Praise

If Day 6 Triune God

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 14:18-26
Psalm 89
Titus 2:11-14

If, Day 6

One God.
Three persons.
Three holy Beings comprising One Divinity.
Wholly singular, yet holy They.
God the Father. God the Son. God the Holy Spirit.

Co-equal. Co-eternal.
None created. None superior.
One. Perfect. Deity.

Scripture is clear, yet we still question.
Inquiring minds beg to be satisfied.

Wouldn’t one-without-three be simpler?
Does God “need” to be triune in order to be perfectly righteous and holy?

Our Messy Misunderstandings
We tend to think of God the Father as an Old Testament reality.
Creator, judge, righteous (perhaps arrogantly so), and wrathful (perhaps overtly). This leaves us with a half-baked picture of the Father; powerful, but crotchety, maybe even petty. This “Father” is more likely vengeful than benevolent, while also disconnected and disinterested in our everyday lives.

Jesus, God the Son, appears, but not until centuries later. Maybe He’s the lesser, gentler, version of God. Jesus is God’s Son, right? So, Jesus came from somewhere, right? Maybe the Father created Him? Maybe Mary?

Jesus lives His life, makes a sacrifice to atone for all of mankind’s sin, past, present, and future (Ephesians 1:7), yet this redemption is only available if we choose to accept His offering for ourselves (Ephesians 2:8). But, to Whom is Jesus sacrificing? If Jesus is “God”, is He sacrificing to Himself?

Finally, God the Spirit enters the scene after Jesus ascends back to the right hand of the Father. (Mark 16:19) Jesus said His disciples could accomplish more through His Spirit than when Jesus physically walked beside them. (John 14:12) But how? If there is one God, why are there three Beings? Wouldn’t one-without-three be simpler?

Sift For Truth
We bring our messy misunderstandings, and for most Christians, we simply shrug our shoulders and say something spiritual, “Well, God’s thoughts aren’t our thoughts; He is a mystery. We surely can’t expect to understand God!” While true, these phrases allow us to keep our messy misunderstandings swirling in some dark corner of our heart, while we continue living with a very incomplete, dangerous, concept of who this beautiful, infinite, majestic, and yes, mysterious, but truly knowable, Triune God is.

We become caught in technicalities of what we cannot understand,
while missing what God has clearly revealed as foundationally essential.

Father God is Creator God. Yes!
“…God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
So is God the Son
“For everything was created by Him (Jesus).” (Colossians 1:16)
So is God the Spirit
“…the Spirit of God has made me (Job)…” (Job 33:4)

Father God is Judge. Yes!
“…for God is the judge.” (Psalm 50:6)
So is God the Son
“The Father… has given all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22)
So is God the Spirit
“…He (Spirit) will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” (John 16:8)

Father God is all-powerful. Yes!
“…nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
So is God the Son
“Jesus… said, “All authority has been given to Me…” (Matthew 28:18)
So is God the Spirit
“…you will receive (God’s) power when the Holy Spirit has come…” (Acts 1:8)

Father God is disconnected and disinterested. No!
“You (God) have recorded my wanderings (and) put my tears in Your bottle.” (Psalm 56:8)
Neither is God the Son
“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He felt compassion…” (Matthew 9:36)
Neither is God the Spirit
“…the Holy Spirit (…) will teach you all things and remind you of everything.” (John 14:26)

God the Son is created. No!
“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Neither is God the Father
“You are the same, Your years will never end.” (Psalm 102:27)
Neither is God the Spirit
“…through the eternal (Holy) Spirit…” (Hebrews 9:14)

God the Son is the “gentle version” of God. No!
“…Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead…” (2 Timothy 4:1)
The Father’s core nature is merciful
“…For He (The Most High God) is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36)
The Spirit’s delight is to make Father & Son known to us
“He (Holy Spirit) will glorify Me (Jesus), because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is Mine.” (John 16:14-15)

Are Father, Son, and Spirit One Divine God? YES!
“You, Father, are in Me (Jesus), and I am in You.” (John 17:21)
“The words I (Jesus) speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works.” (John 14:10)
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My (Jesus’) name, will teach you all things..”. (John 14:26)
“The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

If we accept one part of the Bible, we do not have the leisure to exclude the rest of it based on feeling or whimsy. All of Scripture is God-breathed; Triune God breathed.

Dangerous Deceptions
If God were only a singular Being, He would have no community to enjoy within Himself.
He would indeed be stodgy and self-focused.
There would be no natural generosity, no loving deference to another, no joyful sharing of delight, because there would only be a single Divine Being to occupy, rule, and reign over anything and anyone else.

As soon as He created people, He would have easily loste interest in them because His nature would beis to love Himself, not others. Instead, His very nature as Triune, is to give of Himself in pure radiant delightful love to another over and over endlessly.

God, as Father, Son, and Spirit, divinely chose to be triune in nature
because only here is perfect love eternally made manifest.

