Worship

The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 1

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The GT Weekend! ~ Shofar, Week 1

Rebecca Adams

January 24, 2026

Reveal,Scripture,Thankfulness,Worship

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

His Words Before Ours

Revelation 2:8-11

8 “Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: Thus says the First and the Last, the one who was dead and came to life: 9 I know your affliction and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death.
Read More Of His Words

Praying #HisWordsBeforeOurs

After reading today's passage a few times, find one verse or a small section to use as your guide in praying His Words Before Ours back to God!

Pray aloud in shout or whisper, inside your mind, with tears, or pen and paper. Cling to #HisWordsBeforeOurs and pray honestly, letting His Spirit guide and instruct your heart!

May you be refreshed, dear sister, as you speak with, and listen to, the Almighty God!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

What Do You See?

After reading the passage several times, summarize in your own words what is happening. Use pen and paper or talk it out as if describing it to someone younger than you. (this is harder than it may seem!)

What do you see if you step into the passage? Who is involved? What hits your senses? Do you know any other parts of Scripture, or cultural background that might help you understand this passage more?

It's a great time to do some research with trusted sources to help answer your questions, but please read the surrounding passages and cross-references first!
Monday & Tuesday

What Sparks Your Heart?

When we humbly and prayerfully read God’s Word, the Spirit is ready and eager to teach us, convict us, and help us grow deeper in Him!

As you read this passage, where do you sense the Spirit sparking your soul to pay attention? Pray over those portions as you read and re-read them, asking the Lord what He wants you to DO in real life.

Write down in your journal, or on a sticky note, (or on your arm in ink!) the actions the Lord is leading you to live out today. Tell a friend how the Lord is challenging you; following Jesus is meant to be lived in community!
Wednesday & Thursday

What Will You Sacrifice?

Lay out a sacrifice of praise, worship, and intercession for others through prayer. Praise Jesus for His work in You, for His Word, for His work in the world, and pray for those people the Spirit brings to your mind.

Don't leave God's Word unchanged and unchallenged, Sister! How will your life today reflect a Sacrifice for Christ? Whether it's praise, turning from sin, or following a prod to step into a faith action, sacrifice from your heart!

When we bring a sacrifice of praise through prayer and adoration, the Lord is glorified and made much of in our everyday lives while Kingdom work advances in the world through prayer! Be sure to write out your prayers; soon, you’ll have a log of sacrificial praise to look back on the reflected goodness of God in your life!
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Join Us On The Journey!

Want encouragement
on the daily?
Registration gives you free, every day access to encouragement, weekly worship prompts, and daily Bible study that applies to real life.
Journey On!

Can We Pray With You?

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!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Jan 19, 2026 - Feb 6 - Journey Theme #141
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Tags :
listen,read,reflect,scripture,shofar
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The GT Weekend! ~ King, Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ King, Week 2

Rebecca Adams

January 10, 2026

Adoration,Relationship,Scripture,Worship

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

His Words Before Ours

Ezekiel 43:1-9

He led me to the gate, the one that faces east, 2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of a huge torrent, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 The vision I saw was like the one I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and like the ones I had seen by the Chebar Canal. I fell facedown. 4 The glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate that faced east. 5 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

6 While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from the temple. 7 He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel and their kings will no longer defile my holy name by their religious prostitution and by the corpses of their kings at their high places. 8 Whenever they placed their threshold next to my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them, they were defiling my holy name by the detestable acts they committed. So I destroyed them in my anger. 9 Now let them remove their prostitution and the corpses of their kings far from me, and I will dwell among them forever.
Read More Of His Words

Praying #HisWordsBeforeOurs

After reading today's passage a few times, find one verse or a small section to use as your guide in praying His Words Before Ours back to God!

Pray aloud in shout or whisper, inside your mind, with tears, or pen and paper. Cling to #HisWordsBeforeOurs and pray honestly, letting His Spirit guide and instruct your heart!

May you be refreshed, dear sister, as you speak with, and listen to, the Almighty God!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

What Do You See?

After reading the passage several times, summarize in your own words what is happening. Use pen and paper or talk it out as if describing it to someone younger than you. (this is harder than it may seem!)

What do you see if you step into the passage? Who is involved? What hits your senses? Do you know any other parts of Scripture, or cultural background that might help you understand this passage more?

It's a great time to do some research with trusted sources to help answer your questions, but please read the surrounding passages and cross-references first!
Monday & Tuesday

What Sparks Your Heart?

When we humbly and prayerfully read God’s Word, the Spirit is ready and eager to teach us, convict us, and help us grow deeper in Him!

As you read this passage, where do you sense the Spirit sparking your soul to pay attention? Pray over those portions as you read and re-read them, asking the Lord what He wants you to DO in real life.

Write down in your journal, or on a sticky note, (or on your arm in ink!) the actions the Lord is leading you to live out today. Tell a friend how the Lord is challenging you; following Jesus is meant to be lived in community!
Wednesday & Thursday

What Will You Sacrifice?

Lay out a sacrifice of praise, worship, and intercession for others through prayer. Praise Jesus for His work in You, for His Word, for His work in the world, and pray for those people the Spirit brings to your mind.

Don't leave God's Word unchanged and unchallenged, Sister! How will your life today reflect a Sacrifice for Christ? Whether it's praise, turning from sin, or following a prod to step into a faith action, sacrifice from your heart!

When we bring a sacrifice of praise through prayer and adoration, the Lord is glorified and made much of in our everyday lives while Kingdom work advances in the world through prayer! Be sure to write out your prayers; soon, you’ll have a log of sacrificial praise to look back on the reflected goodness of God in your life!
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Join Us On The Journey!

Want encouragement
on the daily?
Registration gives you free, every day access to encouragement, weekly worship prompts, and daily Bible study that applies to real life.
Journey On!

Can We Pray With You?

