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Nations Day 4 Black Sister In The South: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)

Psalm 13

1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me? 3 Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death. 4 My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance. 6 I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.

Original Intent

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
Bible scholars differ on the scriptural validity of the title of some of the psalms. But since the text has been preserved by the Jewish scribes and Christ’s Church through the ages, it is compelling evidence that the attribution (here, “A Psalm of David”) at the beginning of many of the psalms is valid. Because of this, I consider Psalm 13 to be a song of David, the shepherd-turned-king. (1 Samuel 16) His rhetorical but critical question, “How long?”, is repeated four times. It does not take an aged Bible scholar to understand the emotion signified by the question. One commentator used the word “disorientation” to describe David’s pain. (studylight.org) If you have been in an automobile full of kids for an extended period, you have likely heard the question “how long?” The question implies a lack of patience and a frustration that the current situation is lasting too long. David described the wait as feeling like “forever.” Bible commentator, Bob Utley, explains that the repetitive question is “a literary way of expressing the psalmist’s frustration at his current circumstances. He felt abandoned. Grammatically, the word ‘forever’ is considered to be hyperbolic, expressing the psalmist’s feelings of being permanently abandoned by God.” (Bible.org) Maybe David recalled the agony of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25) as they waited for God to answer them. Or he possibly rehearsed the story of Joseph in prison, awaiting God’s rescue. (Genesis 40:20-23) Whatever was on David’s mind, his situation was troubling as he was tempted to doubt God’s rescue. His misery had led him to be agonizingly anxious every single day he lived.

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Psalms 12 and 13 are not placed in any kind of order of each other that is evident, but there are some comparisons to make. Both are designated as David’s psalms; they are to be used by the music/choir director; and both are characterized by lament. The noticeable difference is the scope of the lament. While chapter 12 signifies a national lament, chapter 13 is a personal lament of David. He is expressing his intimate feelings of abandonment due to his enemies’ pursuit. We know from Old Testament history that David had enemies: as a young boy he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41-50), then Saul (1 Samuel 23:24-29) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15:10-14). There were other foreign kings he had defeated (1 Chronicles 11) that could have been pursuing him. As he thinks out loud about his situation, he petitions God. It almost seems like David is making a demanding request. He wants God’s attention! He wants to be seen by God as he is hiding from his enemies. The NET translates verse 3 with three imperatives, Look at me, answer me, and revive me. What is interesting is that David does not ask the Lord to give him something tangible. His request is for strength in his soul. In the Hebrew text, verse 3 is literally “Give light [to] my eyes.” David envisions himself on the brink of death. His eyes are darkening, and if God does not restore brightness to him, he feels like he will “sleep in death”. (netbible.org) Also troubling David is the fact that his enemies are often the enemies of God. It is likely that David is defending God’s reputation as well as his own. He does not want them to feel like they have triumphed over God!

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
Verse 5 contains transitional wording that often occurs in David’s songs as he considers his God, “But I have trusted …”. In contrast to those who will rejoice when David is defeated, he rejoices in God and trusts in His love and deliverance. David was teetering on despair, but ultimately he preaches to himself and declares his faith in the Lord’s deliverance. He specifically trusts in the Lord’s faithful love. Hebrew scholars have often debated the meaning of the word “hesed” (חֶסֶד) in the Hebrew Bible. It is difficult to translate into English because it has no exact equivalent. Scholars explain that the full meaning of the word cannot be conveyed by a simple word or phrase. (bible-researcher.com) Interestingly, the verb form of “rejoice” is jussive, meaning that David is continuing with petition to God. As he has previously done, he makes his request to God by talking to his own heart. It is as if David is saying to himself, “Soul, trust in God. You know His love is faithful. He is The Deliverer, and I will rejoice in Him.” Declaring this truth leads David to break out in a song of praise and worship to the Lord, YHWH.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the psalmist (the author) and what should we consider about his state of mind based on the repeated phrase “how long” in verses 1-2?
When I think about David’s question, I automatically recognize his angst. When I’m delighting in something, I don’t usually wonder to myself, “how much longer will this take?”. When my grandkids are playing outside and enjoying themselves in the water sprinkler, they don’t ask me “how much longer will this take, Mama Mel?”. Typically, asking “how long?” demonstrates an impatience in a difficult situation. The question itself often signifies that something is amiss and unpleasant. That is exactly how David must have felt. We know the Lord never forgets us. His memory does not slip. But Sister, we have known the sting of feeling abandoned by God. We may have posted His promises on notecards on our fridge or bathroom mirror, but somehow, they do not feel real or sure. The longing for relief is at the very surface of our souls and in our misery, we plead with God, How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?. In his honesty, David cries out to God. It is best for us to be honest with God, too. Confessing our agony is good for our souls and helps us recognize our need for God’s mercy and nearness.

