Marriage

Therefore Day 11 Fight For The Family

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Therefore Day 11 Fight For The Family

Bri Bailey

June 10, 2024

Family,Marriage,Neighbor,Relationship,Submission

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 6:1-9
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Proverbs 6:20-23
Exodus 20:1-17
Proverbs 6:20-23

In Ephesians 6:1-9, early Church apostle and preacher Paul shares how we can serve God through mutual submission within the family structure.

If you felt your hackles rise just reading the word submission, sisters, I see you.
To be honest, I am you.

This concept has been weaponized by many in the Church to bring great harm to those traditionally without power. We’re naming this for the evil it is, and we’ll be discussing submission as a call for believers to prioritize one another as a volitional act of service, to both the body of Christ and ultimately to Christ, who sacrificed Himself for us.

As Christ-followers, we are called to wholeheartedly pursue Christ, and we know true fulfillment comes from aligning our desires with God’s will. Within the family structure, children can begin this lifelong pursuit by submitting to the discipleship of loving parents, who are themselves submitted to God. 

Ephesians 6:1-3 echoes Exodus 20:12, establishing a framework for leading children through the counter-intuitive process of orienting ourselves toward loving God first, then others as we love ourselves. (Matthew 22:34-40)

In fact, when God first began to teach the Israelites how to be a people devoted to Him, He paired instruction to love God above all else with giving parents the responsibility to instruct and train the next generation in devotion to God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

The pursuit of knowing Christ surpasses any other, and our ultimate goal should be to deepen our relationship with Him, even if it means sacrificing our natural inclination to put ourselves first. We find true joy and purpose in knowing and serving Christ above all else.

Therefore, Proverbs 6:20-23 reiterates the call for children to submit to their parents’ discipleship into Christlikeness:

“My son, keep your father’s command, 
And don’t reject your mother’s teaching.
Always bind them to your heart;
[. . .] they will guide you,
[. . .] they will watch over you,
[. . .] they will talk to you.
For a command is a lamp; teaching is a light,
And corrective discipline is the way to life.”

At this point, we need to clearly understand this is not a call to unquestioning obedience to every whim of an authority figure. The whole of Scripture reveals our righteousness comes not from adhering to rules and regulations, but from placing our faith in Christ. 

A child’s righteousness before God is not found in mere obedience to a parent’s rules, but in faithful pursuit of Christ. As such, Ephesians 6:4 radically flipped cultural norms upside down by instructing familial leaders to value as precious the spiritual lives entrusted to their care. 

From the establishment of the first families, God saw the tendency of parents’ hearts (especially fathers in deeply patriarchal societies) to perpetuate the first sin of humankind, curving in on themselves, prioritizing themselves at the expense of others. (Genesis 3) Instead of sacrificing those under their power in pursuit of their own desires, God calls parents to follow Christ’s example in sacrificing themselves in service to those under their leadership. (Romans 5:6-8; Matthew 16:24-25)

For both parents and children, true intimacy with Christ involves both experiencing the power of His resurrection and sharing in His sacrifice. We are called to embrace the joys and challenges of our faith journey, knowing that through it all, we become more like Christ.

As we turn our attention to the second part of today’s passage, let’s begin with another word of clarification. Ephesians 6:5-9 discuss the topic of slavery, which was a common practice in Biblical times (and far beyond). Near the beginning of the Old Testament, we see the family of Abraham (through whom God would establish the nation of Israel), torn apart and causing great harm to one another through enslaving children of God. (Genesis 16:1-10) Slavery was, and continues to be, a grave evil perpetrated against image bearers of God.

As such, today we will read verses 5-9 through the lens of wholeheartedly working in service to God. For many of us, this idea can be practically applied to submitting to our employers. 

Paul urges us to approach our employers with sincere hearts. (verse 5)

Recalling the concept of work was designed by God in Eden, Paul encourages Christ-followers into wholehearted effort, seeking to honor God with our work ethics rather than focusing on earning the approval of man. (verse 6)

In verse 7-8, we learn we can consider our work as an offering of worship to God, finding meaning and value in whatever task lies before us. And as we work, the attitude of our heart matters! Are we serving grudgingly, or with thanksgiving for an opportunity to emulate Christ?

Finally, Paul closes this passage with another radical upset to the traditional Roman household codes with which Ephesian readers would have been familiar: 

“And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.” (verse 9)

Those of us in positions of authority, whether in the workplace or the home, are not exempt from God’s call to submit to another in the fear of Christ. (Ephesians 5:21) In fact, Scripture reveals those who are given more power will be held to higher standards of accountability; those of us in leadership ought to exhibit the greatest levels of Godly submission. (Luke 12:42-48, James 3:1)

Our journey of faith is ongoing, marked by continual growth and pursuit of Christlikeness. We are encouraged to persevere in our walk with God, honoring Him and emulating Christ as we engage in godly submission. 

Father, our worth is not determined by societal standards or our roles within our families or jobs. Our worth lies in relationship with God, as image bearers and Christ-followers. Empower us to love, serve, and honor You first. Then give us grace and strength to love others through mutual and holy submission. We trust in Your righteousness to enable us to confidently fight for our families. Amen.

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family,gospel,humility,Submission,unity
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Therefore, Day 12
Digging Deeper

When I pause to consider favoritism, I am swift to attempt to convince myself of my holiness.

This isn’t really applicable to me. I don’t put on any airs…I am humble. I might be as humble as they come! Oof. My very thought pattern reveals the truth immediately.

The Lord is kind to convict me and begin the work He must do to beget true humility in my selfish heart.
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Melody Day 2 Song In The Silence: Digging Deeper

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Melody Day 2 Song In The Silence: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

December 12, 2023

Help,Identity,Marriage,Misunderstood,Relationship,Scripture,Submission,Truth,Women

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 "Song In The Silence"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Titus 2:1-5

But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching. 2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why were Paul’s admonitions to women so much more specific than his directives men? (verses 2-3)

In Titus 2:2-3, Paul instructs Titus, “Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good.” Then Paul specifies what the older women should teach.

Addressing men first “makes sense,” according to Ligonier.org “because Scripture lays upon men the primary responsibility for servant-leadership at home and in the church.” Paul exhorts older men so they can train up strong leaders within the church, but Paul realizes that developing strong female leaders is equally important. The fact that Paul “devotes three verses to this . . . probably indicates the important role the older women played in the church on Crete.” (Ligonier.org)

Paul understands the essential role that experienced, mature Christians play in discipleship. Kristie Anyabwilde notes that “Titus 2 makes the Great Commission (Matthew 18:16-20) gender specific… not just limited to men or pastors . . . [giving] specific instructions to women in how to be both student/disciple and how to also be teacher in the things of God.” Paul encourages and instructs older women because their place of influence in the life of the church is vital.

David Guzik points out that God gave women a “strategic position of influence and assistance to their husbands and their children.” In mentoring young women, older women have an opportunity to affect the entire church. Author Dave Furman asserts, “Neither male elders, male preachers, nor the word of God itself negate the need for older women to teach younger women in the church. Every church needs older women who will model godliness and teach younger women to follow their example.”

