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Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors

March 3, 2023 by Lori Meeks Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors

Lori Meeks

March 3, 2023

church,Community,Courage,Encourage,Faith,Family,Fellowship

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:23-25
Acts 15:36-40
Colossians 4:10-15
Genesis 2:15-22

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philemon 1:23-25)

How often do we skip right over these benedictions in Scripture? If you’re anything like me, do you ever wonder why these verses are included and important to the Bible? 

2 Timothy 3:16 (emphasis mine) tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable [. . .] so that the [woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Therefore, these closing verses are God-inspired and useful in our journey! Let’s jump in and see what we learn as we meet Philemon’s coworkers.

Epaphras is first mentioned in Colossians 1:7-8, then again in 4:12:
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills.”  

Here, we gain some insight into this man with an unusual name. Possibly one of the founders of the church in Colossae, Epaphras partnered with the Apostle Paul in deep care for the church and in ministry. 

Mark, often referred to as John Mark in Scripture, is more familiar as the author of the gospel of Mark. John Mark was also a cousin to Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), who often traveled with Paul; Mark is introduced in Acts 12:12, 25. 

Paul’s relationship with Mark was tumultuous. While we don’t know the details, at some point, Mark left the group of missionaries traveling with Paul. (Acts 15:36-40) It’s possible Mark was young, immature, or just took a wrong turn, as many of us do in our journeys following Jesus. This upset Paul so deeply that when Mark tried to rejoin the mission, the team parted ways over his return. 

The letter to Philemon, however, leads us to believe they were reconciled. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul even requested, “Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.” Paul’s words indicate the men had grown to rely on each other as they served together to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Next is Aristarchus, who we learn from Acts 27:2 is a Macedonian from Thessalonica and a companion of Paul. We meet him when Acts 19:21-41 describes a riot in Ephesus. Aristarchus, as Paul’s traveling companion, was swept along as the mob converged on a local amphitheater. 

Additionally, he accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys (Acts 20:1-6), as well as on his trip to Rome. In Colossians 4, Paul referred to Aristarchus as a “fellow prisoner.” Throughout the trials accompanying spreading the Gospel, Aristarchus remained a devoted co-laborer with Paul.  

Demas, like the other men, started out as a “fellow worker” of Paul’s and was with him in Rome. (Colossians 4:14) However, 2 Timothy 4:9-10 reveals his commitment was short-lived, “Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone on to Thessalonica.”

As I was researching these men, one commentary made an interesting point: at least three of them (Epaphras, Aristarachus, and Mark) were faithful workers in sharing the Gospel, starting churches and going on missions with Paul, yet I cannot recall a sermon preached about Epaphras or Aristarchus. 

Yet, clearly they were hard-working and faithful companions to Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament. From their stories, we learn we don’t have to be well-known to do great work for Jesus. These lesser-known men were simply faithful to God’s call and faithful to their mentor, Paul. Here is a lesson for all of us! 

As I write, I’m reminded of the song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” 
We were not made to do life alone. (Genesis 2:18) 
We all need people in our lives. 
People to serve with us, to encourage us, to stick by our side no matter what. 
People who will continue the work of Jesus when we can’t. 
People who share the desire to serve our Father. 

Personally, I have been blessed with such people. My kids call us the Kool Momz; these ladies (Marla, Dawn, and Katherine) love Jesus and desire to honor and serve Him as much as I. We pray together, eat together, laugh together and support each other. 

This past fall, Katherine’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer, devastating news that rocked her to the core. But God knew and He had worked to bring the four of us together so she did not walk through that deep valley alone. We stood in the gap for our hurting friend, doing whatever was needed, whenever it was needed. And when they received the news the cancer was gone – we celebrated together! 

I pray each of you will find your people, those with whom you can do life. 
Those who will encourage you, challenge you to grow in Jesus, pray with you, study with you, walk beside you during the hard, and celebrate with you during the good. 
The grace of God bonds us not only as friends, but as family.
Life is better together!

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Posted in: church, Community, Courage, Encourage, Faith, Family, Fellowship Tagged: Christ, Community, family, grow, trust

Eden Day 5 Crafted For Community

April 22, 2022 by Sara Cissell 2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:26-31
1 John 4:7-21
Romans 5:1-11
Matthew 22:37-40

Eden, Day 5

I think the Garden of Eden must have been paradise for those who are averse to crowds. Since Adam and Eve were the only humans on the planet, I cannot quite picture one of them mumbling, “I hate crowds.” Unless, by chance, a cacophony caused by all the animals Adam had recently named counted for crowd noise.

No large groups of people rushed to and fro on their way to the market or gathered close to hear someone speak as Adam and Even walked with the Lord in the cool of the day. (Genesis 3:8) But, in those evening times of sharing, five distinct persons were present, three of whom are found within the single triune Being of the three-in-one God.

Deuteronomy 6:4 clearly states there is only One God.
“The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”

This truth is reiterated across Scripture, but we also discover this One God is revealed in three distinct persons as God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. All three persons dwell in unity as the Lord God; all three were present in Eden.

I can only imagine the community Adam and Eve shared with God in the Garden.
Abundant peace! Flooding Love! All shared so beautifully!
How glorious it surely was to interact with the Lord before sin marred everything!

There are four Greek words for love: eros, storge, philos, and agape.
Eros is sexual and romantic.
Storge is felt for family.
Philos is shared between friends.
Agape is Divine love poured out through self-sacrifice.

