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Word Day 6 How’s Your Worship?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 4:23-24
John 4:32-42
Galatians 5:16-26
Psalm 103

Word, Day 6

Put the praise music on. Turn up the Christian playlist.
Raise your hands in church. Sway to the rhythm.
Close your eyes.

Worship. Adoration. Emotion.
Is it? Is this worship?

Cease the lashing with your tongue and voice.
Yank out the bitterness.
Pull up the cynicism and critical heart.
Tear down that wall of self-protection and distrust.
Throw out the pornography and lusts of your eyes.
Break down the idols you love to serve.
Your jealousy, your tendency to stir up chaos as you self-love, the way you chase yourself, the little groups of ladies you gossip with, that clique you form to keep others out, the disdain in your eyes, get rid of it all. Trash, it’s trash. (Galatians 5:19-20, my paraphrase)

“I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21)

Oh yes, that list is full of worship. Worship of ourselves as ruler, insisting all others bow to our power. No room for any other to take up residency with us, let alone instead of us.

Worship cannot be about us.
It cannot be about what we do, what we bring, what we say, or the songs we choose.
It cannot be what we have made it, so what is it?

Jesus speaks over us, His voice insistent, strong, and full of truth,
willing our hearts to listen and hear His Word.

“But an hour is coming, and is now here…” (John 4:23)
It’s present. The time is now. No more waiting. We are not free to pretend we’ll get around to true worship “later,” when we have more time. We cannot claim ignorance. The hour is here.

“… when the true worshipers…” (John 4:23)
The line of distinction is a real thing. There is an actual judgment call the Lord God is righteous to make. True worshippers vs everyone else. Faith vs Fake.

“… will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23)
Here’s the identifier for the true and the faithful worshippers. It’s found in Spirit and Truth.
What is flesh cannot beget what is Spirit. Only Spirit births what is spirit.

There are no true worshippers who are not born of Spirit. None. Zero. Zilch.
Sure, we can fake it, follow the motions, lift our hands, close our eyes, and sway to the rhythm, fooling our neighbor and ourselves.

But if our hearts are not re-birthed from the Spirit of the Living God,
Jesus is abundantly clear,
we are not true worshippers.

Is there a prerequisite for worship?
Yes!

Full surrender to the One who died for us, taking our punishment for sin upon Himself. He, who is blameless and righteous, willingly and humbly took upon Himself our long list of hideous sins that we might be whole, forgiven, and free to worship Him in Spirit.

Birthed by His Spirit,
sealed by His Spirit,
taught by His Spirit,
we who once were dead in our sin, are now awakened to
worship Him because of the Spirit alive within us who cries out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6)

The One God, in whom no deceit is found (1 Peter 2:22), births worshippers who offer their surrender in truth. There is no place for lies here in the sacred space of holy adoration.

Emotion? Passion? Tears? Rhythm? Hands in the air? Prostrate on the ground?
These are not the identifiers of true worship, my precious sister.
These are not required by our God.

When we base the litmus test of true worship on the level of our emotional connection or the language of our bodies, we have removed ourselves from the realm of true worship.
We have added performance stipulations Christ never intended.

Angry? Celebrating? Hurt? Happy? Alone? Joyful? Afraid? Peaceful?
Truth, bring the truth of your real, honest, heart condition. Fling the masks far from you, burn them in the blaze of sacrificial offering. Offer the fullness of your honesty with your sacrifice of praise, realizing anew the beauty of the gospel. Here in this place of true worship, we bring our mess, confident we will be forgiven and set free in ever-deepening ways because of the very truth of the Christ Whom we worship.

Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. (John 4:23)
His Spirit draws us in, nearer to His consuming fire, closer so we can breathe in the familiar scent of the One our hearts blessedly call Father.

Home.
Here we are home, welcomed in the embrace of Abba.
Here we are made whole.
Here we are treasured children and beloved daughters.
Here we are known.
Here we lay down ourselves for the kindest, gentlest Daddy who holds our hands, our hearts, and our lives.

Here, we slip blissfully into true worship.

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Amen and Amen. May our hearts ever resound with this truth as our lives are set ablaze with the evidence of our offering of true worship born of Spirit and declared with truth.

How’s your worship?

