Significance

Terrain Day 7 The Jordan River: 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 The Jordan River!

The Questions

1) Why did Jesus go to John at the Jordan? (verse 13)

2) What is the significance of John being the one to baptize Jesus? (verse 15)

3) How were the “heavens suddenly opened” and the Spirt of God seen? (verse 16)

Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized. 16 When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.”.

Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus go to John at the Jordan River? (verse 13)
Although many translations add the word “river” for clarification, the Christian Standard Bible stays with original Greek text which does not include the word. Since the readers would be very familiar with the Jordan River, the clarification would only be necessary for those (like many of us) who have never lived in the area. All four gospels include the event of Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1) This significance should not be lost on the Bible student. Westerners ought to read passages that contain references to locations with eager minds to see beyond what is familiar to our western eyes. Verse 13 makes it clear that Jesus intentionally came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. John was intentionally baptizing people at the Jordan River. Throughout Jewish history, the Jordan became a symbolic place of God’s miraculous power and His covenantal promise to save His people. (Joshua 4:1-7, 2 Kings 2;11-14) John would have been well aware of the history and location of the events on the Jordan River. Yet Jesus did not go up from dry ground. He went up from the water. Jesus’ baptism was a demonstration that essentially Jesus conquered the Jordan and fulfilled God’s promise! Others were baptized that day, but Jesus’ baptism opened heaven! (Luke 3:21-23) Commentator Barnes says, “The expression ‘cometh’ [King James Version] implies that the act was voluntary on his part; that he went for that purpose and for no other. He left the part of Galilee – Nazareth – where He had lived for nearly 30 years, and went to the vicinity of the Jordan, where John was baptizing the people in great numbers, that He might be set apart to his work.” (Studylight.org)

2) What is the significance of John baptizing Jesus? (verse 15)
In chapter 3, the Bible writer Matthew introduced us to a man who would become a captivating character in the New Testament. John was the cousin of Jesus (Luke 1:36) who was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. We read about His significant birth in Luke 1:5-25. John would become a great witness of Jesus’ coming to earth by telling others about His life and death. His ministry was promised by God through the prophets in Isaiah 40:1-3 and Malachi 3:1. When John’s father Zacharias was told about his divine purpose, he likely recalled the prophet Elijah who spoke the message of God passionately. It was a message that set Elijah against the established religious, political, and social power structures of his day. Would his son be this kind of prophet? (Luke 1:15-17) And let’s remember that Zacharias himself was the religious establishment! (Luke 1:5) John was set apart from his beginning. (Luke 1:14-15), and he developed a following with his powerful preaching. When he baptized Jesus, he began to recognize (John 1:29-34) that the One coming was far greater than he would ever be. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11) When John identified Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:29-33), he was also introducing His divine nature (The Deity of Christ) to the Jewish leaders and the crowds that gathered. It had been 400 years since God had spoken to His people collectively. (blueletterbible.org) Now, here at the Jordan River that held such rich history, John brought a message from God to the people, “He has not forgotten you.”

3) How were the “heavens suddenly opened” and the Spirt of God seen? (verse 16)
Although Matthew, the writer of this book, offers a good description of the event, most of us have no frame of reference for this kind of experience. I have heard the expression “the skies opened up” when someone wanted to communicate that a sudden downpour of rain occurred, but it isn’t a phrase I use or hear often. For most, the connection between heaven and earth is shrouded in mystery. The people in Jesus’ day were no different. Based on the reactions of the disciples and the crowds to spectacular incidents, most of them were not accustomed to dramatic experiences. (Matthew 9:32-33, 12:22-23, 15:29-31) Those familiar with the Old Testament are aware that the work of the Holy Spirit was different in the New Testament than it had been in the Old. At the time of Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God had not yet come to stay in the way He would after Jesus returned to Heaven. (John 16:7-14) The Spirit’s coming upon Jesus in a manner that was observable by those nearby is similar to the coming of the Spirit upon the disciples in Acts 2:1-4. The apostle John wrote that John (the baptizer) knew this sign was evidence of God’s presence and blessing on Jesus. (John 1:31-32) Though present-day images often picture a visible dove, likely it was the appearance of something dove-like swooping down around Jesus. “The dove suggests to Jesus’ purity, meekness, innocence. It was not majestic like the eagle or fierce like the hawk or flamboyant like the cardinal. It was simple, common, innocent; the kind of bird poor people could offer for a sacrifice. So when God anoints Jesus with the Spirit in the form of a dove, He directs Him to use His power in meekness and tenderness and love.” The prophet spoke about this in Isaiah 42:1-4 and Jesus declared Himself the fulfillment in Luke 4:17-21. (John Piper, Christianity Today)

Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus go to John at the Jordan River? (verse 13)
When I traveled to Israel several years ago, we took a boat across the Sea of Galilee. I remember our guide telling us the body of water wasn’t nearly as massive as some we had likely seen in America. Still, the Sea of Galilee was famous for followers of Jesus because of the Man of Galilee, and not the sea itself! Although the Jordan is dwarfed by the Nile River in many ways, it served the people in Israel much like the Nile has done for Egypt. The Jordan River not only was an important source of water, but it also carried great spiritual significance in biblical times. Though I had been baptized in a church by my preacher-daddy many years before, I stepped into the Jordan River a couple of years ago and was immersed again by my daddy as a demonstration of my salvation. My first baptism had no saving power, and the Jordan’s waters have no mystical power to cleanse us differently. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change, but it is an action displaying obedience to Christ. The day I went down into the water of the Jordan River, I wanted to remember and rehearse what God declared about Jesus at the Jordan thousands of years ago, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” (Luke 3:22)

