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Mission Day 11 Mission Focused

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Mission Day 11 Mission Focused

Michelle Brown

May 22, 2023

Freedom,Genuine,Heart,Holy Spirit,Jealous

Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 5:20-6:4
Philippians 3:12-14
Luke 10:38-42
1 Peter 3:13-17
Proverbs 4:25-27

Mission comes from a root word meaning “sent,” a “vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith.” It encompasses the call of Christians to evangelism and discipleship (Matthew 28:16-20), loving one another (John 15:12-17), and caring for the least of us (Matthew 25:31-40). 

Missions require focus, even more so when given by God. 

As we unpack this Journey Study, we will consider three areas of introspection:
-What conditions distract us from our mission?
-What practical tips are available to combat a distracted heart and mind? 
-How does the Lord promise to restore our focus on Him and the mission?

Mission Distractions
Distractions entail shifting our attention from something of greater importance to something of lesser importance. The most dangerous distraction is idolatry, when we treasure something more than God. This prideful sin breeds frustration and heartache, and often looks like consuming aspects in life (job, relationships, achievement, or hobbies) which become more important than our relationship with God. 

Idolatry is a heart issue rooted in pride and begetting self-centeredness, greed, and a love of possession. Left unchecked, idolatry quickly distances us from God, but when we turn to Him in repentance we find in God’s gracious embrace, “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more[.]” (Romans 5:20) In His forgiveness and through the work of His Spirit within us, we are freed from idolatry. “Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in the newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Busyness also distracts us, as we are often tasked with child care, household duties, and job duties. A biblical example of busyness is found in Luke 10:38-42. As sisters Mary and Martha hosted Jesus and His disciples in their home, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening, while Martha became distracted by preparations. 

Be honest, sometimes we resemble Martha, rushing around to accomplish our own mission while missing out on learning from Jesus through the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, which equips us to fulfill His mission! To combat this, we can ask, “What is the real distraction? What do our hearts desire? What do our choices communicate about our priorities?”  Like Mary, we can intentionally slow down and refocus our hearts on Christ.

Finally, consider the distraction of suffering.
Even as we continue to pray for God to intervene in hard scenarios, we can become more focused on our circumstances than on God. We might expect God to fix our problems because we’ve tried to follow Him. 

When suffering becomes great, getting angry with God becomes easy, wondering if He is even still listening. Theologian Tim Keller, in Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, said, “Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.” Suffering can be a huge distraction, keeping Christ’s mission, in our suffering, far from our thoughts. 

I certainly have been there, but like the apostle and preacher Peter, I came to understand God alone is my Refuge and Savior. “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) 

Suffering changes us; it’s the impetus forcing us to move in one direction or the other. Either we can choose rebellion, anger, and walking away from faith, or submission to the goodness and love of the Lord, which increases our faith and hope. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:17, “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 

We can be encouraged because “since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin— in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.” (1 Peter 4:1-2)

Distractions can cause us to lose sight of God, His Word, and His plan. 
Distractions can cause us to lose focus on our mission.

Yet, there are some practical tips that can help us combat a distracted heart and mind. 

First, look forward. Proverbs 4:25-27 tells us to fix our gaze straight ahead, not looking to the left or right. We can identify distractions that pull our gaze away from our mission, and seek God’s help in reclaiming our focus.

Secondly, press on. The time will come when it’s hard to pursue “the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Yet God will sustain us through our difficulties. (Isaiah 46:4)

Last and most important, keep our eyes on Jesus.
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)  

Though we can become distracted and drawn away from the mission, our Lord is patient, merciful and gracious. He never becomes faint or weary (Isaiah 40:28); He inclines unto us when we draw near to Him. When we acknowledge our sins, submit to God, and humble ourselves before the Lord, the Bible says He will exalt us. (James 4:4-10) 

Sisters, I urge us to pray in earnest as we seek God through His Word, so we can intentionally become focused, productive, mission-minded Christians.          

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Worship VIII Day 7 Our Beautiful Jealous God: 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 Our Beautiful Jealous God!

