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The GT Weekend! ~ Nations Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Our beloved writer and GT Partner, Sarah, lives in Jos, Nigeria. She paraphrases a verse from Ephesians 4:17-18 to represent the spiritual journey of many in her village, “We, who once walked in the futility of our minds, having our understanding darkened…” She asserts the reality that “whoever comes into contact with the love of God must realize his sinful condition.” In what ways do you see evidence of this in your own spiritual journey? Where have you encountered God’s divine love, then turned to realize how unworthy we are of such love? How has God’s goodness and kindness towards you made you aware of your sin? If not, spend some time reflecting on why. While your everyday life may look nothing like Sarah’s in Jos, the markers of our journeys with God carry very similar characteristics. Without first embracing the truth that we, on our own, are impossibly far from God, we cannot take even one step toward Him. If you sincerely desire to grow deeper with God, start today by asking Him to open your eyes to the ways you love darkness and sin. Confess these and ask Him to help you understand His love more clearly!

2) Marietta shared her realization that faith, for the African American community, was birthed from a place of needing to feel loved unconditionally and find hope. On the streets where she lives and churches she attends, she understands this need in a way the majority of white Americans miss. While we all are bound together in this common need for love without condition and hope with confident assurance, the Black community brings a unique perspective as they live in the reality where they will never find this unconditional love from the neighborhoods of America. The snare of prejudice, the radical injustices against races other than white, and the naivety of modern white Christianity draw distinct conditional lines against Blacks. How many friends, real friends, not just acquaintances, do you have who aren’t your same race? How are you actively working to connect with others of a different skin tone? Until all of us are willing to sit, listen with walls down, and actively engage with persons different than us, we cannot effectively build God’s Kingdom. Pray for your oppressed brothers and sisters this weekend, and ask God to shift your heart and your eyes to see differently starting today!

3) Regardless of our location in the world, we are each familiar with the potential and vitality wrapped up in our youth. There is something deeply significant and enticing about a young person, whether newborn, or gangly teenager, or a 20-something with the world stretching before them. We recognize the magnetism of youthfulness, which is why many world religions seek to draw in young people to catch the vision for a new generation. In what ways do you see the youth of your culture steering the beliefs for the world around them? What sources can you identify that specifically feed them? How many young people are you currently engaged with who would consider you a confidante? If you aren’t friends with someone younger than you, or if your age ranges below the 20-somethings, consider ways you can begin to intentionally engage for the purpose of sharing Jesus. Being a young person is of high value in growing God’s Kingdom, take the opportunity to pray for this generation and pour into them!

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 Galatians 3:26-28 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

…through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.
For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see the similarities, as well as the differences, between myself and my brothers and sisters in the Church who live out their calling to follow you around the world. Jesus, I pray you would bind us together through Your Spirit. Make me mindful of the ways we all struggle in our fight against sin, though it takes on different forms in different areas of the globe. Encourage all of us to continue persevering in our faith as we all wait expectantly for our coming Hope of glory found only in You! Remind me to pray for my fellow Christians in Nigeria as they continue to take bold new steps of faith. Remind me to pray for my sisters and brothers in the Southern United States who face the effects of racism on a daily basis. Remind me to pray fervently for those in SE Asia who find themselves worshipping many gods, give them ears to hear truth and embrace You with humble courage. Lord God, show me how I can be part of the fight to stand with each of these sisters and brothers by the bond of Your Spirit!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Worship VIII Day 11 Authentic Worship

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Worship VIII Day 11 Authentic Worship

Lesley Crawford

March 22, 2021

Adoration,Called,God,Holy Spirit,Hope,Jesus,Joy,Longing,Peace,Praise,Sing,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 13
Psalm 103
John 4:23-24
Romans 12:1-2

What do you think of when you hear the word “worship?”

Though a popular topic among Christians, worship can be difficult to define. For many, our minds immediately turn to music. Whether it’s through classic hymns or modern songs, we often associate worship with gathering together to sing praise to God.

That’s certainly one aspect of worship, but I’ve come to realise there’s more. Because I was a musician, I’ve often been asked to “lead worship” in different contexts . . . but to be an effective leader, I had to discover the fuller, deeper meaning of worship.  

