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Sacrifice Day 15 Demo Day

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Galatians 2:15-21
Romans 6:6-11
Ephesians 4:20-24
Colossians 3:1-11
Isaiah 43:18-19

Sacrifice, Day 15

“God, break my heart for what breaks yours.”

I knew I needed to pray those words but was hesitant to say them out loud to God. I had been thinking about it for some time, but always hesitated. I didn’t want to say the words without fully meaning them, and to me, they were scary words, ones I associated with doing something hard for Jesus like moving to a different country or becoming heavily involved in some ministry that would drastically change my life.

What caught me off guard was how much surrendering would be involved, how much tearing down would be needed.

“If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” (Galatians 2:18-21)

In order for something to be rebuilt, the old must first be torn down.
For me, this meant in order for God to answer my prayer, many of my old thoughts, habits, and patterns for living had to be torn down and surrendered to Jesus. I had to be willing to give up control and allow Him to work in ways that didn’t make sense to me.

Think for a minute about what it is to tear something down. My mind goes to the typical “Demo Day” we see on home refurb shows. Swinging sledgehammers, ripping cabinets off walls, cutting through wires and pipes. In a word, destruction. But the home builders know the old must go to make way for the new and improved.

The same is true for us.
God must tear down the old to make way for the new. Often, the tearing down can be painful and seem like nothing but destruction. But our Savior is not content with “good enough.” He wants all of us, all the time. Imagine our Father God rolling up His sleeves and getting to work in our spirits, pulling out sin-twisted desires, behaviors, and idols to make way for the light and space and freshness of His holiness.

Romans 6:6-7 reiterates, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin.”

When I did ask God to break my heart for what breaks His, He began to strip away much that filled me with pride and status. Jobs were lost, relationships were broken, and health issues requiring rest seemed to come in wave after wave.

In the midst of the hardest times, I could not understand what was happening or why, but God, in His faithful goodness, slowly but surely allowed me to understand He was clearing the way to rebuild something I would never have imagined.

Stop living the old way, chasing sin and its desires. Instead, let God do His work and show you a new, better way. Allow God to build within you a life in which you are like Him.
(Ephesians 4:22-24, my paraphrase)

I’m not gonna lie, complete surrender is hard.
Waiting is hard.
At times, I said, “God, what is happening? I already learned this lesson!” God would graciously show me how I was still holding onto my ways where He wanted complete surrender.

I can also honestly say I cannot imagine what my life would be like today if I had not uttered that prayer.

My life with God in charge is oh-so-much better than the one I was building for myself. The broken friendships have been replaced with much deeper and richer friendships. There are new jobs, new ministries, new routines, and much more; God’s ways are indeed the better way!

So go ahead, friends! Whisper that big, scary prayer.
Ask Jesus to pry your fingers loose from their death-grip on control and the parts of your heart made dull, dusty, and lifeless by sin. In full surrender, turn to embrace the new life He is building in you, believing that even when the work is hard and the journey is long, “He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

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

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Sacrifice Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sacrifice!

The GT Weekend! ~ Kneel Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

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

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

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

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Psalm 63:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

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

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

Worship Through Community

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

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

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Kneel Day 13 Surprising Answers

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 12:1-19
2 Kings 20:1-7
Isaiah 55:8-9
Matthew 7:7-11
James 5:13-18

Kneel, Day 13

Have you ever been surprised by an answer to prayer?

The people praying for Peter in this account from Acts certainly were!

Peter has been imprisoned for following Jesus, and as he waits for his public trial after the Passover celebration, the church is “praying fervently to God for him.” (Acts 12:5)

They are under no illusions about how the situation is likely to end for Peter. Herod Agrippa recently had the apostle James killed with a sword, and seeing the Jews’ resulting pleasure, has prompted Peter’s arrest. (Acts 12:1-2)

The church knows it is a matter of life and death, and so they pray desperately. Different translations of Acts 12:5 describe their prayers as constant, intense, earnest, persistent, continual, and without ceasing. This is prayer that is intentional and focused.

Consequently, God intervenes in a miraculous way. Awakened by an angel, Peter is told to get up. His chains fall off, the prison gates open, and the guards meant to be watching him closely seem oblivious!

The events are so unexpected that even Peter struggles to believe at first, but finally the truth sinks in.

“Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.” (Acts 12:11)

Immediately, he goes to the house where he knows the believers have gathered to pray, which leads to a rather comical scene. Rhoda, the servant girl who answers the door, is so overwhelmed and overjoyed to hear Peter’s voice that instead of letting him in she rushes to tell the others, only to be met with astonishment and unbelief!