One God who sacrificed Himself, making atonement for rebellious human hearts, that He might satisfy His own righteous justice and cleanse for Himself a people, His own possession, to dwell with for eternity. Here, the Triune God experiences the fullness of delightful community by extending to His children what He has already shared from eternity past among the Divine Singular Being of Father, Son, and Spirit.

The Triune God came to us, to accomplish what we could not,
that we might enjoy Him, and one another, forever.
What radical love!

Isn’t this a God who is worth every adoring thought and action of our lives?
Isn’t this a God who is both beautifully mysterious and yet divinely knowable?
Praise this Triune God!

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

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched IX Week 2

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

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

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

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Isaiah 53:4-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

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

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

Worship Through Community

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

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

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend! ~ Ready 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) It’s well-known in my house that I win the award for most eclectic music choice. Gregorian chants and undiscovered Indie Christian musicians don’t make my teenager’s Spotify playlist. While I don’t love all their song selections either, my kids’ favorite lyrics have provided an excellent springboard for spiritual discussions. One of my favorite lyrics to chat about with my teens-turning-into-adults are from Maren Morris’ song, “The Bones”, “When the bones are good, the rest don’t matter, Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter, Let it break ’cause you and I remain the same.” As the words reverberate in my mini-van, I ask my kids what they think will build a strong foundation for life. What “bones” are sturdy enough to support someone in this life and the next? This was Paul’s motivation in sending Timothy to strengthen the church in Thessalonica. If the church believed sound doctrinal truths about God, themselves, and their future, then they would authentically live Ready for now and eternity. Sometimes, the best way to know what we really believe, is to look at how we live. What do your actions, thoughts, and priorities reveal about your true beliefs about God and your purpose on earth?

2) The point of studying Scripture is to know God and understand ourselves in light of who He is and His purposes for us. It’s one thing to read the Bible, but another to study it, pray it, and allow the Spirit of God to transform us through His own words! As humans, intent on being self-made people, our tendency is to take ownership of our own faith journeys. We want to manufacture our own goodness, faith, and ability to love others as God loves us, but this idea stands in direct opposition of the gospel we claim. Only Christ can rescue us from sin. Only Christ can shape our hearts and lives to mirror His own; our mission is surrender and worship. Make space now to pull out your Bible and sit in worshipful surrender to the Lord. He is present and ready to speak to your heart. Listen. When you’re ready, take Briana’s challenge from Wednesday and read 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 several times, praying as you read for the Lord to open your eyes to seeing and knowing Him. Make note of each instance where you see the word “in”. Then spend time praying over these, reading them again, and asking the Lord what truths He wants you to walk in today.

3) Think about the things in your life that are stable, bringing a source of security and comfort. Go ahead and list them out on paper and think about how each one brings you comfort in a unique way. Spend time praising God in specific ways for these sources of stability. Paul wrote his letter to the churches of Thessalonica during a time when their world was spinning with unknowns. There were very few certainties, much fear, and the constant threat of persecution, but Paul urged the believers to drop anchor into what they knew to be absolutely true. Because Paul had deeply invested in knowing God, he could confidently face the tumult around him. To this end, he encouraged his fellow believers to also trust the truths they knew about the Almighty. Unlike our constantly changing circumstances, God and His truths never shift. He has always, and will always, be steadfastly the same. Read 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2 several times this weekend and keep a log on your phone of truths you recognize in just these two chapters. When you feel discouraged, frustrated, or fearful, open this list and be reminded of the God who never changes!

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 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

You yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit. As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, sometimes I read of the first century church and I’m completely blown away with amazement at the wonderful things You did through them. I read of incredible boldness and Spirit-led acts of courage as believers set aside everything to follow You whether it was relationships, material possessions, or even their very lives. I admit I tend to amplify them in my mind, forgetting they were also real people like me and like other believers around me. Keep me from falling into the belief trap that You don’t work in the same way now as You did then, keep stirring inside my heart to go deeper in faith with You. Open my eyes and ready my heart to speak with boldness of the ways You’ve worked in my life! Help me to trust that You know exactly who, and how, You want my life to impact another’s with Your hope and love. I pray that was true for the church in Thessalonica will be true of me, “the word of the Lord rang out from you, (…) in every place that your faith in God has gone out.”

Worship Through Community

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

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

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Nations Day 3 Black Sister In The South

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:14-22
Psalm 13
Ephesians 4:1-16
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
Revelation 21

Nations, Day 3

I was born in  Mississippi and currently live in North Carolina. Both states are part of the Bible Belt, “an area chiefly in the southern part of the U.S. where there are many people who have very strong and strict Christian beliefs.” (Merriam Webster)

The Bible Belt is well-known for church attendance, and I remember attending my grandma’s Baptist church in Mississippi during summer visits. Mind you, I was raised in Chicago, as a member of a Catholic Church.

“North” church equaled a scripted, subdued, short service in comfy clothes.
“South” church equaled a long, exuberant service in my “Sunday best,” whether comfortable or not.