The Triune God is Lord of love, it is His DNA, and He created us to both give and receive it, mirroring how He shares self-sacrificial love even within His own Being.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

“God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him [. . .] We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:16, 19)

Adam and Eve were the first humans to experience love and, to borrow the wording of Genesis, they saw that love was good.

Adam and Eve were the first husband and wife.
Eros

Scripture lists their children as Cain, Abel, Seth, and other sons and daughters.
Storge

The Lord walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden and talked with them directly.
Philos

Finally, Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden due to their sin. (Genesis 3)
They lost their direct access to the Lord.

However, out of His love, the Lord did not destroy them, even at the expense of His connection with them and the eventual sacrifice Jesus would make to restore our access.
Agape

Regardless of the type of love demonstrated, one common denominator is present: more than one person. This means that when the Lord decided to make man in His image, humanity was crafted for community.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.’” (Genesis 1:26, emphasis mine)
The Trinity is on display within the first chapter of Genesis!

God as Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in perfect community, and we are invited and challenged to foster healthy community as well with divine agape love as our foundation.

A common cultural mantra is “Love Wins.”
Yes, yes it does.
But not according to the world’s definition of “winning”.
It’s not the selfish love of one having her every whim satisfied, but a love reflecting Matthew 22: 37-40.

“He said to [the Pharisee], ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on these two commands.’”

Every interaction we have with another person is a chance to grow in agape love as it undergirds every other type of love and reflects the beautiful, sacrificial love of the Triune God.

Before finding ourselves incredibly overwhelmed at trying to muster up this kind of love on our own strength, remember this love is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) We are to love with and through the help of the Holy Spirit.

In order to effectively love others in community,
we must first be in community with the Lord.

Lord, we need more of You. We need Your ability to love those around us.
Holy Spirit, please cultivate agape love in us. Empower us to love like You
when it hurts,
when it’s scary,
when we’re tired,
when we’ve been wounded,
and when differences threaten to divide us by prejudice.

**Please note we do not advocate remaining in unsafe, abusive relationships. Setting healthy boundaries is also a demonstration of love.

Lord, we will continually fail without Your help; we need Your help when we inevitably fall short. Help us to love enough to ask for forgiveness, pour out grace, listen to understand, extend forgiveness, and to seek Your face for wisdom in our relationships. 

You crafted us for community.
Helps us to experience this by drawing close to You and loving our neighbors as ourselves. 

For Your Glory.
Amen. 

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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 Eden Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Posted in: Dwell, God, Good, Holy Spirit, Love, Scripture, Truth Tagged: Abundant Peace, adam, Agape, Community, Crafted, Eden, Eve, grow, Three-in-One God

Training Day 10 Our Wandering Hearts

February 4, 2022 by Sarah Afan Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 1:1-8
Deuteronomy 6:1-6
Proverbs 4:20-22
Psalm 1:1-3
2 Timothy 3:14-17

Training, Day 10

I believe every Christ-follower wants to do what Scripture says. We want to succeed and be happy in life, but it doesn’t always happen. We find ourselves struggling with issues that weigh us down or sins we seem unable to avoid. Have you ever heard the Scriptures preached and it clearly addresses your sin issue? At such times, we become convicted and think we will never depart from the good teaching. Yet, after a while, we forget easily.

I have noticed that often, when we neglect the Scripture for a period, it is easy for us to lose the focus of our journey with God. It is not surprising then, that upon their entrance into the land He promised them, God urged Israel’s leader, Joshua, “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” (Joshua 1:8)

With the Spirit’s power to teach and convict, the Scripture guards us from sin and grants us access to knowing God’s heart. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Now, what makes the word living and active? John 1:1-8 reveals that the Word existed in the beginning with God, and the Word was God. The whole creation was executed through Him, and there was nothing created apart from Him. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men; the Word became flesh and lived among men. John 1:16 continues, “Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

The text reveals Jesus Christ is the Word who existed in the beginning, through whom everything was created. What does this mean in real life?

Scripture, which is the written word, works powerfully in us because it points us to Jesus Christ, the living Word.

Jesus, the living Word, is the subject matter of the written word.

If we cannot do without Christ, the living Word, then we cannot do without the written word, in which Christ is the main focus.

When we study Scripture and meditate on it always, it stays in our hearts and helps us keep in contact with Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Having the word in us enables us to overcome temptations and live victoriously in our faith. We know that as long as we are in this world, Satan is bound to tempt us again and again. If he could tempt Jesus, who would he not tempt? Jesus’ response to temptation was to use Scripture; by this, He overcame fiery darts of the devil. (Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:16) Jesus replied to Satan, “It is written,” and then quoted a portion of Scripture relevant to the temptation at hand. If Jesus needed the Scripture to fight temptation, how much more do we need it?

There is no doubt we need Scripture settled in our hearts. Psalm 1:1-3 reveals the happiness of those who delight in the Lord’s instructions and meditate on them; they are like trees planted beside flowing streams. They prosper because they receive nourishment from the Word.

How do we meditate on Scripture so we will not depart from it? Dr. Ralph Wilson, one of my favorite writers, shares these guidelines, “Bible study takes a longer block of uninterrupted time. The real key to Bible study is being inquisitive, learning to ask questions of the text. First, read the passage. Then be a detective; look for clues. What’s going on? What stands out to you?”

