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Sketched X Day 2 Family Tree: 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!
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The Questions

1) What do we learn about God’s plans from this passage?

2) How does God use what we see as impossible or dire circumstances to work out His plans and purposes?

3) How can we respond to this knowledge about God’s overarching and intimate involvement in all our experiences?

Genesis 45:7-8

God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.  8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

Original Intent

1) What do we learn about God’s plans from this passage?
This passage in Genesis comes after Joseph is already well established in Egypt. He had been nearly murdered by his brothers, sold into slavery, risen up in power under Potiphar only to be falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, then sent to prison, given authority in prison, but left there, seemingly forgotten. Then, at the right time, Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret a dream. The outcome of that exchange resulted in Joseph’s elevation to lord over Pharaoh’s household; he became second in command only to Pharaoh over all of Egypt. Joseph’s reflection in Genesis 50:19-20 reflects God’s purpose in the overall story and timing of every aspect of Joseph’s long journey. Joseph said to his brothers who had plotted his death, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.”

2) How does God use what we see as impossible or dire circumstances to work out His plans and purposes?
When we look at the full narrative of Joseph’s life, it’s obvious how God used all the circumstances that led up to Joseph’s high position in Egypt to both prepare Joseph (by humbling him and teaching him to depend upon God) and use him to bless a nation. If we divided Joseph’s story into segments, they would appear fruitless and perhaps could be seen as evidence of God abandoning someone who was faithful. Joseph acted rightly in the house of Potiphar yet was accused of adultery and unjustly imprisoned. Only looking at this scene could lead us to discount God’s faithfulness and “prove” God had abandoned Joseph. If we zoom in on Joseph’s years of being forgotten in prison after he accurately interpreted a dream and he pleaded to be remembered, we may feel God is unjust because Joseph’s circumstances were unfair. But when we see the whole of Joseph’s story we discover the ultimate, very good outcome of Joseph’s life. Even Joseph’s own lips attest of God’s supreme sovereign faithfulness. The Lord used every circumstance of Joseph’s life to position Joseph in just the right place, at just the right time so that only Joseph’s family would be saved, but the nation of Israel would flourish.

3) How can we respond to this knowledge about God’s overarching and intimate involvement in all our experiences?
Joseph’s life journey was fraught with trouble, persecution, injustice, and hardship; it seemed to never end and was surely pocked with disbelief and doubt along the way. But the Lord’s love was relentless to not only finish His work for Israel but to also finish His work in Joseph’s heart. Joseph didn’t always trust the Lord steadfastly, but at the close of his narrative, he testifies of the good plans of the Lord. God developed Joseph’s faith through suffering. Joseph trusted God more fully as he grew in knowledge of God and His faithful character. Perhaps the greatest example of this truth is the cross of Christ, which would surely have been the greatest tragedy in all of history as it threatened to kill the Author of Life. But God in His love and sovereign authority used the cruelty of death to bring about our own salvation and reconciliation to God that was once an impossible gulf to span because of our sin’s heavy debt. If we could see Christ’s death through the eyes of the eleven remaining disciples during the first days after the crucifixion we would see utter tragedy and defeat. But the cross was a pathway and a means, not an end. Through the supreme suffering of Jesus, God reconciled the ungodly (all of us) to Himself, and made a way where there was no way so we could be called sons and daughters of God. (2 Corinthians 6:18) When we witness God turning the greatest tragedy into the greatest gain, we can trust God more fully with every hardship we endure. He is the same God now as He was at the cross. He is the God who went to the cross for us; such lavish love! (Romans 8:32)

Everyday Application

1) What do we learn about God’s plans from this passage?
God’s plans for His people, both individually and corporately, involve a far deeper and broader scope than we can see or fathom.  His plans are laid to work good for many even though they involve the temporary suffering of one or more people to achieve His ultimate blessing. Jeremiah 29:11 conveys this essential principle of God moving on behalf of His people as He spoke through the prophet to the nation of Israel who faced exile and captivity, “For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God is light, and in Him is no darkness whatsoever. (1 John 1:5) He is not the author of evil. (Job 34:12) He has no pleasure in wickedness. (Psalm 5:4) God has allowed evil in the world because He permitted humanity’s freedom of choice, and we chose sin, and will always choose sin when we act out of our sin nature. Even this gift of freedom to choose, like everything else God does, flows from His character essence of absolute love. (1 John 4:16) His will is good and perfect toward all His creation, emanating from His heart of love. This love is perfect, true, and trustworthy which is why we can rejoice in our sufferings and endure hardship. We confidently know and attest to the reality that God is working all things together for the good of those He loves and those who are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

