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The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI Week 3

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The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched XI Week 3

Rebecca Adams

July 8, 2023

Faith,Identity,Old Testament,Prophecy,Protection,Sketched

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

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Tuesday
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Thursday
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Pray His Words Back To Him!

Isaiah 45:4-6

“I call you by your name, for the sake of my servant Jacob and Israel my chosen one. I give a name to you, though you do not know me.

5 I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, 6 so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me.

I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Lord Jesus Christ, what sweetness is experienced and known by learning Your name, by dwelling on your truth, by discovering who You truly are as You faithfully walk beside me. You didn’t choose Elijah because he maintained perfect faith, he clearly didn’t.

You didn’t choose him as Your mouthpiece because of his courage, which he lacked at certain points. Stunningly, You chose Elijah because You wanted him to know You, and You desired to be known through him to both Jew and Gentile. I’m so emboldened and comforted to sit with this reality, Abba.

Like Elijah, like the nation of Israel, I don’t follow You perfectly. I show lack-luster courage and faith that looks a lot more like doubt than trust, still You have placed Your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5), You continue drawing me close to You, strengthening me and making Yourself known to me and through me. Lord, may it ever be so! Such sweetness to know You more and more until Eternity begins and the knowing continues forever!

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Sometimes, well, often, our expectations do us an incredibly big disservice. Whether it’s a marriage, a friendship, or work, when expectations aren’t met, something happens inside. We can lose trust in someone, we feel varying levels of disappointment, we grieve for loss, or we can become angry and take out our frustration on others.

Sometimes expectations are benign and morally neutral. Usually, they sneak in without us even being aware they are powerfully stirring in us. Sometimes, however, when we courageously hold expectations up to the light of Scripture, we realize they are sinful.

We expect God to have worked in a certain way or time because we deserved it or we believe our understanding of what is good is superior to the Lord’s. Nearly always, expectations are fertile ground for nourishing idolatry in our hearts. If we love our expectation more than we love the truths of Scripture and the God who wrote them, we will fall prey, not only to disappointment, but to sin.

Elijah expected his life to be better, to not be on the run to stay alive, and to have more supporting prophets who worshipped God. When his expectations weren’t met, his faith corroded and desperation ruled.

What expectations do you need to re-examine in the Light of Christ? Are you willing to open your hand and remove the idol-power they hold?

JOURNAL TWO

Elijah and Elisha waited for God’s justice. They saw the horrible leadership of Israel’s King Ahab and they compassionately saw the people who were being led astray by Ahab’s evil. Where can you relate with similar scenarios?

Watching wickedness prosper is painful. Perhaps you’ve witnessed a loved one make continuous foolish choices, or you’ve watched a nation erode over time, or perhaps a beloved pastor fell into sin and loved it instead of turning from it.

The psalmist and king, David, cried out regarding the Lord’s waiting justice, “How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1) David brought the pains of injustice to the Lord with an attitude of worshipful surrender, which increased His trust. He confidently knew the Lord’s faithful love could be trusted to do what was right, in the right time, even if he couldn’t see it yet. (Psalm 13:5-6)

The Lord brought justice to Ahab, and it was gruesome because of his active sinful rebellion. The Lord will bring His justice, we can be sure of that. If we desire His mercy, we must surrender in waiting trust for the Lord to move.

In what area of justice do you need to unclench your hands in surrender to the Lord?

JOURNAL THREE

Becoming narrow focused and putting on blinders is so easy! Zooming out for a broad picture view requires consistent practice and prayerful pleas for help to adjust our perspective.

When challenges arise, learning to consider others’ feelings or experiences of the same event stretches us. Remembering that the Lord is sovereign and rules over all of time and space is absolutely essential to properly re-aligning our viewpoint on our triumph or pain, but holding onto this vantage point is slippery!

Where can you recognize in recent days that you’ve had a difficult time remembering the Lord is the Ruler and Author and He can be trusted?

The full weight of trusting God’s goodness and Love and Perfect Justice provides the benefit of peace that surpasses all understanding as we rest in knowing His character and His ability to bring good from all things for His glory.

Getting to this place of trust takes practice. It requires moment-by-moment surrender and a determined heart that says, “I will keep on following the Lord’s ways by trusting Him instead of me.”

