) “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” Paul declared as he made it clear that everything about his life, ministry, and even his persecution and death hinged entirely upon Christ alone. (Philippians 1:21)

The Philippian church knew they represented their true Leader, God Almighty, while living on earth. It was imperative they lived in a manner that reflected their belief in the gospel message, the grace Christ continually provided, and the truth that one day they would live eternally with God in their true homeland.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul choose to use the phrase “citizens of heaven?” (verse 27)

What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “citizenship refers to a person’s allegiance to a government in exchange for its protection at home and abroad.”

I am an American citizen and as such I have certain benefits (a term Americans refer to as rights) and responsibilities under our constitution. The Philippians embraced their Roman citizenship recognizing both its benefits and responsibilities.

Likewise, God calls all believers past, present, and future to a different and higher citizenship than our earthly one. We are citizens of the kingdom of God and this citizenship calls us to live lives that are foreign to those around us. The kingdom of God is an upside down kingdom where we consider others as more important than ourselves, (Philippians 2:3) and believe we are blessed when we have been humble, merciful, and even persecuted for righteousness sake. (Matthew 5:3-12)

The gospel provides us with grace, and flowing out of that grace is a supernatural desire from the Holy Spirit to please our true Leader, living out His calling in our lives. When we don’t live in a manner worthy of our heavenly citizenship, we willingly repent of those actions through the blood of Jesus and begin again to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. (1 John 1:9)

We also wish to invite others to join us in our heavenly citizenship. In his song, “Land of My Sojourn,” Rich Mullins captured the tension between our earthly life and heavenly citizenship:

Nobody tells you when you get born here
How much you’ll come to love it
And how you’ll never belong here
So I call you my country
And I’ll be lonely for my home
And I wish that I could take you there with me.

The Original Intent

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

Paul wrote Philippians from prison and acknowledged the shared experience of persecution and imprisonment for the gospel with Philippian believers. (verses 28-29) In the midst of this hostility, he urged them to “stand firm”. This phrasing alludes to a military call, urging a stalwart decision for a battalion to collectively stand their ground in the face of opposition and persecution. “One spirit” is an interesting phrase and deserves more attention than can be given here.

Although this phrase might mean unity, Trevin Wax’s Philippians commentary argues that “spirit” references the Holy Spirit and “is parallel to ‘stand firm in the Lord’”, which is mentioned later in Philippians 4:1. Theologian, Gordon Fee, also favors this interpretation. The same phrase is used elsewhere by Paul referring to the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18, 1 Corinthians 12:13) Thus, Paul is instructing believers to stand firm in the Holy Spirit.

Next, he instructs them to be unified by telling them to be “in one accord.” The picture developed here is once again of Roman soldiers, but this time marching together in lock step toward one goal. They were to put aside their non-essential differences and work together in unity.

Finally, he writes “contending together.” The Greek word used here is made up of “syn,” and “athleo” from which we get the word “athlete.” Paul appealed to the Roman love of sports and, according to Kenneth Wuest (Precept Austin), uses “synathleo” to refer “to an athletic contest in which a group of athletes cooperates as a team against another team, working in perfect coordination against a common opposition.”

Therefore, Paul is instructing the Philippian church that in the midst of opposition they are to stand firm in the Holy Spirit, marching toward the same goal while competing together against their common opposition.

The Everyday Application

2) What does it mean to stand “firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel”? (verse 27)

As we have seen, the Greek word for “contend together” is an athletic term referring to a team competing in unity. We can conclude that we also are to be both on offense and defense as we contend collectively together for the gospel. Peter reminds us to be ready to give a defense for the hope within us in gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Paul charged Timothy (and us) to “preach the word” being ready whenever the opportunity arises. (2 Timothy 4:2) Earlier in 2 Timothy, Paul urged Timothy to commit to faithful men the words Timothy heard from Paul. (2 Timothy 2:2) This can be frightening, but we must remember that we are not to be “ashamed of the gospel.” Why? It “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

The gospel is the power of God for salvation! Our work in God’s Mission is not to save people, but to share the good news of salvation and redemption found in Jesus Christ; it is God’s power alone which saves. We share Christ crucified, buried, and raised and leave the saving work to the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul reminded the Corinthian church that believers are servants who share the gospel and each has a role given by the Lord. One plants the seed, another waters, but it is God alone who gives growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

We also must continually be growing in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word because He tells us His word equips us for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) We do all of this in community together as united believers in Jesus, standing firm in the Holy Spirit, in one accord, laying aside non-essential differences for the sake of advancing the gospel, knowing the results are in God’s hands.

The Original Intent

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29)

The kind of suffering Paul refers to here is not general suffering faced by humanity because of sin’s effects, but suffering specifically for sharing the gospel and living according to God’s call of holiness.

Paul stated that his imprisonment was because he was “in Christ.” (Philippians 1:13) Rather than complain about his situation, however, he was joyful that his imprisonment was advancing the gospel. Paul’s joy came from two outcomes of his imprisonment. The first was that the whole imperial guard and others knew that his imprisonment was because he was in Christ.

The second was that faithful brothers in Rome became more confident “to speak the word fearlessly” because of his imprisonment. (Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 1:18-20) This is the opposite of what we think would naturally happen. We would think other believers would be more frightened, similar to the apostles’ fear after Jesus’ death.

Those men hid in the upper room, frightened the Romans would come for them next. However, once Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were changed men, fearlessly preaching the gospel in one accord. (Acts 2:14-40, Acts 3:11-4:4, Acts 4:15-20)

This same Holy Spirit worked in the hearts and minds of the believers Paul speaks of and they became more confident to preach Christ “fearlessly” because of Paul’s imprisonment. (Philippians 1:14)

Paul reminded the Philippians their opponents were not just opposed to them, but to God Himself, which is much more frightening. Yes, God granted them salvation and suffering, but both were given in grace and victory only through the strength of the Holy Spirit.

The Everyday Application

3) What is Paul intending to convey in saying, “It has been granted” to the church to “suffer for” Christ? (verse 29)

Have you ever wondered if you would be able to endure suffering for the sake of Christ? Do you hear stories of sisters and brothers in other countries who are persecuted for the gospel and wonder, “Would I stay faithful to God under those circumstances?”

I firmly believe that if you have acknowledged to God that you are a sinner and have accepted His gift of grace and salvation through the shed blood and resurrection of Jesus Christ then yes, you would endure. If we are called to endure and persevere until the end (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13), doesn’t it make sense that the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 John 4:13) would also provide us with all the grace we need to endure suffering? (1 Peter 4:14, 2 Peter 1:3)

Jesus said, “So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) We have the Holy Spirit abiding in us and we know God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness at all times. (2 Peter 1:3)

Not only does God work in and through us, but His grace towards us is extended through our brothers and sisters. Paul wrote that we are to intercede for one another as well as encourage and build each other up. (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

We need fellow believers in our lives. We need the church around us and regular gathering around His Word and for worship to nourish and strengthen us. (Hebrews 10:25) We need each other to accomplish the mission to which God has called us.