2) How does God use what we see as impossible or dire circumstances to work out His plans and purposes?
God’s plans allow for suffering, which can make us squirm in our theological seats, but because of His goodness, our suffering is never in vain when we surrender our lives to His authority. (Hebrews 12:7) When we remember God’s character and we recall that He is incapable of sin or evil, we can view our circumstances in a new light. We can remember that God is constantly at work to do His good pleasure in the hearts and lives of His followers. (Philippians 2:13) He is working all things together according to His plans for good and He will graciously bless us and make us more like Himself in the process. (Romans 8:29) In light of this reality, the author of Hebrews encourages, “No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees.” (Hebrews 12:11-12) His plans are firm and unwavering, flowing from His heart. (Psalm 33:11) What He plans, He will do. “The Lord of heavenly forces has promised: As I intended, so it will be; and as I have planned, so it will happen.” (Isaiah 14:24)

3) How can we respond to this knowledge about God’s overarching and intimate involvement in all our experiences?
We are prone to wander and drift, doubt and mistrust for we are each just as human as Joseph. We remain strong in our faith when things are going well and we sense God’s presence in our lives, but when God feels far, or our circumstances try us, our weak flesh easily doubts God’s goodness, care, love, and faithfulness. When we remember how God provided for Joseph, or for the Israelites in the desert for forty years, we cannot miss His constant presence and perpetual work even if it seems slow and too long to us. He never abandoned despite Israel’s rebellion and faithlessness for abandonment goes against His character. (2 Timothy 2:13) He is Emmanuel, God with us. (Matthew 1:23) He is not a God who is far, but a God who is near. This truth allows us to drop our anxieties. (Philippians 4:4-5) So many places in His word He echoes the truth of His nearness, His care, and His provision. In the short run, it may appear we have been overcome or that life is hopeless and we are helpless, but that is never the whole picture for all who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Let’s choose to remember God’s presence, His purposes, His goodness, His past actions on our behalf and in history so we can endure trials by keeping our eyes set upon His love. (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5)

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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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Champion Day 15 He’s The Hero

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 5:1-11
Luke 6:12-16
John 18:16-27
John 21:15-19
1 Peter 2:1-17

Champion, Day 15

For as long as I can remember, my husband has contended the fictional comic book character Batman is the only plausible superhero. When asked why, he will happily explain: unlike other illustrated literary superheroes, Batman doesn’t have any special powers or alien origins.

Immeasurable wealth and influence? Sure.
Mad ninja skills and physical prowess? Check.
Insanely cool superhero lair and technological marvels to help him fight crime? Yup.

But aside from the seemingly endless supply of money and inner torment,
Batman is basically just a regular guy with excellent resources. 

This might seem an unusual way to introduce a journey with Peter, but stay with me.

When we study the radical accounts of miracles God performed through Peter, it’s easy to see him as a spiritual giant.

He boldly exhorted those in Jerusalem following the Holy Spirit’s outpouring on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).
He miraculously healed (Acts 3:6-8),
raised the dead to life (Acts 9:38-43),
was the first to witness the unveiling of God’s complete plan of salvation for all people (Acts 10:9-33),
was imprisoned for his faith and proclaiming the gospel (Acts 4:1-4),
was freed from jail. by angels (Acts 12:6-19),
and people were healed simply by his very shadow (Acts 5:12-16).

With a resume like that, anyone would assume Peter was basically a Biblical beast. In a way, he was, but if we only examine the miracles and remarkable eternal impact of Peter’s life, without acknowledging Peter’s colorful humanity and frailty, we miss the best things about Peter’s story.

Just like the overarching account of Scripture and every vignette therein, Peter’s story points to God, His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ, and the redemption He alone brings.

