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Word Day 10 Eyes To See

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 5:1-37
John 8:1-59
Ephesians 1:1-23

Word, Day 10

I recently read the story of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-10) Though I’ve often read the story, this time I experienced it beyond the Sunday school story from my early years. Did you know his story occurred in Jericho? This wasn’t a fact I gathered from my felt-board storytelling long ago.

I could have told you the story of Zacchaeus without opening my Bible. I could have sung the little ditty written about him and provided a bit of historical context to reveal the depth of Zacchaeus’ heart change.

Compliments of my Sunday school years, I was familiar with the comparatively small Israelite nation marching around Jericho for seven days. As a result of their obedience, they witnessed Jericho’s mighty walls crumbling without being touched.

Yet, I never realized these two iconic Sunday school stories
took place in the same city, albeit years apart.

This new understanding added a fresh layer of significance to Zacchaeus’ story.
Jericho’s walls fell down in the presence of the Israelite army led by the Lord.
Zacchaeus’ spiritual walls of his heart crumbled in the presence of Christ.
Never before had I considered the internal dynamics taking shape in Zacchaeus’ heart. As a result, his story will never be the same for me.

While this seems unrelated to studying Jesus and His Words, my new understanding of Zacchaeus taught me an important lesson about studying Scripture. As I read anew of our diminutive friend, Zac, I hadn’t prepared for the study by recalling all the extra facts I already knew, placing them foremost as I prepared myself to “re-hear” a story I’d so often heard.
My filters were left behind.

When Christ came as God’s Word to take on human form walking about and engaging with people face-to-face, He encountered many from His own lineage (Jews) who firmly resolutely held their filters in place. The Pharisees were absolutely certain they knew what the Messiah would look like and act like, and it most assuredly wasn’t Jesus. They carried filters that clouded their vision of God speaking directly with them!

For all their years of studying Scripture,
they sorely lacked the ability to see the Word standing before their eyes. (John 1:14)

The Pharisees prided themselves on their wisdom regarding faith. They could eloquently recap the salient points of Scripture, just as I had boasted about my abilities to recall similar facts about Zacchaeus. They were so familiar with the Law, they even accused Jesus of breaking it.

“Jesus passed through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “See, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:1-2, emphasis mine)

For all their education, they failed to truly encounter God.
Their hearts lacked the connection that would have enabled them to see and recognize the Lord demonstrating His very presence right in front of them.

My fresh reading of Zacchaeus’ story showed me how easily a filter slips into place, quickly distorting my ability to clearly see deeper truths.

Jesus was grieved over the hardness of the Pharisees’ hearts and their unwillingness to see Who was speaking to them.

…He (Jesus) looked around at them (the Pharisees) with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…” (Mark 3:5, ESV, emphasis mine)

Christ called out,
“…looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand.
Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:
‘You will listen and listen,
but never understand;
you will look and look,
but never perceive.
For this people’s heart has grown callous;
their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes.’”
(Matthew 13:13-15)

In light of the Pharisees’ response to Jesus, I find myself praying for eyes to see Jesus when I read His Word. I long to see God just as His Words describe, and know Him better, without my filters.

Apart from our suppositions, what does Jesus tell us about Himself and God the Father?

What will our response be as we live out our everyday lives?

What filters do we have in place that may be hindering our ability to truly see God?
Pride and fear are two that immediately come to my mind.

Let’s intentionally ready ourselves to approach God’s Word by first removing our preconceived ideas and previously-constructed filters. Only then, are our hearts in a position to be struck by deeper understandings of the Word made Flesh.

Oh Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and demonstrating the Father for us in human form. Thank You for living a life that teaches us Your grace and truth.
As we come in humility to You, remove our filters and give us eyes to see You and know You in full.

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Fervent Day 2 Grace And Peace: 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 Grace And Peace!

The Questions

1) Who is Paul addressing in verse 1 and why are they supposed to stand firm?

2) Why is Paul urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree? (verse 2)

3) What do we learn about prayer from verses 6 and 7?

Philippians 4:1-7

4 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Original Intent

1) Who is Paul addressing in verse 1 and why are they supposed to stand firm?Paul is addressing believers in the ancient city of Philippi. To know why Paul is instructing them to stand firm we must look back to what he wrote in Philippians 3:12-21. Here Paul reminds believers to not dwell on the past, but instead look ahead to the prize. (verse 13) He also, with tears, reminds believers that not all people follow Christ. There are enemies of the cross and their end is eternal destruction. (verses 18-19) Paul then reminds them of who they are in Christ, and the rich reward waiting for them in Heaven. (verses 20-21) This foundational reminder is what leads up to Paul’s instruction for the Philippian believers to stand firm. They must stand firm in Christ, anchoring their identity in Him in order not to be swayed from following Jesus by those enemies of the cross.

