just

Training Day 5 Just Being

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 139
Luke 5:15–16
Luke 6:12-16
Mark 1:35–39
Matthew 11:28–30

Training, Day 5

As disciples, we often learn about the works of Jesus. We study what He did.

We also notice the words of Jesus. Many of us have Bibles with His words in red, highlighting their importance.

In a recent discipleship seminar, I was encouraged to notice the ways of Jesus, learning not just from His public ministry and message, but also from the way Jesus lived His life. With this idea in mind as I read the gospels, I’ve discovered truth I hadn’t noticed before.

For instance, a little verse at the beginning of Matthew 13 caught my attention. The preceding verses describe Jesus teaching crowds of people and confronting the religious leaders. The following verses talk about Jesus teaching such a large crowd, He used a boat as a platform while the people listened from the shore. But between these big ministry moments, Jesus stole time to sit by the lake, alone. (Matthew 13:1)

In fact, Jesus often made time to be alone, even though He was busy and crowds constantly followed Him.
“Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
It was His way. Jesus spent time in solitude.

When was the last time you sat alone, without distraction? The television off, the radio silent, the kids with a babysitter, your phone out of reach. Alone with God, to work through your thoughts, feelings, and memories. It can be a very uncomfortable place.

We don’t make space for solitude very often; life is too busy, right? There is always something to do: good, meaningful, and important things. As soon as the house is clean, the laundry done, and a meal prepared, someone has made a mess, gotten dirty, and is hungry again. Between home, work, and church, the responsibilities of life are relentless. But Jesus didn’t use this as an excuse.

I did.

Early last year I had a significant mental health event. That’s hard to admit. I think of myself as a strong, capable person. I was very busy, but I had everything under control. At least, I thought I did. I developed chest pain and was admitted to coronary care. After four days of uncomfortable tests, my heart was given a clean bill of health and I was diagnosed with vicarious trauma.

I worked in my church as a pastoral carer, supporting those who were sick and grieving. I spent my days visiting, making phone calls, and praying with people. It was a wonderful privilege to represent the comfort of Jesus to those who were walking through life’s most difficult circumstances. I was good at my job, and I loved it. Yet over time, as I was exposed to the trauma of others without giving myself the time to process what I was witnessing, I began to develop trauma symptoms myself.

My Christian counselor prescribed a powerful therapy for my recovery: solitude. Seriously, that was her recovery plan. She told me to spend time alone with Jesus. Not busy time “doing” my devotions. But “wasted” time, just sitting, being with Jesus. It was difficult.

As I sat in silence, the thoughts that emerged were ugly: memories of pain, feelings of guilt and regret, fear and anxiety. It was hard work. But, inviting Jesus to shine a light into the dark corners of my heart in the quietness of my pain was the best medicine. In time, the knot in my chest unraveled as I submitted all to Christ, and He healed my weary soul.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) What a wonderful invitation. If only we weren’t too busy to accept.

Solitude is a discipline. It doesn’t come easily to many of us. Our modern world is full of distractions and interruptions. We are constantly bombarded with cries for our attention. It honestly feels irresponsible to take time to sit quietly and appear to do nothing. Yet, this is where healing comes. This is where we find the rest our souls so desperately seek.

I now have a practice of having a morning coffee with Jesus. It takes around ten to fifteen minutes. Often, it is after I’ve read my Bible and prayed through my list, but sometimes, I sit with Jesus first.

I find it easier when I have a cup of coffee in my hands. I’m less likely to reach for my phone. I also try to be outside or by a window where I can see the sky and the beauty of creation so I don’t get distracted by dirty dishes or the dusty floor.

I often use the end of Psalm 139 as a prayer.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23–24)

I allow God to sift through my thoughts, good and bad. Somehow, I walk away from solitude lighter, more joyful, and with the best creative ideas.

I hope you are able to “waste” some time alone with Jesus today.

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Kneel Day 1 Restored Relationship

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Esther 4
Ezra 8:21-23
Matthew 4:1-11

Kneel, Day 1

“Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me [. . .] After that, I will go to the king[.]’” (Esther 4:15-16)

Caught between the impending genocide of her people and a potentially deadly reception by the king should she speak on their behalf, Queen Esther and her uncle, Mordecai, desperately need a miracle. And so, before Esther approaches the king, they fast and pray.

Yet, prayer and fasting don’t necessitate a miracle. We don’t manipulate God when we pray; instead, we rely on His good heart for us and declare our belief in His power.

So why do we keep praying and fasting?

