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Kneel Day 2 Restored Relationship: 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 Restored Relationship!

The Questions

1) Where is Ezra traveling to and who is going with him?

2) What prompted Ezra to pray for a “safe journey”?

3) Why did Ezra fast and pray?

Ezra 8:21-23

21 I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us, our dependents, and all our possessions. 22 I did this because I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry to protect us from enemies during the journey, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but his fierce anger is against all who abandon him.” 23 So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and he was receptive to our prayer.

Original Intent

1) Where is Ezra traveling to and who is going with him?
This passage is full of plural pronouns which tell us there are more travelers than Ezra alone. If we back up to Ezra 7:11-26, it is clear these verses are referring to any Israelites in captivity in Persia who desire to return to Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes declared, “Any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including their priests and Levites, who want to go to Jerusalem, may go with you.” (Ezra 7:13) The Israelites were being released from captivity to travel back to their homeland of Jerusalem. The Israelites, who choose to return, are headed back to the Promised Land, their inheritance from God as His chosen people. An inheritance they had been removed from because of their rebellion against the Lord God 70+ years prior.

2) What prompted Ezra to pray for a “safe journey”?
The journey the Israelites are embarking on is 900 miles as it stretches from ancient Babylon to Jerusalem. The trek would largely be made on foot, making it incredibly long with plenty of danger along the way. Ezra is fully aware of the risks he and his fellow Israelites will face, but, interestingly enough, he chooses not to ask the king for armed protection. (verse 22) Instead, he turns to the Almighty God, seeking protection for their journey. Ezra confidently knows God is more than able to provide exactly what they need and the challenges they will face.

3) Why did Ezra fast and pray?
Ezra knows God is the One allowing Israel’s return to their homeland of Jerusalem. God’s sovereignty supersedes all human rule and authority. He also is confident God will protect His people, but through his action of humble prayer and fasting, he also demonstrates his understanding that God desires His people to ask for their needs to be supplied through faith. As a result of Ezra’s leadership, the Israelites commit to fasting and prayer. This time of setting aside their physical desires through fasting allows them to spend uninterrupted time petitioning God to accomplish what only He can for His people. Through this act of intentional humility, the Israelites demonstrate faith in the God who provides, and they acknowledge God for Who He is and His all-powerful ability. Then, they choose to actively trust God to fulfill their requests.

Everyday Application

1) Where is Ezra traveling to and who is going with him?
The Israelites were provided the opportunity to go back home, but first, they must accept the invitation the king was offering. If they decided not to return with Ezra, they were actively choosing to remain in the same circumstances of exile they had been living in for most, if not all, of their lives. While our circumstances are much different than those of the Israelites, we are given a similar invitation. Jesus came to earth, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the tomb, taking our punishment so we could have the opportunity to go Home with Him for eternity. However, we must choose to either accept the invitation provided in Jesus’ sacrifice or reject it. Rejection of Christ relegates us to the same status we already live with, active rebellion against God whose wrath we rightly incur because of our sin. Acceptance of His offer to forgive our sin completely and give us new life through His Spirit opens the door for us to go Home with Him just as Israel was free to go home to Jerusalem. Acceptance of this gift necessitates our true repentance and turning away from our sin.

2) What prompted Ezra to pray for a “safe journey”?
Ezra prays publicly for a safe journey after he makes the choice not to ask King Artaxerxes for armed protection. Verse 22 tells us he was ashamed to ask the king for infantry and cavalry because he had already told the king God would provide for them. Ezra’s confidence in God’s provision was sure and certain. We each face our own set of challenging journeys throughout our lives, and while ours likely won’t look anything like Ezra’s, we should look with confidence to the same God Ezra did. Only the One True God can provide safety for us along the journey we are walking. The dangers and temptations of this world bombard us on a daily basis and we have access to the One who can provide the safety we so desperately need; all we need to do is ask!