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!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026 - Journey Theme #140
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Share Your Story!
Tags :
follow,King,reflection,Revelation,worship
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King Day 7 Blazing Glory: Digging Deeper

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King Day 7 Blazing Glory: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves

January 6, 2026

Adoring,Glory,God,Power,Praise,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 "Blazing Glory"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 1:12-14

12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What is the meaning of Jesus’ eyes being “like a fiery flame”? (verse 14)

“Like a fiery flame.” Simply reading those words is likely to produce immediate thoughts about the kind of king Jesus must be. Most of us don’t need a knowledge of the Greek language to give meaning to this description. But, I’m going to provide one for the inquiring mind.

The original Greek puts it this way: The eyes of Him are like a flame (phlox) of fire (pyros). There are seven occurrences of phlox in the New Testament, three are found in the book of the Revelation, giving us insight into its meaning. Linking these verses provide our basis for determining essential aspects of Jesus’ character as King.

Phlox is a flame that can bring agony (Luke 16:24), provoke amazement (Acts 7:30-31), denote righteous judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:5-8), and, finally, phlox is a flame that generates worship (Hebrews 1:7-9). The other two uses of the word in Revelation tell us phlox is a flame of authority and dominion. (Revelation 2:18, Revelation 19:12-13) Therefore, looking through the lens of Scripture itself, we are compelled to notice a powerful gaze that sees everything for what it really is.

Further, Hebrews 4:13 tells us “No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” Malachi prophesied about the all-seeing One who was to come, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire … and like launderer’s bleach … and purifier of silver.” (Malachi 3:2-3)

Jesus’ fiery eyes reflect a purification process that will include a burning away of impurity and an exposing of truth. This revealing will be painful for all who reject Him. BUT it will be glorious for all who worship Him.

The Everyday Application

1) What is the meaning of Jesus’ eyes being “like a fiery flame”? (verse 14)

A striking truth: God is fully aware of us at all times.

To have God shine His face upon our lives with blessing is to experience the peace of His forgiveness and joy of His salvation. (Numbers 26:22-27) On the contrary, God made it clear that when we choose to stay in our sin, His gaze toward us is with judgment, not blessing. Committing evil in His sight separates us from His delightful gaze. (Judges 6:1-3, Isaiah 1:12-15)

However, God loves His people and desires for us to experience His pleasure and care. (Deuteronomy 32:9-11) What a blessed thought to consider our wonderful, eagle-eyed God! If someone has an ‘eagle eye’, they notice everything, even the slightest of details. As I’ve been closely watching a mama eagle care for her eggs on YouTube, I’ve been moved to tears as I think about having a God who cares for us much more than that bird will ever care for her eggs/chicks. (Matthew 6:25-26)

Friend, that same “God who sees” in the Old Testament (Genesis 16:11-13) is the One who sees all in the New Testament. (Matthew 9:35-36) A quick scan of the gospels reveals the many times “Jesus saw” the people, even in the moments of His final breath.

When Jesus was dying on the cross He looked out and spoke:
To His murderers, Jesus offered forgiveness. (Luke 23:32-37)
To one of the criminals, He offered mercy. (Luke 23:39-43)
To His mother, He offered care. (John 19:25-27)

But the decisive moment for you and me is the return look we give to Jesus.

It is that look, dear Sister, that decides whether we will receive the Lord’s gaze of blessing or the gaze of judgment. Oh, how I pray you will look to Jesus with faith … and live!
(Look to Jesus, Weary One)

The Original Intent

2) If the phrase “like a fiery flame” relates to Jesus’ judgment and omniscience, what might Satan know that would cause him to manufacture a counterfeit Jesus? (verse 14)

The power plays of our enemy, the Devil, have been strategic from the beginning. (2 Corinthians 11:3, 1 John 3:8) His schemes against humanity began in the garden (Genesis 3:1-7), and he won’t stop his charade until he is cast into the pit of hell on his last day. (Revelation 20:7-10) Satan knows he must use every power at his disposal (Ephesians 6:11-12) to try and seize humanity and convince the world God is the liar. (John 8:42-45) He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal of destroying humanity and stealing God’s glory. (Psalm 115)

Satan and his demons use their temporary freedom in a concerted effort to defeat Jesus and destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8-10) These will ultimately prove futile, still, we are ceaselessly attacked by his cruel plots. (Job 2, Luke 22:31-32)

Having no concern for their demise, Satan has cunningly persuaded foolish humans to partner with him in his effort to rob God of the worship due only Him. (Acts 12:20-23) His arrogance is so great, he even approached Jesus to persuade Him to use His power in all the wrong ways. (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:13) This cleverly disguised adversary (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) is convinced he can come against us so relentlessly, we will eventually give in to his counterfeit offer of fulfillment.

Unlike Jesus, Satan doesn’t know everything (omniscience). The Bible never speaks to Satan’s ability to be everywhere at once (omnipresence). And certainly, by Scripture’s repeated testimony, Satan’s power is limited by the One who is All-Powerful (omnipotent).

Thanks be to our God, there will be an end to the false narrative of our enemy. Though it may seem his covert plots are winning the day, his days of wreaking havoc are indeed numbered. (1 Timothy 3:6, 2 Peter 2:1-4, Revelation 12:10)

The Everyday Application

2) If the phrase “like a fiery flame” relates to Jesus’ judgment and omniscience, what might Satan know that would cause him to manufacture a counterfeit Jesus? (verse 14)

Believers need not fear our adversary, the Devil, but ought to be aware of his schemes and desire to harm us. Satan is a powerful enemy, but he is not omnipresent, omniscient, or omnipotent! These powers belong solely to the Only One Worthy, God Almighty!

Consider with me the superhero, Superman. (I have a son and grandsons, so superheroes are in abundance!) If you know about him, you know he is almost unstoppable, but Superman has a vulnerability. Just as the powerful superhero is weakened by Kryptonite, so our very real enemy is weakened by our faith and obedience. The apostle Paul prayed for God to take the thorn he’d been given. (2 Corinthians 12:6-10) BUT what Satan meant for Paul’s demise, God used to sanctify and strengthen Paul’s faith.