The Questions

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)

Exodus 20:3-5

3 Do not have other gods besides me. 4 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me

Original Intent

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)
The Hebrew word for jealous, qanna, “combines the ideas of zeal and jealousy.” (Preceptaustion.org) When used to describe Jehovah in the Old Testament, qanna “reflects zero tolerance for the worship of other so-called gods. (Preceptaustion.org) God’s jealousy is not like human jealousy, which can be selfish and ugly. Author, David Guzik, explains that “God is jealous in the sense that He will not accept being merely added to the life; He insists on being supreme and does this out of love.” God is jealous because He is above all.  He is “God of gods, Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God.” (Deuteronomy 10:17) Author Richard Strauss argues that since God is the “highest and greatest being there is, infinitely holy and glorious, He must be passionately committed to preserving His honor and supremacy.” His great love for us makes Him jealous for us, wanting us to have all the benefits and protections of following Him and serving Him. When we worship idols, or turn to other gods, He is jealous for us and what we are missing by being outside the will of the only true God. He alone deserves praise, and He longs to reside in the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)
In Exodus 20 God gave His people the Ten Commandments to follow. God Himself spoke the words, engraving them with His finger (Deuteronomy 9:10) saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me. Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.” (Exodus 20:1-4) The Israelites lived among people who worshipped many gods, so the admonition in the 2nd commandment was necessary. Author David Guzik explains, “In the days of ancient Israel, there was great temptation to worship the gods of materialism (such as Baal, the god of weather and financial success) and sex (such as Ashtoreth, the goddess of sex, romance, and reproduction), or any number of other local deities.” Idol worship is seen primarily in eastern cultures today (like statues of Buddha or Mary). Though it is less common in the western hemisphere to see carved idols in homes or people worshipping physical idols at a temple, the practice of idolatry is still prevalent across the globe no matter where you live. John Currid explains, “For us to trust in anything more than the Lord is to make that thing a god. And idolatry can take many different forms, whether it be riches, glory, wisdom, or one’s physical appetites—it is giving homage to anything but Yahweh!“ When we promote anything or anyone above God in our lives, we are practicing idolatry. Even if they are good and positive people, pastimes, or possessions, when they reign above God in our hearts they are idols and must come down if we are to be obedient to God.

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)
When God gave Ten Commandments to the Israelites, He warned them not to worship other gods or make idols to worship, “for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” (Exodus 20:3-5) He equated idolatry with hating God; He warns that the consequences of idol worship would fall on the sinners and their ensuing generations. Far from being a generational curse from God, this is a warning that actions have consequences. God is not condemning generation after generation to punishment, rather He is cautioning them not to continue in the sinful ways of their ancestors. Author Rod Mattoon explains, “Even though children are not responsible or guilty for their father’s iniquity, they are influenced and affected by it. Sons and remote descendants inherit the consequences of their fathers’ sins, in disease, poverty, captivity, with all the influences of bad example and evil communications.” The consequences will not fall on children who do not hate God. Frequently, the sinful practices of one generation influence the lives of the next generation; this is what God is warning about. If people love God and turn away from the sin of the previous generation, they will not receive the wrath God saves for those who hate Him.

Everyday Application

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)
It is odd to think of God as jealous, because jealousy is such a negative human emotion. It is easier to think of the word zealous, which author Richard Strauss describes as being synonymous for jealousy in the Bible when referring to God. He argues that “God is zealous—eager about protecting what is precious to Him.” I think about it in terms of how I feel for my daughter as she is choosing colleges. She has a scholarship to a good school, but she keeps looking at other schools that will cost more and require her to take on debt. I am zealous in my promotion of the choice that will give her a quality education and keep her from owing lots of money for many years to come. I know the harm that could come, and the good she might miss, if she chooses to go into debt for her education, so I advocate for her to make the choice that will save her future problems. This is how I see God in His jealousy, or zeal, for us. He promises that choosing to obey His commands and follow His ways will bless us. (Psalm 128) He warns that turning from Him will bring destruction. (Romans 6:23) He longs for us to worship Him and commune with Him, and He is jealous for us to make the right choice and avoid calamity. When you consider your everyday life choices and circumstances, how can you begin worshipping the One worthy of all your worship?

