chaos

Reveal Day 8 Sudden Peace

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:26-38
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:8-14

Reveal, Day 8

Quiet. Tranquil. Calm.

Pandemic.
Riots.
Murder Hornets.
Politics.

When I think of the word “peace,” I think of its absence in the past year.

For the first time in my life, I can actually say that pretty much the whole world understands what the person next door is going through.
Chaos has been the shared experience of 2020.

But chaos is not new;
the world has been in chaos since man’s first sin.
(Genesis 3:1-24)

Fear follows closely on the heels of chaos as we struggle to navigate this broken world in which we live. Fear of the unknown. Fear of disease. Fear of man.

Yet, the Bible urges us to live unafraid:

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

We do not need to fear the unknown, disease, or man.
God has already gone before us.
No amount of chaos surprises Him.

I know. It sounds impossible. During this chaos of Covid-19, I personally allowed the news and the opinions or dire predictions of others to spiral me into panic.

Is it safe to leave the house?
Should I start doing grocery pickup?
Should I order everything online and just have it brought to the house?
What about staying home?
Should I go to church?
Is it ok to see family?
What if I want to go to the park? Is that ok?
Will I die?
What if . . . ? What if . . . ? What if . . . ?

But God.

Peace. 

Uttering simple words, “but God,” brought sudden peace to my heart, just as He promised in John 16:33.

“I have told you these things so that in me, you may have peace.
You will have suffering in this world.
Be courageous! I have overcome the world.”

The world wants peace.
The world wants no disease, no hate, no chaos, but true peace will never happen here.
Yet, in our hearts, we long for a kind of peace the world cannot give; it’s only found in God.

As we step into the Christmas season, we hear stories of Mary and Joseph and the night Jesus was born.

Was the world at peace?
No.  

God was silent for hundreds of years. Israel was under Roman rule. The corrupt religious leaders oppressed the people. Israel awaited the promised Messiah, the One whom God said would bring peace. They were expecting a peace in the world, a peace of circumstance. No more chaos, disease, or corrupt leaders. They could not foresee or understand Jesus would bring peace with God, a peace transcending circumstance.

When Mary was approached by Gabriel, the world around her was full of chaos. The angel’s announcement certainly brought confusion, possibly threatening her one source of earthly stability, her engagement to Joseph and the secure future it promised.

But the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

Like Mary, Joseph lived in a world of chaos but was secure in their relationship. Until Mary told him the news she was expecting a baby. (Matthew 1:18-25)
Confusion. Hurt. Questions.
The law said, “Divorce her,”

but the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

The shepherds took refuge in a quiet, hillside night from the chaos of the city during census. Shepherds were lowly in society, the people no one cared about, yet they were the first to learn of Jesus’ birth! The angel’s proclamation sparks immediate fear (Luke 2:8-14),

but then he says, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

Each person in the Christmas story experienced fear.
Fear on the outside, fear on the inside.
They each felt the ache for peace.
Peace in the world and peace in their hearts.
“Do not be afraid.”

Peace.

When Jesus was born, the chaos of the world did not end. Yet each person in the story found peace. It was a peace inside, a peace in their hearts.

Desperation for peace in the world’s circumstances is an outward need, reflecting our desperate need for spiritual peace. In the midst of the chaos, we can still have peace inside if we search for the One who IS peace and GIVES peace. The same Jesus who calmed the storm on the waves by simply speaking, “Peace! Be still.” (Matthew 4:35-41) When we seek Him in chaos, He speaks, “Peace! Be still!” to the storm raging within us.

We may not see a physical change.
The diagnosis doesn’t change.
The people around us may not have a new attitude.

We change.
His peace, which passes all understanding, is inside us, calming our hearts.
(Philippians 4:6-7)

We hear God speak simple words, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Reveal 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 Reveal!

Ten Day 6 Family On Purpose

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:12
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Leviticus 19:9-37
Ephesians 6:2-3

Ten, Day 6

Dread knotted in my stomach.