2) What is the significance of John baptizing Jesus? (verse 15)
To most of us in the West with little knowledge of what a middle Eastern prophet might look like, John seems a different kind of man, but he wore the garb of other prophets. (Zechariah 13:3) John’s uniqueness was in the message he carried for it broke the silence and resonated with many. The Bible timeline reveals that 400 years had passed since God had communicated with His people. John was chosen by God as a witness to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It was he who saw and heard God’s approval and acknowledgment of the Son. “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17) Additionally, Jesus’ coming to John showed God’s approval of John’s ministry of baptism. John likely etched this moment in his soul, as it would no doubt be critical in the future as others would doubt John’s authority. Even he would need the reminder in his moment of wondering and doubt. Had he been misled by proclaiming Jesus as Messiah? (Matthew 11:2-3) But John’s moment of crisis did not define him. Jesus spoke to the people of how He thought of John, “A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet … I tell you, among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared.” (Matthew 11:9) In his humility, John made much of Jesus at the Jordan River. In a glorious reality, it’s Jesus who makes places and people significant! Like John, when we make much of Jesus, it is to our pleasure and reward. Pastor John Piper said, “there is no tension between finding our significance in making much of God and being as happy as we can be.”

3) How were the “heavens suddenly opened” and the Spirt of God seen? (verse 16)
At the Jordan River, God the Father proclaimed His love for, and pleasure with, Jesus Christ, His Son. The sky appeared to open as the Spirit descended upon Jesus and the Father honored Him before the watching world. Psalm 19 is a declaration to this God, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands.” When we look at the night sky and thousands of glowing stars, we marvel at the Creator’s handiwork. It is as if creation itself speaks to us the wonders of our Maker. When Jesus came to the Jordan, the heavens declared God’s glory in a new and wonderful way. In Jesus, God came to us and we “observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning Him and exclaimed, ‘This was the one … [who] ranks ahead of me because He existed before me.’) Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from His fullness!!” (John 1:14-18) There’s an old spiritual song about the Jordan, “Jesus will be waiting, He’s gonna’ help me to cross.” (Jordan River Lyrics) The amazing truth is that our Savior God is going to do much more than help us across. He HIMSELF opened the heavens to us. He is the river, the bridge, and the promised land of Heaven. Diving into the waters of grace gives us assurance of a glorious future! (Revelation 7:11-17)

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

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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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If Day 11 Free Ride

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If Day 11 Free Ride

Sara Cissell

July 26, 2021

Follow,Gift,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Joy,Kingdom,Love,Peace,Redemption,Relationship,Sacrifice,Seeking,Significance,Trust

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 13:44-46
Romans 5:1-5
Matthew 6:25-34
James 1:2-4

“Yes, but it’s going to cost you.”

Have you heard a version of this phrase, if not those exact words? 

I have. Sometimes it’s said with the humor of a friend; other times, it has been spoken with all seriousness. 

Cost. 
We understand it from a monetary sense pretty easily. Do I have the money needed to buy this? How much do I need or want said item, and what am I willing to do to ensure I can make the payment? 

But do we grasp the concept of cost beyond dollar signs? 
Do we recognize cost is involved in every decision we make? 
Beyond that, do we recognize we are changed by every decision we make? 

In the business world, return on investment, otherwise known as ROI, is a recurrent phrase. Will an investment provide a return that is worth the cost of the investment?

Will our investment of following Jesus provide a valuable return?

Suppose following Jesus cost us nothing?

Cost is significant. 
Upon reflection, I honestly cannot think of a time when cost was not connected to change in my character or life.  Even when I’ve received a free gift, I am aware of the significant cost to the giver. 
Cost is always involved. 

With these thoughts swirling through my mind, I sat down to write this study.

What if following Jesus cost us nothing?            

If my brain were a literal computer, I would be receiving an error message. In fact, my mind is unable to compute that sentence, and I think of the movie Mean Girls, in which a character says, “The limit does not exist” during math class. 

We’re either following Jesus, or we’re leading ourselves.
We’re seeking His kingdom, or we’re building our own. 
We’re either counting the cost to follow Him, or we’re not investing. 

Adam and Eve chose to invest in the words of the serpent and we are still reaping the returns on their investment. From the very beginning of time, cost has been at play.
Our relationships with Jesus are no different.            

The Bible says a difficult road and narrow gate are the way to heaven. Narrow means lots of decisions are involved in staying the course. Narrow means potentially being misunderstood by those walking the broad paths. Narrow means uncomfortable seasons and various invitations for growth. 

Narrow means there will be a cost,
and the final return on investment is Heaven.

But what if…
following Jesus cost us nothing?

We willingly pay out for what we view as valuable.
If we aren’t willing to pay, we deem the value as worthless. 

Eternity with Jesus is a pretty significant return on investment, and motivates many people to choose to trust Him. However, Heaven is not the only return we receive when we truly follow the Lord. 

Galatians 5:22-24 highlights the fruit of the Spirit, and outlines the cost of their cultivation. When we “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires,” we allow the Spirit to move within us and He pours out love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The brutal language describing the cost of following Jesus boldly declares to us that holiness, not happiness, is the aim of the Christian life. The way of change, the way of transformation, the narrow way of daily putting to death the sin nature wrapped around our spirits since Adam and Eve’s initial investment . . . this is the way of great cost.

We gladly pay the cost because the benefit far outweighs the price tag of surrendering self to the Savior who gave Himself wholly for us, choosing to hold nothing back. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Whole surrender is the way of Jesus, who sacrificed everything from His human body to His very existence in community with the Father. 

