Obedience

Alive Day 3 Mindset

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:5-9
Romans 6:12-19
Galatians 5:16-22
John 3:16-21
Psalm 146:5-8

Alive, Day 3

“For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.” (Romans 8:5-9)

If you read my Faces of Grace story, you’ll learn of my season of sin after the deaths of my father and father-in-law within months of each other. Looking back, “I’m free to do whatever I want” aptly describes my mindset. But was I really free? No.

It’s easy to think we’re in control of sin, but we’re not. In fact, we’re born as slaves to sin. God warned Cain, “[. . .] if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7) Romans 6:12 reiterates, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires.” So if I am obeying something, I’m not really free, right? Romans 6 further describes sin:

  •     the body ruled by sin (verse 6)
  •     enslaved to sin (verse 6)
  •     a person who has died is freed from sin (verse 7)
  •     sin will not rule over you (verse 14)
  •     you are slaves of the one you obey—either of sin leading to death (verse 16)
  •     slaves to impurity (verse 19)

That doesn’t sound like freedom to me. To truly understand why sin equals bondage and not freedom, answer this question: how many times, after sinning, do you feel the crushing weight of guilt? I know I did in that season and frankly, every time I sin. And what about when you repeat the sin? Do you feel as if you were compelled somehow? That’s the enslavement part. Sisters, that’s not freedom. It’s actually a pathway to death, because “the wages of sin is death”.  But the good news is “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) So how do we go from death to life? Happy to share.

“Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Mindset is defined as the established set of attitudes held by someone. So when we read this verse, we see two mindsets, “of the flesh” and “of the Spirit.” To be clear, we can’t have both.

We’re born with a bent toward self. We want our way. We’re not inherently good. Romans 3:10-12 tells us there is not one righteous person, no one who seeks God, and no good person. “But Mari,” you say, “aren’t Christians good people?” Good question. Let me answer by comparing and contrasting.

Non-Christians “live according to the flesh,” or have a mindset of the flesh. Romans 8:7 tells us, “The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so.” So nonbelievers cannot and will not live according to the Spirit or the Word. They can’t please our Holy God. As a result they “carry out the desire of the flesh.” Galatians 5:19-21 explains the fruit of those choices: “sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,  idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.” Sobering, isn’t it?

But Christians live by a different mindset, that of the Spirit. “The mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.” Life and peace is quite different from the outcome of the mindset of the flesh. When “the Spirit of God lives in you,” the fruit we bear is very different. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Did you catch that word in the middle of the list? Goodness. We can only be righteous and display true goodness when we live by the Spirit. Though we start out with the mindset of the flesh, we can have a change in our actions, our fruit. We banish that sinful list of the flesh by overcoming sin and gaining freedom. But how?

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

We choose Jesus. When we do, the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us and, dear Sisters, enables us to live by the Spirit. (John 3:21)

“Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea and everything in them.”
(Psalm 146:5-6)

The Lord frees prisoners, opens the eyes of the blind, and loves the righteous.
Let us choose freedom over captivity and bondage.
I pray each of us will choose to live by the Spirit and walk in freedom!

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Fruitful Day 12 Cultivating Faithfulness: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Cultivating Faithfulness!

The Questions

1) Why would the Israelites prefer to die or return to the land of their captivity rather than venture into the Promised Land? (verse 4)

2) Why were Joshua and Caleb so eager to go into the Promised Land when everyone else was so fearful? (verses 6-9)

3) Why did the glory of the Lord appear at the tent of meeting when the Israelites threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb? (verse 10)

Numbers 14:1-10

Then the whole community broke into loud cries, and the people wept that night. 2 All the Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron, and the whole community told them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let’s appoint a leader and go back to Egypt.” 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell face down in front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite community, “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. 9 Only don’t rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!” 10 While the whole community threatened to stone them, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the tent of meeting.

Original Intent

1) Why would the Israelites prefer to die or return to the land of their captivity rather than venture into the Promised Land? (verse 4)
The Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt into the freedom of the Promised Land highlights God‘s faithfulness at every turn. The Lord empowered Moses to demand Pharaoh’s release of Israel (Exodus 5:1), God parted the Red Sea so they could cross over safely when the Egyptians pursued them (Exodus 14:21), He sent food from heaven in the desert (Exodus 16), and ensured their shoes didn’t wear out (Deuteronomy 29:5). God provided in many miraculous ways; He faithfully kept His covenant with Israel to protect and treasure them if they obeyed Him. (Exodus 19:5) Even with such a rich history of provision and protection by God, the Israelites despaired when they heard the intimidating report of Canaan. They preferred to return to a life of bondage rather than trust God to defeat their enemies in the Promised Land. According to author David Guzik, “This was pure rebellion. They said they didn’t want God’s plan, God’s leaders, or God’s land. They believed they knew better than God.” The pride and rebellion of the Israelites caused them to see God’s blessing as a curse and despise the gift God promised them. To modern readers, their lack of faith and gratitude seem outrageous, but may we also be guilty of the same? Any time we refuse to embrace what God has for us because it seems too difficult or too painful, we are committing the same sin of rebellion as the Israelites when they refused the Promised Land. We can be thankful God is merciful and forgiving, and we can ask Him for grace to follow His plans, trusting in His steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness to help us obey Him.

