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hearts

Fervent Day 5 Character Counts

February 19, 2021 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 3:16-21
Acts 9:1-26
Psalm 111:1-10

Fervent, Day 5

I have been blessed with amazing parents. The Lord has used them and their examples to shape me in innumerable ways throughout my life.

Sitting down to prepare for this study helped me see another such way they impacted me.

Recently, a friend of mine had unexpected car trouble and needed a ride. As it was the middle of a work day, I could not leave to help. However, I knew my parents might be available. I texted them and quickly got a response they could come to the rescue.

In this scenario, I confidently knew if my parents were not in the middle of another commitment, they would be willing to help. Over the years, they’ve shown their hearts are to serve and demonstrate the love of the Lord in tangible ways.
This pattern enabled me to ask with humble expectation. 

Just as I had confidence to ask my parents for help, Paul had confidence to pray according to the proven character of the Lord. His rich history with the Father enabled him to pray with faith and fervency.

That history began when Paul, formerly known as Saul, hunted those who loved Christ. His first encounters with the Lord involved witnessing the faith of those he persecuted. How must Saul have been impacted by the faithfulness of the Lord shown to someone literally suffering for believing in Him?

The road to Damascus encounter shifted Paul’s world, and he became as those he’d once hunted. His knowledge of the law became a foundation for freedom as he learned to walk with the Truth. The fervency with which Saul once attacked Christians became the fervency with which Paul sought to spread the Gospel.

Paul did not lead an easy life. He experienced great persecution throughout his missionary journeys. Beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments are only a few of his documented trials. I have no doubt Paul’s understanding of the Lord’s character carried him through every struggle. Because Paul boldly walked with the Lord in his private life, he was able to carry that boldness into his public life. The God he knew first in intimate prayer, was the God he depended on in persecution and trial. Prayer was the undercurrent weaving both together with integrity. Paul captured his encounters, both public and private, in writing so we have powerful examples of perseverance, humility, and faithfulness.

While I haven’t experienced the degree of challenges Paul did, the Lord has revealed His character to me by faithfully walking me through every season of my life. For instance, I waited for my husband for decades (for the record, I did not start counting at birth!). I relied heavily on the Lord and Scripture throughout those years. I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13-14), that He would never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5-6), and many other promises in the Word. He poured into me sustaining contentment because I knew He is faithful.

Ironically, but probably not surprisingly, the arrival of my husband presented new and intense opportunities to lean heavily on the Lord’s character and deepen my prayer life. We married as the pandemic shut down the world, and I stepped into an overwhelming whirlwind of change.

In the midst of a season when almost all of my identity markers have shifted, I have rooted myself in who the Lord says I am and trusted He would remain true to His character, bringing to pass what He desired in me. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

I am deeply thankful for the answered prayer of my husband and all the growth my marriage has already evoked in me. I am even more appreciative that, as my world tumbles into a new normal, the Lord faithfully remains the same. Knowing I can call on Him and will surely find Him enables me to pray with confidence and purpose.

Trust His character and pray with confidence. He is faithful!

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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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Posted in: Character, Christ, Deep, Faith, Faithfulness, Fervent, Gospel, Paul, Prayer, Purpose, Scripture, Truth Tagged: confidence, hearts, humility, intimate, Lord, persecution, rooted, The Word

Fervent Day 4 One Another: Digging Deeper

February 18, 2021 by Melodye Reeves 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 One Another!

The Questions

1) What is the reason Paul never stops giving thanks for the Ephesian saints? (verses 4-15)

2) What is Paul’s first thought when he remembers the Ephesian saints? (verse 16)

3) What are the two overarching requests Paul makes in his prayer for the Ephesian saints? (verses 17-19)

Ephesians 1:15-17

15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

Original Intent

1) What is the reason Paul never stops giving thanks for the Ephesian saints? (verses 4-15)
The first three chapters of Ephesians contain one long prayer of Paul toward those who were in Christ Jesus. It begins with praise to God in the first chapter verse 3 and ends with praise to God in the third chapter verses 20-21. Grammatically speaking, the beloved apostle had a tendency toward run-on sentences in his letters. His enthusiasm about his salvation often cause him to interrupt his own thoughts as he could not contain his praise! After the initial greeting, Paul cannot help but rehearse all the blessings that accompany redemption (“the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom.” Biblestudytools.com) In fact, in the original Greek there is no structural break in verses 4-14. It is all one very long sentence. Usually after his greetings Paul would offer his thanks toward his readers, but in this letter, he changes the order and spends a few minutes rehearsing “every spiritual blessing” (verse 3) that is theirs in Christ. Theologian Darrell L. Bock said “it is a praise psalm in its form” (A Biblical Theology of the New Testament) like the prayers of praise by Mary (Luke 1:46-55) and Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79). When Paul thinks about such a great salvation, and when he remembers his brothers and sisters in Ephesus, he summarizes the reason for his thanksgiving toward them, “This is why, since I heard about your faith … that I never stop giving thanks.”