The ultimate purpose of prayer and fasting is the restoration of our relationship with God. Prayer is an essential part of our spiritual lives. Just as none of us are exempt from the troubles of this world, none of us are exempt from the need to connect with, and hear from, the only One who has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Though the struggles that draw us to prayer and fasting may differ, we can all embrace these practices with a desire to empty our hearts of earthly things so the Lord will pour out His Spirit and satisfy our spiritual hunger.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people pray and fast together because they are seeking God’s help and direction. In the opening vignette of our study, we met Mordecai, who, together with other Jews in the land, “fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes” (Esther 4:3) as an expression of their anguish over the order to kill every Jew. Their actions signified both their grief and their cries to the Lord to protect them from execution.

Again, we don’t manipulate God with prayer and fasting, but we allow Him to work in and around us as we surrender through humble prayer. Esther’s response to Mordecai’s plea for intervention demonstrated her belief that the will of the Lord would come to pass. Esther clearly understands that fasting will not guarantee her safety in her final words to her cousin, “I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) Her words hold equally strong conviction to do what is right and to trust the Lord for her fate.

The Lord is good and just indeed! He responds to prayer and fasting! He promises if His people will seek Him, they will find Him. (2 Chronicles 7:14-15, Jeremiah 29:13) When we fast and pray, we encounter Him in a different, higher way.

This truth resonates in the continuation of Esther’s story. After seeking God’s heart through prayer and fasting, Esther enacted a careful, thoughtful plan to approach King Xerxes and plead for her people. (Esther 5) By the Lord’s grace, she found favor with the king, and she and her people were spared. Through God’s intervention, the Jews were saved and not forsaken. How beautiful is the aroma of prayer and fasting to the Lord!

Similarly, in Ezra 8:21-23, the priest Ezra led Israelites returning home from exile into prayer and fasting to seek God’s presence and protection. “So we fasted and pleaded with our God about this, and He was receptive to our prayer.” (Ezra 8:23)

And finally, as an epitome of humility and faith before the Lord, Jesus fasted. He acknowledged God’s power and strength alone would enable Him to carry out the Father’s will. Matthew 4 describes how Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He was also tested by evil, but He overcame the temptation by the power of God dwelling within Him and relying on Scripture.

Jesus’ example demonstrates how prayer and fasting are powerful preparations for experiencing God deeply and outrageously!

From Jesus, we learn temptation and struggle may come, but if we are filled with God’s words and presence, we will overcome, just as Jesus did! Prayer and fasting are vital, as they bring us closer to God and remind us to trust Him.

From Mordecai, we learn we should not hesitate to engage in prayer and fasting.
When we see cries, pain, and injustice around us that are impossible for humans to resolve and only God can manage, we can turn to the One who is full of compassion and always capable! The Lord sees our faith, is delighted to hear from us, and is moving when we pray.

Let’s pray that the Lord will help us lead our people into prayer and fasting just as Mordecai did. Faith can rescue people when we come together!

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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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If Day 12 Free Ride: 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 Free Ride!

The Questions

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)

3) What can be learned from these two parables?

Matthew 13:44-46

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. 46 When he found one priceless pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

Original Intent

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)
Though Jesus’ parable doesn’t specifically describe what the man found in the field, we know he found it to be of extreme value. This wasn’t something he intentionally went looking for, rather, he happened to stumble upon his grand discovery. Once he found it, he knew its high worth and was willing to bury it again in the field, keeping it hidden and protected, while he went to sell everything he had in order to purchase the field. In this way, he could be certain the treasure he had found would be his forever.

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)
An experienced pearl merchant knew exactly what to look for, and he was intent on finding the “perfect pearl”. His life’s work was to know what a perfect pearl looked like, and then pursue that. Pearl merchants knew the worth of each pearl they encountered, and they knew the price to pay for it. Unlike the man who wasn’t expecting to find a treasure in a field, this merchant is actively seeking out the ultimate pearl. On finding it, he knew he had found a treasure worth a lavish price tag. He was willing to sell all he had in order to own the priceless pearl.

3) What can be learned from these two parables?
Jesus often taught in parables, or stories, throughout His earthly ministry. In these stories, Jesus used common things His audience would easily relate with in order to bridge to deeper spiritual truths. In this passage, Jesus wanted His audience to understand the inestimable Treasure He was about to offer them by dying in their place and paying the ultimate price for their sin. He also wanted them to understand the extreme cost of following Him once they understood the true value of embracing Him as Savior. While those listening to these parables did not fully understand them in the moment, His disciples came to understand them after His death and resurrection. They knew that following and obeying Jesus would cost them greatly; many paid with their lives.