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Enough Day 8 Perfect Prophet

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 53:3-12
Luke 24:13-27
Matthew 5:17-20
Revelation 22:1-5

Enough, Day 8

Of the four seasons we experience in the Midwest, I like spring the best. My birthday is in the spring, the weather is just right, and mostly importantly as a homeschool momma, summer is on the horizon.

Honestly though, it’s the flowers. Several years ago, we lived in a house with a yard. Planting flowers and tending them was my greatest joy. I loved choosing which plant needed which location in the sun pattern, ensuring something blooming in every season. I was thrilled by morning surveys to see which daffodil, tulip, or lily was on the verge of popping open.

I only planted perennials, flowers that re-bloomed every year. As a lover of flowers, I would not keep any plants in the same location that didn’t thrive. If a plant didn’t bloom well, I either transplanted it to a new home in the garden or pitched it out.

Anticipation.
Knowing previously-blooming flowers were trustworthy and would bloom again.
Waiting for each individual petal’s final beauty to be revealed.

This is how we wait for Jesus’ return!
We wait in anticipation for His glorious restoration of the earth, and His beauty to fully be revealed. We long for the time when every tear will be wiped away, when all pain and suffering is restored, and the curse of sin will forever be broken.

But how can we know this will really happen?
God’s Word promises it will.

How can we trust this is not some “pie in the sky church talk,”
but real, solid truth upon which we can build our lives?

Just as with my flowers, we can look back.

Scholars calculate there are over 300 prophecies regarding Jesus in the Old Testament. For example, the prophet Isaiah foretells detail after detail of Jesus’ coming, ministry, death, and resurrection hundreds of years before Jesus is even born. When we read of Jesus’ life in the New Testament, we find at least 20 prophecies in Isaiah alone that Jesus already fulfilled.

The same holds true for the expansive list of prophecies recorded from other Old Testament prophets: Jesus fulfilled each one, proving Himself faithful over and over again. That truth, combined with our understanding of the infallibility of Scripture, solidifies in our hearts Jesus is who He says He is, and His own prophetic words will be fulfilled in His return! 

Jesus was brutally killed, overcame death and the grave, and was miraculously resurrected. In Luke 24, Jesus is talking with several disciples on the road. Though they had known Him during His ministry, they didn’t recognize Him. Having heard His tomb was empty, they were upset.

Jesus pauses to share His true identity.

“He said to them, ‘How foolish and slow you are to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into His glory?’

Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:25-27)

Not only did Jesus fulfill prophecies, but He was, Himself, the perfect prophet. 

Fully God, there was no stain of sin on His nature to corrupt the messages He communicated from the Father.
“For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a command to say everything I have said. I know that His command is eternal life. So the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.” (John 12:49-50)

Fully man, He redeemed the ministry of the Old Testament role of prophet, choosing at every turn obedience to His Father’s words and plans over satisfaction of self.
“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.’” (John 5:19)

Jesus himself says He was the prophet of all prophets;
all of Scripture weaves together His story.

We cannot read the Old Testament without finding the foreshadowing of His
coming.
We are immersed in His life through the Gospels.
We see teachings on how His church will grow all across the New Testament.
The conclusion of His Book floods with the magnificent promise of Jesus’ final return to bring His people home.

Christ is the beginning and the end; we can trust in Him, the One who came to redeem us!

Father, You have proved Yourself time and time again. Let us lean into Your faithfulness and trust in Your infallibility. Jesus, You so freely gave of Yourself so we might have new life in You. Thank you. 

Lord Jesus, we anticipate Your return! Lord, as we cling to you, let us rest in the promises of Your second coming. Use that promise to spur us on to share You with those around us. Stir our hearts, Lord, that many more would come to know You before You return. 

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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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Worship VII Day 15 What’s So Amazing About Grace?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-9
Lamentations 3:22-24
Titus 2:11-14
2 Timothy 1:9-10
Revelation 20:4-6

Worship VII, Day 15

We often think of those who write hymns, especially famous ones, as being faultless. Yet, each writer was human, and therefore deeply flawed, none more so than John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace.”

John Newton’s mother was a believer and instilled learning Scripture in John as a young boy. Motherless at 7, he joined his father, a ship captain, at sea for several voyages. As a young teen, he often found himself in trouble aboardship, and eventually, a moment of free time away from the ship put him into the path of a press gang. John was kidnapped to serve in the British Navy for several years, but all the hard work requirements didn’t stop him from creating havoc aboard the ships.