2) What has led the psalmist to his anxiety and agony? (verses 3-4)
Did you notice God does not interrupt David’s prayer?! How significant it is that God would permit David to bring his complaining to Him. God patiently waited as David processed his feelings. I am so thankful my Father knows about my human tendencies to falter and doubt amid trials. He is able to lovingly listen and hear my cries without reacting in anger. Even though the Lord is not obligated to wait, it is in His character to do so. Friend, if you are in a relationship with the God of the universe through Jesus Christ, you can rest assured He is able to hear your complaints and is willing to wait on you to realize Who He is.  He cares for you and desires to support and sustain you through your suffering. (1 Peter 5:6-10) Coming boldly to God in your pain does not frighten or disturb Him. Being honest with Him does not push Him away. Whatever has come into your life that has brought you misery, it is not a reason to distance yourself from God. Call to Him, dear Sister. He knows your pain, but He is not bothered by you rehearsing it to Him. Often, telling God the truth about your feelings is just what you need to find healing in your soul.

3) How does the psalmist preach to himself and what does he resolve within his heart? (verses 5-6)
God always knows what is good, even best, for our lives. He will not always answer as we desire, but He will respond with His presence and mercy. Even when David was searching for a seemingly distant God, he chose to preach to his soul. (verses 5-6) We would do well to do the same. Then maybe we will break out in song too!
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
(Tell it to Jesus by Edmund S Lorenz)

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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Our Current Study Theme!

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Redeemed Day 11 The Waiting Game

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ruth 3:1-18
Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Philippians 4:6-7

Redeemed, Day 11

Fear, anxiety, anger, sadness. These words describe the current emotions of many Americans. As I write, the world is experiencing a pandemic that has taken thousands of lives and impacted countless others.

Uncertainty pervades our country right now. Some are worried about contracting the virus or losing a loved one who is already medically compromised, while others are overwhelmed with financial concerns as their jobs are impacted. Businesses have closed and we have been instructed to “shelter-in-place” and to practice “social distancing” to try to stop the virus from spreading too quickly.

We have been given an end date for our stay at home order, and then watched as the date was extended. Disagreements abound as some are concerned about opening businesses too quickly, jeopardizing safety, while others are concerned about the effects of a broken economy.

Couples are postponing weddings. Graduations have been pushed back or moved online. Medical and dental procedures have been put on hold, and funerals are limited.

When will it be safe to go out? What will happen in the days to come? When will we be able to go back to the life we knew as normal? What are we to do in our uncertainty? How do we handle the waiting?

In the book of Ruth, we are introduced to two women who also faced uncertain times. As we’ve learned, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were both widows. Upon their return to Bethlehem, Ruth couldn’t have known what the future held for her. But she trusted and respected Naomi, complying with Naomi’s suggestions for provision.

Naomi was aware of a kinsman-redeemer, a man named Boaz.  A kinsman redeemer was a close family member who agreed to marry a widow, providing financially for her and carrying on the family name.