2) Why were Joshua and Caleb so eager to go into the Promised Land when everyone else was so fearful? (verses 6-9)
In Numbers 14:1-10, the Israelites are bemoaning their fate because the long-awaited Promised Land of Canaan is filled with formidable foes they are afraid to face. Only Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb want to enter and claim the land as God commanded. Joshua and Caleb had spied out the land and were eager to lay claim to God’s promise. They had faith in God, believing that He would give the Israelites the land He had promised them. If God promised it, then it would happen, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the promise. Author G. Campbell Morgan notes that Joshua and Caleb “had clear apprehension of the goodness of the land; they were by no means blind to the formidable nature of the difficulties that stood between them and possession. But they saw God. They started with that vision, and saw everything else in its light.” Where the other spies saw the strength and number of the land’s inhabitants, Joshua and Caleb saw the land flowing with milk and honey, just as God promised. If the promise of an excellent land had proved true, so would His promise to give them the land also be true and trustworthy. Joshua and Caleb’s belief in God’s faithfulness was stronger than any fear caused by the strength and number of their adversaries. May we also see God first and view everything else through that lens, just as Joshua and Caleb did.

3) Why did the glory of the Lord appear at the tent of meeting when the Israelites threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb? (verse 10)
When the Israelites reached the Promised Land they were dismayed to find its inhabitants were numerous and strong. They began blaming God for their miserable circumstances, even declaring that returning to slavery would be better than dying in battle. After hearing their incessant complaints, God had heard enough from the rebellious Israelites and decided to act. Numbers 14:10 tells us, “The glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the tent of meeting.” The glory of the Lord had appeared to the congregation before as a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire to guide them through the wilderness. (Exodus 13:21) It was a visible reminder of God’s presence and activity. At this particular display of glory, God intended to dispel their whining and rebellion and reward those who believed in His Word and in His power. He stepped in just as the Israelites prepared to kill Joshua and Caleb. Author Joseph Benson points out, “When they reflected upon God, His glory appeared, not to silence their blasphemies: but when they threatened Caleb and Joshua, they touched the apple of His eye, and His glory appeared immediately. Those who faithfully expose themselves for God are sure of His special protection.” Israel’s rebellion ran so deep, God knew they wouldn’t choose faith over their fears. (Numbers 14:11) Moses interceded for Israel, God honored his prayers and decreed that from the nation, only Caleb and Joshua would be permitted to enter the Promised Land one day. (Numbers 14:30) God’s glory came down so His faithful servants would be spared and rewarded for their trust in Him, while also bringing consequence on Israel’s rebellion.

Everyday Application

1) Why would the Israelites prefer to die or return to the land of their captivity rather than venture into the Promised Land? (verse 4)
Have you ever seen a little kid so excited to go swimming but also too frightened to jump in the water? She knows Dad is right there to catch her. She knows all the other kids are splashing around in the water with no problems. Everything indicates it’s safe and enjoyable, but she just can’t overcome her fears and take the plunge. The Israelites in the Bible were a bit like this. They had longed to enter the Promised Land of Canaan for many years, but when they finally got there, after years of captivity in a foreign land, they were too scared of the inhabitants to lay claim to the land God promised them. When it came to choosing between fearing what they saw with their eyes or trusting the Unseen God, they chose their fears. The Lord promised to be with them and give them the land, but they chose to believe the fearful tales and not the covenant of their faithful God. Sometimes staying inside the pain we know is more comfortable than the unknown pain we are sure to endure on the way to our own Promised Land. This debilitating fear is why we stay in jobs and situations we don’t like, or sometimes even in relationships that are damaging. We fear the enormity of changes we would need to make, the unknowns of potential outcomes, and the pain we may encounter along the way. But God wants us to focus on His faithfulness and not our fears in every situation. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18) He wants us to trust Him, even when our circumstances inspire fear. (Philippians 4:4-7) Isaiah 12:2 tells us, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” God promises to be our salvation and our strength in our tough times. The path will sometimes be frightening and difficult, but He will never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8) When we choose to surrender our lives to God, trusting Him for our rescue from sin, He promises to never leave or forsake us; we will never be alone!

2) Why were Joshua and Caleb so eager to go into the Promised Land when everyone else was so fearful? (verses 6-9)
In elementary school, my class learned a dance routine to a rock song for P.E. class, but my parents disapproved of the lyrics. So, I sat in the nurse’s office during P.E. for a month while my classmates rocked out in the gym. Missing my favorite class was bad enough, but dealing with my classmates’ teasing was awful. I didn’t make things worse by trying to explain my parents’ position. Instead, I played the martyr and became the poor kid with the kooky parents who hated rock n’ roll. I couldn’t imagine trying to defend my family’s moral objections to the song lyrics. Knowing how hard it is to go against the crowd helps my perspective on Joshua and Caleb’s plight. In verses 6-9, the two men stand firmly against the entire nation of Israel who didn’t want to enter Canaan. Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes, indicating their intense distress at the peoples’ distrust in God and disbelief in His promises. This wasn’t about their feelings of being “outcasts”, but about Israel’s heart-rejection of the God who had proven Himself faithful. They pleadingly reminded the people of God’s constant presence and ability to protect them and defeat their enemies if they trusted Him. Joshua and Caleb were full of faith in God’s faithfulness. The people, however, were not inspired by the exhortation from Joshua and Caleb. In fact, they were so angry with their unpopular message they picked up rocks to stone them! Only God’s intervention kept the two men safe. Forty years later, after most of the crowd got their wish and died before entering the Promised Land, Joshua and Caleb were found faithful and allowed to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:30) and enjoy God’s gift. May the Lord help us all to be as faithful and trusting as Joshua and Caleb!