I had done it.
I was sure my parents would not only find out, but also be disappointed.

I had chosen to do what my foolish little girl brain wanted, instead of listening to my parents’ request. I didn’t honor them with my choice, and guilt mixed with remorse was coming on hot and heavy.

I was probably 10 years old when I decided to sneak into the garage refrigerator after dinner one night. It was the spare fridge, the one Mom used when preparing for company.

I took a spoon to my favorite dessert, Éclair Cake, and thought I could get away with helping myself to a few more bites. Somehow though, when I was putting it away, the pan flipped upside down. Even with the lid on, the dessert was ruined. There was no way to keep my secret now. Mom would undoubtedly realize a little snitch had been to her dessert.

You see, Mom and Dad had some rules. There were four of us kids at home. Left to our own devices, we could create lots of chaos. Therefore, the ‘rents had some parameters for us to live within, which allowed our house to have order, stability, and certainty. In their parental wisdom, they demonstrated their love for us by maintaining boundaries.

The Lord our God also has rules and parameters for us, His children.

As we journey through the Ten Commandments, we first see a list of rules. However, if we look a bit closer, we realize what seems to be a list of dos and don’ts is actually a reflection of God’s character. 

“Honor your father and mother so you may have a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

God created the world in a specific order. (Genesis 1:1-2:3) He put in different systems to maintain this order. (Genesis 1:26-30) The Levitical law shows us God doesn’t act on a whim, but has a plan and a purpose for even the smallest part of our lives. (Leviticus 19:9-37)

Returning to Exodus, we see the family unit has order and purpose.
And we learn our God is a God of order and purpose.

Nothing Creator God does is wasted. His actions were purposeful in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and in our lives now. He holds the systems of this world in His mighty hand and works things together for our good.

Life often seems chaotic and confusing. Bad things happen, loved ones become terminally ill, senseless murder continues. Our finances crumble, our children don’t make wise choices, we need to retire before we had planned. Where is order and purpose?

David, the Psalmist, wrestled with similar troubles. He wrote, “Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck.” (Psalm 69:1)

Yet, by Psalm 71, David was able to declare, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you because you have redeemed me.”

David recognized God was using the overwhelming parts of his life to draw him near. God was redeeming the mountains of challenges David had climbed throughout his life by giving them beautiful purpose. 

Where have you felt the flood waters rising?
When have you experienced the Loving Father’s redemption?

Just as a loving parent has rules in place for the good of their children, God gives us parameters to guide us. When we honor our earthly parents, we honor our Heavenly Father. He loves us perfectly and completely; He knows what we need and how we may stumble. Honoring our parents is a command we can take hold of, trusting the Lord is creating order and fulfilling purpose.

{Let’s talk for a moment about parents who are harming their children. Make no mistake: honoring our parents does not mean submitting to abuse. If you are currently being abused at home, you can reach out here (nationally) or here (locally in KCMO). We, the collective church, support you, even if your abusers are Christians. Even if they’re involved in ministry. Even if they’re pastoring your church. God is not asking you to stay in harm’s way.}

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Ten 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 Ten!

Sketched V Day 13 Paul, The Renewed Soldier

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

I Timothy 6:11-14
2 Timothy 1:4-7
2 Timothy 3:1-5
2 Timothy 4:3-5

Sketched V, Day 13

Well this just might be it. 

The Sovereign hand of our Lord Jesus Christ released me for a time from Roman house arrest.  I did all I could in that brief time to continue visiting the brotherhood throughout Asia, preaching the gospel to all who would listen and teaching the established churches, encouraging young pastors to hold fast to what they’d been taught.

By the time I returned to Rome however, the city was in chaos.
Controversies were being stirred up, and those who followed Jesus were beginning to be hated, threatened and accused of wrong-doing. When I made my defense, there were no co-laborers who stood beside me, in fact all of them deserted me! However, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it (2 Timothy 4:17).