Even when Satan brings temptation to us through suffering and trial, he’s not the determiner of our end. He’s always under God’s supervision. While Satan’s purpose was the destruction of Paul’s faith, God’s omnipotent and omniscient design was the strengthening of Paul’s faith.

I won’t paint this life as easy, because it is not. Friend, Satan is against us, and he’ll use tricks and lies to convince us to doubt God, but the glorious reality for the believer is this: our enemy WILL NOT WIN. (1 John 5:2-5) In fact, your obedience and faith thwart his advances!

Sister, God in us has more power than our adversary who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Through His Word, the Spirit of God will help you overcome the devil’s most lethal weapon: doubting God and His Word. (John 16:33) When you look at Jesus with trusting eyes instead of skeptical ones, you’ll find His gaze to be clarifying and transforming. The more fixed your gaze becomes, the more you will want to know Him!

The Original Intent

3) What does allegiance to this all-knowing King involve? (verse 14)

The Westminster Catechism is a scripturally-based ‘Statement of Faith’ that was produced by the Westminster Assembly during a gathering of theologians in the 1640s. The Shorter Catechism is divided into two major parts: 1) What man is to believe concerning God; 2) What duty God requires of man. The Shorter Catechism (a more concise version designed for beginners to learn the basics of the particular doctrinal beliefs) states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

1 Corinthians 10:31-32 tells us to do everything to the glory of God so that people will be redeemed to enjoy Him forever. (Ephesians 1:7-8) Our devotion to the LORD is the highest ‘duty’ of every believer. This kind of sincere allegiance means forsaking every idol that would compete with our devotion to God. (Exodus 20:3-6)

Scripture commands all those who confess Jesus as Lord to love Him with our whole being, recognizing His supreme authority over our lives. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-37) It is God’s will that we demonstrate our loyalty by surrendering ourselves completely to Him. (Romans 12:1-2)

Faithfulness to God requires both knowledge of His Word and a heart transformed by His grace. Believers grow in their devotion by studying Scripture and applying its truths, living out the call to be people who are “eager to do good works” for His glory! (Psalm 119:101-104, Luke 1:67-79, Titus 2:14)

The Everyday Application

3) What does allegiance to this all-knowing King involve? (verse 14)

Does following Jesus require full allegiance to Him? Indeed it does, sweet Friend. The apostle John tells us about the day Jesus died and two criminals were hung beside Christ. (John 19:31-36) As an eyewitness to these events, John notes that the legs of two of the men with Jesus were broken, but finding Jesus already dead, they did not break His legs. One of the soldiers then stabbed Jesus’ side with a spear causing blood and water to flow out. Although medical experts disagree as to which organs were pierced, the death of Jesus was verified by this act of the soldier.

In all of this, the most poignant moment of all happens in verse 37 when they looked at Him. Can you imagine that day, Sister? Can you envision standing at the foot of Jesus’ cross with the others, some there with great sorrow and others with great contempt. If it had been you, would Jesus’ eyes look at you and see a heart of repentance and humility? Would you find Him so compelling you could do nothing else but worship Him?

On the day Jesus died, one criminal looked at him through eyes of faith, and one through doubt. One was saved, one was not. (Luke 23:38-43) Though not one of us was born without sin, we have been granted access to God through the death of Jesus. It is His sacrifice that bids us come to Him and surrender our all and gain the gaze of forgiveness. (Hebrews 13:12-15)

How thankful I am for the Word of God that directs our attention to Christ. His saving look redeems us, and His continual gaze sanctifies us. May we not allow our enemy to lead us astray from surrendering our allegiance, and giving our genuine devotion, to Christ alone. Oh Sister, let’s spend our days gazing on His glory! (Show us Christ)

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follow,glory,identity,King,Revelation,worship
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King, Day 6
Journey Study

“I couldn’t be a Christian,” he said. “If I confessed the things I’ve done, it would give the priest a heart attack.”

I told him that he wouldn’t need to confess to a priest; he could confess directly to God.

His response, “Yes, but the things I’ve done would give God a heart attack!”

I assured him this was not the case as God already knew everything, so nothing he confessed would be a surprise to God.
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Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026 - Journey Theme #140

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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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King Day 6 Blazing Glory

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King Day 6 Blazing Glory

Lesley Crawford

January 5, 2026

Adoration,Flawless,Glory,Reveal,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Revelation 1:9-18
Malachi 4:1-3
Hebrews 4:12-13
Psalm 33:13-15

“[A]mong the lampstands was one like the Son of Man [. . .] His eyes like a fiery flame.” (Revelation 1:14, emphasis mine)

As I considered the image of the all-seeing God with eyes like blazing fire, a conversation I had several years ago with a teenage boy came to mind. He had no Christian background, but he had come along to a church youth club I helped to lead, and somehow as we talked, the topic of confessing sin came up.

“I couldn’t be a Christian,” he said. “If I confessed the things I’ve done, it would give the priest a heart attack.”

I told him that he wouldn’t need to confess to a priest; he could confess directly to God.

His response, “Yes, but the things I’ve done would give God a heart attack!”

I assured him this was not the case as God already knew everything, so nothing he confessed would be a surprise to God. I remember the way the boy’s eyes widened in horror as he struggled to get his head around this, and, despite my attempts to explain God’s mercy and forgiveness, he quickly moved the conversation onto “safer ground.”

There is something deeply unsettling about the fact that God is all-seeing and all-knowing, that nothing is hidden from Him, that “His eyes like a fiery flame” (Revelation 1:14) see right through us.

In the Old Testament, fire is often linked with God’s judgement and His perfect glory, which burns away anything impure. In Leviticus 10:1-3, fire consumes Nadab and Abihu as a result of their disobedience to God, and after the Israelites rebel against God, we read in Numbers 16:35, “Fire also came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were presenting the incense.”

