Wisdom

Run Day 8 Fitted With Truth

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Run Day 8 Fitted With Truth

Meribeth Schierbeek

March 12, 2025

Anchored,Called,Fervent,Grace,Truth,Wisdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 2:5-7
1 Corinthians 9:24-2
Philippians 2:13-16
1 Peter 2:9-12
1 Kings 19:9-18

As we begin to run our race today, let’s start in God’s Word; grab your Bible or read along below. God’s words are powerful to change us!

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.  For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:5-7, emphasis mine)

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.  So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, emphasis mine)

Many of us would never sign up for a marathon, yet we all run a spiritual race every day.

You might have noticed I emphasized a few words in the Bible verses above. I want to draw your attention to the word “ALL”; Christ died for all, and we all run a spiritual race. As you and I follow Jesus today, we are avid runners, athletes. Yes, those of us in wheelchairs, those of us who struggle to run ¼ mile without stopping, and those of us who have run marathon after marathon. Recognizing we are all spiritual athletes, our next logical question becomes, how will we run our races?

As we run, we will also trip and fall, we will grow weary, we will go through times of running in vain . . . every single one of us.

Throughout the Bible, we see people whose races reflect their own humanity in a broken world. Consider the Hebrew prophet, Elijah, in 1 Kings 19:9-18. God finds Elijah in a cave, lonely, demoralized, and exhausted from his run. God listens to him, and then meets Elijah in the midst of his struggle. Take a minute to read these 9 verses; what happens next? Do you see yourself reflected in this story?

I can certainly relate to the idea of struggling as we run our races. There was a time in my life when I began to focus on others around me, rather than on the road ahead. Joshua 1:7 reminds me to remain devoted to God’s instruction, not turning right or left; yet I began listening to voices criticizing my physical appearance and lifestyle. Soon, my focus was no longer on running my race in the grace of God through Christ, but rather on the size of my body. The focus of my race became myself, rather than God. 

But thanks to our mediator, Jesus, we can get up after a fall. (Proverbs 24:16, 1 Timothy 2:5) God pursued my heart through His Word and the community of believers, reminding me, “I am here and I will not leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Present with us as we run, God gives us everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) Today’s anchor passage, 1 Timothy 2:5-7, reveals how Jesus gave His very self as a ransom for us! Because of His sacrifice on our behalf and resurrected victory over the power of sin and death, we are free to run our race with confidence before God! Sisters, this is the breathtakingly beautiful good news of the gospel! 

When we hold tight to the truth of the gospel, we run with intention and purpose, our feet shod with the gospel peace (Ephesians 6:14-15) and our eyes fixed on the One whose mercy has rescued and redeemed us. 

We no longer run in vain…
toward the empty promises of security offered by humankind.
Rather, we can release our fear of the world as we hold tight to the gospel truth of our eternal future, safe and secure in the hands of our Father.

We no longer run in vain…
in desperate pursuit of the fickle approval of others.
Rather, we can abandon insecure people-pleasing, assured of the gospel truth of God’s incomprehensible, endless love for us.

We no longer run in vain…
attempting to prove our own moral goodness and thereby justifying our participation in the race.
Rather, we can let the burden of striving slip from our shoulders, freed by the gospel truth of God’s mercy and forgiveness through Jesus.

Running physically may change your body.
Running spiritually will change your heart.

How can we practically train ourselves to run by holding tightly to the truth of the gospel? 

Read God’s Word daily.* 
Talk with Him in prayer as we run.**
Preach the good news of the gospel to ourselves when we grow weary.
Share the gospel of peace with those around us. 
With our faith built on the solid foundation of the gospel of truth, may we all run the race set before us with confidence and peace!

*Interested in daily Bible reading but not sure how to begin? You’re not alone! Check out https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ for an accessible daily reading plan!

**Ready for a deep dive into prayer? Join pastor and teacher Tim Keller in his book, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, for a comprehensive approach to the subject and practice of prayer!

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endurance,grace,mission,purpose,Truth
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Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

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Mission Day 12 Mission Focused: Digging Deeper

Dr. Leslie Umstattd

May 23, 2023

Dwell,Spirit,Trust,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 "Purposeful Pace"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proversb 4:20-27

20 My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. 21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously. 25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. 26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. 27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

When we read Proverbs, it’s important to note this book is categorized as “wisdom literature” by biblical scholars. It is grouped with the other “wisdom literature” books of the Old Testament, Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. This is not a book of promised outcomes, rather it’s an instructional book on living according to God’s wise ways and His Word.

Proverbs reflects God’s perfectly good character and should be read as a guide to knowing Him and practically applying His wisdom to our everyday lives. In Proverbs 1:2-6, the author, King Solomon, informs us that the book’s purpose is for gaining wisdom and practical instruction for prudent behavior. The king’s book provides guidelines for living in righteousness, justice, and integrity as these reflect God’s heart. (Proverbs 1:3)

Unlike biblical books like Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, Mark and several others, Proverbs is not written in narrative form but in a poetic format. The first nine chapters of Proverbs are written in discourse form where a father is talking to his son as he instructs his son in wisdom. (Carpenter Commentary)

This is important for us as readers because as we work through Proverbs, we need to understand God is providing us with guidelines that increase our “fear of the Lord” which leads to greater knowledge and discipline according to His will. (Proverbs 1:7)

The Everyday Application

1) How does knowing the genre help us better understand this passage?

Proverbs offers us encouragement and focus amidst life’s regular, everyday moments of distraction. Regular, consistent intake of Proverbs reminds us that God’s wisdom brings clarity and singular focus on Him, allowing the clouds of distraction to fade away.

“We can’t completely control what thoughts come into our mind. But we do have a choice of what we dwell on.” (The Bible Says) Proverbs is an excellent choice for “dwelling” upon the character of the Lord and allowing His Spirit to guide us in His ways every day.

Within the safety of God’s wisdom we find opportunity for growth, spiritual challenge, increasing depth of character, and a desire to keep seeking the things that set our minds on Him rather than the distractions of this world. (Colossians 3:1-4)

The Original Intent

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)

Imagine a father speaking to his son out of love and a desire to see his son follow a straight path that is under God’s authority. This is the manner in which the writer of Proverbs penned this book under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, we can study this passage and see a biblical standard from which to live our life.

King Solomon instructs his son to pay attention to my words and listen closely (verse 20), don’t lose sight and keep them in your heart (verse 21), guard your heart above all else (verse 23), don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly (verse 24), fix your gaze and look forward (verse 25), carefully consider the path for your feet (verse 26), and keep your feet away from evil (verse 27).