It turns out, while music is often an expression of worship, it’s really more about our attitudes and our hearts.

My favourite definition of worship comes from William Temple, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-44:
“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose – all this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable.”

Worship is so much more than just singing! In fact, Isaiah revealed how unimpressed God was with His people’s “worship” when their words did not reflect the attitude of their hearts:
“These people approach me with their speeches to honor me with lip-service, yet their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13)

Generations later, Jesus explained that true worshippers “worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) 

So, we’re called to authentic worship, but what does that mean?

First, the object of our worship matters, because we all worship something. What is most valuable to us? We might be tempted to devote ourselves to a relationship, career, wealth, or success, but true worship is valuing God above all else.

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Next, authentic worship means responding to the truth of who God is, coming to Him in reverent acknowledgment that He is God, and we are not. It is recognising His holiness and our sinfulness.

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.”  (Psalm 29:2)

True worship is also honest. It entails coming as we really are, rather than pretending or putting on a show. 

It can be tempting to judge our worship by our feelings. How strongly do we feel our connection with God, how clearly do we sense God speaking, or how intensely do we feel the emotion behind our words. But God doesn’t judge our worship this way.

Instead, He invites us to come as we are, through Jesus (Ephesians 2:13), regardless of our feelings.

The psalms provide examples of people approaching God in all kinds of situations and a variety of emotions. Sometimes, the people of God turn to Him rejoicing and praise bubbling forth effortlessly. (Psalm 103)

Other times, they come weeping, pleading for help or justice, fearful or angry about their circumstances, and full of doubts and questions. (Psalm 13) 

The common thread woven into their worship is God’s children coming as they are. Their worship does not deny the challenges they face or the turmoil they are feeling, rather
they choose to turn their focus to God in the midst of hardship.

Many psalms begin in anguish, but as the writers bring their situations before God, they come around to a place of praise. Nothing has changed about their situations, but authentic worship moves them to the place of finding hope in God, and reasons to praise Him, even in difficult times.

Worship is not measured by our feelings, but it does involve bringing our feelings, in all honesty, to God.

Finally, true worship is not confined to church gatherings or focused times of prayer. Authentic worship lives not only in our words, but in our actions, in the way we live our lives.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Worship leader, Matt Redman, sums it up well in this quote from his foreword for R.T. Kendall’s book, Worshipping God,
“The song God loves most of all is the one that is not merely found on our lips, but is echoed by our thoughts, words, and deeds.”

Together, let’s turn our hearts to God alone, approaching Him with gratitude in joy and honest vulnerability in suffering. May the hope and peace we find in declaring His transcendent goodness lead us into lives defined by authentic worship.

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There are times where my life does not look like a sacrifice, when I am operating in my will instead of God’s, and He lovingly calls me back to Himself in full surrender. We are constantly called to choose to live as a sacrifice presenting ourselves to be used for the glory of God and not our own ways.
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Worship VIII Day 1 The Why

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:2-6
Psalm 73
John 1:1-18
Psalm 91
John 17:20-24

Worship VIII, Day 1

I get up in the wee hours of the morning, or stay up well into the night, to spend time with them. I connect with them every chance I’m given. More of my money has been invested in them than I even realized. Sometimes I plan my schedule around activities related to them.

Who is “them”?

I wish I could say these statements were about God or my church. But they aren’t. They are about my three favorite Korean Pop (K-Pop) groups. Clearly, there is a reason their music industry and culture call their pop stars idols. There is a plethora of access to them, a lot of content, and merchandise galore. Before fans know what’s happening, our time and money are more invested there than in important things, like God.

I don’t think people intend to have idols, but if we don’t pay attention, it happens. Like when we center our lives around working out. Or our jobs are all we think and talk about. Partying and hanging out with friends can become the single driving force in our lives. Or playing video games takes up most of our time and money.  What about needing to be “in control” of everything, all the time? These are just a few examples.

So the question is, how and why does this happen?
Simple. We were made for worship.

The Westminster Catechism states the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We were made to worship God. To verify this, we only need to read Exodus 20:3-5, where God says, “Do not have other gods besides Me” and “Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
Clearly, God made us for worship. But worship should only belong to Him.