We can be grateful Paul provided specific ministry instruction for older women and for the impact of their faithfulness on the Church.

The Everyday Application

1) Why were Paul’s admonitions to women so much more specific than his directives men? (verses 2-3)

There is an interesting passage in Jane Austen’s Persuasion where a man attempts to prove women as fickle by alluding to countless examples in literature, to which Anne Elliot argues, “’Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything.”

While we know that the Bible was not written by men or women, but by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16), the majority of the key players are men, leading to false observations that the Bible portrays women as second-class citizens. The truth is, God regularly and meaningfully includes women in His story, utilizing their talents and gifts to further His kingdom. (Judges 4, Esther, Acts 16:11-20)

He reiterates this empowering emphasis through Paul’s letter to Titus where Paul sets up a mentoring structure for older women to teach younger women, “Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good.”

While men and women may have different roles in God’s Kingdom, this doesn’t indicate one gender as more or less important than another. God’s love and His plans for men and women are equal, even if they don’t always look the same. (1 Corinthians 11:11-12) Author Susan Hunt suggests, “The man and the woman have different designs, different functions, but the same purpose: God’s glory.”

It is encouraging and reassuring to know that God values all of His children equally (Galatians 3:28) and provides opportunities for all to serve Him using the different abilities He has gifted each one.

The Original Intent

2) Why does Paul advocate a mentor relationship between older and younger women? (verses 3-5)

Paul encourages the righteous older women in Titus’ church to mentor the younger women in how to be good wives, mothers, and Christ-followers. (Titus 2:4)

Of course, the women received instruction from Titus himself at church, but, according to author David Guzik, “it was wrong – and dangerous – for Titus to make the young women a focus of his ministry.” Paul knew that even the best teaching by Titus could not benefit young women in the way a discipleship relationship with an experienced older woman could.

As author Dave Furman suggests, “While God calls men to lead and preach in local churches, godly older women tutor the whole church through their faithful ministry, their commendable example, and their Scripture-shaped words.” Knowing what God wants us to do is one thing, but seeing how to put it into daily practice is helpful on another level.

Author Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth asserts that having older women mentor younger “is where God makes valuable use of the things we’ve learned to help others avoid mistakes we have made and to encourage each other to become faithful, fruitful followers of Christ.” Having the expertise of someone who has gone before us and learned a thing or two in the process is a priceless blessing. (Hebrews 13:7)

Author Elisabeth Elliot remarked that her mentor “schooled me not in a class, or seminar, or even primarily by her words. It was what she was that taught me.” Lord, bring us more “mothers” in the faith who are willing to serve God by walking alongside younger women, demonstrating faithful service to God and providing helpful, wise encouragement along the journey. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Paul advocate a mentor relationship between older and younger women? (verses 3-5)

I was mentored by a wonderful teacher, Mrs. M. On day one she put me at ease by promising to back me up no matter what I did. “If you tell the students the sky is pink,” she said, “I will verify that the sky is pink.” That immediately lessened my performance anxiety. Mrs. M shared how she developed lesson plans, maintained a gradebook, and handled discipline, which provided a starting point from which to develop my own procedures. She provided a safe place for me to learn, fail, and grow.

My mother had a mentor as well, a woman 20 years older. Pat poured into my mom out of her experiences as a parent, a wife, and a servant of the Lord. They were friends who laughed and had fun, but my mom also soaked up all the knowledge Pat was willing to give.

Paul encourages women like Mrs. M and Pat to take younger women in the church under their wings, teaching them how to be godly wives, mothers, and church members. (Titus 2:4) Dave Furman notes, “Older women have a plethora of wisdom to share with younger women about singleness, marriage, parenting, and other aspects of life. Regardless of one’s situation, older women have likely walked the same paths younger women are now walking.”

Young women, I urge you to seek out older godly women who can pour into you out of their rich experiences!

Older women, I implore you to share your lives with younger women, giving from the abundance God has provided you! (Proverbs 13:20)

The Original Intent

3) What should submission to husbands look like? (verse 5)

Paul advises older women to teach younger women “to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands . . .”. (Titus 2:5) This exhortation to submission has come under serious scrutiny in the last 50 years.

Having a good understanding of what submission entails is imperative. It’s helpful to address what Biblical submission is not to better understand what it is. Submission to one’s husband is not subjugation to him, though that is often the criticism leveled by the secular world. The truth is, Jesus Himself is the model of Biblical submission.

Catherine Martinez asserts that submission in the Bible “is notably not cruel or oppressive. Since “the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3), we know headship cannot be an oppressive kind of power; the Father and Son are equally God and equally worthy of worship. Jesus’ submission to the Father was critical to the salvation of the world, an example of the power of humble obedience to God’s authority.”

Neither is submission a forfeiture of one’s voice. Sarah E. Frazer asserts, “Submission is not letting others run over us, but allowing others to help guide and advise us. It is about accepting the authority in our life and trusting God, through surrender, to work out the smaller details.”

Submission to one’s husband has to do with respect for his godly role of authority in the family. (1 Peter 3:1) According to John Piper, “Biblical submission for the wife is the divine calling to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts.”

When submission is seen as a way to exemplify Jesus in humble service, it can be celebrated and embraced as a way to be more like our Savior.

The Everyday Application

3) What should submission to husbands look like? (verse 5)

As a young adult living at home, our family contemplated a move. We all thought it was God’s will, but we hesitated because we were all leaving something we valued like school, jobs, or boyfriends, with many unknowns ahead. My Dad took all of our concerns on board, but he made the final call to sell the house and make the move. Though we disagreed on the timing, we were all at peace knowing Dad cared about our input and acted based on the Lord’s leading.

We also appreciated how difficult it was for him to make the call knowing it would have a major impact on everyone’s lives. If it turned out to be an epic fail, all fingers would point at him!

I noted at the time that my mom was doing what Paul advised in Titus 2:5, by showing submission to her husband. She provided guidance and direction, but ultimately submitted to my dad’s decision, trusting his leadership and the Lord’s provision. Author Jennie Allen describes a similar situation in her own family, writing, “I ultimately find my home under the headship of my husband. That means that he really calls the shots when it comes to decisions we don’t agree on . . . he’s leading our family so that I feel nourished and cherished. . . It has never felt like he is a dictator. He is a servant.”

In a culture that is all about speaking one’s own truth, submitting to someone else’s will seems counter-intuitive, but so does the love (1 John 3:16) and humility (John 6:38) of Jesus. It is not what the world expects, but just what the world needs.

God models authority in families after His own loving authority lived out within the godhead of Father, Son, and Spirit as they each submit to one another out of love and deference. (Ephesians 5:22-25) Submission in marriage as God intends displays the love and humility of Christ.