These directives build the foundation of practical “how-to” instructions for wise living under God’s authority

The Everyday Application

2) What commands are given by the author in this passage? (verses 20-27)      

As we think through practical ways we can maintain our focus on Christ, this passage gives clarity to how we accomplish this in real life. In an age of relativism and entertainment, God’s word must be stored in our hearts and regularly placed at the forefront of our minds. Our gaze must be on the fixed point of Christ, the perfecter and pioneer of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2) 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 tells us God’s word should be stored in our hearts and talked about with our families. This active engaging dialogue is not just a Sunday morning mission to keep God’s word close, rather it’s an everyday moment-by-moment call to action. In Deuteronomy 6:7-9, the author described a daily encounter and connection with God’s Word in the course of our normal walking, talking, sitting, and lying down.

The daily circumstances of life can distract us from the things God desires for us. When we intentionally and carefully consider where we are spending time and where we are establishing ourselves, what do we see? God’s wisdom described in Proverbs shows us that true life is found in Him, therefore, we should place our focus on Him. (Proverbs 4:23)

The Original Intent

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

In verse 22, King Solomon describes that following these commands will give “health to the whole body”. In the words of David Guzik, “God’s word – communicated through the words and sayings of this father to his children – brings life and health. The pursuit of wisdom is rewarded.” (Enduring Word)

In verse 26, Solomon says all our ways will be established when we follow the commands given in this passage. Although these are not guaranteed “if-then” statements, the general principle the wise king described is that when we follow the wisdom of God’s way and His path, there will be a delighted experience of well-being for heart, mind, and soul. 

The Everyday Application

3) What are the consequences mentioned in verses 22 and 26? 

Proverbs 3:1-12, in a similar vein to this passage, provides direction and wisdom for how to follow God and the resulting rewards of living according to His wisdom. Keeping His commands brings a “full life” and “well-being” (Proverbs 3:2) as well as “a straight path to follow” (Proverbs 3:6).

Following God does not mean you will have a perfect life without issue or struggle, but when we intentionally choose to follow His ways, we actively trust and rely on His wisdom instead of our own.

God’s wisdom is a solid foundation that stands when all else around us crumbles. (Matthew 7:24-27) In our weariness and distraction, the Lord offers hope and focus to carry out His mission. (Isaiah 40:28) 

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Proverbs,trust,wisdom,wise
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In His forgiveness and through the work of His Spirit within us, we are freed from idolatry.
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Champion Day 9 Fearful Made Fierce: Digging Deeper

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Champion Day 9 Fearful Made Fierce: Digging Deeper

Abby Harrough

June 9, 2022

Christ,Digging Deeper,God,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Know,Love,Righteousness,Scripture,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 "Fearful Made Fierce"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 1:3-11

3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How do we “keep on growing” in knowledge and discernment? (verse 9)

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we recognize warmth and respect shared between author and recipients. Writing to thank them for support of his ministry and to commend a fellow laborer, he admonishes them to continue to press on to be ever more like Christ. What then was he speaking of as he referred to growing in knowledge and discernment?

He was encouraging them to focus on the teaching of Jesus and knowing Him deeply, which would result in growing in His love apart from a performance tied to keeping the Old Testament law. The Bible is divided into two central teachings, Old Testament and New Testament. All Scripture is God-breathed, meaning it is inspired by God and is useful for teaching. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Before Christ, the instructions were centered around the prophets’ Old Testament laws and instructions. After Christ’s resurrection, the laws concerning sacrifices and rituals around cleansing and food restrictions were no longer relevant for Christ came to perfectly fulfill the law. (Matthew 5:17) Paul encouraged the Philippians to grow in their knowledge of Christ, but how were they to do this if all they knew were Old Testament laws?

He urged them to watch out for those who claim the old laws were the only way to salvation. (verses 2-3) He instructed them to recall the new knowledge they had learned about Christ. (verse 10) Finally, Paul directed them to grow in wisdom and discernment by increasing their love for Christ and one another, which naturally comes from knowing Him more fully. (verses 9-11)

The Everyday Application

1) How do we “keep on growing” in knowledge and discernment? (verse 9)

When Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, there was no longer a need to sacrifice animals to absolve transgression. Christ took the punishment, which is death and separation from God, for each of our sins on the cross.

To grow in knowledge and discernment is the goal of every Christ-follower. Those new to the faith should seek wisdom from Scripture and from other believers who have long walked with the Lord. Those who have lived many years with Jesus in their heart should continue to grow in their understanding of Scripture and engagement in biblical community.

First, we must recognize we are new creatures when accepting Christ; the old ways of thinking have gone, and new life has appeared through Christ. (1 Corinthians 5.13) Next, we must learn to study the Bible correctly. (2 Timothy 2:15)

In studying the Bible’s context, we learn how to worship (Psalm 100), why we have forgiveness for our trespasses in Jesus (1 John 1:9), practical ways for living in God-honor ways (Psalm 1:1-2), how to prepare for battle against Satan, our enemy (Ephesians 6:10-17), and much more! The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), containing everything we need to grow up in Christ (2 Peter 1:3).

We were once held in the bondage of sin’s slavery, but in Jesus, we are called to walk in the freedom offered us by the love of Christ. We can only do this as we study the One who was the Word (Jesus) so that we may know Him and that He may dwell in us. (John 1:1)

The Original Intent

2) How do we “approve the things that are superior”? (verse 10)

Christ came to fulfill the law on our behalf because it’s impossible for sinful humans to be perfect or somehow attain righteousness on our own (Romans 3:23); we need Someone Perfect to be righteous for us. (Matthew 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21)

In Jesus’ day, all the laws found in the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-21) and animal sacrifice, were regularly practiced by the Jewish community. Until the ministry of John the Baptist, the Law was the guidepost, or guardian, for what holiness looked like, but when Jesus came, He opened the door to access God through faith in Christ. (Galatians 3:22-26) From that point, the gospel of freedom from sin and eternal hope has continued to be shared. (Luke 16:16)

Christ was the perfect sacrifice who died and was resurrected from the dead in order to save sinners from the eternal condemnation of death deserved for sin. (Romans 3:21-26, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Timothy 1:15) How does all this relate with approving the things which are superior in Philippians 1:10?

Later in his letter, Paul names the superior thing as knowing Christ, “I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. […] My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death […].” (Philippians 3:8, 10)

Christ is the fulfillment of all things superior. Everything of excellence carries His mark, which is why Paul closes his letter with the reminder, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 

Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8)

The Everyday Application

2) How do we “approve the things that are superior”? (verse 10)

The Bible describes the human heart as deceitful above all things. (Jeremiah 17:9) If we use our hearts, emotions, or fleeting desires as the measure by which we approve what is superior, we will constantly be in error. We must choose to look to Christ, not the heart, to determine not simply “better”, but to clearly understand what is “best”.