3)Why did Ezra fast and pray?
We face difficult times and situations in life just as the Israelites. When we do we should turn to the Creator of the Universe who holds everything in His sovereign hands. One effective way we can demonstrate this is through fasting and prayer. Jesus Himself spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness and praying to His Father. (Matthew 4) As there is no better example to follow than Jesus’, surely, we would not be so arrogant as to think we have no need for the humble disciplines of prayer and fasting. As Jesus fasted, He was tempted by Satan and His tactic for combatting temptation and fleeing sin was to wisely wield the truth of Scripture. When we fast, we are actively demonstrating a complete dependence on God and are provided with time and space to fill with prayer and meditating on His Word. We can follow Jesus’ example and use this time in Scripture and prayer to fight against the schemes of Satan. Instead of taking time to eat, we can spend those minutes in the presence of the Lord, denying ourselves physically and instead feasting on His Word and asking Him to accomplish what only He is able to do. As we face difficult times, sisters, let’s be challenged to turn to the God of the Universe through fasting and prayer, bringing our needs before the Only One able to provide all we will ever need.

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Terrain Day 12 Sea Of Galilee: 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 Sea Of Galilee!

The Questions

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)

Matthew 4:17-22

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them.  Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Original Intent

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)
Before tackling that question, let’s consider why Jesus was even in Galilee. Backing up a few verses, Matthew tells us “Jesus left Nazareth and went to live by the sea” after John the Baptist was arrested. (Matthew 4:12-16) Jesus didn’t leave Nazareth out of fear, but to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, “the people living in darkness in Galilee would see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1-2). This great light was Jesus! Yesterday’s Journey Study of Galilee pointed out how walking and boats were the main methods of transportation in the ancient world. While we don’t know specifically why Jesus was out walking that day, we do know He preferred to go to the people and teach instead of waiting for people to come to Him. Even though Scripture doesn’t clearly say “Jesus set out to find some men to help Him with His ministry”, we can surely know Jesus had a divine plan. (Ephesians 1:2) Luke’s account of this narrative contains more details by describing the crowds as “pressing in around” Jesus. (Luke 5:1) Pressed by masses, Jesus commandeers Peter’s boat and effectively moves away from the shore to teach the people. This passage also shares a conversation between Jesus and Peter about catching fish. Peter and his friends had been fishing all night with no luck when Jesus says, “let’s go out and try again,” to which Peter says, “Dude, it’s not going to work, we’ve tried all night.” (my paraphrase of Luke 5:5) Turns out, Jesus was right. They caught so many fish, Peter frantically called for help from his friends, James and John. We don’t know if Jesus intended to call His first disciples that day, but we know He taught and lived with divine purpose. In a fishing community like Galilee, Jesus knew there would be more people by the shore, so He came to them.

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)
Jesus was an expert at using terminology and examples rich with meaning for His original audience. (Matthew 13:1-52) Jesus’ fishing analogy paired perfectly into the job these men already were keenly familiar with as fishermen. They readily understood how fishing as a trade required intense physical labor, long hours, and, at times, no fish to show for a tedious night of work. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) When Jesus said, “from now on you will fish for people”, these fishermen, along with anyone else who heard the conversation along the shoreline, understood Jesus’ meaning at a basic level. In essence, Christ was making a clear statement like, “I’ve got a new job for you. In many ways, it will be the same as being a fisherman. But instead of spending your nights on a boat, you’ll come with Me to neighboring towns looking for people who will listen to the Good News of the Messiah.”

