Encounter

Wilderness Day 6 For The Long Haul

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 33:12-23
Deuteronomy 29:1-15
Matthew 26:36-44

Wilderness, Day 6

When we journey to a new place, we don’t plan on traveling for 40 years, encountering hardship after hardship.

Yet, that’s exactly what happened to the people of Israel.
God delivered them from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 13:17-22), and they began their journey to the land He’d promised.
Then they spent 40 years in the wilderness.

Their wilderness wanderings were marked with struggle and pain and sin . . . and by miracle after miracle, if only the people could recognize them.

Their first wilderness encounter with the God Who Saves is at the edge of the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:5-14) Barely out of Egypt, camped between equally insurmountable obstacles of desert and sea, Israel hears the sound of distant thunder. Turning their eyes from the pillar of cloud embodying God’s presence to the horizon, they see Pharaoh’s army swarming toward them. Panic and horror sweep through the camp, and the people swiftly turn against Moses, the man appointed by God to lead Israel.

But God.
Miracle #1- God parts the sea and holds back the waves so Israel could walk to the other side. (Exodus 14:15-22)
Miracle #1.5- As the Egyptian army attempts to cross, the sea crashes back to its original position and their pursuers drown. (Exodus 14:23-28)

Exhilarated by God’s rescue, Israel turns her face to the Promised Land. According to today’s maps, their journey should have only taken 7-10 days.

Even on this relatively short journey, resources and rations were finite and began to dwindle. When we walk in the wilderness, it’s easy to focus on what is lacking (can you relate?), and so the people turned to grumbling.

But God.
Miracle #2 – Even in the wilderness, there are oases, places of rest and refreshment. God led Israel to Marah, a place of water. Though the water was bitter, God miraculously caused it to become sweet. (Exodus 15:22-25)

Miracle #3 – After a brief stop in Marah, Israel set up camp in Elim, which held 12 springs, with the implication that one had been prepared for each of Israel’s tribes. (Exodus 15:27)

How would you have reacted to this bounty of clean, cool, fresh water after being in the wilderness for about six weeks? Sadly, the Israelites don’t see God’s leading. Instead, they focus on what they lack, even in the midst of God’s miraculous provision. They think their former life of bondage would have been better. (Exodus 16:2-3)

Before we judge too harshly, let’s realize we often do the same. When struggling through a wilderness season, it’s easy to imagine the past season as immensely better than the present . . . even if it was a season of bondage.

But God.
Miracle #4 – Though Israel quickly forgot His faithfulness, rescue, and provision, God still saw them and heard their complaints. Daily, He fed them, giving quail in the evening and manna (a wafer-like bread) in the day. (Exodus 16:4-23) Some people wanted more, deciding they didn’t trust God to provide again tomorrow, so they tried to stock up. However, manna was meant for just one day, and the extra spoiled. How often have we missed God’s perfectly timed provisions because we focus on future worry?
For God does indeed still show up, Sisters, even in our barren and desolate seasons.

Israel continues to grumble and complain, leaning on their own understanding and erecting idols (Exodus 32), yet God holds them.
God faithfully led His ungrateful, rebellious children right up to the Promised Land (Canaan), but, overwhelmed with fear of its inhabitants, they refused to enter. (Numbers 14) They chose disobedience over God’s ideas, and it cost them an entire generation.

Thus began the 40-year road trip.
And the story repeats, over and over.
God miraculously provides, protects, and empowers Israel as He leads them through the wilderness, from victory in battle to shoes and clothes that don’t wear out. (Deuteronomy 29:5) Yet, time and again, His faithfulness and provision are quickly forgotten as His people choose sin and self.

Sometimes, we may realize our own wilderness is due, at least in part, to our sin and our choice to follow our way instead of God’s. This realization is always painful. Yet God, in His faithful love, remains with us just as He was with Israel.

While we may not wander in an actual desert, wilderness seasons remain part of our lives. My prayer is to not miss God in the midst of them. And not be so stubborn (yes, even when I am feeling desolate and empty) that my attitude causes me to stay in the wilderness for what seems like a generation.

How should we respond when finding ourselves in the wilderness?

Look for God-moments in the midst of what feels like aimless wandering. He’s active, don’t miss Him!
Focus on intentionally looking for His hand, for He will keep us from falling into despair.
Lean into Scripture, for even Jesus, God Himself made manifest, relied on Scripture in His wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 26:36-44)
Cling to the certain knowledge that Emmanuel, our God-with-us, is present every step of our wilderness, providing for us, rescuing us, and leading us home.

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Worship IX Day 15 The God Who Is

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
Exodus 34:4-9
Isaiah 57:15-20
Colossians 1:3-23
Revelation 5

Worship IX, Day 15

It was a quid pro quo arrangement with God.
My part was excellence on all points in Christian living;
His was to deliver my version of the blessed and beautiful Christian life.

Despite my quest for perfect performance, my only consistent accomplishment was failure. I was caught in a self-defeating, self-inflicted trap. My expectations and reality were worlds apart, resulting in a brutal head-on collision. I slumped in the wreckage of disappointment, a casualty of my own deception. Had I misunderstood Him; did I even truly know Him?

My disillusionment led me to Scripture, where I encountered the tender, yet terrifying God Who Is. 

I found God reveals Himself in seemingly-opposing ways.
He honors humans with intimate friendship, yet acts independently,
delineating His realm of existence; we are creatures, He is Creator.
In divine wisdom, He takes action, reinstating order where humans create chaos,
all the while working out His redemptive plan for humanity.

