daughter

Nations Day 10 I Am Daughter

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 3:16-4:1
John 1:6-13
Romans 8:12-17

Nations, Day 10

My name is Anna, and I am a Swede-Swiss living in Switzerland. We quite often laugh about Americans who don’t know the difference between Sweden and Switzerland. I know most of you understand the distinction, but the truth is, when the Swedish company Spotify was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, they briefly displayed the Swiss flag by mistake.

When I tell you I am Swedish and Swiss living in Switzerland, it might not sound like such a big thing for you. But for me, it has led to a crisis of identity.

Who am I, and is my identity at all important? 

In some way, identity has always been something with which I have struggled. My father abandoned our family when I was a child, so identity was something I dealt with at an early age. What are we, if not a “normal” family? Who am I, if not “the girl whose father left her?” Could anything (or Anyone) else define me?

When I met Christ, I started my long journey of finding home and discovering my true identity as a daughter to the living God. 

I won’t share my entire life’s story, but I moved abroad when I was only 22 years old. Somehow, I had always known my life would be spent in other countries. I have always felt drawn abroad and when I was only 15, I went on my first missionary trip to Romania. I can still remember how amazed I was by the American couple living there who invested in the poor people of Brasov.

It was in Romania I heard God’s calling over my life to live in another country. I thought He would take me to eastern Europe, to work with orphan kids, but His plans looked a little different from mine, and I ended up as a stay-at-home mom in Switzerland. My 15 year-old self would have been dumbfounded, and the questions of identity rolled on, “Who am I, if not a foreign missionary?” Could purpose and identity be found in the life I was actually living?

Living in another country, in a new culture, led me to question a lot of things in life. Activities and relationships born of and defined by proximity suddenly ceased. Instead, I gave serious thought to how I wanted to live, and began making intentional decisions. In the beginning, it was all very exciting, but after a while, it became tiring.

As time passed, I realized I didn’t really understand the culture back home in Sweden anymore. Yet, at the same time, I still didn’t feel fully at home in my new country. I continued wrestling with my identity.

Who am I then, if I’m neither Swedish nor Swiss?
Is my identity important?
As followers of Christ, from where do we derive our identity, and on what are we building our lives?

Even if you don’t live in another country, perhaps 2020 prompted you to ask similar questions. Who are we, if we can’t live our lives as we are most comfortable and familiar? Where do we find our identity as Christians? As a church, who are we if we can’t do our programs as we once had? On what foundation are we really building our lives?

My journey to discovering my true identity has been a long and winding road, but at last, I finally understood that my core identity is not found in the country of my birth or city of residence. Philippians 3:20 reminds me, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Furthermore, I am not an abandoned girl or a stranger, but an adopted daughter of the King. Indeed, “the Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16) Now, I build my life on Christ and He alone defines my identity. 

You might also be asking yourself hard questions. On what are you really building your life and identity? Is it your work, your education, your nationality, or money? All of these are good, but hear me, they do not define you and cannot serve as an immovable foundation for your life.

Let’s make a subtle shift to those questions.
Instead of “who am I,” we ask “Whose am I?”
Instead of “what is the bedrock of my life,” we ask, “Who is the bedrock of my life?”

Sisters, can we let go of the definitions and labels the world stamps on us, and instead root our identities in His love alone?

I know now that I can be both Swedish and Swiss. I can eat my Swedish meatballs and my Swiss raclette and enjoy how both enrich my life. I know that at the end of the day, I am assured of God’s amazing love for me. I can run to my Father and call Him, “Abba!” because I am His daughter.

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Word Day 1 Do You Believe?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 1:1-15
Matthew 5:1-12
Zephaniah 3:17
John 4

Word, Day 1

Words.
They have the power to carry or condemn.
To hearten or hurt.

“There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)

While we’ve all experienced the truth of this verse, when we look at Jesus, who Himself was called The Word, we wonder what kind of Word is He?

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God…” (John 1:1-2)

What words did He choose to speak out loud?
What did He use His words for when He walked the earth?

