intentional

Beloved Day 13 Catching Foxes

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Song of Solomon 2:15
Galatians 5:22-26
Philippians 4:8-9
Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Matthew 22:37-40

Beloved, Day 13

“I now pronounce you husband and wife . . . and now present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Brad Daniel.”
[Audience applause as we joyfully exit the church]

Oh, how sweet are the memories of that day! We believed the best in each other, couldn’t imagine what could possibly ever come between us, had no idea that someday we’d have to actually work to make time for each other. And we certainly couldn’t imagine we’d ever be so angry with, indifferent toward, or deeply wounded by one another. We were embarking on a journey full of mystery, knowing and becoming known, memories, and the true meaning of the vow, “til death do us part.”

Marriage is a gift.  How sweet that our Father has established a relationship so intimate, it provides a glimpse of the most intimate relationship of all, God’s relationship with His people, His Church.

I don’t remember the night I met Jesus as my savior as clearly as I’d like, but I do recall wanting to make sure I knew Jesus. I didn’t understand a lot of the Bible at the age of 10 or 11, but I knew Jesus loved me and had sacrificed Himself for my sins. As a child, I couldn’t grasp the gravity of my sin and the costliness of my salvation, I knew I wanted to follow Him with all I had . . . I just didn’t know what that meant.

Beginnings.
We love them.
We dream about them.

Everything seems fresh and fun as we begin to learn something new, whether it’s in marriage or our relationship with Jesus. We start off with stars in our eyes as we experience new love and speak of “forever” as if it’s clearly visible to us.

One of my favorite ways to serve with my husband is to meet couples for pre-marital counseling. It is an honor to walk with an engaged couple, helping prepare them for marriage.

In counseling sessions, we work through various areas in the relationship possessing the potential for conflict, and provide tools to navigate those areas well. We encourage intentional communication and potential resolution before little problems become big ones. We also affirm areas of strength and encourage the couple to keep communicating and working together.

Song of Solomon paints a picture of two lovers, completely enthralled with one another and willing to do whatever it takes to be together.  Song of Solomon 2:15 advises them to “catch the foxes” before they ruin the vineyards. Foxes are known for being cunning, sly, and destructive, an enemy to the vineyards, not only eating the grapes, but gnawing and digging, destroying an entire vine.

What a great analogy when applied to the marriage relationship! In the beginning, everything is new and fun and effortless. It is then we should begin to prepare for the possible “foxes” to creep in, small and seemingly innocent at first, taking just a few minutes of our time or attention, but if left unattended, potentially destroying the relationship.

Relationships require quality time and attention. My husband and I encourage engaged couples to find a recreational activity they both enjoy, and to use its intentional pursuit to provide relaxation and something different to look forward to doing together.

To sustain any relationship requires time. Our culture tends to value busyness, so our spouses . . . or Jesus . . .  can get the leftovers of our day if we are not intentional in planning and honoring our time together.  We all need time alone together to remember the specific reasons we love each other, and to nurture the unique friendship marriage brings.

Distractions come in all forms, including electronic devices, children, and careers, as well as our own pursuits or selfishness. Most of these are not inherently evil; we just have to hold them in proper perspective.

One of the most familiar distractions in our society is the cell phone. I know I am guilty of mindless media scrolling, as my husband is in the room with me, neglecting prime time together. Instead of pursuing genuine connection, I look at the lives of others, comparing myself, my life, and my marriage to those on the screen. This has the potential to evoke jealousy, insecurity, and irritability.

In addition, our scrolling habits tend to rob us of time we could be spending with Jesus, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts and actions. Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8-9 to think about what is true, honorable, lovely, and worthy of praise.  When we begin comparing and focusing on what we lack, we abandon lovely thoughts toward our spouses, or the truth about ourselves.

Marriage was created by God and is GOOD. Good marriages serve others and each other, out of the overflow of being strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.  As we spend time with Jesus, we are filled with His perspective, strengthened by His Word, and able to bear good fruit. (Galatians 5:22-26)

Empowered by God, we see the needs of our spouses, and set aside the time necessary to invest in and nurture the relationship. We are able to prevent cute little fox kits from destroying an entire vineyard. With vigilance and intentionality, prioritizing time with both God and our spouses, we can help the vineyards of our relationships to flourish!

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

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

Neighbor Day 9 Reaching Beyond Isolation: 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 Reaching Beyond Isolation!

The Questions

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?