How would you like to remind yourself to keep on following and trusting Jesus this week? Maybe it’s a sticky note on your mirror, or alarms set on your phone throughout the day with the simple message “trust” or “follow”. Or maybe you’ll scroll one of those words on your forearm with a marker to remind you to remain determined in trusting Christ alone! Share what you’re choosing for a reminder in the comments!
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disciple,faith,future,hope,teach,trust,Truth
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Surrender Day 7 Spilling Our Treasure: Digging Deeper

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Surrender Day 7 Spilling Our Treasure: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

January 31, 2023

Adoring,Forgiven,Gift,Worship

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Spilling Our Treasure"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 7:36-50

36 Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.
39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—she’s a sinner!”

40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

He said, “Say it, teacher.”

41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.”

“You have judged correctly,” he told him. 44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why would the woman give so extravagantly to Jesus? (verses 37-38)

Luke 7:37-38 describes a woman, probably a prostitute, according to Bible student Charles Ellicott, who approached Jesus to wash His feet with her tears, dry them with her hair, and anoint them with perfume. The foot washing itself was an act of service and honor, and the perfume was an extravagance that proved her love and devotion to Jesus.

Rod Mattoon explains, “Alabaster jars of perfume were so valuable in the first century they were often purchased as investments. This box may have been extremely expensive, as costly as one year’s wages.” Though the woman sought out Jesus when she heard he was at Simon’s house, we are unsure exactly how she knew about Jesus. Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer points out, “The woman through the influence of Jesus (it is unknown how; perhaps only by hearing His preaching and by observation of His entire ministry) had attained to repentance and faith, and thereby to moral renewal”.

This woman left a life of sin behind her when she came to Jesus, and she wanted to thank Him for the freedom that came with His forgiveness. (John 8:36) Her freedom from sin and oppression was worth more to her than the cost of the perfume in the alabaster box. (Romans 6:22) Humbling herself by washing and kissing Jesus’ feet was a way to show Him how much she loved her Savior. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Liz Curtis Higgs suggests “We’ve called her silent adulation worship. What she really poured all over his feet was love. Her tears, her hair, her kisses, her perfume. Love, love, love, love.” This nameless woman’s unspeakable joy of salvation poured forth in lavish gifts of worship to the One who loved her so much that He would pay for her sins. (Titus 2:14)

The Everyday Application

1) Why would the woman give so extravagantly to Jesus? (verses 37-38)

Have you seen those stories of celebrities visiting sick or underprivileged kids, or kids who have accomplished some great feat or act of service? These kids receive extravagant gifts, visits to concerts or sporting events, and videos and selfies to memorialize the moment. These sweet accounts give me all the feels! But I rarely see stories about celebrities lavishing swag on “bad” kids; the bullies, the addicts, the misfits and losers. But this is exactly what Jesus does in Luke 7:37-38.

He treats one of the “bad girls” of the Bible with love and honor, forgiving her sins and accepting her worship, even though it was offensive to their Pharisee host, Simon. The woman couldn’t keep herself from worshipping Jesus, because He had freed her from her sins and she had to express her joy!

The religious leaders still regarded Jesus with caution, doubting His claims, and treated Him with more suspicion than respect. This woman of ill-repute honored Jesus in ways his host failed, by washing His feet. She used this humble deed as an act of worship (Romans 12:1) by pouring out tears and wiping them with her hair, though unbound hair in public was not acceptable per religious laws (F.F. Bruce). Nor could she hold back from pouring out expensive perfume on his feet, indicating her Lord was worthy of all her worship.

Lawrence Richards writes, “That was an act of love; an expression of gratitude. Her ‘many sins’ had been purged, and her tears were tears of joy.” Let’s follow this woman’s example of extravagant worship to the One who has given us everything and is worthy of everything we have. (Revelation 5:12)

The Original Intent

2) Why did Jesus point out the difference between how the woman treated Him and how the Pharisee treated Him? (verses 44-46)

In verses 44-46, Jesus pointed out how differently Simon the Pharisee treated Him than a prostitute who heard Jesus was at Simon’s house and came to see Him. Jesus asked Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume.” (verses 44-46)

Matthew Williams explains there were certain rules about visiting someone’s home in Bible times. “In Jesus’ day, three rituals were common: a kiss of greeting, washing of feet, and anointing with oil. . . Simon has set up Jesus for social shame. No Pharisee who liked Jesus would have done this.” Simon already held Jesus in contempt, but the Pharisee was shocked when the sinful woman entered his home and Jesus allowed her to touch Him. He even made a barbed comment that if Jesus was a prophet He should know all about the kind of woman who was washing His feet. (Luke 7:39)

