endurance

The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 3

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 3

Katelyn Palmer

March 22, 2025

Brave,Called,Courage,Forgiven,Freedom

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

His Words Before Ours

1 Timothy 4:7-10

But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason, we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Dear Yahweh, Who are we that You, the Creator of the universe, would love us so fully and so richly that You would sacrificed Your only Son to save the world so You might have a relationship with us?!

When we experience the saving power of Your love, we cannot help but cling to You and let Your Spirit take hold of us. You have sealed every true believer with Your Holy Spirit within as a sign of our adoption and as a promise of the future redemption You have promised to Your adopted children. (Ephesians 5:13-14) With Your grace, Lord, we find ourselves with the opportunity to commit ourselves to You, to trust in Your name, and reflect Your love to those around us. (Psalm 37:3-6) Let us not be agitated by the evildoers of this world who appear to flourish but in truth will wither quickly. (verses 1-9)

Strengthen and embolden our pursuit of godliness. (2 Peter 1:5-10, 1 Timothy 4:7-10) Teach us to abound in Your love and grow in understanding of Your will, Lord, allowing us to experience the fullness of relationship with You.

In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

When we prioritize a deep relationship with Christ, we avoid the pitfalls of legalism, which is a strict adherence to the letter of the law. Galatians 5:1-6 warn us against such beliefs, reminding us that while we wait for the full manifestation of a relationship with God in Heavenly Glory, we are called to live free, adhering to the Law of Love in Jesus.

In fact, verse 14 says we can fulfill the whole law by loving the Lord and loving our neighbor as ourselves. The important distinction between following the law and being led by the Spirit, is our connection with Christ. Our only path to righteousness is through Jesus, whereby nullifying any attempts at righteousness through our own power, be it by the law or another dead-end path. (Romans 3:21-29, 2 Peter 1:3-4)

Look instead to walk with the Spirit of God as He leads us when we abide in relationship with Christ by studying His Word, worshipping, and praying. As we seek this relationship, the Spirit blossoms His fruit in our lives! (Galatians 5:24-25, Psalm 37:3-6) Prioritize training in godliness since it holds promise for this life and the next! (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

When we choose to walk with the Holy Spirit, God transforms our hearts and minds, allowing His righteousness to shine through us like the dawn. (Psalm 37:6) As we run with the Spirit, we become an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:11-16), attracting others to the light of Christ within us!
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

On Wednesday, we heard from Farah regarding commands and disciplines that align us with the Lord and lead to a rich and fruitful life. She walked us through 1 Timothy 6:11-20, illustrating foundations of genuine living that would see us turn from the pursuit of money while still being good stewards of wealth when we attain it (verses 17-19). Instead, we are to pursue the riches of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. (verse 11)

Verses 20 and 21 also remind us to watch our speech, act in accordance with Jesus’ teaching, and guard against false teaching while holding tight to the truth and grace of the gospel of our Savior. Farah further guides us on our journey to a deeper relationship with Christ by focusing our attention on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

In these few verses, God’s will for us as believers is explicit. We are meant to practice gratitude in everything, including our suffering, rejoice always, as the hardships in this life hold lessons and bring us closer always to Jesus, and pray constantly. A healthy prayer life centers us on Jesus, align our hearts with His, and builds a strong dependence on Christ for every need!
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

Friday, we were blessed with two studies delving into the richness we find in relationship with Christ. Gloria noted two aspects essential for running toward Christ.

First, our divine purpose in life is centered on loving and serving God above all else, and through that love and servitude, we love others as He loves us. It’s crucial we remember to place Jesus at the center of our lives, because His love serves all. Second, Gloria reminded that true intimacy with Christ means accepting and celebrating both the power of His resurrection and sharing in His suffering.

How that last part makes my breath catch! Jesus suffered at the hands of this world, so why would the world celebrate His followers? While Jesus warned us many times of the suffering we would endure in this life, He did not leave us without the hope and peace we find in Him as the conqueror of this world. (John 16:33)

Lois urged us to follow His example, recognizing that sacrifice was the root of His mode of living. When we deny ourselves and follow Jesus to the cross, we experience the power of spiritual freedom through His resurrection and grow in communion with the Triune God.
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

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Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

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Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

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Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

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Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

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The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137
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Run Day 15 Run For The Treasure

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Run Day 15 Run For The Treasure

Gloria Ponman

March 21, 2025

Fruitfulness,Persevere,Strength

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 3:7-12
1 John 4:7-11
Leviticus 19:1-18
1 Timothy 6:17-21

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to become caught up in worldly pursuits and forget the true purpose of our existence, which is to serve and walk with God and, from this, love others with His love. In Philippians 3:7-12, the apostle Paul shares profound insights on the value of sacrificing earthly desires for the sake of knowing Christ.

For this purpose, we run forward with all eagerness to the Treasure of Christ!
 
“I also consider everything to be a loss
in view of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Because of Him I have suffered the loss
of all things.”
(Philippians 3:8)

Sometimes, what the world values as success actually hinders our spiritual growth. As Christ-followers, we are called to evaluate our priorities and willingly release anything that impedes our relationship with Christ as we run toward Him.  (1 Timothy 6:17-21)

God’s Word reminds us that
true fulfillment comes from
aligning our desires with God’s will.

The pursuit of knowing Christ surpasses any possession or achievement. Our ultimate goal should be to deepen our relationship with Him, even if it means sacrificing worldly comforts or ambitions. True purpose and abiding joy are found solely in knowing and serving Christ above all else.

As we seek Christ first, loving Him most,
His love and joy colors everything we do as we run toward Him. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Whether we are making meals, washing clothes, gathering necessities for our families, working diligently in our jobs, or speaking with our neighbors, we have the opportunity to make Christ known just as He has made Himself known to us!