3) Why did the glory of the Lord appear at the tent of meeting when the Israelites threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb? (verse 10)
There are many references to glory in church literature and Scripture. Sometimes glory means God’s presence (Exodus 24:16), a reference to Heaven (Psalm 73:24), or any place where God resides (1 Peter 5:10). It can also be used to mean radiant, divine beauty (Isaiah 6:3), or sometimes praise and adoration to God (Revelation 14:7). When God’s glory appeared to the Israelites in verse 10, glory references God’s presence. Here the glory of the Lord “refers to the reality of the LORD’s presence in a manifestation of his power and splendor. It showed to all that God was a living God. The appearance of the glory indicated blessing for the obedient, but disaster for the disobedient” (Preceptaustin.org) When God’s glory came to the Israelites, not only did God save Joshua and Caleb, but He allowed Moses to act on behalf of the shameful Israelites by interceding for them through prayer. Because of Moses’ prayer, God saved Israel from sudden destruction. They still received the punishment of never entering the Promised Land, but they experienced the power and mercy of being visited by God’s glory. It is awe-inspiring to think the Holy Perfect God would visit His people with His glory, yet the Scriptures are filled with such visits from the Lord. When God revealed Himself just in time to save Joshua and Caleb from being stoned to death by the angry mob of Israelites, He showed Himself to be Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Merciful. When God’s glory arrives, nothing remains the same. Nahum 1:5 tells us, “The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all who live in it.” We want to invite God’s presence to shake and shape our lives as we glorify His Name and seek to obey His commands through whole-life surrender.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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The GT Weekend! ~ Fruitful Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Have you ever watched a garden grow? From one day to the next, the growth of the garden looks nearly the same. But over the course of a summer, what was once a patch of brown, unimpressive dirt becomes a jungle of plants, vines, and fruits. This makes me think of the work of the Spirit of God in my life. I look much the same today as I did yesterday. But if I consider how I’ve changed over the last 5 years, I see substantial ways that the Holy Spirit has done His work in me. As I have grown more aware of Christ’s love for me, my love for others has grown in tandem with my love for God. As I become more aware of how undeserving I am of His love, I have grown more eager to share with others. No matter where you are on your faith journey, the Spirit of God can change you. Are you still undecided about whether this Jesus is for you? Ask God to reveal His great love to you. Are you a brand new believer? Praise God that He loves you just as you are and ask Him to grow your love for Him and others. Are you a mature believer wondering why you still struggle with accepting His love or showing it to others? Cast all your troubles at the feet of Jesus. The Spirit empowers and brings about your transformation. You need only obey His leading. Write down 3 ways that you have seen evidence of God’s love in your life, and 3 ways that you can show His love to others. Thank Him for the work He has already done, and ask for His strength to walk in obedience.

2) What comes to mind in your everyday life experiences around the word “joy”? Close your eyes, slow your breathing, and think about joy. Where do you see it? How do you feel it in your body? What sounds do you hear? What smells tantalize you? What does your tongue taste as you consider joy? Do you find a smile spreading across your face even as your eyes are closed? Go ahead and try it! We will be here waiting when you open your eyes! As you reflect on these rich experiences, what was absent for this joy to be so free? Did your joy center around an experience, a person, or an object? If this joy were tangible, and you could submerge yourself in it like ocean water, imagine the glee and the freedom here. Now, know with confidence, that the highest peak of delectable joy humanly possible is like a drop in the bucket on a parched day compared to the richness of joy found only in relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you believe this? Have you experienced this? In what way? Dig into Scripture this week, seeking out this lasting joy in relationship with Jesus!

3) Peace feels…. What adjective would you use to finish this sentence? Slippery? Calming? Impossible? Our previous experiences with peace often dictate whether we view peace as illusive, tangible, or even mythical. It’s important to be reminded that biblical peace is not the absence of conflict. Scripture teaches that the gospel is indeed offensive to those who rebel against it. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Peter 2:7-8) As long as we are at odds with Christ and the true peace that He brings, the idea of peace will always seem slippery, illusive, and impossible. Where Christ rules, and our surrender is wholly given, peace floods. Identify the places in your life where peace is glaringly absent. Where does it feel like “peace” is laughable? Describe these scenarios in a few words on a post-it note and stick them by your bed. On another card, write out Philippians 4:4-7 and place it close by. Make time throughout the coming days to intentionally memorize these verses. What is the secret to unleashing God’s peace according to these verses?

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 2 Peter1:2-4 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord our God, how great is Your love for us. Father, Son, Spirit, Your love is perfect. You did not need mankind to make Your love complete, but because of Your great and overflowing love, You chose to create us for relationship with You. What joy this truth brings to my heart. You are not a far-off, unseeing God. No, You hear the prayers of Your people and You speak to us. Forgive me, oh Lord, for my forgetful, hardened heart. I long to follow You and obey Your commands, yet I often choose the lesser things, rebelling in my innermost being against the relationship You have offered me. Have mercy on me, oh God, and renew my heart. Thank You for the gift of transformation You give to Your children. Thank You for the fruit of the Spirit that is evident in my life. I know that without Your great power, I would not have the love, joy, or peace that I have in my life today. Help me to be steadfast and faithful, following the leading of Your Spirit at all times.