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)
If you know me at all you are not surprised that I am a fan of all things Jane Austen, but you might not suspect me to be an old school Star Wars fan. I also collect vintage valentines, love old Hollywood movies, enjoy copious amounts of cinnamon tea and slim volumes of British poetry. As much as I love my eclectic pastimes, I could give any of them up if needed. While it’s true they are important to me, God is number one in my heart and though I occasionally spend too much time or energy indulging other things, the Lord’s Spirit draws me back to Himself and I am quick to return. Idolatry, in its many forms, is still a source of temptation for me. D.L Moody defined it this way, “Whatever you make most of is your god. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.” For me that temptation is to put my own will above God’s will. Sometimes when I see what God is asking of me, I rebelliously assert that I know better. I fear uncertainty and I selfishly cling to my own plans, loving my own way more than God’s. I haven’t considered this idolatry before, but it boils down to worshipping my own will and wisdom over God’s, and that definitely fits the definition. So my prayer is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” I know He is trustworthy and true (Deuteronomy 7:9), so I purpose to choose His will over mine, breaking down my false idols.

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)
I love watching programs about ancestry that help people create a family tree. It’s interesting to discover how families stay for generations in one place or pursue one occupation. Occasionally one enterprising person will pull up stakes and move across the country, starting a new family line for generations in a new location. Many people live in the same area where their 5th great-grandfather settled without even realizing his decision impacted their present situation. God describes a similar situation in the Bible, but with dire consequences. He tells the Israelites in Exodus 20:5 not to worship other gods, “Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” The decisions we make impact those around us, especially our families. Children learn what we teach them, and when we model hating God by worshipping other “gods” like wealth, entertainment, materialism, or comfort, we are impacting their lives in significantly negative ways. If they don’t change and turn towards God, then we have also impacted their children. God not only warns us what can happen if we teach our children the wrong way, but He also tells us the positive consequences of teaching them to follow Him. Proverbs 22:6 gives us a wise principle; if we teach our kids to love God and follow His ways, even when they grow old they won’t digress. If we love God, even the mistakes we make can be worked out for our good and God’s glory in our lives. (Romans 8:28) We aren’t expected to be perfect, just to offer ourselves wholly to love and worship God alone. Our families will catch what we model!

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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 :-))

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The GT Weekend! ~ Worship VIII Week 1

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) On Monday, Marietta transparently shared of an idol taking up time, focus, and adoration in her life. Her willingness to be so honest gives me the courage to stop shying away from addressing “idol worship” lurking in the corners of my own heart. I want to say Jesus is my first and only love, and that every other love flows from my rich and intimate relationship with Him, but if I discount my love of self, I’ve already deceived myself. Whether it’s the desire to “control”, the urge to “fix”, or my “bad habit” (ie: sin!) of jumping to conclusions about others before hearing the whole story, I know the list of idols vying for my attention is long. If I’m not actively praying for the Lord to remove temptation from me, I will easily fall into the idolatry habit of setting up Jesus as just “one of” my many idols instead of worshipping Him as the only One deserving of my whole life. If you sat for just 60 seconds, what idols would you identify from your life? Ask the Lord for courage to look them in the face. Ask Him to give you a heart that is repulsed by idol worship. Choose one idol you feel the Lord leading you to tear down, and text a friend, asking her to hold you accountable to flee the temptation of idol worship.

2) Paul sings of the riches of God, of His vast knowledge, and depths of wisdom that are impossible to plumb in his magnificent hymn of praise. (Romans 11:33-36) The way Paul sings about these gives me the idea he would gladly sit and consider them and gaze on them for eternity without boredom. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time on many pursuits. Some worthy, and some utterly ridiculous. I can remember a season where I put countless hours into a game on my phone. How many hours have I spent belittling myself or others? Too many. The amount of time I’ve spent picking up toys after small children is quite high as well. When I consider the amount of time I’ve sat in worship, awestruck at the glories of the God I serve, I admit it doesn’t even come close to comparing. While I can easily justify my time by insisting that toys don’t pick up themselves, I forget that true worship isn’t limited to instances when I can physically sit still, open my Bible, and journal my praise. Opportunities for fully attentive heart worship are as plentiful as the seconds in my day and yours. Begin your journey into deeper worship right now by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, to remind you to offer up praise in the everyday moments instead of just the ones you deem as “holy”. Start a dialogue with the Lord and practice continuing it throughout the day and watch your relationship with God deepen as worship colors everything!