Lest we become distracted into believing the lie that our “good works” earn us a “favorable, right standing” before the Holy God, we must return to truth and cling tightly to it.

Our righteousness comes not
from adhering to rules and regulations,
but from placing our faith in Christ alone.  (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Our identity is found
not from societal standards or personal achievements,
not from how expensive our wardrobe,
not the number of degrees we have acquired,
but by our relationship with God. (Romans 5:1-2)

Trusting in His righteousness
enables us to run confidently in His grace as we
“take hold of what is truly life”! (1 Timothy 6:19)

He is the God who frees us from the shackles of serving self; it is for freedom Christ has set us free through faith so we may run daily in pursuit of Him! (Galatians 5:1) This truth is meant to redefine every aspect of our everyday lives.

“Whoever wants to become great among you
must be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first among you
must be your slave;
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
(Matthew 20:26-28)

True intimacy with Christ involves both experiencing the power of His resurrection and sharing in His sufferings. As we embrace both the joys and challenges of following Jesus, the Spirit of God shapes us in greater Christ-likeness. (Romans 8:29)

Our willingness to suffer for His sake deepens our communion with Him and our trust in Him. (Romans 5:3-5) Denying Self is the call of Christ on our lives; sacrifice is His own example! (John 15:18-20, Matthew 16:24)

In facing challenges lately, I’ve been asking God why I’m suffering so much, but Scripture reassures and reminds me of God’s purposes even in my pain. 

I remember when I chose to marry a pastor over someone who worked in a secular setting with a large salary and financial security. My new husband was a young pastor, new to ministry and without regular income; we survived on support from family and friends.

In my desire to serve God and run the race He had set out for me, I sacrificed financial security, societal expectations, personal preferences, and even food! I wanted to serve God as a pastor’s wife, doing ministry together with my husband and touching lives with the Hope of Christ.

Despite the daunting sacrifices I faced as a new wife, God helped me to run with eagerness toward the prize, not of riches, fame, or position, but of Christ Himself. He is my reward just He was for Paul. Like the apostle, I consider everything else as loss compared to knowing Christ and running toward Him as my ultimate Treasure!

No matter the sacrifices we make in this life as we run the race of endurance set before us, all suffering fades in comparison to the glory that awaits us in eternity, for Christ has purchased our unfading victory with His humble surrender to death. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Sisters, let’s press on in our journey of faith, racing to “take hold of what is truly Life” with unwavering devotion and trust in the unfailing love of a Savior who sacrificed for us!

Let us fix our eyes on the ultimate prize of Jesus,
running with eagerness toward Him,
and living in anticipation
of the day we will be reunited with our treasured Savior.
Oh, hallelujah!

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Community,endurance,faith,perseverance,reward,Run
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Run, Day 15
Digging Deeper

Saul was persecuting Jesus’ followers (and thereby Jesus Himself) because he believed he was right.

He was firmly persuaded that Jesus could not be the Messiah sent to rescue God’s people. But for all his confidence and zeal, Saul was sincerely wrong.
Dig Deeper!

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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Run Day 14 Intimacy With The Unseen: Digging Deeper

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Run Day 14 Intimacy With The Unseen: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 20, 2025

Love,Need,Neighbor,Prosper,Relationship

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

This DD Connects With "Intimacy With The Unseen"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 6:3-20

If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you 14 to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, 19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How can godliness with contentment be great gain? (verses 5-8)

Paul wrote, “godliness with contentment is great gain” as a rebuttal to those who taught godliness was a means of gaining material wealth or status as was made common by the religious elite group of Pharisees. Instead of endeavoring to obtain more, Paul encouraged being content with having our needs met, remembering they come graciously from the Lord. (1 Timothy 6:5-8)

What made contentment such a game-changer?
William Barclay explains, “The word here used for contentment is autarkeia… a complete self-sufficiency. They meant a frame of mind which was completely independent of all outward things, and which carried the secret of happiness within itself. Contentment never comes from the possession of external things.”

Paul understood that having more stuff was not the focus of the Christian life. He knew that only relying on God, our Provider (Genesis 22:14), would bring lasting contentment while looking to the material things of this world would never satisfy and only produce a longing for more that could never be appeased. (Ecclesiastes 5:10) David Guzik suggests, “We can only find contentment when our hearts are rooted in eternal things; and contentment is essential because it shows we are living with an eternal perspective, not only trying to feather an earthly nest.”

When we are content with God’s provision, we obey God’s Word (Hebrews 13:5) and bring Him glory by declaring that God is enough (Philippians 4:19) and even more than enough (2 Corinthians 9:8). Meghan Ryan explains, “Contentment means living in God’s fullness. Which means contentment is possible because it’s independent of our circumstances. That doesn’t mean we won’t still have desires. You can be content in Christ and still desire for something to be different.”

Paul urges believers to rely on God, not money or possessions, regardless of our circumstances. Paul assures us we can be truly content in the hands of our loving God! (John 10:29)

The Everyday Application

1) How can godliness with contentment be great gain? (verses 5-8)

Until recently social media did not exist, and now millions of people make their living as social media influencers. I recently walked into someone’s laundry room with a Gen Z friend who pointed to a mop in the corner and said, “Oh, she has that mop from TikTok.”

I myself have succumbed to purchasing items in popular online posts, everything from backpacks to bug zappers. There is a constant bombardment of suggestions for things I need to improve my quality of life, making it hard to be content with last season’s gizmos and gadgets.