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Fruitful Day 3 Lasting Joy

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 15:9-17
2 Peter 1:1-8
Matthew 7:13-23
Psalm 16

Fruitful, Day 3

Happiness is a feeling, and as feelings go, they seem to change at the snap of a finger.
If you are like me, my feelings seem to be altered simply by the weather’s shift.

I’m no doctor, and I haven’t been diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, but its description seems to fit the bill. Cloudy and overcast equals the blues. Sunshine and bright skies equal lifted spirits.

God’s Word offers a stabilizing anchor to my swinging tides of happiness in the richness of life-giving, always sustainable joy.

Unlike the emotion of happiness, joy is a fruit of the Spirit. This fruit grows over time as I daily surrender my life to Him and feast on His Word. I cannot do this in my own strength. There might be some benefit to ‘smile every hour to make yourself happier’, but this is not the fruit of lasting joy. One cannot simply “choose” to bear the fruit of joy. Rather, true and lasting joy is built through God’s character flourishing in our lives as we plant ourselves deep in the fertile soil of total surrender and dependence on Him.

“His (God’s) divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
(2 Peter 1:3, emphasis mine)

When I am unhappy, there may be some hormonal or chemical imbalance, but largely, my unhappiness results from my lack of abiding in Scripture. All of God’s Word is true all the time. We must trust God’s Word above our feelings.

I want to shout with the Psalmist,
“You reveal the path of life to me;
in Your presence is abundant joy;
at Your right hand are eternal pleasures.”
(Psalm 16:11, emphasis mine)

Sisters, hear me, I need to shout that to myself even if, or especially when, I don’t necessarily feel joyful. When we don’t feel joyful, how can we align our hearts with the fruit God is surely working in us? In His presence.

In John 15:1-10, Jesus describes Himself as the Vine and His followers as the branches.
If we abide in Him, and follow Him in obedience,
then His Spirit is faithful to grow His own joy in us!

Jesus said of our insistent abiding in His presence and obedient following,
“I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) Abiding in God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer, and obeying His commands opens the floodgate for His joy to be built in us!

Similarly, Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

I’ve known and experienced the truth of these promises,
but I too often forget and go my own way.

I allow my feelings to dictate how I feel,
rather than the truth of God’s Word.

I will choose to binge watch TV, or neglect my Bible reading in exchange for more sleep rather than the eternal pleasure of God’s joy being built in me. No fleeting happiness will bring true, lasting joy. Temporary delights provide an adrenaline high to be sure, but are destined to crash and fall into the ever-lacking, supremely joyless reality of a life wrought by following my own way.

I would be lying if I told you there are no slivers of joy apart from Christ. The truth is that God graciously allows all people to experience portions of His joy in this life, but only believers in Christ can experience true, complete, lasting joy.

Maybe you feel tossed around by happiness or the lack thereof. Let’s take our cue from David’s confident song and Christ’s rich invitation, knowing the Holy Spirit will craft His joy in us as we surrender.

Let’s choose to abide with Him and receive the completeness of His joy.
Choose to believe God at His Word and find His joy that wins over feelings.
I can’t guarantee you’ll feel instant joy.

And I can’t guarantee that feeling of joy in abiding will stay with you when you wake up the next day. But we can rest on the assurance of Christ’s truth that when we abide, He grows His fruit of joy in us, regardless of how we feel from one snap of our fingers to the next.
We must preach truth to ourselves!

Christ, on the cross, substituted Himself in the place of sinners like you and me and He paid the penalty of death that our sin deserves.

He lived a perfect, sinless life despite hardship and persecution.
He did this, for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
That joy? It was the joy of bringing sinners home to be with Him forever in order to give glory and praise to God for all of eternity.

Lasting Joy

Christ knew that eternal joy would come through His sacrificial death. He achieved this joy by His victory over the grave and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. If we are in Christ, this joy is ours and His Spirit increasingly grows it within us.

Nothing, neither grief nor struggle, sickness or death can steal His lasting joy away.

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Can we pray for you?
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Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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

Terrain Day 6 The Jordan River

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Joshua 3:1-17
2 Kings 5:1-14
Matthew 3:13-17
Ephesians 2:1-10

Terrain, Day 6

I don’t like dirt. I know it’s necessary for gardening, farming, and supplying life nutrients, but in my home or on my person, no thanks. Dirt equals unclean and impure. So, one could imagine how my mind struggles with a dirty river making anyone clean, cured, or blessed. But that’s exactly the role of the Jordan River in Biblical times.

The Jordan River starts at the base of Mount Herman and descends, flowing through the Sea of Galilee and ending in the south at the Dead Sea. It twists and turns through steep-walled valleys; the Jordan Valley contains reeds, tamarisks, willows, white poplar, and dense bushes, also known as thickets. Perhaps because it’s a floodplain, vegetation is so lush it concealed lions within those thickets in biblical times! And finally, Joshua and the Israelites found themselves on Jordan’s flooded banks as they traveled to the Promised Land. (Joshua 3:1-17)

After God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egpyt, they crossed the Red Sea on dry land (Exodus 13:17-14:31), and camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Terrified and refusing to enter the Promised Land, they wandered the desert for 40 years. At last, Joshua was tasked with leading them into the Promised Land, but how would they cross the Jordan at flood stage, a half mile wide by 10 feet deep with swift currents?