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Easter,eternal life,hope,martyr,reward,Safe

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Recent Journeys

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026

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February 5, 2026

Slain, Day 10
Journey Study

Every day I wake up in America as a woman whose physical life is not threatened. Rather, my mind is often occupied simply by daily tasks and the needs of those around me.

I also find myself occupied with the concerns of the consumerist culture in which I live as I fear its effects on myself and those I love.

As believers, we all live in different cultures around the world, but our mission remains the same.

We are to be kingdom-minded people daily learning how to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Jesus with joy.

Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

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Slain Day 5 Perpetua & Felicity

April 18, 2025 by Rebekah Hargraves Leave a Comment

Slain Day 5 Perpetua & Felicity

Rebekah Hargraves

April 18, 2025

Anchored,Dignity,Glory,Joy,Kingdom,Obedience

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Timothy 3:12-15
Matthew 10:37-39
John 15:15-17
Daniel 3:17-18

As a mother, I can imagine few things more heart-wrenching than leaving my infant to be cared for by another. Yet this is precisely what Perpetua and Felicity both did, willingly, as they were martyred for their faith.

You may not have heard their names before, but both women are shining examples in church history of loving the Lord more than father, mother, son, or daughter. (Matthew 10:37-39) Their stories are deeply moving, inspirational, and worthy of our hearing.

These two young women, in their early 20s when martyred, were believers in Christ during the third century. Living in North Africa, they and a group of believing friends were arrested and thrown into prison because of their faith. Perpetua was the mother of an infant son who was placed in the prison with her because she was nursing him, and Felicity gave birth to a baby girl while incarcerated.

Sentenced to death by wild beasts, these young mothers surely wrestled internally with the high cost they would pay with their lives. But what of the cost if they chose to recant? Unfathomable to these brave mamas. Adding more weight to her heart, Perpetua’s father didn’t believe in Christ and he desperately begged his daughter to recant her faith and save her life. Perpetua wrote a moving account of their interactions, a portion of which reads,

“Another day, while we were at dinner, we were suddenly taken away to be heard [by the judicial authorities], and we arrived at the step of the town-hall.

Then they came to me, and my father immediately appeared with my boy, and withdrew me from the step, and said in a supplicating tone, ‘Have pity on your babe.’” (Catholic News Agency)

Perpetua goes on to write of another interaction she had with her father as he begged her again to recant,

“‘Father,’ said I, ‘do you see this vessel lying here to be a little pitcher, or something else?’

“And he said, ‘I see it to be so.’

“And I replied to him, ‘Can it be called by any other name than what it is?’

“And he said, ‘No.’

“‘Neither can I call myself anything else than what I am, a Christian.’”
(Catholic News Agency)

Meanwhile, Perpetua’s friend, Felicity, was 8 months pregnant when first thrown into prison and wanted so badly to be martyred at the same time as her friends that she prayed that her own baby would come soon so she would not be left behind when her friends went to be with Jesus. This is exactly what happened, and Felicity’s baby girl was given to a fellow sister-in-Christ to be raised as her own.

To tell you the truth, Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:37 have always been hard for me to personally read:

“The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of Me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

I’m a relationship-person through and through, and I am deeply attached to my loved ones. Yet Perpetua and Felicity’s examples show me even death was worth it for these women, these daughters and mothers, because the gain of Christ was just too precious to renounce.

Though we will not all die as martyrs, Jesus nevertheless makes it clear we are, as believers, daily called to be “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), to “take up [our] cross and follow [Him].” (Mathew 10:38) This means denying ourselves and our desires if they come before Christ in our hearts. It means following through with the race He has given us to run regardless of cost or discouragement. It means putting to death the sin which so easily entangles and distracts us from our God-given kingdom mission. (Hebrews 12:1)

In these ways, we join those who have been slain in Christ over the millennia. Every day, as we seek to honor and revere Christ above all, we are in good company, for our fellow brothers and sisters have been doing the same for hundreds of years. Their faith cheers us onward as we run the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 11-12:2)

For me, this dying to self looks like giving up what could be extra spending money each month so our family can sponsor a child, ensuring her daily needs are met. It looks like denying myself and turning the other cheek when I would love nothing more than to lash out at someone who has hurt me. It looks like respecting my husband more than I insist on my own way. Truly, it looks like crucifying “the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)

As much as these choices go against my naturally sinful bent, I am finding as I abide more deeply with Christ, He truly is worth renouncing the world. He is worth giving up selfish purchases so I can give to others. He is worth saying no to my desire to get even and instead love my enemies. He is worth being misunderstood by family members or friends for the stances I take. For, whatever hardship or sadness or angst I have ever felt over any of these things, the joy, peace, love, acceptance (truly the abundant life!) I have found in Christ and by His side are worth all of that and more.

May we each be able to continue to say just that as we grow, day by day, in our understanding of the inexpressible value and sweetness of life with Christ.

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bold,courage,death,eternity,gospel,hope,life,martyr

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Recent Journeys

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 3

February 7, 2026

Shofar Day 15 Listen For The King

February 6, 2026

Shofar Day 14 Dear Believers In Laodicea: Digging Deeper

February 5, 2026

Slain, Day 5
Digging Deeper

I remember the way my stomach clenched with fear as I ruminated on the stories I read and heard about missionaries and martyrs from around the world.

Faithful Christians, serving God and proclaiming the good news of Jesus, yet brutally persecuted and murdered for their faith.

Would I be able to stand firm and claim Christ if faced with such violence and certain death? I didn’t think so.

This was a frightening prospect to consider, when Jesus clearly stated those who deny Him will be denied by Him before Father God.

Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen

Explore This Journey Theme!

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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Slain Day 4 Blandina: Digging Deeper

April 17, 2025 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Slain Day 4 Blandina: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

April 17, 2025

Captivating,Freedom,Heaven,Joy,Kingdom,persecution,Purpose

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 2:8-11

“Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life:

9 I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death."

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why does the author say these poor and afflicted believers in Smyrna are rich? (verse 9)

In Revelation 2:9, Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.” The word used for poverty here is ptocheia, the Greek word for abject poverty or destitution. (preceptaustin.org) The church in Smyrna wasn’t just poor, they were impoverished.

William Barclay notes that “Smyrna was a great trade city. […] It had an especially rich trade in wines. [Smyrna] was a city of wealth and commercial greatness.” Despite the wealth of the city, Christ-followers in Smyrna were destitute, “because they were robbed and fired from jobs in persecution for the gospel.” (David Guzik) Because they followed Jesus, these Christians could not keep their jobs and were targeted for persecution.

In this letter, Jesus assured His followers that He knew about their suffering and still considered them rich because of the choices they made to honor and follow Him. (James 2:5). These choices would make them more like Jesus, providing them with spiritual blessings far greater than any material wealth. (Matthew 19:29)

Matthew Henry suggests the followers in Smyrna were “inwardly rich; rich in faith, in good works, rich in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope . . . when God’s people are made poor as to this life, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, He makes all up to them in spiritual riches.”