While the apostle Paul was not on Tik Tok, he definitely understood the appeal of worldly possessions, which is why he wrote, “godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” Paul knew it’s easy to become dissatisfied and focus on accumulating things rather than appreciating God’s provision. Paul understood that contentment with God’s provision has nothing to do with circumstances and everything to do with trusting His grace and strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

As Elisabeth Elliott asserts, “The secret is Christ in me not me in a different set of circumstances.” Paul knew that hyper-focusing on wealth can create an obsession with worldly things. Christine Caine suggests, “If you do not have a content heart you will always want more. . . You’re on an endless treadmill of more. You end up stuck in a comparison trap and comparison is the enemy of contentment.”

Instead of scrolling our way into discontentment, let’s focus on the great gain we have in being content with God’s plans and purposes in our lives. (Psalm 23:1)

The Original Intent

2) How is the love of money a root of all kinds of evil? (verses 9-10)

Paul‘s statement to Timothy, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (verse 10), has been often misquoted as “money is the root of all evil.” Money itself is just a benign tool God allows us to use and steward for His glory. When we elevate money above the Lord we open ourselves to evil.

Replacing the worship of God with avarice and allowing our lives to be motivated by greed and selfishness can lead to all manner of evil activity. J.C. Ryle notes, “Thousands who would abhor the idea of worshiping idols, are not ashamed to make an idol of gold. . . It is an evil that works very deceitfully. It carries us captives before we are aware of our chains.” Paul’s admonition was not to avoid money, but rather to guard our hearts from craving it and taking our focus off of God.

Paul understood that the life God has for believers is not about how much stuff they can accumulate (Luke 12:15) but about following God’s heart and doing the good works He has laid out for us (Ephesians 2:10)

Elisabeth Elliot asserts, “All God’s gifts are meant to be used not for ourselves but for His Glory. . . all that I am, all that I have, all that I do, and all that I suffer are His. My money is His.” Everything we have comes from God, including our money. (James 1:17) May we always see money as a gift from God, and may we never exalt the gift above the Giver.

The Everyday Application

2) How is the love of money a root of all kinds of evil? (verses 9-10)

I worked for an organization that was attacked by ransomware. Our computer files were encrypted and would not be released until we paid a ransom. We didn’t have the exorbitant sum the attackers demanded, so most of our files were lost. This was a major setback for us; ransomware attacks can be utterly devastating to universities, businesses, and even deadly for institutions like hospitals and care centers. The mercenaries rely on the fear of impending harm to manipulate organizations to pay big money. Their evil pursuit is fueled by greed, and it’s only one of the many devastating schemes motivated by avarice that plague our world today.

The apostle Paul forewarned of this vile danger when he wrote, “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Paul’s audience wasn’t criminals but Christ-followers.

Paul knew that the love of money could easily seduce well-intentioned believers, and he wanted them to realize they could not serve both money and God. (Matthew 6:24) A.W Tozer cautions, “It is your own spiritual welfare at stake in such matters as these. You have the right to keep what you have all to yourself—but it will rust and decay, and ultimately ruin you.”

By trying to get more for ourselves through selfish means, we end up bringing harm upon ourselves. Lord, help us realize that it doesn’t benefit us to gain worldly wealth while losing our life in the process. (Mark 8:36)

The Original Intent

3) What does Paul mean by “take hold of eternal life”? (verse 12)

Paul admonishes believers to “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (verse 12) Paul urges believers to grasp an intangible thing, so how can Christians follow through on this admonition?

Jennie Lusko explains that “fight in the Greek language . . . is agonizomai, and it means ‘to fight, to contend, to strive as in a contest for a prize.’ We see a tension here between faith, receiving the gift of salvation given by God, and the action of fighting and taking hold of the life we were born to live.” Eternal life is this: knowing the One True God and His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3)

Paul wants Christians to take hold of this gift of salvation through Christ and the blessing of living a life empowered by knowing God. When we live our lives as God prescribes, we come to know God better and can make Him known to others. (Acts 20:24) Ron Teed contends, “We take hold of this eternal life when we live as God commands us to live. . . we experience it when we structure each moment in submission to God’s will and commands.”

Kenneth Wuest concurs by suggesting “There must be an eager, active, intense determination to live a life pleasing to God. We must not only yield to the Holy Spirit’s fullness, trusting Him to produce in us that love that God is, but we must definitely will to be loving and try to be loving.”

Paul wants us to actively cooperate with the work of God in our lives as He makes us more like Jesus! (Romans 8:29)

The Everyday Application

3) What does Paul mean by “take hold of eternal life”? (verse 12)

I remember my college graduation, standing with the university President as she shook my hand and presented my diploma while cameras clicked and flashed. That one piece of paper represented four years of dedication, determination, and academic pursuit. I loved clasping my hands around it and showing it to my family and friends, something tangible that symbolized all my hard work. I could not show them the late-night study sessions, the hours spent pouring over books, or the ideas swirling in my brain, but I could show them the diploma that signified the success of all my endeavors.

Paul used a similar metaphor to symbolize what he wanted believers to do when he wrote, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (verse 12)

Paul wanted Christians to actively participate in a relationship with God made possible by the gift of eternal life provided by Jesus’ sacrifice. (2 Corinthians 5:15) He wanted them to take hold of it as though it were something tangible, pursuing God by living a life worthy of God each day (1 Thessalonians 2:12) and following His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We don’t receive a framed paper we can show people to declare that we have received the gift of eternal life. Instead, as Paul encouraged us, we can live our lives as an example of God’s power (Philippians 4:13), grace (1 Corinthians 15:10), and love (John 13:35). In fact, he states that when we live our lives wholly for Christ, we are letters of recommendation to the world around us of the real change that has happened within us by God’s Spirit! (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)

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Dwell, Day 15
Journey Study

For several years, I was cleverly deceived by the enemy regarding this trap of pursuing wealth.

We had little finances, so I slipped into arrogance believing I was innocent of the pursuit of money, but it was a lie.