Jesus made it a point to show Simon that this sinner loved Him better than Simon. He wanted Simon to consider that the woman’s sins were not the most important thing about her, and that Simon’s education and traditions did not make him better than the sinful woman. Jesus wanted to emphasize that forgiving sinful people was the very reason He came to earth from Heaven. (1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus did not want to distance Himself from sinners; He wanted to befriend them and bring them into God’s family. (Luke 19:10)

The Everyday Application

2) Why did Jesus point out the difference between how the woman treated Him and how the Pharisee treated Him? (verses 44-46)

Everyone loves the story of an underdog who defies the odds and comes out on top. From Little Orphan Annie to Rocky Balboa, people love to cheer on those who are looked down on and misused by others. Reading about the unnamed woman who washes Jesus’ feet is reminiscent of just such a tale as the unwelcome woman defies the religious elite, Simon, when she approaches Jesus at Simon’s home. Simon thinks that Jesus’ attentiveness to the woman and her gift is inappropriate, but Jesus points out that this sinful woman has behaved better than His self-righteous host. (Luke 7:44-46)

Jared C. Wilson notes how Simon “grumbles inwardly, not just because he doubts Christ’s holiness in allowing this scandalous scene, but because he considers himself to have higher standards than Jesus has.” Jesus wanted Simon and the onlookers to recognize that He “accepted her worship, covered her with dignity, and regaled her with forgiveness.” (Ifgathering.com)

Simon the Pharisee thought he was better than this woman with a sinful past and that he was more righteous than Jesus, who associated with her. Jesus wanted Simon to know that His forgiveness made scarlet sins as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) In pointing out the disparity between their treatment of Jesus, Christ emphasized that all people are sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23), including the woman from the street and the sanctimonious Pharisee.

Jesus pointed out how her worship, while it made the establishment uncomfortable, was more acceptable than Simon’s pious hypocrisy. Jesus lovingly forgives everyone who comes to Him in true repentance (Ephesians 1:7), and He loves the praise and adoration of those who worship Him. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

The Original Intent

3) What does it mean that the one who is forgiven little, loves little? (verse 47)

When a promiscuous woman came to Simon the Pharisee’s house and washed Jesus’ feet, Jesus explained why He considered this an act of worship by telling Simon, “Her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” (verse 47)

Jesus declared this woman’s sins, every single one, to be forgiven. David Guzik points out, “She wasn’t forgiven because of her great love; her great love was evidence that she had been forgiven, probably privately on a prior occasion and now publicly.” Simon had not shown Jesus even the common kindness of foot washing, and Jesus was associating this “little love” with Simon’s lack of awareness of his own need for forgiveness.

Kelly Barbrey notes, “In reality, both the woman and Simon are ‘debtors’ in need of forgiveness. The biggest difference, however, is the passion and awareness with which the woman confesses and the faith she has in Jesus’ forgiveness. Simon is similar to the debtor who owed the smaller sum. (Luke 7:41-42)

In denial of his own shortcomings, he haughtily looks down his nose at the woman who seems to have accumulated a lifetime of transgressions.” Simon didn’t believe he needed to be forgiven of anything because of his perceived superiority. After all, he was a Pharisee, one who studied and taught the law and the Scriptures. He thought he could learn nothing from a prostitute and a traveling teacher.

Jesus wanted Simon to see that God’s forgiveness was the great equalizer, making everyone who called on Jesus a child of God (John 1:12), blameless in His sight (Colossians 1:22), and desirous of sharing the love that had been lavished upon them.

The Everyday Application

3) What does it mean that the one who is forgiven little, loves little? (verse 47)

My friend made some disastrous choices that alienated his family. He recognized he was on a path to ruin and sought God’s forgiveness and restoration. Since then, he has lived like a man with a new lease on life. He is joyful in serving and compassionate with others who need God’s forgiveness. Even when consequences from bad choices continue to surface, he is humbly grateful for God’s forgiveness.

He reminds me of the woman who washed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7:47 of whom Jesus said, “her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” My friend loves much because he knows how much God has forgiven him. He appreciates what God saved him from and what God has graciously allowed him to do, despite his past mistakes. Dave Roper explains that “Sin can make us more appreciative of God’s forgiveness and can lead us to a deeper, more extravagant love for Him than we could otherwise attain.”

Those who don’t seek God’s forgiveness don’t have the same perspective and can only “love little.” Vance Havner suggests that today, “Few alabaster boxes are broken in tearful joy over forgiveness. Sin has been glossed over; men do not regard themselves sinners and consequently feel no burden of guilt and, of course, no relief in His pardon.”