And we should want to worship Him. Did you notice God mentioned He is jealous? He is jealous for several reasons. Let’s start with this fact: He created us. (John 1:3, Genesis 1:26-27)
I remember when my daughters were frequently hanging out with two friends, sisters their same age. Their friends’ mom was more lenient than I, and my girls frequently raved about how great this other mom was. Needless to say, I became jealous.
What about our relationships, ones I’d been cultivating since before they were born?
What about my concern for their safety, development, care, and keeping?
I think this is similar to God’s jealousy. He made us; that alone should be enough to warrant our worship.

But let’s go farther and deeper, shall we?

God initiated a relationship with us by revealing Himself to us in many different ways. He is the One who perfectly loves and protects us. I love how Psalm 73 gives us a glimpse of all God offers us:

  •     He holds our hand
  •     He guides us with His wisdom
  •     He will take us to heaven with Him
  •     He is our strength
  •     His presence is our good in this life
  •     He is our refuge

Then, John 1:5 tells us He is the light shining in the darkness, and He cannot be overcome. Additionally, John 1:17 reveals Jesus brought us grace and truth.

Oh and let’s not forget, He loves us. In fact, God’s love for us is a central message of the Bible. That familiar verse, John 3:16, explains, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Still not convinced? Listen to Jesus’ own words in prayer to God the Father: “I am in them and You are in Me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as you have loved Me.” (John 17:23)

The time I invest in video games, cooking shows, or even K-pop might bring temporary happiness and a bit of fleeting satisfaction. The same is true for anything we worship besides God. But this God, this Jesus, who loves us, is the only source of true and lasting satisfaction. We are at our best, and receive the best, when our worship is directed to the One for whom we were created.

I’d like to close by sharing two passages I think can settle this in our hearts better than my words ever could. Let’s pray over them, and then worship the only One who’s worthy of our praise.

“The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry.” (Isaiah 58:11)

“Because he has his heart set on Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

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Ignite Day 6 60 Seconds Of Truth

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:1-21
1 Peter 1:1-25
I Peter 3:13-22

Ignite, Day 6

60 seconds on the clock.
Your questions to answer:
What do you believe?
Who is the Lord?
What is His role in your life?

Ready?
On your mark, get set, go!

Can you share within a short time frame and with concise confidence what you actually believe? If a true clock were ticking, what words would come from your mouth? Even more importantly, what words would come from your heart?

I flip that question on myself and sometimes find myself fumbling for words to convey what my heart and mind already know to be true about my relationship with the Lord.

Anyone else find herself in a similar situation?
You know that you know that you know, but the quick ability to clearly put it all into words to tell someone else….. flounders?

If so, know you aren’t alone! Countless others before us have experienced that same reality.
If that isn’t you, glory to God! How honoring to Him to be prepared to share the hope that dwells within you with clarity and truth.

As I research and write this particular study, I recognize the beloved sting of conviction and thank the Lord for both the challenge and the invitation to be intentional with my words and my faith. I know myself, and the best way for me to do exactly that is to write down what I believe, to pour over the words, and weigh them in His presence.

I am not the first person to do this, however. Centuries ago, wise individuals intentionally joined their hearts and minds to write formal statements of their beliefs, which happens to be the very definition of a creed. A few creeds have withstood the test of time having been adopted by the global Church across denominations.

One of the most widely known creeds is the Nicene Creed, aptly named as it was first written by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. The Council convened in the midst of false teachings arising during the life of the early Church. The leaders wrote the creed collectively and a subsequent meeting in 381 resulted in a finalized version, which sometimes is called the Nicene-Constantinople Creed and not just the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed specifically addresses the Trinity and the role Christ plays in our salvation.

Another creed, though not as well-known as the Nicene Creed, is the Athanasian Creed. It is named for Athanasius, a man who stood against those around him who were denying the identity of the Trinity. While he may not have been the one to specifically write this creed, it was named after him as it was Athanasius who fought valiantly for the creed’s Scriptural truth. He lived around the time of the creation of the Nicene Creed as well, and it may have been written originally in Latin rather than the original Greek and therefore not as wildly accepted in the global church for that reason. The Athanasian Creed speaks to the nature of the Triune Godhead and Christ’s living as both fully God and fully man, specifically combating the false teaching of Arianism, which propagated the idea that Christ was not fully Divine.