I wrongly believed we were aligned with God just because we weren’t “rich”.
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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Run Day 13 Intimacy With The Unseen

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Run Day 13 Intimacy With The Unseen

Farah Isbell

March 19, 2025

Alive,Faithfulness,Generous,Giving,Journey,Neighbor

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 6:3-20
Matthew 24:13-14
Nehemiah 8:9-10
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Exodus 33:18-23

Ultimately, friend, Jesus isn’t calling you to anything less than Himself! He’s not calling us to a vocation, certain people, or even a ministry. He may call you closer to Himself through those experiences, but He Himself is the destination, both in heaven and right now on earth.

1 Timothy 6:11-20 discusses this. For a full understanding led by the Spirit, read #HisWordsBeforeOurs if you haven’t already! Now, let’s look at the verses, working our way backwards, to help us better understand the end goal of living a life focused on Christ.

The destination in verse 20 is the faith we want to remain in and not wander from. The preceding verse (1 Timothy 6:19, NIV) describes this goal as “taking hold of life that is truly life!” Verses 17 and 18 describe commands and disciplines which lay the foundation for this genuine living. Through these we “receive” God’s provision for our needs, union with Him, and enjoyment in Him. (Nehemiah 8:9-10)  

How often, though, has His Provision occurred without our enjoyment and sometimes even without our realization?

For many years I mistakenly thought I had been called to a place, a career, and a people. Those were tangible, “seen” things. God’s unseen nature sometimes makes it challenging for us to run towards His call. 

Verses 12-16 describe the One to whom I am called 
and remind me He is already 
at that place, 
in that career, 
or with those people 
because He is everywhere “giving life to everything” (verse 13)! 

Outside of Him, the rest is just details. 

One of my favorite phrases from this passage is “take hold of the eternal life”. (1 Timothy 6:12, NIV) This is present-tense, which means my eternity and your eternity are now! Let’s grab it, cling to it, and live it! Verses 10-11 reveal an important part of taking hold of eternal life: fleeing from loving or craving money. Note it doesn’t say flee money itself or flee being rich. It is possible to be a wealthy person who is stewarding money well, without idolizing the pursuit of said wealth. Rather, the passage tells us to flee the pursuit of money.

For several years, I was cleverly deceived by the enemy regarding this trap of pursuing wealth. We had little finances, so I slipped into arrogance believing I was innocent of the pursuit of money, but it was a lie. I wrongly believed we were aligned with God just because we weren’t “rich”.

Thankfully, truth broke in and I was shocked to finally understand I could be in a “poor” season while my heart still pursued money. When our hearts are pursuing Christ alone, He humbles us, equipping us to lovingly serve others regardless of their bank account status, or our own ledger line.

So if not wealth, what are we to pursue? Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness are the pursuits which lead to true living overflowing with praise: “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:14)

A challenging discipline which changed everything for me was practicing gratitude. God’s design for the brain amazes me! My maternal grandmother survived a stroke when I was 13, and I relished watching the therapists work with her healing brain as it relearned things, reorganized itself, and created new neural pathways. The pathways were physically “unseen” but God’s mighty hands were undeniably at work there. 

Imagine my elation when I learned scientifically how practicing gratitude affects the brain physiologically and functionally, exactly as God’s Word tells us! UCLA research has proven that the brain benefits structurally by intentionally thinking the kinds of thoughts listed in Philippians 4:8. Brains are re-wired by practicing gratitude, just as the Lord designed!

Upon learning in January 2020, the science behind the power of gratitude, I committed to writing down at least 3 things I was grateful to God for each day. At first, it was hard because of the damage repeated discontentment had done to my brain. I wrote down the most basic things like breath, blanket, and socks. However, by the time the world shut down in March, I often ran out of room on my page! 

Little did I know God was going before me, equipping me to walk out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 through several years of challenging circumstances with aging parents. Looking back, His preparation isn’t surprising as the passage clearly states that giving thanks in everything is “God’s will for us in Christ Jesus”.

I encourage you to give gratitude a try; it’s one of the ways Christ fortifies us to “stand firm to the end.” (Matthew 24:13) Discipline yourself to record at least 3 things you are thankful for each day. Write to Him rather than just listing things, for example, “Thank you, God, for Your Breath, for Your Shelter over me in this house, for watching over the coming and going of those we both love so much!” 

This practice brings the Peace beyond understanding, clear thoughts amidst chaos, and awareness of His activity which leads to the “true life” of His call! 

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Community,endurance,generosity,perseverance,Run
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Run, Day 14
Digging Deeper

Jennie Lusko explains that “fight in the Greek language . . . is agonizomai, and it means ‘to fight, to contend, to strive as in a contest for a prize.’

We see a tension here between faith, receiving the gift of salvation given by God, and the action of fighting and taking hold of the life we were born to live.”

Eternal life is this: knowing the One True God and His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3)
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Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Run Day 11 For Life!

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Run Day 11 For Life!

Rebekah Hargraves

March 17, 2025

Anchored,Called,Captivating,Faith,Fervent,Follow,Forgiven,Freedom

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 37:9-11
John 16:31-33
1 Timothy 4:6-10
Galatians 5:16-23
Ephesians 1:13-14

My childhood pastor announced my birth from the baptistry the Sunday I was born. 
I was in church several times a week from my earliest days. 
I was heavily involved in mission trips, children’s and youth choirs, church musicals, and Bible drill. 

My teen years and early twenties were characterized by a long season of legalism: I wrongly believed righteousness and God-honoring living to be a product of my own striving for moral perfection. Needless to say, the end result was exhaustion, pride, and a very wrong, very burdensome view of God. 

Eventually, I came to understand the crux of the Christian walk is simply to be deeply connected in relationship to the Lord, and we can live in Christ’s victory over sin when we walk by the Spirit of God.