2) Why is Paul urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree? (verse 2)
Euodia and Syntyche were two believers who were both prominent leaders within the Philippian church. Paul does not provide details about the disagreement between these ladies, however, he does urge them to end their disagreement and repair the relationship, not only for the themselves, but for the whole church. Paul urges their reconciliation for the benefit of the gospel’s mission. They could have been extremely effective in spreading the Good News, but their arguing could cause others to turn away from the eternal hope Jesus offers. Paul didn’t want to see the spreading of the gospel hindered by their inability to reconcile and therefore he urges them towards unity.

3) What do we learn about prayer from verses 6 and 7?
First and foremost, Paul reminds his audience to not worry about anything. (verse 6) However, he does not leave them wondering what to do with their worry. He immediately instructs them to turn to the Lord with everything in prayer as the antidote for their anxieties. Paul provides the Philippians with guidance about different ways of entering into prayer conversations. While prayers often include petitions to God, there are greater depths to explore, and Paul points his audience toward these deeper waters. Prayers should be characterized with heartfelt thanksgiving as we remember and praise God for all He has done and for Who He is as our Lord and Savior. The result of patterning our prayer life in this way results in indescribable peace! (verse 7)

Everyday Application

1) Who is Paul addressing in verse 1 and why are they supposed to stand firm?While Paul is addressing the believers in Philippi, his message is just as much for believers in Jesus today as it was for them. Just as there were those who were not in Christ in Philippi, we find ourselves in the path of those who also do not belong to Christ in our everyday lives. There were enemies of the gospel in Paul’s day and there are enemies of the gospel in ours. Satan is at work and there isn’t a promise of ease when we become believers. Instead, we are promised attacks. Therefore, we must keep our eyes on Christ, on our identity in Him and stand firm against the attacks that are sure to come. When we keep our focus on the prize to come and trust in our identity in Him, we are able to stand firm against any attack that comes our way. Let’s ask the Lord to not only help us stand firm in truth, but also to remember Paul’s tears when he considered the enemies of the cross. Paul’s desire was for those who were far from God to be drawn near to Him. Who can you begin fervently engaging with love to share the gospel?

2) Why is Paul urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree? (verse 2)
These women were believers and leaders within the church at Philippi and they found themselves in the midst of a disagreement. Paul urged them to repair their relationship for the sake of the gospel. While we can love the Lord with all our hearts, serve within His church, and share the Good News with those He puts in our path, we can also damage the advancement of the gospel if our relationships with others are damaged and disunifying. People cannot hear what we are saying about eternal life and Jesus’ love when our actions do not match up. If we are sharing about a God who loves unconditionally, but we cannot love each other, the unbelieving world misses the message. Just as Paul urged these women to agree and repair their relationship for the sake of Christ, we must also ask ourselves if we have a relationship that needs repairing for the sake of the gospel. Who do you and I need to reconcile with in order to allow the Lord to fully work through our lives?

3) What do we learn about prayer from verses 6 and 7?
As believers, we are all called not to worry as it belies what we know to be true about God and His good, kind character. We enjoy a personal relationship with the God of the universe; He is in control of everything and desires for us to turn our worries over to Him. These are burdens He doesn’t want us to carry! However, we all know this is easier said than done. Paul reminds us in these verses there is no petition too big for God. We can bring it all to Him, trusting His will in every situation. A mentor of mine says it well, “We don’t pray before we work, prayer is the work and then God works.” That’s the God we serve. We petition God, then wait for Him in His divine timing to work. God will always answer. However, we need to remember God will answer in His wisdom, not necessarily what we desire. Paul’s reminder to give thanks is also crucial for us to include in our prayers. I can personally attest to God’s goodness when we thank Him. As we respond in thankfulness, looking for the ways God is working, we begin to see through His eyes instead of ours. When we begin choosing thankfulness as a habit, we find reasons to be thankful even in the hardest of situations. We begin to see God’s hand at work even when life doesn’t make sense. God is always working. Are we looking for His activity?

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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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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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Calling Day 15 Undying Love

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 6:10-24
Psalm 138:1-8
Colossians 1:1-29

Calling, Day 15

For my birthday, my sister gave me an Amazon gift card. With that e-card, she placed a vast array of options at my fingertips and whatever I chose could be on my doorstep in two days. Any guesses as to what I selected?