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

We don’t have camera recordings from the ancient world. We can’t hear His voice inflections or see His physical face, but we do have eyewitness accounts of those who knew Him best. By the power of the Spirit of God, these eyewitnesses recorded His Words for generation to generation to hear and be given life until the Word comes again to bring us Home for eternity!

Christ’s words were filled with gentleness and kindness (Luke 7:13-14), but He never shied away from speaking the fullness of truth, even if it wasn’t popular. (Matthew 21:12-13)

The impact of Jesus’ words are felt in the Wilderness as He confronts Satan’s temptations by pushing back with Scripture. Satan’s response to the Word of God? To give up his attack. (Matthew 4:1-11)

As Jesus encountered the fishermen, Peter and Andrew, His powerful invitation hung in the air, “Follow me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Their response to God’s Word in the flesh? “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:20)

Jesus’ voice warns Peter he would deny Christ. (Luke 22:54-62) Though Peter’s response still ended in self-protection, Jesus’ tender love overwhelmed Peter with words Jesus knew would empower and equip him to give his life away in full surrender. (John 21:15-19)

Jesus’ words did not make Him a favorite of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. Even so, His words pierced even these hearts, one of whom was Nicodemus.
Nicodemus approached Jesus “after hours”, in the dark of night so as not to be seen.  Was this man truly Who His words claimed He was? (John 3:1-21)

Jesus made Himself available to anyone day or night.
Just as He is available to you.

Jesus didn’t berate Nicodemus for his questions or tell him it was too late for conversation. He spoke with words Nicodemus would understand, meeting him in the context of his familiarity.

Jesus moved seamlessly from meeting with religious leaders, to connecting with a social outcast (John 4), and speaking healing over a dying Gentile from afar (Luke 7:1-9).

His message remained the same, though His words were different, as He met each pair of eyes and unique story with His faithful, enduring love. He spoke value to the woman who married five times and then shared intimacy with a man not her husband. (John 4) He spoke life to a dead boy in a casket. (Luke 7:11-17) He spoke counter-cultural truth bound up with grace to the masses. (Matthew 5:1-12) The response? Revival. Wholeness. The fullness of life.

At His commanding word, creation itself listened and obeyed.
“He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

If He can control the winds and waves, rest assured He is present amid your challenges and chaos. You need only respond to His voice.

He spoke words of life over the elite and least, seeing each of them, loving them all.

“When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before Him.” (John 8:47)

Christ’s response to this woman, her shame, and her brokenness?
Words that drew her in as His own to be known, loved, welcomed.

“Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (John 8:48)

Words were never pithy to the Savior, each one was intentional, well-aimed at pointing to deep, unfathomable love discovered in a relationship with Him. The same Christ who called the outcast “Daughter”, called His betrayer “friend”. (John 15:15)

Jesus.
Word of God made into human flesh.
Calls aloud to each of us, inviting our hearts to turn towards His enduring embrace. He tells believers we are His workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
He calls us His own, naming Himself as our Abba Father. (1 John 3:1, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18)
He longs for none to perish apart from a relationship with Him. (2 Peter 3:9)

The same Jesus who gave Judas, His betrayer, time to repent and be forgiven,
waits now for you.

He waits to call you Daughter.

Whose words are we listening to?
Those of the world or the melody God sings over those who trust Him with their full hearts? (Zephaniah 3:17)

We often listen to the voices of the world to determine our value,
but these tell us we are not enough.

Heed their lies no longer!
Whether you feel like the least, the elite, the hungry, content, or thirsty, Jesus’ words are ready to meet you exactly where you are.

He still has words for you.
Are you listening?
Will you take Him at His Word?

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

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The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched IV Week 2

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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) With parents who divorced when she was only 6, but still raised in believing households, Cassidy was eventually faced with a difficult realization. She believed God had abandoned her when she needed Him most. Sure, she believed He loved her, but there was certainly no possible way He could have been with her during her most painful moments, she felt so deeply abandoned. Eventually, through studying God’s word for herself, seeking wise counsel, and learning to transparently live in biblical community, Cassidy traded in the heavy, hurtful lies she’d been believing for truth grounded in Scripture. Where have your own wounds left you holding onto lies that Scripture refutes? Have you held up your beliefs lately to the light of His Word and examined them against solid truth?