At my grandma’s church, there was much shouting, clapping, and spreading contagious joy in knowing the Lord and His faithful goodness. But sometimes, they’d peel back a layer to reveal this praise was how they survived the hardships accompanying being Black in America. This is especially true in a South where Christians historically not only upheld slavery, but where racism continues to thrive in the present day.

Psalm 13 begins, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

I heard this lament during hot summers at my granny’s church when the pastor preached on persevering in the face of trials, difficulty, and unfair treatment. I didn’t realize then how personally this passage would address my experiences in life and church. It wasn’t until I was older I understood how much African Americans still dealt with the roots of racism.

It was a turning point for me to realize that as African Americans, our faith was born out of a need to find unconditional love and hope. We weren’t going to get it from the world. So we gathered in churches and we leaned into Jesus, Who didn’t rebuff us because of our melanin. The first verse of Psalm 13 has been read and prayed for hundreds of years in the Black church.

But let’s not forget the end of the chapter:
“But I have trusted in your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.
I will sing to the Lord
because He has treated me generously.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

I realized no matter what the world thinks of me or does to me, God loves me and I can trust Him. He sent Jesus to die for me. And not just me, for everyone.
John 3:15 says, “so that everyone who believes in Him”. (emphasis mine)
John 3:16 goes on to explain, “For God loved the world.” (emphasis mine)
Finally, John 3:17 tells us, “Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned.” (emphasis mine)

The message of Jesus’ sacrificial love and redemption is for every. single. person.
When we embrace Him as our Savior, we enter into His eternal victory, regardless of our present struggles.

Ephesians 4:11-13 reveals God has equipped us to do ministry for the growth of the church and unity in Christ. I remember the first time I volunteered with my church serving “under-privileged communities,” which translated to African American and Latin communities in Raleigh. I volunteered to teach kids’ Bible lessons.

Reading through the material, I realized the “canned” examples wouldn’t work, because the kids couldn’t relate; their experiences were nothing like those the lessons referenced. Some examples would even be offensive. Therefore, when I served, I would change the “life situation” examples and the kids would light up with recognition of their own lives in the lesson.

I have frequently encountered this problem with cross racial ministry. If you haven’t walked in another’s shoes, or taken time to learn about their experiences, you’re ministering from a blind spot. I think of Saul, who believed in Yahweh, but not “The Way.” Once he met Jesus and became Paul, he made it his business to walk in other’s shoes when ministering. To the Jews, he became like a Jew; to those under the law, like one under the law; to the weak, he became weak. (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)

Why? Paul says, “I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22) This, sisters, is where the Church often goes wrong. The Church often ministers to communities based on what we think they need. Instead, we should intentionally devote time to understand what the need truly is.

Want to minister to a “not like you” community? Partner with and support a church already on the ground. Paul demonstrated this idea by working alongside Priscilla and Aquila, who had already been in Corinth. (Acts 18:1-4) I would venture to say that sometimes when we don’t lead with empathy and authentic relationships, ministry comes off like we’re trying to be a savior. But Church, there is only one Savior, and His name is Jesus.

Please don’t misunderstand. I love the Church.
But sometimes, she doesn’t act like she loves me.

For instance, during an online racial unity discussion, a woman I considered a friend asked, “Why can’t Black people just get over it, like the Jews did with the Holocaust?”

Unfortunately, in the American Church, this is not an uncommon sentiment. Therefore, it can be hard to attend church, knowing the people there might be against us just because of our race.

Despite the hardships, I fix my mind on this: in the new heaven and new earth, Jesus will wipe away every tear and death, grief, crying and pain will no longer exist. (Revelation 21:1-4) The city’s gates will never close and “Nothing unclean will ever enter it [. . .] but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

On that day, all nations will come and worship Jesus. (Revelation 15:4)
So I live for the day when we’ll be one before our King.
Amen and Amen.

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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 Nations 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 Nations!

Word Day 7 How’s Your Worship?: 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 How’s Your Worship?!

The Questions

1) What are the benefits of following the Lord?

2) David repeats the phrase, “the fear of the Lord”; what does this mean?

3) Why does David write, “bless the Lord”? I thought God blesses us.

Psalm 103

My soul, bless the Lord,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 My soul, bless the Lord,
and do not forget all his benefits.

3 He forgives all your iniquity;
he heals all your diseases.
4 He redeems your life from the Pit;
he crowns you with faithful love and compassion.
5 He satisfies you with good things;
your youth is renewed like the eagle.

6 The Lord executes acts of righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He revealed his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.
9 He will not always accuse us
or be angry forever.
10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his faithful love
toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed
our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
14 For he knows what we are made of,
remembering that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass—
he blooms like a flower of the field;
16 when the wind passes over it, it vanishes,
and its place is no longer known.
17 But from eternity to eternity
the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear him,
and his righteousness toward the grandchildren
18 of those who keep his covenant,
who remember to observe his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord,
all his angels of great strength,
who do his word,
obedient to his command.
21 Bless the Lord, all his armies,
his servants who do his will.
22 Bless the Lord, all his works
in all the places where he rules.
My soul, bless the Lord!