Peter was a man of humble beginnings. His work was essential to the economy, but could hardly be considered illustrious. Brash and outspoken, Peter was impulsive, rough around the edges, and often ruled by his emotions.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, they were frightened. (Matthew 14:22-33) Jesus comforted them; when He was tested by an impulsive Peter, Jesus invited him to step onto the waves. Peter initially fared well, but became afraid and began sinking.

Peter failed. 

When Jesus told His disciples He would be killed, and raised to life on the third day, Peter “caught feelings” and again tested Jesus, rejecting what He said outright. (Matthew 16:21-22)

Again, Peter failed. 

When Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter was overcome by his emotions, drew his sword, and cut off a man’s ear. (John 18:1-11)

Jesus also prophesied Peter would deny Him three times. Vehemently, Peter objected and declared he would never. When Jesus’ words came to pass and he heard the rooster crow, Peter was broken. (John 18:16-27)

Failure.
Again.

It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it?
Separated from the Messiah, Peter carried the weight of his personal betrayal of the Master he loved while Jesus was persecuted, crucified, and buried. Even after He was resurrected to life three days later, Peter’s actions undoubtedly haunted him.

Time and again, Peter messed up,
and doubted,
and hurt others,
and didn’t believe Jesus,
and argued with the very Son of God,
and failed.

Over, and over, and over.

Oh Peter. I can relate. On every. single. count. 

But then.

“When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ [Peter] said to him, ‘you know that I love you.’

‘Feed my lambs,’ [Jesus] told him.”
(John 21:15)

Three times, Peter had denied Jesus.
Three times, resurrected Jesus asks this question and commissions Peter, restoring him to full relationship and ministry.

Herein lies the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the trajectory of salvation!

Peter wasn’t enough. Yet, Jesus called him.
Peter failed, many times. Yet, Jesus disciplined him in love.
Peter denied Jesus. Yet, Jesus died for him.
After all that, Jesus offered him redemption, commissioned him, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, transformed Peter to be a living demonstration of the work of the Gospel. 

The most important part of Peter’s story is that
he
wasn’t
enough.

In fact, Peter was basically just a regular guy, with excellent (read: supernatural) resources.

When we look at the accounts we see in Scripture and compare ourselves to the people we read there, we miss the point completely. Throughout all of Scripture, no one was ever enough, except Jesus Christ.

When faced with that reality, Peter put his faith in Jesus. He allowed himself to be transformed completely. Because of that surrender, the Holy Spirit was freed to work through him.

Beloved, the truth is, we aren’t enough, either.

If we were, then we would actually BE God.
We wouldn’t need salvation, because we wouldn’t sin.
We wouldn’t need sanctification, because we would already be completely holy. 

Just as He saw Peter, Jesus sees us as we really are, in all our frailty and failure and not enough. Because He IS enough, He transforms us into a new creation! Praise be to God!

Jesus, thank You for being enough, for filling every gap and showing Your strength in my weakness. Teach me to walk in Your ways and help me to remember that You are the real Champion in all of Scripture, and in my life.

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

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The GT Weekend! ~ Kneel 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!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) On Monday, we read about Abraham pleading with God for Sodom and Gomorrah. It is not always comfortable to think of these cities being destroyed; however, as well as God’s judgement, it also shows His mercy as He would have been willing to spare the two cities for the sake of ten righteous people. Abraham knew of God’s love and mercy and so he was willing to appeal to God for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Like Abraham, we are called to stand in the gap to intercede for others, including those who may not even be aware of their need for salvation. Who is God leading you to pray for today? Who do you long to see experience God’s mercy? You may want to pray for individual people, your community, or even your country. Start by reflecting on God’s character as Abraham modeled. Make a list of some of His characteristics, such as His goodness, faithfulness, love, and justice. Then, bring your requests before Him.

2) Sometimes, even as we bring a situation to God in prayer, we doubt our prayers will be answered. Maybe we have prayed in the past, only to be disappointed when circumstances didn’t turn out as we had hoped. If you feel that way today, take a moment to acknowledge it before God. These feelings are understandable, yet the Bible shows us several examples where situations were changed in response to prayer, where even those who were praying were surprised by the outcome! What situations do you want to bring before God today? Where do you long to see breakthrough or transformation? Take some time to pray about these things. Even if we feel our faith is lacking, the decision to pray is an act of faith. Our prayers may not always be answered as we hope or expect, but we can trust that God is a good Father who cares and wants what is best for us. Come before Him with expectation and prepare to be surprised!