I was indeed rescued from the lion’s mouth, but here I sit once again bound up, yet this time chained in a Roman dungeon. And this, this just might be it.

As it may be the end, there’s a fire in my bones.
There’s a pouring out of all the things that have been rushing through my mind, my heart, my soul for the sake of the church, and ultimately, for the sake of the glorious appearing of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My body might be guarded night and day, weak as it is, but my heart and soul are set ablaze to send more letters to the brothers and sisters who need them. Why? Because this is a battle – it is a fight for faith to the end, both of myself and for my brotherhood.
I might be the one in chains, but they must know that all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).  For there is no other option for a good soldier but to share in the sufferings of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

That is what I am doing – bound up in chains for the gospel I have preached.
Yet, the Word of God is not bound!
Do they see it?
Do they see how it’s spreading, taking off, taken in, and setting whole regions ablaze?
This is why we pour ourselves out – this is why we suffer – for the sake of the elect, those chosen by God.  And this cosmic injustice that saves us all is that even if we are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13)

I am thinking of one dear child of mine in the faith, Timothy. His is a sincere faith, which was passed on to him from his mother and grandmother – dear women of faith themselves. I praise God for how Timothy received the gospel message and how, as the elders and I laid hands on him, he took up this charge and commission to serve the church of Christ faithfully.

But oh, I must remind him that just as he followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings, he must continue in what he has learned and firmly believed (2 Timothy 3:10-11a, 14).

Yes, he must be warned! In these days, it is becoming more and more difficult to discern truth and preach the gospel without distraction. Many are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4b), and will completely oppose the truth.
I know my dear Timothy understands where truth comes from and how from infancy he has known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give him wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I must remind him to be ready to preach the same gospel he first received is of utmost importance, because the risk for not sharing its fullness grows increasingly larger.
The risks of death and suffering will grow, yes.
But the risk of leading brothers and sisters onto a deceptive path to hell is far worse!
Many will turn away from truth and will beg to hear what their wicked hearts long to hear, rather than the truth from God Himself.  So I must admonish Timothy, my dear son in the faith, to exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, to do the work of an evangelist, and to fulfill his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

For this is what God has charged of me, and for what I have fought the good fight for.
I have kept the faith in Christ that first came to me, and I will finish this race.
But first, I must pass the torch to the brethren so that they too might fight the good fight in the face of opposition and come through awaiting the crown of righteousness that the Lord will award us in that final day!

So this truly might be it for me.
For in this way I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close (2 Timothy 4:6). But this I know and trust completely: The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

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!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 V Week Three! 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 V!

Dwell Day 10 Clearing The Clutter

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Corinthians 7:1-6
Acts 13:1-3
Esther 4:13-17
Joel 2:12-17 
Ezra 8:21-23

Dwell, Day 10

Here’s a fun confession for you: I sometimes wish I was a nun. Granted, this desire tends to flare up in those especially chaotic moments of life. You know the ones: all the kids are crying, the oven timer is beeping, the dog just ripped open his food bag… In moments like these, the idea of dedicating my life to quiet servitude sounds very appealing.

While God clearly had other plans for my life, I do find myself longing to dwell in His presence amid the mundane. But with all the distractions of work and motherhood, I have struggled to discover a way to do this. How can I dwell in His presence while still being fully present here on Earth?

I believe these two spheres collide within the practice of fasting. When we fast, our physical needs and longing ushers our souls into His presence; and it is in His presence all our needs and longings are met.

May I share one more confession with you? Until writing this article, I never fully understood or practiced fasting; so please know, I am not an expert.  However, what I share with you below has changed my heart and I now understand it’s place and power.