Original Intent

1) What are the benefits of following the Lord?

In this psalm, David lists a multitude of benefits for following the Lord. Just because David was the one anointed to become king (1 Samuel 16:1-13), didn’t mean he was isolated and protected. He was hunted down to be killed by more than one person, including his own son, Absalom. (2 Samuel 17) He faced death often, and even before he was chosen as the next king, he was viewed as insignificant. (1 Samuel 17:33) He was also far from perfect. David murdered (2 Samuel 11:14-18), lied (1 Samuel 21:2-3), and committed adultery (2 Samuel 11:2-4). He still suffered the negative effects of those sins. Yet, he penned this psalm of praise, encouraging everyone to follow the Lord because His way is wise, best and overflowing with benefits. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:1-15), David experienced the benefit of the Lord’s forgiveness. (verses 3, 9-10) David knew firsthand what it meant to have his life saved from destruction as he was pursued by enemies. (verses 6, 8, and 13) Because David had experienced the many, gracious benefits of the Lord throughout his life, he confidently proclaimed how the Lord would continue blessing future generations who committed to following the ways of the Lord. (verses 15-19) We see one evidence of God’s generational blessing specific to David and his son, Solomon, in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:6.

 

2) David repeats the phrase, “the fear of the Lord”; what does this mean?

Fear in this case does not mean being afraid in the sense of terror, rather it means a humble recognition that God is all-powerful and the only One worthy of respect and glory. The fear of the Lord is reverential awe. David’s son, Solomon, would eventually write, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) Fearing the Lord in the Old Testament looked like sacrifices, but it also was tightly connected to the posture of the heart. (Psalm 51:16-17, Isaiah 1:10-15) Brothers, Cain and Abel, both offered sacrifices, but only one brother’s offering was acceptable. (Genesis 4:4-5) Sacrifices were commanded by God because He wanted His people to understand that sinning against Him breaks His relationship with them. Sin pridefully asserts ourselves against God’s righteousness. Because God wanted His people to understand the seriousness of sin, and the reality that sin comes at a price, He instituted the Sacrificial System. Depending on the type of sin, sacrifices were required to pay the penalty of sin. Doves, grain, sheep, and bulls (yes, an entire cow!) were offered as atonement for sin when they stepped away from following God and His law. (Leviticus 19) All of this was designed to help Israel understand that fearing the Lord meant realizing God is righteous and holy while we are sinners, separated from Him. There were a lot of laws to remember, and along the way, Israel’s focus shifted from fearing the Lord to simply managing their behavior with ever-lengthening lists of “how to’s and don’t do’s”. David’s words were a reminder to Israel that fearing the Lord is a good thing; the best thing. Revering the Lord is the right way to live because only in this context, we enjoy a close relationship with the Lord. By walking in the fear of the Lord, God pours out His blessings on generations to come. (verses 13 and 17)

 

3) Why does David write, “bless the Lord”? I thought God blesses us.

There are several types of psalms including lament, thanksgiving, and praise among others. While some psalms combine themes, Psalm 103 is full of praise as the psalmist, David, lists reasons to “bless the Lord, oh my soul” both individually and corporately with other believers. David knew how to praise the Lord because he had witnessed the Lord’s kindness in all aspects of life, whether difficult or easy and he wrote many psalms extolling God’s goodness. He literally danced in the street so great was his desire to bless the Lord. (2 Samuel 6:14-22) David’s “oh my soul” refrain springs from a desire to go deeper in his worshipful adoration of the Lord. In the midst of his praise, David speaks to himself. He isn’t content with merely singing, or even dancing or hand-raising as outward expressions of praise. David wants to praise the Lord from the depths of his being. He wants to be all in for blessing the Lord.   

Everyday Application

1) What are the benefits of following the Lord?

Because the Lord doesn’t change, the benefits of following Him are the same for us as they were for King David and the generations who followed him. (Numbers 23:19, James 1:17) When Jesus came to earth as God incarnate (in human flesh), those who followed God experienced a fuller manifestation of His benefits. After Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He poured out the Holy Spirit to dwell within those who trusted Him. (Acts 2:4) His presence brought a radical abundance of blessing to God’s people. For us today, His benefit may not look like a leper being cleansed (Mark 1:40-45), but it could look like a different diagnosis, being healed completely, or having minimal side effects from a treatment. (verse 3) The benefits in the 21st century may be evidenced as the exact provision we need precisely at the time we need it. Deliverance may not be a physical “parting of the Red Sea”, but it could look like your plans suddenly changing, later realizing the shift ended up being better than the original plan. Even running late could be the Lord’s protection and deliverance from a potential accident. The Lord’s benefits are as simple as a flower’s bloom or as grand as healing, but the most significant benefit from the Lord is forgiveness from sin and redemption from our past. These benefits didn’t end when Jesus died on the cross, they only started there. The price Jesus paid to cover our unrighteousness was for all time. Repent from your sin, believe on the Lord Jesus, and your sins will be washed away just as David wrote, “…as far as the east is from the west.” (verse 12)

 

2) David repeats the phrase, “the fear of the Lord”; what does this mean?