3) Do you ever wonder if God hears when you pray? On Friday, Carol led us in looking at the example set by David.  Through his Psalms, David was honest with God in good times and bad; he wasn’t afraid to bring his doubts and questions before the Lord. However, even in the midst of challenges, he also made the choice to focus on God’s character and ways he had previously experienced God’s power and faithfulness. Take time to be honest with God today about what you are facing and how you feel about it. No situation is too big or too small to bring before Him and no emotion is too messy. God is more than able to deal with our tears, questions, doubts and anger, and He meets us with love and grace.  Where do you need God to meet you today? What examples of His power and faithfulness (from your own experience or from the Bible) encourage you as you come before Him?

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 Psalm 63:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you;
my body faints for you
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.

Prayer Journal
Father, thank you for the privilege of coming to You in prayer, and thank You for always hearing and answering. Forgive me when I try to be self-sufficient, seeking to deal with situations myself instead of turning to You in faith. Thank You that I can come to You as I am, knowing You care about the people and situations I bring before You. Please help me to be faithful in doing this, trusting that prayer makes a difference, secure in the knowledge that you are a loving Father who knows what is best and who longs to give good gifts to your children. Lord, I thank You for Your power to change people and situations, that you are able to do even more than we can ask or imagine. I pray You will give me expectancy that You will work in the lives of those I care for and the situations I bring to You today. “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Terrain Day 1 Canaan & Egypt

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 2:1-12
2 Corinthians 1:20-22
Hebrews 10:19-25
Genesis 12
Numbers 13

Terrain, Day 1

My husband is a teacher, so we take full advantage of his summers “off.”

We invested in a small camper and have used it to travel the United States. We are currently planning a 3-week trip, from Mount Rushmore to Oklahoma City. Each day is planned, the quickest route mapped out, fun sights along the way, our campsites booked, and our meals planned. Thanks to the pandemic, I’ve had an EXTRA year to work out all the details.

I’m already anticipating the Are we there yet?s, the countless bathroom stops, and I’ll be sure to have puke bags ready to distribute for the carsick travelers.

Plan, prep, over-prepare…

Can you imagine how frantic it would be embarking on a road trip of unknown length, requiring unknown supplies, to an unknown destination?

I’m always impressed with Abram’s (you might know him as Abraham) handling of an unplanned journey with PLENTY of detours along the way.

We are first introduced to Abram in Genesis 11, at the end of Shem’s genealogy. We learn Abram’s father lived in Ur of the Chaldeans but set out with his family for Canaan. Instead, they settled in Haran. We’re not told why, but maybe after 4,998 miles (8,043 km), the thought of even one more step was too much.

Abram’s father dies in Haran, and then, when Abram is 75 years old, God calls him to leave his home and all he knows. God doesn’t give Abram many details, directing him to go to the land He will show him. I would have a LOT of questions, and yet, Abram simply went, trusting God.

Abram, his family, servants, and animals head south along the Mediterranean Sea. They travel for 7,586 miles (12,208 km) before reaching Canaan. Can you imagine the smells or the sand (in all the places) or the walking? All the walking.

When Abram finally arrives, Canaanites are in the land, yet God promises Abram the land will be HIS and his descendants’. At the moment, Abram has NO children, but takes God at His word. He builds an altar at Shechem, then moves on to Bethel, where he builds yet another altar, calling on the name of the Lord, before following God’s leading to the Negev, THE DESERT.

And just in time for a famine!!!
Thanks to the food shortage, Abram needs to move, again.
This time to Egypt.
It’s his shortest route yet, just under 400 miles (643 km).

He doesn’t get to stay and enjoy the pyramids for very long before Pharaoh forces him out, and so Abram and company return to the desert. They backtrack to the altar at Bethel, which will become a literal touchstone for the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Before Abram gets too comfortable, he’s forced to split with his nephew Lot and so he’s off one.more.time.
To Canaan.
FINALLY.

God seemed to fill Abram’s journey with one detour after another.
Yet surely, God had a reason, a plan.
As I reread this story, I realized each time God re-routed Abram, He also made, or confirmed, a promise to him.