Following his advice, I usually choose a single book or a topic and study it in-depth. Often, I spend at least an hour, and early morning time is best for me. I read a portion of Scripture more than once, and pause; I think over it again and again. In doing so, a message from the Scripture captures my mind. Then, I consult some commentaries, which provide a more thorough understanding. I will then task myself to think over the message throughout the day. For example, recently I was studying Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. As I went about my day, I asked the Spirit to guide my thoughts along those virtues. This requires self-discipline and practice, but simply begin practicing and find the delight the Spirit brings as you grow!

We cannot overemphasize the significance of meditating on Scripture; it is the only way we can succeed in keeping God’s word in our hearts. When we have the word in our hearts, the Spirit enables us to act on it, and we will grow deeply in our faith journey!

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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 Training Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
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Posted in: Christ, God, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Journey, Power, Scripture Tagged: Deeply, fullness, grow, heart, Meditating, Promised Land, training, Wandering, Word

Waiting Day 6 Look, Listen, and Wait

October 11, 2021 by Carol Graft Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 3
Genesis 15:1-6
Psalm 27:7-14
Luke 18:1-8

Waiting, Day 6

From the beginning, humankind has been waiting. In one crushing moment, paradise and unbroken relationship with God were lost. As Adam and Eve trudged from the lushness of the Garden into the dust of everywhere else because of their decision to sin against the God who loved them, the waiting for a redeemer and rescuer began. (Genesis 3)

Eve held a promise her seed would crush the enemy. (Genesis 3:15) Then one son was murdered and the other and was exiled. (Genesis 4:1-16) Eve returned to waiting.

Abraham and Sarah were promised more children than the stars in the skies (Genesis 15:1-6), but they grew tired of waiting and took their own action (Genesis 16). The Middle East has been at war within itself ever since as one son (Ishmael/Islam) warred against the other (Isaac/Judaism).

Generations later, the nation of Israel continued to wait. As foretold to Abraham, God spectacularly and miraculously freed them from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:29-42, Exodus 14:5-31), but it wasn’t enough.

While Moses received the Law from God on Mt. Sinai, the people decided Yahweh was no longer worth the wait, so they made their own god, a golden calf. Like Abraham and Sarah, Israel took matters into their own hands and disaster followed. (Exodus 32)

From Israel, we learn what not to do while waiting. Choosing to abandon the wait or wrest control from God always results in destruction.

Israel used their waiting in the wilderness as an opportunity to continue their rebellion rather than choose to grow in trusting Yahweh. (Numbers 16) Eventually, by God’s grace, they entered the Promised Land. However, humankind’s sinful nature continued to manifest through disobedience and rebellion in the face of God’s protection and generosity. Israel took God’s gift of land and, through selfish arrogance, their kingdom became savagely divided. They waited for rescue almost continually. Wait, rebel, endure captivity … repeat. Over and over and over. Israel ignored the signs of God’s provision and protection all around them.

Therefore, God appointed prophets to speak for Him, to admonish and encourage the Israelites to return to God. Still, Israel ignored the words of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and other prophets who all pointed to The Only One who could rescue. (Micah 5:2)

Eventually, the prophets, too, grew silent.
400 years of silence passed without a word or a sign.

We likely haven’t waited 400 years to see God move on our behalf, but even waiting days or months seems like an eternity. It’s hard to hold onto the truth that God still sees us. It’s hard to wait for God to move without attempting to hurry the answer along.

Fast forward to early first century Israel. Rome was the ruling party while Israel still awaited rescue. The 400 years of silent, painful waiting was broken when a young woman was told she would birth the Messiah. (Luke 1:26-33)

Then the Savior was born . . . quietly, inauspiciously, in a stable. (Luke 2:1-7)

A few people knew. Local shepherds and Joseph were visited by angels. The Savior was finally here and they were drawn to worship. (Luke 2:8-20) Seers from the East noticed the star in the heavens mentioned in Numbers 24:17. Though they weren’t followers of Yahweh, they journeyed to Israel to worship this perfect King. (Matthew 2:1-12)

Some suspected. King Herod, who wasn’t the first ruler to order infanticide (Exodus 1:15-22, Matthew 2:16-18), attempted to murder the Promised One, albeit unsuccessfully.
He wasn’t the last to seek Christ’s death.

Still Israel waited thirty more years.

Some in Israel, like Abraham had once done, took matters into their own hands. Zealots began uprisings, fomenting insurrections in an attempt to gain control. They incurred the brutal wrath of Rome and the Sanhedrin (hypocritical and self-righteous religious leaders). Once again, rebellion in the waiting was deadly.

To this unrest, Jesus began His ministry unlike Israel expected, without army or militia. Instead, He revealed the heart of the Father, teaching, healing, and restoring. While the Sanhedrin’s authority felt threatened, and several thousand noticed the miraculous (Matthew 14:13-21), most of Israel completely missed their long-awaited Rescuer living among them.

Sisters, it’s so easy to judge Israel’s folly, but how often have we missed God moving in our lives because He didn’t show up as we expected? Like Israel, we become weary of waiting; we’d rather plunge headfirst into doing things our way. When the outcome is painful, and we open our eyes, we see God was present all along in unexpected ways.

Are you waiting?
I’ve been in a “How long, O Lord?” season.
No clear words from the Lord, and no peace to any direction I consider.

So, I wait.