2) With vulnerable transparency, Danielle shared on Wednesday of her struggle to always perform and achieve perfect success, while also never missing out on an opportunity to party, drink, and smoke. Keeping up with two polar opposite lifestyles, however, found her wrapped in shame and guilty secrets. Surely, God despised her, she thought, and she pushed away from church and faith. God’s relentless pursuit of Danielle’s heart eventually caught up to her as she gave birth and she realized with sudden awareness how much she wanted her son to know Christ. God used the small life of her infant son to bring Danielle back to God’s heart. What small things can you see along your own journey that have arrested your attention for God’s purposes? Take time to write down a few of those pivotal markers, then write out a praise to the Lord for the ways He has lovingly pursued you!

3) Denise hit rock bottom with her marriage unraveling on all sides while welcoming the precious life of her daughter, and later her son. In her words, she “couldn’t do it (her) own anymore”. Where have you voiced a similar sentiment? Contrarily, where are you actively working to keep up the hard work and figure this out on your own strength? Whether you’ve crossed the line of faith or not, we are all tempted to do it on our own. It’s when we, like Denise, realize we just cannot do it, that we are in the sweetest place to benefit from the tenderness of Jesus as His love finally catches up to us and we surrender to His gracious forgiveness of every single time we walked away. Spend some time writing down where you’ve pushed hard to do it on your own in the past, and ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of where you might still be doing it now.

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 John 8:12 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord, how m-a-n-y times am I convinced that I can survive on my own. I attempt to create my own “light” in my life, building my own kind of success. How quickly I am willing to trade the delicacies of your life-giving light for the foolishness of my own pride. Lord, I confess, that often, I’m too wrapped up in myself to even realize my broken appetite for Self and Sin. Please, Lord, un-blind my eyes. Help me to see the Treasure of Your Light and to pursue You above all else. Thank you for being my Rescuing Savior, always pursuing me with Love!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Incorruptible Day 4 Worth It: 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 Worth It!

The Questions

1) What is “living hope?” 

2) Do all believers suffer trials? 

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Original Intent

1) What is “living hope?”
The first-century Jews and Gentiles to whom Peter wrote were no doubt hoping that Jesus would vindicate them. They suffered for their faith socially and economically, some were even tortured and killed, and they likely hoped that someone in a position of power would identify with them and stop the persecution. 
But they had an even greater hope. They hoped in Jesus for eternity in heaven. Jesus IS the living hope…He lives even though He died (Luke 24:1-7). Jesus is the Son of God; believers are sons and daughters of God. Since Jesus overcame death, so will those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. 

2) Do all believers suffer trials?
Verse 6 in this version of Scripture is somewhat confusing. It seems to imply that some Christians will go through life without any suffering if it isn’t necessary for them. But what is the object of the suffering and trials? Is it not patience, perseverance, and a greater faith in God? Therefore, isn’t suffering necessary for every follower of Jesus Christ? No one has perfected Christianity, so God continues to mold us by these means. Peter was here using a literary device, used elsewhere in Scripture by the apostle Paul. He understated something in order to make a very obvious point. In our language, a simple example could be, “You’ll only need to eat today if you get hungry.” Of course, you will be hungry if you go without food all day! It’s an obvious truth stated to make a specific point: you need food. In the same way, God uses suffering to produces “endurance, character, and hope” (Romans 5:3-5)  

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?
There is only one salvation, that which is a gift freely given by God through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross. In the “last time,” at the return of Christ, believers will experience the full significance of salvation (as noted by The Bible Knowledge Commentary). When we come face-to-face with the One who died to save us, we will finally understand the price He paid and the genuine love He has for each of us. The full circle of salvation will be complete.