Malachi prophesies, “For look, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble.” (Malachi 4:1)

Verses like these can be so disconcerting because we know, if we’re honest, in many ways we are just like God’s people in the Old Testament. We all make bad choices and turn away from God. God’s Word makes our reality evident to us and shows us we are all accountable before God. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

The Bible teaches God sees it all; there is nowhere to hide. Not only does He observe us and consider our works (Psalm 33:13-15) but He even knows our thoughts! (Ezekiel 11:5) And Psalm 96:13 tells us the Lord “is coming to judge the earth.”

This all sounds like very bad news, but fortunately it’s not the end of the story.

While Jesus was coming to judge, Psalm 96:13 also assures us His judgement is good, “He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with His faithfulness.”

Even better, Jesus came to earth not to condemn, but to save. (John 3:17) He came to take God’s judgement, the judgement we deserve, upon Himself! Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Because of Jesus’ death and our faith in Him, we are freed from God’s wrath (Romans 5:9) and face no condemnation! (Romans 8:1) 

Viewed through this lens, God’s omniscience becomes less terrifying and more comforting. As Timothy Keller put it:

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretence, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” (The Meaning of Marriage – quoted in Facebook post on 25th April 2013) 

This truth is what I attempted to convey to the teenage boy at the youth club. 

While there is something unnerving about the thought God sees our sin, and while it should lead us to approach Him with reverence and repentance, there is also something very reassuring about the knowledge God sees us as we are and still loves us. We never need to fear that something we confess will surprise God or turn Him away.

Instead, we can honestly confess to Him, knowing His heart is to forgive and restore; the fire in His eyes is not one which destroys indiscriminately, but one which refines and purifies to make us more like Him.

Tags :
glory,King,Revelation,worship
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Recent Journeys

King, Day 7
Digging Deeper

Jesus’ fiery eyes reflect a purification process that will include a burning away of impurity and an exposing of truth.

This revealing will be painful for all who reject Him. BUT it will be glorious for all who worship Him.
Dig Deeper!

Study Book Available!

Study the GT Focus Journey Theme in book format!

“King” is available in the GT Bookstore!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026 - Journey Theme #140

Join a GT POD!

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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Share Your Story!

The GT Weekend! ~ King, Week 1

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The GT Weekend! ~ King, Week 1

Rebecca Adams

January 3, 2026

Adoration,Reflection,Scripture,Worship

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

His Words Before Ours

Revelation 1:1-8

The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.

4 John: To the seven churches in Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Look, he is coming with the clouds.
and every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him.
And all the tribes of the earth
will mourn over him.
So it is to be. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Read More Of His Words

Praying #HisWordsBeforeOurs

After reading today's passage a few times, find one verse or a small section to use as your guide in praying His Words Before Ours back to God!

Pray aloud in shout or whisper, inside your mind, with tears, or pen and paper. Cling to #HisWordsBeforeOurs and pray honestly, letting His Spirit guide and instruct your heart!

May you be refreshed, dear sister, as you speak with, and listen to, the Almighty God!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

What Do You See?

After reading the passage several times, summarize in your own words what is happening. Use pen and paper or talk it out as if describing it to someone younger than you. (this is harder than it may seem!)

What do you see if you step into the passage? Who is involved? What hits your senses? Do you know any other parts of Scripture, or cultural background that might help you understand this passage more?

It's a great time to do some research with trusted sources to help answer your questions, but please read the surrounding passages and cross-references first!
Monday & Tuesday

What Sparks Your Heart?

When we humbly and prayerfully read God’s Word, the Spirit is ready and eager to teach us, convict us, and help us grow deeper in Him!

As you read this passage, where do you sense the Spirit sparking your soul to pay attention? Pray over those portions as you read and re-read them, asking the Lord what He wants you to DO in real life.

Write down in your journal, or on a sticky note, (or on your arm in ink!) the actions the Lord is leading you to live out today. Tell a friend how the Lord is challenging you; following Jesus is meant to be lived in community!
Wednesday & Thursday

What Will You Sacrifice?

Lay out a sacrifice of praise, worship, and intercession for others through prayer. Praise Jesus for His work in You, for His Word, for His work in the world, and pray for those people the Spirit brings to your mind.

Don't leave God's Word unchanged and unchallenged, Sister! How will your life today reflect a Sacrifice for Christ? Whether it's praise, turning from sin, or following a prod to step into a faith action, sacrifice from your heart!

When we bring a sacrifice of praise through prayer and adoration, the Lord is glorified and made much of in our everyday lives while Kingdom work advances in the world through prayer! Be sure to write out your prayers; soon, you’ll have a log of sacrificial praise to look back on the reflected goodness of God in your life!
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Join Us On The Journey!

Want encouragement
on the daily?
Registration gives you free, every day access to encouragement, weekly worship prompts, and daily Bible study that applies to real life.
Journey On!

Can We Pray With You?

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!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026 - Journey Theme #140
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Tags :
follow,Jesus,King,Revelation,worship
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King Day 5 White As Snow: Digging Deeper

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King Day 5 White As Snow: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

January 2, 2026

Glory,God,Jesus,Praise,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 "White As Snow"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 1:16-20

16 “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. 17 Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.

18 “Come, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who is Isaiah speaking to in this passage, and why? (verse 16)

In studying the Old Testament, it’s sometimes difficult to untangle who is being referenced when an author uses the name “Israel”. In certain Scriptures, God used the name Israel to refer to a specific historic person, Jacob, the man God blessed and renamed Israel after he encountered and wrestled with God. (Genesis 32:28, Genesis 35:10) In other passages, Israel reference the entire nation of people who descended from Jacob’s lineage. (2 Samuel 7:23-24, Romans 11:26-27) In still other passages, Israel refers specifically to the kingdom of Israel.