Why should we fast?
Matthew 9:14-15 is perhaps the clearest picture of Christ’s stance on fasting.
“Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come with the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

According to these verses, there are two reasons we fast.
First, Christ expects it. In these verses, He makes it clear it is not a question of “if” His disciples will fast, but “when”. Sister, hear this: as disciples of Christ, we should be fasting. It is an integral part of our walk with Christ.

Secondly, we fast because we are waiting expectantly for our bridegroom. One day He will return, and we will no longer fast. Instead, we will be brought to His table and together we will feast! Until that day we will watch, wait, and fast.

John Piper once said fasting adds an exclamation point to our prayers. Daily we petition Him with our needs: “Lord, we need healing! We need guidance! We pray for your return!”. Fasting physically demonstrates our spiritual longing. It shows God we desire those things, we desire Him, more than we desire worldly comfort and sustenance.

Ultimately, fasting reminds us who is our true source of life and comfort. Food can easily become a sort of idol. We turn to food when we are hungry, celebrating, sad, and bored. We even have a term for what happens to us when we don’t get enough food: hangry. When we step away from this crutch, even for a short amount of time, we can lift our eyes up and glance at the One who we ought to turn to with all our emotions. This practice keeps us dependent on the true Bread of Life.

When should we fast?
Christian fasting is not simply done for the sake of fasting. It is done with a specific purpose in mind. Before you begin, you need to determine what you are bringing before God during your time of fasting. Are you repenting from a deep-rooted sin? Are you seeking His guidance through major transition? Are you simply trying to clear out the mental clutter and hear His voice?

Queen Esther called for a fast just before she dared approach her husband, the King, to save the Jewish people. She does so by telling her friends, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

She was desperate for God to act on behalf of her people. She knew lives hung in the balance. To demonstrate the intensity of her need, she and her people fasted for three days.

Must it be food?
No, 1 Corinthians 7:5 makes this clear. You can fast from anything you find yourself clinging to. Perhaps that is technology, television, sleep…sex. As 1 Corinthians suggests, fasting from sex for a short time to petition the Lord together as a married couple is quite powerful.  It is not what you fast from, but what you move towards that is important.

Here is my challenge for you today: start small. Ask the Lord what He would have you fast from and when. When I did this, I determined I would give up one lunch, once a week. I would use this time to seek the Lord in whatever way He laid on my heart that day.

I believe if we obey Christ in this way, we will see some of our deepest prayers answered. Through regular prayer and fasting, we will find ourselves dwelling in His presence even in the mundane.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Dwell Week Two! 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 Dwell!

Dwell Day 8 Come Away

2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 46  
Isaiah 6:1-8 
Exodus 34:29-35 

Dwell, Day 8

The chaos screamed louder with every shrill screech of my 3-year-old.  
He flung his body violently backwards despite my attempts to hold him.  
My water cup flew as his foot knocked it from the counter, its crash adding to the epic disaster of my kitchen.  
I was exhausted, frustrated, and knew I was quickly losing it.  
I was too far behind, in too many things, the hurricane wave-like pressure to be more than I was, crashed down on me fast.  
 
“Come away with me.” 
The whisper in my heart offered an oasis, cool water in the tornadic fury of my hot emotions.  
No, it wasn’t an audible voice, but it was one I had been learning ever more steadily to listen to. It was the voice of One who loved me, who delighted over me, and in that moment of supreme chaos that bordered on insanity, He called me away.  
 
Not to more stuff.  
Not to remind me of the important things I hadn’t done yet.  
Not to chastise me for being angry.  
He called me to come away.  
With Him.  
 
With water dripping from the counter, the dog eating scraps on the floor, a dirty dish tower threatening to topple, smelly laundry spilling from the washer, crackers crunching under my feet, and 4 other children continuing to play in their shocking oblivion,  
I obeyed the voice of my Savior.  
 
Gathering my still shrieking preschooler, I turned a blind eye to it all, and with laser focus on the face of my Jesus, I ran upstairs, not caring in the slightest who called out after me for more snacks. I knew exactly where I was going.  
 