Naomi gave instructions to Ruth, to approach Boaz as kinsman redeemer and trust his noble character would move him to treat Ruth with honor.

Just as Ruth had a redeemer in Boaz, we, too, have a Redeemer.
His name is Jesus.

Since sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, we all are broken.
We experience pain, loss, and disappointment.
We cause the same and continue the cycle of brokenness.
Ultimately, we are separated from the Father by our sin.

We need someone who will meet us in our need, just as Boaz did Ruth, and redeem us, protecting our future. Jesus willingly came to earth, in the form of a man while fully God, to do just that. 

He experienced pain, scorn, shame and rejection. And then, He went to the cross, to put to death sin and shame on our behalf. To pay our innumerable debts, once and for all.

He chose us. He chose to love us enough to buy our freedom and our security for eternity.  He longs for us to come to Him, leaving behind our sin and shame and following Him as we journey on this earth. He knows there will be pain, but He promises to never leave or forsake us while we finish our days here before He welcomes us into eternity with Him!

What are you waiting for today? Is it a job or a promotion? Or maybe a husband? A child? Are you awaiting test results from a physician? Are you praying fervently for a family member to come to Jesus or to return from their wandering? Are you waiting to see the loved one you’ve been separated from during this time of uncertainty?

Paul admonishes us in Philippians to not be anxious for the future, but to pray and give our concerns to God with thanksgiving, allowing His peace to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is near. In the waiting, He is near. Wait with hope, remembering He who calls us remains faithful to His promise that He will never leave us. Though our prayers may not always be answered the way we want or expect, we can trust that God is good, and one day we will see Him and realize He is the One we were waiting for all along!

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Incorruptible Day 10 Love That Lasts

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 1:22-25 
1 Peter 2:11-16
Leviticus 19:16-18
John 13:34-35 

Incorruptible, Day 10

As the children got off the bus there was a buzz of animated chatter.
Just arriving for a week at camp, they were full of excitement and eager to get started. 

Well, most of them were... 

At the back of the line were two brothers, fear and apprehension written all over their faces.  Their response to the leaders’ friendly greetings was monosyllabic, their manner hesitant and uncertain.  It was all new to them and they had no idea what to expect. 

Fast forward a week, and children were piling back onto the bus to return home.  Again, the two brothers hung back, but this time their behaviour wasn’t motivated by fear and anxiety, but by reluctance to leave a place of happiness and a desire to say individual goodbyes to each leader. There were hugs, tears, and smiles, as we stood amazed at the radical transformation in such a short space of time. 

I’m convinced the reason was love.   

We had quickly discovered the two brothers had a difficult home situation.  They had never experienced a loving Christian community before, and the impact on them was profound.  It’s said that actions speak louder than words, and it’s true. The way we treat others and our attitudes towards them have more impact than we often realise. 

In his letter to the first-century Christians, Peter highlights this truth.  He writes to the believers about how to behave towards one another, towards their unbelieving neighbours, and those in authority.
He emphasises the lasting impact of their conduct. 

Peter implores, “show sincere brotherly love for each other,
 from a pure heart, love one another constantly.”  (1 Peter 1:22)
As these believers lived in difficult circumstances, facing opposition, persecution, and suffering, it was important they stood united. 

Peter tells them this unifying love springs from their new life in Christ.
They have been born again into His family as brothers and sisters and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).  This love isn’t the mushy, romantic, feelings-based love the world portrays in songs and movies, but the committed, selfless, sacrificial love Jesus displayed in His life, death, and resurrection.  

Jesus Himself taught that loving one another was a mark of following Him, which would impact those who witnessed it. One cannot remain unchanged by love. 

Let’s be real though.
Loving others, even other Christians, is hard sometimes.
Opinions and personalities clash, we rub each other the wrong way,
we can act thoughtlessly and selfishly, and sometimes hurt one another. 