3) Yesterday, Carol pointed us toward the constantly astounding beauty of creation helping us attentively take in the glory of the Lord and respond with worship. We interact with the earth and its beauties every day in various forms, yet it takes intentional practice to move beyond interaction to worshipping the Creator. Set aside time this weekend to explore what it would look like in your relationship with God to spout off praise as you take in the intricate details of creation around you. Did you breathe deeply? Thank Him for perfectly balanced molecules of hydrogen and oxygen. Did you remind your heart to beat? Thank Him for designing your body with such stunning handiwork, wisdom, and creativity. Did your ear catch the sound waves of your friend’s voice? Praise Him for the atmosphere we live in. Maybe you caught a glimpse of the sun, a passing cloud, a masterfully painted sunset, or even the hard-packed ground in winter, these are invitations to know the Creator better and turn your heart to praise Him for His grace, beauty, love, and care!

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 Romans 11:33-36 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!
34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
35 And who has ever given to God,
that he should be repaid?
36 For from him and through him
and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer Journal
Lord Jesus, how deeply I need Your truth to radically shake up my perspective and shape the way I worship You. You are good. Your love endures forever. Your faithfulness stretches to the sky. Lord God, my view of You is still too small; show me who You are. Show me Your glory. Let me glimpse Your face, so I might know You, love You, and worship You in spirit and in truth. Help my hands to slow, my mind to submit to Your renewal, and my eyes to look with fresh understanding at Your creation. Show me Yourself, Lord Jesus. In the process, expose my ugly idol worship, give me eyes to abhor it, then give me strength to tear these idols down so I can love You alone. One moment at a time, one breath of surrender after another, teach me to open my hands, lift my eyes, and offer You my whole heart, Jesus!

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Worship VIII Day 1 The Why

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 20:2-6
Psalm 73
John 1:1-18
Psalm 91
John 17:20-24

Worship VIII, Day 1

I get up in the wee hours of the morning, or stay up well into the night, to spend time with them. I connect with them every chance I’m given. More of my money has been invested in them than I even realized. Sometimes I plan my schedule around activities related to them.

Who is “them”?

I wish I could say these statements were about God or my church. But they aren’t. They are about my three favorite Korean Pop (K-Pop) groups. Clearly, there is a reason their music industry and culture call their pop stars idols. There is a plethora of access to them, a lot of content, and merchandise galore. Before fans know what’s happening, our time and money are more invested there than in important things, like God.

I don’t think people intend to have idols, but if we don’t pay attention, it happens. Like when we center our lives around working out. Or our jobs are all we think and talk about. Partying and hanging out with friends can become the single driving force in our lives. Or playing video games takes up most of our time and money.  What about needing to be “in control” of everything, all the time? These are just a few examples.

So the question is, how and why does this happen?
Simple. We were made for worship.

The Westminster Catechism states the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We were made to worship God. To verify this, we only need to read Exodus 20:3-5, where God says, “Do not have other gods besides Me” and “Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
Clearly, God made us for worship. But worship should only belong to Him.

And we should want to worship Him. Did you notice God mentioned He is jealous? He is jealous for several reasons. Let’s start with this fact: He created us. (John 1:3, Genesis 1:26-27)
I remember when my daughters were frequently hanging out with two friends, sisters their same age. Their friends’ mom was more lenient than I, and my girls frequently raved about how great this other mom was. Needless to say, I became jealous.
What about our relationships, ones I’d been cultivating since before they were born?
What about my concern for their safety, development, care, and keeping?
I think this is similar to God’s jealousy. He made us; that alone should be enough to warrant our worship.

But let’s go farther and deeper, shall we?

God initiated a relationship with us by revealing Himself to us in many different ways. He is the One who perfectly loves and protects us. I love how Psalm 73 gives us a glimpse of all God offers us:

  •     He holds our hand
  •     He guides us with His wisdom
  •     He will take us to heaven with Him
  •     He is our strength
  •     His presence is our good in this life
  •     He is our refuge

Then, John 1:5 tells us He is the light shining in the darkness, and He cannot be overcome. Additionally, John 1:17 reveals Jesus brought us grace and truth.

Oh and let’s not forget, He loves us. In fact, God’s love for us is a central message of the Bible. That familiar verse, John 3:16, explains, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Still not convinced? Listen to Jesus’ own words in prayer to God the Father: “I am in them and You are in Me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as you have loved Me.” (John 17:23)

The time I invest in video games, cooking shows, or even K-pop might bring temporary happiness and a bit of fleeting satisfaction. The same is true for anything we worship besides God. But this God, this Jesus, who loves us, is the only source of true and lasting satisfaction. We are at our best, and receive the best, when our worship is directed to the One for whom we were created.