A charging station for all my electronics. 

All #adulting jokes aside, I have happily used the charging station daily since it arrived. Gone are the days of plugging items in to charge all around the room since no outlet had enough space for all my chargers. No longer am I searching for various cords and adaptors and successfully pair them accurately with devices, which were often threatening to die at any moment. Now a small bamboo box, containing a charging hub, hosts all my charging electronics.

So now that I’ve given you far more insight into my life than you ever wanted, let me share how the Lord used this ordinary charger to provide a new perspective on a portion of His Word.

Our study on Ephesians is drawing to a close, but the rich depth of its application continues on if we embrace the challenge presented to us in the final verses of this letter from Paul. This challenge produces fruit and the abundant life Christ died to bring us. (John 10:10) In verse 10, Paul begins to walk through the armor of God.

If you grew up in the church, you may remember learning this concept in Sunday school; I distinctly remember something akin to an “armor of God” paper doll. (For those in a younger generation, they were like paper doll apps but–gasp–made of real paper!)

If you’re not familiar with the concept, the armor of God describes how believers can prepare for, and successfully fight, in the spiritual battles we face on our journeys of faith.

Unfortunately, I sometimes equate putting on the armor of God with the dressing up of a paper doll. I can “dress” myself with the correct words, thoughts, and outlooks from head to toe, but am I truly drawing my strength from the Lord . . . or just putting on a good show?

So as I read through Ephesians 6, I asked myself if I am truly “plugging in” to the Lord as my source as I seek to live out the life described in verses 10-18? As I pondered that question, the Lord brought to mind my charging station. I would not set my phone on the wooden base and assume it would charge without plugging in the base.

Similarly, putting on the armor of God is about drawing close to Christ and His Word, and listening to the Holy Spirit as we pray. It is not about looking the part; it is about living the part.

For example, when verse 14 challenges us to stand with truth like a belt around our waists, it is not exhorting us to assume a certain physical posture, or pull ourselves up by our bootstraps emotionally.

Instead, Paul encourages us to embrace truth, both through immersion in Scripture and prayerful pursuit of discernment and wisdom in the Holy Spirit. Then, just as a literal belt was the foundational piece of armor to which all else was attached, God’s truth will be the launchpad from which the rest of our spiritual armor springs.

What passage of Scripture or words of the Spirit speak to your heart in this moment and remind you the God who has overcome the world is for you? Stand on His words of truth, dear sister; stand with the authority Christ died to give you.

As we read through the armor of God, let’s envision each piece as a charger for an electronic device.
What would it look like to “plug ourselves into Christ” for each piece of armor?
Let’s invest the time to intentionally seek interaction with the Lord and discover His strength.

The key component in my charging station is electricity, and the key component of the armor of God is God. Long before electricity ever made its mark on planet earth, Paul understood the reality of being plugged into Christ, and the significance of this vital connection is still felt today as we read his letters.

Paul wrote about the armor of God as a tested and tried warrior, not as a child playing with paper dolls. He put on the armor of God in order to fulfill the purpose the Lord had for him. Paul sought to declare the gospel and he worked with the Lord to spread the good news about Christ. He has modeled what it looks like to live fully alive in Christ and fully alive for Christ. 

Paul ended his letter to the church in Ephesus (and to all of us eavesdropping on the conversation) with a prayer for grace to all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear sister, may we plug in to the Lord and be counted among those with an undying love.

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 Calling 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 Calling!

Pause IV Day 11 Tremble

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Pause IV, Day 11

“Oh Lord”, Habbakuk knelt and wept, hands outspread.
“I have heard You answer me, and I am left in awe, trembling at the majesty of Your justice and righteousness flowing together in ways I never would have imagined. I never dreamt Your ways were so far beyond mine; they take my breath away. Who am I to question You?!” (Habakkuk 3:2, paraphrased)

Habakkuk brought his everything to the Lord God, who listened with kind graciousness.
The Lord walked beside Habakkuk as He helped him understand the great depths of God’s righteousness and justice.

Now, we are left with Habakkuk’s response to God.
And it should take our breath away as he helps us see God more clearly.

He is in awe of God’s work that far surpasses any man-made design.
Habakkuk is left trembling at the work God will do in His people.

He brings his humble amen, meaning, “make it so”.
“Revive your work…make it known.”  (verse 2)

He did not understand it all, especially the why and the how, but what he did know was enough to make him stand in trembling awe.