The Creator “walk[ed] in the garden at the time of the evening breeze” with Adam and Eve in Eden. (Genesis 3:8)
He also banished them from Eden following their rebellion. (Genesis 3:22-24)

In Noah, He confided His regret in creating mankind, and His plan to decimate creation with a deluge, restarting with Noah and his family. He dictated instructions for their ark of rescue, then proceeded with the deluge. (Genesis 6, 7, 8, 9)

He chose a pagan named Abram, renamed him Abraham, and honored him with covenants and promises. God called Abraham His friend, yet clearly illustrated to Abraham that his Friend was the Divine Power. God made shocking demands of Abraham, yet in the process, sketched His overarching plan for humanity’s redemption. (Learn more about Abraham in Genesis 11-25)

He shepherded Abraham’s descendants through multiple generations, revealing Himself by the name “I AM” to Moses, and honoring Moses with the first character description of Himself. (Exodus 3) Once again, when the evil of mankind had reached His limits, “I AM” stepped in, restoring order, wielding judgement, and delivering Israel by His bared, holy arm. (Learn more about God’s rescue of Israel in Exodus 1-14)

“I AM” guided Israel by a pillar of cloud and fire, protected them, and established them as a nation. He called men and women who followed Him for bold missions, feats of valor, and fearless preaching. Prophets foretold “I AM” would come in human form. His mission would be to redeem fallen humanity. (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Weathered sages scratched truth-filled messages and prophetic visions onto sacred scrolls. Once again, they told of “I AM,” Who seeks tender friendship with mankind, yet, remains “in a high and holy place.” (Isaiah 57:15)

He speaks comfort, extends lovingkindness, and powerfully protects. (Isaiah 41:8-11)
In the same breath, He holds mankind accountable for their choices. Once again, “I AM” emblazons the distinction between mankind and Himself. (Isaiah 40–41)

All the while, “I AM” is weaving together our redemption, revealing with uncanny clarity His jaw-dropping plan to redeem mankind by coming in human form as their Passover Lamb. (Isaiah 53)

Prophetic words came true; “I AM” arrived as “God with us.”
The Holy Spirit divinely fathered Jesus in Mary’s womb. (Matthew 1:18-23)
He lived a common, yet wholly uncommon life; fully human, fully God. Jesus championed authentic religion marked by ongoing compassion for the helpless and hopeless while offending the elite with truth. He revealed His divine power and identity simply to undergird the tenderly flowering faith of His followers and underscore His bold assertions, He was eternity’s “I AM” in human form.

He was “I AM” submitting to the slashing whip and criminal’s crucifixion.
God, slaughtered as the unblemished Passover Lamb. (Matthew 26-27)

“I AM,” “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth” (Exodus 34:6), so accessible and relatable— so killable. He was born to die, all while remaining God and conquering death. Resurrection Day both seals and celebrates His resounding victory! (Matthew 28)

Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, His disciples were freshly empowered by the truth and His indwelling Holy Spirit. (Acts 2) So, they turned the world upside-down with the gospel. In a stunning vision, the aging Apostle John received a glimpse into Heaven’s throne-room where his Friend awaits. It was Him! Israel’s Passover Lamb; Judah’s warring Lion; his Friend, Jesus of Nazareth, the Great “I AM”! (Learn more about John’s vision in the book of Revelation)

Dwelling in holy friendship with such other-worldly majesty—how can it be?  What does He want with us?

Simply, He wants us.
The stunning truth is that dwelling amidst His holy thunder, communing with “I AM” as Friend with friend, is a reality available to all who are unafraid to press in and follow Him in trusting obedience. (Isaiah 57:15-21, Micah 4:1-8, James 4:4-10)

We will never understand Him; He is incomprehensible.

We will never grasp the magnificent condescension of His redemptive work on our behalf.  However, like the heavenly throng, the unnerving eye-covered creatures and the Apostle himself, we too can gaze transfixed upon the Victorious Lamb, joining the unending chorus, crying, “Blessing and honor and glory and power [. . . ] be to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5: 9-14)

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Ready Day 8 Living Ready

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
1 Peter 3:13-22
Ephesians 6:10-20

Ready, Day 8

I am notorious for waiting until a deadline is looming before I actively work on a project. I may ponder my approach to the work for quite some time, but I start it early.

I have always been this way: school assignments, work tasks, writing projects. I find my creative juices flow better as the deadline approaches. The upcoming finish line helps me focus and plan my time accordingly. I have found success in my methodology.

This deadline approach, however, is most definitely not for everyone! I’m sorry if reading the first few paragraphs caused you stress. Fortunately, I recognize there is value in learning to approach tasks with a more immediate timeline.

My system has worked so well for me that I’ve failed to comprehend what it would be like to be proactive from the start of a project. As if the Lord knew I could benefit from experiencing that perspective, He introduced me to my now-husband who, as you may have guessed, is the exact opposite of me. The deadline for a project is weeks away? Great, let’s start working after lunch.

We’re still navigating our unique differences in this arena, but I’m thankful I’m able to see how we balance each other out, and how I’ve grown from that. Our story also gifted me helpful insight into how I may more effectively live ready.

Living ready is a daily process, one in which initiative and deadline coexist.

Today is what I have. Because death is my ultimate deadline, I cannot live like I have countless days left. While I’m certain of my eternity in heaven with Jesus, my earthly tomorrow is not guaranteed.

I may live for several more decades with innumerable experiences
and immeasurable moments to share the love of the Lord.
Or today may be my last.

Just pondering this convicts me. How did I spend my time today? Did I live by the instruction the Lord gave me in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6, treating today as an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and shine for Him??