This is the way of Jesus-followers, who are called to walk in His footsteps by picking up our own crosses.

Oh yes, the cost is great.
But the reward, “the joy set before [us],” Jesus assures us, is far greater.

For in return for Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive redemption, the knitting back together of our spirits once torn apart by the claws of our sinful choices.

In return for our costly sacrifice, we become more like Him, the One who sacrificed all for our redemption.

Thus, not only do we know Him more deeply, but we reflect Him more clearly to the searching world around us.

“Come,” our lives say, “Here is the One who can breathe healing and life into your shattered soul.” 

Finally, in Ephesians 6:10-18, we learn how God equips and sustains us through the attacks we will experience during our days on earth. The Lord does not leave us alone until we get to heaven. He is faithfully with us, teaching us how to navigate this lifetime. Again, the benefit of never being alone or ill-equipped adds to the value of following Jesus with our whole lives. 

We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have the Word of God to read and learn, and we have the Heavenly Father loving us deeply. The Lord’s love is infinite and His mercies are new every morning. 

While the sacrifices and challenges involved in following Jesus are quite costly, the ROIs of following Christ are infinite. I will gladly invest to gain Christ and heaven for eternity, and to point others to His open arms during my time on earth. 

I am so very grateful that following Christ costs me something.
This is a gift I can never repay!

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Connected,cost,eternity,free,Fruit,If,Ride,Savior,surrendering,What iF
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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!
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Questions 2 Day 7 You Do You: Digging Deeper

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Questions 2 Day 7 You Do You: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

February 2, 2021

Digging Deeper,Encourage,God,Humility,Kingdom,Life,Love,Scripture,Significance,Truth,Wisdom

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

This DD Connects With "You Do You"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 1:20-33

20 Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares. 21 She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates: 22 “How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? 23 If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words. 24 Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, 25 since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, 26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you. 28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me. 29 Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, 30 were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, 31 they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes. 32 For the apostasy of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Is the personification of Wisdom as a woman significant to the passage? (verses 20-21)

The majority of Proverbs is authored by King Solomon, the son of King David, who admirably asked the Lord for wisdom to lead his kingdom rather than asking for personal fame, wealth, or power. (2 Chronicles 1:1-12) As God often does, He rewarded the king’s request by giving him more than he sought. It was Solomon’s wisdom that brought him much recognition, wealth, and success. He penned many words of wisdom that were not recorded in Scripture but were known throughout the world. (1 Kings 4:29-34)

We are not told specifically why Proverbs personifies the quality of wisdom as a woman. The Hebrew word for wisdom is the feminine noun hakmot, leading some scholars to believe that Wisdom personified would naturally be translated “she.” It is difficult to know whether the feminine grammar structure of the word itself influenced his choice or not. What is obvious is that wisdom was so important to Solomon that he intentionally utilized the literary device of personification to elevate it to human form.

In personifying wisdom, he communicated the value of wisdom through a vivid illustration. Although I usually encourage digging into the context of a verse or passage, the book of Proverbs is one of a few unique books in Scripture which provides very little context. It is made up of independent, often witty, observations from its author about how the world operates, and offers practical and prudent solutions for life issues. “The word ‘proverb’ means ‘to be like,’ thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths.” (bible-studys.org) Personifying Wisdom captivates the reader and intensifies the wise instructions and important warnings from Solomon.

The Everyday Application

1) Is the personification of Wisdom as a woman significant to the passage? (verses 20-21)

Solomon is painting a picture for his son. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon warns his son of the two kinds of women, the virtuous kind and the wicked, seductive kind. This ‘woman’ (Wisdom) is the feminine personification of godly wisdom. Solomon, the man of wisdom, offers his son what had become so valuable to him through God’s provision.

Solomon understood the value and significance of a woman. Painting wisdom as a woman would likely be compelling to the young man, not necessarily in a sexual way but in a tender and nurturing way. (Proverbs 1:8-9) In portraying wisdom as an elegant lady, Solomon sets the scene for his instruction to his son. Lady

Wisdom provides a better choice for us too. She provides the pathway to a better life. Friend, putting ourselves in the center of our world will not bring us peace. The fruit of the righteous person is demonstrated by our desire for and pursuit of wisdom. She calls out to us, “Seek wisdom and let your gentleness and humility be known to all!”. (James 3:13-18)

The Original Intent

2) To whom does Wisdom speak and why must she loudly cry out? (verses 21-24)

Solomon reminds his son of the enticement and secrecy of sin (verses 10-11) and instructs him to instead heed the voice of Wisdom (verse 21) above the noise.

Wisdom has nothing to hide as she cries out “at the entrance of the city gates.” She is calling those who love their ignorance to pay attention to her, but they are content to continue in foolish ways rather than do the hard work required to gain knowledge. If we were looking down on the crowd, we would see chaos and disorder.

Solomon has observed the battle that raged between Wisdom and her mockers as he ruled his kingdom. He has seen the devastation foolishness creates (verses 27-28) and wants his son to pay attention to the threat. “The greatest tragedy is that there’s so much noise that people can’t hear the things they really need to hear. God is trying to get through to them with the voice of wisdom, but all they hear are the confused communications clutter, foolish voices that lead them farther away from the truth.” (Warren Wiersbe biblegateway.com)

The Everyday Application

2) To whom does Wisdom speak and why must she loudly cry out? (verses 21-24)

As I write this study, many are reflecting on the year 2020. It seemed to be a year of confusion and chaos, but Wisdom shouts to us above the chaos. She calls the righteous to hear and heed her instruction and warnings. Make no mistake, it is the Lord Who is behind her voice!