Fast forward to now, and I am relieved my ability to live righteously is not ultimately dependent upon me at all. Rather, my call is to simply walk by the Spirit, inviting Him to produce His fruit in me. (Galatians 5:16-23) 

As such, if I want to run the Christian race well, if I want to practice God’s ways, if I want to grow in righteousness and in the sanctification process, then I must be in close relationship with the Lord. This means spending time in His Word, communicating and listening to Him through prayer, and going through life at His pace. Apart from an authentic relationship with Jesus by the Spirit, all our human attempts at righteousness will be meaningless and empty.

This meaninglessness is exactly what I experienced during my years of legalism. I was busy following “pointless and silly myths” (1 Timothy 4:7) of man-made tradition and rules, rather than being nourished by the good news of the gospel itself. (verse 6) The sobering reality was that I was actually woefully ill-equipped to run the race set before me, because I didn’t have a right understanding of the race itself. 

As I have journeyed out of the blinding bondage of legalism, I’ve learned my ability to run well is dependent upon the level of intimacy in relationship I share with my Savior on a daily basis. The benefits of which are beyond anything I can imagine, both for this life and the next; Matthew 24:13 reminds us, “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

1 Timothy 4:8-10 tells us, “For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”   

This does not mean we labor and strive in our own power to produce our own righteousness. It does mean we will labor and strive, but we can endure because we have placed our hope in the living God, our Savior.  As Jesus tells us, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

Ephesians 1:13-14 shows us Christ is the connective guarantee for our righteousness now in everyday life, as well as the perfected righteousness that will be permanent in eternity when we dwell with Him: 
“In Him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.”

And so, dear sisters, we “labor and strive” in this life, while seeking to pursue and prioritize the kind of beautiful relationship with the Lord that naturally results in the eternal fruit of righteousness in us. We spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in surrounding ourselves with the encouragement of the saints as we run together towards the prize that awaits us in Heaven.

“For evildoers will be destroyed,
but those who put their hope in the Lord
will inherit the land.

A little while, and the wicked person will be no more;
though you look for him, he will not be there.

But the humble will inherit the land
and will enjoy abundant prosperity.”
(Psalm 37:9-11)

 

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Run, Day 12
Digging Deeper

Having personally experienced the heaviness of the Law, Paul encouraged believers with the amazing truth that Jesus has freed us from the bondage of the Law and has saved us through grace, not works.

Instead of lives dictated by the heavy Law, believers are now freed to “walk in the Spirit” resulting in rejection of sin so “to carry out the desire of the flesh.” (verse 16)
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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 2

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 2

Katelyn Palmer

March 15, 2025

Believe,Discipleship,Discipline,Gospel,Grace,Kingdom

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

His Words Before Ours

1 Peter 2:9-12

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Yahweh, You are the Most High God! (Psalm 83:18) Thank You for Your loving hand in my story and the story of each soul who walks this earth. Lord, as I write to You now, I hear the words of “Gratitude” by Hillside Recording and Eliza King,

“So I lift up my hands and praise You again and again cause all that I have is a hallelujah…
I’ve nothing else fit for a King except for a heart singing hallelujah.”

With a heart full of gratitude, I come to You, Lord, asking for a heart bent on forgiveness just as You have forgiven me. (Matthew 6:14) I ask for wisdom (James 1:5) regarding my prayer life and humbly request You shape my prayers to match Your heart and Your purpose.

I pray for the leadership within the global Church, that we may be turned wholeheartedly to You and Your Word so we might walk in Your truth. I pray for the leaders of nations around the world, for righteous justice, and for favor for those who follow Your ways. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Yahweh, I pray, today for chains to be broken that freedom and truth may ring in the ears of our lost world. Strengthen each of Your warriors as we set off on our races (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), ready to share the gospel, defend our hope, and inspire next generations. (Philippians 2:13-16) In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Prayer is a powerful spiritual tool that offers direct line access to God through Jesus Christ. Prayer encapsulates a living relationship with our Creator. Astoundingly, we speak with a living God who talks back.

When Jesus performed miracles, He prayed to God the Father who responded by granting Jesus’ requests. (John 11:38-44, Luke 9:29-36) When Jesus needed to recharge, He went to a quiet place and prayed to the Father. (Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:15-16) God responded by renewing His strength. When Jesus hung from the cross, He prayed for God to forgive us and through Christ’s resurrection, which the Father did. (Luke 23:34)

We, too, are called to utilize prayer as a spiritual weapon. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 instructs us to pray, petition, and intercede on behalf of everyone, including the governing body, just as Jesus is our intercessor. (verses 5-6)

A strong prayer life indicates a strong relationship with God. Jesus tells us He is the vine, we are His branches, and we can do nothing without Him, which should urge us all the more to come to Him in prayer. (John 6:35, John 15:1-8)

When we abide in prayer according to Scripture, we are positioning our hearts to align with God’s heart as we seek His wisdom, coming humbly before Him with worship. (Matthew 6:9-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

We are fighting a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-13) with only two sides: Jesus, the Truth (John 1:17,John 14:6), and sin, which encompasses the enemy, the world, and our flesh. This is life (1 John 5:11-12) or death (Romans 6:23), light or dark (John 1:1-9)

Every day we must wake up and choose whose Kingdom we will advance, Christ’s or the Enemy’s. Therefore, we must be proactive and gird ourselves with the belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14), preparing our defense of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15) by studying God’s Word, praying constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19), staying vigilant (Ephesians 6:18), testing those things which we believe to be the Lord’s will, and avoiding every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

This is how we run the race in such a way as to win the eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24) In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul says he practices discipline and self-control so he won’t betray the message of the gospel he shares with others through his actions. Not only would many of us refuse to follow a teacher that does not practice what he preaches, but we wouldn’t want to miss out on the blessings God gives to those who obey Him! (Matthew 6:33) May we each run well!
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

“For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) I love to imagine the imprisoned Paul, borrowed pen in hand, squinting with poor eyesight to make his letters legible, as fierce passion within him loosens his tongue to speak aloud what his pen paints.