Genesis 12:1-3 — I will make you a great nation, a blessing to all people
Genesis 12:6-7 — I will give your descendants this land
Genesis 13:14-18 — I will give you all the land you see, and make your offspring more numerous than the dust of the earth

God wasn’t just going to work in Abram’s lifetime, but in the many generations to come.
And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.
Every single time.

Throughout the rest of Genesis, we watch as God works out every detail, faithfully providing for, and protecting, Abram’s family (known as the Israelites). Genesis closes with the Israelites settling in Egypt, a land of plenty, during a famine. The Israelites were sustained by the hope that God WOULD fulfill His promises. They had seen, and experienced, His faithful goodness through the generations, but would that testimony be enough?!

Would it be enough to keep their faith alive as political forces changed and they endured 400 years of slavery in Egypt?
As we start the story of their exodus, we can hear the Israelites crying out in agony to God, desperate for salvation. (Exodus 2:23-24)

Then, we breathe a huge sigh of relief as we read, “God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God saw the Israelites and God knew.” (Exodus 2:24-25, emphasis mine)

If you’ve waited for God to answer a prayer, you understand the growing impatience, the rising doubt, the overwhelming fear that maybe God has forgotten you, doesn’t truly care about you, or a multitude of other lies.

Right now, my family is in the process of adopting 2 boys from Haiti. We have been waiting for over 2 years to be matched with our sons and welcome them home. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t questioned WHY God is having us wait.

Whatever you are waiting for right now, I assure you God has NOT forgotten you.
He DOES see us.
He DOES know our situation.
And He WILL act.

We serve the same God who led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and to Canaan.

Yes He Can, by the sibling group, Cain, reminds me of God’s faithfulness in the past and assures me He’s at work in my life today.
All those miracles God performed for the Israelites are groundwork for US.

And finally, JESUS Himself came to earth and made the blind see, the lame walk, the mute talk. He turned a boy’s lunch into an all-you-can-eat buffet for over 5,000!
THEN, He died and ROSE AGAIN!!!!!

As we look at whatever problem confronting us, we can be SURE God CAN handle it.

May we have the faith of Abram, trusting and following Him without knowing all the details. May we believe He can do the impossible, even if we have to wait to witness it.

May we know beyond a shadow of doubt that God still keeps His promises, even in 2021.

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

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

Sketched IX Day 8 Who Do You Say I Am?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 4:1-22
Luke 9:18-20
Luke 22:54-62
Matthew 16:13-20

Sketched IX, Day 8

The Sanhedrin thought they had me cornered. But this time would be different. I would set the record straight and tell of the Truth. (John 14:6)

My life has always been wrapped up in catching fish. I love it! Night after night, my brother, Andrew, and I would boat out to sea. We would cast our nets into the water, waiting for that ONE BIG CATCH.

I remember one night in particular, which should have been a great night for fishing, but as much as we tried, there was not a single fish to be caught. As the sun began to rise, we pulled to shore. Along the shore, crowds of people were coming closer. Nearby, Jesus told us to return the boat to sea. I was exhausted from fishing all night. But being Jesus’ disciple, I pushed the boat back out and hopped inside!

After teaching the people gathered on the shore for a bit, Jesus turned to us and told us to cast our nets on the other side of the boat. Of course, I had to reply, rather insistently, “Uh, Jesus, we have been out all night. We didn’t catch one single fish, and we are too tired to try again!” He just looked at us and said, “Throw out your nets!” So we did. And guess what? We pulled in so many fish there were too many to hold!

Jesus said, “Peter, today you will catch fish in your nets, but one day you will catch people for Me!” My mouth dropped open. I didn’t understand what He meant, but looking back, I see so clearly. (Luke 5:10-11, paraphrased)

See, I was an ordinary man, like you. Doubt came easy. Fear, even easier. Passion drove me. Let me explain. One night, the winds were fierce and the waters were overtaking the boat. I, with the others, noticed something out on the water. What is that? A ghost? But suddenly, I knew Who it was! “Jesus, My Lord, if it is you, bid me to come.”

As I stepped onto the treacherous waters, “Come” was the only word I heard. I kept my eyes focused on Him, until I was slipping onto the water. How is this possible? For one brief second, I was walking on water.