Everyday Application

1) What is “living hope?” 
In this earthly life we hope for a lot of things. Small things, like a good grade on a test, or all the lights on our commute to be green. And big things, like enough money to pay bills, or a loved one’s health to be restored.
This “living hope” is different. It’s often referred to as “a confident expectation.” Jesus said He would prepare a place for each of us in His Father’s house, which is heaven, and come back to take us there (John 14:2-3). He also said several times He would die on a cross and rise again, and He did! (Matthew 16:21; Luke 18:32-34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) If He can do that, then He can take us to Heaven! We don’t know when He’s coming, but dear sisters, we can expect with all confidence that He is coming!
“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.” (I Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NLT)) 

2) Do all believers suffer trials?
I don’t personally know any Christians who haven’t suffered some trial in their life. Do you? We live in a fallen, sinful world…I guarantee that each person, believer or not, has suffered hardship. Christians are not exempt from this. The difference is, sweet sisters, that you and I have the teaching from Scripture to understand truth about suffering’s purpose, and we have the Holy Spirit constantly at work in our lives to redeem hardship, using it to develop our character and forming Christ within us. We can either pout about our circumstances or accept them as a tool in the hand of the Potter to craft us. (Admittedly, too often I pout. Prayers appreciated.)  

3) What is the “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time?” Is it different than the salvation experienced at the acceptance of Christ’s death for one’s sins?
Do you ever think about how valuable you are to God? 
If you’ve experienced any type of mental or emotional abuse, like I have, it may be difficult to believe that anyone – even God – would possibly care. But dear one, He cares infinitely for you! Don’t allow the lies of the enemy to lead you to believe you are beneath the love of the Almighty. If you were the only person on earth, Jesus still would have gone to the cross for you! God loves you, and longs for you to know Him and love Him too. 
Take time this week to reflect on God’s love for you. If you are worth dying for, isn’t He worth living for?

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Incorruptible Week One!
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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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Sketched IV Day 15 Martha

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 
Zechariah 4:1-8
Matthew 11:25-30 
Luke 10:38-42 

Sketched IV, Day 15

Dear Jesus, 
I’m caught in a vicious cycle. I like to work and I’m good at it.
I feel valuable from being productive.
I enjoy the accolades and approving nods that follow great accomplishment.
I want to give You my best, Jesus! 
I want to please You.

I will gladly do whatever You ask of me, though it cost me money, sleep, time and even push me well beyond my limitations.
Therefore, I work and I cannot stop.

But, here I am, finding myself depleted, exhausted.
Should the approving nods become condescending silence, my soul is bruised.
Though I long for Your approving embrace, Father, how can I possibly measure up?

A daughter of God should never become exhausted in His service; I shouldn’t be so tired!
I’m sorry I’m so weak, Lord!  

Shouldn’t a daughter of the King be continually refreshed?
Why don’t I hear Your voice?
Shouldn’t she be a perpetual wellspring of wisdom and inspiration to others,
forever hopeful and abounding in joy?
Why am I forever depleted, driven by an unseen task master?
Why am I always chasing the mirage of approval?

Whatever I do, it’s never enough.
My work, my striving for excellence, none of it feels like enough.
I work to prove my worth.
I produce to show my value, and I’ve believed an insidious lie:
More work equals more worth; more productivity equals more value.
Is this Your design, Jesus?
Your Word says no, but how can I be free? 

I long to break out of this cycle, yet I’m not sure how, which frightens me.
If I stop this massive production….
How will I know I matter?
How will I know I’m valuable?  

Defeated and Afraid,
Martha

Martha’s story is ours in many ways. 
Jesus Christ came in person to her home, yet she busied herself, wearing herself out, and causing relational tension between she and her sister. Work was her identity. And for many of us, the same is true. We long for approval, and we work hard to get it, but the secret? His delight dances over us regardless of what we do. Lean in, Sister, hear His heartfelt reply to Martha, and let His truth sink into your soul. 
~~
Dear Martha,  

Your secret is safe with me.
I know why you work so hard.
Your insecurity is no surprise.
Your incessant work is an ongoing struggle to prove your value to the world…even to Me.
To stop working is to risk being unnecessary.