The Apostle’s Creed rounds out a solid list of the well-known creeds. This one contains a brief outline of the Trinity and recap of key events in the life of Christ as documented by the apostles in the Gospels.

All three creeds contain the truth of who the Godhead is and are excellent starting points for creating a creed of your own. Consider beginning by writing down a few of the core beliefs of Christianity, then ask yourself what you believe about them and why. Not sure you have the time to formulate a full-blown creed immediately? Memorize one of these time-tested, Scripture-rooted creeds written centuries ago! (Once again tasting the conviction to do the same as I type this.)

Regardless of whether you write your own creed or you hold fast to one written so long ago, may the words and truth ensconced in them fill our hearts and minds, guiding us in our everyday life.

May these truths set us free!
May the words become launching pads for deeper intimacy with the Lord, greater understanding of the hope we have through salvation, and fresh opportunities to share the reason for the hope within us!
May we lovingly embrace the reality of the Trinity and rejoice in interacting with the Godhead Three-in-One. (Check here for an excellent, easy to read resource to help in understanding the Trinity!)
May our lives be forever changed because we prepared for the 60 second (okay it can be longer than 60 seconds) window in which we can share what we believe.

As I leave you to ponder what would fill your 60 seconds, words from the Athanasian Creed humble me and cause me to rejoice because we are able to interact on a daily basis with the Lord of Lords. May we remember “that we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence.” Amen!

60 seconds on the clock.
Are you ready?

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Anchored Day 12 The Lord’s Gym: 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 Lord’s Gym!

The Questions

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?

2) What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?

3) The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?

Titus 2

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Original Intent

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?
Paul is speaking directly to Titus as he begins chapter two. He is instructing Titus, as the pastor, to teach sound doctrine. That is of utmost importance for a church to function properly and honor God as his body representing Him on this earth. Paul then proceeds to discuss various roles within the local church body.

2) What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?
This passage clearly lays out the importance of teaching and learning from one another as well as holding one another accountable in the way we each represent Christ. This is a biblical mandate for the Church, that men and women alike teach and model Christ-like behavior. This passage goes a step further by giving clear boundaries on what specific behaviors honor God.

3) The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?
Thayer’s Dictionary defines the uses of “train” and “training” as to instruct or teach as well as encourage. Paul is describing a type of relationship that exists between brothers and sisters in Christ where discipleship and growth happen because there is an intentionality in the DNA of the relationship to train and disciple one another.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the “you” in this passage?
Although the original intent was directed at Titus, the broader application for readers today is for leadership, specifically pastors and teachers within the church, to teach sound doctrine. One of the most important parts, if not the most important part, of a church is the accuracy and soundness of what is being taught from the pulpit, in the Sunday School class or Lifegroup, from the Bible Study, and on the mission field. The situation doesn’t matter, but the content that feeds the hearts and minds of believers must align with the absolute truths of Scripture. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1). As believers, we are given the Holy Spirit to help us discern God’s truths and live a life anchored in Him.

2)  What is the overall theme of this chapter in Titus?
This Biblical framework Paul gave Titus, and subsequently all of us, reveals the beauty of the body of Christ. The Christian life is not meant to be lived as an island, rather we are to sharpen and encourage one another to deepen our relationship with the Lord as a community of believers. We are to awaken ourselves and be intentional at working out our salvation by joining other believers and allowing other believers to join us in this thing we call life.

3)  The word, “train” or “training” is used several times in this passage. What does it mean to train biblically?
Training is not easy. I ran a half-marathon several years ago and it required “training” before hand for upwards of 6-9 months so I could complete the race. The Christian life is very much like that half-marathon except our finish line comes in eternity. I didn’t do it by myself, but I convinced a friend to join me because I knew it would be easier to train if someone was training with me to keep me accountable and run along side me during training and the race. We did it together. That is the picture of the Christian life, doing it together! We are never alone! We have the Holy Spirit as a “helper” in this life, but God also gives us the community of believers all across the world. We get to encourage those who maybe aren’t as far in their walk, we get to walk alongside those who are in the same spot we are in our journey, and we have opportunities to be pushed and pulled by more mature believers we intentionally seek out. Training is a biblical mandate for the Christian life and there is delightful, necessary community surrounding us when we are teachable and vulnerable to allow others into our lives.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Anchored Week Three!
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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 9 Peter: 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 Peter!