When you realize your need for God’s forgiveness, the comfort and love you experience is overwhelming; this joy is yours every time you come to Him. Christ never responds to our repentance with, “You again?” He never says, “You had enough chances.” In fact, Jesus urges us to ask Him for forgiveness when we pray (Matthew 6:12).

Anytime your sins cause you to turn away from God in shame, remember He is waiting to forgive you and love you. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

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disciple,gift,humility,Lavish,surrender
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Surrender Day 6
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How are we able to give generously out of our poverty?
Luke 21:1-4 encourages us with the faith of a penniless widow who gave her last two coins to God.
Such generosity in surrender of our earthly treasure requires a belief that all we have belongs to God. He is our why for He will sustain us in plenty or in want.
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Surrender Day 1 Come & See

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Surrender Day 1 Come & See

Carol Graft

January 23, 2023

Discipleship,Faith,Follow,Journey,Obedience

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:29-30
John 1:35-50
John 4:28-30
Isaiah 55:1-5

If someone issued an invitation by simply saying, “Come and see,” would you be excited? Anxious? Not budging until you have all the details? Or a mix of reactions?

In John 1:35-50, several men are called to come and see Jesus.
Andrew and his brother Peter, Philip, and Nathanael are all invited.

When we meet Andrew, he is a follower of John the Baptist. We don’t know if Andrew was intentionally looking for the Messiah of whom John prophesied, but when Andrew encounters Jesus, he realizes He is Messiah. Upon his encounter, Andrew quickly found his brother, Simon (later called Peter) and encouraged him to come and see the Messiah. 

Philip and Nathanael are called next, and their different personalities are displayed in their responses. Upon hearing Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me,” Philip seems to join without hesitation. (John 1:43) Nathanael, upon hearing Jesus came from Nazareth, is skeptical. “Come and see,” Philip insists, and Nathanael complies. (John 1:46) When he meets Jesus face-to-face, Jesus shows Nathanael he is truly seen and known, and Nathanael declares, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” (John 1:44-50)

Each man had his own reason to follow Christ. None of them knew what would be in store for them. They simply followed, not knowing what lay ahead.

Come and see, Jesus invited them.

So they came with Jesus, surrendering their lives, families, and livelihoods. 

And they began to see miracles, such as the multiplying of the loaves and fishes. (Matthew 14:13-21,  Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:12-17, and John 6:1-14) 

Everyone present was astounded at the miracle. Truly, from three fish and two loaves of bread (in those days a “loaf” was probably not much larger circumferentially than a tortilla), Christ multiplied baskets upon baskets of leftover food. Definitely a miracle!

But were those present just as astounded by Jesus?

Jesus wanted His followers to see past the miracle of the food. He wanted them to understand that abundant life wasn’t found in a barley loaf and dried fish. Rather, abundant life was found in Him, the Bread of Life, the Living Water. (John 6:35-40; John 4:7-26)

“Jesus answered, ‘Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.’
‘What can we do to perform the works of God?’ they asked.
Jesus replied, ‘This is the work of God—that you believe in the one he has sent.’”
(John 6:26-29)

Jesus’ words to His followers echo the prophet Isaiah’s call, who prophesied about Jesus generations earlier, “Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water; and you without silver, come, buy, and eat!” (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus’ followers needed to hunger for more than paltry fish and crumbs. 

He wanted them to hunger and thirst for Him.

This invitation to abundance is for you as well, dear sister.

As when He called Andrew and Simon Peter, Philip and Nathanael, Jesus’ invitation to us includes an underlying caveat: total surrender.  

The call to come and see
doesn’t explain every detail,
doesn’t assure safety,
doesn’t put us in control of plans or the future.

To follow Jesus means completely surrendering ourselves to Him and His plans for our lives. 

Surrender and spiritual thirst are also found in John 4:28-30 where Jesus intentionally engages in conversation with a Samaritan woman. This time it isn’t Jesus who extends a come and see invitation, but the Samaritan woman. After encountering the Messiah, who knows everything about her as an outcast and loves her anyway, she ran back to her village saying, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29)  

She risked everything to tell her people. She knew surrendering to Jesus was worth risking public ridicule to communicate truth. Speaking to Jesus, she discovered her worth again. She surrendered her past, her guilt and shame because of Jesus.
Her invitation started the first recorded revival in Scripture.

Those whom Jesus called then, with their faults, dark pasts, and sinful ways, weren’t very different from those He calls today. Yet, they surrendered everything to follow Christ.