I’d like to close by sharing two passages I think can settle this in our hearts better than my words ever could. Let’s pray over them, and then worship the only One who’s worthy of our praise.

“The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry.” (Isaiah 58:11)

“Because he has his heart set on Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Worship VIII!

Pause IV Day 10 Exposing Imposters

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Pause IV, Day 10

As we studied yesterday, we can replace “him” and “you” with “Chaldeans” or “Babylonians Empire” in verses 15-20 as we continue reading of the wicked exploits and motivations of this nation.

With graphic language, verse 15 warns the Babylonians of their pride in their own strength to bring their wrath down upon Israel. While it was accurate they would expose Israel’s sin by taking them into captivity, they would not escape judgement themselves. The Lord assures Habakkuk in verse 16 of His coming wrath against Babylon to expose their sin as well. Persian/Lebanon rulers would overtake Babylon and conquer it swiftly, bringing the Lord’s judgement against them. (verse 17)

Verses 18-20 serve as a beautifully poetic interlude to bridge between God’s righteous ruling against sin and His perpetual, magnificent glory. The mere presence of the glory of the Lord, the One True God, reveals how laughably inept our own strength, our own idols, and our own self-righteousness are in comparison to His magnificence.  How ludicrous it is to address a log of wood, commanding it to speak. Yet, when we elevate anything, read a n y t h i n g, above the rightful position of authority held by the Lord God in our lives, we are bowing our hearts to idols as impotent as blocks of wood.

What fills your hands, your time, your passion, your thoughts? What do you protect, and are quick to defend? These things threaten to be our own idols! Even if they are good and important things, or people, they all make for a very bad Sovereign Lord. Things, and even people, will never love us back as the Lord loves us.

Allow the glory of the Lord to expose the imposter idols in your life. Be still before Him, acknowledging His mighty power, and realigning your life in worship to Him!

Today's Invitation

1) Read Habakkuk 2:15-20,  then re-read verses 18-20 out loud today twice. Slowly. Linger over those words that stick out to you, slowing and listening as God’s Spirit speaks to your heart! Write out verse 20 on a notecard and place it somewhere you won’t miss its message. Take time to memorize it over the weekend!

2) This weekend, we have a new hand-crafted Spotify playlist! Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause! Know that we prayed for you as we prepared this study!

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Habakkuk 2:15-20

Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink,
pouring out your wrath
and even making them drunk,
in order to look at their nakedness!
16 You will be filled with disgrace instead of glory.
You also—drink,
and expose your uncircumcision!
The cup in the Lord’s right hand
will come around to you,
and utter disgrace will cover your glory.
17 For your violence against Lebanon
will overwhelm you;
the destruction of animals will terrify you
because of your human bloodshed and violence
against lands, cities, and all who live in them.

18 What use is a carved idol
after its craftsman carves it?
It is only a cast image, a teacher of lies.
For the one who crafts its shape trusts in it
and makes worthless idols that cannot speak.
19 Woe to him who says to wood: Wake up!
or to mute stone: Come alive!
Can it teach?
Look! It may be plated with gold and silver,
yet there is no breath in it at all.
20 But the Lord is in his holy temple;
let the whole earth
be silent in his presence.

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!

The GT Weekend Ten Week 1

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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) Idols come in all shapes and sizes. Maybe it’s the little “harmless” Buddha statue you leave food and water for. Maybe it’s a statue of Mary, or even Jesus, that you make the sign of the cross in front of, or give a little bow towards. While the motivations may be genuine, the Lord is clear about idolatry; it has no place in the life of a believer. The Lord is infinite and vast, much too magnificent to be represented by an object made by human hands. Idolatry doesn’t stop at objects, however, it seeps into our hearts through a love of anyone or anything more than the God of the Universe. He will not share His glory with anyone or anything else, because none, beyond Himself, are worthy of worship. Make some space this weekend with a pen and paper and God’s Word, praying for the Lord to reveal your idols. Lay these before the One God of all, and ask Him to quicken your heart to love Him most and best!

