beauty

Eden Day 1 Ex Nihilo

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 1:15–23
John 1:1-5
Psalm 104
Psalm 33:1–9
Job 38

Eden, Day 1

We’d been on the road for six months, travelling around remote Australia while living in an RV. We explored beaches and mountains, waterfalls and desserts. On this day, we were travelling through a very remote part of Western Australia. The closest township was home to only a few hundred people, and it was several hundred kilometers away.
We were literally in the middle of nowhere.

A little blue sign with a lookout icon was on the side of the 4X4 track we were following, so we turned up the path, parked in the bay and walked to the platform at the top.
What I saw took my breath away.

I stood, mesmerized, tears spontaneously streaming down my face. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and grandeur of the mountain range circling around us. In every direction there were magnificent cliff faces in rich red and orange, towering above the vast plains of spinifex grass and wildflowers.

I searched for words to describe this place. Majestic. Glorious. Awesome. Every word was inadequate. I took my phone out and tried to capture the scene with my camera. Wide angle. Panoramic. No photograph came even close to capturing the vastness of the scene. In that moment, I had a powerful encounter with God the Creator.

I have spent most of my life disconnected from creation in a city where the horizon is the shape of man-made buildings and the power of the elements is shut out by climate control and insulation, shielding me from the discomfort of the seasons. I earned money from working in an office to buy food from a supermarket, packaged in boxes and plastic bags. In this environment it has been easy for me to disregard God as creator.

God spoke, and by the power of His breath alone, everything we see, from the tallest mountain to the tiniest beetle, came into being.
Ex Nihilo, out of nothing.
God didn’t take something that already existed and refashion it into our world. God is the source of life. He created the world “ex nihilo”, out of nothing, by the power of His Word alone.

Hebrews 11:3 describes it this way, “What is seen was made from things that are not visible.” The power of this Word, God’s Word, is impossible for us to fully understand.

We can stare at the sky and worship with the psalmist, “The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.” (Psalm 33:6) I see the beauty and grandeur of creation and capture a glimpse of the power of the One who created the world with His Word.

John 1:1, 3 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [. . .] All things were created through Him[.]“
The ‘Word’ in John 1 refers to Jesus.
The One who entered the creation He orchestrated,
the One who died to pay the penalty for our sin,
the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
The Creator stepped into His creation to save us, His beloved creation.

This blows my mind. This God, the source of life, became like you and me in order to pay the price for our salvation. Wow. The Creator, the Word, died to have a relationship with you and me.

Understanding this evokes three emotions in me.
It makes me feel very small,
it makes me feel very loved,
and it gives me hope in my suffering.

When I consider God as the creator of our magnificent world, I feel insignificant and humbly powerless. Knowing how small I am gives me a new perspective on humility I can take into my marriage, and a renewed hunger for God’s wisdom in my parenting. The sufficiency of God becomes much more important as I seek to solve problems, love others, and serve my family. I know it’s not up to me. What a freeing realization!

I also feel deeply loved. In light of God’s power, knowing He came as a helpless baby, lived a perfect life and died a criminal’s death so He could have a relationship with me, makes me feel significantly special. God loves me, tiny insignificant me. Knowing this gives me confidence to take my place in the world. I am expertly designed. I am worthy of love.

Knowing the God of creation is almighty and all-wise puts our suffering into perspective. A beautiful example of this in Scripture is from the book of Job. God bragged of Job and his righteousness to Satan (Job 1:8), but God allowed Satan to take away his family, his wealth, and his health. As any of us would, Job cried out to God for justice in the midst of his pain and grief. Good people, he reasoned, don’t deserve bad things to happen to them.

Finally, in chapter 38, God answers Job’s arguments. His answer?
Job, look at creation.
Look at My power.
Look at My beauty.
Look at My abundance.

God didn’t diminish Job’s suffering; rather, He adjusted Job’s vision to magnify his view of God, putting Job’s struggle into perspective.
The challenges we face are not too big for the God who created everything out of nothing.

I pray you have the opportunity to encounter God, the Ex Nihilo Creator, today.

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

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

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

Fruitful Day 8 Kind Beauty

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 5:22-23
Galatians 5:16-18
Romans 2:1-5
Hosea 2:14-20

Fruitful, Day 8

I have become incredibly passionate about proclaiming – and living out in my own life! – the vital importance of walking by the Spirit’s power to experience victorious Christian living.