During King David’s reign, the nation of Israel was united, but under his grandson Rehoboam, the nation was fractured. (1 Kings 11:26-40, 1 Kings 12) At the time of Isaiah’s writing, the nation of Israel was already divided into two kingdoms: the Kingdom of Israel (northern) and the Kingdom of Judah (southern). Envision one people group with a shared family bloodline, shared history, and culture, but starkly divided by opposing views.

The ten northern tribes revolted against King Rehoboam and became known as the kingdom of Israel. They had separate kings and made different decisions from their southern counterparts. The southern kingdom supported Rehoboam in his oppressive rule and included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, becoming known as the kingdom of Judah.

Rehoboam and his kingdom sinned against God in many ways, as did his successor and son, King Abijam. (1 Kings 14:21-29, 1 Kings 15:1-8) Against this evil backdrop, the prophet Isaiah answered God’s call to address the nation of Israel, but also to specifically rebuke and warn this southern Kingdom of Judah, calling out the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, reminding them of who they had been, who they were called to be, and prophesying about the redemption God would eventually work in all His people.

The Everyday Application

1) Who is Isaiah speaking to in this passage, and why? (verse 16)

When I read Scripture, I often fight against the pull to apply a seemingly appropriate application centered around my current situation or emotion. Sound study and application require more of me, thanks be to God! The easy route might be to mentally “snip” Isaiah’s warning and apply it to my political neighbor across-the-aisle, or the church down the road who does things differently than my preference, or to the lady who cut me off in traffic. “They’d better turn from their evil ways! Judgement is coming!” The temptation to elevate ourselves, and misuse God’s Word, whispers and sometimes shouts, doesn’t it?

The historical and cultural context of this passage is far removed from life today, but the beauty and blessing of Scripture is that it’s all inspired by God. It’s all good for teaching, training, correcting, and growing in godliness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

While the climate of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah don’t directly correlate to our individual lives today, there is much we can learn about God and His character through these rich verses. Likely, we haven’t led a violent, bloody revolt against a sitting king, but don’t we sin in a million little (and big) ways every single day? Have we led a silent, internal revolt against King Jesus by our rebellion, our reluctance, our reticence, our resignation?

Is He not ever faithful to call us to repentance before Him, in our failure and our weakness just as He called to His people through the prophet Isaiah? Through the way God used Isaiah and the other prophets portrayed in Scripture, God gives us insight into His incredible patience, His heart for people, His plan for salvation, and for the necessity of our repentance to be restored to Him. 

The Original Intent

2) Why did Isaiah list out these specific commands? (verse 17)

When we examine the greater context of Isaiah’s message to the Israelites, the picture becomes clearer. Isaiah was enlisted by God to point out the Israelites’ sin, evil behavior, idolatry, and empty actions, calling them to repentance from sin and restoration to God. God’s love for the Israelites is juxtaposed with His disgust for their actions, the greater breadth of verses painting a picture of His care for them as that of a father caring for his children, and then portraying them as worse than a creature that (at least) recognizes who feeds it. (Isaiah 1:2-3) He wanted their attention!

God highlighted all their busy actions and activities, their incense, and their offerings, their festivals and gatherings, calling it all empty and undesirable. (Isaiah 1:11-15) He knew the posture of their hearts; nothing about all their busyness shrouded their true condition from His gaze. This is why He sent Isaiah: to let them know He wasn’t fooled. He saw everything and wanted them to repent and turn back to Him before they strayed even further.

Following Isaiah’s laundry list of empty motions, the Israelites persisted in doing for the sake of appearances, God pierced through to the center of the issue: their hearts. Isaiah’s call to repentance and righteous living laid out a clear picture of God’s heart and love for the hurting and marginalized. God’s heart is for justice. Freedom. For the orphan. For the lost, unprotected, and abandoned.

In His infinite mercy, God sent Isaiah to proclaim the Israelites’ iniquity so that God might reveal His holiness, goodness, and righteousness. In plainly stating the things that God calls good, He revealed more of His heart and the incredible restoration offered to them when they repented of their sin. His way would always be better.

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Isaiah list out these specific commands? (verse 17)

If I’m being honest, experience has led me to cringe when I read or listen to this verse, or other similar statements as in Micah. (Micah 6:8) Regardless of their intent, vocal Christians from varying viewpoints and ideations have wielded these verses like a club against those around them, figuratively beating anyone who didn’t agree with their exact application or ideas about what living out these verses can and should look like in daily life.

Praise God, Scripture can stand alone! (Isaiah 40:6-8, Psalm 119:89-91, Hebrews 4:12-13) It doesn’t need my adaptation, or yours. We can ask God for wisdom, put aside our thoughts about it, and read what He has given us, knowing that His Word is enough, and trust the Spirit of God to help us understand Him.

In the text, God was calling His people to repentance through Isaiah, providing them with a “heart check” of sorts, after listing out the empty actions they wore like so many “clean” garments. He showed them how filthy their unclean hearts were to Him, by giving them a measuring stick to hold up against their ways. In the same way that He provided the Law to show the Israelites the depths of their sin and the incredible reality of His perfect holiness, God provided a glimpse of Who He is to call them out of their wickedness and back into His mercy.

Praise God, He does the same for us today!

The Original Intent

3) Why did God prompt Isaiah to say to Israel, “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool?” (verse 18)

The nation of Israel, including its two kingdoms, was well-acquainted with sacrifice. Levitical law outlined God’s requirements for sin offerings, trespass offerings, and burnt offerings, among others. The particularly vibrant hues of blood stains indelibly marking whatever it touches would have naturally come to mind for God’s people in this description. Whether their heart posture was right or wrong, they had been complying, at least outwardly, with His law for as long as they could remember.

When Isaiah spoke about “scarlet” and “crimson” sins, they wouldn’t have needed to imagine those colors. They saw them all the time. But God wasn’t finished. Even as He evoked bloody imagery of the payment required for sin, He issued the wonderful promise: “…they will be as white as snow…they will be like wool.”