2) What is Paul’s first thought when he remembers the Ephesian saints? (verse 16)
Paul’s first thought is thanksgiving. Since he has taken so much time to review their spiritual blessings, we can know Paul’s gratitude was directed toward their relationship with Christ. We should not miss the significance of this connection. Bible history tells us Paul’s farewell to the Ephesians in Acts 20 was around 52 AD. When this letter was written to them, around 60 AD,  Paul had been likely gone for several years with little to no communication. This absence had inevitably created a deep longing within Paul to know how they were all progressing in the Faith that had begun when he was with them. Once news of their devotion to Christ had reached Paul in Rome, he was able to rejoice with them through his prayers. Hearing about their faith had so deeply affected Paul that he could not stop thanking God for them. When Paul thought about the endless blessings of salvation, his joyful prayers on their behalf were also endless. Just as Paul’s run-on sentence in verses 4-14 was evidence of his constant praise to God, his words to the saints in verse 16 were evidence of his constant prayers for them. Praise and prayer were well developed habits in the apostle’s life. (1 Thessalonian 5:16-18)

3) What are the two overarching requests Paul makes in his prayer for the Ephesian saints? (verses 17-19)
Paul prays two main things for the saints. 1) That God would give them spiritual wisdom and revelation about Himself. 2) That the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened to know what is the hope, the wealth, and the power of knowing Christ. In the previous verses in chapter 1, Paul spent time sharing with his readers the blessings belonging to them because of their salvation. He now tells them he is praying they will know and experience these blessings deep within their souls. This desire for them is not so they may gain some sort of mystical insight into the thoughts of man, but he wanted them to grow in spiritual understanding so they would have a better “knowledge of Him”, that is God. “One of the first effects of true religion is on the understanding. It enlarges its views of truth; gives it more exalted conceptions of God; corrects its errors; raises it up toward the great Fountain of love.” (Barnes, biblehub.com) Paul also prayed for the Ephesians to know the incalculable benefit of the believer’s hope to which they were called, a glorious, future hope! He wanted them to know the wealth accompanying this hope he had referred to in verse 7. He wanted them to know these riches were the result of God’s fulfilled purpose through the work of Christ. Everything was brought together at the perfect time and fit God’s perfect plan, and it is He who gets all the glory! (Ephesians 1:9-12)

Everyday Application

1) What is the reason Paul never stops giving thanks for the Ephesian saints? (verses 4-15)
It is almost impossible to meditate on the depths of our salvation and not interrupt ourselves with a personal worship service! “We are not sitting here, and groaning, and crying, and fretting, and worrying, and questioning our own salvation. He has blessed us; and therefore we will bless Him. If you think little of what God has done for you, you will do very little for Him; but if you have a great notion of His great mercy to you, you will be greatly grateful to your gracious God.” (Charles H Spurgeon, Blessing for Blessing ) As he considered God’s provision, Paul moves from one blessing to the next. Led by the Spirit of God (2 Peter 3:15), he rehearses for the saints at Ephesus the depth of salvation. Dr. Thomas Constable of Dallas Theological Seminary writes, “It is as though he was ecstatically opening a treasure chest, lifting its jewels with his hands, letting them cascade through his fingers, and marveling briefly at them as they caught his eye.” It is this wonder that gives Paul a reason to never cease from thanking God for the Ephesians’ growing faith.

2) What is Paul’s first thought when he remembers the Ephesian saints? (
verse 16)
Sometimes when referring to someone, I’ll say “I just can’t stop thinking about …” It doesn’t signify that I don’t have moments in which I’ve ceased to consciously think about them. What I mean is the person is heavily on my mind and heart in such a way there is a constant awareness of them. Paul wrote to the believers to communicate his heart posture in life. It was one of dependence on God and an ever-ready consciousness of Christ’s necessity in the saving grace and in the saving work of salvation. Desiring God writer Scott Hubbard reminds us it is a refreshing privilege to continue in unceasing prayer for one another. “Prayer is more than a slot in our schedule; it is the reflex of our hearts, the aroma of our waking hours.” When we remember the mercy of God in our salvation, and when we consider those who have also been the recipients of God’s spiritual blessings, it will cause us to begin our prayers for them with thanksgiving. “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. This glorious hope revives our courage by the way; while each in expectation lives and waits to see the day.
From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free; and perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.” (Hymn by John Fawcett 1782)