This kind of discernment is the wisdom James writes of in his letter, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

As Paul taught the Philippians to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, there is no more excellent example of superiority than Jesus. (Philippians 4:8) Jesus, the Word, is Truth. (John 17:17)

His actions were honorable, His reasons just, His motives pure, and His actions commendable. Jesus moved men’s hearts from obeying the law for the sake of obedience to showing love to all peoples no matter their gender (John 8:1-11), ethnicity, (John 4:7-39), or economic status (Mark 12:41-44).

The more we lean into knowing the Lord Jesus Christ through studying His Word, prayer, and engaging in biblical community, as Paul modeled for us, the more we view everything through the lens of the Superior One, Christ Jesus!

The Original Intent

3) What is the “fruit of righteousness” that comes from Christ? (verse 11)

Jesus often taught by using parables, which were stories His audience could easily relate with because of common knowledge and cultural norms. Christ cursed a fig tree (Mark 11:12-25), spoke of winnowing wheat (Matthew 3:12), and the true vine and vinedresser (John 15:1).

While some parable-language may not carry much significance to our modern ears, the idea of farming and fruit still resonates with us. To help His audience understand how righteousness is evidenced in a person’s life, He used the analogy of fruit.

The tree bears fruit, and so do our lives, but we must not miss the small details, “[T]he fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” A Christian’s righteousness cannot come from themselves, only Christ, and it is grown by the work of the Spirit who lives within all who belong to Christ. 

Paul purposed in his letter to explain this cultivating work of the Holy Spirit and what it looks like. The fruit, although displayed in various “flavors” or attributes in life, are each a manifestation of the Holy Spirit who is given to all who have trusted Christ as their personal Savior.

The Spirit’s fruit “is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”. (Galatians 5:22) Christ perfectly lived out each of these evidences of the Spirit of God throughout His earthly ministry.

The Everyday Application

3) What is the “fruit of righteousness” that comes from Christ? (verse 11)

At the click of a button, the television comes on. With the swipe of our fingers, we can find almost any piece of information we desire. We can purchase items and have them delivered with the tap of a finger. Satellites take pictures of places on earth where we will never travel.

It seems we can have our wants satisfied and our desires fulfilled, yet many live with loneliness and despair. None of the convenient pleasures mentioned above were meant to bring joy. For a time, they may bring happiness, but to find joy, we must learn to live like Christ, whose delight was doing the will of his Father through the work of the Holy Spirit. (John 5:19, Hebrews 9:14)

We can follow in the steps of Jesus in three specific ways. First, we must desire to be covered by Christ’s righteousness, which requires us to acknowledge our state as sinners eternally separated from God. (Matthew 5:6, Romans 3:23) When we ask God to cover us with the righteousness of Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, beginning His work of making us new. (2 Corinthians 5:21, John 14:26)

Secondly, we must offer our bodies as living sacrifices as we surrender to the Spirit who cultivates His life in us! (Romans 12:1-2) Finally, we must never be lacking in zeal as we follow the Lord; He is to be the focal point of our everyday lives. (Romans 12:11-13)

All of this is impossible on our own merits and efforts. Jesus came to perfectly fulfill the law on our behalf, so that He can now fill us with all the fullness of God and His power. (Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 3:19) Then, we are free to live for Christ based on love, not laws. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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champion,Deeply,Discernment,Fearful,Fierce,fulfillment,knowledge,respect,surrender
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Wilderness Day 10 Here To Help

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Wilderness Day 10 Here To Help

Bethany McIlrath

March 18, 2022

God,Jesus,Promises,Purpose,Trust,Wisdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Samuel 16:1-13
1 Samuel 18
1 Samuel 24:1-15
Matthew 4:8-10
Psalm 46:10-11


 

On any given day, my internet browser tabs featured Indeed, Zillow, Google Maps, and Bible Gateway.
We were in a wilderness.
The season we’d been in was ending, but we had no idea of our next.

I’d like to say I waited patiently for God’s leading, but truthfully, my frequent visits to those tabs proved otherwise. I believed God had a purpose and a plan, but I thought He needed help fulfilling that purpose.

Sometimes, we try to help God along when we mistake a wilderness season for aimlessness. We’re not alone.
Sarah tried to fulfill God’s promises through Hagar and Ishmael. (Genesis 16)
Bewildered by Jesus’ arrest, Peter offered his assistance with a sword to an ear. (Matthew 26:47-54)

Israel’s king, David, faced the same temptation of treating his wilderness season as a maze to be escaped in order for God’s will to be done.

It started with a promise.
The prophet, Samuel, anointed David king as a young man, signifying God’s promise he would reign over Israel. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Then came the problem.
Saul grew jealous of David and attempted to kill him. (1 Samuel 18) Not just once, either. Saul persistently persecuted David, even as David made no attempt to usurp his promised throne. Saul didn’t like God’s will, so he fought against it, chasing David . . . as if he could change God’s promises.

So David entered the wilderness, figuratively and literally. Stuck between God’s promise and the life-threatening problem of a murderous king, David spent years fleeing and hiding. Nothing was settled, nothing was certain. He wandered about in God’s will, and there was great temptation to find a way out.

We see the temptation most clearly in 1 Samuel 24:1-15. Saul entered a cave to relieve himself. David and his fighting men were already there, hidden away. The men told David, “Look, this is the day the Lord told you about: ‘I will hand your enemy over to you so you can do to him whatever you desire.’” (1 Samuel 24:4) It would have been so easy to attack Saul, take the throne, and fulfill God’s promise to David by force. One could even argue it was self-defense, since Saul was there to kill David without cause!

But David didn’t.

“He said to his men, ‘As the Lord is my witness, I would never do such a thing to my lord [King Saul], the Lord’s anointed.’” (1 Samuel 24:6)

David was God’s anointed too, but even in the desperation and temptation of the wilderness, he recognized a way out wasn’t God’s will. He left it up to God to fulfill His own promises. No shortcuts. No “helping” God along. No hurrying God’s perfect timing.

This wilderness season proved great preparation for David when he became king. He’d learned to wait on God’s will, to not fight a battle God hadn’t called him into, and to leave the building of the temple to his son as God instructed, to name a few examples.

We see David’s wisdom and trust in God’s will being fulfilled God’s way throughout his kingship. When David died, having reigned as Israel’s greatest king and whose family line would lead to the Messiah, he could look back on the testimony of his life and rest in full assurance God keeps His promises. (Psalm 37:25-31)

Jesus, our promised Messiah, lived out God’s will, God’s way.
Even in His own wilderness experience.

In His wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan, who said, “I will give you all these things [the kingdoms of the world and their splendor] if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9)

Satan tempted Jesus with a quick escape to flee this wilderness and avoid the horror of the cross. Satan lured Jesus to skip ahead to His reign without enduring the pain the wilderness required in order for Christ to become our Great High Priest, able to identify with us in all our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Jesus said no, and, like David,
persisted in waiting for God to lead Him out of the wilderness and fulfill
His promises,
His way,
in His timing.