Although the Israelites didn’t understand exactly what God’s plan would look like, they were familiar with the promise God issued to their first parents, Adam and Eve, so many years ago in Eden. God had said there would be a seed of the woman, who would crush the evil one. (Genesis 3:15) Though they failed and faltered, turning from God’s face again and again, they knew God was a keeper of His promises because He told them He was, over and over again.

To their long-ago forefather, Noah, God made a promise. (Genesis 9) Then again, to Abraham., God made a promise. (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:1-4, Genesis 17:1-22) Here, God reminded them of His first promise to save His people from their sins and offer restoration in response to their repentance. Regardless of their wickedness, He wanted them to know He hadn’t forgotten or gone back on His promise. He had fulfilled many, and He would continue to do so until every promise was made good.

The Everyday Application

3) Why did God prompt Isaiah to say to Israel, “Though your sins are scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are crimson red, they will be like wool?” (verse 18)

It’s easy to say we are made new in Christ, but believing it is more challenging. While I may remember the stain of my sin with shame, remorse, or regret, God shows us in these verses that those who are in Christ are clean. Those who have trusted Jesus as their personal Savior have been made new; the record of their sins is as white as snow. No lingering mess or stain remains!

Nestled in the pages of history, 700 years before God would take on flesh to make the ultimate sacrifice Himself and pay for our sin, He spoke to the Israelites, promising that He would come. His sacrifice would pay our sin debt in full. Even amidst turmoil, division, war, and all the wickedness they ran to, He spoke words of HOPE. From the moment these words were first spoken to today, our God hasn’t changed. He is still in the business of calling us out of our sin, calling us to repentance and into restoration by mercy and His incredible grace.

When I find myself caught up in holy-looking actions and tasks, He still looks beyond the surface to examine the condition of my heart. When I’ve convinced myself of a lie about my motives, or believe I have a corner on what’s “right,” He is faithful to call me out of my sin and my self-love, and back to the foot of the cross where His blood paid my sin debt.

His discipline and conviction draw me to repentance and renewed gratitude for His unending grace. Does He want our obedience? YES. Does He know we will continue to fail over and over? YES. Does He still extend His promise of coming salvation, and restoration for our repentance? YES. Praise God, He is faithful!

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follow,King,Lord,Revelation,throne room,worship
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King, Day 5
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Jesus is a King unlike human kings. He took on our sin on the cross (John 3:16-17) and “was crushed because of our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5), but was still holy and perfect, otherwise He wouldn’t be able stand in the presence of The Ancient of Days and be “given dominion and glory and a kingdom[.]” (Daniel 7:13-14)

Why? Because “Nothing unclean will ever enter” God’s presence. (Revelation 21:27)
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The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 1

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The GT Weekend! ~ Slain, Week 1

Katelyn Palmer

April 19, 2025

Mercy,Obedience,Redemption,Relationship,Sing,Trust,Victorious,Worship

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

His Words Before Ours

Daniel 3:16-18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, ‘Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king.

18 But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.’
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Dear Yahweh,
I come to You, first, with gratitude. Thank you for the sisters I get to joyfully write alongside each week. They continue to draw an Amen from my lips and inspire souls all around the world to follow You! (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

I am grateful for Your perfectly timed lessons that always seem to hit on a heart issue I am actively facing. I praise You for knowing me perfectly and guiding me into all truth even at the cost of dying to self and persecution from others. (John 16:13, 2 Timothy 3:12–14)

Lord, I pray the words shared with us this week in each of the studies would soak into our hearts and minds; use them, Spirit, to encourage perseverance for all who have ears to hear. (Revelation 2:7)

Yahweh, I pray that each sister reading this today would take heart in the stories of old and run her race all the way Home to You. (Hebrews 11-12:2)

Yahweh, I would also pray that each of us take the opportunities You daily give us to build others up, reflect Your love, and build Your kingdom.

May each sister move into this new week strengthened by her time in the Word with You, supported by brothers and sisters in You, and emboldened to speak Your name regardless of her surroundings.
In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Humans spend a lot of time thinking about death, or maybe, working on “not-thinking” about death. We push uncomfortable thoughts about our mortality away, but what happens when, eventually, we are face-to-face with our last breath?

I hope that when my time comes, I face it with the strength of the Holy Spirit just like my fellow-believer, Polycarp, who suffered a tragic death in Jesus’ name without wavering. Polycarp didn’t just die for Jesus, he lived for Jesus as a bishop of Smyrna who dedicated his years to serving God’s people. On Monday, Gloria beautifully wrote, “While we may not all be called to die for our faith, we are all called to live for it.” I lost my breath for a second, because she’s right!

It’s so easy to get lost in hopes for our future or past pains that we forget to live in the present for our Savior. Jesus reiterates time and again that our lives will tell of our love for Him, winsomely inviting others to follow; we are branches to His vine and the fruit we bear reveals the authenticity of our love for the Savior. (John 15:1-11)

With confidence in the faithful God who holds every strand of our stories on earth, we can shed our worries for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), release the shackles of our past (Isaiah 1:18), and choose to testify to our love of Christ in the present.
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

The sentiment of Wednesday’s Journey Study is this: Spend your life for something greater than yourself. What could possibly be greater than the eternal, unstoppable Kingdom of God?

When our lives are aligned with Jesus’ words and His ways, we are inherently engaged in Kingdom work that will last for eternity. Our focus shifts away from the temporal struggles and onto the forever Glory to come. (Colossians 3:1-4) The fruit of our lives ripen, illustrating the blessings and steadiness that comes from practicing Christ’s teachings. (John 15:1-8)

We intrigue the lost souls around us with Jesus’ love, igniting a flame of hope and pointing them to the Hope of Christ. (Hebrews 10:24-25) We don’t need to face the noose, or a jail cell, or other countless horrors to live a life that reflects God. We don’t have to find our name in a history book to live a life that is worthy of heavenly celebration. But, make no mistake, every life surrendered to Jesus carries the cost of dying to self and living for Him!