“Amazing grace,
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I am found,
Was blind, but now I see.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us the grace and salvation John Newton wrote about do not come at our own hand. Instead, like the apostle Paul, we can only see the truth of our sin and God’s grace when the scales fall from our eyes. Paul’s temporary blindness was physical, but it also represented his spiritual blindness to Who God truly was. We, like Saul, are blinded to Who He is, and to the ugliness of our sin, when we are mired in our self-serving sin and lifestyles dishonoring to God.

When John was free from the Navy, he was given the opportunity to assist a plantation owner and slave trader on an island off the African coast. Though slave trading was a legal business and he had success, John discovered himself chained in spiritual bondage, just as the slaves he traded were locked in physical chains.

“’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.”

Rescued from life on the island, John joined another trade vessel. A fierce storm arose, causing the ship to take on water and begin falling apart. After helping to bail water, he was assigned to the helm. It was in this moment, facing almost certain death, John remembered the faith of his upbringing and started praying.

Three hours later, the storm abated. John spent several more hours at the helm, giving him plenty of time to pray and reflect on his life. He began to realize God was very real and did, indeed, still hold him. Titus 2:11-13 aptly describes the call of God, which settled on John’s spirit, although he did not yet fully grasp it yet:

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.”

Eventually, John became captain of his own vessel, making several voyages to Africa and back. Over the course of these trips, he made time for prayer and devotions with his crew. Before one trip, John was overcome with a fever and forced to remain behind; later, tragic news came that the ship sank. Once again, he was reminded of God’s divine protection over his life.

John retired as captain and eventually chose to go into ministry. He became active in the abolitionist movement, denouncing, and working to end, slave trade. God had continued to make John’s heart new and increasingly more like Christ’s!

“The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.”

As he penned these verses, John put into his own words the declarations of God’s faithfulness found in Psalm 28:7, Psalm 91:4, and Lamentations 3:22-24.

“Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.”

John spent many years writing sermons and poems, often collaborating with fellow poet William Cowper. “Amazing Grace” is one of the many poems produced by Newton. His past became the focus of many of the verses, but he concluded this famous work with his gaze fixed on eternity:

“When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.”

Grace was the theme of a wretched man like John, who gave himself over again and again to the Amazing God who died to free him from his chains of slavery to sin. Our sin gives us each the moniker “wretch,” and yet, when we turn to Him in repentance, even the most wretched heart is transformed by His amazing grace! Come, be amazed at the gracious kindness of a God who sacrificed Himself for you!

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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 Worship VII Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Worship VII Day 1 Be Still My Soul

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 46
Isaiah 43:1-7
Romans 8:31-39

Worship VII, Day 1

I’ve always loved the beautiful hymn, “Be Still, My Soul” by Finnish writer Veikko Antero Koskenniemi. In studying the rich Scriptural truths behind these inspired lyrics I’ve discovered deep theological waters. Journey with me into cavernous springs of solid truth and sweet grace as we unpack the foundational truths behind one Finnish man’s heart cry.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

While Veikko’s lyrical melodies wash over us,
ancient truths from the heart of God are reborn within us.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” ~ Romans 8:31b

“For He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘the Lord is my helper; will not fear; what can man do to me?’” ~ Hebrews 13:5b-6

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” ~ Romans 5:3-5

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice, who ruled them while He dwelt below.

“Be still”, Veikko croons as he quotes from King David.
How strenuously our bodies, minds, and souls push against this gift of slowing to stillness and silence before the God of the Universe! Yet, He continues washing us with truth…

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” ~Proverbs 16:9

“The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.” ~Proverbs 16:33

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” ~Mark 4:39

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
and all is darkened in the veil of tears,
then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
from His own fullness all He takes away.

Deep, dark waters of loss threaten to pull us under with gripping physical force, but Hope sings low and clear with growing intensity, “I have defeated death!”

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’” ~ Job 1:20-21

 

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:38-39

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

One day, time will cease, we will breath our last, and with our very own eyes, we will behold the mysteries that have eluded us for so long. At long last, we will be face to face with the Lover of our souls, the Great Rescuer of our hearts. We will be Home, and forever, we will dwell with the Lord of All. Oh, come Lord Jesus!