In the midst of his swirling questions, Habakkuk takes a full one-third of his prophetic book to express the majestic glories of the Lord God who deserves our awe-filled trembling.

Habakkuk acknowledges the Lord’s justice and all-surpassing wisdom, power, and authority, then bows his heart and flings himself and his people on the gracious mercy of the Almighty God. Our question is, will we do the same?

Today's Invitation

1) Read Habakkuk 3:1-15, then circle back and re-read verses 1-2 a few times through.
Answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

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

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Habakkuk 3:1-15

A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk. According to Shigionoth.

2 Lord, I have heard the report about you;
Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Revive your work in these years;
make it known in these years.
In your wrath remember mercy!

3 God comes from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah
His splendor covers the heavens,
and the earth is full of his praise.
4 His brilliance is like light;
rays are flashing from his hand.
This is where his power is hidden.
5 Plague goes before him,
and pestilence follows in his steps.
6 He stands and shakes the earth;
he looks and startles the nations.
The age-old mountains break apart;
the ancient hills sink down.
His pathways are ancient.
7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tabernacle Day 2 All About Relationship: 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 All About Relationship!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to “remain in love” (verse 16)?

2) How is “love made complete” in us
(verse 17)?

3) Why was John addressing a seeming confusion regarding a blend of fear and love (verse 18)?

1 John 4:13-21

This is how we know that we remain in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent his Son as the world’s Savior. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God – God remains in Him and He in God. 16 And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 17 In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. 19 We love because He first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to “remain in love” (verse 16)?
Suppose a new home was purchased for you; you became the homeowner on paper, but until you are actually living in the house, you aren’t “dwelling” there. In John’s letter, to “remain” is to “dwell” or “abide”. More than just a title, it’s a way of everyday life. When we ask Jesus to be our Savior from sin, we are made new and “born again” into love. The Holy Spirit is deposited into us and we are the Lord’s and He is ours forever, nothing can take that away. (John 10:28) We are born into love, we are made new in love, we are saved because of love, and we were created to love. When we choose to “abide” or “dwell” or “remain” in love, it first and foremost looks like loving God, then is followed closely with loving others.

2) How is “love made complete” in us (verse 17)?
The Greek for “made complete” here carries the idea of reaching perfection. Whatever has been lacking, is now here in fulfilled perfection, not one piece is missing. John is describing true love here, helping his audience to see how several elements of love, coming in at different times, are all brought together and is made “perfect” or “complete”. God’s love itself is fully perfect; He does not need us to bring perfection to His own love, but He wanted to share His love with us and invite us to experience the perfection of His love. So, God brought love to us by sending Jesus as a sacrifice for our sin. (verse 9). Our receiving of this love is one aspect of experiencing His “perfect love”, but it isn’t until we “remain” in His love, rooting ourselves in it day-in-and-day-out, that we experience His love perfected in us. God’s love, already perfect outside of us, find perfection in us, when we submit to both loving Him and others.

3) Why was John addressing a seeming confusion regarding a blend of fear and love (verse 18)?
The Day of Judgement, a time of reckoning and final justice for all, was on the horizon for John and the churches of his day, just as it is for us. In Jesus’ culture, to please God, there were hundreds of laws to follow. Not obeying them resulted in needing to make sacrifices, be considered unclean, or even, if the offense was significant enough, be cast out from the community of faith and your family. God’s design was for these laws to help the people see their very obvious need for forgiveness because they would never be able to attain to righteousness by obeying laws. Paul says in Romans 9:31-32, “Israel, who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness, did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works.” Israel had missed the point. They missed that it was never about good works, but always about a relationship. John brings his readers back to this point when he ties having “confidence on the Day of Judgement” to the idea that “there is no fear in love.” Following Jesus isn’t about performance or a long list of expectations or a lofty measure of good appearances, but it is about love. Perfect love that casts out fear. Love that invites us into a relationship where we can find freedom from fear right alongside the deep satisfaction of experiencing perfect love!

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to “remain in love” (verse 16)?
What does loving God first and foremost look like? It means intentional and consistent time with Him, reading His Word, having a longing for more of Him, praying, fasting, serving the Body of Christ, and adjusting your life to His rhythms. When we choose to love God as He has loved us, the Holy Spirit awakens our hearts, which again, have been made new, to radically love others. Practically, it looks like living with open hands and open hearts towards others, ready to invest and give ourselves away because we too have been radically loved by the sacrificial Savior! Bottom line: when we choose to love God deeply and love others well, we are flinging wide the door to that home we have been given, which is new life in Christ. Confessing Jesus as Lord doesn’t stop when you finish a prayer, or walk the aisle of a church, it’s only the beginning of what will take eternity to discover….the incredible working out of what it means to ”remain in love”.