3) What are the two overarching requests Paul makes in his prayer for the Ephesian saints? (verses 17-19)
Every Christian grows in their faith by deeply knowing God and by resting in the hope we have because of being called into a life with Him. Paul’s prayer is an example to us of how we should pray for others as well as what we should desire our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. The Christian life must be centered around the two things Paul emphasizes in his prayer; we are to have an accurate understanding of who God is and we are to understand what is ours in Christ. Praying for God to equip us with wisdom to know Him is not only the beginning, but also the essence, of our worship as His people. We study His word to know Him and we pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to our hearts the “glorious inheritance … and immeasurable greatness” that is ours in Christ. As we constantly think on these benefits, and as we are overcome with gratitude and praise, we will often find our hearts in a posture of prayer. As we walk day to day in this frame of mind, we are prompted to lift our souls toward God on behalf of all those who possess faith in God, that they may know His spiritual blessings in the same way.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Posted in: Blessed, Called, Christ, Digging Deeper, Faith, Fervent, Future, God, Grace, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Praise, Prayer, Redemption, Relationship, Salvation, Wisdom Tagged: Giving Thanks, glory, hearts, hope, Know God, Never Stop, One Another, Perfect Plan

Questions 2 Day 6 You Do You

February 1, 2021 by Rebecca 1 Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Colossians 3:1-10
Proverbs 1:20-33
Romans 6:20-23

Questions 2, Day 6

“You Do You!”

The message is full of promise and electric excitement, isn’t it?!
It sounds pretty amazing!
The popular catchphrase is full of empowerment to let each individual be exactly whoever and whatever she wants to be with no questions asked.
No one else’s standards.
No one else’s rule.
No one else’s expectation.

Just, you do you.

While we nod along in agreement, feeling the thrill of personal power, we don’t even recognize the thickly woven rope tossed casually around us.

We are not our own.
We are slaves.

Makers of our own destinies.
Rulers of our own kingdoms.
You Do You, Boo.

Take that bite, Eve.
God didn’t really say you couldn’t eat from that tree, right? (Genesis 3:1)

Abraham, you’ve waited long enough on God.
Don’t you think He wants you to take some control? Sleep with your wife’s servant and produce your own heir. Do it your way, Abraham. (Genesis 16:1-2)

Build your tower, ancient Babylonians.
Be who you want to be.
Do what you want. (Genesis 11:4)

The enemy’s seductive whisper lingers over every syllable, “You do you.”

Satan’s goal hasn’t changed since the beginning of time, and his tactics haven’t, either. While he slyly entices us to “follow our hearts,” we end up being led away to demise. But there is another voice in the streets. Wisdom lifts her head and shouts aloud,
“‘Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!’
To him who lacks sense, she says,
‘Come, eat my bread
and drink the wine I have mixed.
Leave inexperience behind you, and you will live;
Pursue the way of understanding.’” (Proverbs 9:4-6)

In the face of Satan’s seduction, the Lord’s wisdom resounds,
“The one who trusts in himself is a fool,
but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.” (Proverbs 28:26)

Of course it’s exciting to toss around “you be you”! Who doesn’t want to be their own god? Self-worship is exceedingly provocative. Toss it under a masquerade of knowing yourself and pursuing your dreams, and no one will ever consider your feet are ensnared in the worship of one, yourself.

Is each person uniquely crafted with special gifts, passions, and heady dreams?
Yes! On Purpose!
These are a gift from the Maker, intended to be enjoyed and lived out to the fullest.

The difference is surrender.
The blade of surrender cuts through the thick cords of slavery tightening around us, like a warm table knife sinking through soft butter.

We are not our own.
We are bought at a price.

Esther, oh Queen, why risk your life and your position for a motley band of exiles?
You have it all, fame and beauty and safety.

But the voice of the Lord beckoned to her heart,
“You were born for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
And Queen Esther changed the course of history by not following her way.
She walked away from self-worship.
She embraced self-sacrifice.

Mary, sweet and tender, this cost is too much! Give in to your fear, for who could carry the Son of God? Who will believe you, Mary? They will kill you!

But the angel of the Lord emboldened her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)
And humble Mary changed the course of history by not following her way.
She walked away from self-worship.
She embraced self-sacrifice.

Self-sacrifice isn’t nearly as trendy, but it is the way of the Lord.
Why?

Because His is the chosen path of sacrifice.
The King of Glory humbled Himself in total surrender to give His life in exchange for ours.
Then He calls us to do the same.

The Almighty God is not a deity centered around the motto “you do you.” If He were, you and I would have no hope in this life or the next. We would die in our sin and our self-worship with the rope of slavery bound around us like a noose.

As the God of the Universe, humbled into human form, hung dying for the sins we have committed, not the least of which is elevating ourselves to the position of god in our hearts, the way was made for our release from sin.
His righteousness in exchange for our sinfulness.