He was prepared, having overcome temptation, to say, “My time has not yet arrived” (John 7:6) over and over. He was able to say “no” when a huge crowd of followers attempted to forcefully make Him king. (John 6:15) As a result, Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, making a way for us to be reconciled to God, all according to the plan of the Father. (John 5:19)

David and Jesus’ examples of waiting in the wilderness encourages us to “Stop fighting, and know that [He] is God” (Psalm 46:10-11). We can resist the temptation to “help” fulfill God’s promises apart from God.

Having moved multiple times, I can clearly see the difference it makes when I count on God to lead me instead of all those Google tabs! Be assured, sisters, He has, and always will, bring us where He wonderfully intends without any “help” from us.

When we feel stuck in the wilderness, caught between the promise and the fulfillment, let’s wait with teachable spirits as we turn our hearts toward the One who will lead us home!

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Fulfilling,God's will,help,Messiah,plan,Waited,Wandering,wilderness
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Wilderness, Day 10
Digging Deeper

Though we are faithless, disobedient, or wander into doubt, fear, or rebellion, God remains unshakably faithful. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand, but this ability isn’t our human strength. Rather, it’s the power available to us by God’s Spirit through His Word. Though we are tempted to sin, God provides Himself as means of escape.
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Wilderness Day 4 Job’s Wilderness & My Own: Digging Deeper

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Wilderness Day 4 Job’s Wilderness & My Own: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 10, 2022

Deep,Digging Deeper,Faith,God,Perfect,Power,Suffering,Trust,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 "Job's Wilderness & My Own"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Job 23:10-17

Yet he knows the way I have taken; when he has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold. 11 My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept to His way and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands from His lips; I have treasured the words from His mouth more than my daily food.

13 But He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. 14 He will certainly accomplish what He has decreed for me, and He has many more things like these in mind. 15 Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I am afraid of Him.

16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. 17 Yet I am not destroyed by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why does Job assert he will emerge from his testing as pure gold? (verse 10)

In Job’s biblical account, the Lord tested His servant by allowing him to lose his children, possessions, and health (Job 1:13-19, Job 2:7) 

John Piper explains that in testing Job, “God chooses to get an open victory over Satan for His own glory. A test will show that in the heart of Job God Himself is more highly esteemed than any possession or any family member.”

God knew Job was a man of integrity who feared God (Job 1:8) and wouldn’t turn away from the Lord because of trouble. In fact, Job avowed, “When He has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.” (verse 10) Although he wavered and struggled because of his difficulties, Job ultimately honored God with his actions and responses to the trials he faced.

Job knew that just as gold comes out of intense fire pure and refined, he would come through the Lord’s testing better, wiser, and more steadfast in faith. (Job 42:1-7) 

Eugene Peterson remarks that when we go through suffering, our “lives are often transformed, deepened, marked with beauty and holiness, in remarkable ways that could never have been anticipated before the suffering.”Although Job was frustrated and discouraged, he did not curse God or give up, as he was encouraged to do. (Job 2:9-10)

He complained and protested, but he held no anger against God at his great loss. (Job 13:15) Job knew God was worth more to him than everything else on earth. (Psalm 73:25-26) He respected God’s sovereignty and trusted His perfect will and plan.

When we experience trials and troubles, we can follow Job’s example of trust in God and come through the struggles wiser, closer to God, and deeper in our faith.

The Everyday Application

1) Why does Job assert he will emerge from his testing as pure gold? (verse 10)

When I read Job’s belief that he will “emerge from his testing as pure gold” (verse 10), I think of the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. In Job’s case, he hoped he would be killed, or had never been born. (Job 3)

Times could not have been harder for Job. He lost everything except his relationship with God. Through his trials he learned God was all he really needed, and that God was more important than anything. Eric Ortlund asserts that “When God puts us into a position where we must hold onto our relationship with God for God’s sake only—in which we stand to gain nothing but God—we start to receive him more fully than we ever had before.”

When Job was tested, he clung to God. He questioned and complained and lamented, but he never turned his back on God. He recognized that whatever reason God had for testing him, he would come through the trials “as pure gold” because he trusted and hoped in God. Today our culture holds this hope that some good will come from going through hard times.

The apostle Paul tells us that God works “all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes”. (Romans 8:28) Eventually, God blessed Job with more than he ever lost, working everything out for Job’s good and God’s glory. (Job 42:12) 

May we also see our hardships as opportunities to lean into God and realize He is truly all we need. (Philippians 4:19)

The Original Intent

2) Why does Job say that God terrifies him? (verses 15-16)

Job declared he was terrified of God (verses 15-16) because he witnessed the extremes of the Lord’s decrees for his life. God blessed Job with great wealth and happiness, but He also allowed Satan to test Job with multiple calamities that shook his faith. Because of this, Job developed a healthy fear, or deep awe-filled respect, of God and His power. 

Albert Barnes declares that God, “who has an eternal plan, and who is able to accomplish all that He purposes, and who makes known none of His dealings beforehand, should be an object of veneration and fear.” Job knew God held everything in His hands and can change everything as He sees fit in the blink of an eye.

Job was awed by the sheer magnitude of God’s might. He realized that just as God can be amazingly gracious, He can also allow everything to be taken in an instant. This caused him to declare himself afraid of the Almighty. Job’s fear of God was not like the fear of man, which the Bible calls a snare. (Proverbs 29:25)

God actually instructs the whole earth to fear the Lord. (Psalm 33:8) Scripture informs us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10) Having a reverential respect for God makes us happy (Psalm 112:1) and is a fountain of life to help us avoid the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)

Job was in awe of God’s greatness and sovereign power, which kept him from sinning against the Lord and allowed him to accept the good and the bad that came into his life. Job accepted that God knew more than him, and that God’s ways were better than his own; this reverence blessed Job’s life.

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Job say that God terrifies him? (verses 15-16)

I recently saw something I wanted; a 5-year planner. I love knowing what to expect; mapping out the next five years would be reassuring, even if it’s not realistic. Not knowing what to expect is slightly terrifying. It is so easy to expend time and energy trying to figure out what the future holds.