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)
Looking at Luke’s more detailed account in Luke 5:1-11, we can answer this question. After hauling in their massive load of fish, Luke 5:8 records, “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”. Peter immediately knew Jesus was no ordinary man, Jesus held divine authority unlike anyone else. For successful fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to immediately leave everything to follow Jesus would have been highly significant, especially considering the enormous income they had amassed in minutes with their many fish. According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, in biblical times “… occupations were centered in the family enterprise.” (studylight.org) If your dad was a fisherman, you were trained as a fisherman and expected to work alongside your father until you took over the “family business”. Additionally, the cultural norm was for young men to receive an “inheritance from their father”, as a right of passage. Not to mention, another cultural expectation was to care for aging parents. By leaving “immediately”, these men intentionally pressed against the norm. Many onlookers would have disagreed with their actions. In Matthew 8:20-22, we read of another would-be disciple who asks, “first let me go bury my father,” to which Jesus replies, “follow Me and let the dead bury their own dead”. It’s important to understand this man’s father was not dead. What he’s really asking is, “once I do my duty as an earthly son, can I come and follow you?”. Jesus’ answer may seem harsh, but in reality, He is saying, “you have a choice today. Are you willing to live differently now and follow Me, or will you go along with the crowd and do what is expected?”

Everyday Application

1) Why was Jesus “walking by the Sea of Galilee” instead of teaching somewhere? Was He intentionally looking for these men or did He just happen upon them? (verse 18)
We are called to follow Jesus and His example of living lives of intentional love. Yes, we are called to be teachers in our churches, homes, and schools, but we cannot expect everyone who needs Jesus to come to us. We must go where people are living ordinary, regular lives. This “going” will look different for each of us. Some are, or will be, called to follow Jesus to different towns, cities, and countries to share His message of hope and freedom from sin. Some will be called to sports teams or jobs to share His message. For others, it may mean attending that family function you’d rather not attend in order to be available to show Jesus’ love. Our application from Jesus’ example is to intentionally live with our eyes and ears open. We will encounter people every day who either don’t know Jesus or have wandered away from Him. It’s our job to look, listen, and see those people through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then boldly trust His prompting to reach out and share God’s love. We may even encounter those people in our own homes! Start praying now! Who might the Lord have waiting for His message through you today?!

2) What does it mean to fish for people? (verse 19)
Simply and plainly, fishing for people means living with our eyes wide open, feet ready to go, and hearts of compassion ready to share His love. (Ephesians 6:15, Romans 13:8) Pray for family and friends who don’t know Jesus, then seize the opportunities He gives to share His love. Fishing for people means living with generous, open hearts and hands. The apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16 to “walk by the Spirit” in our everyday lives. Paul adds in verses 22-25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” In a roundabout way, Paul is saying the same thing Jesus was living out. People are always watching, so let’s live in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-3) with open, ready availability to share Jesus’ love with others. I would like to provide a warning here, or at least point out something we should keep in mind. It is not our job to “save” people, even those whom we love deeply. Jesus is the only One who can convict of sin and save for eternity! Our job is to share, love, encourage, answer questions, and walk alongside others with gentle respect, as the Spirit does the work only He can do in their hearts. It is easy to fall into the trap of making people “projects”, and there is no quicker way to scare them off! No one wants to be a project. Our love must be pure and genuine, just as the love of Jesus. (Romans 12:9-10)

3) Scripture says “immediately, they left their nets and followed”. What is the significance of the word “immediately”? (verses 20-22)
This is a hard study for me to write, because it’s personally convicting. There are far too many times in my life when I have ignored the “immediacy” command of following Jesus. When the Spirit prompts us, we are simply to obey, especially when He calls us to specifically share the gospel or pray with someone. It takes practice in listening to His voice as He trains us to stop, look up, and obey immediately. Certainly, big life changes, or situations where emotions are running over our willingness to listen to the Spirit, are excellent opportunities to slow down, seek wise biblical counsel, and pray with intentionality for direction. (Proverbs 19:20-21) There was a time when I felt certain God was calling me to quit my full-time job and go into full-time ministry. At the time, I was married with two small children and carrying our family’s medical insurance. It was a highly emotional conviction, but I felt absolutely certain it was right. However, I knew I needed to talk with my husband and seek godly counsel before making the decision. While I did end up quitting my full-time job, I didn’t have the opportunity for a ministry career until years later and it still isn’t full-time. Some may read my story and think I was disobedient by not “immediately” following, consequently missing an opportunity. Perhaps, but based on where I was in my journey with Jesus, I did what I felt God was leading me to do by praying and seeking godly counsel before finalizing a decision. We’re all different and Jesus calls us in unique ways. If we are not actively living with open eyes, ears, and hands, we just may miss out entirely. Let’s commit to intentionally listening and quickly obeying as He faithfully leads!