The next second, the wind howled and tore against me, the roar of the waves was deafening, and I took my eyes from Jesus . . . “Uh, Jesus help me!” Instantly beside me, Jesus lifted me out of the water and we climbed into the boat. The others began worshipping, “Truly You are the Son of God!” The other disciples knew Who He was. But, did I? (Matthew 14:28-33)

Another time?

“Come, follow Me” were the first words I heard Jesus speak to me. And, on that very day, I became His disciple. Each day, talking and walking with Jesus, I was developing a relationship like no other! I was quickly learning He was exactly Who He claimed! Day after day, I watched as He healed, loved, and shared with others about His Father.

One day, He asked the other disciples, “Who are others saying I am?”.
Without hesitation, everyone began speaking.
“Elijah.”
“A prophet.”
“John the Baptist.”

“But Who do you say I am?” He asked with quiet insistence.
I didn’t hold back for a minute. “Oh, Jesus, You are the Messiah.”

Another question?

“Aren’t you a disciple of the One they call the Messiah?”
I quickly hid beneath my cloak. “You must have mistaken me for someone else.”
Three times, I was asked. And three times, I denied My Lord.
I, who once walked on water, heard teachings to the multitudes, witnessed countless miracles, healings, and the-never-ending-catches-of-fish, I could not even speak His name.
I was one of three disciples to pray with Him in the garden. How could I have done this? Deny the Messiah?

This moment? 

So, I understood the confusion of my inquisitors at this moment. Upon acknowledging their accusations, I saw the elders, rulers, and scribes converse. They seemed to be bewildered as I faced them with the Spirit’s courage and spoke of the very One I denied so many years ago.

“You ask me, by what power? In what name? Until my last breath, I will proclaim Jesus as the One True God. With boldness, I say this man was healed by Jesus, and in His Name.” (Acts 4:7)

One of the Sanhedrin turned to face me. “Um, Peter, well, we do not understand how an uneducated man could say these things to us. We’re going to let you go, but we order you not to speak in His Name again.”

Me? Not speak in Jesus’ Name?
I, who after years spent by His side, knew Jesus as both a man and as my Savior, my Lord?
I, who quickly learned I was loved and forgiven by the One Who carried my sins to the cross?
I, who was called and chosen by The Messiah to carry the Good News across the nations? (Luke 9:20)
I should remain silent? Impossible.

I knew Who He was because I had been truly touched by Jesus! I will remain immovable and unshakeable, just like the name Jesus gave me, the rock upon whom He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18)

But, my sweet friends, how would you answer this question? If I, Peter, a disciple and follower of the Messiah, who also had a deep relationship with Jesus, could truthfully answer this question, can you? Without hesitation, who do you say He is?

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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 Sketched IX 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 Sketched IX!

The GT Weekend! Sketched IV 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!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) We speak countless words every day. Think through your day and estimate the amount of time talking versus the amount of time listening. How would your day look if your speech was stopped? Building in intentional time of silence can be a very effective way to hear from God. Curious as to why silence with God is necessary? Check this out!

2) We see several places in the Bible where faith is the space between logic and the promises of Scripture. Which topic in Scripture causes you to squirm? What do you secretly doubt didn’t actually happen? Perhaps there’s a premise of Scripture you think might not really be true? God is bigger than your doubts and He longs for you to trust Him enough to voice your questions. Finding a safe community to explore and find what the Bible actually has to say is important to our continued growth. Needing help finding someone to talk with, email us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com , we’d love to hear from you!

3) The idea of “there’s no free lunch” permeates our life. It’s difficult to see how salvation could actually be a FREE gift. We don’t need to work and earn our salvation, yet we often consider our perceived value in God’s eyes based on how busy we are doing good things. Where do you see this lie seeping into your life? Are you needing a reminder that Jesus has covered ALL the punishment and paid the price for you to enjoy relationship with Creator God again?

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 Hebrews 11:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

1Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by it our ancestors won God’s approval. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Prayer Journal
O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of all their righteous offspring: You made the heavens and the earth, with all their vast array.

All things quake with fear at your presence; they tremble because of your power. But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. O Lord, you are full of compassion, long-suffering, and abounding in mercy. You hold back your hand; you do not punish as we deserve. In your great goodness, Lord, you have promised forgiveness to sinners, that they may repent of their sin and be saved. And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I know my wickedness only too well. Therefore, I make this prayer to you: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. Do not let me perish in my sin, nor condemn me to the depths of the earth. For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, and in me you will show forth your goodness. Unworthy as I am, you will save me, in accordance with your great mercy, and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.