Dread of the unknown also frightened Job. He went from having ten children and a valuable estate at the beginning of the day to having nothing by the end of the same day. Knowing God could change things so drastically at any time made Job realize how powerfulness and finite he was compared to God. He feared this All-Powerful God who could give and take away, but it was a righteous fear, a reverent respect for a God so far above his own ways and thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

Although God’s ways are “unsearchable and untraceable” (Romans 11:33), we do have some idea of what to expect as God’s child. He doesn’t spell out His specific plans for us, but He proclaims they are good. He will give us a hope and a future in Him when we trust Him as our Savior. (Jeremiah 29:11) He also declares we will encounter struggle in this world, but He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

God lets us know what He wants us to do no matter what lies ahead; He created us to do good works (Ephesians 2:10), which include being fair, faithful, and humble. (Micah 6:8) The truth giving me the most peace when facing the unknown is that no matter what happens, God is in control (Isaiah 14:24) and I can trust Him (Isaiah 25:1)

As I continue facing uncertainty, I purpose to trust the God who gives, takes away, and is lovingly in control of everything.

The Original Intent

3) Why does Job say he is not destroyed by the darkness that covers his face? (verse 17)

After Job suffered from the testing God allowed, he declared himself “terrified of God and faint of heart”. (verse 16) Even so, he proclaimed he wasn’t destroyed by the “thick darkness that covers my face”. (verse 17) Job announced that though he was down for the count, he was not out. He endured the testing of the Lord and lived to tell the tale. He suffered immense loss, but he did not die and neither did he lose his faith. He survived to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath of the Lord’s dealings with him.

Interestingly, Paul expressed something similar in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, when he wrote, “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.”

James also wrote about troubles, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3)

When God allows suffering, it is never without cause. Suffering produces endurance, like for Paul and James. Or like for Job, it can draw us closer to God. Ann Voskamp suggests, “That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.”

Thanks be to God for redeeming the painful tragedies of our lives and using them to bring us close to Him!

The Everyday Application

3) Why does Job say he is not destroyed by the darkness that covers his face? (verse 17)

When something sorrowful happens, like the death of a loved one or the abuse of a child, people sometimes get angry with God or doubt His existence, questioning why He would allow such tragedy. For some, the pain and grief cannot be overcome and they sink into sorrow and despair.

This could have happened to Job after losing his children, his possessions, his health, and his friendships. He had nothing left to lose but his life and his faith. Still, Job was not “destroyed by the thick darkness that covers my face”. (verse 17) He learned through the course of his trials that even through heartache, God could be trusted. 

Hannah Hurnard writes, “The High Places of victory and union with Christ can be reached by learning to accept, day by day, the actual conditions and tests permitted by God, by laying down of our own will and accepting His. The lessons [are] of accepting and triumphing over evil, of becoming acquainted with grief, and pain, and of finding them transformed into something incomparably precious.”

When we endure suffering, we are drawn closer to God (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 34:18) and are made more like our Lord (Hebrews 12:10). No matter what God allows to enter into our lives, we know He is true and trustworthy. (Psalm 33:4)

Suffering is “producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17), a reward in heaven that will be so much better than anything we could imagine on earth!

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endurance,Greatness,Job,Lord,Pure Gold,sovereignty,testing,wilderness
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Wilderness, Day 3
Journey Study

Though my anchor held fast, I too, wrestled through puzzling contradictions and unanswered questions.

However, through the pain and confusion, this truth rose in an ever-present whisper: life on earth is not our only. Eternity awaits just beyond, through the veil of time and space.

As I await eternity, I find encouragement in Apostle Paul’s words:
"Therefore, we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day."
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Wilderness Day 2 Marked & Lost & Grace: Digging Deeper

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Wilderness Day 2 Marked & Lost & Grace: Digging Deeper

Multiple Authors

March 8, 2022

Digging Deeper,Gift,God,Grace,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Love,Obedience,Prayer,Sacrifice,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 "Marked & Lost & Grace""
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 5:21-24

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.

23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Whose teaching was Jesus referencing in verse 21?

This teaching is part of a broader one, commonly known today as The Sermon on the Mount and His subsequent teaching about being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Mathew 5:13-16) At this time in history, it was the scribes and Pharisees who “taught”, offering their interpretation of what we know as Old Testament texts.

The scribes and Pharisees interpreted the passages on murder, Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17, based on physical actions. In essence, if you do not murder anyone you have fulfilled the sixth commandment. People thought they were in right standing based on this teaching, but studylight.org tells us, “The Jewish religious leaders used the law to govern outward actions, but Jesus wants to control the heart.”

Indeed, there was more to that commandment than was understood by the Pharisees and scribes.

(written by Marietta Taylor)

The Everyday Application

1) Whose teaching was Jesus referencing in verse 21?

The Pharisees and scribes did all interpretation of Scripture. Today we have many preachers, teachers, and speakers who offer their interpretation of what the Word says and how it applies to our lives.

It’s easy to abdicate our responsibility to read, study, and know God’s Word for ourselves because there are so many easy choices to consume teaching. Joshua 1:8 instructs, “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it.” How much are we reading and meditating on the Word instead of relying on someone else to do this precious work for us?

We may argue that the Bible is hard to understand, which is true in some ways, however, James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” 

Jesus wasn’t giving instructions that could not be followed. Not only can we ask Him for the wisdom to understand His Word, but, if we cooperate, we have the Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the requirements of the law, even today. Spurgeon says, “Only citizens of the Kingdom of heaven, genuine believers, can obey Jesus’ instructions and commands, doing so not because of outward constraints (not “under Law”) but because of an inward life (“under grace”) enabled by the indwelling Spirit of the Living God.”

What He requires of us, He equips us for. And He has given us the grace to allow Him to teach us Himself through our own time spent reading, studying and praying over Scripture.
(written by Marietta Taylor)

The Original Intent

2) How does Jesus’ definition of sin differ from the teaching of His day? (verse 22)

Teaching during Jesus’ day was on a narrower view of the law than what was intended by God’s design. Surely “The Word”, Jesus, would know what that original intent was as He was fully God. He starts verse 22 with, “But I tell you”, letting everyone know He is going to challenge a longstanding belief. Jesus proceeds to teach not only is murder a punishable sin, but also the anger that proceeds it. 

James 1:14-15 says first we have evil desires that give birth to sin which leads to death. Jesus illustrates this with His teaching on anger. It’s not just the ending action, murder, that is the problem. No, it begins with the anger that leads people to murder. “It is easier to keep the commandment against murder than it is to avoid anger in one’s heart.” (Working Preacher)

Jesus was shutting down the easy path. His teaching was calling the people to a higher standard. They were being challenged, and I would dare say commanded, to look not just at their actions but also their thoughts and feelings. Was the law flawed? No. Jesus was challenging the interpretation, not the law.

“He is in no way diminishing the Law. He is showing that the keeping of God’s Law has always been an issue of a heart out of which flows that person’s loving obedience for God and his fellow man.” (Precept Austin) This is true not just with murder but with all sin.

(written by Marietta Taylor)

The Everyday Application

2) How does Jesus’ definition of sin differ from the teaching of His day? (verse 22)

It’s easy to look at a commandment and say, “I don’t do that”, and it’s true for many of us. But God calls us to a higher level of accountability. It’s not just the actions themselves, but what can and often does lead to sin that precedes those actions, our heart-attitude. The Pharisees and scribes choose the lesser burden, for themselves and therefore the people following their teaching.