As they argue about whether or not it could possibly be true, the answer to their prayer is standing outside the door the whole time!

Finally, they let Peter in to see for themselves and hear his story, but it raises the question: if they were praying so fervently, so passionately, so continually, why were they so surprised when their prayer was answered?

I think I’ve gained insight into this over the last six months as I, and several others, have prayed earnestly and continually for a friend’s husband who is unwell. There has been so much prayer that my friend says her husband must be the most prayed-for man in the world!

Yet, despite our many prayers, he has deteriorated. His condition has been declared inoperable and, humanly speaking, it is only a matter of time.

We continue to pray for a miracle, yet I admit I would be surprised if my friend’s husband suddenly appeared at my door cured of his illness.

I don’t doubt for a moment that God can do it. I just have no idea whether He will.

I imagine the believers praying for Peter had similar thoughts. After all, James had been killed. Would praying for Peter really make any difference?

Yet, despite their uncertainty, they prayed; this act itself evidenced their faith, imperfect as it was.

They prayed because they knew they were helpless to fix the situation; they knew it was something only God could do. While their prayers may not have been rooted in perfect faith, God heard, and He answered.

As James writes, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” (James 5:16)

The difficulty we often have with prayer is that it’s unpredictable. It doesn’t work according to a formula. It’s not about how much we pray or trying to find the magic phrase or perfect combination of words to unlock the miracle or the answer we seek.

In fact, it’s not about the quality of our prayers at all; it’s about the One to whom we are praying.

If our prayers are answered as we hope, as in Peter’s situation or when God healed Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-7), we rejoice and give thanks to God. Only He can do the impossible, and there is no credit we can take. The glory is His!

When our prayers are not answered as we hope, it doesn’t mean our prayers were lacking in flawless faith or that God doesn’t care. It doesn’t even mean our prayers are unanswered, simply that God’s purpose is different.

“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.’ This is the Lord’s declaration.” (Isaiah 55:8)

We can’t always understand God’s ways, but we can trust in His goodness. My friend’s husband may not be healed on earth, but we know that, because of his faith in Jesus, an eternal future awaits him, free from pain and suffering. In the meantime, we continue to pray.

Jesus urged His disciples to persistently keep on praying and trusting God’s character as a loving Father who longs to give good gifts to His children. (Matthew 7) Likewise, He invites us to partner with Him in His work, bringing our situations before Him with faith and confidence, trusting in His power and love, and confidently knowing He loves to hear and answer us.

Sometimes, as with those believers praying for Peter, the answers to our prayers can be even more amazing than we would ever have expected!

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

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

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

Advent Day 12 A Shepherd’s Heart: 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 A Shepherd’s Heart!

The Questions

1) Who is the shepherd?

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?

3) What does the shepherd provide?

Psalm 23:1

“The LORD is my shepherd. I have what I need.”

Original Intent

1) Who is the shepherd?
The psalmist begins by acknowledging that it is the Lord who continually provides all he needs. “The LORD … is my shepherd.” The image of a shepherd suggests the writer is considering himself to be a sheep under the care of the Lord, the genuinely good shepherd. The psalmist expands the metaphor in the following verses of the chapter and describes how the Lord is like a shepherd to him. Each verse is packed with images about the shepherd’s character and care. Bible translation notes offer us insight into the Hebrew language used in the verse. “The imperfect verbal form is best understood as generalizing; the psalmist highlights his typical or ongoing experience as a result of having the Lord as his shepherd (habitual present use).” (netbible.org) The Lord provided constant care to His servant, David. In verse 6, David says to his Lord and shepherd, “Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.” (Psalm 23:6) This shepherd of David is the same God who passed in front of Moses displaying His glory, “The LORD came down in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, ‘the LORD.’ The LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: The LORD—the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7) This is the One to whom the people of Israel sang when the ark of God was returned. David himself was leaping and dancing before the Lord in celebration of Who He is, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:7-18 34-36)