What have you already surrendered for Jesus?
What is He calling you to surrender more deeply today?

What has Jesus shown you with His invitation to come and see? 

Tags :
disciple,follow,offering,real life,surrender
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Surrender Day 2
Digging Deeper

The God who foreknew us before we were born also perfectly knows every aspect of our current and future circumstances. In the verse prior, Paul described believers as people who are called according to God’s purpose. Our calling goes way back to “before”; God foreknew all those who are now, and will be, brothers and sisters in Christ. “He chose us in Him (Christ), before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before Him.” (Ephesians 1:4)
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Jan 23 - Feb 10, 2023 - Journey Theme #113

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The GT Weekend! – Screenshot 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) The temptation in Christianity to follow rules rather than focus on our relationship with God is constantly present. Where in your local church have you seen “religion” creep in? What do you see as your role in bringing life-giving change? How can you encourage others to walk in relationship with Father Abba rather than get stuck in religion? 

2) “As a follower of Jesus, the kingdom of God has prepared our participation no matter what title you have, what role you own, what place you live or what work you do.” (Treasured Kingdom, Gracefully Truthful) What do you think about this statement? Do you agree or disagree? Where have you been participating in the kingdom of God in your daily life? God gives purpose to our hands at work for His kingdom sake regardless of how glorified the task seems to be in our human opinion. Take heart and join the work of His kingdom; you have a vital part to play!  

3) Our participation in leading others to faith, discipling and pouring into their lives, is clearly shown throughout Scripture. Along with these investments, we often take on the responsibility for the outcome of our efforts. That part is not from Scripture, but is a lie from the evil one. God, via the Holy Spirit, is the only One who can change hearts and soften them towards His Truth. Where have you been tempted to believe this lie from the devil? Where do you need to grow in boldness in sharing or discipling?  

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 Colossians 3:14-17 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!
 
14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (emphasis added)

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, forgive me of my regular return back to religion. It’s so comfortable and I know that I’m meeting the made-up requirements my mind has created. I want to walk closely to You; to know Your heartbeat well because I’ve listened to it for so long. Bind me to Your side and guide me back to You when I start to step away.  

As I fold laundry, wipe my baby’s nose, or scrub the toilet remind me I am working for the kingdom of God. I am teaching my precious children how to do everything in the name of the Lord; an invaluable life lesson. And when I’m sharing truth with non-believers or discipling my new sister in Christ, remind me that no life change happens at the work of my hand. I’m called to be obedient in sharing truth and asking for You, Holy Spirit, to be moving in their lives. Less of me Lord, and more of You!  

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Sketched IV Day 2 Nehemiah: 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 Nehemiah!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of completing the wall in 52 days?

2) Why were Judah’s nobles speaking well of Tobiah, who was staunchly against them?

3) Why were gatekeepers, singers, and Levites listed first in order of who was being appointed to stand at the new wall?

Nehemiah 6:15-7:4

15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

17 During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 19 These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had the doors installed, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. 2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah, commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. 3 I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.”

4 The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet.

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of completing the wall in 52 days?
The walls of Jerusalem had been severely destroyed, and in many places, nearly leveled. The gates had been burned and were rendered useless (Nehemiah 2:13). The toppled walls had created such narrow passages that a horse or mule couldn’t even pass through. (Nehemiah 2:14) For comparison, these same walls would be destroyed and rebuilt several times after Nehemiah’s initial rebuilding, but these projects took years instead of one and half months. (see Wikipedia). 52 days compared to multiple years is extremely significant, especially given the tools available to Israel at the time. Clearly, this was something ONLY God could do through His mighty Spirit as His people chose to be obedient to His calling.

2) Why were Judah’s nobles speaking well of Tobiah, who was staunchly against them?
Tobiah was an Ammonite who was “greatly displeased” to hear that Nehemiah had come to protect, guard, and rebuild Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 2:10) The Ammonites would have liked nothing more than to obliterate the Judeans from the earth. So, if Tobiah was such a bad dude, why would Judeans be advocating for him to Nehemiah? Here’s the catch, the Judeans had intermarried with the Ammonites, something the Lord God had strictly forbidden because He knew the Ammonites, with their false religion, would lead Israel away from Yahweh, the One True God. Jews had been deported to Persia, a 70-year exile, while Jerusalem was razed, for exactly the reasons that led to these intermarriages. Israel had forgotten the first Love. They had stopped worshipping Him as their Redeemer, choosing instead to follow their pride and arrogance. As a result, they reaped nothing but sinful havoc for the nation as a whole and Nehemiah personally.