The Questions

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean?

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas?

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes? 

John 1:35-42

35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).  

Original Intent

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean? 
Jesus had a habit of asking people questions with a deeper meaning than what appeared on the surface. He asked the disabled man, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) He asked blind men, “Do you believe I can do this?” (Matthew 9:28) and later “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32) As we read yesterday, He asked Simon Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-19)  

Instead of answering Jesus’ heart-question, they responded with an easy-answer: “Where are you staying?” Enough to indicate they were interested in Jesus, but nothing revealing their hearts’ desire. In verse 40, Andrew answers Jesus’ question, “What are you looking for?” with “We have found the Messiah.” They were looking for the Savior, the Promised One, the Messiah that was to make all things right. Jesus knew all of this. When He asked what, the heart of His question asked who.

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas? 
In the Old Testament, God would give an individual a new name when He commissioned them for His purposes. He changed Abram’s name to Abraham when He called him to be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). He changed Jacob’s name to Israel signifying he would father the 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 32:24-32). Here, Jesus tells Simon He will be known as Cephas, which translated to Peter. Like Abraham and Jacob, Peter had an encounter with God that changed the trajectory of his life.  

His relationship with Jesus gave him an all-encompassing new identity, from how he spent his time and money to his very name. Not only did his name change represent life change, it represented how his life would change. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Jesus chose the name Peter, which means Rock, to directly call out how God would use Peter for His greater purpose and plan. Peter went on to write two books of the New Testament, first and second Peter. Not only was Peter a rock of the early church, but his letters still serve us today with foundational teaching about Jesus and the Christian life.

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes?
When we meet Peter in John 1, Peter and Jesus had just recently met. Peter was just getting to know Jesus, although Jesus already knew Peter. In Luke 4:38-39, Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. After that, Jesus spent time preaching in the synagogues (Luke 4:43-44), where Peter was likely present. When we get to chapter 5 of Luke, Simon Peter has met Jesus, had his name changed by Jesus, witnessed Jesus perform a miracle by healing his mother-in-law, and heard Jesus preach the good news about the kingdom of God. Whew! It’s no wonder that when Jesus told Peter, (the professional fisherman), to put out his nets, he obeyed. After seeing yet another miracle, Peter falls humbly before Jesus, calling Him Lord. In verse 11 we read how they left everything and followed Jesus. Peter fully left his fisherman profession behind to become a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19).  

Everyday Application

1) Jesus asked those following Him, “What are you looking for?” and they replied with another question, not really answering His question. What do you think Jesus was really asking and what did His followers really mean? 
How many times have you replied a quick, “Fine!” or “Good!” when someone asked how you were doing, when you were really drowning? How often do you give a surface-level answer when a friend checks in on you, when you are actually struggling? No matter how well we put on a cheery smile and no matter how #blessed Facebook posts you make, Jesus sees your heart. He knows what you are looking for. He knows who you are looking for. Instead of giving those around us (and Jesus for that matter), a surface-level reply, let’s be real. We are looking for the Messiah! We are looking to Jesus to make us new everyday!

2) What was significant about Jesus telling Simon Peter that he would be called Cephas? 
Peter had highs, and a lot of lows, in his journey with Jesus, as we read yesterday. Yet, Jesus calls him a Rock. Jesus knew Simon Peter would deny Him, even when He named him Cephas. But He also knew Peter would boldly proclaim the Gospel and grow the early church in extraordinary ways (Acts 2). Jesus knew everything about Peter, his sin and doubts as well as his unique giftings. Jesus continually invested in Peter, teaching him, encouraging him, and ultimately dying for him. Like Peter, we have highs and lows in our walk with Jesus. One moment we are singing along to worship music in the car on the way to work, then the next moment, we’re gossiping to our coworker. Despite knowing all of our sin and failures, He has a plan to use us, as imperfect people, to carry out His perfect plan. Be encouraged by reading Peter’s life and his letters; his story is so much like ours! We sin and we fall, but Jesus loves us and died for us anyway.