Still, so often we forget to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leadership when we seek to grow in Christlikeness and sanctification. We have the mistaken idea that the fruit of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23), will somehow be cultivated in us and lived out when we strive for it.
This is impossible!

When we pay attention to context, and back up to verse 16, Paul shows us exactly how these fruits will grow in our lives, “I say, then, walk by the Spirit, and you will certainly not carry out the desires of the flesh.” Walking by His Spirit is to closely abide in relationship with Him through studying His Word, prayer, and living in biblical community. As we surrender to Him, He cultivates His fruit within us, and we begin living it out.
Here’s the key: the Holy Spirit.
Apart from His work in our lives, we can produce no good fruit.

So far, we’ve studied Love, Joy, Peace, and Patience in our Journey Theme.
Today, we’re studying Kindness.
What a beautiful realization to know that if kindness is a fruit of the Spirit,
then it’s proof our God is kind.
Kindness characterizes His Spirit.

Isn’t that encouraging?
We do not serve a harsh, unfeeling, mean, rude, uncaring God.
We serve a kind One.

One of my favorite passages revealing His kindness also comes from the pen of Preacher Paul in his letter to the Romans.
“Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

I love this beautiful passage because it so clearly shows us the loving, compassionate, caring, tender kindness of God. He doesn’t beat us over the head with our sin, as if cruelty and condemnation would somehow spur us to repentance. Instead, He showers upon us His kindness, He shows us His long-lasting forbearance and patience as His tender love draws us to Him.

We see this so clearly throughout the Old Testament.
Again and again, we read of the Israelites, God’s chosen people, forsaking Him and turning to do their own thing instead. Yet repeatedly, the Lord reaches out to them, sends prophets to tell of His love, rescues them, and reveals Himself to be incredibly compassionate and patient. His love for them never ends, therefore He is kind and forgiving as He seeks to woo them back. (Hosea 2:14-20)

I have experienced this kindness of God myself when His Spirit gently and lovingly convicts me of sin, inspires repentance in my heart, then compassionately clarifies to me all is well between us and has been forgiven. Then, this fruit of kindness begins flowing outward to touch other’s lives with the kindness of God as He draws them ever closer to Him.
What a beautiful thing! 

This is one reason biblical community and church fellowship are emphasized throughout Scripture. We need each other, and we need each other’s kindness flowing from the Spirit within us. I have experienced this kindness firsthand from God’s people in countless ways, including phone calls and texts to check on me, meals delivered after I’ve had a baby, birthday and book launch parties thrown for me, prayers when I’m going through a hard season, a meal train set up in preparation for my husband’s upcoming deployment, offers to mow my yard and tend to other things around our home while my husband is away, babysitting my children so I can have some moments to myself, impromptu money showing up in my PayPal account with a note saying, “Go get yourself some coffee,” and more.

Each time I have been shown the kindness of God through the actions of His people, it has comforted my heart, brought me joy, and drawn me ever closer to the God Who inspired these Christian sisters of mine to bless me.

Never underestimate, dear reader, the impact of your Spirit-led kindness on others! It is no small thing to live out the fruit of the Spirit known as kindness.
It changes lives, friends.
It has changed mine.

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

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

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

Hallel Day 5 Not To Us

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 115:1-8 
John 1:14-18 
1 John 1:1-4

Hallel, Day 5

Not to us, Lord, not to us,
But to your name give glory
because of your faithful love, because of your truth.
Psalm 115:1

Peter: As the new Hallel rang in my ears and the vibrations of my deep, baritone voice could be felt in my cheeks, I continued to ponder the beauty of Yahweh’s faithfulness to my ancestors.

“He led them out of Egypt, freeing them from slavery, parted the Red Seas, gave them manna and quail every day in the desert, He led them to the promised land, and He promised to send a Rescuer, a Messiah.”

My eyes glance across the table towards that promised Messiah sitting beside John, the remains of our meal still spread before us. The bitter herbs, the tears of Israel as we cried out for a Rescuer. And here He sat!

John: “His name will have all the glory! When our Messiah becomes our Rescuer, when His Kingdom is established in Jerusalem again and Rome is overthrown, all will be right. Our hero. Our Savior. All the glory to Him! All glory will be given to God!”

My thoughts pile on top of each other as if my feet were tripping over themselves. I imagine His glory and all the redemption I had pictured throughout my lifetime as we waited for the promised Messiah….but this time, the excitement isn’t quite there. It is replaced with an aching heaviness, a sorrow, a dread I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

Why am I feeling this way? Why was the air so heavy at supper? Why had Jesus spoken of His suffering before breaking bread and sharing wine with us?