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?
Psalm 23 is a “psalm of David.” This same David was the people’s unlikely choice for king of God’s people. (1 Samuel 16:10-13) Theologian, Charles Spurgeon, said of the psalmist and songwriter, “I like to recall the fact that this psalm was written by David, probably when he was a king. He had been a shepherd, and he was not ashamed of his former occupation. When he had to wear a crown, he remembered the time when he had handled the shepherd’s crook, and as a lad, with his sling and stone, had kept watch over his father’s sheep in the wilderness.” (www.spurgeongems.org) Being a shepherd was a familiar role for David. He had cared for his father’s sheep as a youth. As a shepherd, he knew the constant watchfulness it took to be a faithful and protective shield for the sheep in his care. (1 Samuel 17:12-15, 34-35) As David’s shepherd, the Lord provided him with peace, even when he was pursued by enemies. (Psalm 23:4-5) As Rebekah stated yesterday, “When the going got tough and trial upon trial came up, David repeatedly relied upon the One whom He referred to as ‘The Lord, my Shepherd’. King David understood that his position, a God-given one, was a position of being under God’s protection even as he lived in anticipation of the ultimate Shepherd, King Jesus.” Shepherding was considered a noble occupation for the Israelites before the social shift began with Egyptian prejudice toward them. (Genesis 46:33-34) Still, most shepherds never became kings, and most kings had never been shepherds. God gave David a unique perspective as the shepherd-king.

3) What does the shepherd provide?
Sheep are vulnerable animals for several reasons. Most of us understand they are susceptible to predators because they are defenseless creatures. They have many natural predators in the wild, but those who care for them tell us sheep are their own worst enemy. They have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. When they stray, they put themselves in danger of being lost, attacked, and even becoming disoriented to the point of tragically killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs. The shepherd’s job is an offensive and defensive one. He guides the sheep to places that will provide for their needs, while being constantly on guard to protect them from prowling enemies. (Psalm 23:2-4) As a king with enemies, David faced many days of fear and worry. Several of his psalms reflect his human emotional turmoil and suffering. It was a natural response for him to have dread and anxiety when his life was in danger. Yet, time and again, David took his fears to his God, the Good Shepherd. He resolved in his heart to trust the God he had come to personally know and trust, the One Who was faithful and generous in love. (Psalm 13)

Everyday Application

1) Who is the shepherd?
As our Shepherd, the Lord provides us all with His personal care, direction, protection and presence. When David declared the Lord as His shepherd, he was acknowledging the connection he had with God. As we read through the Old Testament books, we find that the relationship God had with His people dynamically shifted when Jesus came to earth as a man to bring us nearer to Him. Yet, even the patriarch Jacob had a comprehension of the shepherding heart of God. When he blessed his grandsons, he spoke of the “God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day.” (Genesis 48:13-16) The prophet Isaiah also referred to the coming Messiah as a shepherd. (Isaiah 40:9-11) As our gracious and gentle shepherd, God revealed His good news at night to a group of men in a field caring for their flock. How beautiful it is that the angel announcing the birth of the Christ appeared to shepherds! Years ago, I sang a chorus with these words: “Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need You to help us find our way. Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us for we need your strength from day to day. There’s no other we can turn to who can help us face another day. Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need to you to help us find our way.” Friend, during the season of Advent (when we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s coming), we can worship our Good Shepherd with joy and thanksgiving. The One who chased after David also pursues us with His goodness and mercy, which He will continue to do all the days of our lives. (Psalm 23:6)

2) Who is the recipient of the shepherd’s care?
Like others in the ancestry of the Christ child, David was an unlikely pick to be king of Israel. When Samuel anointed him, David had yet to defeat Goliath and establish war strategies. But, sister, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? As usual, God chose to lead His people in unexpected ways by calling on a young shepherd boy. As a shepherd himself, David was able to savor the sweetness of having a personal shepherd. He understood the implications of the imagery in the verses in Psalm 23. He said of God, “the Lord is MY shepherd.” Although the prophet Nathan shared a vision with David about his future (2 Samuel 7), I am doubtful that David fully comprehended his part in the fulfillment of the Messiah’s coming. His name would be forever inscribed in the greatest story of all time. “Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son …” (Luke 2:4-7, emphasis mine) To all who call on the name of Jesus, we too become recipients of the Good Shepherd’s goodness and mercy. Oh come, friend. Let us adore Him. “Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21, emphasis mine)