If you stop producing, you may not be valued in the eyes of those you seek to please.
Why, dear Martha, do you exhaust yourself for the admiration of fickle humanity?  

Precious Martha, why do you chase the dollar-store baubles of human acceptance when I extend to you my nail-scarred hands overflowing with dazzling gems?
I know you’re weary and depleted, Daughter.
You’ve become like a parched desert-wanderer, chasing mirages of refreshment
while I alone am your source of living water.

Only one thing is needed, Martha.
Myself.
Everything you seek, you will find in Me, in my Words, in the comfort of My Spirit, and the communion of my fellowship.  

You are exhausting yourself in search of admiration.
When it’s attained, it’s never enough.
Never enough; it could be your life’s motto right now.
Whatever you do, it is never enough.

But Martha, I am enough!
I am enough to sustain you and give you the unconditional love you seek.
Seek Me, find Me, and experience wholeness, satisfaction, and rest. 

You are exhausted.
Sit in My presence.
Rest your troubled head upon my chest and let Me speak affirming truth over you. 

I love you, Martha.
I love you simply because you are Mine, not because of what you produce.
If you never created another thing, I would still love you. 

Martha, you are safe in my love. 
You don’t have to earn it, or prove you are worthy of retaining it.
You are safe in the shelter of My embrace; I will never let you go.  

I have gifted you for great works of service,
but you must create space for our relationship to grow.

Sit with Me.
Learn from Me.
Here, we will be knit together by My Spirit as my deep acceptance and boundless love continually stun you. Infused with holy power, I will ignite your work for Me, giving light, warmth, and comfort to many.

You said you would go beyond your limits for Me, but I don’t want that.
I gave you those limits to protect you and remind you to sit with Me.

Martha, you are amazingly strong and capable; you have much to give in My name.
Here’s truth to hold onto, “My strength is perfected in Your weakness.”

It’s not by your ability, your prowess, or your creative multi-tasking that My Kingdom will grow; it’s by My Spirit.  

As I infuse your diligent hands with My Spirit, you will be energized.
You will find joy.
As you learn to listen to My Spirit’s whisper, You will find it easier to say “No” to those things outside the limits I’ve given. 

My beautiful Martha, put down your spatula.
Dry your dishpan hands.
Lay aside your apron and come to Me.
Drink deeply from the cup of acceptance I place in your hands.
Sink into the embrace I offer and simply be with Me.  

With Unconditional Love,
Jesus 

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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 IV 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 Sketched IV

Bride Day 12 My Adultery: 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 My Adultery!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to be a “royal priesthood?” 

2) If God loves everyone the same, which is the “chosen race?” 

3) Now that you are God’s people, does anything change? 

1 Peter 2:9-10

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Original Intent

1) What does the term “royal priesthood” mean?
To understand this term, we must investigate a verse describing Christ as “a priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:7-10 states, “During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”
So, who was Melchizedek? Melchizedek was a priest and the king of Salem, the site of what would later be Jerusalem. We really don’t know anything else about him, but this is all we need to know. God has declared Jesus to be a priest “in the order of,” or the same type of priest, as Melchizedek. Which means that Jesus is also a priest and a king. A royal priest.  

2) If God loves everyone the same, which is the “chosen race?”
Race implies that everyone in it has the same Father (God) and therefore all the same rights and privileges. The Church (i.e. Christians) now have the same rights and privileges as the Jews because we all have the same Father. The nation of Israel was the “chosen nation” in Old Testament times. God told them, “You will be my people and I will be your God.” The Lord had a divine plan and, as we now know, that plan involved Jesus being born as a member of the nation of Israel, the Jews. He came to draw people from all nations into a saving relationship with the Father. This in no way negates the fact that Israel is chosen and special to God, but it does allow for the family of God to expand exponentially! 