Surrender
Bought at a price.
The price of Christ’s precious blood. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Sister, fully embrace who you are.
Introvert?
Extrovert?
Prefer tea over coffee or crowds to quiet solace?
Be assured your gifts and your passions have been handcrafted by the Lord who loves you; He placed them beautifully inside you.
He intended you to live these out in complete surrender
and with all wisdom as you follow Jesus.

Be you, Sister.
Walk inside the life of the Christ, who gave His life for you.
And find it to the fullest!

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.
So glorify God with your body.”
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

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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 Questions 2 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 Questions 2!

Posted in: Christ, Creation, Follow, Gift, God, Humility, Life, Promises, Purpose, Sacrifice, Wisdom Tagged: abraham, Beckons, Do You, Empowerment, Eve, favor, hearts, Lord's Wisdom, Maker, Personal Power, questions, surrender, walk

Pause IV Day 6 Intently Waiting

September 21, 2020 by Rebecca Leave a Comment

Pause IV, Day 6

Within the intensity of a deeply committed relationship, our hearts are laid bare with frank vulnerability. Raw emotion, profound passion, heartache, and love mingle together and are offered in plain sight of the other. Trust has long been built over time. There is no need to hide behind self-defense or barbed attacks. Love and trust hold up the foundation where both parties stand, bound up in unity.

Here, in the sweetness of a long-time journey with the Lord God in intimate relationship, Habakkuk stands before the Lord. His heart is grieved. His insides wail at the atrocities being committed against a holy God by his own nation. He begs the Lord to mend the broken.

Then the Lord speaks, and Habakkuk writhes in anguish at His answer.

Bluntly, again in context of their shared relationship, Habakkuk wrestles in plain sight with the Lord. How could He use an enemy nation to bring retribution against Israel? Can the Righteous One choose to act so far outside Habakkuk’s limited line of sight and perspective? Will Habakkuk still trust the Lord?

The insides of his heart have now been verbalized, the air hangs heavy between Habakkuk and the Lord. Habakkuk leans in, intent on listening.

He is confident the Lord heard him.
He knows the Lord will answer.
He stands ready to hear.
He watches like a guard on a high tower, waiting for the slightest whisper from the Spirit of God.
He is not in a hurry.
Habakkuk intently waits to hear from his Lord.

What a beautiful pattern for us to follow in our own walk with the Lord God!
His invitation for depth and authentic sharing of our hearts is just as available to us as it was to Habakkuk. In fact, He longs for just such an exchange. Will you trust Him? Begin investing deeper in your relationship with God by spending time in His Word consistently. Be honest before Him.

And intently wait for His response.

Today's Invitation

1) Read Habakkuk 2:1 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today.

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Habakkuk 2:1

I will stand at my guard post
and station myself on the lookout tower.
I will watch to see what he will say to me
and what I should reply about my complaint.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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 Pause IV 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 Pause IV!

Posted in: Broken, God, Journey, Pause, Relationship, Trust Tagged: Bare, committed, deep, Habakkuk, hear, hearts, holy, Intently, intimate, Sweetness, Vulnerability, waiting

Ten Day 1 Only One Worthy

August 3, 2020 by Rebecca 2 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:1-4
Acts 17:22-31
1 Kings 18:20-46
Isaiah 44:9-23

Ten, Day 1

Since the beginning of time, created beings have had an affinity for worship, we were in fact, handcrafted for worship! Alas, we set our worship on what we can visually feast our eyes on, or we worship the longings of our hearts. In all transparency, we worship ourselves.

Before you push back from the table and roll your eyes, can you see it?
Laundry folded my way.
The routine planned in benefit of me.
The fight with my spouse because I wasn’t being heard.
The dishwasher re-arranged to satisfy my preference.
Frustrated at church because they didn’t play the music I like best.
My playlist.
My meal plan.
My fitness agenda.
My way.
My pride.

Hold on and take a breath in, then say this with me, “I worship myself.”
Oh, that stings doesn’t it?!
My eyes are burning with tears having just said that out loud with you. Let its truth sink into the far-reaching corners of your heart, the areas we toss decorative throw pillows so no one sees what’s actually under there, least of all ourselves.

So, why would God’s first, most critically important commandment, and the second, jump off the page because it calls our attention to solely focus on Him as being God and the only One worthy of worship?

Because He loves us.

Wait, what?

Yes, do it with me again, take a breath in and linger over each syllable as you whisper out loud, “Because He Loves Us.”

Oh, that fills my heart and chills my skin.
What radical love exists that desires to loosen our death-like grip on ourselves, lift our chin to One Worthy, and allow us to bask in pure, brilliant love cascading over us?!