Jesus: And even in this, Father, may You have all of the glory. Everything I do, everything I’ve done is to give glory to the One who loves me. You are faithful. You are truth. Be glorified in Me.

Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven
And He does whatever He pleases.
Psalm 115:2-3

Jesus: Word became flesh. I became flesh. I, the Father’s Son, co-eternal, sharing all deity with God the Father chose flesh.  My Father is on His throne in heaven and will act as He pleases, He answers to none. He holds all power and all authority.

The Rock will be struck and Living Water will be poured out.
This is the Father’s will for the salvation of Our people.

Peter: I watch Jesus as I sing and with power in my voice I sing that our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases! “But our God is here now. Jesus, who I’ve sat with, eaten with, listened to, and who has listened to me. Jesus who has embraced me; Jesus who has prayed for me.”

Idols of old were made of wood and stone, silver and gold and our forefathers were mocked, “Where is your God?” The God they couldn’t hear, couldn’t see, couldn’t touch…
He can do as He pleases.

John: As I feel the sorrow looming above, behind, and beyond I wonder, where is our God? Can He not prevent Jesus from the suffering He foretells? Can He not deliver Jesus from the death He’s spoken of so frequently? Jesus prayed Peter would have faith (Luke 22:31-34), but am I lacking in faith, too?

Their idols are silver and gold,
Made by human hands.
They have mouths but cannot speak,
eyes but cannot see.
They have ears but cannot hear;
Noses but cannot smell.
They have hands but cannot feel,
Feet but cannot walk
Psalm 115:4-7

John: “The idols of old were nothing. Things that couldn’t hear, touch, see, or taste. They were objects created by God put together by humans also created by God. Idol worshipers used creation to create, then claimed their own creations were the creator. Senseless!

I have seen the Creator become creation by choosing flesh and becoming human. Jesus has dwelt among us and while we haven’t seen the Father, we’ve seen Jesus.

He and the Father are One.

We’ve heard Him speak, we know He has seen, He has listened and heard, smelled the sweetness after rain and aromas of delicious food, He has touched and healed.”

Peter: Judas is growing restless under these refrains and I catch his eye as I skim around the room. I breathe in deeply, confused, conflicted, but certain of the Lord and the assurance of His presence. As my eyes land on Jesus, His eyes are caught up in the beauty of the stars peeking through the small window of the Upper Room and I marvel at our Savior savoring His creation.

Jesus: The stars in all of their beauty, another symbol of a covenant entered into with Abraham. Even the stars declare my Father’s glory. All of creation points to Him, all of creation bows to Him, and His will has been that We would dwell with Our creation.

We spoke and the world came to be. (Psalm 33:6)
We saw the broken world and the flood came. (Genesis 6:5)
We heard the cries of Our people held in captivity in Egypt and we rescued them. (Exodus 3:9)
We smelled and breathed in the aromas of sacrifices being offered to us. (Genesis 8:21)
We molded and shaped each piece of creation into existence. (Psalm 139:13-16)
We walked with man in the Garden and I walk as a man into the Garden. (Genesis 3:8)

Father, You’ve spoken.
Let Your will be done.
We’ve seen the hurting world.
Let Us bring restoration upon it.
We’ve heard the cries of our beloved.
And You hear my own cries tonight from within.
We’ve smelled sacrifices for a long time.
Let this final sacrifice bring you all glory.

They cannot make a sound with their throats.
Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them. 
Psalm 115:8

Open their eyes to see Me, and trust You, Father!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Hallel Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Treasure Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) “It’s easy to believe in the existence of God’s love for others, but it’s far harder to believe His love is for us as much as for them.” Rebekah’s truly spoken words hit our hearts in tender places. We likely extend grace to others, while holding ourselves to impossible standards. Sure, God must love other people, but us? What specific places in life do you judge yourself far harder than the grace given to you through Christ? Where are you quick to condemn the girl in the mirror? Choose 1 or 2 specific ways you can begin seeing yourself through the lens of truth, as handcrafted by the Maker with love.

2) Comparison sneaks up on all of us in different ways at different times in life. As Marietta pointed out, sometimes we compare by putting ourselves down, while other times we compare by putting ourselves above someone else. Both are equally sinful; and I’ve been guilty of falling prey to both temptations. Which one are you most susceptible to recently? How kind the Lord is to offer the fullness we seek in a relationship with Him! When you’re tempted to hold onto lies about another her or yourself, choose to flee temptation and bring your struggle to the Father of your heart instead. Bring every part of your battle with all honesty, and praise Him for loving you with abundance!