Even today many view God as angry and vengeful when His “rules” aren’t followed. We tend to miss God’s heart’s desire to have a relationship with us. Still, our sin separates us from Him. This is why Jesus came as God in the flesh! Christ came to earth, sacrificing Himself as the full payment for all sin, demonstrating once and for all that God is merciful and gracious. He loves each person. In the Old Testament, sin had a sliding scale of “value”. Different sins mandated different types of sacrifices, some more costly than others. There may have been instances of people not being able to provide the sacrifice required, which meant they were still under the burden of unremitted, unforgiven sin. But Jesus! Jesus paid for all sin, whether large or small, past or present. All sin is sin. There are still consequences to our sins, but if we trust Jesus as our Savior to make payment for our sin and we repent, we are forgiven. The effects of sin remain as long as we are on earth, but the eternal price has been paid at Calvary with Jesus’ blood sacrifice. In our modern age, fearing the Lord should still be the focal point of our everyday lives. His love for us leaves us awestruck! Even when we are deep in sin, we are still loved and can be rescued! A lifestyle drenched in iniquity, a vice we can’t seem to overcome, even a bad attitude can become like mire and keep us trapped in the pit of sin. When we repent and believe in Christ, choosing to follow Him and His ways, we are rescued from the Pit of Hell! (verse 12) We are no longer separated from God! In Jesus, God in the flesh mercifully gave Himself for us. Instead of angry judgement, He gives compassion, love and mercy. We should stand in reverential awe of this divine, selfless grace as He wraps us in His love.

 

3) Why does David write, “bless the Lord”? I thought God blesses us.

We know how to bless others, like family and friends, with kind gestures of generosity or a thoughtful phone call, but how do we, mere humans, bless the Lord God Almighty? In our modern culture we use “bless” and “blessing” to mean bestowing gifts or as a description for receiving good things. But blessing the Lord can stem from nothing less than a true heart of worship. The Lord owns all things and has authority over all things, but He has given us free will to choose whether we will worship Him or worship ourselves. Even as finite human beings, we can indeed bless the Lord by surrendering our hearts in adoring worship to Him. While outward gestures bless people, the Lord looks at our hearts. We can raise our hands, bow our heads, and sing vibrantly, but unless our hearts are humbled before the King of Kings, we aren’t truly blessing Him. David wanted to praise God from his innermost being, to be completely in for blessing the God who rescued him. Psalm 103 lists a whole slew of reasons (if we needed some help) to give the Lord worship and praise. Let’s tap into the very deep core of our spirit, turning ourselves over in genuine worship to give God the praise and blessing due His name!

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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

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Worship VIII Day 11 Authentic Worship

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 13
Psalm 103
John 4:23-24
Romans 12:1-2

Worship VIII, Day 11

What do you think of when you hear the word “worship?”

Though a popular topic among Christians, worship can be difficult to define. For many, our minds immediately turn to music. Whether it’s through classic hymns or modern songs, we often associate worship with gathering together to sing praise to God.

That’s certainly one aspect of worship, but I’ve come to realise there’s more. Because I was a musician, I’ve often been asked to “lead worship” in different contexts . . . but to be an effective leader, I had to discover the fuller, deeper meaning of worship.

It turns out, while music is often an expression of worship, it’s really more about our attitudes and our hearts.

My favourite definition of worship comes from William Temple, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-44:

“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose – all this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable.”

Worship is so much more than just singing! In fact, Isaiah revealed how unimpressed God was with His people’s “worship” when their words did not reflect the attitude of their hearts:

“These people approach me with their speeches to honor me with lip-service, yet their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13)

Generations later, Jesus explained that true worshippers “worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23)

So, we’re called to authentic worship, but what does that mean?

First, the object of our worship matters, because we all worship something. What is most valuable to us? We might be tempted to devote ourselves to a relationship, career, wealth, or success, but true worship is valuing God above all else.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Next, authentic worship means responding to the truth of who God is, coming to Him in reverent acknowledgment that He is God, and we are not. It is recognising His holiness and our sinfulness.

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.”  (Psalm 29:2)

True worship is also honest. It entails coming as we really are, rather than pretending or putting on a show.

It can be tempting to judge our worship by our feelings. How strongly do we feel our connection with God, how clearly do we sense God speaking, or how intensely do we feel the emotion behind our words. But God doesn’t judge our worship this way.

Instead, He invites us to come as we are, through Jesus (Ephesians 2:13), regardless of our feelings.