Not consciously, no.

It’s evening as I write this. Had this been my last day on earth, though successful by earthly standards, I would be disappointed in how I lived it. I see room for growth in my daily connection with the Lord. His gentle conviction highlights my lack of interactions with Him throughout the day. It reminds me of Psalm 119:36 which says, “turn my heart to Your decrees”. I’m invited to “take up the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13) so I can start and finish my days stronger.

I have experienced seasons in which Christ is my first waking thought.  I’ve discovered the beauty of quickly confessing sin and watching the Lord enable me to sin less by drawing me closer to Him. Submitting and surrendering to the Lord’s plan and guidance has never failed me. It hasn’t always made life easy, but I’ve never regretted obeying His leading.

I’ve also traversed seasons where “living ready” presented challenges, such as prayer and time in the Word not coming easily. I admit I find myself in such a season now. Much change over the last year has shattered routines, including my consistent time with the Lord.

Perhaps you can relate, Sister? In the Lord’s presence, take a moment to consider your daily routine. Ask Him to show you when and how He might be drawing you closer to His heart, or nudging you to share Him with another. (1 Peter 3:15) Let’s seek the Lord for greater awareness of His Spirit moving in our lives, and a tender heart to respond in readiness.

Writing this journey reminds me of the great need to live ready: expectant to encounter the Lord, ready to share the gospel in word and deed, ready to walk out the day with the Lord for His glory.

Oh Lord, help.
I acknowledge that my heart feels dry and I am scraping the bottom of my emotional energy tank. I know You are the source of life and, apart from You, I can do nothing. Would you please draw me to You? I long to obey and meet with You.

As I put forth the effort to find You, I’m claiming the promise that You will be found by me when I search for You with all of my heart. (Jeremiah 29:13-14) Help me approach You with initiative in the morning and live my life as though evening is my deadline. Help me delight in Your presence and rest in Your arms as I move throughout the day.

More of You, Lord, more of You.
To You be the glory.
AMEN.

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Reveal Day 9 Sudden Peace: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) What is the glory of the Lord? (verse 9)

2) How can we give glory to God like the angels did? (verse 14)

3) What do the angels mean with “peace on earth” when there are still so many struggles, trial, and war? (verse 14)

Luke 2:8-14

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!

Original Intent

1) What is the glory of the Lord? (verse 9)
Defining the glory of the Lord is not easy to do! How do you define something with human language that is untouchable and belonging solely to the divine? Looking at the content of these verses (like the verb ‘shone’), the words ‘glory of the Lord’ may have been used to describe an incredibly bright light. It was so bright the shepherds were terrified of its presence. A similar event happened when the angel of the Lord rolled away the stone at Jesus’ resurrection and the soldiers “became as dead men” in the presence of such outstanding glory and light so radiant it was described as “lightning”. (Matthew 28:3-4) The light shining around the angels at Jesus’ resurrection and His birth was brighter than we can even begin to imagine. So great was this reflection of God’s righteous glory, it terrified witnesses!

2) How can we give glory to God like the angels did? (verse 14)
In verse 14, the angels deliver the shepherds their message of the Messiah’s arrival and they give glory to God in doing so. Looking at what we previously discovered about the glory of the Lord, it seems rather impossible at first glance to give ‘light’ back to God. This use of “glory”, though the same Greek word, means something a little different given the particular context. What does remain the same is the straight definition of glory in Greek which carries the idea of the highest pronouncement of what is good and holy. In essence, “glory” is the good righteous holiness of God on display for us to see and interact with. This makes a lot more sense when we hear the word ‘glory’ in the context of verse 14. The angel here tells us to give praise and honour unto God for He has sent His Son into the world to save us.

3) What do the angels mean with “peace on earth” when there are still so many struggles, trial, and war? (verse 14)
The shepherds, though cultural outcasts, were still acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and understood the implications of the angels’ message of “peace on earth”. In Isaiah 9:6 it is prophesied that Jesus would be known as the “Prince of Peace”. Isaiah also foretold that, while “the result of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17), there would be “no peace for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22) Even these shepherds understood that, for God’s people, there would be peace because “the Lord blesses His people with peace” (Psalm 29:11). God had long ago laid the foundation of prophecies and His truth to be unfolded and later understood as the world welcomed the promised Messiah who would hold out salvation to all people, regardless of cultural status or difficult circumstance. Those who follow the Lord will have peace within them wherever they are, no matter the situation.

Everyday Application

1) What is the glory of the Lord? (verse 9)
While the glory of the Lord in today’s verses are referring to God’s brightness and His light, the word translated ‘glory’ is also used in Acts 22:11 in similar fashion. In this verse, Paul tells the story of his radical encounter with the risen Jesus. He describes seeing a bright light that instantly blinded him as he traveled to Damascus, intent on imprisoning and killing Christians. His intentions were fully against the Lord God, but he was left blind for three days from the glorious light of God. The King James Version reads, “And when I could not see for the glory of that light…” (emphasis mine). The Christian Standard Bible translates the Greek word “glory” directly into “brightness”. “Since I (Paul) couldn’t see because of the brightness of the light…” (emphasis mine) This closer study of the word “glory” and its intended meaning helps us understand the shepherds’ experience on that dark night. The lowly group of sheep herders witnessed an enormous bright light which itself reflected the character of God and they were forever changed. Just like Saul on the road to Damascus, the trajectory of his life was radically made new as he was renamed Paul and given a new mission. Has Jesus changed your life? Have you ever truly encountered His glory?