But we are still called to love.
Not because we have the ability on our own, but because, as Peter says, “we have been born again….(by) imperishable seed.” (1 Peter 1:23)

In 1 Corinthians 13 and Colossians 3, Paul details what it means to love with our new, incorruptible nature.
And it’s radically different from the world’s image of love.
Paul describes a patient, forgiving, enduring love that allows us to live in harmony even when it’s challenging. 

This love is impossible to work up by ourselves.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit, not our own efforts.
It is the result of God working within us enabling us to love.
However, it is also a choice we make to cooperate with God’s work in us, and be committed to this kind of love.

The word translated as “constantly” in verse 22 is rendered in other versions of the Bible as “earnestly“, “fervently“, or “with all your heart,” conveying the sense that this is a love we must choose and actively pursue.   

In chapter 2, Peter goes on to write about the importance of believers conducting themselves honourably before the unbelievers around them.  He encourages them that their actions and attitudes are a witness, pointing others to God! 

For the same reason, and with the same love, believers are called to submit to figures of authority, “for it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.“  (1 Peter 2:15) 

These must have been incredibly challenging instructions in a culture where the believers faced ridicule and intense persecution from authority, but they were called, by their love and their honourable behaviour, to glorify God and make Him known. 

The same challenge is for us today. 
How well do we love our Christian brothers and sisters?
How well do our actions witness to those around us?  
Are we truly known for our love?   

The impact of putting Jesus’ incorruptible love on display is great! 

I doubt that the two brothers who came to camp went home remembering much of what they heard about Jesus that week, but I do know they went home having experienced, probably for the first time, a loving community where they were valued, accepted, and deeply loved. 

For those brothers, that week was only the beginning.
The two boys returned year after year, gradually they began truly taking in what was being taught. Eventually they came to faith in Jesus for themselves! 

Our little acts of love may not seem like much, but their impact can be eternal.
Incorruptible love produces incorruptible results.
As Peter reminds, so much around us is fading,
but God’s Word, and the new life we have in Him – this life of love – remain forever!

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

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Grow 2018 Day 2 Thankfulness & Nearness

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Welcome to “Grow”! These stories are from the hearts of regular, everyday women just like you in the GT Community. They are boldly sharing how God has grown them, met with them, strengthened them, and taught them solid truth as they have discovered anew that Jesus is our everyday Savior! Today’s story is shared from the heart of Shannon Vicker.

As 2017 comes to a close and I reflect back on the year, my walk with the Lord, and all He has taught me, I see distinct areas that God has grown me this year.

Grow, Day 2

Just over 3 years ago I began on a journey of publically thanking God for something each and every day. My inspiration came through watching two dear friends make this choice.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I had read these verses before, but never truly put them into practice in my life until 3 years ago. I slowly began a journey that God has used to grow and teach me through.
God has grown my thankful heart abundantly this year,
and that thankfulness has also been tested.

This journey has opened my eyes to ways that God is at work that I missed before.
It has shaped who I am and how I see the world.
I have learned that in the best of circumstances, and the worst, there is always something to be thankful for if I will simply open my eyes look.

Before this year I do not know that I truly understood “giving thanks in all circumstances”.
This year has definitely had moments of heartbreak, sorrow, and extremely difficult times. Through each of these moments I have chosen to look for ways to express thankfulness in all circumstances.

I have learned that thankfulness is seen in big moments.
Like when a little boy fighting cancer I have been praying for is finally released from the hospital and able to go home.
I have learned that thankfulness is seen in the small everyday moments
that sometimes seem mundane.
As I walk with Jesus and draw near to Him, I am able to see circumstances through His eyes not my fleshly eyes, and my thankful heart grows.

The idea of drawing near to Jesus is the other area of my life God has grown me in this year.
I have discovered thankfulness and nearness go hand in hand.
In the difficult moments of my year, I had the choice to make whether I would attempt to go it alone or draw near to Jesus.

It is easy to think that if I am reading my Bible,
praying, and spending time with Him,
I am drawing near to Him,
but that isn’t always true.