Luke 10: 25-37

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Original Intent

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?
There were many who questioned Jesus throughout his ministry, especially religious leaders of the day, as well as those who simply did not understand what Jesus was doing. In the verses just before this passage Jesus is celebrating with a group He has empowered and sent out to do to ministry. They are celebrating over the work that has been accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit through them. As they rejoice, Jesus reminds them there will be those who will not understand, nor see, or hear as they do. On the heels of that conversation, this lawyer stands up and asks, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”. In Jesus’ answer, Jesus emphasizes His point to the disciple about people missing the message of hope even though they are hearing it. While the lawyer answers the question according to the law, he entirely misses the point Jesus was making, which why the lawyer follows up with another question, “And who is my neighbor?”. Luke tells us the lawyer seeks to justify his own actions by seeking a point of clarification rather than embracing the fullness of hope Jesus offers.

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?
Jesus tells a story, called a parable, to answer the lawyer’s question. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus used them often to answers questions such as these. Through this story we gather that, as follower of Christ, we should show compassion, mercy, and hospitality to our neighbors. We can also understand that our neighbor isn’t just the person who lives next door to us, but rather anyone we happen upon in our goings and comings, whether they are permanent fixtures in our life, or just in our lives for a season.

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?
Although the three characters may have little connection to present day, when Jesus was telling this story His three characters had significant impact on His audience. The priest and Levites were the Jewish religious leaders of the day who had great knowledge of the Law of God and were regarded as the leaders of the Jewish people, both politically and spiritually. The Samaritans where considered “half-breeds”, outcast, even unclean by the Jewish people because they were descendants from the Jews who had married women during the time of the establishment of northern kingdom when the ten northern tribes separated from Judah. The children who came from these marriages were not fully Jewish, rather only half Jew, which was a disgrace beyond reconciling in the eyes of Jewish people and Jewish leaders. This family lineage made them “less than” in the eyes of those who had two Jewish parents. Jesus used this cultural resistance to the Samaritans to prove a point to Jewish listeners and break down cultural barriers that existed at that time.

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?
When Jesus told stories of this nature there was intentionality and purpose behind them. In this case, He uses this story to form to activate those listening to go and follow in the footsteps of the Samaritan. His command is simple, Go and do. The importance of this is found in the simplicity of the command. Two thousand plus years have come and gone, but the command of Christ remains to show mercy, be intentional, and show hospitality to those around you, regardless of who you are, or who they are, in the eyes of the world.

Everyday Application

1) Why is this lawyer asking questions of Jesus?
Some people ask questions because they are truly seeking an answer and desire greater understanding, and some ask questions with the intent to justify their own actions because they know what should be done, but are instead trying to find a “loop-hole” around it. As we read this passage, we should take note of our hearts before the Lord. When God moves us to speak to our neighbor or talk to the person behind the counter as we check out at the grocery story, our first response should not be one of questioning and finagling around the situation, but rather one of obedience much like the Samaritan. Questions are not wrong, if our intent is true wonder and deeper understanding rather than justification of our actions. Intentionality, even in our questions, could open our eyes to see and our ears to hear in new ways.  Do we desire loop-holes or obedience?

2) Although Jesus never directly answers the man’s question, what can we gather from His answer about our neighbors?
It is much easier to move through life if the world were always structural defined with obvious black and white lines rather than gray. Giving specific definition to who our neighbors are with names and places would make it much easier. As we read the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus answer is quite clear. Setting aside cultural differences and societal status, our neighbor is everyone we encounter. Every encounter is an opportunity for expressing the gospel in love, and that is the simple answer Jesus was giving through a detailed story. Our purpose is to be on point for Him and be imitators of Him regardless of who crosses our path (Philippians 2:5).

3) During the story Jesus told, He used three characters; what is the importance of the three characters He used?
Jesus, the Messiah, the Emmanuel, the bringing of salvation, came to break down barriers, changes lives, and help us see differently than the world. He empowers us to have open eyes to those who are different from us, to those who believe differently than us, and those who look different as well. There are no barriers when the Gospel is present. May our prayer be to follow Him despite the barriers the world, or even we, put in the way. May our eyes be open to see as He sees and love like He loves!