2) How can we give glory to God like the angels did? (verse 14)
In his gospel, John describes Jesus as being the Light of the world. In Colossians, Paul writes that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God”. (Colossians 1:15) The author of Hebrews says Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature.” (Hebrews 1:3) Jesus is God’s glory on display in human form for us to interact with and experience. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, His light becomes ours and we shine for Him. When we love like Jesus, when we worship Him in song, when we speak with kindness, show His compassion, and come alongside others as God has done for us, we are “giving glory to God”. We actually are giving His light back to Him because we are reflecting the Light He first gave us! Philippians 2:11 says, “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Confessing Jesus as Lord mirrors God’s glory back to Him. Paul also wrote that Jesus (and therefore God) is glorified by asking God through prayer to make us worthy of His calling and to fulfill our every desire to do good by His power (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). So, by confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, and by fulfilling God’s calling in faith, we give God glory!

3) What do the angels mean with “peace on earth” when there are still so many struggles, trial, and war? (verse 14)
Although the world can seem like a crazy place; when we have Jesus, we do have peace. Why? Because Jesus Himself brings the gift of peace. He tells us, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27) He warns us that life will not be easy, and will be filled with sorrow and suffering, but to prepare us for the troubles to come, He gives us peace. (John 16:33) Paul writes, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) He even refers to God in Heaven as our “God of peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20). Perfect peace is only found through Jesus Christ. Whenever we feel overwhelmed by the chaos and confusion in this world, we need to turn to Him who gave up His life for us, so we might have eternal life… and peace! Amen.

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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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Blessed Day 8 Blessed Are The Merciful

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 30:18-19
Matthew 9:18-22
Matthew 5:3-10
1 John 1:5-10

Blessed, Day 8

She could feel the atmosphere of the group change. The crowd drew closer to the street and the volume began to swell. He was coming closer.

Jesus, the one who had brought healing to so many, was coming. She joined the crush of people as they drew closer to where He would be crossing in front of them. Maybe, just maybe, I can reach out as He passes by. Maybe just touching the hem of His garment will bring healing.             

Desperation spurred her on. Twelve years of questions as the blood refused to stop. Years of being called unclean and hope dwindling with each attempt to find healing. She surged forward, ducking under arms and dodging feet, defying all social norms. She reached the edge of the crowd just as Jesus crossed before her.

The force of the crowd pushed her closer and enabled her fingers to graze His garment. He immediately stopped and turned to look behind Him. His eyes caught hers and held her attention. She sensed He knew her thoughts, yet no fear washed over her.

“Have courage, daughter. Your faith has saved you.” (Matthew 9:22)

The compassion in His eyes, and the loving tone of His words, felt like a compilation of all the love and inclusion she had missed out on for the last twelve years. She felt her chin rising as her confidence grew. Everything had changed. Time would prove all the changes, but she knew this encounter with Christ would forever be with her.

This is all Scripture shares of her story. Back then, there were no reality shows to visit the woman a year later to learn all about her new life. However, the lack of information challenges and encourages me more than knowing every detail of her transformation. Instead of focusing on the outcome, we set our eyes and hearts on her encounter with Christ.

In Matthew 5, Jesus declared the merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. In verse 7, the Greek word for “mercy” is eleos, which emphasizes a deep, gut-level response to someone’s suffering, even beyond compassion. On the flip side, a person with a cry for this level of mercy is one who recognizes her complete incapability to help herself.

The story in the Word of the woman with the blood issue is a perfect example of giving and receiving eleos, mercy.

The suffering woman’s desperation for healing must have been incredible. The combination of hope for healing through Jesus mixed with the panic of what might happen if the opportunity was lost created a desperation cocktail that would have left others frozen in fear.

Yet, she moved forward with courageous faith and complete awareness of her need. Jesus was her last and only hope. In the end, she received mercy and healing.

In healing this woman, Jesus demonstrated how to pour out mercy. True eleos mercy is sourced from heart depths, not just head strength. It is empathy, not sympathy.

When Jesus healed the woman, it was not because she had anything to offer Him in return. Therefore, this was not a business transaction.

The woman did not formally ask for healing or present any logical arguments as to why she should receive healing and mercy, so this was not an intellectual interaction.

No, this was the Lord responding with intense compassion for this woman. This short encounter carried with it a depth of heart, which is the foundation of the mercy referenced in the Beatitudes. The original Greek word for “mercy” describes this deep level of heart response.

Does anyone else yearn for this level of mercy from the Lord, while also feeling overwhelmed by our complete incapability to pour out this mercy on others without His help? The source of this spirit-deep, gut-wrenching mercy, whether for ourselves or extended to others, is God alone.

Lord, today I humble myself before You. I cannot earn Your mercy. I cannot manipulate a response from You. Forgive me for the times I have approached You with wrong mindsets, Lord. 

Only You can bring my healing. Regardless of my current need, only You can make me whole. Abba, I cry out to You today with surrender, leaving the outcome of this prayer and Your method and timing of response in Your hands. You know what saving me looks like in this moment, and a year from now. 

Lord, teach me how to receive Your mercy in my desperation and create in me a heart longing to share the same mercy I have received. May I become a vessel through which You answer others’ cries for mercy. Attune my heart to sense Your compassion for those around me. 

Thank You for knowing the beginning from the end and for loving me from the depths of Your heart. May You be glorified, Lord.
Amen.

So let it be.

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Blessed Day 7 Blessed Are The Hungry And Thirsty: 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 Blessed Are The Hungry And Thirsty!