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Melody, Day 1
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In a culture where women were uneducated, Jesus allowed Mary to sit at His feet and to listen to His teaching, a privilege which, at that time, was normally only granted to the men. And He praised her for making “the right choice” insisting it would “not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

He also engaged in deep theological conversation with a Samaritan woman He met by a well, much to the surprise of His disciples. (John 4:1-30)

In a culture where women were not valued, Jesus consistently treated them with respect and honour.
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She Day 13 Gardner Of The Home

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She Day 13 Gardner Of The Home

Rebecca Adams

November 15, 2023

Beauty,Bold,Captivating,Christ,Family,Hero,Holy Spirit,Marriage

Read His Words Before Ours!

Titus 2:1-5
Psalm 92
Proverbs 14:1
Revelation 3:19-22
Psalm 1:1-3

Submission.

The arrangement of those particular letters forming that specific word often turn my insides raw.

A “you will obey me” mentality comes to mind.
Coercion.
Manipulation.
Head down.
Crushed spirit.
Wanting to fight, but knowing it would bring no benefit, and would likely make it worse.

Slap on a “spiritual happy face” and label this scene “submission”.

Ugly Chills.

But it’s not just my heart that revolts against that definition. The Lord’s righteous jealousy glows hot when His daughters believe such sinister lies as they actively exchange the truth of God for an insidious Satanic lie wrapped in a package labeled “Christian Wife Qualities”. (Romans 1:18, Nahum 1:2-3)

Is your stomach churning?
Mine is.

The same slippery snake has been doling out sickening, sugar-coated deceptions since time began in the Garden of Eden with his cunning question, “Did God really say…?”. (Genesis 3:1)

It worked in Eden as creation’s very first She, Eve, took God’s original words, added to them, and twisted His intent, making the Almighty Gracious Creator look like a stingy, self-absorbed power-monger. And it works exactly the same for us every time we hold onto a definition of submission that departs from Scriptural teaching.

Ready for some truth?
I Am!

There’s something richly wholesome about feeding on solid truth, and as Shes in a world of fraud and faux, Truth sets a welcoming banquet like nothing else.
I need truth.
Desperately.

Bring your stretchy pants for this one, girls, we’re gonna’ EAT!

“…older women are to be reverent in behavior,
not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking.
They are to teach what is good,
so that they may encourage the young women
to love their husbands and to love their children,
to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home,
kind, and in submission to their husbands,
so that God’s word will not be slandered.” (Titus 2:3-5)

Pastor Paul sent this letter to Titus who was strengthening house churches on the island of Crete. Church leadership had gone awry as self-love took first place and cultural slothful laziness influenced Christ-followers so much that they began to look more like Cretans than Christians. Paul’s letter provided wisdom and practical insight as Titus went to work correcting poor spiritual habits in the churches on Crete.

Let’s join Titus at the table while the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts through His Word!

Teachers (verse 3)
Women are excellent teachers, whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or at work; we were designed to teach others just by the way we live. The woman mature in Christ will leverage her teaching gifts to influence others for the gospel as she trains them to follow Jesus.

Encouragers (verse 4)
Jesus-loving women have grown strong in emotionally connecting and naturally empathizing with others; they are quick to not only notice when encouragement is needed, but give it generously.

Love (verse 4)
Women are natural born lovers and nurturers. We comfort, tend, fuss over, soothe, and foster nourishment. When that woman has sat under the maturing work of the Holy Spirit, their lives will prove it by loving their children, spouses, neighbors, and teammates with a deep, fight-for-you kind of selfless, humble love.

Self Control & Purity (verse 5)
Spotting the admirable characteristics of self-control and purity in Paul’s list, we understand that women who have learned to dance in step with Jesus will be wearing Self-Control as she lives out Purity of thoughts, words, and actions in her hum-drum normal life.

Then comes “workers at home” and my modern, feminist-culture-influenced-self shoots up flags.
Um, what?
No.
Workers at home?
I can’t have a career?
Can’t speak up?
Don’t have influence?

Soon, we’ve grasped so tightly onto a single aspect, wrenching it free from its original place in Scripture to its original audience, that we’ve lost sight of the Lord’s good intention. (verse 3) In fact, our eyes likely missed “kind” altogether, skipped to “submission”, and we’re ready to make heads roll as the feminist flag flies high.

Before we jump on that bandwagon, sisters, would you be willing to sit quietly with me and reach a little deeper into God’s Word to see something spectacular?

Christ Jesus, Lord of all things, Holder of every molecule, submitted.
It was His idea.
He modeled it.
He chose it.
(Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 22:42)

Steeped in Scripture, we start to rightly define submission.
It’s a choice.
Never a coercion.
Never a manipulation.

If you’ve ever been “commanded” by anyone to “submit”, you’ve been the object of severe mistreatment of God’s Word.
Submission can only ever be willfully given. 

Submission is our gift to the Lord Jesus who submitted to the Father, by submitting to the cross to pay the death penalty in our stead.
Submission is our gift to a husband if we are married.
Submission is our gift to brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Have you ever read the gospel accounts of Jesus healing diseases everywhere He went as crowds gathered? (John 6:2) Have you ever wondered why there aren’t also stories of relationships suddenly healed and marriages made whole?
Answer: Submission

The Author of submission
who wrote the rules of love,
knew that forced behavior
would never equal humble, sacrificial love.
Submissive love must be chosen.

Which is why Christ will never force Himself on any soul. We are each given the choice to accept or reject His offer of total forgiveness for our sin as He powerfully pursues us with mercy and goodness. (Psalm 23:6, 1 John 1:9)

Within a marriage relationship, submission is such a stunning gift and holds such great, steadying value that the Greek word translated in our Bibles as “submit” provides the visual of a pillar that upholds a building. It’s an anchoring support. The building, or in the case of wives, the Home, grows shaky without her influence.

She, as homemaker submitting to her husband, has been handcrafted to uphold structure, to protect those within her care, to guard them from harmful influences and cultivate growth as the Gardner of Her Home.

Does She have influence?
So Much.
And in unique ways that her husband doesn’t because marriage is designed as a partnership.

Should She do whatever her husband says?
Absolutely not, for the Lord God created male and female. Uniquely fitted to work together to reflect the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Incredible!

Through submission to her husband’s love, she reflects what Christ Jesus did unto the Father when He chose death to pay for our sin so that
He could be our pillar of safety,
our anchoring support, our guard,
and our nourishment.
Can there be any more stunning role than this?!

She who submits is a She who has great influence and great power,
yet willingly chooses to use those powers to uphold, guard, protect, and deeply, sacrificially love.

The next time you see letters arranging the word “submission”, I hope you’ll think of Jesus.
I hope you’ll think of Pastor Paul writing to Titus, urging him to find Jesus-following Shes who so deeply loved Jesus they couldn’t think of any better investment for their lives than willingly submitting to Christ and their husbands for the strengthening and nourishing of the whole, beautiful family of God!

“Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.”
(Proverbs 14:1)

Be a She who submits to Jesus!

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She Day 14
Digging Deeper

While current American culture prescribes militant “femininity” as the only antidote for “toxic masculinity,” the church today is rife with women, men, and children who are starving for sound, Scriptural teaching and discipleship.