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” ~Revelation 21:4

Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let anyone who hears, say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life freely. ~ Revelation 22:17

Come away and drink deeply of the sweet waters of truth and feel the embrace of grace by the Father who loves you without end! The next time you hear this hymn or sing it yourself, remember just how much truth from God’s Word you are meditating on and memorizing, and may it encourage you in your walk with the Lord!

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

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Calling Day 1 Into Inheritance

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 1:1-14
Haggai 1:1-11
Revelation 21:1-5

Calling, Day 1

“We will not neglect the house of our God!”
(Nehemiah 10:39, emphasis mine)

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. (Exodus 36:1-2, emphasis mine)

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ.
(Romans 12:4-5)

You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? Because of My House that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. (Haggai 1:9)

The Lord has always carefully guarded, and given clear instruction for,
His dwelling place among His people.

In the Old Testament, chapter after chapter overflow with specificities on not only building the tabernacle, but also regarding its operation and management.

God’s heartbeat is, and always has been,
to be in deep relationship with His people.
Thus, He placed high priority upon
the place where He would meet with them. 

Moses’ original site of communion with God, the Tent of Meeting, gave way to the moveable Tabernacle where God dwelt in the Holy of Holies. This was eventually replaced by Solomon’s temple in the holy city of Jerusalem, which was destroyed in 70AD.

Over time, as Jews multiplied and spread, synagogues became the gathering places for worshipping and studying the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament). In fact, the Greek word for “assembly” is “synagogue”!

Finally, after Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within everyone who trusts in the Lord for their eternal salvation.
The new tabernacle was the very heart of every believer!

Whether it was the Tent of Meeting,
the Tabernacle in the wilderness,
the temple in Jerusalem,
a synagogue in the ancient Roman world,
or your local Bible-teaching church,
each of these represent something precious to the heart of God,
a meeting place with His people. 

Just as God protected and cherished those dwelling places in the Old Testament, so does He lavishly love and care for how the Church, local and global, lives out its calling to advance the Kingdom of God.

Ephesians is like the handbook for church life, detailing out our identity, our mission, and our calling. Before you check out because you aren’t on staff at a church, or maybe only attend on occasion, sink into this truth:

Every believer is the Church.

Please, as fellow member of this beautiful Body called Church, I plead with you to read every word of Ephesians with us as we study.
Our words are meaningless without His.
Our studies merely point to His truth.
So, if you’ve made it this far without reading His Words Before Ours, please back up and read today’s selection from Ephesians 1:1-14!

As you read, drink it slowly, deliciously; let the message wash over you, bringing renewal.
These are the words of the Lord God for His precious Bride, the Church.
These words are for us as His Beloved, the place where He dwells!

Because, here’s the ravishing secret, we are His inheritance and He is ours!! 

I’m giddy with excitement every time I consider this glorious reality!
Come! Look!

To the saints…
Grace & peace to you, (Read: washing over you and embracing you on all sides)
from God our FATHER (how wondrous!)
and Christ Jesus our SAVIOR (breathtaking love!).
(Ephesians 1:1-2)

And just like that, we are ushered into a book of radical love and steadfast truth with a warm embrace.

In the first 14 verses, we, the Church,
every saved-from-sin-rescued-from-death believer, are hereby declared…

Blessed
With every spiritual blessing available in the infinite heavenly riches of Christ.
(verse 3)

Chosen
Set apart from before the beginning of time to be blameless and holy before the Lord.
(verse 4)

Adopted
With every right and every inheritance given to us, not based on our works, but solely because He lovingly chose to love us.
(verses 5-6)

Lavishly Covered
With His limitless gifts of redemption, forgiveness, and grace.
(verses 7-8)

Unified With God
Having been invited to understand the rich mysteries of how God has planned for our salvation and welcomed us, the Church, into the great gift of unity between ourselves and the godhead.
(verses 9-10)

Heirs
We are the recipients of this profoundly rich inheritance.
(verses 11-12)

Sealed
On hearing the freedom offered in Christ, having trusted Him as our only Savior and Lord, God poured His Spirit into our hearts, remaking our DNA to be like His own. Here is the proof of our salvation! The God who safeguards our souls by His Spirit until one, indescribable day, when our inheritance is seen with naked eyes and we behold the glory that is
God dwelling with us FACE TO FACE!
(verses 13-14)

Church!!
How wondrous is the love the Father has lavished upon us!
May our tongues never cease to praise Him for calling us into this inheritance!