3) Now that you are God’s people, does anything change?
Peter’s message is to Gentile converts to Christianity. Gentiles were also known as “barbarians.” Prior to becoming a child of God, the Jews considered a Gentile unclean (Acts 11:1-10). Most Jewish believers thought that God offered salvation only to the Jews because God had given His law to them (Exodus 19-20). When Peter explained the falling of the Holy Spirit on a house full of Gentiles and their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, a turning point was reached. Not overwhelming joy, but the beginning of acceptance.  The first church congregation that included both Jews and Gentiles was at Antioch. These believers were called Christians, which was the first time this term was used. All they had in common was Christ…not race, culture, or even language. Gentiles had gone from being outcasts to being one with Jews because of their belief in Christ. 

Everyday Application

1) What does the term “royal priesthood” mean?
Christians sometimes speak of “the priesthood of all believers.” In Old Testament times, people did not approach God directly. A priest acted as intermediary between God and sinful human beings. Christ is now our high priest, interceding for us in heaven (Romans 8:34). When we are united with Christ as members of His body, we join in His priestly work of reconciling God and His people. And we are royalty…daughters of the King! Let’s put on those tiaras and hold our heads high, ladies! 

2) If God loves everyone the same, which is the “chosen race?”
Believers are definitely members of the “chosen race” because God is our Father, but this does not mean that non-believers are any less valuable to God. He does love each person because He is Creator. He made us all, fashioning each of us in our mother’s womb. Sisters, if you have ever experienced prejudice from the community of faith, I am so sorry. We are not to judge but to invite non-believers into the family. We – I – do a disservice to seekers if I don’t glorify my God through my daily life. Lord, help me to always be aware that people are watching and help me to show them Your light. 

3) Now that you are God’s people, does anything change?
We who are believers in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross are now called children of God. But we are also members of the global Church, the bride of Christ.  To the married ladies among us: did anything change for you on your wedding day? Maybe your last name, your home address…but most importantly, your leader changed. Oh, I know, it seems a bit antiquated to say that. Let me put it this way: instead of going to your dad or uncle or older brother with any issue or need, you now go directly to your husband.  Now take this picture and insert Christ as your husband. You can now go directly to Him, your Lord and Savior, with any need or issue. What an amazing privilege! Marriages usually have a difficult, if not impossible, road to reconciliation following adultery. My marriage ended as a result. I found it impossible to trust the man who had betrayed me and lied for months to attempt to cover it up. God considered the nation of Israel like an adulterous spouse when she turned to other gods. He also considers us – you and me, sister, here in the 21st century – adulterous toward Him when (not if) we put something good in the place of first priority…where only He belongs. 
But God. 
He is patient.
He is gracious and full of mercy. 
He is love.
God, please forgive my adultery. I love you. I want my relationship with You to take first priority. 

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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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)
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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.

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Shepherd Day 13 In Pursuit

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23:6
Psalm 142:6
Ezekiel 34:11-15

Shepherd, Day 13

I have a two-year-old daughter who enjoys following me around the house. She pretends to cook and clean, and is always eager to “help” me with things that need to be done. Most of the time, it is amusing and delightful to have her tag along behind me; however, she is so close that she usually bumps into me when I stop moving. I turn and look at her in amazement that she isn’t bothered by the lack of space or that she isn’t clamoring for me to slow down.
I hope she never loses her desire to be close, or follow in my footsteps,
although I’m sure one day the situation will be completely different. 

To pursue is to:
–       to follow close upon
–       to follow in order to overtake, to chase 

God’s goodness and faithful love are just like my daughter. They chase us with the sole purpose of overtaking us, following us relentlessly, day in and day out. They are personified characteristics of God, examples of His heart and intention toward us. Just like the shepherd who chases down a stray sheep with the intent to overtake it, and brings it back to a place of safety and assurance, our Shepherd does the same.  He wants His character to completely overtake ours, so that we are no longer naive in our sin, but fully aware of Whose we are. 

David, the author of many psalms wrote passionately about his relationship with God.
He was well acquainted with being pursued. 