Jesus was the author of the original intent and its meaning for us today; He knows our struggle.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) He wants us to evaluate our thoughts and feelings before they lead to sin. If you trace backwards from the action, the seed was planted through thoughts and feelings. 

David Guzik says it this way, “The laws of the people could only deal with the outward act of murder, but Jesus declared that His followers understood that God’s morality addressed not only the end but also the beginning of murder.” God, being loving and merciful gives us the way to avoid punishment. As the saying goes, “nip it in the bud”. In other words, stop it before it ever really starts. How do we do this?

As in Hebrews 4:16, take our thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, asking for His help. Let Him give us another path, His, that leads us toward righteousness and away from sin.

(written by Marietta Taylor)

The Original Intent

3) Why is it important for us to reconcile with one another before offering our gift to God? (verse 24)

In the middle of His discussion on foundational understandings of God’s purpose and intent in His Law and the far-reaching standards of holy righteousness, Jesus turns the conversation from general “everyone” and “whoever” (verse 22) to a clearly pointed “you” (verse 23). 

What Jesus is about to impart cuts to the heart of something deep and exceptionally personal. Radical compassion and unity fleshed out by forgiveness are core-essentials of Who God IS. Were God not fundamentally compassionate, He would have stopped short of sacrificing Himself and being willing to break unity within the godhead for the sake of forgiving those (us) who had rebelled against Him. (Romans 5:10)

It simply would be unfathomable for this kind of sacrifice to occur were God anything less than wholly compassionate. (Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13) Notice three things about Jesus’ directive for reconciliation. 

1) The “remembering” happens in the midst of worship. Jesus’ audience understood Jesus was referencing “right in the act” of slaying an animal for worship. Right there. At the altar. Before the Almighty. There is something radically holy about entering the Lord’s presence for worship, then hearing from His Spirit reminding you of a strained or broken relationship in need of repair. 

2) It’s Urgent. The worshiper is instructed to go quickly with immediate haste, while leaving the animal sacrifice on the altar. Reconciliation attempts are far more pressing to God than worshipping the Almighty God while our hearts are out of sync in our relationships for our worship cannot be properly honoring to God in this state. 

3) Jesus’ words don’t focus on the worshipper’s anger or bitterness (though it could certainly be present), instead Jesus specifically says, “your brother or sister that has something against you.”

(written by Rebecca Adams)

The Everyday Application

3) Why is it important for us to reconcile with one another before offering our gift to God? (verse 24)

Believers are called to live lives without offense, neither picking it up to carry around as offended, nor choosing it as weaponry to intentionally, underhandedly offend. This understanding that someone else has something against you can only be uncovered when we are choosing to worship in spirit and truth, coming with all humility and allowing the Spirit to stir our hearts with the conviction only He can bring. (John 4:23-24)

Is this how we enter worship? On Sundays as we make our way to gather with believers, are we asking the Lord to show us where reconciliation is absent in our relationships? (Matthew 18:35) On Tuesdays in the afternoon and on Friday evenings, are we coming to the Father and asking who are we “out of unity” with and how can we go to them with all urgency to offer reconciliation?

Note also that Jesus tells His audience to return to the altar. (verse 24) This return isn’t dependent on whether the other person accepts reconciliation attempts, but rather the emphasis is on our worship being acceptable when we extend it.

Why does this come so close to the heart of God? It’s exactly what He does for us. It’s His posture toward us in our everyday lives, “I spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people who walk in the path that is not good, following their own thoughts.” (Isaiah 65:2)

Let’s worship the Lord with the same model He give us in the middle of our own sin, and mess, and rebellion. Compassionate, urgent forgiveness. Are you holding it out? Have you taken it in from the Lord? 

(written by Rebecca Adams)

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Indwelling,Living God,lost,Marked,righteousness,Teaching,wilderness,Word
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Wilderness, Day 1
Journey Study

Sin’s stealthy snare woos us to use our anger to injure another. (Proverbs 12:18)

It sneakily deceives, “You deserve to be angry! You’re more powerful if you voice your anger. Raised voice, pacing feet, sarcastic words, or snubbed shoulder; do it all, girl, whatever you feel. Let it roar, rage and burn!”
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Build Day 14 Building Security: Digging Deeper

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Build Day 14 Building Security: Digging Deeper

Lori Meeks

March 3, 2022

Christ,Digging Deeper,Faith,God,Good,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Love,Obedience,Purpose,Scripture,Trust,Wisdom,Worship

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 "Building Security"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

James 4:13-17

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit. “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) These verses make it seem like planning ahead is a bad thing, am I reading this correctly?

To answer this question, we should first understand the audience James was originally writing to as well as the theme of his entire letter. Throughout his letter, James calls believers in Jesus to take action and “walk the talk”. 

His audience called themselves Christ-following Christians, but weren’t necessarily being Christ-like or obedient to God’s commands in real, everyday life. They were showing favoritism (James 2:1-12), being prideful (James 4:1-12), spoke without integrity of worship (James 3:9-12), and incorrectly believed that faith without actions could pass for genuinely, saving faith (James 2:14-3:18).

With that understanding as a backdrop, it becomes easier to understand the point James is making in these few verses, which is, don’t be so full of pride that you lay out, detailed plans for your entire life. If we are really serious about following God, we absolutely must allow room for God and His leading and prompting. 

God is not in the business of rubber stamping our plans and clearing away any obstacles that stand in our way. James wants his readers to remember the commitment they made to Jesus, then live accordingly with full surrender.

The Everyday Application

1) These verses make it seem like planning ahead is a bad thing, am I reading this correctly?

Much like James’ original audience, as Christ followers we must live with an awareness of Whose we are and live like we mean our commitment to follow Him. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says it pretty bluntly “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.”

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we willingly give up our rights and will for the sake of His. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make plans for the present and the future, but it does mean our planning should begin with God (Proverbs 2:6) by asking for His will to be done in and through us, just as Jesus did while on earth. (John 5:19)

Once plans are made, we should hold them loosely because there may come a time when God asks us to change course and keep surrendering ourselves to Him; we must be willing to trust Him and follow as He leads.

The Original Intent

2) How can I know if my plans line up with God’s?

The first step is to ask God for wisdom and listen for His response. This initial act of surrender is worshipful as we prioritize God’s ways over our own. (Proverbs 9:10)

As we learned, the first recipients of this letter weren’t taking time to ask God, but pridefully planning their own ways. There was no way of confidently knowing whether their plans aligned with God’s.