Until we exchange our identity for Christ’s, we limit our lives to the brokenness of the world. This exchange happens through our surrendering ourselves to God and receiving His forgiveness and righteousness.  (1 John 2:28-3:3) Sister, our identity with Christ encompasses all the abundance of being a beloved daughter of God.  In Christ we have been given all wisdom!

Solomon chose wisdom and became rich. When we choose Christ, we also become rich. Wisdom is calling out through the person of Jesus Christ, “I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

The Original Intent

3) What warning does Wisdom give to those in the downward spiral toward apostasy? (verses 28-32)

Apostasy is defined by Merriam-Webster as “1: an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith 2: abandonment of a previous loyalty. (merriam-webster.com) It is clear from the passage that people have a choice about which way they will go. Their chaotic lives are, to a great extent, the consequence of their intentional decision to refuse Wisdom’s call. It is not fate that has brought about this foolishness. The mockers enjoyed their condition and rejected Wisdom’s counsel and correction as she calls them to fear the Lord. (verses 29-30)

The apostle Paul tells us in the New Testament that God will give the wicked what they desire. (Romans 1:24-25) It is important to note that those who hated knowledge received the “fruit of their way … and their own schemes”. (verse 31) Wisdom is not laughing (verse 26) at the fool’s calamity as some hard-hearted scoffer who does not sympathize with human misery. Wisdom is not the mocker!

We once again see the comparison Proverbs often uses. Laughter reveals the absurdity of choosing an unwise way of living that leads to destruction rather than receiving the security that Wisdom offers, which leads to life. (verse 33)

The Everyday Application

3) What warning does Wisdom give to those in the downward spiral toward apostasy? (verses 28-32)

Whether we decide to accept or reject the knowledge of God, our choice determines our future. Choosing the path of self-centered living only leads to destruction.

We may be the smartest woman in our circle. We may be the most confident. We may believe the lie of our adversary (1 Peter 5:6-8) that tells us exalting ourselves is the way to happiness. Yet, the wisest man who ever lived would urge us to resist this way of thinking.

Although being confident, smart, and powerful are not evil in themselves, they are not the source of contentment and tranquility, my sweet sister. “But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.” (verse 33) What a beautiful description of the peace that comes from listening to Wisdom. Humbling ourselves before the Lord is the beginning of a life of abundance and satisfaction. (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) As we look to the future, dread will not be a part of our vocabulary. And as we seek wisdom, we receive all the rest of the promises that are ours as we hide ourselves in God through our Savior Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:3)

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Correction,Counsel,forgiveness,Fruit,King Solomon,Most Confident,Proverbs,questions,righteous
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“You Do You!”

The message is full of promise and electric excitement, isn’t it?!

It sounds pretty amazing!

The popular catchphrase is full of empowerment to let each individual be exactly whoever and whatever she wants to be with no questions asked.

No one else’s standards. No one else’s rule. No one else’s expectation. Just, you do you.

While we nod along in agreement, feeling the thrill of personal power, we don’t even recognize the thickly woven rope tossed casually around us.
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The GT Weekend ~ Calling 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) What a breathtakingly stunning thought! The God of the universe is pleased to dwell among people! His desire is to have a deep and meaningful relationship with every beloved person in His church body. The opening poetry of Ephesians is full of magnificent truths about the believer’s position and identity in Christ. Rebecca gave us a list of declarations every believer in Christ can cling to as a promise of their standing with God. We do not need to wonder what God thinks of us because He tells us plainly in these verses. Go back and read through the list again! (Ephesians 1:1-14) Choose two or three specific promises and remind yourself of those truths in your life. Spend some time praying and imagining how God could change your life if you fully accepted those truths as part of your everyday. Write down those two or three declarations on a notecard or sticky note (make them pretty if you want!) and post them somewhere you’ll see them daily. When you see those cards, be reminded to pray to God for His help to live faithfully in light of His call on your life.

2) In Ephesians 1:15-23 we see the love Paul has for the Ephesians in his prayer for them, and we see the greatness of the calling of God on the lives of His people. Paul prays for the Ephesians to intimately know the call of God on their lives. If we believe in Christ, we share in this calling. By this calling, we can be confident in our rich, intimate knowledge of God, our value in His kingdom, and the power we experience through Jesus Christ. This truth should radically change how we live our lives! We experience God’s power when we obey His call on our lives. Identify one way in your life you are resisting submission to Christ’s call on your life. This could be a besetting sin you are holding onto or a step of faith you have been hesitant to take. Ask God to show you the greatness of His power by setting you free from whatever is holding you back, then make a plan to walk in obedience in this area, trusting God to sustain you. Consider sharing your plan with a trusted sister in Christ and invite her to check in with you about how you are following through.

3) When all we know is death, we can grow comfortable in the filth and stench of our own decay. Death feels like the inevitable pattern until we see the alternative. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:1-22 we were dead in our sins. But God, rich in mercy, made a way for us to be alive in Him. If you have believed in Christ, you are no longer a slave to the old, dead ways of living. You are alive in Christ! Rebecca challenges us to remember we are alive and then to live like we’re alive. Echoing her final thoughts, take some time to consider, and write down, answers to the following questions. Who can you love better? What is a tangible step you can take today to love God with your life? Is there a relationship in your life where unity is broken; what is a first step you can take toward reconciliation? Are you honoring the people closest to you? Ask God to help you take meaningful steps toward living like you are alive. Ask Him to give you an opportunity to share with someone in your life about how God has brought you out of death and into 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 Ephesians 1:17-19 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what is the wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of His strength.