3)  I most often live like I’m…… Go ahead, slow down enough, gather your thoughts, stop thinking of your next, and fill in the blank. Not enough? Struggling to keep up? Overwhelmed? Behind? Too much? Overpowering? What is your normal center point from which you operate through most of life? How often does your reality match up with the truth of Scripture? Pray over the challenge to live like you’re loved and begin this weekend in making intentional shifts. When we discover how deeply we are loved, we are free to love others well.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Psalm 139:5-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

You have encircled me;
you have placed your hand on me.
This wondrous knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.

Prayer Journal
“You have encircled me.” Lord, this is too wonderful for me to fully take in. I admit I live like it isn’t true far too often. It’s much easier, and more tempting, to live like I’m alone, like You don’t love me endlessly and perfectly, and that You aren’t kind enough to care about my everyday life. Lies attack me on all sides, Lord. Please teach my heart and my mind to flee these lies, to stop wrapping myself up in them, and instead guard my heart in truth. Remind me Your loving hand is holding me fast. Then, help me to love others, including myself, as You have loved me!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Pause 3 Day 1 The Majesty

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Pause 3, Day 1

Like nothing you’ve ever experienced. 
Like nothing you’ve ever dreamed.
Indescribable beauty.
Unfathomable wisdom.
All-consuming in every aspect.
Resplendent in glory.
The Majesty

Far from being unknowable, the Majesty longs for us to know Him, love Him, and find our own fullness in Him.
Because of who He is, we are both welcomed and adored.

No, He does not seek after us because He is needy, bored with His own glory, or desperate for relationship.
The Majesty already enjoys perfect community, ensconced in flawless love, and has for all eternity past, present, and future.

So why seek after us?

Neither does the Majesty zealously chase our hearts because we are especially marvelous and would complement His radiance.
Rather, we are fallen, sin-wrecked, putrid in our own sin, and utterly incapable of becoming glorious on our own.

So why give chase?

To be loved for an eternity by the all-knowing, all-power, everywhere-present, radiant Majesty?

The air leaves our lungs at the thought of such a reality.
Because if it is true, then this love fills us with purpose, with identity, and with an insatiable desire to know and love this Majesty.

And here is why He pursues.

No words of ours will ever suffice to enable us to understand Him.
Only His Words through His Spirit.
So, Pause with us GT Sisters, and read His Words Only.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Read Hebrews 1 and Hebrews 2 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today. Be sure to write out any questions you have as you read! If you’d like to send your questions to us, we’d love to study with you!

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Hebrews 1

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did he ever say,
You are my Son;
today I have become your Father,
or again,
I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son?

6 Again, when he] brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
And let all God’s angels worship him.
7 And about the angels he says:
He makes his angels winds,
and his servants a fiery flame,

8 but to the Son:
Your throne, O God,
is forever and ever,
and the scepter of your kingdom
is a scepter of justice.
9 You have loved righteousness
and hated lawlessness;
this is why God, your God,
has anointed you
with the oil of joy
beyond your companions.

10 And:
In the beginning, Lord,
you established the earth,
and the heavens are the works of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain.
They will all wear out like clothing;
12 you will roll them up like a cloak,
and they will be changed like clothing.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.

13 Now to which of the angels has he ever said:
Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Hebrews 2

For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will.

5 For he has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6 But someone somewhere has testified:

What is man that you remember him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
7 You made him lower than the angels
for a short time;
you crowned him with glory and honor
8 and subjected everything under his feet.

For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9 But we do see Jesus—made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone—crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.

10 For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the source of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.

13 Again, I will trust in him.
And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.

14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause 3 Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 3!

Pause 2 Day 8 Imperishable Beauty

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Pause 2, Day 8

Where’s your beauty, girl?!  
What did your reflection say this morning? 
Did you look her in the eye as you applied your makeup?  
Did your eyes wander to those parts you don’t love when you got ready for your shower?  
I know mine did.  
 
Our society has determined what beauty is, but we don’t have to agree.  
 
Today’s passage in 1 Peter is overflowing with much to say about beauty.  
Imperishable Beauty.  
 
Beauty that isn’t found in a cream, or an outfit, or tan lines, but inside our hearts.  
Pull out your journal with me, Sister!  
It’s time for a makeover!

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of 1 Peter 3 today. And as you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!