As women who have chosen to surrender our lives to Jesus and pursue following Him, we seek sound teachers who will speak God’s truth to us and encourage us to joyfully serve those around us.
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She Day 12 Flesh Of My Flesh: Digging Deeper

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She Day 12 Flesh Of My Flesh: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

November 14, 2023

Beloved,bride,Broken,Christ,Community,Love,Marriage

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 "Flesh Of My Flesh"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 13:1-5

Let brotherly love continue. 2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

3 Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily. 4 Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) In its context, who is the writer addressing from verse 1 onward?

Much like the apostle Paul does in his letters, the unnamed author of Hebrews makes a shift from the direction of his letter leading up to this point as he prepares his closing. The transition of verse 1 signals an upcoming practical exhortation to believers.

As chapter 13 begins, the writer offers final encouragement to live in such a way that honors one another. In the previous verse, he referred to his audience as participants with him in the kingdom of God. He writes, “Since we receive it … let us be thankful.” (Hebrews 12:28) He begins by speaking to them regarding brotherly and sisterly (philadelphia) love.

The Scriptures teach that all the saints are to demonstrate a familial love for one another within their spiritual relationship. What we read about in verse 1 is an affectionate love among men and women who are connected to each other through Christ, therefore are unified spiritually just as a biological family is unified by blood. (John 17:21-23)

The reference to “brotherly love” is a combination of the Greek word phileo (Biblehub.com) with the Greek word adelphos (Biblestudytools.com). In its different forms, the word adelphos occurs several times in the New Testament with a variety of meanings which can be determined by looking at the context.

Adelphoi, the plural form of the word, is used by Paul in Galatians 3:27-29 to refer to siblings in the family of God who are heirs of promise. It identifies those who are in a sacred relationship with one another in Christ. There is to be a unique ‘kindredness’ of love and honor among those who are in the family of God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:20)

The Everyday Application

1) In its context, who is the writer addressing from verse 1 onward?

Since the book’s author never names himself nor specifically designates his audience, both are an uncertainty for the Bible reader. Ancient theories suggest that the original recipients were Jewish Christians, hence the title Hebrews. (Hebrews 1:1: “Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors…)

If that is so, the reader would have understood the book’s many references to the Old Testament. Becoming familiar with the biblical traditions which were previously taught helps us interpret the writer’s mindset and possible meaning. It guides us to understand God and learn what He thinks about practical living.

For instance, reading the psalmist’s reflection in Psalm 133:1 provides us insight on his perspective of unity. His expression was possibly indicative of his own experiences of the hostile existence between those who should be kindreds. (1 Kings 15:3-6) David, the author of Psalm 133, knew it was better to have unity and love rather than disharmony and dishonor.

Continually demonstrating brotherly and sisterly love toward one another is essential for us as believers. Dear GT Sister, let’s pray for God to ignite within us a deep love for all our sisters in Christ. There are women in our sphere of influence who need our genuine compassion and care. I encourage you to look around within your own church family to find them. I assure you there’s someone who needs a caring friend.

May we prayerfully look toward others with our eyes and hearts open to God’s prompting to really see them and reach out to one of them today.

The Original Intent

2) What connection does the writer make in verses 2-3?

Family ties were common in Jewish culture with a rich heritage of honor running through their bloodlines. Psalms and Proverbs give us several examples of familial ties that would have existed within God’s people. (Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 12:4, Psalm 127:3-5)

The Ten Commandments given by God indicate the vital role that family plays in His covenant with them as six of the ten handle relationships between people. (Deuteronomy 5:16-21) Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21), the writer of Hebrews is making sure the reader understands the responsibility they have beyond their physical family. (verse 1) He urges them to carry their hospitality into the realm of potentially uncomfortable.

His mention of angels in verse 2 in interesting. Was the writer remembering the strangers who appeared at the door of Abraham? (Genesis 18:1-8) We learn from that Old Testament story the magnitude of extending hospitality to needy strangers! The author then mentions in verse 3 the prisoner and the outcast.

It could be tempting to gather with family and never consider the unseen suffering of those beyond those we love. Not only were they to be ready to serve those who needed hospitality, but also those who needed their remembrance. (Greek: mimnesko) This was a call to share in the suffering of others by consistently being mindful of those who were in prison or were abused (likely because of their faith).

Whether it was tangible support, prayers, or simply reminding each other of those suffering, there was to be acknowledgment and love for the “unseen”! Jesus told His followers that when they refused to help “the least of these brothers and sisters”— they were refusing to help the Lord Himself. (Matthew 25:35-45) In verses 2-3, we learn genuine love isn’t neglectful of others’ needs!

The Everyday Application

2) What connection does the writer make in verses 2-3?

Friends, as women of Jesus, we should be consistently developing a heart of love for others. Some of them sit near us each week in our local churches. But there are more!

Maybe you’ve read in your church’s ministry announcements of opportunities to love the marginalized and often disregarded. Or maybe you can open your home to someone who needs shelter. Not everyone can serve in the same capacity or give the same amount of time to community ministries or local missions’ efforts, but we can probably do something to demonstrate Jesus’ love for all.

Maybe it’s helping someone who is helping someone. Some churches offer groups who work together to minister to prisoners, widows, orphans and the poor. Women can also lead the way by joining together with other women to form teams to serve alongside one another. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)

There are many ways we can serve “the least of these.” Careportal.org serves kids and families by connecting believers to real-time needs in their own cities. See if it’s available in your area! Likely, you also know women who are striving to love Jesus well who may live across the world from us.

Gracefully Truthful is a great resource for finding and “meeting” women from other cities, states, and nations. We would love to increase our international opportunities to love and honor women all over the world who desire to follow Jesus in deeper ways.

Join a GT POD, register to study with us, or perhaps the Lord is calling you to join our team and write with us! Maybe you can’t move across the world and serve suffering believers. But we can ALL … 1) pray, 2) give and 3) remember those who are in need.

The Original Intent

3) Why might the writer include the subject of marriage in this passage? (verse 4)

The author of Hebrews continues his teaching on love by offering instruction on how to reflect God’s image as faithful, God-honoring wives. We may feel the subject is out of place as it can seem like it has been inserted in the middle of a thought without connection to its surroundings. So, we must ask ourselves if and how it connects.

The writer explains how marriage is to be honorable and “the marriage bed kept undefiled.” (verse 4) The Greek word translated “undefiled” (amiantos) is used three other times in the New Testament, and it carries the idea of being “set apart.” (Hebrews 7:26-27)

Just as it was essential to honor one another within community, the author commands the recipients to show honor within marriage by having an exclusive sexual relationship within marriage. An honoring kind of love in marriage guards against betrayal, specifically sexual unfaithfulness.

Notice the importance of honor in marriage: ONLY in verse 4 of our passage does the verse come with a warning of God’s judgment. We don’t always know God’s will about something. But in this we do! Scripture tells us it is God’s will we abstain from sexual immorality. (1 Thessalonians 4:2-5)

God does not take lightly dishonoring the marriage vow. The word for honor (timios) used in verse 4 means precious. Marriage was to be considered as precious. It’s the word used in 1 Corinthians 3:12 regarding precious stones and in 1 Peter 1:19 in reference to the precious blood of Jesus.