The psalms provide examples of people approaching God in all kinds of situations and a variety of emotions. Sometimes, the people of God turn to Him rejoicing and praise bubbling forth effortlessly. (Psalm 103)

Other times, they come weeping, pleading for help or justice, fearful or angry about their circumstances, and full of doubts and questions. (Psalm 13)

The common thread woven into their worship is God’s children coming as they are. Their worship does not deny the challenges they face or the turmoil they are feeling, rather
they choose to turn their focus to God in the midst of hardship.  

Many psalms begin in anguish, but as the writers bring their situations before God, they come around to a place of praise. Nothing has changed about their situations, but authentic worship moves them to the place of finding hope in God, and reasons to praise Him, even in difficult times.

Worship is not measured by our feelings, but it does involve bringing our feelings, in all honesty, to God.

Finally, true worship is not confined to church gatherings or focused times of prayer. Authentic worship lives not only in our words, but in our actions, in the way we live our lives.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Worship leader, Matt Redman, sums it up well in this quote from his foreword for R.T. Kendall’s book, Worshipping God,

“The song God loves most of all is the one that is not merely found on our lips, but is echoed by our thoughts, words, and deeds.”

Together, let’s turn our hearts to God alone, approaching Him with gratitude in joy and honest vulnerability in suffering. May the hope and peace we find in declaring His transcendent goodness lead us into lives defined by authentic worship.

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

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

Worship VIII Day 10 Christ Be Magnified

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 148
Matthew 16:24-28
Daniel 3
Daniel 6

Worship VIII, Day 10

I love music. It is one way I truly connect with God. Often, I’ll find myself mindlessly singing a song and, once I tune in, realize God placed it in my heart. Whether the song is from church, the radio, or simply my memory, it lifts my spirit as I sing His praises.

“Christ be Magnified” is a song I love to hold in my heart.

“Were creation suddenly articulate
With a thousand tongues to lift one cry
Then from north to south and east to west
We’d hear ‘Christ be magnified!’

Were the whole earth echoing His eminence
His name would burst from sea and sky
From rivers to the mountain tops
We’d hear ‘Christ be magnified!’”

Have you ever stood on a mountain top, or on a beach with pounding waves, and been moved to praise to the Lord? Undeniably, immersion in God’s wondrous creation stirs up praise within us!

Imagine all of creation longing to shout and sing in praise of its Creator!
In fact, Luke 19:40 declares if man is silent, the very rocks will cry out.
And Psalm 148 details every part of creation glorifying God.

“When every creature finds its inmost melody
And every human heart its native cry
O then in one enraptured hymn of praise
We’ll sing ‘Christ be magnified!’”

We are God’s finest creation.
We are not the mountain top or the sandy beaches; no, we are made in God’s own image.
We possess the ability to lift His name above all other names.

“O! Christ be magnified!
Let His praise arise
Christ be magnified in me
O! Christ be magnified!
From the altar of my life
Christ be magnified in me”

Let’s consider that last line, is Christ magnified from the “altar” of our lives?
Do we magnify Him by sacrificing our wants and desires?
By leaving behind our sin and our own ways?
By pursuing true surrender?

That one hits hard. It’s easy to say the words “Christ be magnified.”
But, when we slow down and take honest inventory, do we really embrace surrender?
Or just sing pretty words?
True surrender requires us to lay down our leadership of our own lives;
only then can Christ be magnified in us. (Matthew 16:24-25)

“I won’t bow to idols, I’ll stand strong and worship You
And if it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice because You’re there, too”

This stanza reminds me of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Like these faithful men, how can we magnify God in the unexpected, hard times?
When we face hurt or loss or rejection?
When we encounter financial hardship, or physical illness?
When the future is unclear, and the way forward asks us to risk everything?

When we surrender to God’s leadership in the hard things, choosing the way of grace, the way of endurance and faith and sacrifice, we learn He is Emmanuel, God with us . . . even in the fire.

“I won’t be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true
If the cross brings transformation then I’ll be crucified with You
‘Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life
And if I join You in Your suffering then I’ll join You when You rise
And when You return in glory with all the angels and the saints
My heart will still be singing and my song will be the same”

In our world, death seems final and fearsome. It’s an unknown. But for believers, death carries a different meaning. 2 Corinthians 5:8 reassures us “we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” As the song says, death is a doorway from one life to another. Are we willing to walk with the Lord and suffer with Him, even in death?

Whether we face literal death as penalty for faith, or the daily choice to embrace the death of our own wills and sin-filled natures, may our earthly lives testify to the transforming power of our God.

May we look forward, with hope and anticipation,
to the day we stand before Him in the fullness of His glory,
still declaring, “O! Christ be magnified!”


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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 Worship VIII Week Two! 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 Worship VIII!

Worship VIII Day 7 Our Beautiful Jealous God: 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 Our Beautiful Jealous God!