2) How is “love made complete” in us (verse 17)?
The rich theology packed into these brief verses in chapter 4 are loaded with priceless treasure. Do yourself a favor and read all of chapter 4 several times in 1 sitting, letting the words run deep into your heart. Write down your questions, allow yourself to be curious! The Lord is inviting you to know Him better! How are you rooting yourself in His love, allowing His Spirit to lead us deeper into what it means to live out a perfected love? When we are committing ourselves to consistently knowing God better and loving others, the Holy Spirit is free to move about in our lives. He teaches us in the little moments and the big ones of everyday life what it means to have complete, perfect love. The more we surrender to His leading on how to love, the more fulfilled and deeply satisfied like never before we will become!

3) Why was John addressing a seeming confusion regarding a blend of fear and love (verse 18)?
Do you wonder if you’ll ever be “good enough” for God? Have you ever considered if God was angry with you? It’s easy to fear something we don’t understand, and it’s even easier to fear judgement when we are already sure that we aren’t good enough to pass. John’s letter is clear, the perfectly loving God is inviting each of us to know Him better, and in that knowing, to discover that, through the sacrificial blood of Jesus that covers our sins when we cling to Him, and Him alone, to be our “good enough”, we are free from fear! Fear has no place in God’s economy of love. If you fear judgement from God, either 1 of 2 realities are at play. Either you haven’t explored enough of God’s character to know how deep and wide His unfathomable love is. Or, you have never truly and genuinely surrendered control of your life over to Him. If you’ve never claimed Him as your personal Savior, the Bible is replete with warnings that yes, you should indeed fear judgement, because it’s only through Jesus that we are free from condemnation. Have questions as we’ve studied these truths today? Explore those! Resist the urge to shove them down. Instead, reach out to a pastor or believing friend, or send us an email here, we’d love to encourage you to keep growing in truth and grace!

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

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 Tabernacle 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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Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

The GT Weekend – Worship Week 3

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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!

Journal With Us!

Journal Prompts

1) We would all agree that spending time in the Word is important, but it’s so easy for it be the first thing cut from our days. Commit this week to spend more time than you usually do reading the Word, connecting with your Creator, and standing on His firm foundation.

2) Where in your life are you holding on tight, thinking somehow, someway you’ll be able to create new life? Give yourself permission to let it go and leave it with the One who is Sovereign over all.

3) We are not promised a life that is easy. Many difficult situations will arise that make us question who God is. Being prepared is the best defense in remembering our faith is not based on emotion, but on who Father is, of His faithful, true character and actions. Take a few moments to write out several of God’s attributes and some Scriptures to bring comfort and clarity when you are walking through fiery times.

Worship In Song

Music Video: Norton Hall Band – How Firm A Foundation

Pour Out Your Heart

Lord, You are the Great Creator, the Everlasting Father, the Mighty Warrior. I praise You for being in charge and in control despite the chaos I feel around me. I bless Your name for fighting on my behalf and protecting me. Your Word provides life when I’m dry and withering and yet I so often skip reading it to do “more important things” like laundry or clean my messy house. Draw me close to You that I would carve out time to invest in our relationship. Guide me, that I might leave my problems with You rather than carry them as a heavy pack. Spirit, remind me Who You are and how perfectly You prepare everything for me, even in the middle of the difficult and unbearable things. Lord, when I am afraid let me trust in You!

Pray With Us!

In everything, with praise and thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God!
Click here to comment and pray with the GT Community!
Want to connect with a GT Partner?
Send your prayer request to prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
We are committed to praying over and walking with you!

Journey With Us

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How were you drawn near to the Father and encouraged in your faith?
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Worship Day 11
His Excellent Word

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Jeremiah 31
Psalm 62
Revelation 21:1-8 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Space Day 13
Indescribable Gift

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 3:16-18
Psalm 89:24-37
Colossians 1:15-17
2 Corinthians 9:15  

As I write this, we’re in the middle of fall. Halloween is just around the corner and our days are filled with cool temperatures, apple-scented candles, and brightly colored leaves. I love fall, but you know what I love more? Christmas.

It’s the most wonderful time of year. I love the lights, the songs, the decorations, the gifts, the church services, and the parties. I love spending time with loved ones and serving in special ways.
There are so many things that I love about the Christmas season and
I want to do All. Of. The. Things.