3) Why were gatekeepers, singers, and Levites listed first in order of who was being appointed to stand at the new wall?
It seems odd doesn’t it? A wall being rebuilt for the whole purpose of protecting the people within and the very first who are sent to their posts as guards are worshippers. From beginning to end, Jerusalem and her wall was never about trusting in her own strength, it was about returning to the God who loved her. Israel’s choice to abandon Yahweh time and time and time again, was a decision that had huge ramifications. Because of Israel’s disobedience, their land was destroyed, their kingship removed, and their people exiled to a foreign land for an entire generation. When they were invited to return home, rebuilding their walls was one thing, but being restored by the One True God was another matter entirely. Nehemiah understood that more than a military presence, Israel’s heart was what mattered most. Trusting God for protection meant worshipping Him first and foremost, exactly what they hadn’t done 70 years prior. When it came to priorities for Nehemiah, he knew worship had to be first, signifying trust in God and not their own strength.

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of completing the wall in 52 days?
Far from the common misconception that God will not give you more than you can handle; He most assuredly will! This was clearly the case for Nehemiah as he began the incredibly daunting challenge of rebuilding a demolished wall. With pressure on all sides, and even from within, it was humanly impossible to finish this large of a project without Divine intervention. Even Nehemiah’s enemies knew this and attributed the success to God. (Nehemiah 6:16) This truth is for us, Ladies! The Lord will always call us to do work that is beyond our ability to perform, but take comfort in that; His strength is most beautifully displayed in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:8) Where are you feeling overwhelmed, at the end of your rope, and beyond hope? Bring this to the Lord in prayer, taking confidence in His endless strength! (Psalm 59)

2) Why were Judah’s nobles speaking well of Tobiah, who was staunchly against them?
As famous teacher Ravi Zaccharias says, “Sin will always take you farther than you want to go, cost you more than you wanted to pay, and keep you longer than you want to stay.” Every Single Time. The Lord gives boundaries and sets forth instruction in His Word because it is good, wholesome, and life bringing to us! He know that what we need most is to find our complete satisfaction in Him, and He will continue to pursue us until either we say yes to His invitation of unconditional love or we forever turn our back on Him, choosing instead to trust ourselves. The latter will always lead to eternal death. (Romans 6:23) But the trusting Jesus will always lead to life! Where do you need new life today? Relationships? Finances? Fear? Emotional tension? Physical ailments? Jesus has come to bring hope, eternal hope, but it begins and ends by trusting in His name alone, not a counterfeit, and certainly not ourselves. Take a cue from Tobias and the sin of Israel as they chose to trust themselves and follow their ways instead of God’s. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

3) Why were gatekeepers, singers, and Levites listed first in order of who was being appointed to stand at the new wall?
Nehemiah’s perspective isn’t one we commonly fall back on. Trial. Overwhelming odds. Destruction. Fear. Disrespect. Rumors….and Nehemiah chose worship as his first defense. I know for myself, the temptation to tense up, snap at the ones I love most, become distant, angry, isolated, and fearful come a whole lot easier than worship and praise. I also know from experience that Nehemiah was right. Choosing to worship in the face of extreme difficulty fundamentally shifts our heart perspective to safety in God because we know He is worthy of our trust. If we are in Jesus, when we lay our worship before the King of Kings, our fears slide away and that sense of overwhelmed is covered with indescribable peace. He designed our hearts to find ultimate satisfaction in a deep, living relationship with Him. Need peace? Try worship. Facing insurmountable odds? Try worship. Worship the King, sisters, and find His good heart!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Sketched IV Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Shepherd Day 8 Sheep Life

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 23:1-6
Hebrews 12:1-12
Zephaniah 3:14-20

Shepherd, Day 8

The shepherd walked with sure footing down the rocky path. To the left, a drop-off reminded him of the descent he and the sheep had traversed in their journey to reach the green grass and still waters found in the valley before them. He projected a sense of calm, one that seemed to blanket the sheep as they clopped along the path. In the midst of that calm, the sheep remained unaware of the depth to which the shepherd was attuned to the world around them.

His ears listened to the sounds filling the air. The bleating of the sheep and the sound of their hooves were constant companions on the journey, and he knew his sheep’s voices. A cry from any one of them would cause him to spring into action.

Not only were his ears focused on the sounds rising from the flock, they were filtering the noises found beyond the sheep. Predators threatened, and if one attacked, the shepherd stood as the only safeguard between it and the sheep.