God instructed, “Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: When you reach the edge of the water, stand in the Jordan.” (Joshua 3:8)

Stand. In water 10 feet deep.

This could have evoked the same fear that kept them wandering in the desert, but God was gracious to share His plan. “When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of the whole earth, come to rest in the Jordan’s water, its water will be cut off. The water flowing downstream will stand up in a mass.” (Joshua 3:13) They obeyed, which allowed the people to cross over to Jericho on dry land.

For a generation, the Israelites had been confined within the boundaries of their fear and disobedience. But now, like the Jordan River overflowing the boundaries of the riverbanks, their obedience allowed them to break through their boundaries. They crossed over from their old life of wandering to a new life of the blessings of God’s fulfilled promises.

Now let’s imagine you have a skin disease. You’re told the cure is washing seven times in a particular, dirty river. Would you do it? Personally, I would protest first and then speed to the river.

Far from hypothetical, this is Naaman’s story (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophet Elisha told Naaman, a leper and the commander of the Syrian army, to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed. But Naaman was prideful and resisted. Why couldn’t he wash in the Abana or Pharpar rivers, which were clear and always abundant, unlike the Jordan, which was swampy, muddy, and shallow in places?

Thankfully for Naaman, his servants convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions. So there amongst the thickets, also known as ga’on, or pride, he washed seven times and God healed his skin immediately. Naaman became renewed by leaving his pride in the pride. Who would think a little dirt could cure what ails you?

Naaman wasn’t the only one who took a “dip” in the Jordan. Journey with me to the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, where John the Baptist performed baptisms, an outward act of obedience that reflected inward purification by God. Baptism by John affirmed belief in the coming Messiah and repentance of sin. One day, Jesus came to be baptized in the Jordan; not for repentance, because He was sinless and holy, but to consecrate Himself for His earthly ministry.

Again, this dirty river served as a source of purification. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, identifying Him as the Son of God through God the Father’s voice. The dirt and mud did not, and do not, diminish the Jordan River’s significance to Christians. Jesus’ Jordan River experience led Him into ministry for three years before He shed His red blood to pay for “our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Ephesians 2:1-4 tells us, “you were dead in your trespasses and sins,” “walked according to the ways of this world,” and we lived in “our fleshly desires.” But
God…”made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.”
God takes us from old to new, from death to life.
In the same way, He took the Israelites from the desert to the Promised Land,
Naaman from diseased to cured,
and Jesus from unknown to known so we could be cleansed.

Looking at our spiritual lives, how has God taken us from old to new, from diseased to healed, from abandoned to loved? Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” We might get a little dirt on us, or have to tread floodwaters from our own “Jordan River,” but God will faithfully see us through these challenges into newness and fullness of life!

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

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

Terrain Day 5 Jericho’s Walls

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Joshua 1:1-8
Joshua 5:13-15
Joshua 6:1-21
Psalm 24:7-10
Isaiah 55:8-11

Terrain, Day 5

Located northeast of the Dead Sea, Jericho was built around 8000 BC. It was surrounded by massive stone walls measuring about 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) high and 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) wide. According to historical findings, such walls represent the earliest technology and were constructed purely for military purposes. They were meant to protect the settlement and its water supply from intruders.

It was to Jericho, remote and impenetrable behind these massive walls, that God led the Israelites after they miraculously crossed the Jordan River. The people of the city became terrified upon learning about Israel’s wondrous passage:

“When the Amorites kings across the Jordan to the west and all the Canaanite kings near the sea heard how the Lord had dried up the water of the Jordan before the Israelites until they crossed over, they lost heart and their courage failed because of the Israelites.”
(Joshua 5:1)

So the citizens of Jericho did what they knew best, they hunkered down. The city was “strongly fortified because of the Israelites–no one leaving or entering.” (Joshua 6:1). Based on their understanding, as long as they remained within their walls, they were well protected. Inside the walls, they had everything necessary for survival; the presence of a reliable water supply meant sustenance wouldn’t be a problem.

But “[t]he Lord said to Joshua, ‘Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you.’” (Joshua 6:2) According to the Lord God’s instructions, the Israelites were to march around the city once daily for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. Seven priests, carrying seven ram’s horn trumpets, were to precede the ark of the covenant with each circuit. On the seventh day, they were to blow the trumpets while the soldiers shouted aloud. And the walls would just . . . collapse on themselves.

That sounds illogical, right? What could marching around the city, or the blowing of trumpets combined with shouting, possibly do to massive stone walls 1.8 meters thick?

Yet, as foolish as the instructions appeared to man, Joshua obeyed them to the letter. Instead of doubting God, he submitted whole-heartedly to His will. Perhaps the miracle of crossing the Jordan River developed unwavering confidence in God within him. Led by faith, Joshua set aside his own wisdom and military intelligence, and relied absolutely on God.

From a human perspective, there was nothing Joshua and his men could do to breach the city of Jericho. No matter the capacity of his soldiers, as long as those walls remained standing, Jericho would always be the victor.