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

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

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

Digging Deeper Community

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

Our Current Study Theme!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Nations Day 10 I Am Daughter

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 3:16-4:1
John 1:6-13
Romans 8:12-17

Nations, Day 10

My name is Anna, and I am a Swede-Swiss living in Switzerland. We quite often laugh about Americans who don’t know the difference between Sweden and Switzerland. I know most of you understand the distinction, but the truth is, when the Swedish company Spotify was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, they briefly displayed the Swiss flag by mistake.

When I tell you I am Swedish and Swiss living in Switzerland, it might not sound like such a big thing for you. But for me, it has led to a crisis of identity.

Who am I, and is my identity at all important? 

In some way, identity has always been something with which I have struggled. My father abandoned our family when I was a child, so identity was something I dealt with at an early age. What are we, if not a “normal” family? Who am I, if not “the girl whose father left her?” Could anything (or Anyone) else define me?

When I met Christ, I started my long journey of finding home and discovering my true identity as a daughter to the living God. 

I won’t share my entire life’s story, but I moved abroad when I was only 22 years old. Somehow, I had always known my life would be spent in other countries. I have always felt drawn abroad and when I was only 15, I went on my first missionary trip to Romania. I can still remember how amazed I was by the American couple living there who invested in the poor people of Brasov.

It was in Romania I heard God’s calling over my life to live in another country. I thought He would take me to eastern Europe, to work with orphan kids, but His plans looked a little different from mine, and I ended up as a stay-at-home mom in Switzerland. My 15 year-old self would have been dumbfounded, and the questions of identity rolled on, “Who am I, if not a foreign missionary?” Could purpose and identity be found in the life I was actually living?

Living in another country, in a new culture, led me to question a lot of things in life. Activities and relationships born of and defined by proximity suddenly ceased. Instead, I gave serious thought to how I wanted to live, and began making intentional decisions. In the beginning, it was all very exciting, but after a while, it became tiring.

As time passed, I realized I didn’t really understand the culture back home in Sweden anymore. Yet, at the same time, I still didn’t feel fully at home in my new country. I continued wrestling with my identity.

Who am I then, if I’m neither Swedish nor Swiss?
Is my identity important?
As followers of Christ, from where do we derive our identity, and on what are we building our lives?

Even if you don’t live in another country, perhaps 2020 prompted you to ask similar questions. Who are we, if we can’t live our lives as we are most comfortable and familiar? Where do we find our identity as Christians? As a church, who are we if we can’t do our programs as we once had? On what foundation are we really building our lives?

My journey to discovering my true identity has been a long and winding road, but at last, I finally understood that my core identity is not found in the country of my birth or city of residence. Philippians 3:20 reminds me, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Furthermore, I am not an abandoned girl or a stranger, but an adopted daughter of the King. Indeed, “the Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16) Now, I build my life on Christ and He alone defines my identity. 

You might also be asking yourself hard questions. On what are you really building your life and identity? Is it your work, your education, your nationality, or money? All of these are good, but hear me, they do not define you and cannot serve as an immovable foundation for your life.

Let’s make a subtle shift to those questions.
Instead of “who am I,” we ask “Whose am I?”
Instead of “what is the bedrock of my life,” we ask, “Who is the bedrock of my life?”

Sisters, can we let go of the definitions and labels the world stamps on us, and instead root our identities in His love alone?

I know now that I can be both Swedish and Swiss. I can eat my Swedish meatballs and my Swiss raclette and enjoy how both enrich my life. I know that at the end of the day, I am assured of God’s amazing love for me. I can run to my Father and call Him, “Abba!” because I am His daughter.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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

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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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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 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!
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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! ~ 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

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