3) What does the shepherd provide?
David was acutely aware of his own need for a shepherd as evidenced in his gut-honest psalms. Only God could fully supply everything he needed. Jesus said we are all in the same condition of need, both spiritually and emotionally. What comfort during this Advent season to know that it is precisely our need that leads us to find the source of our lasting joy. (Matthew 5:3-5) Charles Spurgeon said that to know the Lord as our shepherd, we must first understand our own wandering nature, “for he cannot know that God is his Shepherd unless he feels in himself that he has the nature of a sheep.” (Spurgeon.org) I recognize how I am prone to wander away. Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to us. Sweet sister, He is our only hope!
“In the process, in the waiting, You’re making melodies over me. / And Your presence is the promise, for I am a pilgrim on a journey / You will lift my head above the mighty waves; / You are able to keep me from stumbling. / And in my weakness, / You are the strength that comes from within. / Good Shepherd of my soul, take my hand and lead me on. / You make my footsteps and my path secure, so walking on water is just the beginning. / Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention, for You are / calling me to greater things. / Oh how I love You, how I love You! / You have not forsaken me. / Oh how I love You, how I love You! / With You is where I want to be.”
(Shepherd by Amanda Falk)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Catch up with A Shepherd’s Heart!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

This is Advent Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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The GT Weekend Worship IX Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Jesus said, “…True worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23) Does that make you wonder if there are “fake” worshippers? Looking at Scripture, I would say yes. In Monday’s Journey Study we saw that worshipping in spirit means we are tuned into and obeying the Holy Spirit living within us. Worshipping in truth means our adoration flows out of knowing His Word and His identity as the unchanging One True God.  Consider some ways you can sharpen your ears to hear from the Holy Spirit? How might you begin putting these into practice starting this weekend? Another side to truth is intention. Worship cannot be like a cloak, used to cover the stain of our sin. We must truly be cleansed to be considered true worshippers. Have there been times when you were a “fake” worshipper? What steps did you take to return to the heart of true worship? What are some ways you can move worship from just “Sunday mornings during church” to the everyday moments of your life? Revisit the Journey Theme Character to remind yourself of the character of the God we serve and worship. Journal something new you learn about God, or are especially thankful for, each day this next week!

2) Did you know that many worship songs are based on Scripture? Does anyone else besides me pause at a passage or verse and start singing the associated song? Brenda taught us that even though songs can tug at our emotions, the most powerful songs are those which sing Scripture back to God. What better way to worship Him than to echo His words? Journal the names of some songs that are based on Scripture, adding the passage or verse and why it resonates with you. A beautiful aspect of worship is how it boasts about God. Who better to boast about?! King David even realized this when he wrote in Psalm 5:11, “…may those who love Your name boast about You”. Spend time this weekend looking up some of God’s promises. How do they spur you on to boast about Him? Recall some hard situations God has seen you through. If you haven’t boasted about His goodness and faithfulness to you during those times, use this weekend to do just that.

3) In Friday’s journey, Paula took us on a stunning journey through the Old Testament, pointing out “I AM” in many chapters and stories. We’re then transported to the New Testament where I AM came to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. If we worship Him for nothing else, this would be a sufficient reason. But even more so, He not only dwelt among us, but also redeemed us by taking our place as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Revelation 5 tells us all of Heaven will worship the Lamb. Can you think of anything better than focusing your worship on God? Revisit Worship VII, which focuses on God’s wondrous glory! Pick one day from each week of Worship VII (or more if you’re feeling ambitious!) and journal your thoughts on that day’s topic.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Colossians 1:15-17 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.

Prayer Journal
Father God, I think of the song that talks about “going back to the heart of worship”. I confess the times I’ve made worship about me and my preferences. Only true worship focuses on You because it’s about You in every aspect. I pray I can focus on Your unchanging character so I’m always mindful of how holy, great, and deserving You are of all my worship. May I remember Your faithfulness toward me even in the face of my unfaithfulness. As I live my daily life, I want others to see me worshipping You by the things I do and say, in the small choices and the big ones. Let my internal thoughts also contribute to a lifestyle of worship for You desire truth in every inmost place. (Psalm 51:6) You, God, are the One True God who has redeemed me from all my rebellious sin. I will worship You in spirit and truth because only You are worthy of that kind of whole-life praise.

Worship Through Community

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

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Worship IX Day 7 Acceptable Worship: 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 Acceptable Worship!

The Questions

1) What does it mean to present “your bodies as a living sacrifice” as means of worshipping God? (verse 1)

2) What does it mean to “be conformed to this age”? (verse 2)

3) How are we to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? (verse 2)

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.  2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Original Intent