Prayer Journal
Oh great and merciful Father, how can it be that You would love me? I cannot fathom the depths of love You have shown Your people by making us Your dwelling place. You are not a God who is far off, watching at a distance. You are a God who is nearby, providing for Your children, displaying Your great power in our lives. I admit I have often learned facts about You simply to increase my own knowledge. Forgive me of my pride, and use the knowledge I have found to enlighten my heart and draw me into a deeper relationship with You. I know I often live in my brokenness, forgetting the power of the truth of my new life in You. Help me to be aware of my sin, to recoil at my old desires, and to truly live in such a way that reflects the power You have in my life. Thank You for Your great mercy in setting me free from my past. Help me to grow in my intimate knowledge of You and Your great love for me. As I grow in unity with You, help me also to grow in unity with Your Body, the Church.

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Redeemed Day 10 Steps Of Faith

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ruth 3:1-5
Proverbs 27:9
Exodus 33:12-23

Redeemed, Day 10

“I’m home.” Flinging open the door to our small house, I called out to my mother-in-law. She looked up with joy in her twinkling brown eyes. I knew she loved me every time she looked at me.

“Ruth!” she exclaimed, looking up from her mending. “You’re home early!”

“The barley harvest is over,” I explained.  I’d been gathering grain in the barley fields of Naomi’s relative Boaz for the past month. He was so kind to me and everyone who worked for him. I had spent the morning picking up the final grains and cleaning up alongside the other working girls.   While eating lunch, I recalled that first day when I began working in Boaz’s fields. Naomi and I had just moved back from Moab, my homeland. We were destitute. Boaz, in his generosity, had shared his wine and toasted grain with me. Naomi was so excited when I showed her the barley I’d collected from his fields.  It was the happiest I had seen her in years!

Now, as she took the final bag of barley and placed it into the storage bin, she turned to me with a familiar intensity in her eye. It was the same look I’d seen when she decided to return here to Bethlehem after my husband, Kilion and his brother had died.

Naomi had a plan.

She reached for my hands, gripping them with tender love as she spoke,
“My daughter, I must seek rest for you and find a home for you,
where you will be well provided for.”

Naomi’s passionate gesture brought back an instant visual of when my sister-in-law, Orpah, and I last held Naomi’s hands. Naomi had decided to leave Moab and return to her homeland, Bethlehem. Through tears, she’d encouraged Orpah and me to stop following her to Bethlehem and instead return to Moab. She blessed us, saying, “May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.”

Orpah pulled her hands from Naomi’s grip and wrapped her arms around us. She would return to her parent’s home, but I couldn’t leave Naomi. I knew this decision was more significant than where I lived; it was an opportunity to leave the gods of Moab and follow Yahweh. Naomi had taught me of Yahweh and His goodness. Though she had suffered the loss of her two boys and her husband, she still believed Yahweh was kind. Though our life was hard and bitter, she taught me to see Lord’s kindness in our friendship, safety on our journey to her hometown, and provision in Boaz’s fields.  Even though I was now a foreigner and an outsider, she knew the Lord could answer her prayer for a home with security and a husband and kids. It wasn’t too much for the Lord.

She paused and looked me up and down, but her hold on my hands intensified with a fire of love in her eyes. My hair was straggly with husks stuck to my clothes, and I smelled like sweat and barley. It wasn’t a pretty picture, but that didn’t stop her.

“Tonight, our relative, Boaz, will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:3-4)

My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t believe Naomi’s plan. Sneak onto the threshing floor while Boaz was asleep, uncover his feet, and lie down!

Only men went to the threshing floor.  What if someone saw me?

I was shocked. I did not expect Naomi to come up with a plan like this!

Since moving to Bethlehem, Naomi had spent much time teaching me the Law. There were rules about food, keeping the Sabbath, our clothing, and appropriate relationships. Since Boaz was our relative, she had explained the role of the kinsman-redeemer. Meaning, Boaz had a special responsibility to protect the family and the land.  She also explained why such a kind and faithful man was still single.  Though Boaz’s father was Naomi’s relative, his mother was a former Canaanite prostitute. No parent in Bethlehem would allow their daughter to marry Boaz. To do so would risk Yahweh’s anger burning against them according to Deuteronomy 7:3-4, “Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”

As Naomi shared her plan, she noted how she had heard of Boaz’s kind character through conversation with the women of Bethlehem at the town well. The women’s testimony of his character and my stories of working with him had convinced her Boaz was a good man, who reflected Yahweh’s kindness. She believed God had saved him for me and brought me back from Moab for him.

Wow!  What a surprise.  I never imagined remarrying after Kilion died, but here was a gift of redemption. Naomi was giving me a life-changing choice just like she had with the choice to return home or move to Bethlehem.  She would love me regardless of my decision. She was more than my mother-in-law, she was my friend. We cooked together, laughed together, and learned Scripture together. Long before my husband died, she held me and cried with me every month I wasn’t pregnant. I trusted Naomi’s wisdom and perspective.  I trusted her heart and advice more than I trusted my own.

It was time to get cleaned up and put on my perfume.
It was time for me to take one more step of faith.

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Neighbor Day 6 Seeing Beyond The Service

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 7:36-50
Colossians 3:23-24
Isaiah 43:1-4

Neighbor, Day 6

I currently spend my working hours at the front desk of a doctor’s office. I am the voice answering the phone and seeking to assist the person on the other end. I am the one who schedules the next appointment and wishes individuals a good day as they leave. I am the face welcoming them to the office as they arrive for appointments.