3) Peter’s call to follow Jesus is further described in Luke 5:1-11. How has Peter’s journey with Christ changed between these two scenes?
Think back to your first encounter with Jesus. Was it like Peter’s? Did a friend or family member, like Peter’s brother Andrew, introduce you to Jesus? How has your life changed since then? Reflect on significant moments and events in your journey with Jesus. Have you had a moment like Peter’s in Luke 5? A moment when you understood the gravity of your sin and the power of Jesus? Have you left everything in pursuit of God’s will for your life? Spend some time thanking God for the ways He has moved in your life and ask Him what you need to leave behind to live more fully for Him.  

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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!

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Prayer Day 6 Hmmm, Daily Bread

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 16:1-35
1 Kings 17:8-16
John 6:25-59 

Prayer, Day 6 

Carbs. 
I like them. 
Especially those found in baked goods. This is a fact of which my family is well aware, and they have been known to plan meals with that in mind. I distinctly remember my aunt winking at me when referencing the rolls she brought to Thanksgiving each year.

While my love for bread has now been partnered with a moderation I did not employ as a lanky teenager (metabolism changes are real!), I still enjoy my carbs in many forms. Can anyone else relate to the love of bread? Or are most of you just curious to know why I have spent several sentences talking about it?

In the Lord’s Prayer, we are taught to ask for our daily bread.
Now, I’ve already discussed my love for bread and appreciate being able to eat some form of bread daily; however, I recognize that praying, “Lord, please give me that flaky croissant” is not what this verse is encouraging me to do. In order to gain insights into what “asking for my daily bread” looks like, I dug deeper and broader into the Word.

My first thought of daily bread immediately took me to Exodus as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. There, they truly did ask the Lord for bread and He provided! That provision came in the form of manna, which appeared like dew on the ground. (Exodus 16:12) The Lord gave specific parameters for collecting the manna each morning as the manna would not last until the next day. The only exception to that occurred on the Sabbath, as the Israelites were to collect the manna for that day along with what was collected the previous day.

My second thought traveled to Elijah, an Old Testament prophet, as he knocked on the door of a widow who only had a jar of oil and jar of flour with which to make but 1 small loaf of bread. This story took place in days of famine. For a season, the Lord had directed Elijah to live by a water source and had ravens bring him bread and meat. Eventually that water dried up, and the Lord sent him to the widow’s home promising that the oil and flour for bread would not run out. Once again, the Lord miraculously provided a source of bread to keep His people alive.

We have these great examples of the Lord’s provision of physical bread from the Old Testament. The New Testament challenges us to move beyond the physical. Enter Matthew 4:4: “He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”” 

Move to John 6:35 where Jesus describes Himself as the Bread of Life. Verse 33 says, “For the bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Jesus came to give us life and for it to be life more abundant.
We are able to partake of this life and eat the Bread of Life,
by believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

I made this choice at an early age and have discovered His faithfulness ever since.
He has been my provision and nourishment in sweetly blessed seasons as well as some of my darkest days. I am so thankful to be able to experience the bread referenced in the New Testament, and not just the literal bread I love to eat!

However, I find that the Old Testament references to bread still have some applications to my life.  

In the wilderness, the Israelites gathered the manna the Lord provided.
Elijah relied on the ravens to supply his food.
In neither story does the bread magically appear on a plate ready to eat.

The same is quite often true in my walk with the Lord where Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life. In John 1:1, Jesus is also referred to as the Word.
Just like the Israelites, I must gather the food the Lord provides.
This means digging into the Word of God for my everyday nourishment and sustenance.

I have discovered that my world is much more peaceful when I consistently and daily spend time in the Word. Additionally, I look forward to Sunday mornings and spending time seeking the Lord and worshipping Him corporately.
Thankfully I attend a church where the pastor teaches the Word and, through the sermons, my understanding increases.

As I look to the future, I recognize that my physical taste buds may change, but I pray my passion for the Word of God and my relationship with Jesus only increases. Please, Lord, give me my daily bread! 

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