Is it frustrating? Absolutely. I want clear answers and control.
I want to know “why.”
The uncomfortable call to trust, abide, and rest in Him isn’t easy!

Where do we begin?

Read His Word consistently.
Consider the Psalms where we find company in David’s laments and comfort in his decision to praise.

Put on worship music. Many genres are available!

Finally, let’s be honest with God.
Tell Him the wait is hard, even painful and confusing. Ask the Holy Spirit, our comforter, to teach us to wait with expectancy, ready for our Father’s fulfillment of His promises!

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

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

Posted in: Christ, Freedom, God, Grace, Promises, Relationship, Waiting, Worship Tagged: Egypt, grow, Israel, listen, look, Promised Land, Savior, Unbroken, wait, Words, Yahweh

The GT Weekend! ~ Nations Week 1

May 15, 2021 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

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) Our beloved writer and GT Partner, Sarah, lives in Jos, Nigeria. She paraphrases a verse from Ephesians 4:17-18 to represent the spiritual journey of many in her village, “We, who once walked in the futility of our minds, having our understanding darkened…” She asserts the reality that “whoever comes into contact with the love of God must realize his sinful condition.” In what ways do you see evidence of this in your own spiritual journey? Where have you encountered God’s divine love, then turned to realize how unworthy we are of such love? How has God’s goodness and kindness towards you made you aware of your sin? If not, spend some time reflecting on why. While your everyday life may look nothing like Sarah’s in Jos, the markers of our journeys with God carry very similar characteristics. Without first embracing the truth that we, on our own, are impossibly far from God, we cannot take even one step toward Him. If you sincerely desire to grow deeper with God, start today by asking Him to open your eyes to the ways you love darkness and sin. Confess these and ask Him to help you understand His love more clearly!

2) Marietta shared her realization that faith, for the African American community, was birthed from a place of needing to feel loved unconditionally and find hope. On the streets where she lives and churches she attends, she understands this need in a way the majority of white Americans miss. While we all are bound together in this common need for love without condition and hope with confident assurance, the Black community brings a unique perspective as they live in the reality where they will never find this unconditional love from the neighborhoods of America. The snare of prejudice, the radical injustices against races other than white, and the naivety of modern white Christianity draw distinct conditional lines against Blacks. How many friends, real friends, not just acquaintances, do you have who aren’t your same race? How are you actively working to connect with others of a different skin tone? Until all of us are willing to sit, listen with walls down, and actively engage with persons different than us, we cannot effectively build God’s Kingdom. Pray for your oppressed brothers and sisters this weekend, and ask God to shift your heart and your eyes to see differently starting today!

3) Regardless of our location in the world, we are each familiar with the potential and vitality wrapped up in our youth. There is something deeply significant and enticing about a young person, whether newborn, or gangly teenager, or a 20-something with the world stretching before them. We recognize the magnetism of youthfulness, which is why many world religions seek to draw in young people to catch the vision for a new generation. In what ways do you see the youth of your culture steering the beliefs for the world around them? What sources can you identify that specifically feed them? How many young people are you currently engaged with who would consider you a confidante? If you aren’t friends with someone younger than you, or if your age ranges below the 20-somethings, consider ways you can begin to intentionally engage for the purpose of sharing Jesus. Being a young person is of high value in growing God’s Kingdom, take the opportunity to pray for this generation and pour into them!

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 Galatians 3:26-28 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

…through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.
For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see the similarities, as well as the differences, between myself and my brothers and sisters in the Church who live out their calling to follow you around the world. Jesus, I pray you would bind us together through Your Spirit. Make me mindful of the ways we all struggle in our fight against sin, though it takes on different forms in different areas of the globe. Encourage all of us to continue persevering in our faith as we all wait expectantly for our coming Hope of glory found only in You! Remind me to pray for my fellow Christians in Nigeria as they continue to take bold new steps of faith. Remind me to pray for my sisters and brothers in the Southern United States who face the effects of racism on a daily basis. Remind me to pray fervently for those in SE Asia who find themselves worshipping many gods, give them ears to hear truth and embrace You with humble courage. Lord God, show me how I can be part of the fight to stand with each of these sisters and brothers by the bond of Your Spirit!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

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Posted in: God, GT Weekend, Hope, Kingdom, Love, Prayer Tagged: build, deeper, grow, heart, Journey, nations, Realization, Unconditionally

Worship VIII Day 12 Authentic Worship: Digging Deeper

March 23, 2021 by Shannon Vicker 1 Comment

Worship VIII Day 12 Authentic Worship: Digging Deeper

Shannon Vicker

March 23, 2021

Christ,God,Holy Spirit,Hope,Jesus,Paul,Power,Prayer,Redeemed,Relationship,Sacrifice,Transformation,Trust,Worship

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

This DD Connects With "Authentic Worship"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

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.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does it mean to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” and how is this done? (verse 1)

The practice of sacrificing an innocent animal was common practice for Paul’s audience. When he said “sacrifice”, they had immediate, visual context for his meaning. However, a sacrifice was typically not left alive. Israelites presented their offering for the priest to sacrifice on the altar after it had been slaughtered, for “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)

Sacrifice was vital to the everyday living out of the Israelites’ faith. Yet Paul refers here to a different type of sacrifice, a living one. Christ had already come and sacrificed Himself for all of mankind, spanning the impassable gap between us and God created because of our sinfulness. Paul is calling his audience to willingly sacrifice, or turn over, their entire lives to God and His will.