As I hurried through my still messy bedroom, I grabbed my “pretty candle”, the one no one is supposed to touch, and a hidden matchbox. By the time I shoved my closet door closed behind me and the darkness quickly enveloped us, my little boy was still mad, but intrigued.  
I struck the match, breathing in the acrid scent, my soul already quieting. 
I knew Who was waiting for me and Whose presence I was entering.  
 
“Look! Look!” I whispered to my dry-sobbing boy.  
His eyes wide, tears gone, I held him as I began praying simple phrases.  
I had learned that here, in the silence and solitude of this meeting place, short phrases packed with truth kept my heart and soul in the moment rather than wandering.  
Truth anchored me in His presence.  
 
“You are good. You are good. You are good.” 
“You are for me. You are for me. You are for me.” 
“You are glorious, Yahweh. You are glorious. Glorious.”  
“Oh Majesty, Majesty, how breathtaking You are.” 
“Majesty. Beauty. Grace.”  
“Grace. Grace. Grace.” 
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” 
“Lord Jesus. My Lord Jesus.” 
 
Sometimes my words whispered, sometimes they flowed quickly as the Spirit moved, sometimes my tongue was still as I drank in the exquisite beauty of His presence.  
Silent and still, holding my son, watching the light,  
my soul was swept away by the Supreme Lover of my heart. 
 
There was no magic in the candle, no extra-ordinary spiritual experience of my closet location, there was simply an invitation to sit in silence and behold Majesty.  
 
Time seemed to stand still for both me and my son.  
Eventually, like every mama-story, a knock beckoned from the other side of my closet door.  
But my spirit didn’t sag in response, peace pervaded. Joy swept in.  
Truth anchored my soul as my eyes had re-focused on the Glorious One.  
 
The idea of Silence and Solitude as an actual discipline of the Christian walk had never ever occurred to me.  
Quiet time where you sit and read Scripture, yes.  
Journaling your prayers and thoughts during quiet time, yes.  
But no one had ever taught me to practice Silence & Solitude.  
 
The discovery literally revolutionized my entire walk with Jesus, taking me from the playful shores of Christianity into the deep-sea dive of intimacy with the Love of my Soul.  
Practicing regular silence and solitude changed the entire trajectory of my life.  
I can absolutely guarantee you that where I am today, how I see people, the ministries I’m involved in, and the way I commune with Jesus is a direct result of silence and solitude.  
Yes, it’s that critical!  
 
After reading selections from Ruth Barton’s book, “Invitation to Solitude & Silence”, I was flabbergasted that I had never heard of this aspect of Christianity and began adopting it immediately.  
It wasn’t always my closet, it wasn’t always using a candle, but those became my favorites.  
I’ve shared intentional silence with the Savior, glorying in His presence, in my car before driving to “next”, in my “God Time Chair” as my pen has stilled and all else fades as I simply sit with Him, listening and responding to His Spirit, or in bed before I fall asleep. This isn’t just being quiet and restful, it’s intentional prayer-focused intimacy as we are drawn in to deep worship! 
 
In words on paper, it’s utterly indescribable.  
Astoundingly, the invitation comes again and again as He invites me to know Him deeper, delight in Him more intimately, to call Him Abba Father, to sit with tears streaming at His all-surpassing glory, and to live in light of that glorious encounter. 
 
Here’s the sweetest thing, Jesus longs for all of this with each of us!  
It doesn’t matter what your doubts are, how long or how short you’ve believed in Him as Savior, or whether you’ve ever crossed the line of faith in the first place, His invitation beckons right now, right here, in the middle of your crazy, busy, messy everyday life.  

Will you go to Him?! 

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Dwell 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 Dwell!