2) Choose one of these options to answer the invitation of going deeper into biblical community!
a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
c) Leave a comment here about it.
d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

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1 Peter 3

In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the word, they may be won over without a word by the way their wives live 2 when they observe your pure, reverent lives. 3 Don’t let your beauty consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and wearing gold jewelry or fine clothes, 4 but rather what is inside the heart —the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For in the past, the holy women who put their hope in God also adorned themselves in this way, submitting to their own husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You have become her children when you do what is good and do not fear any intimidation.
7 Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.
8 Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble, 9 not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.
10 For the one who wants to love life
and to see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit,
11 and let him turn away from evil
and do what is good.
Let him seek peace and pursue it,
12 because the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against
those who do what is evil.
Undeserved Suffering
13 Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 Yet do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison 20 who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few—that is, eight people – were saved through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not as the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause 2 Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 2!

Sketched IV Day 7 Samson: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Samson!

The Questions

1) What is the “therefore” referring to?

2) What was the “thorn” in Paul’s flesh?

3) How is it possible to take pleasure in weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, and difficulty?

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

…Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Original Intent

1) What is the “therefore” referring to?
One of the biggest clues for studying Scripture well is wrapped up in this word: therefore. When reading, always look back to see what the author is referencing, literally asking what is “therefore” “there” “for”? When we look back a few verses, we read a potentially confusing text about Paul, who he refers to as “a man” in the 3rd person. Scholars generally agree that this “man” was indeed Paul himself, but downplayed it because the whole paragraph emphasized Paul’s own weakness, not his greatness. “The man” was caught up in a vision from the Lord and was blessed “to see and hear” things too wonderful to even express. Paul was literally beyond-words-speechless at the breathtaking majesty of the vision he received. He used this glorious experience to point out that no matter what wonderful things he had seen or what glories he knew, he still had zero reason to boast about Himself. The vision given to Paul wasn’t about Paul’s glory or edification, it was intended to steadfastly point to the beyond-words-description of the Majesty of the Lord God! After seeing the Lord in His glory, “therefore”, he couldn’t possibly boast about himself or his experience. Paul knew firsthand that everything was rubbish except Christ and Christ alone!

2) What was the “thorn” in Paul’s flesh?
When studying Scripture, it can be so easy to focus in on one particular detail, or a handful of words that really don’t sit well with us that we end up missing the whole point of that passage. When studying, remember to back up first. Read through the entire chapter, or a couple of chapters, making notes of what the big-picture is. What key phrases or themes are often repeated? For this particular section, Paul has been addressing the Corinthian church. On one hand, he is giving them solid reasons as to why he has the Lord’s authority as a true apostle, therefore they would be wise to listen to his instruction. But, at the same time, he is saying that none of the “clout” of accomplishment or “authority” means anything at all to him. Paul insists that it is only knowing Christ that ultimately matters. Even so, Paul admits how easy it can be to fall into human vanity and pride. This being true, the Lord gave Paul a “thorn in the flesh”. Was it an eye problem as some scholars suggest? Was it a physical sickness? Was it an emotional weakness? We have no idea…and that is exactly the point. Scripture records this “thorn” vaguely that we might understand with greater emphasis how none of our accomplishments are worth boasting in on our own strength. 

3) How is it possible to take pleasure in weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, and difficulty?
Strange words, aren’t they? Paul says, “I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Though the words certainly don’t appear to be very encouraging or comforting, the secret of their veracity is cocooned in the middle with one phrase: “for the sake of Christ”. For Paul, for Samson (when he finally “got it” at the end of his life), for Ezekiel (who gave up his life as bizarre illustrations for God’s purposes), for Isaiah (who was killed by being sawed in half), for Peter (who was killed by upside down crucifixion), and for countless others all the way through history, this key phrase has changed everything. “For The Sake Of Christ” Why? Because we are weak. Because we are finite. And He, the Lord God, is not. He is mighty, He is glorious, He is everlasting, He is victorious! Because He Is Worth It!