He is reminding his readers their lives are not their own, rather they belong to the God who gave His Son to redeem them.

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” and how is this done? (verse 1)

When we become believers in Jesus, trusting Him to cover the payment for our sins against God, our lives are no longer our own. We freely accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and in return we offer our bodies, the whole of our lives back to Him out of love, knowing we could never repay Him for His sacrifice. In doing this, we choose to allow God to work in and through us how He sees fit; we turn our will over to Him.

This surrender is not a one-time occurrence, instead this sacrifice is a moment by moment decision we make as believers to surrender ourselves to the Lord.

There are times where my life does not look like a sacrifice, when I am operating in my will instead of God’s, and He lovingly calls me back to Himself in full surrender. We are constantly called to choose to live as a sacrifice presenting ourselves to be used for the glory of God and not our own ways.

The Original Intent

2) Why should we “not be conformed to this age”? (verse 2)

Paul instructs his audience to “not be conformed to this age”, or in some translations, “to the world”. According to Webster’s Dictionary, conformed literally means to make similar in form, nature, or character.

The Greek word for conform, “συσχηματίζω”, takes the definition farther in meaning, “to fashion one’s self according to the pattern or mold of another.” Paul is urging his readers to not look like the world in which they live.

He strongly reminds them they are now free from the pattern of the world and no longer need to fit themselves into its mold. Christ has done a good work in them and they now carry a different identity than the world in which they reside. They have been reborn to live free and renewed!

The Everyday Application

2) Why should we “not be conformed to this age”? (verse 2)

Perhaps you’ve heard the popular Christian saying, “be in the world but not of it”. In essence, this is exactly what Paul is calling believers to in this verse. Jesus Himself prays for believers in John 17 and we are reminded several times in His prayer that believers are not of the world.

This is not our home because we have now been born of the Spirit of God. (John 3:5-6) Our real home awaits us in the presence of our Heavenly Father when we leave this world and enter eternity. Just as Paul did not want his audience to look like the world, neither are we to fit its mold either.

We are called to look and behave differently than those with no hope. We are called to live a life that resembles Jesus, a life lived out of the overflow of our relationship with Him rather than an attempt to fashion ourselves after the world’s pattern.

When our everyday lives are an overflow of our close walk with Jesus, He naturally shapes us to not look like this world even though we currently reside in it. He crafts us to be like Jesus Himself! (Romans 8:29)

The Original Intent

3) What does transformation look like? (verse 2)

Transformation is a process that completely changes an object into something new. Paul is telling his audience their full surrender allows the God of the Universe to transform them to be like Him. Paul isn’t talking about simply a physical transformation, but instead a transformation of their whole being. This is radical!

Paul is calling believers to allow God to change the way they behave, think, react, and so much more as He puts His Spirit to live within them, making them new as they give over control. This process begins with renewing their mind.

As God transforms their minds, the changes flesh out in their behaviors and everyday life. Matthew Henry calls it, “a change not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul”.

He goes on to say it occurs in a way “that the man is not what he was, old things are passed away, all things are become new; he acts from new principles, by new rules, with new designs”. This is transformation by the Spirit’s power!

The Everyday Application

3) What does transformation look like? (verse 2)

A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly and no longer looks as it once did. An example like this is what many of us immediately consider when we hear the word “transformation”. We think of something that endured a change so great it no longer resembles its old self.

Transformation is not something that occurs overnight, and the same is true of the transformation Paul references in these verses. We become believers the day we accept the free gift of salvation Jesus offers through His death on the cross. However, we are not complete at that moment. Instead, God continuously transforms us to look less like our old selves and more like Jesus as we grow in relationship with Him.

This transformation is not first one seen on the outside, but as God changes our mind and our thoughts, what pours out of our lives begins to look different. We slowly transform into a new person, one who more and more resembles Jesus and less and less resembles sin and the broken pattern this world represents.

However, Sisters, do not lose hope when you fail to live up to the transformation taking place in you, for it will not be complete until we enter eternity and the temptation to follow the pattern of sin is forever banished. Instead, acknowledge when you look more like the world and less like Jesus, turn again in surrender and allow God to do what only He can, forgive you and continue making you like Him.

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Posted in: Christ, God, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Paul, Power, Prayer, Redeemed, Relationship, Sacrifice, Transformation, Trust, Worship Tagged: Allow, authentic, calling, glory, grow, Living Sacrifice, surrender

The GT Weekend! ~ Beloved Week 1

November 21, 2020 by Erin O'Neal Leave a Comment

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) Our Journey from Monday closes with the challenge, “Regardless of your marital status, draw close to the Lord and risk being unmasked before Him. The love, passion, and connection experienced there is well worth the being seen.” As a single woman, I often longed for a husband with whom I could share my deepest longings and my truest self. As a married woman, I have encountered the truth of a broken world that no human relationship is perfect. While my husband and I have a secure relationship, we still need to work to be vulnerable and open with one another. Marriage will not, and cannot, solve all our problems. Sit down this week and have an honest conversation with the Lord. Read 2 Corinthians 3 again and consider what it would look like for you to approach the presence of God with an “unveiled face.” Beloved, the Father knows your weaknesses. Do not be ashamed to approach Him and ask for His favor. He is delighted to be with you; delight in His presence. To take it a step further, consider sharing with your spouse or a close friend what you are learning from God, either in this area or another area of growth. As you connect with others, you are helping one another grow in intimacy with the Lord!