Considering marriage as precious and priceless should instill in the recipients the value God placed on marital faithfulness. It was a strong command and a lesson in the significance of honoring one another in marriage in a marked way.

The Everyday Application

3) Why might the writer include the subject of marriage in this passage? (verse 4)

We have read that loving others in the right way works for the good of everyone: for the brothers and sisters in Christ, for the strangers, and for the prisoners. But in the midst of these thoughts, we also learn how to please God in marriage.

Calling people to lifelong faithfulness was as counter-cultural then as it is today. Though seemingly a random mention, I believe the writer meant to include it here to indicate its significance. My friend, if you’re a wife as I am, may we understand that honoring our marriages is good for us and for society. Malachi 2:13-15, Proverbs 14;34,  Because this is God’s original plan, He would not be just if he did not judge those who disgrace marriage and treat it with contempt. (Psalm 89:14)

Yes, all Jesus-loving women are called honor others. But Jesus-loving wives are also called to honor our marriages. Scriptures teach us that our marriages are to be set apart as precious. If you are following along with our GT theme of “She”, we are considering the intentional delight of the Lord God who formed femininity and wrapped it in strength, courage, and dignity for the purpose of reflecting the image of the Lord who made “She”.

There are so many ways “SHE” can become involved in reflecting the image of the Lord. For wives, we have one particular way we are to reflect Him, by honoring our marriages in remaining faithful to our husbands and making marriage an exclusive sexual union. Friends, please know this: if you’ve failed, there’s grace. There’s always grace. (1 John 1:9)

You can walk in forgiveness, choose faithfulness, and trust God to provide you with strength to remain faithful.

The Original Intent

4) What essential truth is expressed in verse 5 to give the believer confidence and peace in all our circumstances?

We read in the previous passage how grace and thankfulness are to be lived out, knowing the reality of the unshakeable kingdom of God. (Hebrews 12:14-29)

With this in their minds, believers are to live with one another in loving and honorable ways within 1) faith relationships (verse 1), 2) local communities (verses 2-3), and 3) marriages (verse 4). In addition to these responsibilities, the author instructs believers to rightfully consider money matters. Again, the verse may seem to be an interruption of thought until we notice the contrast from the previous verses.

The perspective of a person who follows Christ is that our love is to be given to people, not money. We are to be content with what we have because of God’s faithful presence. (verse 5) There is no reason to place priority on keeping money for our security when we have God Himself.

The author’s goal was to communicate that what matters most in the kingdom of God was the forever relationships we’re creating. Believers are to honor others by sacrificially giving to them, honor marriage by being faithful, and honor God by not being consumed with self.

Jesus also addressed money issues in ways least expected. (Luke 12:13-21) The Jewish recipients of this letter had faced plenty of adversity, and they felt the sting of abuse, prison and need. (Hebrews 10:32-34) But they are reminded that God had made a promise to them just as He had to Moses (Deuteronomy 31:6) and to Joshua (Joshua 1:5).

This isn’t as much about money as it is about WHO God is. He is the believer’s confidence and contentment as He was the apostle Paul’s. (Philippians 4:11-13) They could graciously serve others, even if they had to sacrifice their own possessions.

The Everyday Application

4) What essential truth is expressed in verse 5 to give the believer confidence and peace in all our circumstances?

It is in the DNA of humanity to worry. (Matthew 6:19-34) But when we worry, it’s a sign that we believe something can go permanently wrong. So, we begin to make plans to save and gather all the things for ourselves to be “secure”. But, Sister, we don’t need to do this!

What a wonderful promise we read, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’” He Himself. That’s the Lord God of all creation. Even though this is probably a reference to Deuteronomy 31:6, God’s never-forsaking presence is a prevalent promise found throughout the Bible.

Long before Jesus promised His disciples His presence (Matthew 28:19-20), God promised to be with His people. The Old Testament believers were assured of God’s presence with them. The psalmist often declared the Lord’s nearness to him in days of distress or trouble. The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s promise to the people when he told them the Lord would give a sign of a baby born of a virgin whose name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us.

One day, all true believers will be with the Lord forever and ever! (Genesis 28:15, Psalm 46, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21-23, and Revelation 21:3) So, my Friend, the end of verse 5 is really the key to obeying the rest of the instructions in this passage. We can love others and we can honor our marriages because God is faithful!

“Now, trusting anyone is risky. But the biblical story portrays a God who has been faithful all along and whose promises were fulfilled in the story of Jesus. And so, as we look out at the obstacles facing us and our world, we’re invited to take that same risk and join Abraham, David, and the people of God in trusting that God is overflowing with faithfulness.” (bibleproject.com)

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She Day 11
Journey Study

While I had some vague, dreamy understanding that marriage was designed to honor God, I am absolutely certain my definition would never have included the curious verse that reads like a cliff-hanger at the close of The Love Chapter.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
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Oct 30 - Nov 17, 2023 - Journey Theme #124

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Surrender Day 13 The One We Seek

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Surrender Day 13 The One We Seek

Amy Krigbaum

February 8, 2023

Covenant,Groom,Lonely,Longing,Marriage,Relationship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Hosea 1
Hosea 3
Luke 5:17-28
Lamentation 3:22-23

The struggles and joys of relationships are real.   

Some people love living close to their extended family and thrive on gathering with friends and family in their homes.  

Similarly, for some people, relationships seem to come easily. Whether through their church, friends, or marriage and children, they are surrounded by those who truly love and care about them. They thrive in the world of relationships.  

But for many others, relationships aren’t so simple. Some have deep hurt within their family, or within work or church relationships. Others find constant pain in their covenant relationship of marriage, due to cheating, harsh words, or addiction.  

Any relationship can thrive; any relationship can fall.  

All relationships require sacrifice and surrender. 

All of us were created with a desire for deep relationships. As women, we like “ladies’ night” and coffee time, and chatting about home and work with our friends. We long for security in our relationships, and the assurance we are wanted, are desirable, and needed. These desires aren’t new; they’ve been woven into us by our Creator since the beginning.

Hosea was a prophet of the Old Testament. He was chosen by God to speak to the northern kingdom of Israel regarding their iniquity during the reign of several kings. (Hosea 1:1-2) When we meet Hosea, God chooses a wife for him…but not the kind we would expect.  

God commands Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute.
Impure, unclean, likely to be unfaithful, yet this is who God ordains Hoesa to marry?!  

Why would God want him to marry someone HE knew did not love and would not remain faithful to Hosea? In Hosea 3, God commanded Hosea to rescue Gomer, for she had returned to prostitution. Hosea didn’t just offer her a lift home, but rather, bought her freedom and restored their covenant relationship. 

In this marriage, Hosea represents God.  

Gomer represents Israel.  

To be blunt, she also pictures us!  