His eyes scanned the flock to ensure not one ran astray or was left behind, while also looking to the horizon towards their destination. His hands gripped his rod and staff with a relaxed firmness, the mark of a seasoned shepherd. This allowed him the mobility of using them for walking support, and simultaneously maintaining the ability to react quickly.  At a moment’s notice, his rod and staff may need to become a weapon to battle an enemy or a safeguard in his hand. A sheep getting too close to the edge and needing a nudge back? A threat to the flock? The rod and staff were tools in the well-trained hand of the shepherd.

One of the most well-known shepherds in the Old Testament is David. Long before he ascended the throne, David tended his father’s flock. This became his training ground and preparation in many ways for all the Lord had prepared for him. David explains this best when telling Saul why he would face Goliath:
“Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

David knew how to be an effective shepherd for sheep and God grew him to shepherd His people with a heart like His own, but even David falls short compared to the Lord as He shepherds His children.

The shepherd above is one the sheep are blessed to have leading them.
He is trustworthy and brave,
strong and gentle,
intentional and caring.
If I were a sheep, I would choose his leadership. However, I am not a sheep.
I choose the Lord as my shepherd,
yet how often I find myself second guessing Him,
or failing to see how He fights for me.

“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Late on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Hebrews 12:11 is one of the verses that I am grateful is in the Word,
but sometimes wish I could skip that part of the Christian reality.
When I apply it to the analogy of a shepherd and ponder my history, I see moments where the discipline of the Lord, and His telling me “no,” firmly yet lovingly, was the staff that kept me from tripping over the edge. The times that He held me back were not to smother me, but to protect me. He has the vantage point that I do not, and His shepherding skills have proven the test of time.

While I reflect, and cringe, at those times I responded to the Lord with levels of pre-teen angst, I also see times where He fought for me. Those times where He picked up His rod and went swinging for the fences at the lions and bears that threatened my existence. Those moments when He gave me a way out from a temptation or the times when hopelessness or doubt threatened to overwhelm me and He spoke to me through His Word or brought encouragement through another person.
Sometimes He calmly spoke with authority to the winds that blew and the storm stilled.

He has proven Himself as a warrior who saves me over and over.
His rod and His staff truly do comfort me.
Lead me on, dear Lord, my Shepherd, lead me on.

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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 Shepherd Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Flourishing Day 7
Truth Holders: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out Truth Holders!

Mark 10:29-30 English Standard Version (ESV)

29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.

The Questions

1) Do I have to leave my children to follow Jesus?

2) What does “now in this time” and “receive a hundredfold” refer to?

3) Will believers be persecuted in the age to come also?

The Findings for Intention

1) Do I have to leave my children to follow Jesus?
Isolating these verses would certainly make it seem that Jesus is teaching us to abandon all relationships and possessions, but we know from the context of this chapter that, Jesus had just reinforced the extreme importance of relationships between parents, spouses, and children. Context is key to understanding, but cross-references can also help us dig deeper into tough passages. These verses are similarly spoken in Luke 14:24-27, where Jesus is talking about the cost of being His disciple. The emphasis in both Mark and Luke is the gospel. In essence, Jesus is asking, “what will you do for the gospel?” What will come first?

2) What does “now in this time” and “receive a hundredfold” refer to?
Jesus is teaching that whatever will be lost per the cost of following Him, will be more than made up for in what is to be gained. Deeper relationships are found in Christ, fuller abundance in life is received when Jesus is first and the gospel is our center. Committing our lives to Jesus will cost us, but the return is not even worth comparing, both in this life and in the one to come. True, we may lose material possessions or even relationships because we are choosing Jesus, but the pure sweetness of knowing Christ fuller and deeper and walking in community with other believers is worth much more than our losses.

3) Will believers be persecuted in the age to come also?
Definitely not! The phrase, “and in the age to come eternal life” refers to what the disciple will continue receiving. Inheritance and abundance that outweigh our loss begins in this life, but is brought to full fruition “in the age to come” (i.e. “eternal life”).