2) Sarah attests that our God-crafted differences give us cause to celebrate rather than be divisive in our closest relationships. Can you imagine how beautiful our marriages, and relationships with other believers would be, if we saw each role as uniquely crafted and desperately needed? The imagery God uses of a head and body give us a picture of oneness. The head cannot be separated from the body and still function, and the same is true for the body. How can you intentionally celebrate your spouse’s differences this week? Often, the longer we are married, those idiosyncrasies that annoy us most give us insight into how God created our spouse as wonderfully different than ourselves. Instead of jumping to frustration, and our own perspective this weekend, celebrate how God made your husband different! Whether you’re single or married, learning to assess your own uniqueness, while allowing another person to be different without detracting from you is a huge milestone in relational maturity! Take time this week to encourage the differences you see in the people who are closest to you, and praise God His creativity in crafting us as unique beings.

3) The woman in Song of Solomon adamantly pursues her lover until she finds him.  She does not waiver in her pursuit, and she is rewarded with love and acceptance when she finds him. The world tells us that to get love, we have to play “hard to get,” but this is a power play aimed at manipulation and gaining an upper hand. In God’s kingdom, we are called to lay down our power and be authentic with one another. We all long to be pursued, but are we willing to take the steps toward pursing another? Wives, where are you struggling in your marriage? What are some steps you can take to pursue your husband and rekindle intimacy? Where do you need God’s healing hand to cover your marriage and enable you and your husband to reconnect? Write a prayer asking God for His help, understanding that there is no topic that is off-limits to God. He knows your desires and He knows where you need help. Single sisters, are you pursing God as your highest good? Are you pursing deep friendships with other women in your circle? Are you practicing authentic intimacy with the people God has placed in your life? Write some ways that you can faithfully serve and pursue God in your singleness and commit to practicing those steps.

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 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Prayer Journal
“Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.” (Psalm 95:2). Lord, You are so good to us! You have made a way for Your children to enter into your presence, to have real and intimate relationship with You, and to have deep relationships with others. I confess I have hidden myself from You. Like Adam in the garden, I have attempted to hide my sin in my shame. As I hide from You, I hide from the people I love the most, shunning your gift of grace and pushing away those who love me. I have not pursued intimate relationships with the dedication and faithfulness You have freed me to experience. Thank You that I do not need to live in shame! Thank You for making a way for us to be reconciled to You and one another. Help me live with an unveiled face before You. Help me to pursue and build intimate and life-giving relationships with others. Empower my relationships to reflect the unity and oneness befitting children of the Most High God. You said the world around us would know Your people by their love for one another. (John 13:35) Help me to live my life honoring You and showing others Your great love.

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Posted in: Deep, God, GT Weekend, Kingdom, Longing, Marriage, Relationship Tagged: Beautiful, delight, draw closer, father, grow, intimacy, love, Lover, oneness, presence, Pursues, Unveiled Face

Beloved Day 4 Radical Love Of Marriage: Digging Deeper

November 19, 2020 by Rebecca Adams Leave a Comment

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 Radical Love Of Marriage!

The Questions

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)

2) What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?

Song of Solomon 8:5-14

5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness,
leaning on the one she loves?

Woman
I awakened you under the apricot tree.
There your mother conceived you;
there she conceived and gave you birth.
6 Set me as a seal on your heart,
as a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death;
jealousy is as unrelenting as Sheol.
Love’s flames are fiery flames—
an almighty flame!
7 A huge torrent cannot extinguish love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
If a man were to give all his wealth for love,
it would be utterly scorned.

Chorus
8 Our sister is young;
she has no breasts.
What will we do for our sister
on the day she is spoken for?
9 If she is a wall,
we will build a silver barricade on her.
If she is a door,
we will enclose her with cedar planks.

Woman
10 I am a wall
and my breasts like towers.
So to him I have become
like one who finds peace.

11 Solomon owned a vineyard in Baal-hamon.
He leased the vineyard to tenants.
Each was to bring for his fruit
one thousand pieces of silver.
12 I have my own vineyard.
The one thousand are for you, Solomon,
but two hundred for those who take care of its fruits.

Man
13 You who dwell in the gardens,
companions are listening for your voice;
let me hear you!

Woman
14 Run away with me, my love,
and be like a gazelle
or a young stag
on the mountains of spices.

Original Intent

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)
Solomon spends his entire poetic song declaring and describing the fantastic love between a husband and wife that is unlike any other love relationship. Verses 6-7 speak specifically to the radical commitment strength of marital love that is also not found in other relationships. The word translated “seal” from Hebrew is used multiple times in the Old Testament. When we look up other instances of any word used in Scripture, it helps us gain helpful insight for how the original author intended the word to be defined in their writing context. “Seal” is most often used in connection with a ruler’s “signet ring” like in 1 Kings 21:8. Soft clay was placed over the opening of a scroll containing an important edict or message from the king, then he would press his royal ring into the soft clay. A king’s seal was recognized throughout his land and declared that no one could repeal what he had declared. A king’s seal was the undisputed and irrevocable “final word”. Uniquely, Solomon wrote that the Bride herself was the husband’s “signet ring”. Her living self was the promise of love that would not be defeated and her invitation to her Lover to “set me as (your) seal” is the hope of a covenant love that will be irreversible.