We are sinners who have not remained faithful to God, yet His love for us remains steadfast. While Gomer’s freedom cost Hosea a monetary sacrifice, Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice to restore our spiritual freedom and restore our relationship with God. (Romans 8:1-4)

Even though this story took place thousands of years ago, I’m sure Gomer shared our desire to love and be loved in a satisfying relationship. Perhaps she just couldn’t believe in Hosea’s love, so she sought it elsewhere. Do we find ourselves reflected in her choice? It’s hard to believe the perfect God of the universe, the Creator of all things, would love us unconditionally, so we search for love elsewhere.

I imagine Hosea also had his own dreams. Did he desire a pure relationship with his wife? Did he desire a faithful wife? One who followed the Lord? But, God had other plans . . . plans inviting Hosea’s surrender.

Sometimes, God has other plans when it comes to our relationships, too. We may wonder why God is directing our paths through difficult relationships.  

I have wrestled with many relationships over the course of my life. Starting in about 5th grade, I became stuck in a pattern of one-year-long friendships. Every fall, it seemed like EVERYONE else continued building their friendships while I started over. I was shy, and it was hard.

I made some friends early in college, but by the end of my sophomore year, a “friend” betrayed me, lied about me, and turned others against me. Thankfully, I had a few friends who saw right through the mess and helped me along the way. How hard it was for me to trust and start over again!

I always desired a relationship that would bring marriage and family. Burdened by the hurt I carried and the loss of trust from past experiences, I longed for a relationship that did not materialize. 

“Maybe God has called you to be single,” a friend would suggest.

Or after a breakup, “It’s better to be single than married to the wrong person.”  

While usually well-intentioned, such comments still landed harshly.

What was I doing wrong? What was wrong with me? Why did so many people in my life come and go? Why was I constantly walking the lonely road? 

Eventually, I felt God inviting me to surrender, just as He had Hosea. 

He invited me to surrender my plans, my life, my relationships, anything that took priority over Him. Over and over, I had to choose God’s perfect way over my own. In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus explains how we are meant to love Him more than ANY relationship we may have. He is the One we seek. 

I can’t say I understand all brokenness, or why certain relationships fall apart, but I can say, God is faithful. In the midst of multiple chapters immersed in pain and suffering and grief, Lamentations 3:22-23 states,

“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 look back after getting married at 42 and see how God was working all along. As hard as it was to surrender and live with the loneliness, it was worth the wait.  

Relationships are hard. But our relationship with the Lord is constant, persistently unending. We can hold on to Him in the ups and downs of our human relationships for He alone is faithful and steady. 

“Therefore, I am going to persuade her, lead her to the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.

There I will give her vineyards back to her and make the Valley of Achor [Trouble] into a gateway of hope [. . .]
I will take you to be [mine] forever.
I will take you to be [mine] in righteousness, 
justice, love, and compassion.”
(Hosea 2:14-15, 19)

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Surrender Day 14
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Friend, I am sure of one thing: Jesus wasn’t calling us to walk around with a self-pitying demeanor while bemoaning our hard life. Discomforts through trials or suffering follow all humans in one way or another. What Jesus is calling us to is a death. A death of our hopes and dreams and possessions and people. And yes, even our own lives if necessary. These are all to be held in our opened hands accompanied by a humble prayer of surrender. And the promise He gives isn’t a guarantee of ease. It’s much better than that. Sister, the promise is Jesus’ presence WITH us!
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Jan 23 - Feb 10, 2023 - Journey Theme #113

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Waiting Day 5 Surrendered Love Story

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hosea 1:1-2
Isaiah 30:18-26
Hosea 2
Psalm 18:4-19

Waiting, Day 5

When the Lord first spoke to Hosea, He said this to him:
“Go and marry a woman of promiscuity,
and have children of promiscuity […]”
(Hosea 1:2)

Hosea, like any other man of his culture, had waited for a bride, working hard to prepare a home and livelihood for them and their future children. Hosea’s father would choose a bride, then they would choose to stay married, have children, and build a life together to perpetuate a new generation who would honor Yahweh.

Hosea’s plans radically shifted when he heard the voice of the Lord instructing him which bride to take. As bizarre as this was, the kind of wife the Lord had selected for Hosea was the most outlandish.

Unmarried she was.
Virgin she most definitely was not.
Gomer, daughter of Diblaim, was well-known for blatant prostitution.

As Hosea entered the school of waiting on the Lord,
lesson 101 focused on tearing down his expectations.

Hosea always had a choice.
Either he could surrender to the calling of the Lord, and humbly let go of his plans in exchange for the Lord’s, or he could walk away and say no.

And so it is with us.

Only through our surrender can God’s love story be told through us.

Either we are the author, or we give up rights to our pen.
As my friend, Sara, likes to say, “The Lord writes the best stories.”
Most often, His stories involve purposed waiting built into the storyline, as the Lord, with deep love, wrecks our plans to show us true love.

The most direct route to our total surrender is waiting.

Hosea’s waiting is inextricable from his journey with Yahweh, the One True God, as is ours. Wherever we see waiting in the timeline of our tale, we can be assured the Lord is rewriting our narrative to emblazon His love story across the pages of our days.

We generally don’t consider the Lord waiting for us, but He does.
Within our chronological timeline, He waits for us to embrace Him.
He waits for us to reject all the lesser loves of our lives.
He waits for us to seek Him, call on Him, trust Him, and love Him most and best.

“I will depart and return to My place
until they recognize their guilt and seek My face[…]”
(Hosea 5:15, emphasis mine)

“What am I going to do with you, Ephraim?
What am I going to do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist
and like the early dew that vanishes. […]
For I desire faithful love[…]”
(Hosea 6:4, 6, emphasis mine)

Waiting is the means, surrender is the goal, an unimaginable love story is the reward.

“I will take you to be my wife forever.
I will take you to be my wife in righteousness,
justice, love, and compassion.”
(Hosea 2:19)

While our waiting often seems meaningless, the sharp edges of our hearts continuously cutting us with grief and pain as we sit in the messy unknown, God’s command to Hosea came with a clear reason behind it.

“[…] for the land [the people of Israel] is committing blatant acts of promiscuity
by abandoning the Lord.” (Hosea 1:2)

Anti-surrender. Self-love. Gross promiscuity.
These were the pursuits of the people God had purposed to set His love upon.

Death, judgement, and separation would be their just reward unless Love intervened and drew hearts into total surrender. (Hosea 6:5)

God, who waits with compassion, lovingly called aside one ordinary man who would live out the love story of God for His people in brilliant colors that could not be ignored.

“[Hosea], go again; show love to a woman who is […] an adulteress,
just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods.”
(Hosea 3:1, emphasis mine) 

Gomer fled Hosea many times, refusing to surrender her promiscuity for the ravishing love of one faithful husband. In the same way, Israel rejected Yahweh on repeat. Spurning His priceless love and forgiveness, instead choosing to whore themselves after false gods and selfish lusts of their sin-wrecked hearts.