Taken from the Common Book of Prayers

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

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Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Sketched IV Day 14 Thomas: 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 Thomas!

The Questions

1) Why had the Jews in Judea tried to stone Jesus?

2) Jesus said Lazarus would not die, but he did. Was this double-talk?

3) What was Thomas’ assumption? What was his motivation?

John 11:1-16

11 Now a man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. 3 So the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was. 7 Then after that, he said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.”

8 “Rabbi,” the disciples told him, “just now the Jews tried to stone you, and you’re going there again?”

9 “Aren’t there twelve hours in a day?” Jesus answered. “If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.”

11 He said this, and then he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on my way to wake him up.”

12 Then the disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.”

13 Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought he was speaking about natural sleep. 14 So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. 15 I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

16 Then Thomas (called “Twin”) said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go too so that we may die with him.”

Original Intent

1) Why had the Jews in Judea tried to stone Jesus?
Jesus was in the temple in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah. While there, he was surrounded and harassed by people who demanded to know if He was the Promised Messiah. He responded with clarity, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:22-33) While it may not be obvious to us, to Jesus’ audience, they heard nothing but, “I Am God.” The Jews believed Jesus was blaspheming God by claiming Himself to be equal with God. After all the signs Jesus had shown proving His Holy Other-ness, these Jews still didn’t get it. According to Old Testament law, blasphemers were to be stoned to death; this was their intention and their motivation. (Leviticus 24:16)

2) Jesus said Lazarus would not die but he did. Was this double-talk?
Lazarus was very sick and, as some commentaries conclude, had already died before the messenger even reached Jesus and His disciples to tell them of the illness. Jesus knew He would not make it back to Lazarus in time to keep him from experiencing physical death. However, this event would not ultimately end in death, because Jesus would resurrect Lazarus. By staying away as He did, Jesus ensured that the resurrection would be a miracle beyond miracles for the family and other witnesses who had gathered. This would show the glory of God through Jesus and certainly cause many to believe. Jesus’ plans to bring glory to God and comfort to the ones He loved went far beyond their temporary insistence of what “should” happen.

3) What was Thomas’ assumption? What was his motivation?
Thomas assumed that Jesus’ return to Judea would mean His demise. Surely the Jews would do everything necessary to ensure His stoning was a success this time. His motivation must have been, as D. A. Carson wrote in The Pillar New Testament Commentary on the Gospel of John, “raw devotion and courage.” Thomas was willing to face his own death alongside Jesus, in support of Jesus, with devotion to Jesus.

Everyday Application

1) Why had the Jews in Judea tried to stone Jesus?
Blaspheming – asserting yourself as God – is a sin worthy of death, both in the Old Testament and today. For anyone else in all of history, or in the days to come, to make the statement Jesus made about Himself would indeed be blasphemy. He is the only One who truly is God.
Thomas knew, and believed, Jesus was indeed God. He understood the political tension that existed because not everyone, especially the Pharisees, recognized Jesus for who He really was. Because Thomas realized this, he knew persecution was to be expected. As a believer in the One True God, you can be assured that persecution is still active today. In the United States, it has not yet reached the proportions of other nations, and we consider ourselves blessed. But we should not become complacent; rather, we need to remain steadfast in Christ and aware of the times.

2) Jesus said Lazarus would not die but he did. Was this double-talk?
The story of Lazarus’ resurrection teaches a valuable lesson: in certain circumstances, God may wait to provide help so that when He does, His glory shines more brilliantly! In my own life, He has come through financially several times when I thought I would surely go hungry or lose my car, etc. Can you reflect on an instance of God glorifying Himself through your difficulties? Where are you struggling to trust His way over yours? Take comfort in the solid truth that He will never abandon and is always working for your good and His glory! (Romans 8:27-29)

3) What was Thomas’ assumption? What was his motivation?
Thomas garnered the unfortunate nickname of “the doubter” because of his desire to have visual confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:24-29). Yet, there was no doubt that Thomas was deeply devoted to Jesus. Put yourself in his shoes…would you have been courageous to go with Jesus to Lazarus’ hometown, even if it meant your death? Are you – right at this moment – willing to follow Jesus, even if it means facing dire consequences, persecution, and possibly death? That’s His calling, it’s the cost of discipleship: a willingness to die to self in a hundred different ways in order for the glory of the Lord to be on display in us. He wants all of us, each of us. This is not a journey for the faint of heart, but oh, some days I would rather just sit in my comfortable chair than follow Jesus. Can you relate? Will you pray with me to have fully devoted, courageous hearts full of faith?