You shall have no other gods before Me.
I alone am He who brought you out slavery. (Exodus 20:2)
I alone have chosen you for My own possession and beautiful inheritance.
(Deuteronomy 7:6)
I alone have cleared the ground before you, giving freedom.
(Psalm 18:19)

You shall make no carved image and shall not bow down and worship it.
I am a jealous God, longing to pour out My steadfast love on you.
(Exodus 20:5-6)
I alone am forgiver and redeemer. Only I can do what no created thing can. (Isaiah 44:17-22)
I alone am worthy. (Revelation 5:1-10)

One man stood atop a high hill, flanked on all sides by men who worshipped wooden idols their hands had created. They mocked him for worshipping Yahweh.

The man called aloud an impossible challenge, “You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the Name of my God. The God who answers with fire, He Is God.” He built an altar, dug a ditch around it, and flooded the entire area with so much water, it flooded the ditch.

All the while, the men mocked. They pleaded for hours and hours for their god to send fire. They cut themselves. They danced provocatively. They slaughtered an animal. Silence.

Dusk crept around the crowd, tensions ran high, and Elijah beckoned to each bloody man, “Come near me.” With an audience of enemies tightening around him, he lifted his head and said, “Answer me, Yahweh! Answer me so this people will know You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:37)

Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the meat, the stones, and even the water.

Only One Worthy

A death sentence pressing against him because he refused to worship a man, Daniel fought against the grip of pride, and fell to his knees before an open window, choosing to publicly worship the Only One Worthy. The Lord God shut the mouths of the lions and spared Daniel’s life. (Daniel 6:10-21)

Dusty feet walking around a mega-city, eyes falling on a sign over an altar reading, “To The Unknown God.” With burning clarity, Paul turned to the citizens following him and said, “This God you worshipped in ignorance, I now proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23) He, the Creator of all things, does not live in a shrine made by human hands. He who breathes into your lungs and fashioned your DNA is drawing you to Himself that you might worship Him, and Him alone. For He is the Only One Worthy of your worship. (Acts 17:24-29)

A vast multitude, innumerable by any standard, representing every nation, tribe, people, and tongue, stood as one body. Robed in white. Palm branches in their hands. They cried aloud with one, thunderous voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”.  (Revelation 7:9-10)

One who had power to pay our death penalty for sin by dying in our place.
One who offers to slay our pride so we can enjoy eternal life with Him.
One who commands our true worship because He loves us.

Only
One
Worthy

Who will you worship?

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

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

Posted in: Creation, Focus, Forgiven, Freedom, God, He, Jealous, Love, Power, Redeemed, Worship Tagged: eternal life, hearts, longing, Only One, Radical Love, Ten, worthy, Yahweh

He Day 9 Yahweh M’Kaddesh: Digging Deeper

June 11, 2020 by Penny Noyes 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 Yahweh M’Kaddesh!

The Questions

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?

Ezekiel 37:23-28

They will not defile themselves anymore with their idols, their abhorrent things, and all their transgressions. I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned, and I will cleanse them. Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. 24 My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow my ordinances, and keep my statutes and obey them.

25 “‘They will live in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your ancestors lived. They will live in it forever with their children and grandchildren, and my servant David will be their prince forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be a permanent covenant with them. I will establish and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forever. 27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. 28 When my sanctuary is among them forever, the nations will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel.’”

Original Intent

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”
This section of Ezekiel 37 starts with a phrase in verse 15, “The word of the Lord came to me.” Scholars estimate Ezekiel started writing his book before the fall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah and, we know from his own writings, that he continued recording prophecies after he was captured and moved to Babylon. God gave Ezekiel this prophecy to encourage the exiles in Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem that was coming in 586 B.C. Long before Babylon invaded Jerusalem, many prophets, including Isaiah and Micah, warned the people of Judah to stop worshiping other gods. But the people persisted in their idolatrous ways. As the fall of Jerusalem drew closer, God called Ezekiel and Jeremiah to warn King Zedekiah, and the people of Judah, of God’s coming judgment for their sinful choices. This passage contrasts the past sinful actions that led to the Fall of Jerusalem, and the resulting Babylonian captivity, to a glorious future with an eternal king. In Ezekiel 37:23, “apostasies” refers to the abominable and filthy things. Throughout the Old Testament, “apostasies” is combined with the word “idols” to describe the idol’s filthy sin nature.  This passage provides hope even in captivity. God said He would save His people from their sins and cleanse them. God’s people needed to be cleansed because their destructive and idolatrous choices had defiled them. After God saved them and cleansed them, He would restore their relationship, they would be His people, and He would be their God. This reference goes back to a promise God gave Moses in Exodus 6:7, “I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from the forced labor of the Egyptians.” It is restated again in Leviticus 26:12, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.”