The Questions

1) Who are the thirsty? (verse 1)

2) What are the things that do not satisfy? (verse 2)

3) How is the “permanent covenant” related to the faithful kindness of David? (verse 3)

Isaiah 55:1-3

“Come, everyone who is thirsty,
come to the water;
and you without silver,
come, buy, and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without silver and without cost!
2 Why do you spend silver on what is not food,
and your wages on what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and you will enjoy the choicest of foods.
3 Pay attention and come to me;
listen, so that you will live.
I will make a permanent covenant with you
on the basis of the faithful kindnesses of David.

Original Intent

1) Who are the thirsty? (verse 1)
Verse 1 is full of imperatives, including a call to action for all who are thirsty. “Come to the water (…), come, buy, and eat (…) without cost.” The open invitation calls aloud to all who thirst. Note how the speaker already has gifts ready to distribute, delicious food and drink, water and wine. This prophecy of invitation and plenty comes in the midst of Israel’s exile into captivity at the hands of the Babylonian empire. They were a people removed from their homeland because of their sinful rebellion against God. They wanted to go home, they wanted to be restored, they wearied of not being able to worship Yahweh in their temple. They longed to return with a longing that felt like hunger and thirst. Isaiah writes how the invitation is for both common (water) and luxury (wine and milk) items, both are offered without pay, but also accompanied with a sense of urgency to accept all the free gifts being held out. Old Testament Bible scholar, Leupold, writes, “It may be said that the spiritual gifts hinted at of food and drink are all incorporated in one concept, the Word of God.” Those who are thirsty are those who have a conscious need to be fulfilled. Thirst represents a deep longing for spiritual fulfillment. Jesus picks up this Old Testament thread of hungering and thirsting when He preaches the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the beatitude in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” In the Old Testament, Isaiah’s invitation was specifically for the Jew. Jesus’ invitation, however, broadens to encompass all to come and partake of the provision of grace where the only requirement is to be thirsty. God is summoning the exiled to end their separation from Yahweh, despite their physical circumstances of living in a foreign land. The Lord cares most about their hearts! The exiles are to come to the water (Isaiah 12:3) where God may be encountered.

2) What are the things that do not satisfy? (verse 2)
Before Israel was take away into captivity, her people had wasted their time, energy, and resources searching for satisfaction. God’s chosen people had forsaken the joy of fellowship with Him, instead spending all they had in a vain search for satisfaction and deliverance from their feelings of “longing for more”, all apart from God. The end result of their rebellion against God and worship of idols led to their exile. This nation with many talented people devoted their efforts to acquiring things of far lesser value when compared to intimate connection with God. They made great attempts to make themselves comfortable and pursue their physical wants over their spiritual needs. WHY?! The prophet Isaiah cries aloud with anguish, “why spend money on what cannot satisfy?!” (Isaiah 55:2) These things are not the Bread of Life! (John 6:35) Even dating back to before the Ten Commandments given to Moses, the Lord God made known to His children, who would become the nation Israel, “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) Yet, here was Israel, centuries later, working to fill their hunger pangs with unsatisfying, temporal things of this earth, and it left them empty. The Lord knew from very beginning the Garden of Eden that true satisfaction and deep lasting joy are found only in wholeness of right relationship with Himself. Despite their rebellion against Him, God still extended an open invitation to His people to return to Him for their sustenance and satisfaction. He promised to faithfully provide for those who returned to Him. Jesus, who called Himself the Bread of Life, gave a similar invitation when He linked the imagery of water and bread with His providence of eternal life to all who believed in Him for salvation. (John 4:10-14)

3) How is the “permanent covenant” related to the faithful kindness of David? (verse 3)
Jesus said in John 6:63, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life”. God’s invitational call to come and be satisfied by Him is a call to be filled with His own life, as He is the very author of all life. All who respond to His invitation are welcomed into a “permanent covenant” relationship with God, which began with Abraham, and continued through the King David. In Old Testament times, a covenant was a legally binding promise. If either party broke their end of the vow, they gave permission for the other party to literally cut them in half. Talk about serious! God established a covenant with David by promising that one of David’s descendants would always sit on the throne. Ultimately, this was infinitely fulfilled when Christ was born, taking His place as the long-awaited Messiah who would rule God’s kingdom forever. Matthew 1:1 names Jesus as the son of David proving his royal origin, while also naming him the son of Abraham proving He was an Israelite. Both point unequivocally to Christ as the rightful King of all kings. David had nothing to offer God, but God initiated a rich covenant with him. Once, David was only a shepherd boy, but God cut a covenant with him, promising to build the lineage of Christ through his line and usher in a kingdom that would never end!

Everyday Application

1) Who are the thirsty? (verse 1)
As Jesus made clear in His sermon, the invitation to freely receive the blessings of a full relationship with Him is available to all who hunger and thirst for His righteousness. In Christ, there is enough for all. All are welcome to be filled by Him! We all know what it feels like to be physically hungry or thirsty, but what of longing for righteousness? Where God gives grace, He gives the thirst. Be assured that because God has given the good grace gift of His salvation, of relationship with Him, and communion with Him through His Holy Spirit, He also provides a hungering desire. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalm 34:8) He is waiting to be known by each of us, He is pursuing our hearts, He created us with “eternity in our hearts” that we might seek Him. We each have a “hungering for more”, but how will we attempt to satisfy? More material possessions? More friendships? More likes on social media? More money in the bank account? More freedom in our relationships? Or, more of Jesus? Perhaps you view Christianity as a religion of restrictions with long lists of “do’s and don’ts” and negative commandments. Contrary to this perception, the joys, peace, freedom, and victory available in relationship with Christ are precious beyond description. Too often we look for happiness and security in being entertained, our career, or spending money for things that don’t bring permanent satisfaction. Our hunger for more should cause us to “open our mouths to God, and let Him fill us.” (Psalm 81:10) Worldly pleasure will not satisfy that deep longing. Just as a person’s body cannot live without water, our hearts cannot be satisfied apart from God. It is not a religious cliché when a believer says, “God satisfies”. Depth of relationship with God is the secret of authentic soul satisfaction. Remove the obstructions, tear down the barriers, and let your soul find the fulfillment of its deepest longings in fellowship with God. “Come, buy without money and without cost.” Relationship with Jesus is FREE!!!!! Though it’s cost is inestimable, it is given freely by God Himself!

