consequences

Pause IV Day 5 A God Of Justice

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Pause IV, Day 5

No one likes a consequence.
But we all want justice, don’t we?
Justice on our terms.

God was bringing punishment on His own people, His chosen nation of Israel who He had fashioned, and brought out of slavery, and entered into a covenant relationship with.

Do we really want justice where all are punished for their evil ways?

If so, then we must include ourselves.
Because we are not faultless.

There is a strong message for us in our culture today; we all deserve consequence from the Lord. None of us are blameless before a holy and righteous God.

Justice for some is a much more palatable message, isn’t it?
The Bible teaches we have all turned to our own ways, just like Israel was guilty of doing. (Isaiah 53:6)

As you read and reflect on the consequences coming towards Israel at the hand of the Babylonians, who literally took their prisoners by hook and pulled them into captivity (verse 15), consider how sin pulls us into imprisonment as well. Pause to consider what the Lord is revealing about your heart and the consequences each of us earn as a result of choosing sin.

There IS very good news in spite of all this sin, judgment, and consequence!
It’s coming next week in Pause 4, but if you just can’t wait, here it is in a word: FAITH!

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

Today's Challenge

1) Read through Habakkuk 1:14-17 out loud today twice. Slowly. Explore deeper by studying some cross-references or looking through some commentaries to provide more insight into Habakkuk’s words about the Chaldean, or Babylonian, nation. A great place to start is studylight.org and type in any verse, then click “study tools” and click on a commentary to read their insights.

2) We are so excited to share this hand-crafted Spotify playlist! We created it as we prayed over *you*. Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause 4!

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 1:14-17

14 You have made mankind
like the fish of the sea,
like marine creatures that have no ruler.
15 The Chaldeans pull them all up with a hook,
catch them in their dragnet,
and gather them in their fishing net;
that is why they are glad and rejoice.
16 That is why they sacrifice to their dragnet
and burn incense to their fishing net,
for by these things their portion is rich
and their food plentiful.
17 Will they therefore empty their net
and continually slaughter nations without mercy?

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 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 IV 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 IV!

Blessed Day 14 Blessed Are The Persecuted And Reviled: 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 Blessed Are The Reviled And Persecuted!

The Questions

1) What does Jesus mean when He talks about persecution?

2) How are we able to be glad and rejoice during times of insults and persecution?

3) What is the great reward in heaven awaiting those who suffer persecution because of Jesus?

Matthew 5:10-12

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Original Intent

1) What does Jesus mean when He talks about persecution?
The word ‘persecution’ in the Bible can refer to the idea of pursuing someone, to oppress and harass someone, and also to bring judgment or punishment. In this instance, Jesus is referring to persecution as the consequence of following Him. Jesus knew that every single person who would carry their own cross and follow Him, would eventually face some sort of persecution. If the world hated Christ, who came to die as a sin offering for them, of course the world would hate His followers as well. (John 15:18-25) All His disciples, but one, were literally persecuted to death. They were stoned, beaten, whipped, imprisoned, crucified, and beheaded. With these words, Jesus warned His followers of what would happen if they chose to follow Him. Yet, at the same time, He tells them they will be richly blessed if they continue to follow Him despite the suffering. Even better, He has a great reward for them!

2) How are we able to be glad and rejoice during times of insults and persecution?Jesus reminds the disciples here that persecution isn’t something new. The prophets who came before, suffered insult and persecution as well as they spoke truth. Let’s have a look at one example in the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. (Daniel 6) During the reign of King Darius, several men couldn’t stand that Daniel had achieved such a high position of influence with the king as a direct result of his loyalty to God. They decided to persuade the king to make a decree that would command the people to pray only to King Darius. Of course, God’s law forbids such worship (Exodus 20:3) and Daniel faithfully continued praying three times a day to God as had been his habit. The men saw this and arrested Daniel who was thrown into the lions’ den. No one believed he’d survive, but because Daniel had remained faithful to God, even in times of persecution, the Lord sent His angel and sealed the lions’ mouths. When looking at the prophets from the past, we find courage and hope. Jesus will reward His faithful people and be with them, even unto the end of the world! (Matthew 28:20)

3) What is that great reward in heaven that awaits those who suffer persecution because of Jesus?
Jesus uses the word ‘reward’ quite a few times throughout His ministry on earth. He wanted His disciples to know a reward would be waiting for them in eternity, where “real life” begins. In Matthew 16:27 we read, “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done”. It’s clear from this verse that the reward will not be received in this present life, but in the future kingdom of heaven when Jesus returns. Then, will He reward everyone according to the works they have done. In His time on earth, Jesus didn’t say much about what exactly the reward of eternity would look like, but He gave future generations more information through His beloved disciple John and his visions which are recorded in the book of Revelation.