When we suffer for the sake of Christ, it is nothing in comparison to the blessing in store for us as His followers! (Romans 8:18)

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the author say these poor and afflicted believers in Smyrna are rich? (verse 9)

In the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, young Charlie is among 5 winners of a Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Charlie’s family is very poor, nearly starving, but, in spite of hardship, they are loyal, loving, and close-knit. The other winners are each from wealthy families, but they are all greedy in various ways and their parents don’t care much when their children encounter danger during their factory tour.

The wealthy families didn’t enjoy much happiness, whereas Charlie and his family found joy in being together despite their struggles. They were not monetarily rich, but they were rich in love. There is a similar message about being rich despite being poor in Revelation 2:9, where Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich.”

According to David Guzik, Smyrna was a city “deeply committed to idolatry and the worship of the Roman Emperor.” Because of this, Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for practicing and sharing their faith in Christ. Even though they suffered poverty and oppression, Jesus regarded them as rich because of their faithfulness to Him. (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Charles Stanley asserts, “There was peculiar honor in being near and like Himself, who had nowhere to lay His head. I have learned this: Jesus is especially the partner of His poor servants.” Jesus, who came to earth as an infant, was born to a humble carpenter’s family (Luke 2:12), and slept under the stars during His years of ministry (Luke 21:37), assured His followers that they were choosing better by walking in His ways. (John 15:5)

Though they were not rich in material things, Jesus’ followers were rich in spiritual blessings. (Ephesians 1:3)

The Original Intent

2) What is the crown of life promised to those who suffer and are afflicted? (verse 10)

Jesus tells the church in Smyrna, “Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”. (Revelation 2:10) The crown, or wreath, was a symbol of reward or victory in the ancient world, and the church of Smyrna would have recognized the language as denoting triumph.

David Guzik explains that the crown, or stephanos, “is given as a trophy to a winning athlete. Jesus looks at the Christians of Smyrna and says to them, ‘You are My winners. You deserve a trophy.’” Jesus acknowledged that following Him could bring persecution and even martyrdom, and He wanted His followers to know that the reward of eternal life awaited all who remained faithful to Him. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Jesus’ victory on the cross was a triumph for all His followers that granted them victory in Jesus and eternal life in Heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57) Jesus wanted His followers to understand that, while there was a price to be paid for following Him, the reward far outweighed the cost. (Matthew 13:44-46) Matthew Henry asserts, “The life worn out in His service, or laid down in His cause, shall be rewarded with a much better life, which shall be eternal.”

There is no way to know exactly what the cost of serving Christ will be when we set out to follow, but God asks us to give Him everything. (Luke 14:33) One blessed assurance Christians have is knowing that this world, with all its troubles (John 16:33), is not their home, Heaven is! (Hebrews 13:14)

Alistair Begg describes the reward of the crown of life as “God welcoming us at the finish line and crowning us with honor, blessing, and life that is everlasting.” May we be able to claim with the Apostle Paul that nothing is worth as much to us as knowing Christ! (Philippians 3:8)

The Everyday Application

2) What is the crown of life promised to those who suffer and are afflicted? (verse 10)

In the Victorian British novel Jane Eyre, the novel’s young namesake is sent to a boarding school where she endures a harsh, embarrassing reprimand by the pompous and cruel minister who runs the establishment. When her punishment is over, the inconsolable Jane is comforted by her friend Helen Burns, who also receives constant criticism and punishment from her teachers but bears it with patience and tolerance.

Helen encourages Jane not to take her afflictions to heart, reminding her that “God waits only the separation of spirit from flesh to crown us with a full reward. Why, then, should we ever sink overwhelmed with distress, when life is so soon over, and death is so certain an entrance to happiness—to glory?”

Helen Burns understood what Jesus described to the church at Smyrna when he exhorted them to “Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”. (Revelation 2:10) The crown of life represented the reward of life everlasting with Jesus, promised to those who love Jesus and endure the trials of this life. (James 1:12)

Andrew Murray suggests that this gift of eternal life “is the life that He has had in Himself from eternity and that has been visibly revealed in Christ. This life is now the inheritance of every child of God.”

Jesus is very clear that His followers will face hardships because of their faith. (2 Timothy 3:12). But He is also clear that the benefits of following Him are greater far than the trials. (Matthew 5:10-11)

The Original Intent

3) Why will the conqueror never be harmed by the second death? (verse 11)

Jesus’ words to the church at Smyrna end with His promise, “The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death.” (Revelation 2:11) The followers had experienced much persecution for the faith, including martyrdom, and His promise was to encourage them in the face of such hardships.

While the faithful might die for their beliefs, they would gain eternal life! (1 John 2:17)

William Barclay explains, “The second death was a Jewish rabbinic expression for the total extinction of the utterly wicked.” Jesus promised the faithful at Smyrna that they would not face the second death of eternity in Hell apart from God (Matthew 25:46) because they would spend eternity with Jesus.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests, “This second death, or death of the soul, is absolute exclusion from God, who is the Source of eternal life.” Richard Trench describes the second death as “The death in life of the lost, as contrasted with the life in death of the saved.” Those who experience the second death are doomed to live eternally without God, while those who escape the second death will live forever with God. (1 John 5:11)

This eternal, second death is reserved for those who do not know Christ, while the great reward of the Christian is never living apart from God and His good, gracious presence of love and joy!

The Everyday Application

3) Why will the conqueror never be harmed by the second death? (verse 11)

A study of African American Spirituals reveals lyrics usually reference the Bible but often have a covert meaning as well. Many of these songs point to the freedom of going “home” to Heaven, but they also tie to the Underground Railroad or escaping to a free land. (negrospirituals.com)

Yolanda Y. Smith suggests, “The Spirituals were a means of coping with the deepest despair and disappointment. Yet, the biblical message embodied in these songs inspired a sense of hope and assurance that the enslaved Africans would one day be free. […] They viewed Jesus not only as a suffering servant and friend who understood oppression but also as a conquering king who, through the power of his resurrection, could overcome even the most oppressive structures.”

The singers of these hymns understood Jesus’ message to His followers that “The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death”. (Revelation 2:11) No matter how dire the circumstances, Jesus promises that Christians will only die a physical death and not a spiritual one. “Although members of the church would experience martyrdom (the first death), they would be assured of avoiding the dreaded second death—the Lake of Fire.” (Preceptaustin.org)

We should all be warned, that those who don’t accept Jesus will pass away from earth and will live eternally apart from God (Revelation 21:8), while believers will live forever with God in Heaven. (1 John 2:25) What a blessing that no matter what we face on earth, True Believers have hope and assurance of life forever with Jesus!

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Blandina is known today, not because she was one of the first martyrs or even one of the most politically significant ones. In fact, she was only a young slave girl, one characterized as “weak in body.” (The Gospel Coalition)

Yet, Blandina did not cower in the face of torture nor deny her Lord.

Rather, she endured torture beyond what anyone thought her body capable of handling.