Blandina and Polycarp lived and died for Christ, encouraging many souls throughout history to choose Christ. We are in just as great a position to do kingdom work if only we choose love for Christ over Self! (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22)
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

How we spend this life matters. Every choice we make creates a ripple effect., either for Life or Death. Perpetua and Felicity made choices that sent ripples through time and eternity so that even today, you and I may hear, and be inspired to follow Jesus because of their stalwart love for Christ.

Perpetua’s father could have ultimately been saved by the example of his daughter’s faith even unto death. The baby girl birthed by Felicity, given to another sister in Christ to be raised, could have been the answer to a thousand prayers by that very sister who couldn’t have her own children. Any number of possibilities can come from every single decision we make as we place our focus of faith on Christ.

We must strive to see each choice as an opportunity to choose God or the world. With this perspective, it should be our goal to choose God more than we choose the world because we cannot have both. (James 4:4)

Sometimes, that means denying our desires and placing others first. (Galatians 5:24) Sometimes, it’s giving up our time and resources to others who need them more or loving those who seem determined to be “unlovable”. (Luke 6:27-36) On all accounts, we much seek Jesus and trust His Ways are steady and reliable! (Daniel 3:17-18, Psalm 25:10)
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

Read More »

Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

Read More »

Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

Read More »

Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

Read More »

Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

Read More »

The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

Read More »

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April 14 - May 2, 2025 - Journey Theme #139
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Tags :
Easter,eternity,hope,life,martyr,redemption,victory
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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship XIII, Week 3

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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship XIII, Week 3

Katelyn Palmer

April 12, 2025

Adoration,Faith,Glory,Heart,Mercy,Truth,Worship

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

His Words Before Ours

Psalm 85:9-13

His salvation is very near those who fear him, so that glory may dwell in our land. Faithful love and truth will join together; righteousness and peace will embrace.

Truth will spring up from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven. Also, the Lord will provide what is good, and our land will yield its crops. Righteousness will go before him to prepare the way for his steps.
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Yahweh, I have been avoiding You. I have been avoiding opening myself up to You, showing the parts of me that are ugly and stained unlovable. I feel unlovable, Lord, and these lies are barring me from You.

You are the Creator who knit me together (Psalm 139:13-16) and knows the number of hairs on my head (Matthew 10:29-30), still I believe in some small way that I am capable of hiding from You! Lord, haven’t I learned that there is nowhere I can go where You will not see me (Psalm 139:7-12)?

As David illustrated time and again (Psalm 32:5-6, 8), I pray to You, Lord, for Your gracious help. Help me unload my burdens and lay them at Your feet (Psalm 55:22), deafening the lies that say I must carry it myself. Lead me to confess my sins and experience Your divine forgiveness, a lightness of my soul, and a joyful bounce in my step (Psalm 32:1-2, Matthew 5:14-16).
In Your Son’s name I come to You, Amen!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “confession is good for the soul.” Well, I’d say that Psalm 32 is telling us just that! Secrets, hidden pain, avoidance, neglect, and deceit weigh spiritually on our souls and manifest physically in our bodies. They make us sick. They make us weak. Our energy is wasted on hiding when one step into the light would silence the voices telling us to hide in the first place!

I must confess…I am an avoider. I hate conflict, so I often run from it, waiting until my emotions settle and then pretend like it didn’t happen. Running from my sin is exhausting and never truly finds any resolution; it is a most grievous way to live. In Psalm 32, David calls out the life-draining darkness that comes from walking a path of hidden sin (Psalm 32:3-4) while pointing us to hope by choosing a different path.

He reminds us we always have a choice to confess our sin, and on the other side of confession is a light and airy joy that only comes from God (Psalm 32:5-7).

What has been weighing on you lately that you can release to God and maybe share with a friend, partner, or pastor? Christ died so you could live with the joy of “one whose transgression is forgiven” (Psalm 32:1).
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

In our emotional turmoil, we tend to gravitate toward questions like, “Will you be angry with [me] forever?” or “Will you not revive [me] again, that [I] may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:5-6). These questions were reflected in Wednesday’s Journey Study as we made our way through Psalm 85. Let’s rewind a little bit, though. It’s important to note how the psalmist began his song.

He recalled previous blessing and restoration from the hand of God on the very lands he is praying over once more. This is important because it reminds the author who God is and what He already done for His children; He is faithful (2 Timothy 2:11-13, Psalm 85:10-13). Our own version of the author’s desperate questions from verses five and six are much easier to counter when we are armed with the love of a God who knows each hair on our heads (Matthew 10:29-30).

Therefore, prioritize time in the Word of God so we can better know the One who endlessly loves us. As we read, we must listen and also do (James 1:21-25) what we see in Scripture. For what good is knowledge if it is not used?! (Proverbs 19:2, Proverbs 2:1-15)
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

We all go through seasons where the rainwaters turn to floods, there is no flicker of light at the end of the tunnel, and we feel utterly alone without friend and without God (Psalm 77:1-10). This is when it is most important to turn to God, to His Word, and remind ourselves of the TRUTH. Our feelings are always fluctuating with the tides of daily life, but the Truth is eternal (Psalm 119:160).

This is why God can be our anchor and refuge (Hebrews 6:13-20, Psalm 46). Though it may feel impossible simply to breathe, let alone pick up a book and turn the pages, I implore you to read and reread those passages that illustrate God’s character of love, mercy and grace (Isaiah 54:10-14, Lamentations 3:19-24, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10). We must revisit Scripture that reminds us of the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 1:3, Isaiah 40:26-31).