2) What are the things that do not satisfy? (verse 2)
If you just had an amazing, elegant meal, walking away filled to the brim, you aren’t interested in another lavish meal. In a similar fashion, those satisfied with the palate of the world, see no need of Christ, they do not thirst. There is no uneasiness about their souls. Yet, ironically, they still actively search for “more”. They have become accustomed to dining on the food the world offers, and aren’t aware of all they are missing by feeding on the life of Christ. Without a realization of brokenness or an awareness of never truly being “filled”, there will be no desire to seek beyond the plain fare provided by the world and its allures. Our wants are beyond number, but apart from Christ, we have nothing to truly supply them. If Christ and heaven are ours, we are indebted forever to His free grace as He generously gives us satisfaction and delight in Him. The world comes short of our expectations; we are disappointed. But Christ outdoes our expectations! The gifts of God are of such that no price can be set. They are already paid for by His work on the cross. Christ purchased our salvation fully with His blood. All the pleasures of the world will not yield solid comfort and contentment to our soul, only Jesus! Let the disappointments we face drive us to Christ and seek our satisfaction in HIM Alone.  Only then shall we find rest, peace, and comfort for our souls. Are you getting what you want from life? Have you found satisfaction that doesn’t fade? What are you chasing, aside from Jesus, that you are expecting to fulfill you?

3) How is the “permanent covenant” related to the faithful kindness of David? (verse 3)
All God’s mercies are covenant mercies, they are purchased by Him, they are promised by Him, and out of His hand they are given to us. (Ephesians 1:7-8) On our own, we cannot find salvation, which is available through the Living Water and Bread of Life, foretold in this passage of Isaiah, and brought to fullness in the flesh of Christ Jesus, who is fully human and fully divine. Christ is the fullness of the covenant that was promised to David. He is the one who unveils the mystery of salvation. (Ephesians 1:9) No one comes to the Father, but through Jesus, the embodiment of the long-ago promise declaring One would come who would forever conquer Death with His Life. (John 14:6)  The Lord’s covenant with Abraham and David extends to all people, including you and me, as was foretold in Isaiah’s prophecy. This is not the covenant of works, but the covenant of grace, and it’s founded in the everlasting love of God, according to His eternal purposes. (Ephesians 1:4, Isaiah 42:6) We are to receive Jesus fully, taking in His life as our own. Isaiah’s invitation is for us, “Come! Buy without money! Eat and be satisfied!”

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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!

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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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Sola Day 3 The Ordinary Man

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-10
Matthew 19:16-26
Genesis 2:18-2

Sola, Day 3

An avid storyteller and musician.
A man passionate about marriage, family, and hospitality.
A sinner desperately aware of the futility of a lifetime’s efforts to produce his own righteousness . . .
. . . and a redeemed child of the King, dedicated to sharing the freedom and forgiveness he received from his Father.

Martin Luther lived in the 16th century, heading the Protestant movement across Europe. He is most famously known for presenting 95 theses to Roman Catholic leaders in 1517, igniting a larger “reformation” of the church. And yet, even in light of this great impact, Luther’s journey is still simple and relatable . . . the journey of an ordinary man.

As a young man, caught in the midst of an intense storm and facing death, Luther cried out to the Lord to save him. Motivated by such a powerful encounter with his living God, Luther decided to join a monastic community and commit his life to God. He awoke early, praying without ceasing, fasting, and reflecting.

Yet, despite his best efforts to uphold the rituals of monastic life, he was plagued by heavy despair. Luther was deeply disturbed by the realization his life of religious pursuit was not earning him righteousness. Instead, he harbored deepening self-hatred born of his unrelenting and unsuccessful war against his flesh.

Have you walked the same road, dear friend?
Have you tried to force yourself to do better, to be better, holier, more righteous?
And when you inevitably fail, have you redoubled your doomed efforts as you begin to hate every bit of who you are?

Then you know.

Separated from the Father’s forgiveness and grace, hopelessness descends in a black, suffocating fog.

During this time, Luther earned a teaching position at the University of Wittenberg. Delving deeply into the Scriptures, Luther was gripped by the books of Psalms and Romans. He was faced with the reality of Jesus Christ, and the truth that His blood covers all of our sins, giving us freedom in obedience.

Luther realized salvation comes through no religious ritual, or any other
source, outside of Jesus himself.
Forgiveness, salvation, and righteousness,
Found in Christ alone.
Through faith alone.
By grace alone.
Revealed through the Spirit-inspired Word of God alone.
To the glory of God alone.

As the light of understanding dawned in his heart, Luther exclaimed, “At last meditating day and night, by the mercy of God, I [. . .] began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith […] Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through the gates that had been flung open.”

Can you feel it, friend? 

Lost in hopelessness, weighed down to a breaking point by the impossible burden of perfection, wounded again, and again, and again by the accuser (or your own thoughts) . . . Suddenly, three words reverberate through the fog around you.