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in 
verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”
This prophecy about King David is fascinating because Ezekiel lived nearly 500 years after David was king of Israel! This phrase mirrors verse 25, which says, “My Servant David will be their prince forever.” Often phrases or words are repeated in the Bible to give extra emphasis to a point. God wanted to grab the attention of the people of Israel who were listening to this prophecy, underscoring its importance by pointing to the past, while also pointing forward to the future. King David was a shepherd of sheep when he was chosen to lead the people of Israel and anointed as their next king. David was the model of a godly king, a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) Under David’s rule, the nation of Israel was unified and successful in battle. Ezekiel’s prophecy pointed to a time yet to come when God’s people would be unified under a perfectly righteous leader who would lead His people as a compassionate shepherd. They would be successful in battle and live in peace. This Good Shepherd could only be God Himself wrapped in human flesh, Jesus Christ.

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?
The word “sanctify” relates to being made holy. The NIV translation of the Bible uses the phrase, “I the LORD make Israel holy,” and the Good News translation explains, “I, the LORD, have set Israel apart as holy.” The word “holy” means “set apart.” Being holy is a characteristic of the Lord God. In Leviticus 19:2, God commanded Moses to “Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” In order to be in relationship with a holy God, the entire community was required to be holy. However, it was impossible for the people to sanctify themselves because they were unholy. They were defiled by sin, so being sanctified required action from the Lord. As Ezekiel 37:28 illustrates, it was the Lord Himself who would sanctify the people of Israel. In Exodus 31:12-13, “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell the Israelites: You must observe my Sabbaths, for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the Lord who consecrates you.’” Keeping the Sabbath wasn’t a way to become holy, but a way to be reminded it is only the Lord who made them holy. On Sabbath, the people were commanded to do no work, as a reminder that only God’s work could purify them. Leviticus 20:8 states, “Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sets you apart.” 

Everyday Application

1) Why did God say in verse 23, “I will save them from all their apostasies by which they sinned and I will cleanse them?”
God has always desired to have a relationship with His people. Contrary to what we may feel, God is not carrying a big stick, waiting for us to mess up. He isn’t looking for us to be perfect before He gives His nod of approval, because we will never reach perfection! He wants to be our God and for us to be his people. He isn’t looking for performances put on like a mask, He wants our hearts knit with His in oneness of deep relationship. Alas, He is holy and set apart. We are corrupted by sin, just as the people of Judah were defiled by their apostasies and idol worship. Our efforts cannot save us, only God’s redeeming work through the cross of Jesus Christ can save us. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.” Look at your sin head on for what it is without sugar coating it as a “mistake”, call it out for the apostasy and idolatry it is, then turn to God, Yahweh M’Kaddesh, who promises to make us holy, even in spite of our sin!

2) What Did Ezekiel mean when he wrote in 
verse 24, “My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them?”
Ezekiel’s prophecy was looking forward to a time when a descendant of David, an eternal king would rule. As the genealogy in Matthew 1 shows, Jesus is a descendant of King David. As a Rabbi and teacher, Jesus was familiar with this prophecy in Ezekiel. He explained to his followers that He was the fulfillment of the prophecy in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In John 10:14-16, Jesus continues, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.” The people listening to Jesus would know that “sheep” often referred to Israel. However, Jesus added a new dimension by stating, “I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen.” Jesus was referring to those who were not descendants of the tribes of Israel. King Jesus would shepherd people from all over the world to encompass every nation, every tribe, and every tongue. One glorious day, all who trust Him as their Shepherd, will live at peace for eternity! (Revelation 7:9-10) For all to live together in beautiful unity, restored to a righteous relationship with God, His people would need to be made righteous. Jesus magnificently exemplifies Yahweh M’Kaddesh as the God who makes us holy so we can all dwell with Him!

3) What does the phrase in verse 28, “I, the Lord, sanctify Israel” mean?
Just as Israel couldn’t sanctify themselves, none of us can make ourselves holy. Even one single sin disqualifies us from ever becoming holy on our own. This is bad news for all of humanity, but the good news is that Jesus came to sanctify all people and make us holy for us! Hebrews 10:10 says, “By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” The nation of Israel was given the Law, the Ten Commandments, to make it abundantly clear what holy righteousness looked like. Israel proved over and over they couldn’t keep the whole law, and neither can we. Any deviation from the Law makes us a sinner, and the punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God. It is only through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who took that punishment on Himself, that we can be made right with God. In John 17:17, Jesus asks God to sanctify His disciples, making their lives reflect His holiness, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” God will use His word and truth to sanctify the believer to make us holy. It is not our efforts that will make us more like God, but the Holy Spirit’s power through the word of God that sanctifies us.

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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Posted in: Deep, Digging Deeper, God, Good, He, Jesus, Promises, Redemption, Relationship, Shepherd Tagged: Cleanse, hearts, holy, My People, oneness, Sanctify, set apart, Yahweh, Yahweh M'Kaddesh

Treasure Day 11 Treasure In The Mirror

January 20, 2020 by Mandy Farmer 4 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Deuteronomy 26:16-19
1 Peter 5:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
James 4:1-10
Hebrews 12:1-13

Treasure, Day 11

We are God’s most treasured possession.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God Himself. And yet, we find ourselves struggling to believe this truth.