2) On Wednesday, Merry challenged us to reconsider the depths of taking on the Lord’s holy name. She picked up on the theme of marriage as Paul does in his letters about Christ and the Church. When we consider our daily walk with the Lord as being a marriage partnership where we are living under His Name and for the purpose of glorifying His Name, where might we be taking His Name in vain? Calling ourselves Christ-followers or walking through the doors of a church building, but not allowing His Holy Spirit to remake us from the inside out is taking the Lord’s Name in vain. We may appear as if we are working for the Lord, but really the inside hasn’t been remade. Live up to the calling you have been given in Christ! Live worthy of the high price of sacrifice and love Jesus has lavished upon you, and follow Him in full surrender! Take His Name, and live it out!

3) The idea of sabbathing is largely a foreign concept within the Church, and practically unheard of outside of the Church, which results in a tragic neglect of this precious, life-giving commandment from the heart of God. Many believers think, as I once did, that honoring the Sabbath equates to going to church on Sunday. While it can certainly include this, it isn’t the whole! Kendra beautifully shared, and challenged, us yesterday to begin incorporating Sabbath into our everyday rhythms of life. You can begin this weekend! The value doesn’t lie in a specific day, or a specific set of rules, but in setting aside time to truly rest and worship. The rewards are rich and deep; come see for yourself!

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 Ephesians 4:4-5 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Prayer Journal
Father God, Your word is so rich and full of intricacies, deeper than I often am willing to see at first glance. Holy Spirit, teach me the depth of your majesty, the lavish love You have for mankind, and the work You have prepared for me as I follow You. Use this study of Your commandments to shake my heart and unveil my preconceived ideas about who You are! Take me deeper into truth, Lord God. Wrap me in grace as You show me Yourself. Convict me of sin, and fuel me with passion to pursue You with everything I have!

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

Ten Day 2 Only One Worthy: Digging Deeper

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Ten Day 2 Only One Worthy: Digging Deeper

Shannon Vicker

August 4, 2020

Digging Deeper,God,Love,Praise,Redeemed,Redemption,Rescue,Truth,Worship

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

This DD Connects With "Only One Worthy"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 44:9-23

9 All who make idols are nothing, and what they treasure benefits no one. Their witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame. 10 Who makes a god or casts a metal image that benefits no one? 11 Look, all its worshipers will be put to shame, and the craftsmen are humans. They all will assemble and stand; they all will be startled and put to shame.

12 The ironworker labors over the coals, shapes the idol with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. Also he grows hungry and his strength fails; he doesn’t drink water and is faint. 13 The woodworker stretches out a measuring line, he outlines it with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He makes it according to a human form, like a beautiful person, to dwell in a temple. 14 He cuts down cedars for his use, or he takes a cypress or an oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow.

15 A person can use it for fuel. He takes some of it and warms himself; also he kindles a fire and bakes bread; he even makes it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol from it and bows down to it. 16 He burns half of it in a fire, and he roasts meat on that half. He eats the roast and is satisfied. He warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm, I see the blaze.” 17 He makes a god or his idol with the rest of it. He bows down to it and worships; he prays to it, “Save me, for you are my god.”

18 Such people do not comprehend and cannot understand, for he has shut their eyes so they cannot see, and their minds so they cannot understand. 19 No one comes to his senses; no one has the perception or insight to say, “I burned half of it in the fire, I also baked bread on its coals, I roasted meat and ate. Should I make something detestable with the rest of it? Should I bow down to a block of wood?”

20 He feeds on ashes. His deceived mind has led him astray, and he cannot rescue himself, or say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?” 21 Remember these things, Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you, you are my servant; Israel, you will never be forgotten by me. 22 I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. 23 Rejoice, heavens, for the Lord has acted; shout, depths of the earth. Break out into singing, mountains, forest, and every tree in it. For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and glorifies himself through Israel.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) These verses contain a detailed description of making idols. Why?

After rescuing the Israelites from Egypt, God almost immediately provides Moses with His commands for His people.

The first two command God’s children to have no god other than Himself and to make no idol (Exodus 20:1-6). Yet, before Moses even came back down the mountain with the commands, Israel had already made themselves an idol to worship (Exodus 32:1-6). Their choice to worship false gods did not stop there.

Time and again in Scripture we see Israel choosing idols over the One True God. Isaiah eloquently shows Israel how ridiculous worshipping idols is through this description.

Here they make idols from the material God Himself created, yet what have these idols ever created? Nothing.

Isaiah is pointing Israel back, yet again, to why only Yahweh deserves their praise.

The Everyday Application

1) These verses contain a detailed description of making idols. Why?