Just this morning, I was browsing Pinterest for Christmas tradition ideas. I came across many pins that featured some version of a Christmas Bucket List – activities you should do during the Christmas season. They included baking Christmas cookies, going to see Christmas lights, and having a Christmas movie marathon. I love all of those things, but the more I kept scrolling, the higher my anxiety rose. It’s only October and I was already feeling the pressure to have an amazing Christmas season filled with amazing Christmas activities!

We all know that it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and the show of the season, but God desires more for us than an Instagram-worthy Christmas. God cares about the joy we experience both during Christmas and after, but His heart for us is that we would be enthralled with Him in deeper ways.
He longs for us to dig deep with Him, and find that knowing Him not only gives us depth to enjoy Christmas, but to keep walking richly in joy even after the tree is down, pie is eaten, and parties are over.

When the day we’ve spent so long preparing for is over, and all the boxes are put away and the gifts all unwrapped, the best gift is still there….ever available, ever new, always open, but always still waiting to be unwrapped just a little bit more.
Praise be to God for His indescribable gift!

Beyond the activities, beyond the parties, the cookies, the snowmen, and Christmas lights.
Far beyond every checkmark on your Christmas Bucket List, lies the Savior.
Sure, a babe in a manger, incredible!
Deeper still, the unfathomable sacrifice at the cross where He became sin for our sake; inconceivable!
Fuller and ever more profound, His imminent return. While, in the meantime, He offers Himself totally and completely in intimate relationship with us that we might know Him!
Him.
The Lord of Creation!
The Savior of the World!
The God of the Universe!
The Author of our Salvation!
The Lover of our souls!

And He invites us to know Him.
More now than we did yesterday.
More tomorrow than we will today.

That Christmas baby boy was indeed an “indescribable gift” as His presence is living and active just as much today in this moment as when He spoke the world into being, when He entered humanity as a babe, and when He defeated death on the cross.

That frustrating relational exchange you had today?
He was there, and He had more for you.
Those financial troubles that hang heavy on your mind?
He is there, and He has more for you.
That big unknown about your future?
He is already there, and He has more for you.
Always More.
More of His character to uncover.
Deeper truths to apply to your everyday life.
Greater love to pour over your life and the lives of those around you.

As we move into a new year, don’t let the “bottom out” feeling of packing away Christmas settle in on you. Remember that what made Christmas special is still waiting to be discovered. It’s not the perfect tree or the image you couldn’t wait to post to social media, it’s the Savior who offers His life to you at Christmas, at Easter, and everyday in between.

May our delight be found each day as we reach for the bran new mercies of God waiting for us
and may our heart’s cry ever be, Jesus, take me deeper!
Join me and make space to know Him deeper today than we did yesterday!

*written with Rebecca Adams

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

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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

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

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

The GT Weekend – Adoring 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!

Journal With Us!

Journal Prompts

1) It’s easy to pursue Jesus’ face in the midst of difficultly as our “lifesaver” and ignore him when all is well. What has been helpful in keeping you accountable in seeking Father when things in your life are moving along nicely?

2) What’s your word; your one thing that comes to mind when you hear talk of deep seeded, I’ve-never-told-anyone fear? There is so much freedom in pinpointing it and sharing it. Take another moment to think again of what you fear. Find a close friend to share with or email us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com to share with us.

3) Our Good Father is always with us and ready for us to commune with him. Write out a reminder for you and post on your mirror. Some examples are:
You pursue me passionately.
Father, You love me deeply.
Jesus, You provide perfectly.

Worship In Song

Music Video: John Mark and Sarah McMillan’s, “King of my Heart”

Pour Out Your Heart

Jesus, I come to You in repentance. Forgive me for turning from You and not following hard after You when my life is easy. Draw me closer to You, keep revealing more of Your face as I look to You when my life is going well.

Father, as I lean into the things I fear, let me choose faith over fear. Remind me of how big You are in the midst of the chaos of life. Let me be reminded of how deeply You love me, how You long to go deeper with me, and how You are faithful to Your own character. Lead me closer to You, my Lord.

Pray With Us!

In everything, with praise and thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God!
Click here to comment and pray with the GT Community!
Want to connect with a GT Partner?
Send your prayer request to prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
We are committed to praying over and walking with you!

Journey With Us

Sign up to have GT Journey Studies sent to you!
What were your thoughts from the GT Weekend?
How were you drawn near to the Father and encouraged in your faith?
Share with the community and encourage other women!