The enemy whispers “unworthy” in our ears. He tells us we are no good and pulls us down into the depths of depression.

It’s a fight, my friend. Satan goes about the earth like a lion seeking whom he can devour. We must resist him with all our strength.

He uses any tool he can find to defeat us.
It could be society telling us we are worthless,
our bathroom mirrors,
or what we read or watch (like social media).

It’s a spiritual battle and must be fought daily, hourly, or even by the minute.

This fight is nothing new. The Bible is full of men and women wrestling to discover their true worth.

Moses fought when God called him to rescue the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3:7-4:13). He told God he just couldn’t do obey because he was too flawed.

Oh, the excuses!
His failures of his murderous past.
His faltering speech and slow tongue.

Been there, sister?

God can’t possibly mean me.
My past can’t be overcome.
My failures define me.
My flaws are too big and too public.

Truth?
God can use anyone.
Together with his brother, Aaron, and empowered by God Himself, Moses confronted Pharaoh and eventually led the Israelites to their freedom.

Even our spiritual leaders might tell us we aren’t good enough, or overlook us because others are better looking, or smarter, or________ (fill in the blank). For example, when the prophet Samuel was tasked with anointing a new king, he looked at a family of strong and ruddy men and assumed one of them would be the obvious choice.

Yet, God highlighted a shepherd boy, the most unlikely of candidates, reminding Samuel people look at outward appearance, but He sees our hearts. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

In the New Testament, we meet Timothy, who was also disparaged because of his appearance, specifically because he was young. The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy not to be deterred, or discouraged, by society claiming he was too young to lead and teach.

Like a father, Paul urged Timothy to be an example to all believers through his speech, lifestyle, and godly love for others. He encouraged Timothy to stay strong in his faith and steadfast in his purity (1 Timothy 4:12-16), so God’s character would be made evident within Timothy.

Similarly, God calls each of us, setting us apart with a purpose, to mirror His glory by reflecting His attributes to those around us.

Mirrors.
For many years, I lived in a virtual house of mirrors.
These carnival-style mirrors distorted the truth,
leaving me trapped in a maze of lies.

I struggled to grasp the treasure God had placed within me through His own Holy Spirit when He freed me from sin, shame, and chains of condemnation. Though God had gifted me with many talents and was growing His character in me, I could only see my weakness and incapability.

I did all the negative self-talk, embracing and repeating Satan’s lies to myself instead of the beautiful truths Christ had died to wrap around me like a royal robe. The evil one tries to beat us down and destroy us. He wants to keep our eyes turned away from our gifts and abilities and onto our weaknesses.

But God works through our weaknesses
to make us strong
and bring glory to Him.

So how do we fight the good fight? How do we defeat the enemy Satan, who is constantly whispering in our ears that we are no good?

We follow Paul’s instruction to Timothy.
We train ourselves for the fight.
We focus on reading the Scriptures,
and on stewarding the gifts God HAS INDEED given us.
We put on the full armor of God as defense against enemy attacks.

Begin listening to what God says about you. When negative thoughts come, and they will, resist them, rather than dwelling on them.

Look to the Lord (your wonderful and perfect mirror).
Let His likeness shine on you (Psalm 105:4-11).
Think on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure and lovely, and admirable.
Think on His words, which are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8-9).

Make a list of Scriptures that remind you of your righteousness in Jesus Christ,
which He purchased for you when He shed His blood and paid for your sin.
Write them out with your name inserted in them.
Stick them wherever you will see them every day.
On your bathroom mirror. Your fridge. In your pocket.
Set them as reminders on your phone.

Recite these Scriptures over and over, especially when the enemy attacks. You’ve got this, friend. You can renew your mind just as God has transformed your heart!

 Here’s a short profession to help you get started:
I look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. He created me in His perfect image. I am His masterpiece. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, His treasured possession.

Even before I was born, He knew me. He died on the cross and rose again to redeem my life. I will seek His face and His strength, always. I will live as a daughter of the King.
Daughter of the King. Wow!
If you aren’t 100% sure you are a true Daughter of the King, having been washed and forgiven and freed from all those chains of condemnation, will you please reach out to someone who knows and lives that truth deeply? Email the Sisters at Gracefully Truthful or drop a comment here. Choosing to become the King’s Daughter is the single most important decision you will ever make; it will last for eternity!

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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 Treasure 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 Treasure!