Everyday Application

1) What does Jesus mean when He talks about persecution?
Even though it may be hard to believe that Christians could face persecution in our western culture that would even come close to a death like the first disciples experienced, it does still happen. The Church is widely persecuted in many ways the majority of western believers can’t even imagine or consider. In some countries, Christians are severely punished even for spreading the Gospel to a single person. In other countries, there are people who face being bullied and discriminated against because of their belief in the Bible, the resurrection, and the second coming of Christ. We might ask, is persecution something to fear? Is persecution a reason to turn your back from Jesus? Definitely not! Because Jesus tells us in the same sentence that those who suffer persecution for His sake are blessed, and the kingdom of heaven will be theirs. Temporary suffering will one day be exchanged for eternal reward! What a wonderful promise to cling unto!

2) How are we able to be glad and rejoice during times of insults and persecution?Feeling happy, and rejoicing in a state of suffering and persecution, doesn’t sound easy at all. How quickly do we murmur and complain if things don’t go right? Even something small! Yet, Jesus tells us ‘to be glad and rejoice’ in the midst of hardship. But how are we able to do so? Not only can we remember the prophets from the past who endured persecution, we can also look at the cross. Our own personal Saviour, the very Son of God, suffered tremendously, and this only because of your sin and mine. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, but He conquered death! He overcame the world! (John 16:33) In this same verse, Jesus tells us, “… in Me you may have peace”. In order to be glad and rejoice during times of insult and persecution, we need only look straight to Jesus. He will bring us peace in the midst of our trials, but also strength (Philippians 4:13) to stand strong and keep going. Need some more encouragement to be glad during persecution? Remember the words of Paul, “And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

3) What is that great reward in heaven that awaits those who suffer persecution because of Jesus?
In Revelation, we find a list of several rewards that will be granted to faithful followers of Christ. Here is a list of the rewards Jesus mentions to seven specific churches:

In 2 Timothy 4:8 we also read of a crown of righteousness reserved for “all those who have loved [Jesus] appearing”. The crown of life is not only mentioned in Revelation, but also in James 1:12. In this verse, we are reminded of the trials believers will endure, the blessing that comes from these trials, and our reward, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”. Finally, Peter mentions a crown of glory we’ll receive when our Shepherd appears. (1 Peter 5:4) Regardless of our trials, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and remember we are blessed!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Blessed Are The Reviled And Persecuted!

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 Blessed Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

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!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Misunderstood Day 2 The Root Of All Evil: 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 The Root Of All Evil?

The Questions

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?

Proverbs 3:1-10

1 My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
2 for they will bring you
many days, a full life, and well-being.
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 This will be healing for your body
and strengthening for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
10 then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)
The phrase “tablet of your heart” resonated with, and held an important meaning to, the people during the time that this proverb was penned. The foundation of the law, the Ten Commandments, were written on tablets. Moses brought two stone tablets to the people after meeting with God on Mount Sinai. Like God wrote the commandments on the tablets, He calls the people to write loyalty and faithfulness on their hearts. He desired more from His people than good actions – He was jealous for their hearts.

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)
God required the people of the Old Testament to bring Him sacrifices to atone for their sins. He didn’t demand just any sacrifice – He wanted their best. In Genesis, Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to God. Cain brought some of the land’s produce and Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. Genesis 4:4b-5a says that “The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering.” Cain’s unwillingness to let go of his most valued possessions revealed the sin in his heart. God desired His people to value Him above anything else. Bringing God their best was a way that made them stand out from the rest of the world. It showed they trusted God to provide for them, even if they gave their very best to Him.

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?
In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain did not trust God with all of his heart. He refused to listen to God and flee from sin. Verse 6 says, “In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God pursued Cain and tried to set him on the right path: “ If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7) The passage does not record any response to God’s warning, but Cain murders his brother in the next verse. Cain’s first sin, loving possessions and money more than God, opened the door to more sin in his life. Instead of trusting God’s provision and wisdom, he gave into the desires of his flesh: greed, pride, and hate.

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to write this teaching on the “tablet of your heart”? (v. 3)
On this side of the Cross and Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to the law and we have freedom from condemnation through Jesus’ forgiveness, even when we break the Ten Commandments and other commandments throughout the Bible. However, like the people of the Old Testament, God still desires for us to write loyalty and faithfulness on our hearts. When we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are given a new heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” Is the truth of the Gospel written on your heart? Do you treasure and hide the word of God in your heart (Psalm 119:11)?