After marching once each day for six days and seven times on the seventh day, the priests blew trumpets, the soldiers shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. “The troops advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city.” (Joshua 6:20)

Hallelujah! The ways of God are higher than man’s ways, and His every word WILL be accomplished! (Isaiah 55:9-11) He is the “God of gods and the LORD of lords,” mighty and awesome! (Deuteronomy 10:17)

“Who is this King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.” (Psalm 24:8)
Nothing is too hard for Him! (Jeremiah 32:27)

At the beginning of Joshua’s book, God tells him never to allow the book of God’s law to depart from his mouth, but to meditate upon it day and night. (Joshua 1:8) God declared Joshua would be successful and prosperous through careful study and obedient adherence to His Law. Joshua’s constant meditation on the Law revealed God’s power and faithfulness.

“God is not a man, that He might lie, or the son of man, that He might change His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

God promises and fulfills; His words will not return to Him empty.

He is a promise-keeping God.

He is able to make the impossible possible; Joshua’s conquest over Jericho testified as much and Scripture confirms, “They completely destroyed everything in the city.” (Joshua 6:21)

What if we trusted God as completely as Joshua without attaching human limits or reasoning to His words? Would we witness more of His miracles?
We live in the era of the worship of science, logic, and human understanding.
Yet our God is not limited by our scientific exploration; His ways are far beyond human understanding; all He requires is a willing, obedient heart.

If only we can acquaint ourselves with His words, like Joshua, studying and meditating day and night, we will know more of this God we serve, of His unfailing love, and astounding faithfulness. We will learn to trust Him in the most difficult and impossible situations, knowing He will never fail us. For, as our Lord Jesus said, “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Terrain Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Terrain!

If Day 12 Free Ride: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Free Ride!

The Questions

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)

3) What can be learned from these two parables?

Matthew 13:44-46

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46 When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

Original Intent

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)
Though Jesus’ parable doesn’t specifically describe what the man found in the field, we know he found it to be of extreme value. This wasn’t something he intentionally went looking for, rather, he happened to stumble upon his grand discovery. Once he found it, he knew its high worth and was willing to bury it again in the field, keeping it hidden and protected, while he went to sell everything he had in order to purchase the field. In this way, he could be certain the treasure he had found would be his forever.

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)
An experienced pearl merchant knew exactly what to look for, and he was intent on finding the “perfect pearl”. His life’s work was to know what a perfect pearl looked like, and then pursue that. Pearl merchants knew the worth of each pearl they encountered, and they knew the price to pay for it. Unlike the man who wasn’t expecting to find a treasure in a field, this merchant is actively seeking out the ultimate pearl. On finding it, he knew he had found a treasure worth a lavish price tag. He was willing to sell all he had in order to own the priceless pearl.

3) What can be learned from these two parables?
Jesus often taught in parables, or stories, throughout His earthly ministry. In these stories, Jesus used common things His audience would easily relate with in order to bridge to deeper spiritual truths. In this passage, Jesus wanted His audience to understand the inestimable Treasure He was about to offer them by dying in their place and paying the ultimate price for their sin. He also wanted them to understand the extreme cost of following Him once they understood the true value of embracing Him as Savior. While those listening to these parables did not fully understand them in the moment, His disciples came to understand them after His death and resurrection. They knew that following and obeying Jesus would cost them greatly; many paid with their lives.

Everyday Application

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)
The man in Jesus’ story found a treasure he knew was more valuable than anything he owned or could ever own. It was so valuable, in fact, he was willing to part with everything else in his life in order to gain this single treasure. Jesus intended His hearers to understand the Treasure to be Himself as the fullness of God. We have access to Him through His sacrifice where He paid the death penalty we deserve because of our sin so we might be reconciled back to Him. This Treasure had been hidden away in the Old Testament for centuries. Jesus wanted those listening to understand they could “dig” into the “field” of the former prophecies and historical narrative and even the Law in order to find the True Treasure. When we discover Jesus and the Truth of the Scriptures, we are urged to surrender all we have for the vast richness of Christ! (Philippians 3:7-8) Of believers in Jesus, Matthew Henry writes, “upon gospel terms, buy this field; they make it their own, for the sake of the unseen treasure in it. It is Christ in the gospel that we are to have an eye to.” When we understand Truth, recognizing its supreme value, we must make it our own. However, unlike the man who bought the field, our treasure of Christ is not meant to keep to ourselves, but instead share it with the world!

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)
This merchant knew exactly which pearl he was pursuing and would stop at nothing to obtain it for himself. Of this pearl, Matthew Henry writes, “a Jewel of inestimable value, which will make those who have it rich, truly rich, rich toward God; in having him, we have enough to make us happy here and forever.” As believers, we understand that in discovering Jesus and the truth of who He is, we have more than enough. Possessions and money are worthless in comparison to having the Treasure of God. There will never be anything more valuable to gain or pursue. Those who have pursued many things, seeking satisfaction, and finally finding Christ are the merchant from Jesus’ story; these people have found the Pearl of Jesus and have understood its supreme value. We don’t need to chase anything else.