Christ did not set us free, dying our death, and giving us righteousness for wretchedness so we would be comfortable, wallow in self-pity, grow puffed up with arrogance, or live day-in and day-out below our birthright as sons and daughters of the Most High God. No! Paul’s exuberance nearly leaps from the page! It is for freedom that Christ has set you free, so live inside that freedom!

Like too tight clothes and impossible standards, we are so halted by fear and insecurity that we readily relinquish the freedom we’ve been given so we can cling pathetically to fear and falsehood instead.

What are your chains of choice that you cling to while dropping the freedom Christ has afforded you by His death and conquering resurrection? Fear? What kind and in what area? Get specific and let the Spirit of the Lord reveal your dark places to you with the brilliance of His flame of freedom.

Grief? Perhaps loss deeper and more painful than you imagined possible. Those are hard hallways, but have you cornered yourself there only grasping at loneliness and releasing the very Presence of Christ?

Run to Jesus, Sister. It is for freedom He has set you free!

*written by Rebecca Adams
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

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Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

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Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

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Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

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Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

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The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

Read More »

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Tags :
endurance,perseverance,purpose,worship
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Run Day 8 Fitted With Truth

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Run Day 8 Fitted With Truth

Meribeth Schierbeek

March 12, 2025

Anchored,Called,Fervent,Grace,Truth,Wisdom

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Timothy 2:5-7
1 Corinthians 9:24-2
Philippians 2:13-16
1 Peter 2:9-12
1 Kings 19:9-18

As we begin to run our race today, let’s start in God’s Word; grab your Bible or read along below. God’s words are powerful to change us!

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.  For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:5-7, emphasis mine)

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.  So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, emphasis mine)

Many of us would never sign up for a marathon, yet we all run a spiritual race every day.

You might have noticed I emphasized a few words in the Bible verses above. I want to draw your attention to the word “ALL”; Christ died for all, and we all run a spiritual race. As you and I follow Jesus today, we are avid runners, athletes. Yes, those of us in wheelchairs, those of us who struggle to run ¼ mile without stopping, and those of us who have run marathon after marathon. Recognizing we are all spiritual athletes, our next logical question becomes, how will we run our races?

As we run, we will also trip and fall, we will grow weary, we will go through times of running in vain . . . every single one of us.

Throughout the Bible, we see people whose races reflect their own humanity in a broken world. Consider the Hebrew prophet, Elijah, in 1 Kings 19:9-18. God finds Elijah in a cave, lonely, demoralized, and exhausted from his run. God listens to him, and then meets Elijah in the midst of his struggle. Take a minute to read these 9 verses; what happens next? Do you see yourself reflected in this story?

I can certainly relate to the idea of struggling as we run our races. There was a time in my life when I began to focus on others around me, rather than on the road ahead. Joshua 1:7 reminds me to remain devoted to God’s instruction, not turning right or left; yet I began listening to voices criticizing my physical appearance and lifestyle. Soon, my focus was no longer on running my race in the grace of God through Christ, but rather on the size of my body. The focus of my race became myself, rather than God. 

But thanks to our mediator, Jesus, we can get up after a fall. (Proverbs 24:16, 1 Timothy 2:5) God pursued my heart through His Word and the community of believers, reminding me, “I am here and I will not leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Present with us as we run, God gives us everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3) Today’s anchor passage, 1 Timothy 2:5-7, reveals how Jesus gave His very self as a ransom for us! Because of His sacrifice on our behalf and resurrected victory over the power of sin and death, we are free to run our race with confidence before God! Sisters, this is the breathtakingly beautiful good news of the gospel! 

When we hold tight to the truth of the gospel, we run with intention and purpose, our feet shod with the gospel peace (Ephesians 6:14-15) and our eyes fixed on the One whose mercy has rescued and redeemed us. 

We no longer run in vain…
toward the empty promises of security offered by humankind.
Rather, we can release our fear of the world as we hold tight to the gospel truth of our eternal future, safe and secure in the hands of our Father.

We no longer run in vain…
in desperate pursuit of the fickle approval of others.
Rather, we can abandon insecure people-pleasing, assured of the gospel truth of God’s incomprehensible, endless love for us.

We no longer run in vain…
attempting to prove our own moral goodness and thereby justifying our participation in the race.
Rather, we can let the burden of striving slip from our shoulders, freed by the gospel truth of God’s mercy and forgiveness through Jesus.

Running physically may change your body.
Running spiritually will change your heart.

How can we practically train ourselves to run by holding tightly to the truth of the gospel? 

Read God’s Word daily.* 
Talk with Him in prayer as we run.**
Preach the good news of the gospel to ourselves when we grow weary.
Share the gospel of peace with those around us. 
With our faith built on the solid foundation of the gospel of truth, may we all run the race set before us with confidence and peace!

*Interested in daily Bible reading but not sure how to begin? You’re not alone! Check out https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ for an accessible daily reading plan!

**Ready for a deep dive into prayer? Join pastor and teacher Tim Keller in his book, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, for a comprehensive approach to the subject and practice of prayer!

Tags :
endurance,grace,mission,purpose,Truth
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Recent Journeys

Run, Day 9
Digging Deeper

How many times have we rejected a direction or answer from God because it was so far from what we had pictured or decided it should be?

In the case of Paul preaching salvation to the Gentiles, I am very glad the Jews were wrong about salvation being exclusive to them! Otherwise all of us Christians, aka Gentiles, would be lost.
Dig Deeper!