2)
What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?
In the ancient culture when Solomon wrote his poetic song, virginity was highly valued. In fact, you couldn’t be honorably married if you weren’t a virgin. The chorus singers in verses 8-10 are poetically speaking of a young woman who isn’t yet of age to be married or carry children. The young girl depicted as a “wall” and then a “door” symbolizes her virginity protecting her (like a wall or door would protect a house) for a one-day-coming marriage. As a community, they sing “we will build a silver barricade on her (wall)” and again using the door illustration, “we will enclose her with cedar planks.” Together, the community agreed to honor God’s design for marriage and together lovingly protect the young girl and her virginity until it was time to give the gift of sex to her husband. Given the type of material described for poetically protecting the girl, we get the idea the community was acting in tender love, not a hardened fist of legislature. Instead of “iron”, the community sings of “cedar planks” and “silver”. In verse 11, the Beloved Wife sings that she herself is her own wall and instead of her body needing safeguarding for a future husband, her breasts are her own “watch towers” and she has found peace in the giving of sexual love to her husband.

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?
To our ears, it sounds pretty far from romantic for a wife to say to her husband, “be like a gazelle
or a young stag on the mountains of spices
” (verse 14) To the listening audience of this ancient culture, however, both a gazelle and a young stag depicted beauty, vigor, and grace, so we get the picture of a handsome and strong, yet gentle Lover. Equally as strange to us is the idea of “a mountain of spices” and we shrug our shoulders and move past the weird imagery. Solomon actually didn’t have huge piles of cinnamon in mind when he penned these words. Rather, “mountains” were used earlier in the song to describe the woman’s two breasts. (Song of Solomon 4:5-6) Also earlier in the book, spices carried the idea of delightful sexual intercourse where the “spices” were associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. (Song of Solomon 1:12, 5:1, 5) Understanding how these images were first understood gives us a very different perspective on this love poem! Earlier in the song, before the two consummate their marriage vows, the Lover husband looks forward to “going away” with his Beloved to make love and enjoy each other. (Song of Solomon 4:8) Here, at the close of the song, the relationship has deepened inside the sacred space of marriage and the wife, now free to love her husband sexually, owns this capacity to the full and finds pleasure in inviting him to run away with her and enjoy their love together. In God’s view of marriage, the relationship between spouses is meant to flourish and grow deeper over time, allowing for ever-greater exchange of intimacy.

Everyday Application

1) What does the woman singer mean by “set me as a seal on your heart and your arm”? How does this relate to the strength of love? (verses 6-7)
While much of Song of Solomon seems to our western eyes and ears to be based on merely feelings of heightened sexual love, these verses shout a bold contradiction. The love shared between Lover and Beloved was enduring, not based on feelings or circumstance. The strength of their love was not found in emotion, but in a covenant seal that could not reversed. While humans experience the sensation described as “falling in, or out, of love”, Solomon’s song affirms a far deeper, much more radical commitment. Beautifully, this type of human love relationship is intended by the Lord to reflect the love He has for us, as His very own chosen Bride. Jesus gave us His living self as the single greatest display of covenant love when He chose to take on our consequence for our sin at the cross. Here, He willingly laid down His life to make us His Bride, washing us in His forgiveness. (Ephesians 5:25-27) Marriage between a husband and wife is meant, by design, to last for as long as either partner lives. If you’re married, stand firm in your marriage covenant relationship. If you’re divorced or single, be reminded that the Lord Himself will never break His covenant love with and for you. As is sung throughout Scripture, His love endures forever! (Psalm 136) If you’re in a marriage relationship where you or your children are experiencing abuse or abandonment, we urge you to please seek safety and wise, Christian counseling. God’s design for marriage is beautiful, and He continues working out His incredible plan through broken, imperfect, and sinful people, but God has never intended marriage to be a place where one spouse is ruled, controlled, or abused by the other spouse. If this describes your marriage, or that of a friend’s, please seek help and know that there is no condemnation for doing so!

2)
What is implied with the language of walls and towers in verses 8-11?
Far from teaching “safe sex” practices, the community in Solomon’s day took it upon themselves to together fight for God’s design for sex and marriage. As women, we are very uniquely positioned to link arms together and do the same by championing the sacredness of sex and marriage for the coming generation. Whether you have daughters yourself or maybe you serve with a youth ministry at your church, talk with young girls openly about sex and how amazingly beautiful both sex and their bodies are. Talk about how God handcrafted this gift of intimacy to be explicitly shared between a husband and wife. While it will likely feel awkward for you to begin these conversations, be encouraged that the young girl in your life is indeed listening. When we decide together as Jesus-loving women to honor sex and marriage as a model for younger girls, we are living out biblical community in radical ways!