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Worship XIII, Day 9 God Is My Confidence: Digging Deeper

April 3, 2025 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Worship XIII, Day 9 God Is My Confidence: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

April 3, 2025

Adoration,Captivating,Fellowship,Grace,Joy

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 57:7-11

7 My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident.
I will sing; I will sing praises.
8 Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10 For your faithful love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
11 God, be exalted above the heavens;
let your glory be over the whole earth.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who is the author of this psalm and why is he confident? (verse 7)

The longest collection of biblical poetry in the Scriptures was written by people with a variety of human experiences. The five books contained within the psalms consist of prayers and songs used in corporate and personal worship. The title comes from the Hebrew word tehillim. meaning “praises.” (biblestudytools.com) The English word is formed from the Greek psalmos. (Septuagint)

Although the psalms were written by different authors and compiled over a long period of time, Bible students often associate King David with the psalms due to his musical interests and ability. (1 Samuel 16:17-23, 2 Samuel 1:17-18) He is specifically cited as the author, as listed in the Hebrew titles, of 73 different psalms. This same David is the psalmist of Psalm 57.

Our focal passage is almost identical to other another psalm of David (Psalm 108:1-5), which reiterates his consistent confidence in God.

Bible scholars offer no consistent explanation of why the two psalms are merged at points, nor do they establish a timeline for the latter. Still, Psalm 57 is identified as being composed when its author could potentially be driven to despair and defeat.

David knew his adversaries sought his demise and they refused to relent easily. His prayer begins as a desperate call for God to extend mercy and protection, but he adjusts his outlook and expresses confidence that God will save him despite his enemies’ pursuit. (Psalm 57:1-3, 6)

Starting to complain (verses 4-6), David interrupts himself to express trust in God. (verse 7) I love the King James Version, “my heart is fixed!” We read in verse 3 what he really thinks about God, “He sends His faithful love and truth.” This mindset constantly reminds David he can trust God because He is faithful. God’s character can always be trusted.

The Everyday Application

1) Who is the author of this psalm and why is he confident? (verse 7)

One of my most favorite aspects of the psalms, especially David’s perspective, is gut-level honesty. Because, friend, that’s what I need! Too often, I have found myself sinking deep into dread as I consider the possibilities of future suffering or trials. Yet, no sooner have I pondered the potential pit that awaits me, the Lord brings to my mind His good character.

Armed with examples of those who’ve gone before me gives me courage to trust the same God. Maybe you recall with me the young righteous Hebrew men who were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace after refusing to bow to an idol. (Daniel 1-3) Their response provides us with a model of how to think to about God, “Even if He does not rescue us …” (Daniel 3:18)

This is an essential foundation of faith in God as we face an uncertain future. Because of who He is we can truly trust in Him. He is good, Sister! Even if the fearful event happens, it doesn’t change the eternal essence of God; His goodness and mercy never fail for not only is our God always good, He is also faithfully loving us.

The prophet Jeremiah developed his confidence in the Lord by reminding himself of God’s character, “I have hope when I call to mind the Lord’s faithful love.” (Lamentations 3:21-24)

Please don’t miss this, Friend. Just like other Old Testament saints, the psalmist gained his confidence by meditating on God Himself. There will be days when we find ourselves sinking down in the muck and mire of despair. It is then we must remember who God is and say with David, “My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises!” (This We Know)

The Original Intent

2) How does the psalmist use “waking” as a prerequisite to “worshipping”? (verse 8)

The imagery here is striking. David is calling on both his soul and the musical instruments he uses for worship to merge with one voice and one sound in adoring worship. David expresses his desire to praise God with all his being by “waking up” the instruments of praise.

The psalmist demonstrates his wholehearted desire for bringing everything he has to God as to give Him all the glory He deserves. When He was on earth, Jesus emphasized the importance of this kind of genuine, whole-life worship of God. (John 4:23-24) David’s wake-up call establishes his resolve to arise from his soul weariness, despite the circumstances, and seek God’s presence.

The call for the harp and lyre to awaken is akin to the invitations for all creation to join him in praising God. The imagery of nature joining in worship is a recurring theme in the Scriptures (Psalm 96:1-3 and 11-12, 1 Chronicles 16:31-33, Isaiah 55:12), as is the call for God’s people to awake to Him. (Isaiah 52:1)

Commentary Matthew Henry says David excited himself to the duty of praise. I love that! He writes that our souls “must be first awakened; dull and sleepy devotions will never be acceptable to God. We must stir up ourselves, and all that is within us, to praise God; with a holy fire must that sacrifice be kindled and ascend in a holy flame. David’s tongue will lead, and his psaltery and harp will follow, in these hymns of praise … I will not be dead, and drowsy, and careless, in this work … I will be in the most lively frame, as one newly awakened out of a refreshing sleep.” (Biblegateway.com)

The Everyday Application

2) How does the psalmist use “waking” as a prerequisite to “worshipping”? (verse 8)

Few of us are unaware of the “woke” debates which have caused confusion and conflict among Christians in recent times. While the current debate will likely continue, I don’t want to miss what the psalmist was modeling in these verses.

First, let’s fast forward a few hundred years. Paul encouraged his friends to stay “alive and awake” in Christ amid hardship and wickedness. (Ephesians 5:8-16) Though it is not a direct quote from an Old Testament passage, it may have been a tradition or teaching familiar to the reader as Paul writes, “It is said.” Making a connection from David to Paul is vital for us because we will regularly need to preach and sing this ‘wake-up call’ to our own souls just as the saints have done for generations before us.

Just as in the psalmist’s day, Paul reminds us we will face darkness and temptation. Waking up our souls to see God’s goodness and love can kickstart our days by reminding us to live in the light of His grace. Although every moment is a good moment to praise God, David calls on his soul to wake up and worship with the dawn.

Friend, let us never doubt the value of morning devotions. “No time in the day is more appropriate for worship than the early morning; no object is more worthy to rouse us from our slumbers than a desire to praise God; in no way can the day be more appropriately begun than by prayer and praise; and nothing will conduce more to keep up the flame of piety – the life of religion in the soul – than the habit of devoting the early morning to the worship of God; to prayer; to meditation; to praise.” (Albert Barnes) (This is My Father’s World)

The Original Intent

3) What prompted the intensity of the psalmist’s confidence and praise? (verses 9-11)

David was preaching an inspiring message to his soul. So exhilarating was the truth of the message, it afforded him the perspective he needed. As he progressed though the layers of his thoughts, David began to consider the greatness of his God. Not content with just sitting in this magnificent reflection alone, or even simply “preaching to the choir,” David determined to include all people from all nations! (verse 9)

David knew that when he was in trouble, it was his Lord – Adonai – who provided deliverance as the ruler of all. Baal cannot save; Molech cannot save; Chemosh cannot save. (Judges 3:7, Leviticus 18:21, 1 Kings 11:4-7)

When David sought the Lord as his comforter, his heart was affected and enlarged for the nations. He wanted the whole earth to see the greatness and goodness of God. (verse 11) But what prompted such devotion and confidence in the heart of David? It’s tucked away in verse 10, “For YOUR faithful love is as high as the heavens; YOUR faithfulness reaches the clouds.” David was so gripped by the Lord’s faithful love for him that he repeated it often to himself. (Psalm 36:5, Psalm 103:11-14, Psalm 5:4 and 7, Psalm 69:13 and 16)

The vast love of God drove David to offer continual praise. Oh, the rich love of God! Hundreds of years later, the apostle Paul would write about that same love that surpassed all knowledge. He, too, longed for all the people to know it. It was the prayerful cry of his heart! (Ephesians 3:16-19)

The Everyday Application

3) What prompted the intensity of the psalmist’s confidence and praise? (verses 9-11)

The Lord of David is the Lord of all. Yes, He is forever over all things. (Colossians 1:15-20) That is a glorious truth! But what is even more magnificent, Sister, is His willingness to receive us into a relationship with Him.