For the most part, I love my job, because I am able to serve patients and my fellow staff members from my role at the front desk. The position enables me to be a blessing in a scenario where anxiety may be high and tensions may be mounting. My ability to multitask, function in a fast-paced environment, and think quickly on my feet increases the effectiveness of my service.

I prayed a great deal during the interview process for this job. Was this the job for me? It was not a logical choice in light of my degrees or the jobs I had previously held, but I knew I wanted a place where I could serve the Lord and those around me while also healing from the previous toxic work environment I had left.

Repeatedly, I sensed the Lord confirming this job choice. Several years later, I have discovered multiple reasons for my presence in the office, including the chance to write this Journey Study on loving the neighbor who provides a service!

For clarification, everyone, regardless of job title, provides a service: the stay-at-home mom, the CEO, the custodian. We all have the invitation to serve wherever we are with a mindset of working unto the Lord.

In the last several months, I have heard Beth Moore and Christine Caine reference the story in Luke 7 of Jesus asking Simon if he sees the woman before Him. Both highlighted the reality of Simon not truly seeing the woman, in contrast to the Lord seeing her, knowing her, and loving her.

The Lord demonstrated an intentionality Simon sorely lacked. Simon was blinded by the woman’s reputation and (in his eyes) inappropriate display of wastefulness. Yet, the Lord saw her as His precious child, looking past her sordid history and culturally unacceptable display of worship to the heart behind them.

We are invited to do the same.
To pursue intention.
To truly see the people before us and invite Christ’s love to guide our interactions.

Now, if you are like me, you could use some examples of what intentionality might look like. Below are a few suggestions of ways to truly see those providing a service.

Names are significant.

More often than not, people in the service industry wear name tags. While this is a useful tool in getting their attention, it is also an excellent reminder they are unique individuals. Throughout Scripture, the Lord highlights the importance of names. (Genesis 17:3-16) Therefore, when possible, use the name of the person with whom you are interacting.

We can honor individuals with our awareness of their dignity as human beings, rather than simply valuing them for the service they are providing. I am always surprised when people use my name when interacting with me, and I feel the interchange took place between two people, rather than simply patient to staff.

Express gratitude.

Regardless of the service being rendered, express gratitude to the individual providing it. This creates value for that role and honors the person at the same time.

Let’s remember in order to complete their jobs, even people performing what might be considered the most menial of tasks still carry a level of authority and access higher than our own. For example, a server at a restaurant has access to the kitchen. Let’s recognize and acknowledge, with gratitude, workers are walking in the authority granted to them in order to meet our needs.

Learn from examples of excellence.

For a season of life, the Lord consistently drew my attention to examples of excellence. More often than not, these demonstrations were observed in the service industry. I observed people doing their jobs with high levels of integrity, attention to detail, and positive, uplifting attitudes. Each person challenged me to do the same. I remember truly seeing those individuals in a deeper way as they taught me to live my life better.

The Lord created us to fellowship with others. While it may be easy to do this with those with whom we have a deep connection, we also may fellowship with those who provide a service when we truly see them.

The Lord is a good author, and our neighbors in the service industry are living His beautiful stories.
Let’s celebrate them and love them well! 

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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!

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Questions Day 15 Does God Care?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 5:6-11
Psalm 56:8-11
Romans 8:31-38

Questions, Day 15

“There is a place where there is an aggregate of human suffering and questioning.
That place is the heart of God.” –Ravi Zacharias, Cries of the Heart

Life holds both purest joy and deepest pain.

Have you experienced a heavy heart, unanswered questions, bitterness that threatened to eat you from the inside out, or anger rooted in grief over unfulfilled longing or loss?

To you, aching sister, I say,
I stand with you in your grief; I hold my own.
I stand with you in your questions; I ask my own.
I stand with you in the bitterness seeking to destroy you; I battle it, too.

I am not writing because I have all the answers. Even after decades of following Jesus, of wrestling long hours, sometimes whole seasons (with the God of the universe to whom I’ve given my whole-hearted devotion), I still ask this simple yet excruciatingly painful question,

“God, do You see me? Do You hear me? Do You care?”

I share your struggle, and I offer what I have learned in hopes it will help you, too.
There is peace available, peace born of resting in the assurance that
God cares deeply for you.

He is our Immanuel, God with us, ever abiding in the darkest recesses of our lives and hearts.

Let’s start with the Bible, a living, active, and power-filled book. (Hebrews 4:12) God inspired many men to write the Bible, preserved its contents over thousands of years, and its power continues to be demonstrated as by it, the Spirit of God transforms believers.
The very gift of His Word is evidence of God’s care for us.

Let’s embrace this precious gift! Read His Word, commit precious passages to memory, and repeat them aloud in your dark moments, and experience His nearness as a result.

God’s Word is both the evidence and activity of His care.
“Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:7; emphasis mine)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:29-31; emphasis mine)

“You yourself have recorded my wanderings.
Put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?”
(Psalm 56:8)

Read 2 Kings 20:5, Psalm 139:3, and Malachi 3:16 to see for yourself:
God is aware of all our ways.
He takes notice and listens.
He hears our prayers, sees our tears, rescues, defends, and heals.
In countless ways, He demonstrates His care.

I tend to question God’s care only in the midst of hurt (can you relate?).
My cry crescendos as pain persists without relief or resolution.
At these times, we must ask ourselves, with brutal honesty,
“Do we want God to manifest His care, or do we just want Him to make everything better?”

When experiencing pain, it’s natural to want it to end,
pleading with the Lord to make our aching stop.

It’s also natural to question God’s goodness in these times
as we look around and wonder if God is really for us, or if He has forgotten us.