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Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

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March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Run Day 6 Running On A Prayer

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Run Day 6 Running On A Prayer

Carol Graft

March 10, 2025

Anchored,Prayer,Relationship,Scripture,Strength,Struggle,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 33:7-11
1 Timothy 2:1-4
John 15:1-8
1 Corinthians 9:24-26

I once took a spiritual gifts inventory, and my top scores were in prayer, worship, and faith. I joined an intercessory prayer team, taught workshops on prayer, and was a devout prayer room attendee. 

Please do not stop reading.

I do not say this to puff myself up. This is all past tense. Those accomplishments and service opportunities, for a variety of reasons, disappeared. 

And I felt like I did, too.

I thought losing all those positions meant I was no longer a prayer warrior, and I worried I had pulled back from a true relationship with God. Maybe you have too, or maybe you are trying to find that kind of relationship for the first time.

Let’s journey together, shall we?

In running, there is a difference between a 50 yd dash, a 100-meter run, and a marathon. The 50 yd dash and 100-meter require speed immediately. The fastest runner wins. Running a marathon requires a different mindset. You still want to win and, yes, in a traditional marathon speed is necessary, but so are pacing, stamina, and resilience. 

It is the same in our journey with Christ. Ours is not a race of speed, but a race building endurance, stamina, and resilience. 

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

We build up endurance, stamina, and resilience by being in relationship with Christ and talking with Him in prayer. 

In John 15:4, Jesus teaches us about remaining in and with Him by being attached to Him. Thousands of years before Jesus walked the earth, Israelite leaders, Moses and Joshua, were in the Tent of Meeting praying and worshiping. Joshua wanted to remain with the strong presence of God even when Moses left. (Exodus 33:11) That kind of relationship is not relegated to “faith heroes” like Joshua, Moses, or Isaiah; that kind of relationship with God is for us! 

We really can do nothing apart from God, nor should we try. The only way to confidently know God is with us is for us to be firmly attached to Him through His Word. By saturating ourselves in His Word, and regularly coming to Him in humility, we are cultivating a relationship with the Living God, and, just as in human relationships, depth begins with conversation. 

He already knows how our days go and the contents of our dreams and plans, but He wants to hear from us. He wants us to speak to Him, cast our cares on Him, and intercede for others, even our enemies. For, as we speak with Him, so our relationship flourishes.

What if God were so near you could feel His presence? He is; He is for you. Simply reach out to Him in prayer. (Acts 17:28, Revelation 3:20)

We were created in His image for a relationship with Him. (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 27:51) The veil separating man from the Holy of Holies as a result of sin has been torn, making an obvious statement that, with Christ’s death, we have free access to Him and no longer need a mediator. 

A beautiful truth is that this kind of relational prayer can be continual. We really can “pray without ceasing”. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Practicing dwelling in constant communication with God, and being open to hear from Him, opens the door for the Spirit of God to change us.

Our worries may still be present, but they don’t get the final word.
Our tongues are not as sharp.
Peace blankets.
When we focus on Christ and praying for others, we have little time to be self-focused, and certainly no time for self-pity. 

No matter what characterized our relationship with our earthly father, our relationship with our Heavenly Father is essential and steady, offering a continual safe harbor of beautiful goodness. 

Relational, connective prayer might look like…
Lament, with or without tears.
“Flare prayers”, those moments when you truly only have a moment or two to lift up a quick prayer before you must act or speak in a situation.
Words poured on a journal page or penned as a question in the margin of your Bible.
Words spoken aloud or whispered “in your head”.

When practicing prayer, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method because the Lord is a personal, relational God. What matters most is coming near with a humble heart. (James 4:8, 10) Life holds snares, traps, and brambles, but prayer keeps us on guard, for when we draw near to the Father, He holds us close, lifting us from oppressed to freed. 

In a traditional race, runners may win medals or a cash prize, but for believers who keep running the spiritual race, we win streets of gold on which to walk with God the Son.

In the first years of marathon races, the winner received a laurel wreath placed on their head. At the end of our race, we get a crown, which we will lay at the feet of the One who gave us the endurance to run, who breathed life within our souls to never give up, and who cheered us on by His Spirit. 

Oh, and the other beautiful thing about this race with Christ?
All who trust Him for their rescue, WIN!

”Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown but we an imperishable crown.”
(1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

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Community,endurance,hope,prayer,relationship,Trinity
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Recent Journeys

Run, Day 7
Digging Deeper

I had known about birds in a general sense, but now I can identify and appreciate dozens of varieties because I am always looking and listening for them and I know what to look for.

Just like discovering that there is more to the birding world than sparrows and robins, reading Paul’s admonition that “petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:1) opened my eyes to the truth that prayer is multi-faceted as well.

While all prayer is some form of communicating with God, God calls us to pray in different ways at different times.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
March 3 - March 21, 2025 - Journey Theme #137

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Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 1

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The GT Weekend! ~ Run, Week 1

Katelyn Palmer

March 8, 2025

Encourage,Fruitfulness,Hope,Mercy,Relentless

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

His Words Before Ours

2 Corinthians 3:2-5

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are Christ’s letter, delivered by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God – not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God. It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.
Read More Of His Words

Reflective Prayer

Yahweh,
May all the praise be to You. For it is by Your hand, Lord, that we are here and that we have the hope of eternal life with You.

I am grateful for Your divine love, God, for without it I would be lost. As Lauren Daigle says in her song Thank God I do, “I’d probably fall off the edge.”

You are the only place my heart wants to go when worldly love or human love threatens to break my heart. You are the center of my world and my favorite place to hideaway; You are my shelter on high. (Psalm 91)

This week, we have begun talking about the race set before us in this life. I pray with every word of these studies, that you open each reader’s eyes to our need for Jesus (John 14:6), Your love for us (Romans 5:8), and gently remind us of the example of other faithful Christ-follower who have gone before us. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Yahweh, I ask for Your provision on their behalf in local communities. This race is not for the faint of heart and we need each other!