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

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The GT Weekend! ~ Open Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1)  We all have ugly, difficult, frustrating places and scenarios playing out in our everyday lives, no matter how much we wish otherwise. What are yours? The annoying person you can’t seem to avoid, the coworker driving you insane, the family member who just does not get it, or even more deeply, the people who have hurt you, who continue throwing jabs, who choose to keep dragging you through the mud. Who are these for you? These are your messy places. And Jesus wants to bring hope to every person involved, infusing love and grace like we’ve never known to each circumstance. What if we were conduits for such love? Suppose we were exactly who Jesus wanted to use to expand His kingdom in these messy places. Are we willing to allow that?

2)  “There isn’t a person on earth who is unworthy of hearing the message of Jesus.” Yes? Maybe? It’s easy to read aloud or mentally agree with, isn’t it? Of course that statement is true! But, is that how we live? If it’s actually true, how far are we willing to go to share that message? Will we give generously? Will we keep on giving, even when we receive nothing, not even an honorable mention? As you survey the treasures you have around you in your home, your car, your bank account, or even your afternoon, begin seeing these as opportunities to build God’s Kingdom through generosity. Pray over these, asking the Lord to show you how to steward what you’ve been blessed with!

3)  The Land of Offense…we’ve all taken up residency here at various points in our lives. Betrayal. Hurtful words. Neglect. Manipulation. Abandonment. What drives you away to this place of offended and hurt? Go ahead and name the ones that are your most recent experiences with offense. Give yourself permission to feel that hurt and to know that the Lord God sees you and understands your feelings, the wound, the hurt, and wants to free you from it. We can exact no retribution on another that would slay them more deeply than an offering of love and forgiveness (with appropriate boundaries where necessary). This is not a love we can manufacture, but flows from the Spirit’s love inside of us. What would it look like to surrender your right to live in the Land of Offense and choose love instead?

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 10:32-11:1 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved. Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.

Prayer Journal
Never do we see our own sin more clearly when we cast but a glance at Your glory and flawless love. Our offenses against You, a Holy and Righteous God, are as innumerable as the sand on the shores. Yet, You choose love over offense. You choose to generously give us Your righteousness when we have nothing to offer but our sin-wrecked selves. You give of Yourself freely to all regardless of any pre-requisite if we just trust You to be who You say You are. Lord, as You continuously treat us with such open generous love in every moment of waking or sleeping, urge us forward to treat others like this as well. Love the world through us, Abba!

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Open Day 12 Messy Hope: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Messy Hope!

The Questions

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?

1 Corinthians 9:15-27

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law(though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Original Intent

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?
In the beginning of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul goes into detail about the rights he has given up. Paul, even as an apostle, didn’t walk with Jesus while He was on earth. After Jesus had been crucified and risen and ascended back to Heaven, Jesus appeared to Paul (then Saul) as he actively persecuted Christ followers. After his conversion, Paul stopped at nothing to preach the gospel, even though it meant giving up everything. Paul gave up his freedom in many ways and at times, even gave up food and drink to reach those who were dying without a Savior. He didn’t seek financial support from local churches to supply his monetary needs and he also surrendered his right to be married.  He lived out his days as a servant of the Lord, never reaping the harvest of his efforts, not being paid, but rather, doing it all so others could experience the joy of knowing Jesus. These are the rights Paul is referring to, and he willingly gave them up for the opportunity to see the Gospel advanced. To Paul, sharing the Good News of Jesus was worth giving up every right he had.

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?
Paul is literally referring to preaching or sharing the Good News of the Gospel with the words he uses. He is preaching of Jesus and what He did for all of humanity by sacrificing Himself and surrendering His rights for us in our place. We deserved death as just consequence for our sin, but Christ took on our punishment at the cross by dying our death for us. This is the good news of the gospel! Paul realized the call to preach this beautiful truth was not only to those He knew or was like, but to the world. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 lists who Paul preached to. He preached to Jews, to those under the law, to those not under the law, and to the weak. He also states, “he became all things to all people.” In other words, there is no one Paul was unwilling to share the Gospel with. All are lost without Jesus and all need to hear about the eternal hope and life offered through Christ!