The antidote to both of these is to anchor our hearts, over and over, in the rich depth of God’s unchanging character. God’s comfort and care for us does not change based on our circumstance, or how we feel about Him as we interpret our shifting surroundings.

The book of Mark records a life-threatening scenario for the disciples. Waves crashed over their small fishing boat; drowning was imminent, even for seasoned fishermen, and they cried out to the Lord,
“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?!” (Mark 4:35)

They wanted the intensity of their circumstances to cease,
while also questioning whether the Lord cared about them anymore.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Jesus’ response?

“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Christ’s antidote to our natural tendencies when we encounter pain is faith; trusting God for Who God is.

Rather than looking at the waves washing over our “boat”, we can focus our attention on recalling all the ways we already know God cares, and is caring, for us in the middle of the storm.

We experience God’s care when we study the truth of His character in Scripture.
We experience God’s care through songs resounding with reminders of His nature and promises from Scripture.
We experience God’s care through stories of others who have found His grace sufficient to endure suffering, and persevere with the understanding pain is always part of a bigger picture framed by God’s redemption.
Lastly, we experience the most convincing assurance of God’s care when we remember Jesus.

God knows how driven we are to believe only what we perceive with our five senses.
Out of His deep love for us,
He sent Jesus, in our human flesh,
so we could see and hear and touch and smell and know
God. Does. Care.

Romans 8:32 says, “He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all”;
nor will we be spared from suffering. (John 16:33)

However, God abandoned His Son so we will not be abandoned in our suffering.
We may share in Christ’s sufferings, but we will NEVER share in abandonment by the Father.

May our prayer echo the prophet Habakkuk, asking God to lift us to the heights to see with eyes of faith the everlasting love and specific care of God in our lives.

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Questions Day 7 To Save Or To Condemn?: 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 To Save Or To Condemn?!

The Questions

1) What teaching was too hard to accept and why was it offensive to those following Jesus? (verses 60-61)

2) What poignant question does Jesus ask in response to the disciples’ saying the teaching was too hard? (verses 62)

3) What is significantly important in the exchange between Jesus and Peter in verses 66-69?

John 6:60-71

Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”

61 Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were complaining about this, asked them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to observe the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some among you who don’t believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him.) 65 He said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by the Father.”

66 From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”

68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

70 Jesus replied to them, “Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray him.

Original Intent

1) What teaching was too hard to accept and why was it offensive to those following Jesus? (verses 60-61)
The author of this book, John, wrote to a largely Jewish audience with the intention of proving that the Messiah of the Old Testament was indeed Jesus Christ who walked among them and whom they had all physically seen and encountered. Backing up a few verses in John’s record (John 6:35-49, Jesus is making the connection for His Jewish-following-audience between Himself and the Old Testament account of manna coming from Heaven. (Exodus 16:3-4) Manna was given to the Jews as they wandered in the desert after being freed from Egyptian slavery. They had no food and cried out to God; He responded with giving them “bread from Heaven” to sustain them for the duration of their 40-year desert wanderings.  Now, Jesus was telling them that, in the same way, unless they took Jesus inside them spiritually, they would die spiritually just as the Jews would have died physically. Jesus was equating Himself to manna, but in a much more eternally significant way. “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35) As you can imagine, this teaching was an entirely foreign concept to Jewish ears. In the passage about Jesus being the Bread of Life, it was clear to the original audience Jesus was claiming to be the long-awaited promised Messiah. Jesus was claiming to be God! To which, the Jews pushed against claiming they only saw Him as a man, the son of Joseph the carpenter. (John 6:42) This disruption of their worldview was simply too much to take in, so they became defensive, argumentative, territorial, and ultimately, chose to walk away from Jesus, His teachings, and the eternal life He offered. (John 6:66)

2) What poignant question does Jesus ask in response to the disciples’ saying the teaching was too hard? (verses 62)
After asking if those who were questioning Jesus were offended by His teaching, Jesus asks an interesting follow-up question, “What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?”. (verse 62) It’s important to note that Jesus was not offended that those following Him were offended. Rather, He invited them deeper into further investigation. Jesus accepted them exactly where they were at in their journey of exploring His claims as God, the promised Messiah. He did not return their offense with anger, annoyance, or by walking away in a huffy show of pretense. Instead, He asked an honest question. In essence, Jesus asked, what would it take for you to believe? Then, Jesus takes the conversation a little deeper, by giving an explanation for their own wrestling, doubts, and questions. “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (verse 63) The reason they struggled with Jesus’ teachings is because they only were analyzing and sifting them through the help of their fleshly-oriented faculties.  Jesus said only the Spirit of God can open our eyes to see real life. The flesh is no help at all!  We need the Spirit of God to help us interpret the things of God!

3) What is significantly important in the exchange between Jesus and Peter in verses 66-69?
Jesus made it clear to all who were following Him that it was impossible for anyone to come to Jesus, meaning have eternal life, if that entrance was not first granted by God the Father. (verse 65) This is a similar thought to Jesus saying, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” (John 15:16) as well as John’s words, “we love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) As human beings born with a sin-nature, we will never, on our own, choose to love and follow Jesus, only God can initiate that relationship. Jesus stated in verse 70, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve, yet one of you is a devil.” Reading this verse about Judas’ coming choice to reject Jesus is significant when we also read Jesus’ question to the disciples in light of the other followers deserting Him in verse 67, “You don’t want to go away, too, do you?”. God the Father had granted for all of them to come to Him. In John 17:12, Jesus is speaking directly to God the Father saying of His disciples, “While I was with them, I kept them in Your name, which You have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction (Judas).”  Still, Judas rejected. Still, the other followers walked away.