My sister, I’m leaning in to tell you a secret I’ve often kept from myself.
I am Gomer.

I, like she, have rejected the God who perfectly planned my rescue, devising a way to uncurl my fists around my lusting desires of self-love, pride, and arrogance by living out His love in brilliant colors, then dying for me, and rising again to prove His victory.

With His blood, He paid the bride-price for my soul, adopted me as His own, and gave me His robe of righteousness which I could never dare hope to earn for my filthy sin is much too weighty. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

The same God who called Hosea to live out radical love for a bride who would leave him,
parted the Heavens, emptied Himself of His rights as God of all,
to surrender Himself as payment for my sin and yours,
that our storylines might be forever re-written with the ink of radical love.

His pen does indeed write the best stories.
His waiting beckons our surrender.

“Therefore, I am going to persuade her,
lead her to the wilderness,
and speak tenderly to her. […]
In that day—
this is the Lord’s declaration—
you will call me, “My husband,””
(Hosea 2:14, 16)

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Nations Day 1 Out Of Darkness

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Nations Day 1 Out Of Darkness

Sarah Afan

May 10, 2021

Called,Christ,Faith,Follow,God,Gospel,Grace,Jesus,Marriage,Mercy,Prayer,Salvation,Scripture,Transformation,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-7
1 Peter 2:4-10
Luke 9:23-26

 

When I consider the transformation we, the people of my village, have undergone, I find reason to thank God again and again. We, who once walked in the futility of our minds, having our understanding darkened, ignorant and separated from God, have received the mercy of God. Indeed, we’ve seen God’s great love toward us. He called us out of darkness into His marvellous light. Once we were not a people, but He has made us a people in Christ; a people belonging to Him. Hallelujah! (paraphrase, Ephesians 4:17-18)

Surely, God’s love is not selective, conditional, or judgemental; if it was, who would have chosen and called us to follow Christ? Like His own disciples, we have been called irrespective of our backgrounds; like His own disciples, when confronted with His love, we are also confronted with the depths of our own sinful disqualification. When Peter experienced Christ’s overwhelming love, he exclaimed, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord!” (Luke 5:8) Yet His call, and His love, remain undaunted.

By the grace of God, the gospel of salvation has penetrated all over our village, and many people are following Jesus Christ. A typical Sunday morning sees villagers of all ages rushing to various worship centres.

Women are at the forefront of God’s move in my community, following in the footsteps of Mary of Magdalene and other heroines of faith in Scripture. Their incredible zeal for the Gospel prompts some to even offer their “widow’s mite,” trusting tomorrow’s provision to God alone.

But there are some cultural issues frustrating the Christian journey among our people, and women are significantly affected. As with most Africans, witchcraft is a monster ravaging our people; every misfortune is attributed to it. Almost every death of a person below 70 years is attributed to witchcraft; likewise, any lingering or chronic illness. Most devastatingly, women and children are most often accused of being witches or secret cult members.

Additionally, many women experience tough times in their marriage as the culture demands a wife owe her in-laws respect and care. Some family members go beyond their boundaries and become a “thorn in the flesh” of the woman. In most cases, the husband is handicapped to protect his wife. Even more challenging to marriages is the issue of childlessness, because marriage without children, to our people, is like an orange tree without fruit.

Poverty also places a significant burden on women, as they are the primary contributors to household income, often through menial work. Drug use adds to the poverty level, as women lose spouses, followed by homes and belongings.

However, amidst those challenges, some women are forging ahead in following Christ. These courageous sisters do not allow hardship to determine their spiritual standing; they are making a lifetime of sacrifices for the sake of Jesus. They daily live out the words of Jesus: “If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Surely, following Jesus Christ requires self-denial, and we must not allow hardship or any inconvenience to deter us. We must be willing to sacrifice everything standing between us and Him. It is well-understood that challenges create room for our faith to grow, because the more challenges we face, the more we seek refuge in Christ. As the Scripture says, “Consider it great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3)

Unfortunately, when tough times come, some turn their backs on Him, like the seed that fell on stony places. On Sundays, they rush to church for worship, but in ignorance, turn to others beside Jesus in their suffering. To worsen their situation, they usually fall into the hands of fake pastors, who exploit the women’s pain for monetary gain.

As someone who is passionate for the gospel, my heart bleeds when I hear the perils my fellow countrywomen pass through. The biggest need I see is for a deep knowledge of God’s Word, which will only happen through sound teaching. My appeal to the global Church is to join me in prayer for God to open doors to enable us organise more teachings, and to add labourers for the work. Pray also that God will create in their hearts a strong desire for His Word, and also bless the work of their hands.

I am thankful to God for the Church in the nations, joined and knitted together in Christ despite physical distance; therefore, we share in the pain and joy of one another. How marvellous and glorious it will be when we see each other face-to-face at the throne of Jesus!

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Nations, Day 2
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Living lives of surrendered following and self-denial as we take up the cross of Jesus, means that, regardless of what we encounter, we are to trust Christ and His ways over our own. We are to choose His commands for life as we worship Him for His great gift of salvation to us.
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May 10 - May 28, 2021 - Journey Theme #89

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The GT Weekend! ~ Beloved Week 3

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The GT Weekend! ~ Beloved Week 3

Rebecca Adams

December 5, 2020

Beloved,Digging Deeper,God,Marriage,Redemption,Relationship,Sing,Song,Truth,Worship

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Pray His Words Back To Him!

Zephaniah 3;17

The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.
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Prayer Journal Entry

Your love truly is matchless, oh Lord, my Savior and my God. Your love is as mighty as an ocean wave at every single moment of my life. When I feel alone in my relationships as friend, daughter, mother, or wife, You “send Your faithful love by day and at night Your song is with me.” (Psalm 42:8) No one else offers steadfast constancy like You.

Forgive me, oh Abba, for the many times I choose to hinge my delight on another’s love and care for me instead of yours. Never will Your love change or disappoint; remind me to listen for Your love song regardless of feelings. Make me aware, Holy Spirit, of the countless distractions pulling me away from You, the Only One who loves me perfectly and completely.

Empower me to turn my eyes from worthless things, focusing on You as complete satisfier of my every need. As I practice turning and looking in full at You and Your word, teach me how to love others selflessly with the same humility You model towards me. I love You, Lord Jesus, heal my relationships and use me as a conduit of Your love.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

When you think of God and sexual intimacy, what are your first responses? Pulling away? Shame? Closeness and delight? Gratitude? How we respond to the idea of God and sex reveals what we believe about our Creator and intimacy with us.

As you unpack your beliefs in this area, take the challenge to read through Song of Solomon aloud. Spend some time praying beforehand, asking God to open your heart to understand His desire for oneness and delight in marriage. The world, and our enemy Satan, would have us believe that sex is dirty, embarrassing, and anything but sacred.

Whether you are single or married, all of us have room to grow in elevating our view of the holiness of marriage and sexual intimacy. As you finish reading through Song of Solomon, write down the truths that most arrested your attention. Ask the Lord to keep expanding your understanding of these rich truths!