“It is finished.”

The clamor of self-flagellating accusations is silenced by a deafening CRACK as the shackles binding you to the crushing weight of your sin and failed righteousness break and fall away.

As the swirling mist begins to lighten, you are able to make out Someone approaching. He crouches before your crumpled self, wrapping a scarred hand around your own. “My child,” He says with gentle authority, “you are free. I carried your sin burden to My cross, and I left it behind in My empty tomb. My righteousness is now your own. Accept My grace and walk in faith.” This was Luther encountering the freedom found in Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone, in Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone.

Longing for his fellow believers to experience the same transformation unto freedom, Luther clearly outlined his newfound understanding of salvation in the publication of the 95 Theses. His theses spread across Europe, calling the church to eliminate practices distorting the New Testament’s teaching on the truth of salvation in Christ. Eyes everywhere were opened to the authority, power, and sovereignty of Christ and His role as head of the church.

Yet, despite his fame, Luther remained a simple man devoted to his family. With his wife, Katharina, and their six children, he shared his passion for music, story, and the grace and joy found in following Christ.

In fact, Martin and Katie Luther were influential in changing cultural perspectives on marriage and family. Fighting prevailing views of marriage as a distraction from the holy, Luther argued for the sacred nature of a God-centered marriage, explaining: “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage” (Robinson, 2017).

The Luthers’ approach to family portrayed it as an important, God-given gift, shaping us to be more like Christ. Their home was warm, lively, and full of joy.

The Luther family continued to put feet to their faith as they often welcomed others into their home, housing orphans and ministry leaders. Their gift of hospitality was clear and rooted in their love for the Father.

The true peak of Luther’s life wasn’t the Theses, nor his lifelong public ministry. Rather, he most treasured the moments spent in quiet communion with the Father, listening to His voice and experiencing His love. Martin would often wake before sunrise and sit with the Prince of Peace, even through the intensity of depression and sickness. In the face of trials, he gained strength and endurance in Christ alone.

As Luther’s life testifies, our Father’s love is steadfast and transforms our hearts and lives, from our most intimate interactions with those closest to us to our most public efforts to share the forgiveness, grace, and hope we find in God alone.

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Sketched VI Day 5 Paula

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 46
Isaiah 40:21-31
Isaiah 41:8-14
Colossians 3:12-17

Sketched VI, Day 5

My parents were both raised with Catholic backgrounds, but never attended services.  As a result, I was unfamiliar with anything involving religion as a young child. However, when I was in grade school, a friend invited me to a Christmas service at his church. That was my first time encountering any type of worship. I was hooked and my curiosity grew. When he moved away, I was unable to go back to church until I began high school and started driving.

After the Christmas service, my friend and I attended the youth services and I really started honing-in on what Christianity was all about. I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the idea of a God who died for MY sins, who loves each one of us as His creation, despite our brokenness. I loved going each week and seeing the new friends I was making…
Each friend has a story and a background; some very different than mine, but some very similar.

After my friend moved, I stopped attending church and kind of felt like that entire season of my life was a dream; I forgot about God. In high school, before I started driving, I met a girl in band class who was involved in her youth group. She invited me to go with her and I was reintroduced to Christ, but this time, it stuck.

After I graduated from high school, I decided to go back to my now-current church where I volunteered in kids’ ministry, worship, and met more Christ-followers, which led to my baptism in May of 2016.

After being baptized, I started taking my relationship with Christ seriously.  I studied Scripture and listened to online sermons from other churches. I attended every Sunday service I could and stayed actively engaged in serving.

However, I was also on a teeter-totter after a relationship break up, a big move away from home, several deaths, and the loss of a job I loved. I definitely kept Jesus at arm’s length.
I wanted Him around, but I also wanted nothing to do with Him. I considered myself “Christian,” but I had drifted away from a deep relationship with Jesus and His followers.

After several months of skipping church, I “woke up” and returned. I saw the director of volunteers (my now-mentor) from afar, and avoided her. I felt like she was someone who could “see into my soul” and would know everything about my emotional and spiritual turmoil.

But God’s plan was bigger than my fear!
One week, she caught up with me after service, and after meeting later in follow-up, she connected me with the worship team.

I was incredibly happy!
I was FINALLY part of a middle school worship band ministry like I had dreamed of for YEARS. My way of communicating with God was through music, almost as if I had written the lyrics I was singing. God and I were chit-chatting as if we were best pals; I loved every single moment of it. 

I was on my way home from a full day of serving at church when I was involved in a car accident. I vaguely remember getting home after the accident and feeling that something wasn’t right. I collapsed to the floor in my front entryway, barely making it inside my house. I went to the ER, had scans done, and received terrifying news the next morning:
“You have a shadow on your brain.”

Strong words I will never forget.

Several weeks later, after my first seizure and losing my vision, I had emergency surgery to remove a good portion of this “shadow.”

More strong words: 
Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Grade 3 brain cancer

Following surgery, I wasn’t myself. I was so angry!
I refused to listen to or play music, knowing I’d hear God’s voice.
He was the last person I wanted to speak with.

I had so many questions for the Lord:
If we had such a great thing going, why throw a wrench in my plans by taking away my joy and dream? Why make me learn to trust You all over again?  

While I don’t have all the answers to my questions, this past year has brought deep spiritual growth I didn’t realize I was desperately craving.

Since my diagnosis last November, the Lord has brought people into my life for whom I’ve prayed since my teenage years. Both were strangers I’d connected with and are now as close as family.