The Everyday Application

1) Do I have to leave my children to follow Jesus?
While Jesus does call us to live bravely for the gospel, not fearing people or trying to satisfy our pleasures before loving Jesus, these words are not a blank check to put “ministry” above relationships. “Ministry” is not the gospel. The gospel calls us to die to ourselves every day, allowing the Spirit to make us alive for His purposes, which is the crux of this teaching. If we are putting anything before our relationship with Jesus Christ, like parents, possessions, spouses, children, emotions, or relationships, then we have usurped God’s position and crafted an idol that we are now willing to worship in place of the Lord God! Only when Jesus is our everything can true balance and a life of fruitful richness be enjoyed. Hold onto the truth of who God is first, then everything else will fall into place. (seek first verse)

2) What does “now in this time” and “receive a hundredfold” refer to?
True discipleship costs something. Pause and consider….what has following Jesus cost you? Time? Money? Relationships? Career? Position? Friends? Or perhaps your decision to choose Christ hasn’t cost you anything, or very little. Maybe those around you don’t even know you’ve committed your everything to Christ. Does your life look that much different than your unbelieving neighbors? Does your Facebook page reflect beliefs that align with the Bible? Do your words and your actions mirror Jesus’ love, even when it costs you something? If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough true evidence to convict you? What “wealth” are you holding onto, like the Rich Young Ruler in the passage, that you feel isn’t worth the cost of following the Lord?

3) Will believers be persecuted in the age to come also?
For me, who had a difficult childhood, I automatically think that this life will be wrought with difficulty after difficulty for following Jesus and I often miss out on recognizing all the sweetness that is granted because I’ve chosen Jesus as my Savior. Paul speaks in Ephesians of the deep comfort and encouragement that comes from being sealed by the Spirit and walking in fellowship with other believers. Their truly is rich abundance in being found in Christ today and now! I challenge you, as I have myself, to go through your day and make an actual numbered list of the wonders and treasures that are yours because of Jesus! Opening our eyes to see the riches around ushers us into deeper intimacy with the Lord because we see Him more clearly as the very good Father that He is! Plus, it’s a really great way to hold onto truth instead of the sway of our emotions!

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

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Flourishing!

Brave Day 4
The World Was Not Worthy of Them: Digging Deeper

Leave a Comment

Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!

Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s Journey Post? Check out The World Was Not Worthy of Them!

Matthew 16:24-28 English Standard Version (ESV)

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. 28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

The Questions

1) What did “take up his cross” mean to Jesus’ original audience?

2) What does it mean to “forfeit” one’s soul?

3) What event is verse 27 talking about? What event is verse 28 talking about?

The Findings for Intention

1) You may have heard the phrase “my cross to bear,” meaning some burden that a person feels they have to carry in their life—but this is a modern expression. Jesus lived in first-century Israel, which was ruled by the Romans. The form of execution that the Romans used for the worst criminals was crucifixion on a cross. The criminals would be forced to carry their own cross up to the hill where they would be executed. When Jesus said “take up your cross and follow me,” his listeners would have thought of nothing but the instrument of execution. It was a call for total surrender, even being willing to die to follow Christ.

2) Christ is telling us that we must deny ourselves (forfeit the pursuit of our desires) and take up our cross (be so committed as to be willing to die) in order to follow him. But those who don’t deny themselves (those who try to save their lives) will ultimately lose their life—forfeit their souls. The word translated “forfeit” means to injure or lose, and since the context is about salvation and judgment, we know that this forfeit is for eternity. Rejecting Christ carries such a high cost! Denying ourselves gives such a precious reward.

3) Although these two verses are back to back, they are not talking about the same event. Verse 27 talks about the final judgment that will happen in the end times. But verse 28 refers to something that happened during the lifetime of those who were listening. Seeing “the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” refers to seeing the resurrected Christ.

The Everyday Application

1) First-century Christians knew that following Christ could very likely lead to their death. As comfortable American Christians, we sometimes hide behind the safety of our country’s protections, to the point that in reality, we value our safety more than we value Christ. Or our routine. Or our stuff. Or our pride.
Examine your heart. Is there something risky God has been calling you to do (or to allow your children to do) that you have said no to out of fear? Although wisdom is necessary in every situation, physical safety is not as important as following God.

2) This passage can serve as a warning to those who have not chosen to put their trust in Christ. Worldly gains are nothing if your soul is not secure for eternity! Have you trusted that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, so that you can have a right relationship with God? If so, is your life markedly different? Are you sharing what you’ve been given with others?

3) Christ offered a warning of judgment, but in the next sentence, he predicted the coming of his kingdom. Praise you, Father, for not leaving us stuck in our sinfulness, but for making a way for us to live with you for eternity! Our challenge is to take both words of Christ seriously and let our life choices be directed by the truth of them. Sin is serious. Yours, mine, and the people we see in everyday life. It separates us from God for eternity. But Hope Can Be Ours In Jesus! Own them both, carry them both. This is the very essence of Truth and Grace!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Brave!