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?
The Corinthians were no stranger to races. They would have been familiar with them due largely to the Isthmian games. Typically, at the end of the race the winning runner was awarded a medal. During the games, the Corinthians would have been familiar with the winner receiving a crown made from plants or trees. This crown would eventually fade and die as the leaves withered. Paul, instead, says his efforts are not for nothing like a crown that shrivels in a few days, rather Paul races for a crown that will last forever. Paul is running a race and he already knows what the end holds, he knows his future. He knows he will eventually be welcomed into the presence of God. Paul is telling his audience he will continue to run the race God has called him to run the best he can regardless of the cost because he knows what the future holds. He rests assured in his salvation and the fact that he will one day be welcomed home.

Everyday Application

1) What are the rights Paul is referring to?
Paul gave up many of his rights in order to see the Gospel furthered, but what does that mean for us? Are we expected to give up our freedom, our food and drink, the opportunity to marry, etc.? God does not call every believer to give up the exact same rights Paul gave up, but He does call us to give up rights. In each believer’s life, the call to follow Jesus will look different. Some of us will literally be called to move away from the comforts of our lives in order to live in another place to share the Gospel. Some of us will give away our time and resources in great capacity, while others may be asked to literally give up their freedom. We turn over or give up the entirety of ourselves to Jesus when we surrender our lives to Him. We give Him full control and follow Him where He leads. I can’t tell you what rights you will give up to follow Jesus, but I promise that if you are following Him there will be sacrifices and you will often be pushed outside your comfort zone in order to share the Good News of Jesus. It won’t always be comfortable, but it will always be worth it!

2) Who is Paul preaching to and what does it mean to preach?
Often, when we hear the word “preach” we think of what the pastor does on Sunday morning at church and we automatically disqualify ourselves because “we are not a preacher”.  However, this is not the preaching Paul is referencing. Paul preached, or shared the Gospel message of Jesus, with anyone and everyone he could in whatever way he was able. He wrote letters to churches, he shared with jailers who were in charge of him, and he spoke of Jesus to countless others who God put in his path.  We are called to do the same. There isn’t a person on earth who is unworthy of hearing the message of Jesus. Jesus came and died for all and we are to share that hope with all those God puts in our path. I challenge you to look around and see who you have the opportunity to share Jesus with. It may be the new student at school, a friend whose been in your life for years, a co-worker, a family member, or someone God puts in your path during a service opportunity or mission trip. The day we accept Jesus as Savior from our sin, we become preachers of the Gospel. Who is it God is calling you to preach to?!

3) What is the prize at the end of the race?
When we think of races today we tend to think of medals to be won. The winner always receives a prize. However, Paul talks about a prize we can all achieve. During our race as believers we are all called to keep running the race before us. Our race is not going to look like another believer’s race because God equips and uses us all in different ways. However, the point of the race is to keep going and striving for the end. Paul encouraged the Corinthians, and us, to keep running “to get a crown that will last forever”. Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “The brightest jewel in the incorruptible crown is the joy of having become all God made us to become, of perfectly fulfilling the end of our creation, of being able to find happiness in goodness, in closest fellowship with God, in promoting what Christ lived and died to promote.” It’s the day we finally stand before our Father in Heaven and hear the words the master said in The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.” That moment when we are finally home and welcomed into His presence for eternity, this is the crown for which we run! Sisters, are you running your race well with the end in sight?!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Messy Hope!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Open Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

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!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Open Day 6 The Unconventional Open

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Mark 2:1-12
Colossians 1:15-20
Isaiah 44:21-23

Open, Day 6

Home.
You walk in the front door, kick off your shoes, and there they are. The same walls, the familiar terrain of pictures and wall decor, couch and chair placement, family table for dinners, and the counter space for preparing meals.

Home. Regardless of how its decorated, the name brands marking the furniture, or the number of crystal pieces in the cupboard, it’s home.

As unremarkable as it may seem, here lies the hallowed place of potential. It’s in the ho-hum of sour laundry, endless dishes, carpets needing vacuumed, and colored-on walls that the Lord can turn the mundane into the miraculous.

Jesus was home.
Though He spent a good deal of His life moving about like an itinerant preacher, He had a place in Capernaum. Whether the house where He stayed was actually His own home or it was Peter’s, isn’t as important as what He did with His space. Here was His bed, His kitchen, His low table for meals, perhaps a carpentry shop outside for income to care for His mother; regardless of its appearance, this was His home.