In their favor, James’ audience knew their history and were familiar with how God had led Israel since the time of His promise to make Abraham into a great nation. (Genesis 12:1-3) Their parents and grandparents had undoubtedly recounted the stories of crossing the Red Sea, watching Jericho’s walls tumble down, and King David’s defeat of countless enemies time and time again. Not to mention, they personally knew Jesus, had sat under His teaching, had witnessed His miracles and were now scattered to share the gospel message of Christ’s offer to forgive and make new.

You can almost see how excitement, perhaps even fear got the best of them, ideas and plans of their own making began to form and take over the awe of humble worship to a God who sacrificed Himself for them. This is how pride sneaks in, for them, and us. What had begun as excitement to share the God’s love with others had turned into running ahead of God instead of waiting for His direction and timing.

We often forget, or overlook, that Jesus told His original followers the same thing He tells us today, “Love the LORD your God with all you’ve got.” (my paraphrase of Matthew 22:37) When you lose sight of walking daily in this command, it’s a pretty safe bet your plans won’t line up with God’s.

The Everyday Application

2) How can I know if my plans line up with God’s?

In today’s society, we place immense pressure on youth to have their entire lives planned out when entering high school (secondary education for my non-western friends). We expect them to choose a lifelong career path with little room for experience or gaining wisdom. Ironically, this method is what James speaks against, because it leaves no room for God!

Maybe God is calling our sons and daughters to be doctors and lawyers, but He also may be calling them to be auto-mechanics, moms, preachers, or receptionists. Yes, plan for college, retirement, and future trips, but do so with God leading the way.

This means we must ask His guidance while also waiting and listening, then compare what we think we hear to Scripture. If the two don’t align, we’ve misheard and need to ask again. Making plans isn’t really a “one and done” situation. Honestly, there are very few people I know where God has not changed their course mid-stream.

Our oldest daughter planned to be a journalist for most of high school, and began college studies toward this direction. This was her plan, but God’s was elementary (primary) education. Even after course correcting, her plans had her teaching in a certain district and school, but once again, God’s plans were different.

This lesson was hard and required time, but God is faithful to guide us and today she teaches first graders in our city’s urban core at a privately funded Christian school. Not at all what she would have picked for herself years ago, but exactly God’s intended direction.

Amazingly, her heart is now more open and willing to wait for and listen to God. Her desire is to walk in obedience to His call, not hers, even when it’s not easy.

The Original Intent

3) What does it mean to “know the good and not do it”? (verse 17)

The theme of our study has been Build and what it means to be totally dependent on God. Keeping this in mind, along with what we’ve learned of James’ purpose in writing, we can conclude that his audience struggled to obey God in everyday living.

It’s one thing to claim to be a follower of Jesus, but another to live it out day after day. Maybe they were running too far ahead, maybe they were tired of being different and just wanted an easy life, maybe they trusted their own leadership more than God’s. Regardless, following and obeying God is sometimes hard whether you were a first-century believer or a 21st.

Truly following God requires full reliance on the Spirit of God Who lives inside every believer to not only know and understand “the good way”, but to follow through and actually “live it”. These early followers of Jesus were experiencing the growing pains of living differently from the world around them. James, having learned this lesson firsthand as one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, is lovingly sharing his learnings with those God had put under his leadership.

The Everyday Application

3) What does it mean to “know the good and not do it”? (verse 17)

Can I be honest with ya’ll? I have a love/hate relationship with writing studies. Angst explodes in seeing my assignment topic and Scripture references; I sense the coming turmoil of wrestling with Scripture. I can almost feel the questions I will wade through, and I begin praying God will somehow string together my wrestlings into sensible words that honor Him.

Simultaneously, I love that God ALWAYS provides, often in the midst of my tears, conviction, and fresh insight. In this messy, but sacred place, I have been stuck, knowing the good I’ve been called to do, yet choosing not to act. Honestly, most often, we know the right answer. We know we should resist temptation; we know we should share truth instead of gossip, we know we should turn the other cheek, but it’s much easier to be self-righteous instead.

When we choose sin, we choose to worship the fleshly desires Paul discusses in Romans 7 & 8. Believe me, I get it! I fail every single day because it’s easy; failing allows me to fit with the crowd and build my kingdom, my way. Romans 8:9 says, “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit.” Verse 12 reiterates, “we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh!”

Do you see it?! Because the Spirit of Christ lives in believers, we are no longer forced to obey the deceptive chant, “Who cares?! Do what you want!” When we choose not to do the good we ought, we are choosing neither to trust God nor rely on His Spirit. Paul speaks the remedy in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who is against us?”

It’s terrifying to fully submit to God’s ways and start rejecting our ways. We fearfully wonder, “What if God wants me to give up what I love?” So, we reflect, are we living from pride of self or love for God? Taking it from James, pride sucks!

As I wrestled through this, God insistently whispered, “Do you really trust me or not?” I tried my best to avoid this wrestling session, but God has led me to look at strong truth and walk away choosing differently in my everyday life.

P.S. If you’re up for a challenge, read the short book of Malachi. It’s full of opportunities to wrestle with truth, see the Savior, and walk away changed to be more like Him!

 

 

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Build, Day 13
Journey Study

In the long list of names found in Nehemiah 11-12:26, we discover a group of individuals willing to trust God and surrender their plans or preferences in order to relocate, take on particular jobs, and participate in a community organized around worship. Theirs is an example of what we’re all challenged to do in James 4:15 as followers of Jesus, “You should say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.‘”

We see modern examples of this in missionaries and church planters who are willing to relocate to fulfill God’s calling. Any Christ-follower who chooses to actively trust God and honor Him wherever they live demonstrates this willing, humble, active obedience, even when unexpected circumstances lead them to move, or limit their choices of neighborhood.
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The GT Weekend! ~ Build Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ Build Week 2

Lesley Crawford

February 26, 2022

Courage,Focus,Genuine,God,GT Weekend,Wisdom

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

His Words Before Ours

Romans 5:1-4

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Father, thank You for the truth of your Word. Thank You for the hope, encouragement, and renewal it brings. Please help me to be faithful in turning to You to receive restoration so I may live in a way that honours You and reflects Your character to others. Please help me to lead well in the areas where You have given me influence on others. I desire to honor You by leading with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.

Reveal to me the areas of my life and leadership where You want to bring change, shaping me to better reflect You. Where there are challenges, help me to persevere. I praise You this isn’t something you call me to do in my own strength; You promise to supply all that is needed as I fix my gaze on You. Help me to hold to the promises of your Word and the truth of the Gospel so I might be sustained by You, even when difficulties arise.
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

In Monday’s Journey Study, we considered Nehemiah’s approach to leadership. Rather than lording it over those he led, he genuinely cared for them and sought their good. He also displayed integrity in refusing to accept special privileges. We are not all leaders who carry responsibilities like Nehemiah, but all of us have influence over others and responsibility for them in some way.