Everyday Application

1) What is the “therefore” referring to?
Likely, you, like me, haven’t experienced a glorious vision of Christ and His indescribable majesty and power in the same way Paul did, or Isaiah, Ezekiel, or John, but the Lord and His glory is not hidden away waiting, hoping, that you will be able to find Him. His glory is seen in the intricacies of creation, the beauty of relationships, the community of the Church, and in the wonder of a child. Experiencing His glory is meant for 2 things. One, to encourage and comfort us, as He reminds us that we are not alone and He is for us. Two, to expand our desire to search after Him; longing, hungering, thirsting for so much more of Him! As anyone who has truly experienced the Lord knows, the only proper response is worship. Whole life worship. Worship that points steadfastly to the glorious, risen Lord Jesus Christ because we know, we know, we know, that the real life offered by Jesus, is not about us, it’s about Christ and Christ alone! If you’re feeling a little stuck in your walk with the Lord, or maybe you’re curious about this whole “everyday Savior” we like to talk about, take time to slow down, reflect on how you’ve already experienced Him. Silence your thoughts and welcome His voice enough to hear how He wants to take you deeper to know Him better! 

2) What was the “thorn” in Paul’s flesh?
For Samson in yesterday’s Journey Study, his greatest downfall was that he trusted in his own strength. Even when he had given away the secret of his strength and lost his supernatural ability, he still fully believed he could take down the enemies exactly as he had done before, but this time on his own power. Samson epically failed in this endeavor. God had given Samson incredible abilities, just as He had given Paul indescribable visions of glory, and just like He offers Himself to each of us in tender, glorious, intimate sweetness, but the moment we shift our eyes from the majestic glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will find our eyes locked onto our own glory. We have traded the worship of the One True God for a “god” of our own making, and it will never be worth it. For Samson, the “thorn in the flesh” was his loss of strength as well as his vision. It was through these “thorns” that he was finally able to see that the Lord wanted more with Samson; He wanted Samson’s total trust and dependence to be on God instead of Himself.

3) How is it possible to take pleasure in weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, and difficulty?
What weaknesses do you see in your everyday life and relationships? What would it look like if you took those instances as opportunities of worship? Opportunities to surrender your weakness in order for God’s glory and strength to be made much of? Wouldn’t it take off the burden of performance? Might it remove the need to control? Perhaps, like the stories of faith in the Bible, these hardships and weaknesses will point steadfastly to the glory of an eternal King of Glory! I have a friend who lost her son, who nearly lost her life due to significant illness, I have a friend who loves Jesus most. When I asked her why she would try again for another baby, or why she would move to another country to proclaim Christ, her answer is simple, but her faith is deep and intricate, “He has been so faithful to us before, why wouldn’t we trust Him for this?”
“For The Sake of Christ”. It’s not a pithy saying, it’s a hard-hitting truth to battle your “weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, and difficulty”. Surrender your weakness, friend, and rest in the faithful, un-ending strength of the God who will always do the incredible with our frailty!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Samson!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Sketched IV Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Bride Day 8 The Groom and His Bride

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hosea 4 
Genesis 3:1-13 
Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 
Colossians 1:15-20 

She was riveting. 

Bride, Day 8

The heady fragrance of fresh flowers filled the air, sweet strains from the grand piano echoed through the church, guests beamed, catching tears in their throats as their eyes took her in.  
The Bride.  
 
As beautiful as the scene before her was, she had eyes only for one, her groom.  
Long awaited.  
Greatly anticipated.  
The wedding day.  
 
The anticipation had filled their hearts with an ache of longing.  
The looks they’d exchanged were like tasting honey, awaiting the fullness of bliss to come. 
He was her champion.  
She was his bride.  
 
Happily ever after was always the intent.  
But one day, the grass appeared greener on the other side.  
Maybe it was…. 
What if I’m missing out? 
What if my marriage is holding me back from achieving more? 
Maybe he doesn’t really love me like he claims.  
My feelings have changed. 
What if he is hiding something? 
And she turned her eyes away from his.  
 
Just a little at first.
Who could blame her for flirting back just a little?
He was pretty attractive.  
He was so nice. The feelings in her heart felt different, exciting, her breath caught in her throat in a different way.
I wonder… What if…. 
 
And His heart broke,  
But He still called her Bride.  
 
The dreams they’d shared…they began to fade.  
But the love He had for her remained.  
 
She was caught up in it, the greener grass becoming increasingly intoxicating, taking her farther than she dared. It was becoming too late, she couldn’t go back, maybe she didn’t even want to. Her old life seemingly a shadow compared to the thrill of new misters. Why keep it to one? There was so much to explore!
New excitement at every opportunity for this new love.  
 