David knew the Lord in an intimate way (Psalm 8, Psalm 23), communing with Him often, but our generous God wanted to restore His relationship with humanity as it was before sin tainted it. (Colossians 3:9-10, Hebrews 2:10-13) Like David, we can confidently trust God for deliverance and, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can know this confidence even better than David could. Now, we know God’s justice and mercy were reconciled in His Son as He took our death upon Himself. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

We are confident of our acceptance, not because our good outweighs our bad, nor is it because God doesn’t know the depth of our sin. Our confidence lies fully in the righteousness of Jesus!

My sweet friend, when we place our faith in Him and receive His righteousness as our own, we have nothing to fear. His love is higher than the heavens. His faithfulness is above the clouds. The invitation from David is for us all to come and join him in the worship of the Lord who loves us so. The Lord is our confidence; let’s worship Him! (Your Love Oh Lord)

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Worship XIII, Day 8
Journey Study

Thank You for Your love and faithfulness which remain the same despite my ever-changing circumstances and challenges.

I come to You, confident that “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

I praise You for working good even in what was meant for evil (Genesis 50:20) and thank You that evil will ultimately be defeated.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

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Worship XIII, Day 8 God Is My Confidence

April 2, 2025 by Lesley Crawford Leave a Comment

Worship XIII, Day 8 God Is My Confidence

Lesley Crawford

April 2, 2025

Adoration,Blessed,Creation,Fear,Good,Joy,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 57
Psalm 18:2-3
Lamentations 3:22-24
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Romans 8:28-31

His Words Before Mine
Psalm 57
“Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me,
for I take refuge in You.
I will seek refuge in the shadow of Your wings
until danger passes.
I call to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He reaches down from heaven and saves me,
challenging the one who tramples me.

Selah

God sends His faithful love and truth.
I am surrounded by lions;
I lie down among devouring lions—
people whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords. […]

They prepared a net for my steps;
I was despondent.
They dug a pit ahead of me,
but they fell into it!

Selah

My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident.
I will sing; I will sing praises. […]

For Your faithful love is as high as the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches the clouds
God, be exalted above the heavens;
let Your glory be over the whole earth.”

My Words Back to Him
God, I look to You for protection.

Thank you for being my refuge and place of safety, for covering me with Your wings and shielding me with Your faithfulness. (Psalm 91:4)

Thank You for protecting David as he hid from jealous King Saul (1 Samuel 23:13-15) so he could look back on this time and testify of Your rescue:

“The LORD is my rock,
my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock where I seek refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I was saved from my enemies.”
(Psalm 18:2-3)

May this truth spark in me the same trust David had in Your goodness and faithfulness. May I share David’s confidence that Your purposes will be fulfilled, regardless of the challenges or opposition I face.

I look to You as the One with power to save, trusting in Your sovereignty.

“If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Thank You for Your love and faithfulness which remain the same despite my ever-changing circumstances and challenges.

I come to You, confident that “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

I praise You for working good even in what was meant for evil (Genesis 50:20) and thank You that evil will ultimately be defeated.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Because of Your great power and love, “we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

God, my confidence is in You.

Wake my soul to praise You as I should.

Help me lift my eyes above my circumstances to see Your power and glory. Help me trust in Your faithfulness. Help me to put my hope in You alone so I may praise You and proclaim Your greatness to those around me.

Thank You for Your unfailing love and faithfulness which are so much bigger than my mind can grasp (Ephesians 3:18-19) and thank You for the hope and confidence they instill in me.

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love,
we do not perish,
for His mercies never end.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
I say, “The Lord is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in him.”
(Lamentations 3:22-24)

God, may Your name be glorified.

I declare You are my refuge and in You I find rest. Help me live daily in that knowledge and trust in You each day.

I Confess, Lament, and Praise
God, I confess that when I am under pressure, I am tempted to look to my own strength and wisdom.

I too often place my confidence in my own thinking and strategizing, and look to myself to find a solution, rather than seeking You. I put pressure on myself to work out what to do, and I carry an unnecessary load. Help me cast my burdens on You instead, knowing You care for me. (1 Peter 5:7)

On other occasions, I focus too much on my circumstances and the challenges I face, and I become caught in a spiral of worry instead of turning to You and knowing Your peace.

Thank You for Your promise to “keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace,
for it is trusting in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Please help me lift my eyes above it all to look to You, knowing whatever trials I may face here on earth, You are with me always. My eternal future is safe in Your hands because of Jesus and not because of anything I have done.

May I know the blessing of one whose confidence is truly in You. May I be like a tree with deep roots, drawing strength from you and flourishing, whatever my situation. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

Thank You for being “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love” (Psalm 103:8), for removing our sins far from us (Psalm 103:12), and for, from eternity to eternity, faithfully loving those who fear You. (Psalm 103:17)

Awaken my heart to praise You, and may my confidence be in You and You alone.

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Worship XIII, Day 9
Digging Deeper

David was preaching an inspiring message to his soul. So exhilarating was the truth of the message, it afforded him the perspective he needed.

As he progressed though the layers of his thoughts, David began to consider the greatness of his God.

But not content with just sitting in this magnificent reflection alone, or even simply "preaching to the choir,” David determined to include all the people from all the nations!

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Run Day 2 Mercifully Appointed: Digging Deeper

March 4, 2025 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Run Day 2 Mercifully Appointed: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 4, 2025

Hope,Joy,Kingdom,Legacy,Meaning,Paul,Power,Redeemed

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 1:12-15

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus strengthen Paul despite his former blasphemy and persecution? (verses 12-13)

Paul thanks “Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministryeven though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief”. (1 Timothy 1:12-13) God had a plan and purpose for Paul that would stop him in his tracks and cause him to do an about face. (Acts 9:3-9)

In his ignorance and unbelief, Paul viciously persecuted Christians. God’s plan called for Paul to make Christians out of unbelieving Gentiles by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus. (Acts 9:15) God knew that a redeemed Paul could draw countless people to Him because of the attention his testimony would garner. (Acts 17:10) Having a former blasphemer proclaim the cross of Christ would be proof of the redeeming power of Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:7)

It would get the attention of religious Jews while also attracting unbelieving Gentiles. Thomas Schreiner suggests, “In the fullness of time the Lord raised up Paul as the theologian of the new missionary endeavor. […] He grasped that the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfilled the promise given to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s seed.” (Genesis 22:18)

Paul was unquestionably knowledgeable about Old Testament prophecies, and God opened his eyes to the Truth of how Jesus fulfilled those prophecies, then filled him with His Spirit effectively equipping him to share the Truth of Christ.