His fame was growing and He was attracting increasingly more attention. Most wanted His blessing, His healing, or His provision. Some, deeply offended by Him, wanted His death, but His message remained the same to all, humanity is separate from God because of sin. Repent and surrender to Him, for the Kingdom of God is near. (Matthew 4:17)

Wherever Jesus walked, visited, or raised His voice to teach, crowds followed. He had just spent several days walking place to place, engaging people, healing, and preaching. He’d ended His tour in the region of the Gerasenes where He’d created a ruckus by healing two demon possessed men. Ruckus? He sent the demons into the pigs who then ran themselves headlong over a cliff, killing themselves. The result? Jesus was run out of town. (Matthew 8:34) Never mind that two men had been set free from demons!

From this, Jesus sailed back over Galilee and comes home.
Surely exhausted emotionally, spiritually, and physically in the wake of busy days filled with powerful ministry and personal attacks, Jesus makes His way from the Galilee shore through the familiar streets to His house. As He walks, word spreads. “Jesus is back!” “Jesus is back!”
It was a few stragglers at first following from a distance, maybe even a handful of children running to grasp His hands as He walked, but it grew quickly. By the time, Jesus reached home, the gathering crowd was leaning in, ready to experience Jesus.

He walked into His home, the growing crowd pressing right into His house with Him. Sandals tumbled off and body heat increased as sweat caused clothing to stick to hot bodies. Yet despite the room temperature, the smell, and the pressing tightness of human beings, Jesus’ voice rang out with compelling winsomeness as He preached truth wrapped with grace. (John 1:17) The more He preached, bringing out precious truths from the Old Testament and unveiling the fullness of the gospel, the more the crowds swelled. Windows were blocked by faces peering in and the doorway became darkened by the flood of people and crowds surrounded the exterior.

Meanwhile, word on the street kept spreading and four friends knew this was their chance. Bound together by their love for one another, they lifted their paralyzed friend and moved forward as one team. Urgently, gingerly, and with all haste, straining under the weight of their friend’s makeshift bed, they made their way through dusty streets to Jesus’ house. Grunting and squeezing their way between bodies, they knew their only option was the flat, clay roof. The four hurried up the rocky steps, weeds poking between stones, with their precious friend precariously swaying between them, all the while navigating people. Once on the roof, they began literally tearing it apart. Plaster and pebbles rained down as Jesus preached, a scattering at first and then, finally, after what seemed like hours of digging through brittle clay, a downpour of pebbles flew and the sky opened above the crowd. Stunned and silent, all eyes peered up at the 4 heads looking sheepishly down through the man-sized hole. Wordlessly, the friends lowered their friend through the opening, it was up to Jesus now.

Jesus. His home upturned by hundreds of unexpected guests, His own body exhausted, and now His roof torn open. He could have shooed everyone out, He could have seen the crowds earlier and gotten back on a boat or at minimum, He could have preached from the beach instead of His home. But He did none of those things. Instead, He moved forward with His mission to preach the good news of God who had come in the flesh to be a Forever Rescuer from sin, even if it meant….this mess.

“Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus’ gentle voice held a fullness of authority balanced with tender kindness. He would set this man free from sin’s grip for this is exactly what He came to do, “seek and save those who were lost.” (Luke 19:10) Going farther, Jesus physically healed the paralytic proving His authority over all creation in both physical and spiritual realms.

What happened that day was a miracle, but it began in the middle of unspeakable mess. At every point that day, Jesus could have chosen to indulge His flesh, but He continually modeled surrender to the Father’s will, allowing a dramatic unconventional opening for the gospel to be preached and hearts to be set free.

One roof was destroyed.
One house was overrun.
One preacher man was physically spent.
But…
Countless hearts were shifted for eternity.
Millions of people have read the story of the paralytic since, and every time,
the gospel has been preached again.

My home is familiar territory to me, a safe haven of rest.
As I read this story of Jesus and His home, I’m challenged to be ready to leverage my house for kingdom work, even if it means getting plaster on my hands so others may experience Jesus.
Are you with me?!

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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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Seeds Day 12 Seeds Of Encouragement: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

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

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
Check out Seeds Of Encouragement!

The Questions

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?

2) What is the power received?

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Original Intent

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
This verse is spoken by Jesus before He ascends to Heaven. Jesus is with His disciples on the Mt of Olives outside of Bethany. Essentially, these words are the last ones Jesus says to His disciples before leaving them. In those moments, Jesus promises His disciples they will not be abandoned even though He is leaving them. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection and had spent time with Jesus after His resurrection. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus instructed His disciples to share the Gospel with all nations.  However, with these words, Jesus tells them to stay and wait. He doesn’t want them to go alone to carry His gospel to the nations, but instead wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus knows their mission is will not be accomplished alone. He knows they need what only God can provide.