1) What does it mean to present “your bodies as a living sacrifice” as means of worshipping God? (verse 1)
Part of Old Testament worship rituals involved priests presenting animal sacrifices to the Lord. People would bring different animals according to the type of offering they needed to make and according to their economic status. Author Fred Zaspel explains that this “sacrificial system established the structure and frame of reference with regard to God’s redemptive purpose: Sinners may obtain divine favor if an acceptable substitute could be found to offer to God in sacrifice.” New Testament citizens were still familiar with this system, and Paul used the concept of a living sacrifice to get their attention. Author, Jerry Flury, notes that “The Old Testament worshiper brought animals to the temple, to be killed and laid on the altar. Paul reversed the imagery. Bring yourself to the altar. But do not DIE for God: LIVE for Him!” God wants us to love Him with everything we have: body, heart, mind, and soul. (Mark 12:30) For us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God, we need to follow His ways (Proverbs 21:3), and abstain from doing those things that go against His holiness (Ephesians 5:11). Paul urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices because he knows God gives us the grace to obey Him. (Romans 1:5) God wants our surrendered love in following Him more than anything. (1 John 5:3) Giving Him everything we are by loving Him through obedience is our true worship of God.

2) What does it mean to “be conformed to this age”? (verse 2)
Paul implores his readers, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) The Greek word for conformed, suschematizo, means to form or mold one’s behavior in accordance with a particular pattern or set of standards.” (preceptaustion.org) Paul warns Roman Christians to be diligent against adopting the ways of the culture they live in with its many ungodly customs and traditions. J. B. Phillips expresses this caution as “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…”. Paul knew how easy it is to let the ways of the world we live in negatively influence our words and actions. This applies to us today as our word choice, manner of dress, media consumption, and spending habits are all shaped by the customs and norms of the age we live in. It is easy to let the movies, music, and pastimes we enjoy crowd out God’s Word and God’s ways in our lives. It is tempting to agree with the culture’s perspective on sin and pleasure because these prevailing beliefs strike such a stark contrast with the Bible’s teaching. Speaking against them may bring us unwanted negative attention. However, God warns us that friendship with the world is hostility toward God. (James 4:4) This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a night at the movies or wearing the latest trends. However, we should make daily decisions alongside a commitment to renew our minds by God and His Word, so we are guarded against embracing the things of this world that are passing away. (Romans 12:2)

3) How are we to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? (verse 2)
The apostle Paul tells us that to remain unchanged by the ways of the world, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds; it’s our safeguard. (Romans 12:2) Paul contends that we can change our minds, and our pattern of thinking, by renewing our minds. Richard Chenevix Trench suggests that renewing our minds “is the gradual conforming of the man more and more to that new spiritual world into which he has been introduced and in which he now lives and moves…the restoration of the divine image.” Renewing our minds is becoming more like Jesus by spending time in prayer and in reading and meditating on the Word of God. The Bible even teaches us what to meditate on in Philippians 4:8 when Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” Spending mental focused energy on these subjects helps us effectively renew our minds and transform our lives. Paul also tells us in Romans 8:5 that if we live by the Spirit then we will set our minds on things of the Spirit. Turning away from a mind set on the flesh and choosing to think about things of the Spirit as a willful act requiring practice and discipline. I am so grateful God makes it possible for us to change the way we think and who we are by dwelling on His Word and allowing His truths to make us new!

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to present “your bodies as a living sacrifice” as means of worshipping God? (verse 1)
As a little girl, I heard a message from a missionary family at church. While I enjoyed their happy pictures and stories about life on the mission field, I felt slightly panicked that God would call me to make such sacrifices someday. I didn’t realize then that all Christians, not just missionaries, are called by God to worship Him by presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1) My own service to God eventually came in the work of being a teacher and parent, and I quickly realized that things went much better when I surrendered my will to His. I wish that meant I quickly obeyed, but it was (and still is) difficult for me to unclench my tight grasp on my own grand plans and embrace what God has in store for me. That is why Paul likens this form of worship to sacrifice. I am giving up my will, my way, and my control to let God work in and through me to accomplish His much better plans. (Philippians 2:13) It is choosing to honor God first that pleases Him so well. Author, David Guzik, asserts, “The holiness we bring to the altar is a decision for holiness, and yielding to the work of holiness in our life. As we present our bodies a living sacrifice, God makes our life holy by burning away impurities.” When I open my hands and heart to give God full permission to be the Lord of everything, He forms me and fits me for the good plans He has for me. (Ephesians 2:10) Faith in God’s goodness requires us to let go and trust God’s gracious goodness. It can feel like loss, but true surrender brings much gain! (Matthew 16:24-26)