My love for Christ has grown deeper than I ever imagined possible.  Even though I struggle with trusting Him, He has never left my side. Even though I prayed, and lost patience when I wasn’t given exactly what I’d wanted, He has never failed to give me something better.

Today, I have such a grand appreciation for life, friends, family, my church community, worship, music, gifts, God, and the list goes on. There are so many hardships God has brought me through, though He had no obligation. He has reminded me HE is good, even in the midst of darkness.

I get comments all the time about how “brave” and “courageous” I’ve been or questions about where my positivity comes from.
It didn’t happen overnight, but God drew near.

God has more for me to discover!
More songs to sing, and more people to meet and help them come to faith.

The enemy tried to silence me.
The enemy tried to discourage me.
The enemy tried to steal my joy.
The enemy tried to stop God’s work in me.

BUT GOD
Changed everything.

October 7th, 2018.
The day that changed my life forever.
The day I so badly wish had never happened, but am so thankful it did.
A day that could’ve ended everything, but here I am.
. . .  because He’s not finished with me yet.

His words.
His truth.
His song within my heart.
These give me courage and hope.


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

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

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Open Day 1 Unlikely Reach

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 14:12-14
Matthew 25:34-40
Romans 12:13-20
Isaiah 58:6-12

Open, Day 1

As a child, I loved the story of Zacchaeus, and as an adult I am still intrigued by this short man who had an amazing experience with Jesus.

His encounter is recorded in the Gospel of Luke 19:1-10. We don’t know a lot about Zacchaeus, but he is an interesting character, the kind that is fun to cast in the Sunday School play or Jesus movie.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Actually, he was the Chief Tax Collector. He was wealthy and powerful, but hated among his own people, the Jews. Zacchaeus was a traitor of his own nationality, working for the Roman Empire who had overthrown and occupied the country. Zacchaeus not only collected taxes from his Jewish countrymen, but he also exploited and stole from them.

Zacchaeus was wealthy, not because he was a skilful businessman, but because he was a criminal. His people hated him. He didn’t have friends outside of his team of tax collecting crooks.

But there was something in Zacchaeus that drew him to find out more about Jesus. Being a short man, he climbed a tree along the way of Jesus’ travel plans so he could get a good look at Jesus. Perhaps there was something in Zacchaeus’ heart that was soft to the Spirit of God; something drawing him to seek a deeper meaning to life than wealth.

No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The Father is not willing that any should perish (Matthew 18:14). Even Zacchaeus, a man who was hard and powerful and rich, felt the need in his soul to explore a Saviour.

When Jesus passed by the tree that Zacchaeus was hiding in, He stopped, noticed him, and invited Himself over for a shared meal. Jesus showed acceptance and grace to Zacchaeus. He wasn’t deterred by Zacchaeus’ reputation, his criminal activity or the aghast reactions of the good people he was with. Jesus opened His schedule and His heart to Zacchaeus.

I don’t know what was spoken about over dinner. I don’t know if Jesus spoke directly to the elephant in the room and challenged Zacchaeus about his exploitation. I don’t know if there was a deep theological or apologetic debate. Nothing is recorded. But I imagine not. I imagine Zacchaeus’ heart was transformed by the love and acceptance he experienced in the company of Jesus.

Zacchaeus’ life was completely transformed by his encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus made a public declaration, announcing his change and promising to bring restitution for the wrongs he’d committed. Zacchaeus lost his wealth that day, and gained a personal relationship with Jesus.

Jesus made his intentions very clear. “For the son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.” Luke 19:10

This challenges me!
I grew up a pastor’s kid in a loving Christian family, and have raised my kids in a similar way. The guests at our dinner table were most likely to be missionaries and deacons, not ‘sinners’. The people I am friends with, the ones I am comfortable to share my life and my home with, are people who have similar beliefs to me.

How can I be like Jesus and live an open life?
How can I demonstrate generous hospitality?

Just as Zacchaeus was drawn to discover more of Jesus, there are people in our communities who are living in dark circumstances, are hurting and lost. It may appear on the surface they are far from God, but He is at work in our broken world, drawing all men to himself!

Jesus noticed Zacchaeus.
Who can you notice today? A mum in the school pick up line looking sad or distressed? The server in the grocery store with red, swollen eyes?
Who is looking for a touch from Jesus that we can notice?

Jesus opened up His life to the sinners no one else wanted to spend time with.

Jesus opened his calendar for Zacchaeus.
Like me, are you too busy for sinners?
Do you have time in your day-to-day to spend with people who are far from God?
Often, I don’t.
I’m too busy at church! I’m running Bible studies and attending prayer meetings. The precious spare time I do have, I save for family and friends, not difficult people.

Jesus opened his heart to sinners.
The gospel stories tell over and over of Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, loving people who were lost and hurting.

Why did Zacchaeus change his life?
Was it because Jesus preached to him or because Jesus loved him?
Genuinely loved him.
All of him.

Jesus shared a meal with Zacchaeus. I love how He just invited himself over.
“I’m coming to your house today!” (Luke 19:5)
Who can you open your home to? A neighbour? Your children’s school friends and their families? This takes courage! But it is a powerful picture of acceptance, of love in action.

We can expect some opposition and raised eyebrows from the religious establishment when we begin to live open lives, when we open our hearts, calendar, and homes to those far from God. But it’s exciting to contemplate the way Jesus can completely transform someone’s life as we share Jesus’ love with open hearts and hands.

Who will you open your calendar, your heart, and your home to?
Who will you invite to experience the love of Jesus in your home as you offer generous hospitality?

I’m going to go and knock on my neighbour’s door.
I think Saturday evening just opened up.

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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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