I have learned that drawing near to Jesus is so much bigger!
Drawing near to Jesus is a choice I make in both good times and bad.
Drawing near to Jesus is pursuing deeper intimacy with Him regardless of what my current life circumstances look like.
Yes, it is reading my Bible and praying,
but it is also sitting in silence and letting Him speak to my heart.
It is storing His words in my heart,
so when the devastating and heart-breaking happens,
the Holy Spirit can stir up truth in my heart.

There are times where I delve deep into the Word of God and savor each word.
There are other times where I stare at the pages,
but the words blur together,
concentration is in short supply,
and tears form in my eyes.
I have learned there is nearness to God found in both.

One major event in my life this year that illustrates this came on October 1.
I am from Las Vegas and I have family and dear friends who are first responders there. The events that unfolded on October 1st and the days following, and how I chose to respond,
are a perfect example of how God has grown me this year.

Those days were mixed with tears, sadness, pride for a city I call home, confusion, thankfulness, and so much more. As I walked through those days, I drew near to God in silent, quiet moments where I didn’t know what to say or to do other than sit in silence with Him and let the Holy Spirit minister to my hurting soul. It was in those moments that God stirred up a simple Scripture in my heart and guided me to look at what came next.

“Jesus wept.”

Two simple, yet impactful words. In this verse, Jesus is weeping because His friend, Lazarus, is dead. Then the Holy Spirit whispered to my soul “what happens next”.
I went back to that passage in Scripture and was reminded that immediately following His tears, Jesus went back to the work His Father had called Him to.

In those moments where I chose to draw near to Jesus,
He worked in me reminding me I have a role to play;
a role that happens as I draw near to Him and grow in Him.
I saw God’s hand and activity all over the city I call home,
and there was a great deal to be thankful for.

As I look back at 2017, I see many other situations where God has drawn me near to Him and poured into my soul as I have chosen to draw near Him and,
out of that nearness,
thankfulness and gratitude abundantly overflow!

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

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Brave Day 14
The Bravest Word: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

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Philippians 4:4-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Questions

1) What is the reason that we are not to be anxious?

2) What are we to do instead of being anxious?

3) What is the result of bringing our requests to God?

4) What does rejoicing have to do with not being anxious?

The Findings for Intention

1) Although verse 6 begins with the words “do not be anxious,” the thought begins at the end of verse 5: “The Lord is at hand.” In other words, Jesus is near to us, so we need not be anxious about anything.

2) The linking word “but” in verse 6 indicates a contrast. Instead of being anxious, we are to bring our requests to God—with thanksgiving! Giving thanks, even in difficult circumstances, helps us to let go of our anxieties and see God’s goodness.

3) Verse 7 says that the result of letting go of anxiety and praying instead is that the peace of God will guard our hearts. This is a peace that “surpasses all understanding.” It is not the kind of peace that comes when there is an absence of trouble—it is a peace that is granted to us in the midst of trouble! This is a peace that the world cannot understand.

4) Verse 4 is part of this passage, and shouldn’t be treated as an independent thought. We are told to rejoice in the Lord in the same paragraph as we are told not to be anxious. To rejoice means to be glad, be well, or be of good cheer. Even in the midst of trouble, we can be glad in the Lord.

The Everyday Application

1) How precious it is to know that Jesus Christ is near to us! In fact, his very Spirit lives inside us to comfort and guide us. Am I remembering to seek His help when deciding whether to say “yes” or “no” to good things?

2) What is causing me anxiety right now? Have I prayed about it? And when I pray about it, have I remembered to give God thanks for who He is and what He is doing, even though the situation is difficult?

3) Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Praise you, God, for giving us your peace!

4) Take a few minutes today to jot down a list of reasons to rejoice in the Lord. Then refer back to this list when you are tempted to be anxious!

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I Can Do That!

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

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

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

The Why!

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

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

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

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Brave!