4) Why is Jesus’ command at the end so important then and today?
In our busyness, we create obstacles with our schedules and our time. The simplicity of the gospel is evident in Jesus command to go and do. In the Great Commission, His words were very similar: go, make disciples, baptize, and teach them. What’s interesting in Jesus’ story is that the Samaritan man wasn’t putting on a great production or doing something special in his everyday life when he encountered the wounded man. He happened up a man on the road and helped him. An injured man entered his world, and he had a choice to make. Much like the Samaritan, we have people constantly entering into our lives and we too have a choice to make just like he did. God, changer of lives, can use anybody to impact this world for Him, we must make the choice to let Him work through us!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Reaching Beyond Isolation!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

This is Neighbor Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Sketched VII Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Deborah found herself in a position of power, leadership, and extreme influence. She did not ask for, nor was she seeking this position. Like anyone in leadership can attest to, positions such as Deborah’s are heavy. The potential for influence, whether good or bad, is significant. As you think through where you are in life right now, look through the lens of influence the Lord has given you. Many times, we don’t recognize the platforms we have been given. We can easily discount the relationships around us as being unimportant or we feel our influence is insignificant because we measure it by numbers. Whether you are a mother, a neighbor, a business woman, a grandmother, or a wife, your influence matters! God has given you your platforms as a means of preaching His gospel! How will you leverage your position to further His kingdom?!

2) Nicodemus came to Jesus undercover in the middle of the night so as not be seen by his peers. He had real questions about what it meant to follow Jesus, and he needed answers. What are the questions you have about faith? About God? What are your fears about following Jesus wherever He might lead you? Make some space today to write these out, even if it’s just for 5 minutes tucked away in your closet. The Lord loves your honesty! Maybe you are in a solid place with your questions, and you’ve already wrestled through your heavy thoughts. What are you doing with the answers and hope you have found? Are you available and intentionally investing in others who have questions? Make a list of people the Lord has given you connection with, pray about how to take next steps in investing spiritually with them!

3)  Loretta, a real overseas missionary, who has dedicated her entire life to telling other people about Jesus, began her journey with just one small step of obedience. God didn’t show up one day and ask her to move to a hut in Africa and eat rice the rest of her days. He had crafted her heart to fill a specific mission, and when He had led her heart to just the right spot of surrender, He began revealing his plan one small step at a time. It’s easy to look at the end of a picture and decide right away we can’t do that. But, suppose, like Loretta, God is calling you, but the picture He has in mind, is not what you fear? Suppose He knows your heart because He intentionally crafted it to live on mission for Him? Journal out your own prayer to God I honest transparency as you think about where He is leading you next.

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 10:1-2 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved! For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Prayer Journal
Father, my heart breaks when I consider those around me on all sides, everywhere I go, who do not know You. It’s easy for me to look at the outside, to see a good person, and make the assumption that they have a saving relationship with You. Even if I am only at home, my children, or neighbors are around me, who may not yet know the full glorious truth of the freedom and forgiveness You alone offer through the sacrifice of Your son on our behalf.  Help me to see with Your eyes. Teach my heart to be more sensitive to Your Spirit as You lead me to engage with others and speak intentionally of Your truth. Make me ready to speak and make my heart bold in Your love, not cowering in fear of people. Stir me to action for those who don’t know You, but who may feel they do because they are relying on their own good deeds to save them instead of Your complete righteousness. Open my eyes specifically to those You want me to invest in for eternity!

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! ~ Shielded 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) If you were to lay out all the pieces of armor listed in Ephesians 6, which would you earmark as non-essential? Which piece would be the most critical? Once you’ve ranked the pieces of armor on paper, take a few minutes to consider your real, everyday life. From the moment your eyes open in the morning and those first sensible thoughts to that glorious moment when your mind shuts down to all the busy of the day, which pieces of armor are you consistently suiting up with? Which ones often get laid aside? How does your ranking list compare with what you actually live out in everyday life? Identify one actionable step you can begin this weekend for being more intentional in the armor you wear.

2) Jami began her Journey Study with sharing the idea that words have been used as a weapon as far back as the beginning of time. Pause with that idea and think back to when you last used words like a weapon. If you’re like me, you don’t have to think back too far! Short, cutting, accusatory, blame-shifting, self-preservation, angry, are just a few examples of how we use words like a sword. Now think back to when you used God’s Words as a weapon, not against another person, but against the true enemy, Satan, the Father of Lies. When did you speak His truth against an enemy lie? When did you last confront the work of Satan, with the Word of God? Are His words ready in your heart? Did you read them this morning? Last night? This weapon of His Word, is not one to be taken lightly. It’s our One Weapon, and it is more than sufficient to bring about victory. How can you strengthen your ability to wield this weapon correctly? Start this weekend!