You have betrayed me, my Bride, my Beloved, my chosen one.  
His voice chased her down. 
You’ve been unfaithful, abandoned our love, refused to know me intimately.  
You’ve wreaked havoc in our marriage, you’ve broken down our relationship, and trashed your reputation. This one choice has created a rippling effect.  
Those who looked up to you, don’t anymore.  
Those who saw our marriage as beauty, see ashes.  
No one wins, everyone is broken.  
Most of all you, my precious Bride, but you don’t even see it.  
 
You think you’re living thrill to thrill, but I know you’re dying inside.  
All of these lovers, I know they are leaving you empty hearted.  
You are being destroyed without our intimacy, because knowing me, and enjoying each other, was always the intention. 
You weren’t made for this.  
Remember, happily ever after was our destination? 
 
You keep on chasing this broken love, glittery on the outside, empty on the inside.  
You’ve taken the glory of our marriage and exchanged it for shame.  
You have left me so you could play the whore, with not just one counterfeit lover,  
but countless ones.  
But still I call you Bride.  
 
Why? 
Love.  
 
Love that knows you will only find fullness with me.  
Because I’m the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13) 
Love that knows your life is found when it’s hidden in me.  
Because I hold life together. (Colossians 1:15-20) 
Love that knows happily ever after is not just a dream.  
Because I hold eternity. (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15) 
 
Remember, my Bride… 
Lace. Glowing cheeks. White dress. Dazzling pearls. 
Happily Ever After. 
It’s still our future hope.  
Come home, Beloved.  
 
The heartbreak of God is something we can never fully understand.  
The heartbreak that began in the Garden of Eden and continued right on  
through every story in the Old Testament,  
every law that we have a hard time understanding,  
every miracle of Jesus,  
all of His teachings, and sweeps past His death and resurrection.  
 
His begging pleas to return continue in the voices of Paul, Timothy, Peter, and John in the New Testament as His Church flourished and grew, yet still fought hard against the relentless Enemy.  
 
Every time His Bride chose sin, chose adultery, chose another lover,  
He ached to bring her home.  
If even creation itself longs for the final restoration,  
how much more so the very Being of God Himself?  
 
We often see the brokenness around us and long for it to be made whole.  
We see relationships shattered.  
We see financial strain.  
We see bodies twisted in sickness.  
And we long for healing. We ache for it.  
But we miss the heartbreak of God over our adultery.  
 
Today, let’s decide to see it.  
Let’s ask God to show us His heart.  
Let’s see our sin, our wretchedness.  
Then let’s see the groaning of God as He too waits to bring restoration.  
 
Happily ever after…. It’s still coming!  
Bride dressed in white….She is still on the horizon!  
 
Christ is her champion.  
The Church is His Bride.  
 
And one day, that Wedding Day will be reality.  
The marriage feasting will begin and never end.  
The fullness of a consummate marriage will be everlasting and His Bride will discover beauty, depth, purpose, meaning, satisfaction, and wholeness like she never dreamed possible.  
 
But it starts with opening our eye to our adultery,  
beholding the heartbreak of the Groom who loves us,  
and choosing to return to His embrace.  
 
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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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

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

Sketched III, Day 3 Leah The Loved

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Psalm 56:3-4
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Sketched III, Day 3

The air was thick with silence.
When we did speak, it dripped with sarcasm and Rachel’s snobbery.
Her disapproval of my sons was evident.
I, Leah the unlovely, often reminded her that she had no children; she needn’t concern her with mine!

Following the birth of my daughter, Dinah, Rachel was ill, keeping to her rooms. Soon she emerged, radiant and pregnant! Jacob was thrilled! He was tender and attentive, bringing her whatever she craved. She basked in his attention.
I was galled; through seven pregnancies he’d never waited on me.
When her labor began I went to be with her; it was only right. I knew childbirth; I could help her.

As little Joseph grew, it became increasingly obvious that Jacob viewed him differently. Joseph was in a class by himself. My sons ranked lower. A growing sense of foreboding rose within me. Did Jacob consider Joseph his firstborn son? Would Rachel’s son usurp the position that was clearly Reuben’s.
My fears were confirmed the day Joseph’s tutors arrived.
Tutors were never offered for my sons.

Rachel gloated, coddling Joseph. Everything he did we precious; it was nauseating. She wouldn’t allow him to associate with my sons; they were too wild. I was heart-sick. I was used to being invisible, but treating my children with disdain was another matter entirely. I made little attempt to hide the anger simmering beneath the surface.

After much secrecy and maneuvering, the day came when we left Paddan Aram. Jacob desired to strike out, away from Papa Laban. Yahweh wanted him to reconcile with Esau, the estranged brother. My Papa pursued us. With Yahweh’s protection, what could have been a bloodbath was reduced to another tense showdown between Papa and Jacob.