3) What makes this shared love so radical, wild, and free?
God’s design for sex and marriage is far from boring; it’s radical. It requires a willingness to trust Him and His plan over ours, love our spouse unconditionally, and find delight in a monogamous sexual relationship. Here in this sacred place, the best experiences of both sex and marriage are discovered and enjoyed! If you’re married, consider writing a love poem to your spouse, or even just making a list of things you enjoy about him. Nothing is off limits here as this is shared between, God, your man, and you. Include character traits you admire, moments that have made you feel close to him, and, of course, be creative and include physical attributes you enjoy and why! I’m guessing you will both enjoy the process! I have the high honor of knowing several vibrant, Jesus-loving single women. They have shown me much about Jesus and His love in ways I never would have discovered on my own. If you’re single, whether by divorce or not, be encouraged that your intentional time developing intimacy with the God of the Universe, and knowing yourself, are gifts to the Church. Yes, girl, the Church. Share what the Father is uniquely teaching you through your relationship with Him as you come alongside your married friends. Jesus’ Bride, the Church, needs all of us. Certainly not just married folks. I know this will feel bold and daring to many, but regardless of whether you’re married or single, this challenge is for all of us. Make space for a few evenings to write down the attributes about your own body that you enjoy. This isn’t a place for criticism and there is absolutely no judgment. What you write is for you and God to share in a sacred space. He crafted your body and wants you to celebrate in it!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Radical Love Of Marriage!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Posted in: Beloved, Deep, Digging Deeper, Forgiven, Hope, Love, Marriage, Peace, Relationship, Scripture, Strength Tagged: commitment, Covenant Love, Enduring, Fantastic, grow, honor, intimacy, Lover Husband, Man and Woman, radical, seal, Song of Solomon

Blessed Day 11 Blessed Are The Peacemakers

July 27, 2020 by Sara Cissell 1 Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 5:3-10
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 5:1-21
Philippians 4:4-9

Blessed, Day 11

Have you noticed an entrustment from the Lord typically comes with a weight, making it a gift challenging us to grow and change? Almost like the process through which a diamond is made, through heat and pressure.

Diamonds sparkle with a beauty captivating to the eye and paint rainbows on walls when captured by the light. The outcome of intense heat and pressure is admired and valued, but rarely is the formation process considered. Rather, our attention focuses on the finished product before us.

So what weighty entrustment am I referring to with such a comparison?

Peace.

Yup, peace. And before we get too far away from the diamond analogy, think back to the last time you were in the midst of a chaotic scenario and a peaceful person was present. Did she “sparkle”? Could you sense her peace and see its effect on those around her?

I’ve watched a person of peace step into a room and bring harmony into discord.

The peace came with an authority,
a confidence in Christ Who is our Peace,
a patience,
and an ultimately effective perseverance.

In Matthew 5, we are challenged to be peacemakers. The Greek word used is Eirēnopoiós, which carries the idea of “one who restores peace, favors good understanding, settles quarrels and stops conflicts.” Have you ever found yourself being a peacemaker?

At times, I’ve prayed for the Lord to exude His peace through me. I can guarantee those prayers and heart posture are the exact reason peace rolled off me onto the surrounding situations. I recall a time when a woman thanked me for being in a scenario, because I brought calm with me. To God be the glory!

God alone is the source of our peace. Though I became a Christian when I was a young child, I was already aware of my sin, standing insurmountable, between me and my Heavenly Father. When I entered into a relationship with Him, I also experienced my first encounter with His peace.

In my moment of humble belief, Christ removed my sin and brought peace to our friendship. His profound sacrifice in taking on my sin at the cross met my deep repentance and humility, and He became my peacemaker.

Since then, our walk together has been much like that diamond forming, a repetition of the above process so many times I have gratefully lost count and He has graciously not kept one. As I have grown in my journey with the Lord, He has grown my ability to be a peacemaker to better reflect His other-worldly peace.

Eirēnopoiós
A peace that restores what once was lost. 

So how can each one of us become peacemakers in a world crying out for true peace? I believe we must look to the Holy Spirit for direction and as our sole source of ever greater peace.

In fact, in Galatians, we learn peace is a fruit of the Spirit; peace is not a quality we naturally find within ourselves. It is, however, a foundational characteristic of our God, one He shares with us through an outpouring of His Spirit.

Remember the second half of this Beatitude?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
(Matthew 5:9, emphasis mine)

When we radiate and restore peace,
when we seek good and deep understanding of those who are different from us,
when we stop conflicts and settle quarrels,
we are Christ’s peacemakers.

And when we are peacemakers in a time and space when politics have deteriorated to a bitter, blame-shifting disaster, when the economy is in shattered fragments, when people are suffering and dying by the hundreds of thousands, and when fierce battles of social injustice continue to rage in our communities and MURDER HORNETS ARE A THING . . .

 . . . then we will be called the daughters of God, for who but God could bring peace in such pain-filled, dark chaos? The Holy Spirit working peacemaking through us becomes a testimony of our Father’s heart and a beacon of hope to the lost and hurting.

In order to have peace to pour out, we must be cultivating our relationships with the Triune Lord. We must also surrender our understanding of life to Him and seek His face. Philippians 4:6-7 explains how:

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Yes, this is much easier said than done! But be assured, the Lord is faithful to answer our prayers, and our worship, with His all-surpassing peace!

Sometimes, His peace points us towards engaging in tough conversations to bring resolution to a conflict.
Sometimes, His peace cautions us to quietly wait for the Lord to work behind the scenes.
Always, we need the discernment of the Spirit to guide us.
Always, the Lord and His peace are at the center of our peacemaking efforts.

And as we grow in our walks with Him and peace increases within us (praise God for the fruit He bears), we may just begin to sparkle in new ways.

Shine on, sister, shine on.

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Posted in: Blessed, Gift, Holy Spirit, Humility, Lost, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Relationship Tagged: change, direction, Entrusted, friendship, grow, Harmony, hurting, Peacemakers, Shine, Sons of God, Sparkle
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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14