3) When was the last time you very intentionally prayed for boldness on behalf of another brother or sister believer as they faced a battle? Boldness to stand firm. Boldness to speak. Boldness to put on the battle and trust the Mighty Victor to have their back. Pause, for 60 seconds, and breathe and pray. Who is the Lord prompting you to pray for right now? Sisters, this battle is not ours, it is the Lord’s. He is the victor and winning is not hinging on our performance, but whether we will step into the fight and trust the Warrior King, is our decision. To do so, takes boldness. A boldness the Holy Spirit will gladly pour out on us, as we seek His face and stand up with our brothers and sisters surrounding us, pleading on our behalf. Are you in the fight? Have you asked for other co-laborers to pray boldness for you? Who are you praying for? Be faithful in that!

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 6:10-13 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Prayer Journal
You, oh Lord God, lovingly crafted us, knowing we would choose ourselves over loving You back. You lovingly gave us the choice to return to Your arms, giving us salvation through Your Son, knowing many would reject Your kindness and die in their sin, eternally separated from You. You knew Your heart would break and grieve over our rebellion. You knew the enemy of our souls would fight to keep your beloved ones from seeking You. You knew the battle would wage against us every single day, moment by moment, and because of Your magnificent love, You provided armor to protect us, offering Yourself to win the war. Father, this love is utterly unfathomable! How dare we, I, decide to reject the lavish gift of Your armor, choosing instead to wield my own tin-foil sword against an impossible foe? Thank You for providing Yourself to hide behind and stay safe within. Thank You for your safety, for fighting for us, for winning for us, for me. I praise You for Your kindness, and I hide myself here with 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

The GT Weekend! ~ Shielded Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) “We are to cover our hearts with God’s righteousness”. Day in, day out, morning, noon, night. All the messy moments, the angry ones, the wounded ones, the weeping ones, the celebratory ones, and the overwhelmed ones. Every moment is exactly, perfectly, the right moment to tuck ourselves behind the breastplate of God’s righteousness. The natural response to well, everything wrong, is to fix it ourselves, or maybe hide it under a rug, or even off load it to someone else insisting it isn’t our problem. But our hearts themselves have a problem we can never solve or run from. Sin. We are each in desperate need of God’s righteousness to cover and protect our hearts. Spend some time quietly reflecting on the last few days or weeks. Consider your relationships and your own heart and ask the Spirit to open your eyes to your sin. Then ask Him to cover you with His righteousness and rejoice in that safe place of freedom!

2)  How prepared do you feel to share the gospel with someone? I know, most of us are slowly backing away right now. Or maybe you’re running! Put up the walls and change the subject because sharing the gospel? What am I supposed to say? What if I offend them? What if I push them farther from God? Or, what if I don’t know the answers to their questions? All good questions to wrestle through, and, Sister, you are not alone in those wrestlings! But, hear this! God’s armor for sharing the gospel isn’t found in a vast treasury of knowledge and seminary training. It begins with humble willingness to put on the shoes and go. What are we bringing? A sword to win every argument? No, we bring peace. Make no mistake, the God who rescued your heart is calling you to share His hope with others. In place of fear, put on shoes of peace! Who is He tenderly prompting you to invest in a little deeper in order to share peace? Connect with them this weekend!

3) Faith is all about taking God at His word, whether we can see it with our physical eyes or not. This isn’t about blindly believing whatever other people tell you about the Bible. There is solid, abundant proof for the truth claims of the Bible. Don’t be afraid to explore those! God certainly isn’t afraid of your doubts and poking questions! The Faith of God’s armor, however, is about looking into what our eyes cannot see, while our hearts are firmly anchored in the truth of Scripture, and declaring, “I am taking You at Your word, God. I trust You.” Assess your relationships and circumstances around you, taking stock of the places where you are unsure, afraid, or anxious. Carve out some time this weekend and in the days ahead to explore God’s Word and see what HE declares about you and Himself and how you can apply battle-ready faith to your everyday life!

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 3:5-8 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again because the Lord sustains me.
I will not be afraid of thousands of people
who have taken their stand against me on every side.
Rise up, Lord!
Save me, my God!
You strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
Salvation belongs to the Lord;
may your blessing be on your people.