Posted in: Called, God, Shepherd, Treasure, Truth, Wonderfully Tagged: Beautiful, fearfully, hearts, image, mirror, possession, sees, spiritual battle

Pause 3 Day 2 Intended For Rest

October 22, 2019 by Rebecca Leave a Comment

Pause 3, Day 2

Rest.
We all need it, but most of us push back from it, not wanting to be found lazy, weak, or ineffective. We stay awake until the wee hours working, press ourselves to exhaustion during the day, or move from one activity to the next without a breath.
Yet, we were designed for resting.

Resting.
Pausing.
Breathing.
Being.

As often is the case, the physical realm mirrors the spiritual in order to accentuate it. Just as our physical bodies were made to literally live off of rest, so were our souls. This is the emphasis of chapter three in Hebrews. The only safe haven of rest for our souls is found in Christ Jesus, the author of our hearts.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Pull out your Bible and read Hebrews 3 fully through 3 times.

2) Each time, write down everything that pops out at you, makes you curious, or wonder “why?”. When you’re finished, go back through and you’ll be amazed at the new things the Spirit is leading you into knowing about Him!

3) 
Pay special attention to the kind of rest we are made for. Who is able to ensure we will be given the inheritance of rest? What kind of rest is the author wanting us to make sure we enter? How do we enter it? What keeps us from this specific rest?

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Hebrews 3

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household. 3 For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house. 4 Now every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God. 5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ was faithful as a Son over his household. And we are that household if we hold on to our confidence and the hope in which we boast.

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers tested me, tried me,
and saw my works 10 for forty years.
Therefore I was provoked to anger with that generation
and said, “They always go astray in their hearts,
and they have not known my ways.”
11 So I swore in my anger,
“They will not enter my rest.”

12 Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. 14 For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. 15 As it is said:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

16 For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses? 17 With whom was God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

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 Pause 3 Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 3!

Posted in: Christ, Holy Spirit, Inheritance, Jesus, Pause, Rest Tagged: author, being, breathing, For, hearts, intended, rest, safe haven, soul

The GT Weekend! ~ Captivating Week 3

July 27, 2019 by Rebecca 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) Does the idea of mission work strike fear inside or fill you with delight? We tend to think of missions only in the context of overseas, but the Lord’s work is everywhere. His desire is for all nations and all peoples to experience His rescuing love, and that includes all the places you are comfortable going in everyday life and all the places you’ve silently vowed you’d never go. Maybe you aren’t called overseas, but maybe you are and fear stops you from even trying. What you are called into as a Christ-follower is missions, the “where” is the only question. Check out the mission opportunities at your church, both local and abroad, keep your eyes on the Savior’s, and follow in obedience just one step at a time!

2)  Do you ever feel like your prayers don’t matter? What if these are just words we say without Someone to hear and respond? Yes? Me too. These are lies from an enemy who wants nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy us and our sweet relationship with the Father through prayer. If prayer were not so powerful, the lies circling about it wouldn’t be so tempting. Think through your prayer list, what are your requests most often made? Health? Safety? Thank you for this food? Leaders of nations to walk in wise counsel? The unity of the church locally and globally? The tenacity of our persecuted brothers and sisters? This weekend, choose to stretch both your prayer list and your faith. Refuse to believe lies about prayer’s effectiveness, and stand in the gap for those we need our prayer!

3) If we are truly all, as Christ-followers, called to go. Where is your ‘go? What is stopping you from acting on that “go”? Be honest with yourself and with God and lay out your fears. Or maybe you’ve already gone, maybe you’re in the middle of a difficult, but obedient “go”. Maybe you have some disappointments, are feeling discouraged, or lonely, or are running on empty. Maybe you find yourself wondering why you chose to “go”. Please, lay those before the throne too, Sister. Whatever part of Go you find yourself in, spend time being gut-honest with the Lord who calls and faithfully equips, and ask Him to remind you what it means to give your life to save another.

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 Acts 16:9-10 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Prayer Journal
Your call on our lives is clear, Lord, to make Your Name known to all. Lord God, break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Teach us what it means to give our life for another just as You did for us. Ignite within us a passion for reaching, for loving, and an unquenchable thirst to go wherever Your Spirit leads us. Take us into Your presence, let us not leave unchanged. May we hear the cry of our fellow mankind, tune our ears to hear their desperate plea for a love that rescues. May we obediently display our love for You by going where you send!

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

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Posted in: Captivating, Equipped, God, Gospel, GT Weekend, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Obedience, Prayer Tagged: called, go, hearts, Love For Life, missions, nations, running empty, Savior
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  • The GT Weekend! ~ Fervent Week 3 March 6, 2021
    Merry concluded our Journey Into Fervent by drawing us near to God’s heart through the call to Family. Of all the different ways we think about God, at the top should be Father. He loves us as His children and invites us to come freely to Him within the tender, deep relationship of Abba Father. […]
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