Chase Day 15 The Rest Of The Story

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 12:38-42
Matthew 3:1-12
Acts 3:17-21
Jonah 4

You know, after studying the ins and outs of Jonah for this Journey… I feel for the guy. We know so little about him or his life, and what few snippets we do know are completely colored by his disobedience and anger. I can’t imagine that his whole life’s story is truly summed up by those four short chapters we’ve been digging through, but the Bible is completely silent about Jonah’s life, both leading up to and after the events outlined there.

Everybody has a rough week (or two…or three…yep, I’m raising my hand, too) now and then. Let’s try to put ourselves in his shoes for a moment.

Let’s imagine ourselves in a pretty awful spot, faith-wise. Let’s say…our relationship with our spouse is pretty stilted and we just haven’t been communicating very well. Maybe our children have really been testing their boundaries and our job is incredibly stressful on top of everything else. Then, maybe God tells us to give our life’s savings (everything we have worked so hard for!) to the homeless guy on the corner. And…we don’t do it. Instead, we book our family for a weekend getaway, because hello! Things are stressful and we need to reconnect! But then…everything goes haywire. The hotel is hit by a tornado and we find ourselves bunking in the basement with a bunch of other irritated guests. When we finally get out, we have a change of heart and decide to give what is left in our savings account to the homeless guy, but it is too little, too late. He’s gone.

This may be a stretch, but now imagine that a film crew was secretly documenting all of this to broadcast on television. Can you imagine the shame? The embarrassment?

Now imagine that no matter what else happened in your life leading up to that experience, no one would ever know about it. And afterward? You very well may have won a Nobel Peace Prize, but no one would ever know about that, either. You will always and forever only be recognized for that particular incident.

The Bible doesn’t tell us how Jonah lived out the rest of his life. He may very well have repented of his anger and chosen to live a life of humility and grace. He may have been so convicted by God’s mercy toward the Ninevites that he lived out the rest of his days showing great mercy to everyone he met, giving glory to God.

Or he may have chosen to walk in anger for the rest of his life.
We may never know.

Loves, is his story so very different from our own? Looking back at my week, there are three separate instances that make me ashamed to even remember them. I lost my temper. Raised my voice. Chose anger rather than peace. If those few scenarios were the defining moments of my whole life…let’s just say our friend Jonah would look pretty spiffy by comparison.

Maybe it’s the same for you. Maybe you have been making some choices and acting in ways that you know are wrong. Maybe you’d rather forget the way things have been going, but you feel stuck. Sister, we don’t have to be stuck! Even after all of Jonah’s disobedience and unrighteous anger, Jesus still used his story to point toward salvation. He can use us at our worst, but my heart longs for Him to use me at my best.

Doesn’t yours?

Jesus, we love you. We declare you the King of our hearts, minds, and lips. Show us how to love others and You better. We want to be available to tell Your story and to stop getting caught up in our own. Forgive us for our selfish attitudes and sinful choices. Grow mercy in our hearts and minds, and increase our capacity to love others as You do. We want to reflect You in everything we say and do. Bring Your Kingdom here in our hearts. Amen.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Chase Week Three! 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 Chase!

Flourishing Day 8
His Flourishing

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 6:2-21
Luke 14:25-33
Revelations 12:11
Luke 21:1-4 

Did you know that the human brain is believed to generate around 50,000 thoughts every day? If the average person sleeps around 8 hours a night (and all-the-moms join me with a “Yeah, right!”), that boils down to approximately 3,125 thoughts per hour, 52 thoughts per minute and just shy of a thought every second. That’s all well and good, but as a wife, mama to three-under-four and business owner (among myriad other roles), I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t often feel like I have 3,125 thoughts racing through my head per minute. No matter what I’m focused on, it often feels like my persistent inner monologue of “to-do’s”, “did-I’s” and “we must’s” hums right along beneath the surface:

OUCH. Okay, we are going to learn to clean up our toys when we are finished playing with them if it is the LAST thing we learn! Come on, Mama, you can teach this. OH, I really need to return a few emails during naptime today…but I MUST catch up on this laundry! Uh-oh, do I even have enough laundry detergent? Let’s see…no. Okay, add it to the list. Also, dishwashing liquid. And eggs. Milk. Bread. Shoot, what am I going to make for dinner tonight? (I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about this before 5 PM. Gold star.) But I should have pulled meat to thaw yesterday! (No gold star.) Why on earth am I not using my crockpot today? I HAVE TO START MEAL PLANNING. Oh, that’s right. I’m out of liners. Add them to the list. Oh YUCK, what did I just step on? I don’t even want to look…What on earth is mashed into my rug? Ok, it smells like banana. I really hope it’s just banana. Dang…I need carpet cleaner…add it to the list. I just realized that two out of three children are still in pajamas at 11 AM. And one just clobbered the other one with a toy frying pan. Is that a mom-fail? Do I care? No. Yes. I don’t know. Oh, no. HOW ARE WE OUT OF COFFEE? Jesus, please send help. Help with coffee.

Regardless of our situation, children or no, I think we can all relate to that feeling sometimes. Overwhelmed. Busy. Trying to do all-the-things at exactly-the-right-time. Trying to flourish as a mom, wife, executive, teacher, sister, friend, fill-in-your-blank. What we fail to realize when we try to flourish is that we are measuring ourselves and our lives by the world’s definition of flourishing, rather than His. We forget that His definition of flourish does not match ours. His definition has nothing to do with the physical and everything to do with the spiritual. His flourishing involves righteousness, godliness, faith, love and steadfastness. It involves taking care to guard ourselves from the love of what this world holds dear. Our intentions may be the best, but when we find ourselves overrun by our own thoughts or goals, our focus slips from Him and all that He does and wants to do and settles on what we have or what we can do.

Oh, legalism. There you are again. Slipping into the dark crevices where we least expect (but maybe should most expect?) to find you.

When we find ourselves striving to make sure our spouses, children, friends, family, selves are happy, fed and thriving by doing-all-the-things and having-all-the-things and being-all-the-things, what room are we leaving for Holy Spirit to move, to lead? Where is the room for God to speak into us? And…would we hear Him over the din of our own noise?

As we go about our lives this week, let’s stop to take note when our inner monologues start to ramp up and take over to steal our focus from the One Who commands it. Rather than let them run full force, let’s make sure that we aren’t slipping into legalism and bring the underlying tensions or issues to the One Who brings order to all.

Father, we want YOU to be our sole focus. We want to meet your definition of flourishing. Cultivate awareness in us so that we quickly recognize when we venture into attitudes and thoughts that encourage legalism. We love you!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Flourishing 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 Flourishing!

Worship Day 11
His Excellent Word

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Jeremiah 31
Psalm 62
Revelation 21:1-8 

“Father, I’m drowning here. My emotions have been all across the board and I feel like so much is coming at me. My feet can’t find solid ground, Jesus, instead I feel like I’m dropping into quick sand. Help me, Abba!”

This was my journal entry this morning in my quiet time.
Transparency is a core value at Gracefully Truthful, and sisters, this is me today.
Shaky.
Unsure.
Unsettled.
Tossed to and fro.

And I knew that, with as much as I had going on in the day ahead, and as quickly as my morning time was slipping away, I had to find solid ground.
So, I made the time. I sat in my Talking Chair, and talked to my Savior, bringing myself, and all my weaknesses, before the very throne of God, expecting Him to show up.

Yes, I was feeding an infant, shushing a toddler, and reminding my older kids to finish their chores.
Yes, I was already late.
No, it wasn’t quiet.
But I needed God.
As an aside, Ladies, quiet time with Jesus is where it’s at!
If you don’t make space for relating with Jesus, do it.
Its value is greater than you can imagine and it will change your life.
It may not be “perfect” or “quiet”, but He knows that, He will shape your willing heart!

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from Him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
~Psalm 62:1
This verse greeted me as I opened my Bible to my place in the Psalms after crying out to the Father.