Then, whether we walk through a hot furnace (Daniel 3) or endure a sleepless night in a den full of lions (Daniel 6:16-23), we will be able to sing His praises in the dark, confident that His salvation will rescue (Isaiah 30:18).
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

Read More »

Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

Read More »

Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

Read More »

Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

Read More »

Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

Read More »

The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

Read More »

Join Us On The Journey!

Want encouragement
on the daily?
Registration gives you free, every day access to encouragement, weekly worship prompts, and daily Bible study that applies to real life.
Journey On!

Can We Pray With You?

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!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
March 24 - April 11, 2025 - Journey Theme #138
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Tags :
Lament,prayer,reflection,scripture,worship
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Worship XIII, Day 15 I Will Sing

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Worship XIII, Day 15 I Will Sing

Brenda Earley

April 11, 2025

Adoration,Cross,Rest,Sing,Strength,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 77:1-13
Ephesians 5:18-21
2 Samuel 22:1-3
Psalm 59:16-17
Psalm 119:27-28

Shhhh! Let’s huddle for a second—just you and me. I want to ask you a hard question, my friends. Have you ever experienced a devastating, life-altering event that made you stop or pause in your Christian walk? Chew on it a bit. We will circle back.

His Words Before Mine
Psalm 77:1-13
“I cry aloud to God,
aloud to God, and he will hear me.
I sought the Lord in my day of trouble [. . .]
I refused to be comforted.
I think of God; I groan;
I meditate; my spirit becomes weak.

Selah

You have kept me from closing my eyes;
I am troubled and cannot speak.

I consider days of old,
years long past.
At night I remember my music;
I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders.

‘Will the Lord reject forever
and never again show favor? [. . .]
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?’

Selah

So I say, ‘I am grieved
that the right hand of the Most High has changed.’
I will remember the Lord’s works;
yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.

I will reflect on all you have done
and meditate on your actions.

God, your way is holy.
What god is great like God?”

My Words Back to Him 
Oh Lord, I scream. 
I cry aloud until I have no more tears. 
My eyes hurt, my body aches. 
Where are You? 
Why has cancer attacked our sweet little girl?
Abba Father, I yearn for Your arms to hold me, 
but You seem far away. 
I can’t pray; I simply cry to You, 
the One who counts my tears. (Psalm 56:8) 

Selah

Music has always been my comfort; 
I feel closer to You while singing. 
Now, worship is far from me. 
I can’t sing; my body, my voice, have no more strength. 
O Father, I need You! (Psalm 73:26)

Selah

As I seek You, You will be found! 
Give me strength and hope on this journey. 
Help me to continue to sing in worship with all of my heart, 
for You have turned my mourning into dancing. (Psalm 30:11-12) 

Selah

Lord, I declare You remain my song, though I have run far from You in my pain. Because You sing over me (Zephaniah 3:17), I will sing to You, proclaiming Who You are: my Rock, on which I stand. (Psalm 18:2) 

Confess, Lament, and Praise
Singing has always been “my voice.” Worshiping has been my heart, my adoration to the God Who saved me, twice in my life! Once upon salvation, and the other from physical pain and emotional hurt.  

All my worship and singing came to a STOP within a week, when my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. In that week, everything changed. I was living another life, in another world! 

My emotions flowed along a roller coaster of ups and downs, cycling between sadness and anger.  How could I handle this? Why our family, why my little girl? Where was God in the midst of my turmoil? (Psalm 22:1)

I began to feel like the apostle Peter, overcome by the troubled waters of our situation. With every meeting with our medical team, I felt myself sink further still. (Matthew 14:22-30)

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I began to see a chasm opening between my mind and heart. My mind could offer words of encouragement to uplift those around me in my role as worship leader, but my heart still felt embattled, far away from adoring the Most High. 

While others have offered grace for this disparity, my heart was sad, and my soul is disquieted still. Therefore, into this chasm between my mind and heart, I proclaim God’s Truth.

He is my Savior, and my daughter’s Savior.
He is full of compassion and faithful love. (Psalm 25:6)
He works wonders and redeems His people. (Psalm 77:14)
He is the One who heals and rescues. (Psalm 41:3, Daniel 3:27)

I pray that He heals my daughter from the top of her head to the soles of her feet, 
bringing about good things for my “promised one,” my daughter, Alyssah Gabrielle. (Romans 8:28, James 1:12)

God, You are My Rock, My Deliverer, and My Song. (Psalm 28:6-7) When I remember Your works, I am glad. You will sustain me and stand beside me. You will help me overcome my fear of disease and its effects as I continue to seek You first. (Matthew 6:33) You have remained with me (Psalm 43:3-5); Lord, be with me still as some days are worse than others. 

I am wondrously made by You, so You already know me with my emotions, hurts, and struggles. (Psalm 139:14-15) You will heal my broken heart and bandage my wounds. (Psalm 147:3) I know You hear my every cry. You cover me with Your wings for You are My Refuge. (Psalm 91:4, Psalm 46) I give You all my worship, all my praise, and all my love! 

So I said we would come back to my question. Well, it seems I have had a Selah in my worship. Satan wants me to stop singing because he knows the Holy Spirit gives me strength and power through worship. Not today, Satan…

Because of Who You are…….I WILL SING! (1 Chronicles 16:9-13)

~~
Want to join me in worship right now? Check out these songs and SING along!

“What a God You Are” and “You Already Have” by Andrea Olson

Tags :
music,praise,prayer,sing,worship
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Recent Journeys

Worship XIII, Day 15
Digging Deeper

Asaph, the psalmist and worship leader for Israel, sings a song of lament in Psalm 77:1-6 where he models humility by
crying aloud to God,
seeking God in his day of trouble,
continually lifting his hands to God through the night,
sharing honestly how he refuses to be comforted,
groans,
can’t sleep or speak,
and feels his spirit is weak.

Through all of his heart-rending prayer,
he gets no reply from God.

No help, no relief, no comfort, no solace, no reproach or rebuke.

Just silence.
Dig Deeper!

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