JOURNAL TWO

We all love the thrilling feelings of soaring excitement when relationships begin or when we finally say, “I do.” It’s the after when the excitement fades, disagreements arise, and suddenly, the glorious feelings we once felt towards the one person we vowed to love are nowhere to be found. 

Stacy shares of her euphoria at the beginning, only to watch it fade to mundane and lackluster in the after. A million and one distractions tempt us away from growing in love and maturity with our spouse, and if we aren’t on guard, these can quickly fuel entitlement in relationship effectively driving a wedge between two who were once inseparable. If you’re married, some ways your spouse has become distracted and entitled are probably already popping into your mind! But, turn it around and ask the Spirit to show you how you are becoming disengaged and entitled as well. Thank Him for showing you these, then ask for His power to flee the temptation to run towards these and run away instead.

Single friends, consider the idols you run towards most often to distract you from hard or messy things. What patterns do you notice about yourself when you are feeling unloved or unaccepted in your relationships? Take these to the Lord and ask Him to show you His rich redemptive work in your life!

JOURNAL THREE

Give yourself permission to have some space in your day to be still and reflective. Maybe you lock your closet or your bathroom door, or maybe “quiet” needs to look like your kids are loud. Just make the space! Close your eyes, take some deep breaths and consider what it has felt like, or what it might feel like, to have someone sing over you who knows you deeply, wholly, and without condition or judgement. 

What words would they choose to set to melody? What would their voice sound like? What characteristics would they eagerly highlight about you? What might they say about their own love toward you? What if this was the Lord’s voice over you; how might your heart respond? Pause here and take in these feelings without discounting them or brushing them aside. Beloved, how deeply the Lord loves to love you! 

Breathe in this truth and let His voice sing over you with bold declaration! Stay here as long you need, then as your time closes, ask the Lord specifically who you can sing over. Whether it’s with true musical melodies or it’s just a spoken word of truth, woven with life-giving love, be willing and ready to extend a song of love over whoever the Lord brings to mind!
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Celebrating,creator,Deeply,delight,desire,I Do,intimacy,oneness,Song of Solomon,true love
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Beloved Day 15 Love Song

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Beloved Day 15 Love Song

Rebecca Adams

December 4, 2020

Beauty,Beloved,God,Gospel,Hope,Marriage,Relationship,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Song of Solomon 4:1-5:1
Psalm 42:1-11
Romans 5:6-11

 

I had just given birth to my 4th baby, a perfectly beautiful girl. After a sleepless night and a ridiculously fast labor, I was awash with love for my girl. Though exhausted, I didn’t dare close my eyes. Head over heels in love, I couldn’t stop taking her in, caressing tiny curled fingers and buttery soft nails, silky cheeks, dimpled chin, and the softest newborn hair. I held her close, inhaling her fresh-from-the-womb scent. My heart was bursting with love, and as my husband slept fitfully in the hospital chair, I sang over my little girl.

I sang the gospel, I sang every hymn I knew, and then I sang them again. I sang songs I made up in the moment, I sang of her siblings, I sang of the God who crafted her. I wept, I prayed, and as the morning rays reached her newborn face, I was more in love with her, if possible, than I had been just a few hours prior.

Love songs have the mysterious ability to enlarge our hearts, soften us, and make us feel we can do anything because we are magnificently loved.

Which is why the Lord of the universe sings over His children.

Zephaniah wrote of God,
“The Lord your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will be quiet in his love.
He will delight in you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17, emphasis mine)

Lord of Lords. King of Kings.
Enthroned by cherubim and seraphim.
Ruler of wind, waves, and every creature.
This is the God who delights to sing over those who call Him Abba Father!

Job spoke of God His Maker, “who provides us with songs in the night.” (Job 35:10)

Is this mystery not unfathomable?!

The entirety of Song of Solomon is a love song.
It overflows with beauty, passion, delight, and commitment between Lover and Beloved.

You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride.
You have captured my heart with one glance of your eyes,
with one jewel of your necklace.
How delightful your caresses are, my sister, my bride.
Your caresses are much better than wine,
and the fragrance of your perfume than any balsam.
(Song of Solomon 4:9-10)

Can you imagine the effect on your relationship if your spouse came home tonight and sang lyrics of love over you? Not sugary sweet nothings, but power-packed melodies of hope, truth, and unconditional love. What would his response be if you did the same?

To be sung over is akin to receiving an exquisite, lavish gift.
It’s life-giving, filling, nurturing, and sustaining.

A few years ago, I was up way too late shopping for Christmas gifts online with my long-distance mother-in-love over the phone. We laughed and chatted and somehow, lullabies came up and how special it was that my children asked her to sing over them when they visited. Jokingly, I commented I was jealous that I didn’t get a lullaby. Then, this woman who had birthed my husband and loved me like her own, sang her lullaby over me.

Sisters, hear me, I could not stop the tears. Those few seconds, the gentle sway of her voice, and the unabashed declaration of love will forever mark my life.

This is why the Father of our hearts sings over those who call on Him.

In His melodies, we hear the rhythm of His heart and learn to sway to the tempo of His faithful love.

When fear attacks.
When relationships hurt.
When we weep.
We listen for the song in the night.

“The Lord will send his faithful love by day;
His song will be with me in the night.”
(Psalm 42:8)

My hours-old daughter had done nothing to deserve my love for her. She hadn’t yet pirouetted through my house, received academic awards, or taught me to serve others with generosity. She had stretched my uterus thin, brought significant pain, and terrified me when she wasn’t breathing at birth. I loved her simply because she was mine.

This is why the Lover of our hearts, souls, and bodies sings His love song over us.

The cadence He breathes over us is always love, always victory, always delight in simply being His.

When our hearts rebelled against Him, choosing our sin over His righteousness.
When we couldn’t keep our tongues from sharing that gossip.
When we allowed our hands to impulsively act out our anger.
When we said that stream of hurtful words in defense of ourselves.
When we lied, when we lusted, when we acted in bitterness, when we stole, when we took a life, when we…, when we… and on goes our gross sinful offenses against the Holy God.

If we listen, His melodies continue, weaving in and out, drawing us out of our sin and into His forgiving grace. Pulling us away from our sin-ravaged patterns and into the rhythmic dance of His life of love.

Listen for the Love Song, Daughters; turn from your sin, your fear, and your shame, and sway to the symphonies of His Song.

Tags :
Abba Father,delight,Gladness,Lord of Lords,Love Song,Magnificently,rejoice,Song of Solomon
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Beloved Day 15
Digging Deeper

Song of Solomon is a love song shared between a Groom and a Bride as they approach their wedding and enjoy each other. In a culture that distorted sex for personal gain, the Bible would not be complete without God’s holy perspective on marriage, men, women, and sex.

Thanks to this beautiful love song, we see not only God’s delightful pronouncement of “Good” over sexual enjoyment and the valuing of men, women, and marriage, we also find that He Himself is a God of unity, oneness, and pleasure.
Dig Deeper!

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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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