And this:
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
~Psalm 62:8

As if that was not enough, my Father went on:
when Israel sought for rest,
3     the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
4 Again I will build you, and you shall be built.
~Jeremiah 31:2-4

Here in Jeremiah, Israel was still in exile for her rebellion. God certainly seemed far away. Just as I had felt this morning, but God spoke truth through His Word from the prophet; He was near, even as we are far away. When we seek rest, His love buoys us because He is faithful. He continues building us up, sanctifying us, making us more like Himself, completing the work He began, regardless of where we are in life.

If we will come, seeking Him wholeheartedly, willing to turn away from ourselves to find our everything in Him,
He will satisfy, redeem, and lead us in peace and victory.

With weeping they shall come,
    and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back,
I will make them walk by brooks of water,
    in a straight path in which they shall not stumble,
for I am a father to Israel.
~Jeremiah 31:9

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob
and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord.
~Jeremiah 31:11-12

Those “hands” that were too strong for Jacob (Israel)?
That was the ruler over them during exile because of their sin.
Ultimately, when sin binds us up, it’s the Enemy Satan whose hands are too strong for us.
BUT GOD.
He frees, He redeems, and His hands bind those of the Enemy and of sin’s dominion.
And us?
We are free to worship and live radiantly because of His goodness!

As I read the Father’s promises, as I softened my heart to the Spirit’s tender voice, as I sunk my feet into the solidity of Christ and His word, the frolicking melodies of How Firm A Foundation stirred in my soul.

How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no never forsake!”

A life that seeks rest.
A soul that is weary.
For the chaotic heart.
For the wanderer, the broken, the empty, the lonely.
Jesus waits, His foundation is sure.
His promises solid.
Set your feet on the firm foundation of “His Excellent Word”
and let your feet dance in His radiant rhythms
because of all that He gives to us and frees us from!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Worship Week Three! 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 Worship!

Adoring Day 5
In The Midst of Chaos

Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 33
John 16:33
Romans 13:1attachment-1-37

“God, what is happening in this world?”
“Where are you, God?”
“How does this tragedy fit into Your perfect plan?”

I often find these questions creeping into my mind as I watch the news and scroll through social media. Some days it can feel like the earth is in complete chaos. Warring political parties, needless violence, incomprehensible racism, corrupt governments, horrific natural disasters, extreme poverty, and desperate sickness. When our eyes behold the tragedies of the world, our hope can begin to feel as if it’s fading away and darkness is taking hold.
But for every moment I look at the hardships of this world, I remember my need to turn to the Word of God.

For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. (Psalm 33:4-5)

Even when we feel as if sin and darkness are winning, the Lord has and is continually filling the earth with His steadfast love. His love for the world doesn’t change according to governments, political powers, or emotional highs.

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever
the plans of His heart to all generations. (v. 10-11)

The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue (v. 16-17)

In an uncertain political climate, we as believers can be certain of God’s sovereignty and love for us. The psalmist declares that human leaders cannot save us and that putting our hope in them will always fail us.
It is the counsel of the Lord alone that stands forever.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
on those who hope in His steadfast love,
that He may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine. (v. 18-19)

Famine will come. Whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we will endure hardships in our lives. In fact, Jesus Himself promises it. On one occasion He said to His disciples, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) When we put our hope and trust in God, He is faithful to deliver us because He is bigger than the sin in our hearts and in our world.

The psalmist begins and ends this psalm with a declaration of praise:
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to Him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to Him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. (v.1-3)

Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield:
For our heart is glad in Him,
because we trust His holy name.
Let Your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in You. (v. 20-22)

We worship the God that loves us and delivers us in the midst of chaos.
Our heart is glad in Jesus Christ – not because our life is perfect or because He answers all of our prayers our way,
but because we trust Him and He is holy.
He is where our hope comes from.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Adoring 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 Adoring!