Prayer Journal
Ah, Lord, I remember the exact time in life when I memorized these verses, choosing to intentionally anchor myself in Your truth and hide myself here under the protection only You can provide. It was a messy battle all around me, and I was drowning in the waves around me. Peace was hard to come by. I was running ragged trying to sustain myself. But Your Spirit spoke over me, beckoning me away with You. You, who holds my heart, fought for me while You shielded me, protecting me with Your radiant love. You rose up, and walked with me. Salvation is yours, in every situation, Abba, and because it is Yours alone, and because I am Yours, You gave to me generously. So, I will forever sing Your praise for being my Victorious Shield and Salvation!

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! ~ Treasure 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) “It’s easy to believe in the existence of God’s love for others, but it’s far harder to believe His love is for us as much as for them.” Rebekah’s truly spoken words hit our hearts in tender places. We likely extend grace to others, while holding ourselves to impossible standards. Sure, God must love other people, but us? What specific places in life do you judge yourself far harder than the grace given to you through Christ? Where are you quick to condemn the girl in the mirror? Choose 1 or 2 specific ways you can begin seeing yourself through the lens of truth, as handcrafted by the Maker with love.

2) Comparison sneaks up on all of us in different ways at different times in life. As Marietta pointed out, sometimes we compare by putting ourselves down, while other times we compare by putting ourselves above someone else. Both are equally sinful; and I’ve been guilty of falling prey to both temptations. Which one are you most susceptible to recently? How kind the Lord is to offer the fullness we seek in a relationship with Him! When you’re tempted to hold onto lies about another her or yourself, choose to flee temptation and bring your struggle to the Father of your heart instead. Bring every part of your battle with all honesty, and praise Him for loving you with abundance!

3)  I most often live like I’m…… Go ahead, slow down enough, gather your thoughts, stop thinking of your next, and fill in the blank. Not enough? Struggling to keep up? Overwhelmed? Behind? Too much? Overpowering? What is your normal center point from which you operate through most of life? How often does your reality match up with the truth of Scripture? Pray over the challenge to live like you’re loved and begin this weekend in making intentional shifts. When we discover how deeply we are loved, we are free to love others well.

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 139:5-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

You have encircled me;
you have placed your hand on me.
This wondrous knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.

Prayer Journal
“You have encircled me.” Lord, this is too wonderful for me to fully take in. I admit I live like it isn’t true far too often. It’s much easier, and more tempting, to live like I’m alone, like You don’t love me endlessly and perfectly, and that You aren’t kind enough to care about my everyday life. Lies attack me on all sides, Lord. Please teach my heart and my mind to flee these lies, to stop wrapping myself up in them, and instead guard my heart in truth. Remind me Your loving hand is holding me fast. Then, help me to love others, including myself, as You have loved me!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend! ~ Focus Week 2

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) Whose voice do you most commonly find yourself listening to? Yours? Hers? (the one  you love to compare yourself to) Hers? (the one who frustrates and annoys and constantly gets under your skin) His? (the spouse you always try to please but never feel you can) Or HIS? (the Lord who calls you beloved. The Lord who delights over you. The Lord who has wisdom by the truckload to generously lavish on you, even in the middle of the chaos of your everyday.) Take a minute or two to write down the voices you most often gravitate towards and how they make you feel. Then spend some time listening to the Voice of the Lord by getting away for a few quiet moments with Scripture. Write down what you hear from Him!

2)  Who in your life has been a peacemaker as opposed to a peacekeeper? What qualities do they exhibit and how do they treat people? What do you think is at their core that makes them effective at creating an environment for peace to grow? How would you define the difference between making peace and keeping it? Consider your relationships and pray about some specific ways the Lord is calling you to boldly and lovingly be a peacemaker!

3) It’s much easier to choose our way over God’s way, isn’t it? Take stock from only the last few hours, mentally noting how often you chose, or were faced with a choice, to choose your way or God’s way. Which struggles were the most difficult? Which ones were easier? Consider how many of the battles you faced did you intentionally ask the Lord to empower you to make the wise, righteous choice over the one that would feed your own power or desire. Even for committed Christ-followers, we often overlook the Source of our power to live a life that honors and reflects God’s good, kind, loving heart. This weekend, intentionally remember that we can do nothing in our own power or strength, certainly not winning spiritual battles. Only through the power of Christ and His Spirit can we live for Jesus! Submit your will to His and celebrate when you do!