3) What can be learned from these two parables?
Both the treasure in the field and the pearl cost a great deal to obtain. Jesus came as God in human flesh to pay the ultimate price for sin with His life that we might be set free from sin and shame. In order for us to spend eternity with God, this price must be paid, because God is just and righteous. This payment cost God His only Son. While there is nothing we can “do” to “purchase” this gift of salvation, there is a cost involved in following Jesus. (Luke 14:26-33) When we understand who Jesus is, we realize the cost is worth it. We become like the merchant and the man who bought the field when we realize the value of the Treasure of God and are willing to pay the cost. Just as these men were willing to part with everything in order to have their treasure, we too must be willing to part with everything in order to follow Christ. It isn’t going to be easy, and we may often question the cost, but as we become more like Jesus we will never regret the choice to pay the price and follow Him in full surrender!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

If Day 9 Easy Life: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Easy Life!

The Questions

1) Even though God had instituted sacrifices and festivals, why was He now tired of them? (verses 11-14)

2) Why does the prophet Isaiah call Israel to pursue justice and look after the vulnerable in society? (verse 17)

3) After all of Israel’s iniquities, why would God still want to settle things with them? (verse 18)

Isaiah 1:11-19

11 “What are all your sacrifices to me?” asks the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who requires this from you— this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies—I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. 14 I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. 16 “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. 17 Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause. 18 “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. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.

Original Intent

1) Even though God had instituted sacrifices and festivals, why was He now tired of them? (verses 11-14)

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered for the atonement of unintended sin; to show devotion to God; recognition for God’s goodness; thanksgiving and fellowship; cleansing from defilement, and to make restitution. There were five sacrifices: the burnt offering, grain offering, fellowship offering, sin offering, and guilt offering. The burnt, grain, and fellowship (sometimes called peace) offerings were voluntary, while the sin and guilt offerings were compulsory. God could not allow sin because of His holiness and therefore sin must be punished. The sacrifices were a means of maintaining worship and fellowship with Him so Israelites could enjoy relationship with Yahweh. On the other hand, there were intentional sins that had no sacrifice available. Intentional sins were pre-meditated sins such as adultery or murder or even lying. Check out Proverbs 6:16-19 for a list of these sins the Lord hates. Sacrifices could not atone for deliberate sins of arrogance that insisted on their way over God’s clear path of righteousness. This highlights the seriousness of sin against God! People who sinned intentionally were at the mercy of God. While there are a few instances in Scripture (Numbers 5:5-10, Leviticus 19:20-22) where a clear intentional sin could be covered by a guilt offering, these were rare exceptions. In general, the Law did not provide for forgiveness for premeditated, intentional sin. The only available option was God’s grace. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, God removed all sins, intentional or otherwise with a sacrifice. Take King David for example. After Nathan confronted David about his sin of adultery and murder, David lamented in Psalm 51:16-17, “You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.” David’s sins were deliberate, and he knew offering a sacrifice would be futile. David knew God wanted a truly repentant heart. Even in all other sacrifices within the system God had set up for Israel, He most wanted their hearts of repentance and worship. He designed the system to provide a visual representation of the high price tag associated with sin, which is always death. (Romans 6:23)

 

2) Why does the prophet Isaiah call Israel to pursue justice and look after the vulnerable in society? (verse 17)

God explicitly commanded His people to treat the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner justly. (Deuteronomy 24:17) God calls Himself “a father to the fatherless, and a defender of widows.” (Psalm 68:5) Widows and orphans were particularly vulnerable in ancient culture. Without the husband or father present, supporting themselves became difficult. Widows and their families became essentially homeless. Sometimes widows were even abused. (NIV Cultural Background Study Bible). Judah’s disobedience to God included neglect of the vulnerable and God, through the prophet Isaiah as His mouthpiece, implored them to once again heed God’s covenant law and do right by these members of society.

 

3) After all of Israel’s iniquities, why would God still want to settle things with them? (verse 18)

From the time God created mankind, He intended to have a relationship with him. When sin came into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, this separated man from God. However, God immediately began work on restoring that relationship. (see Genesis 3:15)  The Lord set apart Israel to be His people (Leviticus 20:26), to be different. They were to be an example, by not engaging in the horrendous rituals and practices of the nations around them. They were to mirror God’s righteousness and holiness by living as an example of His heart and character in the world. Unfortunately, Israel sinned against the Lord repeatedly; they could not keep themselves righteous. However, God, because he loved Israel so much, sent prophets like Isaiah to speak to them in the hopes they would repent. Once they repented, He would forgive their sins and restore their relationship. Israel’s constant disobedience helps us see that, on our own strength, we absolutely cannot be holy like God. We need God to be holy for us and then offer His righteousness to us in exchange for our sin. This is why Jesus came, to do exactly this!