Jesus does the same for us as he did for Paul! He calls us to walk in His Ways (1 John 1:7), He gives us the command to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19), and He gives us the same Spirit of power to accomplish His mission (John 14:26)!

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus strengthen Paul despite his former blasphemy and persecution? (verses 12-13)

In the classic novel, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, my favorite passage is when the main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, wakes up on Christmas morning with a whole new perspective on life. He went to bed on Christmas Eve devoid of hope and filled with bitterness. After being visited in dreams by the Spirit of Christmas past, present, and future, he woke up with a heart full of joy and expectation.

Ebenezer spent all of Christmas Eve with a grumpy “bah, humbug” on his lips, and he woke up wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Each person who encountered him on Christmas day was amazed by the transformation. He was a completely different person. This radical metamorphosis is reminiscent of the conversion of Paul, who relished persecuting Christians until he encountered the Truth of Jesus.

Paul’s conversion made him into the very thing he had once hated, a follower of Christ. Paul recognized that God did not hold his former mistakes against him, but rather allowed him to walk in the ways God had planned for him. (1 Timothy 1:12-13) Instead of regretting all his mistakes and misdeeds, Paul embraced God’s grace and His will moving forward.

Paul was “saved by grace and continued to minister by grace. He was saved by the power of the Spirit and ministered by the power of the Spirit. He daily depended on divine enablement. Paul understood that the service he carried out for the Lord was supernaturally enabled”. (PreceptAustin.org)

We are easily tripped up by our past blunders and allow shame and regret to keep us from moving forward into God’s plans for our lives. May we, like Paul, fully accept the grace and forgiveness God offers and rely on His power to move into the purposes He has planned for us! (Ephesians 1:11)

The Original Intent

2) How did God’s grace, faith, and love overflow to Paul? (verse 14)

In discussing his conversion to Christianity, Paul wrote, “The grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”. (verse 14) Paul rejoiced that God extended His grace to set Paul free from sin (Romans 3:24), allowing Paul to share God’s grace and love with others (Acts 28:30).

Charles Ellicott explains that Paul “sums up the divine mercy showed to him in the three words: grace, faith, and love. Grace, the unspeakable gift of God to him; faith and love, the results of the exceeding abundant gift of grace.” Paul was overcome by this grace of God which he had done nothing to earn.

In fact, Paul took pride and pleasure in hunting down and harming any who professed to be saved by Jesus. When God physically and audibly intervened in Paul’s life (Acts 22:11), Jesus’ unmerited grace overcame Paul, drastically altering his life forever. Paul was amazed to find out how wrong he had been, but even more astounded that Jesus loved him anyway! (1 John 4:19)

Robert W. Yarbrough suggests, “Grace gushed across Paul’s blasphemy and violence like water scouring offal from a polluted floor, cleansing him from those and all other transgressions.” What a blessing to know that God’s grace and love overflow to each one of us, just as they did to Paul. (Romans 5:20)

The Everyday Application

2) How did God’s grace, faith, and love overflow to Paul? (verse 14)

In my teaching career and various children’s ministry roles, I frequently heard the backhanded compliment, “You are nicer than I would be in that situation”, or “you have more patience than I would” with certain students. Their implication was that I should be stricter on misbehavior than I was.

I have a few former students (and some offspring!) who think I am plenty tough, but in general I try to err on the side of grace, providing do-overs and encouragement to work more diligently next time rather than throwing the book at someone who breaks the rules. My gentle approach can perturb personalities who highly value procedure and rigorous adherence to guidelines, but I endeavor to build relationships with students above emphasizing rule following when the situation warrants.

Children can be very literal, black and white thinkers with a profound sense of justice. A child who experiences grace when they are expecting consequences can truly appreciate when they don’t receive the punishment they know they deserve. It can be a way to introduce Paul’s message of how “the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”. (1 Timothy 1:14)

When Paul finally recognized the divinity of Christ, he realized how immense his sin was against the Lord. Instead of being overcome by this reality, Paul found God’s grace overflowed to him. Despite having made the persecution of Christians his life’s work, God forgave Paul and overwhelmed him with the grace and love of His Savior.

Where he expected judgment, Paul received mercy (James 2:13) and that outpouring of grace catapulted Paul into another world. Paul’s new reality freed him to a place where Paul’s singular aim was to lead other people to experience Christ’s lavish grace for themselves. (Colossians 1:28-9)

The Original Intent

3) Why does Paul say he is the worst sinner? (verse 15)

Paul wrote, “This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them”. Paul acknowledged that without God’s grace he was absolutely nothing. Before Jesus reached him, Paul was actively fighting against God’s Kingdom, blaspheming Jesus and persecuting Christ’s followers, a sin he now saw as abhorrent. This may be part of the reason he called himself the worst of sinners.

David Guzik asserts, “Paul felt – rightly so – that his sins were worse because he was responsible for the death, imprisonment, and suffering of Christians, whom he persecuted before his life was changed by Jesus.” (Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13, Philippians 3:6)

Paul’s self-identification as “the worst sinner” amplified the radical change Jesus had made in his life. Whereas he once prided himself as an erudite, respectable Jew doing God’s work, he now saw his former life as sinful in the light of God’s glory and grace. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Donald Guthrie states, “Paul never got away from the fact that Christian salvation was intended for sinners, and the more he increased his grasp of the magnitude of God’s grace, the more he deepened the consciousness of his own naturally sinful state, until he could write of whom I am [worst].”

The more Paul experienced and realized the enormity of God’s love and grace, the more it magnified the sins he committed against God. Paul was overwhelmed with how magnanimous His God was in the face of Paul’s great sin. He felt like the worst sinner in comparison to God’s extravagant, boundless love (1 John 3) and he understood that it was only God’s grace that saved him from his sinful ways and their eternal consequence!

The Everyday Application

3) Why does Paul say he is the worst sinner? (verse 15)

In the classic film, It’s A Wonderful Life, young George Bailey works for a pharmacist, Mr. Gower, delivering prescriptions. One day, George watches Mr. Gower, who has just received word of his son’s death, work in a drunken stupor, filling capsules for a rush prescription with poison instead of the prescribed medicine.

George goes out to seek advice from his father, but when he can’t reach him he returns to the drugstore without making the delivery. Mr. Gower, enraged, starts beating George until the boy can make him understand the mistake with the medications. Mr. Gower is shocked to realize that George had saved him from harming an unwitting customer. He weeps and hugs George, overcome with sorrow for his unjust treatment of the boy and relief that George’s care and attentiveness averted a disaster.

I think of the apostle Paul feeling that weight of sorrow and relief when he understood the immensity of God’s goodness toward him in the light of the great harm he was doing in his sinful life. Paul considered himself the worst sinner (1 Timothy 1:15) precisely because he knew what manner of man he really was in comparison to the goodness and perfect glory of God.