How wonderfully exciting it is to envision the broken chains before us (Psalm 107:14-16, Isaiah 9:4-7), and the freedom found in Your love! In Your Son’s name, I pray this, Amen!
Pray Scripture

Worship Through Song

Reflection One

Before a child can run, she must first roll, then crawl, then walk. This is also true for believers in Christ. The Lord broke our chains so that we may run free, but before we can dare to run, we must first acknowledge our need for the Lord in every moment.

We must recognize our sinful nature (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12, 18), our desperate need for divine intervention (Isaiah 45:22), and the complete, saving work of Christ on the cross (John 19:30). Then, once we accept the gift of salvation, we can begin to walk with the Lord.

Finally, we can recognize our divine appointment and purpose. (Ephesians 2:10) This process is ongoing for the length of our lives and will challenge us in many ways. The enemy’s biggest lie, from Adam and Eve to the end of this life, is that we can do everything on our own. (Genesis 3:1-6) In truth, we cannot even muster faith on our own.

God knew us all at the beginning of Creation. (Ephesians 1:4-6). He has provided for our rescue. (John 10:25-30, Romans 9:18). He is the source of wisdom (Proverbs 2:5-6, Proverbs 9:10), and He is the source of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

When we truly gain the perspective of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:12-15, understanding that we are all “the worst”, then we understand the true gift of God’s mercy and the freedom found only in Christ. We are left with inspiration to fulfill our divine purpose and a heart that ceaselessly praises Yahweh for His love for us.
Monday & Tuesday

Reflection Two

The beautiful thing about testimonies is their ability to multiply the gift of the Lord’s grace through salvation extended to others. Paul’s testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17 is a wonderful example of the proper heart response to Jesus’ saving work on the cross.

Paul’s faith-fueled works throughout his ministry also illustrate the power of the Spirit bestowed upon us when we accept Christ as our Savior. (James 2:17-20) He explains to us that we are new in Christ and have a responsibility to live out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. (Romans 6)

Without the gospel, our lens in life looks bitter, painful and self-focused, even in the mundane. That barista who gave you your coffee this morning was curt and rude, which means she doesn’t like you and thinks you are a bad person, so you should be rude back. How dare she disrespect your character?

With the gospel, we are anchored in love and hope: That barista must be having a hard morning. I will give her a smile and a thank you, so she knows what it is to experience kindness today. This might seem small in the moment, but it could not only change that woman’s entire day, but it can also help prepare you to take on any larger scale difficulties that come your way. The mundane is far larger a portion of our lives, so when we use a gospel lens in every aspect of our lives, even the smallest moments, we are better prepared for greater challenges.
Wednesday & Thursday

Reflection Three

We ended this week’s studies with action-packed words. We all, as believers in Christ, have been commissioned by God to be stewards of His grace in our lives. (1 Peter 2:15-17)

Stewardship involves action. We were given salvation and blessed with specific spiritual gifts in order that we may partner with God to display God’s heart. (1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Corinthians 3:2-5) To partner and to display both require us to do.

We were each created to work as one body, one spirit (Philippians 1:27-28), to bring glory to God and point others to Him, that they may also be stewards of His grace. What a privilege to be His ambassador! (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)

I like to think of our role as an older sibling. It can seem unfair, the burden of going first and being held to a higher standard than your younger siblings. Your life is held under a microscope while theirs appears to be held under a mere magnifying glass, or perhaps the wrong end of a telescope! But indeed, what a privilege it is to lead, to influence, to be entrusted!

We are called to live to a higher standard because the Creator of everything has entrusted us to represent Him. He has blessed us with unique gifts that allow us to play an instrumental role in building His everlasting kingdom. We can honor Him by exercising discipline, respecting and honoring all people, enduring hardship as Jesus did, and leaning into the Word of God daily.
2-for-1 Friday

This Week's Journeys

Remade Day 15
The Remade Life

January 20, 2017 No Comments

We’ve talked a lot during this Journey Theme about what it means to live this redeemed life that Jesus has so richly given us, but what does the “box top” look like? What does my everyday look like as I’m chasing after this God who longs to continuously remake me

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Remade Day 14
The Law of Love: Digging Deeper

January 19, 2017 No Comments

The pharisees asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t truly want to know Jesus’s heart. When we study the Bible or look for answers to our questions, let’s not go looking for evidence to support our pre-determined ideas, rather let’s seek to understand the original intent of the Scriptures,

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Remade Day 13
The Law of Love

January 18, 2017 No Comments

If we really are living out and doing exactly what Jesus tells us are the two most important commandments, then everything else He tells us to do will fall into place… because, by living out these commandments, we are allowing transformation.
When our minds are transformed, then our actions

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Remade Day 12
No Going Back: Digging Deeper

January 17, 2017 No Comments

Are you stuck in the past, attached and grasping for things leading to death, or are you clinging onto and sinking into the things of life? God is a good God, even on days when our past stops us in our tracks or a situation cements our feet. Be reminded

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Remade Day 11
No Going Back

January 16, 2017 No Comments

As fun as it is to “remember when”, there’s danger there too. Either we can romanticize the past and wish for it all over again, or we begin to drown in its sorrows and become perpetually stuck in its cycle. God wants neither for us!

God told Lot’s family

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The GT Weekend – Remade Week Two

January 14, 2017 No Comments

Lord, You have provided perfectly for us. You have given us a means for relationship with You through Jesus. You’ve given the Holy Spirit to keep us walking in step with You, yet I still think I can hide the real me from Your face. Father, forgive me for putting

Read More »

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