In Psalm 142:6, David cried out for God to rescue him from those who were pursuing him, stating that they were too strong for him. King Saul despised David. He recognized the calling on David’s life long before he ever reached the throne. Although David wasn’t in competition with Saul (it was God who made David king and nothing would change that), it was Saul’s intent to overcome David and take his life in an attempt to hold tightly to something that God has already removed from his grasp. We too have an enemy that is set on our destruction, but God has ordained us for a purpose as well, and we will not be undone.

In vast contrast to this story, we have the good Shepherd changing the narrative for us. While the enemy of our hearts may be stalking and seeking to devour us, God’s goodness and faithful love are formidable opponents and are in even greater pursuit. 

In John 10:14 Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:15).
His faithful love and goodness follow us just as a good shepherd would chase after his sheep.

What does it look like to have the goodness and faithful love of God following you?
Let’s allow God’s Word to answer for us: 

I myself will search for my flock and look for them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep…so I will look for my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and total darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-12
His rescue knows no bounds, Sisters; 
His pursuit to free us from the darkness of sin is relentless.

 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10
He is good and will provide for us. His provision is both something we receive and something we experience. 

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. Psalm 136:1
His outpouring of faithful love has no expiration date; it extends beyond what our minds can comprehend.   

Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:3) 
We belong to our Creator. Our Good Shepherd will always save us, his beloved sheep. 

As I think back on the determination my daughter had to keep up with me, I can now visualize in my mind’s eye the goodness and faithful love of God as two friends, chasing me down with joy.
I am their intended mark,
the beneficiary of their obedience.

That makes me feel valued, protected, cared for.
Whatever you may be facing, remember that you too have a Good Shepherd.
One who is well acquainted with your story,
and is faithfully pursuing you with His faithful love and goodness! 

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Shepherd Day 11 The Voice of Truth

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23:5
Isaiah 43:1-7
Isaiah 61:1-3
Ephesians 2:1-10

Shepherd, Day 11

“Who am I, Lord? 
What have you called me to do?”
As 2017 steamrolled towards the new year, I found myself asking the Lord these questions. Deep, probing, and potentially strange for a 35-year-old, single woman to be asking, but the queries were bubbling up from within and wanted answers.

While a desperation to know those answers caused the words to tumble from my mouth, a vulnerability tempted me to try and snatch them back.
You know who you are. Why do you need to ask? 
You’re a daughter of the Most High God. 
You’re a mother to many. 
You are dearly loved by your family and close friends. 

Regardless of those truths that came to mind, my identity still lacked the security for which I longed.  

I quickly realized one reason for the insecurity came from
the equally loud, and sometimes more persistent, inner voice,
combatting the truth.

Yes, you are a daughter of the Most High God. 
Don’t forget: so is the Christian woman sitting next to you. Humble yourself and keep pride at bay.

Mother to many, true, but you don’t have kids of your own, 
so do those people really count? 

You are dearly loved by many, but who does God say you are?
Just because people loved you doesn’t mean you were being who God says you are and you are to be.

As I pondered the thoughts battling back and forth in my mind, 
I discovered just how impactful a voice of authority is.  

I asked the Lord those questions because He is the highest authority.
I can remind myself of who I am,
I can wait for others to validate who I am,
and I can also have others diminish who I am,
if I give them permission to do so.

However, when I inquire of the Lord,
He speaks the truth,
always.
And when He speaks the truth,
nothing can refute it.
Nothing can remove it.
Nothing.

The Lord’s identification is the bedrock of who we are.
He is the One that calls us by name.
He is the One that leads us through life. 

He is the One that challenges us to become more like Him.
He is the One that loves us with infinite grace and mercy.
He is the One that can say we are all co-heirs with Christ and yet love us individually with deep intimacy. 

Sometimes we need to be reminded of who the Lord says we are
by hearing it in His voice, and not our internal ones.
That means reading it straight from His Word, 
and listening with our minds and hearts. 

I wonder how much King David battled with similar thoughts.
Initially his thoughts may have centered on why the Lord would have chosen him as king.
“Why me?”
Then, in the midst of the years waiting to become king, and staying alive while Saul hunted him down,
“What are you doing, Lord? You said I was king, right?”
Potentially, even reaching the point after his sinful, adulterous affair with Bathsheba asking, “Why am I still king?”