2) What does it mean to “be conformed to this age”? (verse 2)
My favorite author, Jane Austen, wrote only six complete novels. Recent writers have outdone themselves publishing prequels, sequels, and modern re-imaginings of her work, which I enjoy reading. However, it irks me when these authors try to write 21st century ideals and morals into a late 18th century author’s world. What we find acceptable today would have been shocking and unthinkable in Jane’s world. These attempts to conform present day morality into storylines from centuries ago usually end up as ridiculous. As it often does, the present age seeks to impose its standards on the world, even the world of a late 18th century novelist of manners and morals. The apostle Paul warns against this onslaught of conformity in Romans 12:2. He urges Christians to give themselves wholly to God and not let the customs of the culture seep into their hearts and minds. It can be the path of least resistance to accept what everyone else accepts, rationalizing that a broader appeal will attract more people and that alienating truths should be avoided. However, this is not the path to life. Jesus tells us the way that leads to destruction is broad, and many take it. (Matthew 7:13) In following God, we must accept His grace to help us adhere to His standards and refuse to become like the world in its sinful lifestyle. We can rejoice that His Holy Spirit empowers us to follow Christ and not conform to this age!

3) How are we to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? (verse 2)
Sometimes I find myself getting off course in my spiritual walk. I veer off the mark gradually; each little step in the wrong direction doesn’t have much effect until one day I realize I’m not where I want to be at all. What often sets me off on the wrong path is what my pastor calls stinkin’ thinkin’. I allow subtle lies about myself, or the nature of God, to affect my mind and my perspective. Getting back on course is possible once I first recognize that my thoughts do not reflect God’s truths. The Bible tells us we can demolish those thoughts that are against God and take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) I can change my thoughts and renew my mind by learning and recalling what God says about me and Himself in His Word. Christine Caine asserts, “To do what God has called us to do and be who He made us to be, we need to let His Words frame our thoughts, influence our hearts, and be the power that propels us forward.” The more His truths become ingrained in our hearts and minds, the less likely we are to get tripped up by that which contradicts His Word. We are less likely to believe the lies of Satan when we are living out the truths of Christ in our daily lives. We will notice a little misstep sooner, and correct our thinking, before we go very far in the wrong direction. This is living a life transformed by the Word of God!

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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)
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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!

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Waiting Day 15 All Of Creation

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 8:18-39
Daniel 9:20-26
Matthew 28:16-20
2 Peter 3:8-17
Revelation 21:1-8

Waiting is active. I know that’s not how it’s usually portrayed, but it’s an accurate statement, especially in relation to Biblical matters.  Throughout time, all creation has been waiting for things – personal redemption/vindication, fulfillment of promises, changes to situations, deliverance, experiencing a significant event and security in their relationship with God. Let’s unpack each of these as we revisit the previous journeys in this Waiting series.

I can remember times when I have longed for vindication, either for myself or a loved one.  But my circumstances never come close to what Joseph went through; sold into slavery, accused of rape, thrown into prison, and forgotten by someone he helped.

The beauty of Joseph’s waiting is that he kept clinging to the Lord, doing what was right, even when he could have decided not too. God had given him a vision and he actively waited for it to come true. Like Joseph, as we wait for vindication in God’s timing, we can do right things too.

Promises are easily made but sometimes just as easily broken. David had a promise from the Lord of becoming Israel’s king. (1 Samuel 16:1-13) But then about fifteen years went by. And during that time, the king he served faithfully repeatedly tried to kill him out of jealousy.

But David neither wavered in his trust in the Lord and nor did he just sit around. Instead he killed Goliath, (1 Samuel 17) served as a warrior against Israel’s enemies, calmed King Saul  in his courts, (1 Samuel 16:14-23) spared the king’s life twice when he could have taken it (1 Samuel 24, 1 Samuel 26) and served as a refuge and mentor for a group of about 400 distressed, impoverished and discontented men. (1 Samuel 22:1-2). In the end, his waiting was rewarded, as he became king and was known as a man after God’s own heart. (1 Sam 13:14; Acts 13:22) As David did, we can also use a season of waiting for a promise to be fulfilled to allow God to develop the fruit of the Spirit in us so we can impact His kingdom as we wait.

Hosea was lamenting the unfaithfulness of his wife, waiting for his situation to change, just like he was waiting for Israel to heed his message to be faithful to God.  Anna and Simeon were waiting to see with their own eyes, the Messiah as their lives drew to a close.

Israel was waiting 400 years for the promised Messiah who would rescue them and bring redemption. They were waiting to know they were truly loved by God and not forgotten. Each of these were waiting and groaning each day, seeing nothing change with their visual eyes. Can you relate?

How does this echo the groaning of creation and the return of Christ? Each season of waiting I’ve mentioned points to Jesus. Everything they were waiting for can be found in Jesus.