Everyday Application

1) What teaching was too hard to accept and why was it offensive to those following Jesus? (verses 60-61)
Just as there were teachings that were too hard for real, everyday, honest, hard-working, good people to accept in Jesus’ day, so it is for us in the 21st century.  These Jews who pushed against Jesus, God in the flesh who stood right in front of them, were not ragamuffins of society, nor were they malicious thieves or murderers. These were religious people. In our day, these would be our neighbors, the people we trust with our kids, the people may go to church with us and sing praises to God alongside. These are the people who have well-kept lawns, give generously, and speak kindly when we interact with them. No outside appearance, however, actually matters in the end when our breaths cease on earth and eternity for our souls begins. According to Jesus, the only thing that matters is whether we have taken the whole of Jesus into who we are, surrendering everything to Him. The people Jesus was engaging with had followed Jesus for a while. Maybe they were intrigued, maybe they enjoyed His teachings and thought He was wise. Eventually though, their questioning hearts made them face the reality that there were certain beliefs they refused to give up. To them, Jesus could not possibly be God, regardless of His evidence, His word, His power, His authority, and eventually, His resurrection from the dead. What teachings of Jesus offend you? Are you willing to let that offense be present, wrestle through it, and embrace truth? Or, will you walk away?

2) What poignant question does Jesus ask in response to the disciples’ saying the teaching was too hard? (verses 62)
Does it encourage you to know God isn’t offended by your questions?! Such freedom is given to explore and ask and engage with God Himself as you encounter real, honest questions about God and faith and what it means to trust Him. What questions are most pressing for you about God? In what ways do you wrestle with believing God at His word as described in Scripture? Are you willing to take Jesus up on His invitation and continue exploring? If so, are you also willing to accept the whole of the Bible as true? What evidence do you need to be convinced that Jesus is exactly who He says He is? As you study Scripture and seek insight from others who have studied and walked with God, be aware of Jesus’ insight that only the Spirit of God can open our eyes to the things of God. Pray as you read, asking Him to teach your heart and give you understanding.

3) What is significantly important in the exchange between Jesus and Peter in verses 66-69?
God the Father knew Judas would reject Him, betray His Son, Jesus, and would walk away from forgiveness, choosing to end his own life drowning in shame. But He still granted Judas the opportunity of life. This is radical love!! As Jesus walked the earth, teaching and healing and engaging in conversations, He knew full well who would come to Him and follow Him in surrender, and who would walk away and reject Him. But He still engaged and taught and loved and invited even these. Again, we see the incredible patience and love of God as He does not walk away offended by our unbelief, our doubts, or our questions. He still calls and invites and engages. If you have surrendered and given Him your whole heart and life, know that decision is final. When you surrendered, you gave up your rights to have the final say on your eternity. Jesus holds that now, and you cannot do anything to take yourself out of His hand. (John 10:27-28) You are His. You are safe forever! Do not underestimate God’s pursuant love for you! At the same time, do not be deceived into thinking you can be rescued from death and eternal separation from God by remaining indifferent towards Him and His offer of salvation. We must all make a choice to follow or walk away, there is no middle ground.

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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 :-))

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! ~ Here 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) Think about those moments when you have been utterly caught off guard by the Holy One. You are living your mundane, breathing in and out, and suddenly, you realize it, He Is Here. He is speaking. He is calling. He knows your name, your face, and your story. Pause to reflect on how you have most recently encountered the God of the Universe. It probably wasn’t angels singing and a heavenly message delivered with swirls of light, but be assured, if you haven’t heard from the Lord lately, it’s not because He doesn’t want to speak to you. Draw near Him with a humble heart, bring all you have, offer it up, and let His Spirit speak to your heart through His powerful Word!

2)  “I have no room for another” was Herod’s mantra. His perspective on Bethlehem and the coming Messiah gives me chills as I recede into the light of wanting to find myself at the manger with the shepherds. But, am I being honest? Can I find myself here as well, in the cold-hearted, clenched-fisted heart of King Herod? I am learning to love my Savior more every day, but I would be flat-out lying to you if I said there aren’t places where I throw my own gauntlet at the wall and scream in defiance, “I have no room for another!”. I want my way, apart from Christ, at various moments and in various seasons. Do you? Pray through some of those areas, as I do the same. May the true King soften our hearts and teach us to love Him most!

3)  It’s easy to forget Simeon’s role in the Christmas story. Jesus is only 8 earth days old, yet the Timeless One had pre-determined to encounter one man in the temple that day. One man who had waited his entire life for God to prove faithful to His Word. Here, in the waiting, do you see your face in this mirror held up by Simeon? One glimpse, only a few moments, after waiting a lifetime, but it was more than enough because Simeon saw the faithfulness of God towards himself, and all peoples. Chances are pretty good that you’re waiting on something this Christmas. A relationship to heal, finances to turn around, a diagnosis to shift, a heavy sadness to lift, an ache to be filled. And oh, here we wait with Simeon. Turn your eyes of faith to the Timeless One who sees and knows and satisfies in His way and His time. Turn over your waiting to the One who waits for you to lean into 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 Micah 7:7 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.

Prayer Journal
The shepherds waited. The Jews waited. Simeon waited. Mary and Joseph waited. Even the angels waited for this moment in time when You would announce Your arrival and bring hope that would last. Lord, let me not scoff the waiting. Remind my feeble faith to trust. Surely, You who drew the poorest and the most outcast in close as You announced the arrival of Your Son, will not overlook my wait. Teach me to come near, to trust, to wait because I know You hear.

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