While I do not know the reality of these questions,
I do know that David reminded himself of truth.

In Psalm 23, he states, “you anoint my head with oil.”
The Lord sent Samuel to anoint David as the next king. David did not ascend the throne and actually rule as king for several years after this, years in which the then-current King, Saul, tried to remove David as a perceived threat to himself. However, the Lord had chosen David and that would not be undone.
His identity was intact regardless of the circumstances.

If I were David, those moments of truth would be ones I would revisit often, especially when doubting who I am or what the Lord had called me to do.

So, has the Lord answered my own questions yet?
I actually think I will be asking them for the rest of my life,
which is wise the more I think about it.
He speaks the Word in season and defines my roles in time.
He is my shepherd, in every moment, of every day, ready to speak truth over me.

Today as I write, I come back to the truth foretold in Isaiah, and that which was spoken by Jesus in Luke 4:18.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  

Make me more like You, Jesus.
Shepherd my heart to hear your voice of truth! 

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Brave Day 10
Brave Prayers

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Hebrews 4
Matthew 7:7-11
1 John 5:14-15
Ephesians 3:20-21 attachment-1-13

At the time of this writing, we are saying goodbye to our son. Our foster son. He’s been in our home for about four months. Though we are sad to see him go, I believe that, as the next chapter unfolds for him, it will be an amazing story of God’s grace and faithfulness. (We became foster parents several years ago and most of the stories don’t leave us with the happy-ending feeling. I’m so thankful this one has!) Through the years of fostering, I’ve witnessed an interesting dynamic that I couldn’t have fully understood if I hadn’t seen it firsthand. Most foster children have a great deal of insecurity about asking for something. When they first come into our home, they have little assurance about their position in our family. Almost none of them walk in assuming we’ll joyfully meet their needs. Low expectations have become their default.

In our family, our children made requests. In fact, they typically ask for things from us with confidence – even when they had been misbehaving – because they’ve learned that for us to withhold what they needed went against our character as loving parents. Because of their life experiences, fosters do not have much trust that they will have their needs met, and often don’t ask for what they need. When they do ask, it’s with hesitation and fear that their request will be criticized or rejected completely.

I’m sad to admit that this scenario is much like my prayer life.
I approach God with low expectations.
But walking on eggshells to the throne of grace is not what God desires.
Being on my best behavior for an entire day is not a prerequisite for coming to God in confidence.
I am accepted and loved because of the Father heart of God.

But too often we approach praying as if we are foster children. We sheepishly tiptoe into God’s presence and mumble our requests, almost certain we aren’t going to receive an answer. The writer of Hebrews reminded the people to have confidence in God’s provision because He would never abandon them. (Hebrews 13:5-6) When we enter the Throne Room of the Father’s amazing grace, we don’t need to pray as if we are His foster children. As those who have been baptized into Christ’s life, we are adopted! (Galatians 3).
He has invited us into His family and we have all the benefits of being one of His own!

Approaching God with boldness doesn’t mean we come to Him arrogantly. Jesus taught the disciples that prayer starts with acknowledging the greatness of the Father and our desperate need for Him. Our prayer posture should always be one of humble boldness. (Don’t you love the scripture’s paradox!) James tells us “if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand.” I have a good, good Father who desires to give me good things.

If I am a child of the One who really hears and wants to answer me,
why do I continue to pray wimpy prayers, half believing and half doubting?
It must be because I lack confidence in Who He is.
Our God is not a temporary foster dad.
It’s our spiritual birthright to pray with confidence in our God’s ability to intervene in any situation. He desires for us to pray with boldness and courage, not because we have it all together, but because He holds it all together!

One definition of bold is: beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.
We are the daughters of a limitless God
who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is at work within us.”
Praying brave prayers demonstrates that we have faith in a gracious and generous Father.
THAT’s the kind of praying I want to practice!

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