Lest we get ahead of ourselves by thinking we are different than Israel, the sad truth is we, like Israel, choose idols over the One True God repeatedly. Our idols may not be made of wood, stone, and metal, but we have them.

Many of us constantly choose to place money, success, power, and people, just to name a few, over God. We choose our desires over the Lord, by which we communicate, “I’ve got this, I’m in control” i.e. “I don’t need you God.”

Just like that, we’ve elevated ourselves in the place God belongs. We, just as the Israelites did, need reminded that only Yahweh is deserving of our worship.

The Original Intent

2) Why the call to return in verse 22?

Isaiah urges Israel to return to their first love, to return to the Lord. If they simply choose to return, they are promised redemption.

In Genesis 12:3, God told Abram, “all the peoples on earth would be blessed through him.” As Isaiah writes, this promise remained unfulfilled. However, through their return, they would be redeemed. God had not forgotten them in their sin, neither did He forget the promise He had made to Abraham. He is their Redeemer and is calling them home.

Matthew Henry says, “He has pardoned their sins, which were the cause of their calamity and the only obstruction to their deliverance. Therefore, He will break the yoke of captivity from off their necks, because he has blotted out, as a thick cloud, their transgressions.”

The Everyday Application

2) Why the call to return in verse 22?

We have the privilege of living on this side of the cross where Jesus paid the price of redemption in full as He died in our place, taking our punishment for our sin on Himself.  The work of redemption is complete!

Just as God called the Israelites to return to Him, He extends the same offer to us. However, it’s not forced upon us.

The gift is given, the invitation to return is extended, but we must choose to return. When we do, we have the assurance that we are redeemed, our transgressions forever swept away.

He is our Redeemer; Jesus has paid the price no idol ever could!

The question is, will we accept it? Will we receive the freedom given when He paid the price on the cross? Will we return?

The Original Intent

3) Verse 23 holds a description of the universe praising God. Why?

This verse is a beautiful picture of the rejoicing following redemption. It incorporates all of creation. Psalm 69:34 and Psalm 98:7-8 provide another picture of this praise.

The God of the Universe, the Only One who could redeem, is deserving of worship. “The whole creation shall have cause for joy and rejoicing in the redemption of God’s people; to that it is owing that it subsists (that it is rescued from the curse which the sin of man brought upon the ground) and that it is again put into a capacity of answering the ends of its being, and is assured that though now it groans, being burdened, it shall at last be delivered from the bondage of corruption.” (Matthew Henry)

The curse is broken and the universe rejoices.  (stars actually sing! Check out this amazing video!)

The Everyday Application

3) Verse 23 holds a description of the universe praising God. Why?

Creation sings the praises of our God. What an incredible picture! God has saved us! He has provided a way out from our sin, and there is rejoicing when we take it.

When we experience the transformation only He can give, our response should be to praise Him! However, He does not force us into worship.

While the crowds were praising Jesus, they were confronted by the Pharisees. Jesus told them if the crowds were silent in their praise, the rocks would cry out (Luke 19:37-40). Creation would do what man would not.

The reality is everyday creation is singing the praises of our King.  The question we must answer is, will we choose to add our voice to the chorus of praise?

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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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The GT Weekend! ~ Hallel Week 1

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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) As we began this Journey Into Hallel, we were reminded of the always-present Jesus Christ. Being fully divine, means Christ has always existed from eternity past and will exist for eternity future. His time on earth wrapped in human flesh did not signify His “beginning” or His “end” as the second member of the trinity. This important truth is difficult for our finite minds to comprehend, yet, at the same time, it can bring us extreme comfort. There is not a single point in our lives, or even a fleeting moment in our everyday existence, where the Lord of All, is not, was not, nor will not be fully present. His presence can never be escaped. Our forgetfulness, or lack of discipline to remember His constancy, does not negate His permanency. Think back through just the last few hours. Where have you been distraught, overwhelmed, joyful, excited, annoyed? The Lord was there every time. Ask the Spirit to remind you of this truth as you go into the weekend. Practice the discipline of remembering His constant presence!

2) A major portion of the Hallel sings of all God had previously done in the history of Israel as a nation. They mighty works of God had often come on the heels of extremely difficult times, but He proved faithful again and again. Their song marked out specific remembrances of His faithfulness towards them, and we would be wise to do the same! Take a few extra minutes this weekend and begin with just a list of 10. Fill each space with a specific instance when the Lord proved His faithful love. How did He show up in your life? Where did He answer when you were lost and wandering? Where did He provide when you felt bereft? Where was He present when you were alone? Close out your time by praising Him with your whole heart for all He has done as you look forward to all He will continue to do!