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

This is Sketched IV Week Three!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Battle Day 8 The Weapon of Worship

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 73:26
Psalm 150
Romans 8:12-17
Revelation 4 

One day, during my first pregnancy, I was driving home from work talking to my mom about some thoughts I had been wrestling with in regards to miscarriage. I was still very early in my pregnancy, and couldn’t shake the overwhelming fear that something bad was going to happen.

This fear I’m talking about isn’t a normal fear, it was the panic in the middle of the night, breaking out in hives, can’t fully function, paralyzing type of fear.

Since being diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) at the age of eighteen I had done a good amount of research when it came to the subject of pregnancy and one of the most startling facts was that the miscarriage rate was upwards of 40-50%. I tried not to let the numbers get to me, yet this particular day they weighed so heavy, I couldn’t stop myself from going down the destructive path.

You know the one…
The path where you come up with fifty different outcomes to the same problem and each one ends up being worse than the last.
The path where you tell yourself that you are the problem and that everything will be okay as long as you don’t get in the way.

Sisters, why do we do this to ourselves?
Why do we allow the enemy to speak these lies into our minds so often we start believing them?

That day in my car I knew the only way I was going to allow myself to move from the state of paralyzing fear was to turn on music.

But not just any music.
Worship music.

The new Bethel worship album had just come out and hands-down my favorite song was No Longer Slaves. The chorus is simple, but powerful.

‘I’m no longer a slave to fear,
I am a child of God.’

It felt as though the only way my body would relax and allow my breath to become easy, was to play this song on repeat and allow the words to wash over me.

Within a few moments, I felt the life rush back through my veins. 

Worship is an act of total surrender of self, allowing us to find comfort and peace as we praise our Heavenly Father for how good and perfect and holy He is.

Worship allows us to do battle on the front lines of the fight occurring between our flesh and our spirit.

For most people, when they hear the word worship they think of music, which is true, yet there are many more avenues we can travel down in regards to how we worship our Heavenly Father. I have been immersed in church my whole life, which has allowed me to witness the different ways that people worship.

There is so much beauty in worship and depending on the season of life that I am in, I find myself leaning in different directions to wage those frontline fights.

Some battles are similar to the one I described a bit ago, and the only way to find peace is through music.
Some battles require nothing except prayer and thanksgiving to God for what He has done, and what He is going to do.
Some battles call for journaling our life story and allowing God to pour out His goodness and grace over the hardest, most vulnerable places of our being.
It could be something completely different, but the goal should be that we know how to battle confidently through worship regardless of circumstances.

About a month after I had this battle in the car, I found out that Everett’s heart had stopped beating. I vividly remember the emergency room doctor coming into our room and telling us the news. Within an instant the tears came and all I could mutter was “Jesus, Jesus, be here right now. You are a Good Father.”

In the hardest moment of my life thus far I could only turn to my eyes to heaven and tell God that no matter what, I was going to praise Him.

I called out to the Lord in my distress,
and the Lord answered me,
and He put me in a spacious place.
Psalm 118:5

As we left the hospital that day I turned on my phone and a song immediately started to play. This song has been with me for the last twenty-six months as I’ve battled the on-going grieving process, and it never fails to comfort me. It’s a song many of you may know and the chorus goes like this:

“It is well
With my Soul
It is well, it is well with my soul.” 

There were no other words that were needed during the drive home.
God was already working in and through me as I entered into battle that day.
One I wasn’t going to let the enemy win.
Jesus was going to be glorified through it all.
Not because I was so strong, but because,
in my weakness, I threw myself onto the Savior’s strength.

“Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ‘in spirit and in truth.’ Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.”- Elisabeth Elliot

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 Battle 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 Battle!