The Questions

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)

Exodus 20:3-5

3 Do not have other gods besides me. 4 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me

Original Intent

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)
The Hebrew word for jealous, qanna, “combines the ideas of zeal and jealousy.” (Preceptaustion.org) When used to describe Jehovah in the Old Testament, qanna “reflects zero tolerance for the worship of other so-called gods. (Preceptaustion.org) God’s jealousy is not like human jealousy, which can be selfish and ugly. Author, David Guzik, explains that “God is jealous in the sense that He will not accept being merely added to the life; He insists on being supreme and does this out of love.” God is jealous because He is above all.  He is “God of gods, Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God.” (Deuteronomy 10:17) Author Richard Strauss argues that since God is the “highest and greatest being there is, infinitely holy and glorious, He must be passionately committed to preserving His honor and supremacy.” His great love for us makes Him jealous for us, wanting us to have all the benefits and protections of following Him and serving Him. When we worship idols, or turn to other gods, He is jealous for us and what we are missing by being outside the will of the only true God. He alone deserves praise, and He longs to reside in the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)
In Exodus 20 God gave His people the Ten Commandments to follow. God Himself spoke the words, engraving them with His finger (Deuteronomy 9:10) saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me. Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.” (Exodus 20:1-4) The Israelites lived among people who worshipped many gods, so the admonition in the 2nd commandment was necessary. Author David Guzik explains, “In the days of ancient Israel, there was great temptation to worship the gods of materialism (such as Baal, the god of weather and financial success) and sex (such as Ashtoreth, the goddess of sex, romance, and reproduction), or any number of other local deities.” Idol worship is seen primarily in eastern cultures today (like statues of Buddha or Mary). Though it is less common in the western hemisphere to see carved idols in homes or people worshipping physical idols at a temple, the practice of idolatry is still prevalent across the globe no matter where you live. John Currid explains, “For us to trust in anything more than the Lord is to make that thing a god. And idolatry can take many different forms, whether it be riches, glory, wisdom, or one’s physical appetites—it is giving homage to anything but Yahweh!“ When we promote anything or anyone above God in our lives, we are practicing idolatry. Even if they are good and positive people, pastimes, or possessions, when they reign above God in our hearts they are idols and must come down if we are to be obedient to God.

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)
When God gave Ten Commandments to the Israelites, He warned them not to worship other gods or make idols to worship, “for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” (Exodus 20:3-5) He equated idolatry with hating God; He warns that the consequences of idol worship would fall on the sinners and their ensuing generations. Far from being a generational curse from God, this is a warning that actions have consequences. God is not condemning generation after generation to punishment, rather He is cautioning them not to continue in the sinful ways of their ancestors. Author Rod Mattoon explains, “Even though children are not responsible or guilty for their father’s iniquity, they are influenced and affected by it. Sons and remote descendants inherit the consequences of their fathers’ sins, in disease, poverty, captivity, with all the influences of bad example and evil communications.” The consequences will not fall on children who do not hate God. Frequently, the sinful practices of one generation influence the lives of the next generation; this is what God is warning about. If people love God and turn away from the sin of the previous generation, they will not receive the wrath God saves for those who hate Him.

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)
It is odd to think of God as jealous, because jealousy is such a negative human emotion. It is easier to think of the word zealous, which author Richard Strauss describes as being synonymous for jealousy in the Bible when referring to God. He argues that “God is zealous—eager about protecting what is precious to Him.” I think about it in terms of how I feel for my daughter as she is choosing colleges. She has a scholarship to a good school, but she keeps looking at other schools that will cost more and require her to take on debt. I am zealous in my promotion of the choice that will give her a quality education and keep her from owing lots of money for many years to come. I know the harm that could come, and the good she might miss, if she chooses to go into debt for her education, so I advocate for her to make the choice that will save her future problems. This is how I see God in His jealousy, or zeal, for us. He promises that choosing to obey His commands and follow His ways will bless us. (Psalm 128) He warns that turning from Him will bring destruction. (Romans 6:23) He longs for us to worship Him and commune with Him, and He is jealous for us to make the right choice and avoid calamity. When you consider your everyday life choices and circumstances, how can you begin worshipping the One worthy of all your worship?

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)
If you know me at all you are not surprised that I am a fan of all things Jane Austen, but you might not suspect me to be an old school Star Wars fan. I also collect vintage valentines, love old Hollywood movies, enjoy copious amounts of cinnamon tea and slim volumes of British poetry. As much as I love my eclectic pastimes, I could give any of them up if needed. While it’s true they are important to me, God is number one in my heart and though I occasionally spend too much time or energy indulging other things, the Lord’s Spirit draws me back to Himself and I am quick to return. Idolatry, in its many forms, is still a source of temptation for me. D.L Moody defined it this way, “Whatever you make most of is your god. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.” For me that temptation is to put my own will above God’s will. Sometimes when I see what God is asking of me, I rebelliously assert that I know better. I fear uncertainty and I selfishly cling to my own plans, loving my own way more than God’s. I haven’t considered this idolatry before, but it boils down to worshipping my own will and wisdom over God’s, and that definitely fits the definition. So my prayer is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” I know He is trustworthy and true (Deuteronomy 7:9), so I purpose to choose His will over mine, breaking down my false idols.