Everyday Application

1) Even though God had instituted sacrifices and festivals, why was He now tired of them? (verses 11-14)

The sacrifices and festivals in the Old Testament were God’s design for His chosen people, despite their sinful ways, to approach Him in worship and maintain the covenant relationship. However, the people missed the heart of God and His desire for relationship with them, which led them to performing sacrifices as mere ceremonies completed out of duty rather than from a heart broken over sin. This is why God said, “I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. (…) Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to Me.” (verses 11-13) It is not much different today. Many people attend church out of duty, but few practice true heart surrender to the Holy Spirit in everyday life. God wants our worship to be pure, true, and from our hearts. I remember having a conversation with a close relative who told me their church had a special collection to purchase a television for their pastor. The way my relative spoke about this pastor gave the impression they actually worship him more than God. While there is nothing wrong with parishioners showing appreciation to their pastors, they must be careful not to idolize and worship them. Our loyalty lies with Jesus, not man. Jesus told us we must remain in Him because we cannot do anything without Him. (John 15:4-5) He desires our whole hearts. In similar verbiage to what Isaiah recorded in verses 11-13, Jesus cleared the temple of Jews who appeared to be worshipping God, but their hearts were actually far from God. “He (Jesus) went into the temple and began to throw out those who were selling, and He said, “It is written, my house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!”” (Luke 19:46-47)

 

2) Why does the prophet Isaiah call Israel to pursue justice and look after the vulnerable in society? (verse 17)

True religion is about caring for the poor and helpless and living a godly life. (James 1:27) I am currently caring for my ageing mother who has dementia, as well as an autistic brother. My mother depends on me and trusts me to do what is right for her and my brother. There is no way I can take advantage of their disabilities for my gain. If I do so, I will be sinning against God, who is their Defender. (Psalm 68:5) There are times I must put my life on hold for them, but it is not about me. John 15:13-14 states, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends if you do what I command you”. I am doing what the Lord commanded me to do by showing love to Him, my mother, and my brother, in doing what is necessary for them despite the challenges and inconveniences to me. All who claim to follow Christ have an obligation to pursue justice and care for the vulnerable around us because this is God’s heart.

 

3) After all of Israel’s iniquities, why would God still want to settle things with them? (verse 18)

The Bible tells us, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16) This divine love is why God wants reconciliation between us, who are sinful, and Himself, who is holy. He wants to restore the relationship broken by sin so we can be with Him in eternity and connected to Him through His Spirit in this life. Jesus became sin for us in taking on our punishment (death and separation from God) so that, in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Let us love Jesus and commit to having a true relationship with Him. It is only through Jesus we can live a purposeful life. It may not always be an easy life, but one well worth it in the end.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched IX Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) In Monday’s Journey, Paula led us to consider what it must have been like for Peter to reflect on his faith journey with Jesus and look ahead to leading the young church into a new season. Jesus did not act as Peter had expected the Promised Messiah to act, and yet… Christ was undeniably the One. Peter understood how unqualified he was to lead this young church, considering his repeated doubt and disloyalty to Jesus. And yet… Jesus had commanded Peter to feed the sheep. Sometimes God’s call on our lives looks different than we expect. Sometimes we feel unqualified for what He asks us to do. Reflect today on how you understand God’s call on your life. How has your understanding of His call for you changed? (For example, when I was younger, I thought God would call me to overseas mission work, but now I am a full-time mom of little children and actively discipling local teenagers to know God better.) Ask God for guidance and direction as you live out His current call on your life, trusting that, by faithfully following His leading, He will produce good fruit in your life.

2) When we hear stories of faithful men and women who have surrendered their lives for Jesus, we can easily believe we would do the same in their situation. We find ourselves saying we would die for Jesus, without considering what it looks like to live for Jesus. The Savior clearly said in Luke 14:25-27 that His followers must be willing to lay down their lives and take up their cross to follow Him. This means we also, as His modern-day followers, must be willing to lay aside our plans and our own will, choosing to trust His leading. While we may want to perform a grand gesture for the Lord, He often calls us to small, consistent acts of obedience. Peter and the other apostles risked death and imprisonment to share the Good News of Jesus. Are you willing to risk an awkward conversation to share the Gospel with a friend? Peter sat in a dark and stinky prison, and still chose to worship God. Are you dedicated to worship God consistently in your own home? What is one small step of obedience you can practice this week? Write down this step and share it with a friend or family member, asking them to pray for you as you trust in the Holy Spirit to empower you to obey.

3) In yesterday’s Journey Study we imagined together Peter’s thoughts as he prepared for the end of his life. As he faced down death, he considered how disciples of Jesus ought to live in this present age. He acknowledged that suffering leads to our purification, and that our hardship draws us to rely on God for strength only He can provide. Peter reflected on the importance of steadfastness and trusting God to do all He has promised. Before he died, Peter sought to strongly encourage other believers by reminding them of God’s character. As you reflect on the course of your life, what message would you want to pass on to other believers? What are the greatest lessons the Lord has taught you thus far? Write a brief letter to a fellow believer (real or imagined) outlining what God has done for you and how you have seen His great faithfulness. What are the key lessons your story has taught you about following and serving Jesus Christ, our Lord? How does your story fit in with the “sweeping drama” of God’s big story? Be sure to use Scripture to emphasize the truths you identify in your life.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 2 Peter 3:15-18 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

 …but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit…

Prayer Journal
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great mercy and love for us. Thank You for sending Your son, the long awaited, yet unexpected Messiah. Thank You for His great work on our behalf. I confess, oh Lord, that I often want to live my own way, promising myself that one day I will do something great for You, but unwilling to take small steps right now. We know that You work in unexpected and surprising ways. You tell us in Your word “the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16) and those who suffer will be blessed. I ask You to come near me today. For those who are suffering, I ask for comfort and steadfastness. For those who feel weak, I ask for Your strength to become evident in their life. For those who want to do great and mighty works for you, I ask for confidence in their small works of obedience in this moment. Let us not grow weary in following You, instead may we always look to You for our hope and assurance.

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