R. Kent Hughes asserts, “This is the thinking of a healthy regenerate heart. Saving Christianity never endows one with a sense of superiority. Paul knew what he had been and what he was and what he continued to be in himself. This knowledge even increased with the years, as he understood his heart even better than at first.”

Paul never recovered from the astonishment of being saved by God’s grace! (Ephesians 2:8) He always remembered what he was before Jesus saved him and acknowledged what he would still be without Christ. (Ephesians 2:12)

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In 1 Timothy 1:12-15, apostle and early Church founder Paul calls himself a blasphemer, the worst of sinners.

Strong words, yet they describe each of us. We are the sinners, blasphemers, and ultimately, we stand before the Lord, defiled and dirty.

That is, until mercy.

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Come Day 12 Come To Be Fulfilled: Digging Deeper

February 25, 2025 by Beloveth McKnight-Miles Leave a Comment

Come Day 12 Come To Be Fulfilled: Digging Deeper

Beloveth McKnight-Miles

February 25, 2025

Comfort,Desperate,Follow,Fruitfulness,Fullness,Joy

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

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 9:2-3

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.

Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the prophet Isaiah’s poetic opening lines about “walking in darkness” and seeing “a great light” in verse 2?

When the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, God instructed them to rid the land of all the former inhabitants to drive out the dominant power. (Deuteronomy 20:1-19) Unfortunately, the Israelites didn’t listen. Their sin carried a high price tag later when the nation of Israel was divided. Though they inhabited the Promised Land, northern Israel was plagued with political oppression and violence from the Assyrians, Syrians, and Samarians.

Judah, in the south, was tempted to ally with the powerful Assyrians to defeat the Syrians and Samarians in response to the immediate threat. Still, God warns Judah through the words of the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 7:1-4 not to fight evil with evil but to trust God for protection. Again, they don’t listen. Judah’s rebellious alliance with the Assyrians resulted in God’s judgment. God allowed Assyria eventually to capture Judah, complicating things further for the country as Judah became inundated with idol worship and was forced to pay heavy taxation to Assyria.

For the whole of Israel, how much easier would it have been if they had just obeyed the Lord in the first place and chosen to trust His ways enough to follow them in obedience! As a result of their rebellion, they were indeed “walking in darkness”.

In Isaiah 9, God graciously promises, despite the failure of Judah to obey Him, to bring Judah justice, peace, and righteousness through the promise of a Messiah. The song of the prophet Isaiah that came from the Lord in Isaiah 9:2-7 is intended to encourage God’s people to trust Him for the fulfilled promise of this joy and happiness.

The Lord would be gracious still! He would bring the Light of the World (John 8:12) to the darkness of Israel’s sin. Would they finally choose trust?

The Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the prophet Isaiah’s poetic opening lines about “walking in darkness” and seeing “a great light” in verse 2?

Many songs have been poetically penned from the inspiration of Isaiah’s prophecy, usually centered around Christmas. Scripture is full of songs; music played an “instrumental” role in the life of God’s people.

Miriam sang. (Exodus 15:20-21)
Korah’s sons sang. (Psalm 46)
Paul sang. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Even God sang! (Deuteronomy 31:19)
David had an anointed ministry of music and was called upon to calm King Saul of his tormenting spirits by playing the lyre. (I Samuel 16:14-23)

King David knew the effectiveness of music when it came to the spiritual well-being of God’s children, so he organized a music ministry for the Levitical priests under God’s orchestration. (1 Chronicles 16:37, 1 Chronicles 23:30, 1 Chronicles 23-26)

Paul instructs believers to sing to one another with “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”. (Ephesians 5:19) When we use Scripture as the lyrics of our words to others, we are singing truth, grace, encouragement, and unshakeable hope over one another! This should encourage us to know the Scriptures well so we can sing heartily!

Listening to Canton Jones’ “I Won’t Stop” encourages me to persevere. I received my spiritual calling while listening to Shekinah Glory Ministry’s “Yes” worship song. Mali Music’s “Fight for You” strengthened me when dealing with temptation as a single woman. For King and Country’s “God Only Knows” gave me strength when I was going through hardship. Todd Dulaney’s “Let It Flow” ushers me into worship. Francesca Battistelli’s “Beautiful, Beautiful” gives me confidence from Scriptural truths, and Brandon Lake’s “Just Like Heaven” helps me feel God’s love.

I encourage you to ask God to give you a song that is deeply rooted in Scripture for every season of your walk to encourage you and remind you of truth!

The Original Intent

2) According to this prophecy, how will God “enlarge the nation [Judah] and increase its joy”? (verse 3)

In verse 3, the prophet Isaiah proclaims a time of freedom, happiness, and joy for God’s people despite the darkness in which they live. Isaiah foretells of a time when the Lord will expand the nation of Israel and they will experience an increasing joy that surpasses any joy they’ve previously experienced In Isaiah 9:1-7, the prophet describes what God will do:

God promises to dismantle the systemic oppression of His people, taking away the heavy taxation, brutality, and the threat of banishment. This prophecy has not been fulfilled yet, but many believe that Isaiah’s message is for the end times. (verse 4)
God promises to end all war. Again, some believe this portion of Isaiah’s prophetic message is intended for the end times. (verse 5)
God promises to send the Messiah, the Great Rescuer of His people who will establish this kingdom that will expand and whose joy will be boundless. (verses 6-7) This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born of a woman and when He ministered on Earth. (Matthew 1:22-23) However, the kingdom is both a “now and not yet” reality. It’s growing in the world today through His people, while also, all of creation groans because we wait for what is not yet here in full. (Romans 8:19-25)

With Jesus’ coming as a baby, the Light of the World entered the Darkness; He went about setting up His kingdom and teaching others what it was like. (Mark 4:26-33) Yes, this kingdom would fulfill these prophecies in Isaiah, but it would also be accomplished in a way no one expected. This kingdom would be built on humility and a love that sacrificed itself for the rebellious. (Romans 5:7-8) This was an upside-down gospel! Wonderfully, in every heart where the gospel took root, it expanded and grew, multiplying unrivaled joy!

The Everyday Application

2) According to this prophecy, how will God “enlarge the nation [Judah] and increase its joy”? (verse 3)

The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would be the source of great joy. In Jesus, the new kingdom would unfurl. In Jesus, the new kingdom would advance. In Jesus, joy in relationship with God would be accessible!

Although God wants His children to be happy (more on that here!), “joy” and “happiness” are distinct.

Happiness is an outward expression identifiable by a smile or even laughter. It’s usually the result of some accomplishment or a favorable occurrence, so it fluctuates depending on the moment. However, God promised joy through Jesus Christ, which comes from a person’s inner spirit. It’s stable and enduring because the truths it holds dear, are precious and sure regardless of trouble or bliss. Real, abiding joy does not ebb and flow due to circumstances or the type of day a person is experiencing.