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)
I love watching programs about ancestry that help people create a family tree. It’s interesting to discover how families stay for generations in one place or pursue one occupation. Occasionally one enterprising person will pull up stakes and move across the country, starting a new family line for generations in a new location. Many people live in the same area where their 5th great-grandfather settled without even realizing his decision impacted their present situation. God describes a similar situation in the Bible, but with dire consequences. He tells the Israelites in Exodus 20:5 not to worship other gods, “Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” The decisions we make impact those around us, especially our families. Children learn what we teach them, and when we model hating God by worshipping other “gods” like wealth, entertainment, materialism, or comfort, we are impacting their lives in significantly negative ways. If they don’t change and turn towards God, then we have also impacted their children. God not only warns us what can happen if we teach our children the wrong way, but He also tells us the positive consequences of teaching them to follow Him. Proverbs 22:6 gives us a wise principle; if we teach our kids to love God and follow His ways, even when they grow old they won’t digress. If we love God, even the mistakes we make can be worked out for our good and God’s glory in our lives. (Romans 8:28) We aren’t expected to be perfect, just to offer ourselves wholly to love and worship God alone. Our families will catch what we model!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Our Beautiful Jealous God!

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 Worship VIII 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! ~ Worship VIII 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) On Monday, Marietta transparently shared of an idol taking up time, focus, and adoration in her life. Her willingness to be so honest gives me the courage to stop shying away from addressing “idol worship” lurking in the corners of my own heart. I want to say Jesus is my first and only love, and that every other love flows from my rich and intimate relationship with Him, but if I discount my love of self, I’ve already deceived myself. Whether it’s the desire to “control”, the urge to “fix”, or my “bad habit” (ie: sin!) of jumping to conclusions about others before hearing the whole story, I know the list of idols vying for my attention is long. If I’m not actively praying for the Lord to remove temptation from me, I will easily fall into the idolatry habit of setting up Jesus as just “one of” my many idols instead of worshipping Him as the only One deserving of my whole life. If you sat for just 60 seconds, what idols would you identify from your life? Ask the Lord for courage to look them in the face. Ask Him to give you a heart that is repulsed by idol worship. Choose one idol you feel the Lord leading you to tear down, and text a friend, asking her to hold you accountable to flee the temptation of idol worship.

2) Paul sings of the riches of God, of His vast knowledge, and depths of wisdom that are impossible to plumb in his magnificent hymn of praise. (Romans 11:33-36) The way Paul sings about these gives me the idea he would gladly sit and consider them and gaze on them for eternity without boredom. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on many pursuits. Some worthy, and some utterly ridiculous. I can remember a season where I put countless hours into a game on my phone. How many hours have I spent belittling myself or others? Too many. The amount of time I’ve spent picking up toys after small children is quite high as well. When I consider the amount of time I’ve sat in worship, awestruck at the glories of the God I serve, I admit it doesn’t even come close to comparing. While I can easily justify my time by insisting that toys don’t pick up themselves, I forget that true worship isn’t limited to instances when I can physically sit still, open my Bible, and journal my praise. Opportunities for fully attentive heart worship are as plentiful as the seconds in my day and yours. Begin your journey into deeper worship right now by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, to remind you to offer up praise in the everyday moments instead of just the ones you deem as “holy”. Start a dialogue with the Lord and practice continuing it throughout the day and watch your relationship with God deepen as worship colors everything!

3) Yesterday, Carol pointed us toward the constantly astounding beauty of creation helping us attentively take in the glory of the Lord and respond with worship. We interact with the earth and its beauties every day in various forms, yet it takes intentional practice to move beyond interaction to worshipping the Creator. Set aside time this weekend to explore what it would look like in your relationship with God to spout off praise as you take in the intricate details of creation around you. Did you breathe deeply? Thank Him for perfectly balanced molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. Did you remind your heart to beat? Thank Him for designing your body with such stunning handiwork, wisdom, and creativity. Did your ear catch the sound waves of your friend’s voice? Praise Him for the atmosphere we live in. Maybe you caught a glimpse of the sun, a passing cloud, a masterfully painted sunset, or even the hard-packed ground in winter, these are invitations to know the Creator better and turn your heart to praise Him for His grace, beauty, love, and care!

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 Romans 11:33-36 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
35 And who has ever given to God,
that he should be repaid?
36 For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, how deeply I need Your truth to radically shake up my perspective and shape the way I worship You. You are good. Your love endures forever. Your faithfulness stretches to the sky. Lord God, my view of You is still too small; show me who You are. Show me Your glory. Let me glimpse Your face, so I might know You, love You, and worship You in spirit and in truth. Help my hands to slow, my mind to submit to Your renewal, and my eyes to look with fresh understanding at Your creation. Show me Yourself, Lord Jesus. In the process, expose my ugly idol worship, give me eyes to abhor it, then give me strength to tear these idols down so I can love You alone. One moment at a time, one breath of surrender after another, teach me to open my hands, lift my eyes, and offer You my whole heart, Jesus!

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