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 Proverbs 6:20-22 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

My son, keep your father’s command,
and don’t reject your mother’s teaching.
Always bind them to your heart;
tie them around your neck.
When you walk here and there, they will guide you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
when you wake up, they will talk to you.

Prayer Journal
The desire to follow my own ways and take in the tempting lies of the enemy of my heart is strong. When I am at my weakest moments physically or emotionally, the desire to give in to the enemy feels nearly impossible to overcome. Lord, increase my hunger for righteousness! Especially during the times when I think I would rather satiate my desires with enemy food. Speak your wisdom aloud, call out to my heart, reminding me that only when my feet are planted in Your truth can I clearly see the spiritual battles in front of me.

Worship Through Community

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

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

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Gospel Day 1 For God

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1:1-3
Psalm 19:1-6
Psalm 139:1-16
Acts 17:24-28
Hebrews 1:1-3

Gospel, Day 1

One of the first lessons I learned when I began writing is that the first line matters.

It should invite the reader in to the story or the topic, it should introduce something important that sets the scene for what is to come and, most crucially, it should grab the reader’s attention so they want to continue reading.

The opening sentence of the Bible provides an example of an excellent first line:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

This intriguing statement raises several questions, encouraging us to keep reading:
Who is this God?
How did He create the heavens and the earth?
Why did He create them?
If God created everything, and I am part of His creation,
what implications does that have for my life?

Most importantly, it teaches us a key truth: everything started with God.

In the same way, John 3:16, the key verse for this entire Journey Theme over the next three weeks, and probably the most well-known verse in the Bible, presents a succinct summary of the Gospel message, and it begins with the words, “For God…”

In both verses, God is the subject of the sentence. He is the focus; He is the one taking action. Whereas we, the heavens and earth that He created and the world He so loved, are the object of the sentence. We are not the ones taking action, but we are the ones affected by the action.

Both creation and the Gospel begin with God.

The Bible makes no attempt to prove the existence of God.
It simply presents Him as the eternal, sovereign Creator who was there before everything else began:
“Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from eternity to eternity,
you are God.”
(Psalm 90:2)

At the same time, Scripture presents Him not as a hidden God, but as a God who has made Himself known. One way He reveals Himself is through creation; the world around us proclaims God’s glory and craftsmanship! (Psalm 19:1-6)

I don’t know about you, but every time I see the power of waves crashing on the shore, or I look up on a dark night to see the vastness of the starry sky, or I marvel at the intricacy and variety of creatures and flowers I see on a country walk, it points me beyond myself to the One who created it all.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews mentions God’s revelation through the prophets, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus, the living Word. He speaks in all these ways because, as Paul points out to his listeners in Athens, God wants us to know Him.

He did not simply set the world in motion and leave it to run; He continues to be actively involved, sustaining and ruling, and His purpose in this is that we might know Him:
“He did this so that they might seek God,
and perhaps they might reach out and find him,
though he is not far from each one of us.”
(Acts 17:27)

Psalm 139 speaks of the closeness of God.
He knows us intimately, He cares about even the smallest details of our lives,
and we can never escape from Him no matter how far we run.

He is a God who is powerful and sovereign, supreme over all things, but also a God who sees and cares for each individual. He is present, active, and interested in our lives, a God who took the initiative to send his Son for our salvation.

So, what difference does this make to how we live?

For me, it puts life into perspective, reminding me God is in charge and I am not.
It reminds me He is the Creator and Saviour, and salvation is a result of His actions in sending Jesus to die, not a result of my actions in measuring up to a certain standard.  It is not all down to me.  I am not in charge of fixing the world, or situations around me, or even myself.

The reality of God’s eternal authorship and authority also reassures me I can trust Him because He sees and He cares. No concern is too trivial to bring before Him and nothing is beyond the scope of His interest or sovereignty.

In a world that often encourages us to seek happiness in self-fulfilment,
the truth of the Gospel points us to something greater.
We are not the stars of the show.
This story is not about us at all.
Rather, it is God’s story, which He invites us to participate in by His grace.

He is the author.
The first line and the last line, and every word in between, belong to Him.
For God….

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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 IV, Day 5 Singing Israel’s Song

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Exodus 15:1-18
Psalms 105:26-45
Psalm 136:1-15
1 Peter 2:9-10 

Worship IV, Day 5

There’s a difference in reading something to get through it, 
and studying it to know and understand it. 