2) What is the power received?
This power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we hear the word “power” we often think physical strength. However, this isn’t what Jesus is referring to here as this is a spiritual power. This power is the strength, courage, and boldness by which Jesus’ disciples will go out and accomplish the mission Jesus is laying before them. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to go out before they had the power from the Holy Spirit. He told them to wait for it. Jesus knew there was no hope in them being witnesses if they did not have the power only God can provide. The power of the Holy Spirit would come and equip them with all the tools needed to be successful and effective witnesses. Without the Holy Spirit, they would never have success.

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Jesus had given His disciples what we call the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28. Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus expounds on that command and lays out a plan of action. The disciples were Jews who would have lived in Jerusalem and Judea. Their mission is to begin sharing the Gospel and making witnesses right where they were in everyday life and then move out from there in every widening circles of influence. The disciples were to continue moving into Samaria and then into the rest of the world. Essentially, this lays out the plan to take the Gospel to the Jews and then the Gentiles. Expositor’s Bible Commentary words it this way, “Jerusalem, Judea, – the Apostles were to begin their great practical life of witnessing at home, but they were not to stay there. Samaria was next to have its opportunity, and so we shall find it to have been the case; and then, working from home as centre, to the uttermost parts of the earth.” Never were the disciples to stay in the comforts of home. God’s plan was always to send His power and enable the disciples to share the Good News with His entire creation.

Everyday Application

1) Who is being spoken to in this verse and what is Jesus saying to them?
While Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples in this verse, His message is still for us today. As believers, we are also His disciples and these words are just as much for us as it was for those who heard it first when Jesus spoke. We too have the job of sharing the Gospel with all nations. However, if the disciples could not take on the task in their own power, why should we think we can? Just as they needed the Holy Spirit, so do we. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are also given the gift of the Holy Spirit who never leaves. We can choose, however, to ignore His voice and attempt to do His work on our own strength. Here is where we need to be reminded of Jesus’ message to His first disciples and to us!

2) What is the power received?
Spiritual power is a gift provided by the Holy Spirit. The disciples needed the power to go out boldly and confidently share the Gospel bearing witness to Jesus. Before the Spirit was given, the disciples were told to wait. Jesus would not send them to accomplish a mission if they were not equipped to accomplish it. If the disciples needed the Spirit’s power and they had physically walked with Jesus and learned at His feet, we should also acknowledge we need this power in order to bear witness to Jesus. This power allows us to step out in courage to share the truth of who Jesus is and why the world needs Him. Where is the Spirit leading you? Are you in the habit of engaging with Him through Scripture, journaling, prayer, and quiet listening? If we are to accomplish the Lord’s mission in our everyday lives, our effectiveness begins and ends with our dependence on the equipping power of the Holy Spirit!

3) Why Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth?
Just as Jesus lays out a plan for the disciples to carry out the Great Commission at the end of this verse, He lays out a plan for us. As believers, we are commanded to make disciples of all nations just as the original disciples were. Even though we don’t live in Jerusalem our plan of action should look similar to the disciples. We are first to start in our own “Jerusalem”, the place we call home. Who is God calling us to share the Gospel with in our homes, in our neighborhoods, or in our workplace? Next, we are to look to the area or city we live in, our “Judea”. Samaria would have been a little farther out from home. It could be like asking who am I to share the Gospel with within the region God has placed me. Lastly, I am to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. There is no place on earth that is not worthy of hearing the Good News. Where is God asking me to go? Any one of these areas may feel out of our comfort zone, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can bravely and boldly go and bear witness making disciples. When I lived in Las Vegas my church said it this way, “Las Vegas, the West and the World”. I now live in Kansas City, MO and my church says it this way, “our church, the Northland, and beyond.” Think about where God has placed you… how can you reword this action plan Jesus gave to match where God has you located. It will be different for all of us, but the end goal is the same… to see every nation to the end of the earth hear the Good News of Jesus!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

Share What You’ve Learned!
Pray Together!
Join us in the GT Facebook Community!

Our Current Study Theme!

This is Seeds Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

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!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.