Anna and Simeon laid eyes on the Messiah before they died. His earthly ministry was the beginning of the fulfillment of prophecy and promises. (Daniel 9:25-26) Though many did not recognize it, Jesus’ presence on earth was confirmation of God’s unfailing love for His people.

Christ’s finished work on the cross shows how much God thinks His creation is worth – everything. But imagine the disciples groaning for three days because who they thought was their redeemer was dead.  And then they realized Jesus had been resurrected. God’s plan and timing was perfect, even though it didn’t line up with their expectations.

The cross and the Resurrection change the spiritual situation and provide personal redemption for all who believe in Christ. That’s worth every moment we’ve spent groaning.

What about the future day of Christ? Throughout Scripture God has laid out His plan. And so creation has waited, seeing hints of it throughout the history of Israel. But we also see the effects of the unfulfilled part of God’s plan in the brokenness of this world; disease, depravity, physical and mental limitations and outright disregard for any real morality and goodness.

When Jesus went back to the Father forty days after His Resurrection, He gave the disciples, who founded what we know as the Church today an assignment. We are to make disciples, teach God’s commands and remind others that God is always with us. (Matthew 28:16-20) In essence, build My church while you wait. Be their hope while you wait for me to return.

But what were they and are we waiting for now? Before Jesus went to the cross, He promised a Helper, the Holy Spirit. He enabled the disciples to begin the work of building the church. (Acts 2) He is who enables us to live out our assignment. And we continue waiting and groaning until a future day when “the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children”. (Romans 8:21)

When will this be? Only God knows. Even Jesus is waiting for God to say “Go get yor bride”. God is waiting for His perfectly selected time to begin the process of creating the new heaven and the new earth. (Isaiah 51:6) Why wait , you may ask. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us God is patiently waiting for “all to come to repentance.”

While we wait for this glorious day, let us groan not with sorrow but with hope. Let’s “make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight.” (2 Peter 3:14)

“Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Amen. Let us wait for it to be so.

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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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Waiting Day 11 Victorious Patience

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 20:19-23
John 19:28-30
Genesis 50:19-21

Waiting, Day 11

Waiting.
It’s something most, if not all, of us hate doing.
Whether we are waiting for a partner in life, a baby, a job, a house, or something else entirely, waiting rubs against our self-made plans, itineraries, and desires.

I’ve never been an incredibly patient person, and I tend to hold tightly to my wishes. But God has graciously been working in my heart over the past few years, showing me that even though waiting is hard and oftentimes painful, it truly is best for us in the end.
God’s timing is perfect. (Psalm 18:30-32)

When it comes to waiting, we tend to have one of three primary responses: fear, arrogance, or victorious patience.

Interestingly, these three responses are exemplified in the disciples, the Pharisees, and Jesus, respectively, when we examine the days between Jesus’ death and His resurrection. This three-day waiting period elicited very different responses from each.

The disciples largely lived in fear during these days of waiting. They were emotionally distraught, fearing for their lives, as everything they’d believed seemed to come to a sudden, horrific end. They were not living from a place of faith and trust in what Jesus had told them. Instead, they were hiding from Jewish authorities and cowering in confusion and fear. (John 20:19)

The Pharisees, Jewish religious leaders who felt threatened by Jesus and helped engineer His death, were rather happy with themselves in the days following His crucifixion. They were full of arrogance and pride, believing they’d rid themselves of a troublemaker in their religious community. (again, see John 20:19)

But what about Jesus? During those three days of waiting, He embodied victorious patience. His final words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), reveal He confidently knew He had won the victory He’d procured for sinners through His death on the cross. Yet, I can also imagine the feelings of excitement He must have also felt in those days prior to His resurrection. I can picture His anticipation at the thought of rising in victory and comforting His disciples with His resurrected presence. What an exciting moment it would be! Still, He waited with such patience, knowing His victory for us was secure.

I wonder about us, dear readers. How do we usually approach seasons of waiting?
Do we experience feelings of fear and trepidation, anxious about the future?
Do we feel arrogant, relying upon ourselves to get through those seasons?
Or do we rest in the goodness of God, able to live with a sense of victorious patience, even in the midst of a long wait with no clear end in sight?

I don’t know about you, but I find myself tending to alternate between each of these three responses, depending on the waiting season and my willingness to actually surrender daily to the Spirit’s work in me. Truly, I have found meditating on the character of God as we walk by the Spirit to be key for experiencing inner peace and waiting patiently, with victory.