Last year I didn’t just read through the Psalms in the Bible.
I studied them.
All 150 of them. 

I don’t say this to toot horns here, I share it because, with intentional study,
I am now convicted of this: 

One cannot discuss Biblical worship 
without observing the Psalms and other songs in Scripture. 

Some may not know that the book of Psalms is made up of songs or poems written by multiple authors. One of them being Moses, author of Psalm 90. 

You know… 

“Baby in a basket” Moses.
“Raised Egyptian, but actually a Hebrew” Moses.
“Prince of Egypt” Moses.
“Murderer of an Egyptian” Moses.
“Runaway” Moses.
“Burning bush” Moses.
“Led God’s people out of Egypt” Moses.
“Crossed the Red Sea on dry ground” Moses. 

Whether a Sunday School teacher first introduced you to Moses, or Disney’s Prince of Egypt did, most are familiar with the story. But did you know that following the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, another song was sung by Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 15. It makes perfect sense that an outburst of rejoicing would follow an escape from the chase of an enemy. 

Wouldn’t you erupt into song after being literally chased by your adversaries only to witness, with your own eyes, that very enemy being swallowed up by the same sea you had just crossed on dry land?! 

I would. 

Many times in the Psalms, as in Exodus 15, we see a consistent intentionality to worship God for who He is and His mighty deeds. 

What I love about Psalm 105 and Psalm 136 is how each of these songs declare the history of God’s people and the LORD’s continual rescue of His people, Israel. In Scripture, worship is often purposefully birthed, not only to rightfully bring glory to God, but also to commemorate historical events, i.e. the Exodus of Israel out of slavery into freedom. 

Naturally, the Israelites, along with Moses, would offer a song of thanksgiving unto the Lord following their rescue. Because God had set them free, praise broke out! 

Bible scholar, Dr. Bob Utley, notes how Exodus 15 consists of two parts:
verses 1-5 focuses on the acts of the LORD (all caps, meaning YHWH, God’s personal name) and verses 6-17 focusing on YHWH’s character.

Biblical worship should, at its core, remind us what we have been rescued from, and most importantly, who our mighty Rescuer is. 

I will forever be convinced that worship is a powerful thing.
No matter the circumstances of our everyday life,
regardless of how dark or how desperate our moments,
we have reason to worship because
we have been rescued from Sin by an eternal Rescuer!

Countless generations before us have carefully preserved and recorded in Scripture
their acts of worship.
Their hymns, their music, their generosity, and the beautiful overflow of their lives as they reflected love back to their Redeemer. Their worship invites us to recall how God has moved mightily in our own lives, remember His faithfulness, and bring Him worship because of His deliverance and His good character! 

Psalm 100 says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.” 

We are given the beautiful opportunity of coming before the presence of God
thanking Him for His salvation and praising Him for who He is. 

Israel sang to the LORD for rescuing them from the hands of their tyrant enemy (Pharaoh).
God was faithful to deliver His people from Egypt and physical bondage, and deserved their worship.
But one day, the same LORD, through the Lord Jesus Christ, would deliver all people from the overwhelming darkness of our tyrant enemies, Sin and Death.
This Jesus is our Eternal Rescuer; He deserves the worship of our everyday lives! 

Hallelujah! 

Does that reality not just want to make you echo Israel’s song? 

How could it not?!

When God gave everything to rescue us.
When He forgave us.
When He provided for our every need.
When He takes the time to be mindful of us.
When He gives us far more than we deserve.
When He, even still, hasn’t given up on us.
When He loves us more than anyone ever could.
When He never ever broken His promises. 

How could we not praise Him? 

How could we not open our mouths and sing the Israelites’ song?
Or reach for an instrument as Miriam did?
Or dance in the freedom and joy of the LORD, our great Deliverer!

Let’s be worshippers who open our mouths and declare His goodness!
Worshippers who fall to our knees in gratitude and reverence!
Worshippers who reserve our love, loyalty, and attention for the only One who is truly worthy!
Worshippers who exalt the One true God, YHWH, our Rescuer in the ebb and flow of our everyday! 

Let’s be worshippers who continue singing Israel’s song!

We were once lost, enslaved, and living in darkness.
As Peter writes, we were once not a people, but now we are God’s people.
We once did not receive mercy, but now we have received mercy
so that we might
“proclaim the praises of the one who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Hallelujah!
Let’s sing on! 

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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 IV Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Worship IV!