Joy is actually the spontaneous product of the Spirit of God working in the life of a believer. (Galatians 5:22-23) As true joy is a gift of the Spirit, it is only accessible through the Spirit who gives to those who have decided to come to Jesus in full surrender, confessing Him as their Lord and turning from their sin. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) If you’re longing for joy that endures, come to the Source of joy, the Triune God!

The Original Intent

3) Are believers in Jesus today also recipients of the same mercy and grace God prophesied to Judah in Isaiah’s prophecy? (verses 1-7)

Isaiah’s prophecy from the Lord promised incredible things for Israel, but the New Testament believer can also be encouraged by these promises. The same God has rescued all who trust Him, both Jew and Gentile. (Romans 1:16)

The Jews in Isaiah’s day, understood the prophecy to mean that Yahweh was sending His Messiah to rescue them. Through that Light (of Messiah) to their Darkness, oppression would cease, mercy and justice would be ushered in, and their political nation would increase. They thought concretely in terms of their nation and their Promised Land.

While this is a right meaning for the Jewish nation, its meaning is much deeper for all who come to God through faith in Jesus. When we enter His kingdom, we inherit these promises, but we aren’t each receiving a parcel of land. We are receiving Christ Himself!

We can be certain that many Old Testament promises are also intended for modern day believers by studying Scripture.

Because Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb who ended animal sacrifice (Hebrews 10:4-7, Isaiah 53:7) and the Lord looks at circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29), animal sacrifices and physical circumcision are no longer needed, but other Old Testament laws are still applicable.

Paul writes that “all” Scripture benefits us (2 Timothy 3:16), for God has not changed. (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8) His standards in the Old Testament still reflect His character and the call for all who follow Him. Passages like 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 and Romans 11:17-32 teach us that because of Jesus, the Old Testament promises belong to all believers because we have been “grafted in” to God’s family.

One day, all believers, Jew and Gentile, will rejoice in the reality of Eternity where every promise will be perfectly fulfilled!

The Everyday Application

3) Are believers in Jesus today also recipients of the same mercy and grace God prophesied to Judah in Isaiah’s prophecy? (verses 1-7)

I was born into poverty, raised in a single-parent home, and became a young wife and mother who self-medicated her depression with caffeine from coffee consumption. Truly, I wouldn’t have made it without God. Divorce and singlehood made me all the more desperate for Him. Like Israel, I was living in my own Darkness.

After 10 years of prayer, healing, dating, and more healing, I finally met my husband of grace, Darius. He was an attractive man of character who was also funny, intelligent, resourceful, and God-fearing.

Unfortunately, I grew impatient. I chose Darkness again, and pressed ahead of the Lord. I invited Darius to move into my basement; within weeks, we were living in sin.

Despite my guilt, I knew I should continue my relationship with God (the Light) by studying God’s word and applying it. I did not want to make the mistake Adam and Eve made in trying to hide from God when I needed Him most. (Genesis 3:8)

I would pray, “God, I am living in sin, yet my heart does not want to do right. Please clean my heart and make my path straight. Please don’t let me die in my sins.”

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“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away”. (Revelation 21:4)

Can you imagine?

If you are struggling right now, working through a painful diagnosis, heartbreak, grief over a loss, or just frustration over the ways of the world, one day sorrows will be erased in less than the blink of an eye. According to Revelation, all Christ-followers will experience this good news.

But what about here and now?

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Come Day 10 Come To Know

February 21, 2025 by Michelle Brown Leave a Comment

Come Day 10 Come To Know

Michelle Brown

February 21, 2025

Anchored,Community,Faith,Family,Freedom,Joy,Remade

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 1:29-39
Isaiah 1:16-20
Colossians 2:13-14
Mark 1:16-20

In the first chapter of John, the Pharisees asked John the Baptist why he was baptizing people at Bethany if he was neither a prophet nor the Messiah. The next day, John saw Jesus and proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’” (John 1:29-30)

This statement piqued the interest of John’s followers, and they began to follow Jesus. Later in this same chapter, we see Jesus’ first invitation to “come” when He invited two potential disciples to come with Him to His dwelling place. “‘Come and you’ll see,’ He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day.” (John 1:39)

The book of Isaiah with its message of judgment, salvation, and faithfulness foreshadowed the life of Jesus. In Isaiah 1:18, God invited Israel,

“‘Come, let’s settle this,’says the Lord.
‘Though your sins are scarlet,
they will be as white as snow;though they are crimson red,
they will be like wool.’”

After summoning us to repent in the previous two verses (Isaiah 1:16-17), God then calls us to approach Him and receive His pardon, a pardon which points to His sovereignty. Because God’s justice has been satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice, God pardons us, as well. The Apostle Paul was well acquainted with this pardon, for he was pardoned by the grace of God after having been a persecutor of the early church before Christ changed him.

He wrote in Colossians 2:13-14, “And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses.  He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.”

In these two passages, both the people of Israel as well as Christ-followers today learn more about who God is. We learn about His grace, His faithfulness, His compassionate mercy for His people, and His willingness to forgive sin and to bless us even when we fall short.

Our only right response, in light of His amazing grace, is to bow in worship to Him. In Revelation 4:11 we read, “Our Lord and God,You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” If the heavenly beings worship God, the great “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), then our response here on earth should be no less. He is the only one worthy of our praise, and we should affirm and proclaim Him as the only true God. The Lord Himself declared, “Do not have other gods besides Me” in Exodus 20:3.

Knowing the character of our great God leads us to worship Him “in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) This worshipful response is multifaceted, for it consists of praise, remembrance, exhortation, prayer, meditation, and the study of God’s Word.

Psalm 145:3 states:
“The Lord is great and is highly praised;His greatness is unsearchable.”

The call to worship is to come and drink
from a well which will never dry.

When it comes to my own walk with God, I was baptized at a young age, but then decided this ‘God thing’ was not for me. The actions of those around me didn’t seem very godly, and it seemed they were simply going through the motions.
For the next twenty years, I did not worship God at all.
Yet there did come a point when I realized something was missing in my life.
That something was Jesus.
I knew He was inviting me to come back to Him, and I set out to seek Him.

The truth is, a thirst which cannot be satisfied by anything or anyone other than God abides in all of us. After several frustrating encounters at different churches, I finally found a church to join, rededicated my life to a relationship with Christ, and was re-baptized with a clear understanding of my commitment. By the grace of God, I was blessed with another opportunity to know Him and am no longer dead in my sin. (Romans 6:1)
God is so good! The beauty of this same opportunity is given to everyone.

The greatest need of all people is to know the Lord.

God seeks the weary (Matthew 11:28) and invites those who are thirsty (John 4:13-14) to come. (Revelation 22:17) Jesus continues to call us today, desiring us to come to Him so we might know Him and grow in relationship with Him. I pray we respond with open hearts to follow where He leads.

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The tender phrases the psalmist offered in this passage provide an intimate glimpse into the relationship made possible because of God's shepherding heart and love for people.

His incredible, miraculous love for humanity is illustrated throughout Scripture and culminated in the birth, life, sacrifice, death, and triumphant resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd.

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John 16:20-22

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Philippians 1:27-30

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