2) Why was it important that the people bring their first produce of the harvest? (v. 9)
Do we trust God with our very best? Or does God get the leftovers of our life? Look at Genesis 4:3 again. It doesn’t say that Abel brought an offering and Cain did not. Cain still presented an offering to God, but he went halfway when it came to being completely obedient to God. He brought an offering, but he held the best back for himself. Have you ever checked a box without your heart truly being in it? Have you begrudgingly donated money when you could have offered more? Have you served at church, but only to fulfill an obligation? God desires for us to bring our best to Him with a cheerful heart. When we give ourselves fully to God, we are recognizing that God did the same for us. When we were still sinners, God sent His very best for us – Jesus (Romans 5:8)! How much more should we offer our best to God, who wholly deserves our devotion and offerings?

3) Verses 5 and 6 are often quoted and memorized. What does trusting the Lord with all your heart have to do with money?
How and where we spend our money is a reflection of our heart. Jesus warned us not to store up treasures on earth during the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) If we trust God with all our heart, then He will be our treasure, not money and possessions. When we give our money, time, possessions and talents in obedience to God, we show the world that we trust God to be faithful in every area of our lives. What are you putting your trust in? Do you trust that your worldly wisdom and treasures will provide you security? Or do you trust God’s sovereignty and control above your own?

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Root Of All Evil?

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 Misunderstood Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

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!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Bride Day 15 Gracious Reception

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 3:21-26
Romans 6:12-23
Hosea 14:1-9

All sin is equal.

Bride, Day 15

Did anyone else feel like you just rubbed your pet’s fur the wrong direction or like you drew your fingers across one of those mermaid sequin pillows?

All sin is equal.
It’s a bit of an uncomfortable thought, isn’t it?

All sin is equal.
The more I ponder those four words, the more the reality sinks in.

All sin is equal.
Uncomfortable moves to concern.

All sin is equal.
Concern reaches full on conviction.

All sin is equal.
I am a sinner.

As I review my week….
My thoughts have not been kind towards some.
My pride has reared its ugly head.
I’ve fallen into the trap for comparing myself to others.
I’ve sped while driving. (Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Everyone may speed, but it is still the law. Matthew 22:21).

I could make the list longer if I slowed down enough to truly reflect on my shortcomings.
(pretty sure – okay positive – more sin is hidden in multiple facets of that statement.
Isn’t sin sneaky?)

Nowhere did I commit murder, cheat on my taxes, do something sexually inappropriate, cause physical harm, but I did sin.

Anyone ever find herself in that land of justifying sin
based on the severity of the natural consequences?

I did not say what I was thinking to that person.
I did not get caught.
I didn’t commit a misdemeanor or felony.
No one got hurt.

However, the Lord does not have sin on a sliding scale.
My sin is not less than yours.
Your sin is not better than mine.

Sometimes I forget that reality, and the reminder to myself today is that regardless of the outcome, and whatever level of grace and mercy present in the scenarios, I still sinned.

The words of Hosea 14 echo through my heart with the sweet mixture of conviction and hope.

“Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him,
“Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously,
that we may present the fruit of our lips.
Assyria will not save us, we will not ride on horses;
nor will we say again, ‘Our god’ to the work of our hands;
for in You the orphan finds mercy.”” Hosea 14:2-3

Oh Lord, I have sinned. I have fallen short.
Let me count the ways. Please take away my sins and draw me close to you.

Have you read all of Hosea 14 yet?
If you haven’t, go ahead. I’ll wait.

The Lord, in His infinite goodness, speaks the truth boldly, confidently, and without sugarcoating at the start of the chapter.
“Return, O (insert your name here), to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.”

In what ways have you stumbled recently? Remember, no sliding scale exists with Jesus.
There is no minor or major sin. It is all equal in His sight.

The next two verses show us how to respond to that truth. We take our sin to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness, and ask Him to receive us graciously.
To receive us graciously.
To. Receive. Us. Graciously.

Sometimes it is easier to accept the reality of being a sinner
than it is to accept the gracious reception of the Lord.

What does that look like? Reread Hosea 14:4-8.
Let the words soak in like a fragrant oil.
Work it into the hurting muscles of your heart.
Massage them into the temples of your mind.
Ingest them as life giving water.

For this is the gracious reception of the Lord:
I will heal your apostasy.
I will love you freely.
My anger has turned away from you.
I am the dew that causes you to blossom like the lily and be rooted like the cedars of Lebanon. You will be beautiful and fragrant.
I answer you.
I look after you.
I cause your fruit.

This is no small reception.
This is a full embrace and outpouring of the One who deeply loves you.

It is His love that provides the conviction.
His ways may not make sense to us at times, but they are for our good and our gain.
He loves us enough to call us out on our sin.
He loves us enough to remove the sin when we ask.
He loves us enough to pour out redemption beyond what we could ask or imagine.

All sin is equal.
Call a spade a spade and take it to the Lord with a repentant heart.
Lean in to His gracious reception and find the fullness of life!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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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 Bride 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 Bride!