Perhaps our influence colors the workplace, our church, or within our families. List the situations where you have leadership or influence and take time to consider your approach to these responsibilities, asking God to highlight any areas He would like to build up in you. As Monday’s study reminded us, “Whatever position of leadership we may occupy where God has placed us, we are His ambassadors.” Pray, asking God to help you display His care, wisdom and integrity to help you lead in a way that honours Him.
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

As he and the people worked to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah persevered through many challenges like mocking, threats, and accusations. In all of this, he kept his focus on God, never allowing the obstacles or opposition to distract or deter him from the task to which God had called him.

What situations are you facing just now where you need to persevere? Make a list of these, being sure to include the ways you feel especially overwhelmed or challenged, and prayerfully bring these to God. Note down anything that threatens to distract you or tempts you to give up and ask specifically for God to give His courage and determination to persevere in the tasks He’s given. Are there specific Bible verses or promises of God that encourage you to keep going?

Consider choosing one or two to write out and put in places where you will see them regularly as a reminder to focus on God. For example, you could stick them on your mirror or beside the sink, or you could use them as a lockscreen for your phone.
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

Nehemiah led the people in restoring the walls of Jerusalem, but they also needed spiritual restoration. Their heart’s need was to turn back to God, seek Him, and live in a way that honoured Him. In the same way, each of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and we need the restoration only accessible through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Take time to ponder this reality and to write a prayer to God as you reflect. You may want to confess specific sins He brings to mind and ask His forgiveness, or you may want to declare praise for the restoration He is bringing. Carol’s Digging Deeper Study reminded us that, as we await God’s final restoration, we can find daily restoration and renewal, as well as hope and joy, through God’s Word.

How have you been encouraged by God’s Word in the book of Nehemiah over the last two weeks of this Journey Theme? Look back and note some encouragements, lessons, or things you want to remember or put into action, then place them by your bed or your phone where you will regularly be reminded!
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Build Day 8 Building Perseverance

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Build Day 8 Building Perseverance

Sara Cissell

February 23, 2022

Character,Faith,Focus,Jesus,Persevere,Promises,Wisdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

Nehemiah 6:1-7:73
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Romans 5:1-5


 

Ice cream cone in hand, the woman walked to the nearest park bench. As she sat, her dog planted himself in front of her with a laser-sharp focus on the sweet treat.

The woman ate her ice cream at a contented pace and appeared to enjoy watching the activity around her: young families caravanning by with their bikes and strollers, other dog-walkers out for a leisurely stroll, and rambunctious squirrels playing tag amidst the trees.

Her dog, however, paid little attention to his surroundings. The occasional shifting of his ears indicated his awareness, but his focus never strayed more than a moment from the yummy goodness in his owner’s hand. She rewarded his calm patience with the last bite of the cone.

Just like that, the spell was broken. All evidence of the cone licked clean, the dog looked around him, taking in the activity and sniffing his surroundings.

The entire interaction was quite mesmerizing to observe, and served as a prime example of Nehemiah’s focus on building the wall.

Nehemiah possessed a similar focus and determination. He, too, could have become distracted by the efforts of Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and those others opposing the rebuilding of the wall. However, he kept his focus on the Lord and His glory. (Nehemiah 6:1-4)

Such focus required intentionality and a great deal of faith. His enemies sought to cause Nehemiah to give up on completing the wall. They constructed false narratives about Nehemiah planning to declare himself as king. (Nehemiah 6:5-9) If he’d attempted to clear himself of these accusations, Nehemiah’s energy and time invested in the wall would have been derailed.

When he persisted in building, the tactic changed.
False prophets began to warn Nehemiah of those coming to kill him. (Nehemiah 6:10-14) Nehemiah could have hidden in fear and declined his leadership role in order to save himself. However, much like the dog focused on the ice cream cone, Nehemiah kept his eyes and ears trained on the Lord. He listened for the Lord, did not hear the Lord confirming the warnings as true, and proceeded to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the wall.

Nehemiah showed great perseverance throughout his leadership of the rebuilding project. Successful perseverance is predicated on knowing the what and the why of a goal. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was a large-scale what, and the why rested solely on the promises and character of the Lord. Nehemiah’s responses reflected his understanding of these concepts, and displayed a conscious choice to trust the Lord’s faithfulness.

Additionally, Nehemiah did not build the walls alone, and others followed his demonstration of the same faith-filled perseverance. Without all Israelites working together, the rebuilding would have taken longer or may never have even been completed. As the wall took shape, the team then needed to continue persisting in their faith by guarding it effectively.

The Lord’s focus and perseverance are also interwoven deeply throughout the story. He provided Nehemiah with favor, supplies, leadership grace, humility, wisdom, and courage. All of these, in turn, blessed the people whom Nehemiah led and displayed surrender to the Lord’s plan to rebuild the wall.

Evidence of the Lord’s faithfulness didn’t stop there! He prompted Nehemiah to gather the people according to genealogies. These names and numbers, listed in chapter 7, show the ongoing fulfillment of promises the Lord made to Abraham regarding his descendants being more numerous than the sand of the sea. (Genesis 22:17-18) Talk about a long-term example of perseverance!

The Lord’s perseverance and faithfulness continue to endure long past the close of Nehemiah’s story. His faithfulness is displayed today as He is near to each of us, waiting for us to lean into Him and His building plans for our lives. We are invited to persevere with Him as He builds His kingdom in and through us. While the context of our individual needs for His presence to pursue us varies, the foundation for our perseverance is the same: Jesus.

How has the Lord spoken to you in your current scenario? Are there specific verses, promises, or elements of His character you can focus on to empower your obedience?

The Lord has great rewards for our perseverance, rewards which may not be experienced for some time, or even in this lifetime. However, they are coming! (James 1:2-4) We may experience ridicule, misunderstanding, exhaustion, and many other challenges in our journeys, much like Nehemiah. For those who surrender to the Master Builder, Jesus, every trial will be accompanied with the joy of knowing obedience honors the Lord and His work carries an eternal impact.

Dear sisters, the effort and probable pain of perseverance is always worth it when Christ is the laser-focus of our life’s purpose. May we keep our gaze unswervingly on Him.
He sees it all and will reward our faith and trust in Him.

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Build, Day 9
Digging Deeper

In Romans 8:7, Paul describes the mindset of the flesh as hostile to God. Sin creates enmity (bitter fighting) between every human being and God. (Genesis 3:15) Being justified by faith in Jesus erases that hostility caused by sin and brings us into communion with God, giving us peace.

We are no longer at war with God because we are one with God who is our peace. (John 14:20, Ephesians 2:14)
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Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

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Feb 14 - March 4, 2022 - Journey Theme #103

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

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