It’s impossible to wait patiently, contentedly, and joyfully unless we are trusting God in our waiting. It’s equally impossible to fully trust God in those challenging seasons when we do not know how things will end, unless we know God’s character.
We simply cannot trust Someone we do not know.

This, my friends, has been the game-changer for me in recent years. Through studying God’s Word, walking by His Spirit, and being encouraged and sharpened by fellow members of His church, I have come to know Him in a far deeper way than ever before. This has naturally led to a deeper trust in His plans and faith in His goodness, even in the midst of waiting.

When I need encouragement, I consider the life story of Joseph. (Genesis 39-50) With one hardship after another, one terrible turn of events after another, and one season of waiting after another, we never read of Joseph’s despair. Why? He knew his God and trusted His character. He confidently proclaimed to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good, to bring about the present result–the survival of many people.”

May we carry this truth with us into the days ahead, meditating on it as our personal reminder that no matter our experiences while we wait, God is trustworthy, and He is working for our good and His glory! (Romans 8:28)

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

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

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The GT Weekend! ~ Waiting Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The story of God’s people is one full of waiting and watching. From Adam and Eve, to Abraham and Sarah, to David and the prophets, nearly everyone in Scripture waits for the Lord to work. Often the stories we read show us our own human nature of waiting poorly. In the waiting, our doubts and our sin so easily ensnare us. Not only that, but we get so caught up in our day-to-day trials, we forget to look for the work God is doing. What are you waiting for? How are you living as you wait? Is your mind caught up with fretting about the thing you are waiting for and how to ensure it arrives? Or do you distract yourself so you won’t even think about it. Spend some time in self-reflection. Confess the ways you are waiting poorly, and ask God to give you a steadfast hope in His good timing. Meditate on the truth of God’s faithfulness by writing out Psalm 13 and praying it aloud to God as you write.

2) As we wait on the Lord, we will inevitably face questions and doubts. Will God keep His promises? Am I hearing Him correctly? Can I trust Him? Maybe we will discover that what we thought we were waiting for was not, in fact, God’s plan for us. Maybe we will find that the time we spent waiting has changed both us and our desires. Are you willing to put your trust in the all-knowing all-powerful God who has promised that all things will work for the good of those who love Him? What hopes and dreams are you holding onto? Where are you questioning God’s goodness? How are you anxious about the future? Can you submit those dreams, questions, and fears to almighty God? How has He shown Himself faithful to you before? God tells His people time and time again to remember His faithfulness. Take some time to look back today on how the Lord has been present. Remember the goodness God has shown you in the past, and submit to His will for your present and your future. Remember Him in the waiting.

3) In Friday’s journey, we considered the rich tapestry of history God has woven by His good will, and continues to work until the end of time. Sarah reminded us that while we see the messy underside and crisscrossed threads that don’t make sense to us, God sees the big picture. This image resonated with me as a person who enjoys crafting. I can’t tell you how many times I have re-started a crochet project because something didn’t look right, or because I hadn’t read the instructions properly, or because I was confused. Praise God He knows what He is doing from eternity past to eternity future; He never needs to unravel the work He has begun. Do you trust that God’s timing is perfect and abundantly more merciful and good than we can imagine? Do you trust He knows what He is doing, even when we don’t? Consider the works of your hands. Perhaps you sew or crochet, maybe you paint or write, or maybe you are an expert home organizer (can you share some of that skill with me?!). Often our projects start messy and get worse before they get better. As you do your work today, consider the great plan God has for all of history and entrust to His care all of your hopes, dreams, and desires. Ask Him to sustain you in all things.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Isaiah 40:28-31a back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary;
There is no limit to His understanding.
He gives strength to the powerless.
Youths may become faint and weary,
And young men stumble and fall,
But those who trust in the Lord
Will renew their strength…

Prayer Journal
Oh Lord, our Hope in times of trouble, our Grace in times of restless waiting. You give us rest for our souls. You give us security in Your completed work. You are the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and we trust You. My sight is limited, my knowledge incomplete, but You, oh God, have a good plan. Help me to trust You when my faith grows weak. Forgive me for my tendency to doubt and attempts to fix everything myself. Forgive me, and strengthen me, for Your great glory. Father, I commit to You my every step. My future is in Your hands, and I rest securely, knowing You will do what You have said. Help me to be bold in my faith, proclaiming Your goodness to a lost and broken world. May my life show Your good will to those around me: my children, my neighbors, my church, and my community. May my life be a testimony to Your great faithfulness.

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