3) When the Bible talks about idols, part of us likely either discounts its relevance to our everyday lives, or pulls back defensively, insisting we don’t have any idols. Which of these do you tend to lean towards most often? Casting the light of Christ upon the dark corners of our hearts where we are apt to hide our idols can feel frightening. What if we lost control? What if the Lord discovers our secret loves? What if we realize the depth of our own desire to worship other, lesser loves? Between you, the Lord, and your pen and paper, make a short list of “loves” that may be stealing your worship from the Lord God. Pray over these, confess your sin, and ask the Spirit to turn your heart to worship Him alone!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Psalm 113:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Hallelujah!
Give praise, servants of the Lord;
praise the name of the Lord.
Let the name of the Lord be blessed
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
let the name of the Lord be praised.

Prayer Journal
Father God, as I draw near to this Easter season in such a strange time in our world, fighting this unknown virus worldwide. Uncertainty and fears have replaced confidence and individual freedoms. Yet, You are the changeless One. The Holy One. And this season of Easter, of celebrating Your eternal victory over death reminds me once again that YES! You are God of all. Your Name is worthy of praise. For as long as time on earth exists, let Your Name never cease to be praised. I will choose to praise. I will choose to sing the Hallel to You, to remember Your goodness, and to trust You anew. Turn our hearts to You, Oh Lord, the Risen King!

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Relentless 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) Rachel shared on Tuesday that her lips will quickly declare she worships God and God alone, but sometimes a closer look at her real everyday life can speak otherwise. When we examine how we spend (or save) our money, how we spend our time, and how we view others, we can quickly uncover more idol worship than we care to admit. Abby wrote on Monday of her own struggle with idol worship, and the process the Lord took her through to lay them down and worship God alone. As you consider how prevalent idol worship is in our culture, take some time to identify some idols you might be unintentionally worshipping. As you process, as the Lord to reveal these to your heart and shift your heart to want Him the most!

2)  If God truly has a calling for each of our lives just like He did for Samson and Jeremiah and countless other individuals whose stories we read in Scripture, then He must have a purposed intention for your life as well! Have you discovered this purpose? If so, you are experiencing the peace and delight that comes from following Jesus! If you’re following His purposes, you should also be encountering difficulties, struggles, and even persecution from the enemy and the world around you for following Jesus. Take heart! He who has overcome your heart and given you His love inside you, has overcome the world around you and He alone holds the final victory. Keep pressing in! “Do not become weary in doing good, for in due time, you will reap a harvest if you do not give up!” (Galatians 6:9) Write this verse on a notecard and put it somewhere to encourage your heart with truth!

3) Anything we push above our heart’s worship and life’s worship of Christ the King to whom we’ve pledged surrender, is an idol of our own design. Sisters, idol worship is no small thing. It’s number one and number two on God’s 10 commandments; because His heart longs for sweet intimacy with us, without the distraction of any one or any thing else. Now isn’t the time to tuck away, turn heads, and bow out of the conversation. As you sit with the Lord this weekend, call out those idols, break them before the Lord, and ask God to shift your heart in how you see those idols and how you see the Lord of love and life! Only one is worth your affection, your time, talent, and treasure. Only One. How long will you put up with a heart divided?!

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 Hoesa 2:16-17 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’ For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more.

Prayer Journal
From the world’s perspective, true happiness comes by success of our hands, and having every desire of our hearts fulfilled. But You turn this wisdom upside down, insisting the only way to true satisfaction in this life and the one to come is by total surrender to You, Your ways, and Your desires. You, in Your infinite wisdom, know this to be true, yet we, I, foolishly run spurn Your ways. Father, it is unfathomable to me how You could possibly see my rejection, know that I love my own idols more than I love You, and yet still pursue me! You long for a relationship with me So Much that you willingly, relentlessly, pursue me and my heart. There is never a moment where you say, okay, good enough, just plateau out and I’ll come back to check on you in a few months. No, there will always be more to experience, know, understand, and be satisfied with about You! May I ever delight in Your presence, Abba! Cut away these idols, Lord! Give me only You!

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