We neared Gilead, messengers were dispatched to Esau with news or our arrival and Jacob’s desire to reconcile. The messengers thundered into camp. Esau was headed our way – with four hundred men! Stunned, Jacob sprang into action. He separated us into two groups to minimize casualties. The men prepared to fight; weapons sharpened. Escape routes were planned and reviewed. Droves of livestock were sent ahead as gifts. We prepared for the worst, Jacob sought Yahweh’s deliverance. His voice trembled as he prayed; I’d never seen him like this. Under the cover of darkness, we were moved across the Jabbok River for added protection. After we were settled, I watched Jacob walk out into the night alone.

He was deeply shaken. Jacob seemed to be resting solely upon Yahweh to deliver us. I lay awake all night, slipping out to find Jacob at first light.  Silhouetted against the rising sun, he walked up from Peniel. I ran to him. His face was haggard, but a deep, gentle quietness surrounded him. He walked with a distinct limp, I met his eyes in a wordless question. As he met my gaze, I saw the same gentle quietness resting there.  It was Yahweh; Jacob had met with Yahweh. As we stood in silence something deep passed between us. Tears sprang to my eyes; I let him see them.  I knew he’d been with Yahweh, and he knew I saw it. He also knew I recognized Yahweh in his eyes. A sheepish smile tugged at his lips; we walked together in silence back to camp.

Daybreak revealed a cloud of dust on the horizon. Esau was coming. Once again, Jacob sprang into action with Yahweh’s gentle strength surrounding him. The entire family gathered, final instructions were given.  We took our places and waited.  Jacob strode into the gap between the us and the on-coming riders. The horde of riders barreled toward us, slowed and halted. An enormous man dismounted, running toward Jacob. Jacob bowed to the ground. Esau kept running. Jacob bowed repeatedly.  I had no desire to see Jacob murdered, but I couldn’t look away. Esau neared Jacob, lifting him off the ground, crushing him to his massive frame. Jacob’s limbs dangled; Esau held him fast. Was he crushing Jacob or embracing him? Esau released him, firmly backslapping him as they walked toward us. We are each presented in turn. I sensed that Esau was accustomed to bloodshed; comfortable with the kill. Two razor-sharp weapons were slung across his back. His enormous hands could easily crush a small animal.  Conversation was guarded. Jacob was calmly courageous; the deep quietness of Yahweh was upon him like a cloud. I wasn’t sure we wouldn’t be murdered in our sleep, but Yahweh guided Jacob; it gave me peace. To my relief, they rode out at dawn, but the awe-inspiring presence of Yahweh had changed more than Jacob, He was at work changing me!

Time passed and Rachel was pregnant again. We were en-route to Ephrath, moving slowly as travel was difficult for her. I hoped to arrive and settle Rachel well before the baby came. We were two days from Ephrath when the midwife sent for me; Rachel’s labor had begun. The caravan halted. As before, her labor was difficult; I braced for a long day. By mid-afternoon, she was exhausted, ghostly pale and violently trembling. I sent for Jacob. I told her he was coming and she rallied, pushed, and delivered her son. The midwife held him against her. Jacob arrived, stumbling toward her. Her eyes were fading; Rachel was dying!  She whispered, “Ben-Oni”, and was gone. Jacob screamed wildly in disbelief. Clutching her lifeless body to his chest, he sobbed inconsolably.

I had known Rachel only as my rival; the wasted years haunted me. Though sadness had been my lifelong companion, the gentle quietness of Yahweh beckoned – the same quietness resting in Jacob’s eyes.  I had known His peace before. Without Yahweh’s help, I would shrivel into a sad, old woman. Years ago, Yahweh’s tender love sustained me.
Did He still embrace castoffs?
The deep quietness of Yahweh beckoned, how could I not rise and follow the One who loved me enough to pursue me in spite of myself?
—

Circumstances can easily derail our hope, peace, or joy.  Allowing the rollercoaster of circumstances to trump our firm grasp of truth, plunges us into quicksand.  In this quicksand our emotions or circumstances, solid truth sounds like “pie in the sky”, and God seems distant. Explore these Scriptures, taking note of both the author’s circumstances and the source of his stability and peace.
Habakkuk 3:17-19   Philippians 4:10-13   Psalm 56:3-4   2 Corinthians 4:7-18   2 Corinthians 1:8-11

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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

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

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