Everyday Application

1) Why was the man willing to sell everything for this treasure he found? (verse 44)
The man in Jesus’ story found a treasure he knew was more valuable than anything he owned or could ever own. It was so valuable, in fact, he was willing to part with everything else in his life in order to gain this single treasure. Jesus intended His hearers to understand the Treasure to be Himself as the fullness of God. We have access to Him through His sacrifice where He paid the death penalty we deserve because of our sin so we might be reconciled back to Him. This Treasure had been hidden away in the Old Testament for centuries. Jesus wanted those listening to understand they could “dig” into the “field” of the former prophecies and historical narrative and even the Law in order to find the True Treasure. When we discover Jesus and the Truth of the Scriptures, we are urged to surrender all we have for the vast richness of Christ! (Philippians 3:7-8) Of believers in Jesus, Matthew Henry writes, “upon gospel terms, buy this field; they make it their own, for the sake of the unseen treasure in it. It is Christ in the gospel that we are to have an eye to.” When we understand Truth, recognizing its supreme value, we must make it our own. However, unlike the man who bought the field, our treasure of Christ is not meant to keep to ourselves, but instead share it with the world!

2) Who is the merchant? (verse 45)
This merchant knew exactly which pearl he was pursuing and would stop at nothing to obtain it for himself. Of this pearl, Matthew Henry writes, “a Jewel of inestimable value, which will make those who have it rich, truly rich, rich toward God; in having him, we have enough to make us happy here and forever.” As believers, we understand that in discovering Jesus and the truth of who He is, we have more than enough. Possessions and money are worthless in comparison to having the Treasure of God. There will never be anything more valuable to gain or pursue. Those who have pursued many things, seeking satisfaction, and finally finding Christ are the merchant from Jesus’ story; these people have found the Pearl of Jesus and have understood its supreme value. We don’t need to chase anything else.

3) What can be learned from these two parables?
Both the treasure in the field and the pearl cost a great deal to obtain. Jesus came as God in human flesh to pay the ultimate price for sin with His life that we might be set free from sin and shame. In order for us to spend eternity with God, this price must be paid, because God is just and righteous. This payment cost God His only Son. While there is nothing we can “do” to “purchase” this gift of salvation, there is a cost involved in following Jesus. (Luke 14:26-33) When we understand who Jesus is, we realize the cost is worth it. We become like the merchant and the man who bought the field when we realize the value of the Treasure of God and are willing to pay the cost. Just as these men were willing to part with everything in order to have their treasure, we too must be willing to part with everything in order to follow Christ. It isn’t going to be easy, and we may often question the cost, but as we become more like Jesus we will never regret the choice to pay the price and follow Him in full surrender!

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

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 If Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
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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!

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

Ten Day 9 Worth Of One: 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 Worth Of One!

The Questions

1) What was the effect of sin on the image of God on Earth?

2) How did sin defile the relationships between the image-bearers of God?

3) How did God intend for mankind to rule as a reflection of His image?

Genesis 1:26-27

Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Original Intent

1) What was the effect of sin on the image of God on Earth?
“In the beginning, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Perfect! Then sin came, and everything changed. This oral history would have been passed down to the Israelites during their 400 year period as Egyptian slaves. During the day, the Israelites were valued lower than human beings as they were slaves to their Egyptian masters. But at night, God’s words would have reminded everyone they were more than just slaves. An idol, or image, is carved to reflect the characteristics of the god it is dedicated to. In similar thought, both the slave working the field and the slave master holding the whip are the actual image of the one true God because they were both human beings. God crafted them to bear His image. Sin had defiled the relationship between God and people. With that defilement came rebellion against God,  slavery, hatred, and death. Thankfully, God declared how the events of time would play out from the very beginning. “The past events have indeed happened.

Now I declare new events; I announce them to you before they occur.” (Isaiah 42:9) Yahweh’s redemption plan to once again restore man as an image-bearer, and restore the relationship between Himself and each of us continued at Mount Horeb with the giving of the law and Ten Commandments.

2) How did sin defile the relationships between the image-bearers of God?
When God created mankind in His image, part of the intent was to reflect how the Godhead relates to each other. The Spirit gives glory to the Son, and the Son submits to the will of the Father. The Godhead works as a unit to rule the universe with love, honor and respect with each other as one, single God. When sin came, the first relationships to be broken were between God and Adam and Eve, and between husband and wife. Where once there was trust and unity, betrayal and separation now existed. Separation broke the sweet intimacy of oneness. The corruption that affected the unity of the image-bearers now corrupted how mankind ruled the Earth as well. Instead of honoring the reflection of God in each other, mankind enslaved, robbed, and killed one another instead. Every intent of man’s heart was evil (Genesis 6:5) When God established the system of the law, it was another step towards His coming restoration. The first four commandments centered around restoring the relationship between God and man. Commandments 5-10 focus on restoring relationships with fellow humans. For example, do not murder, was a clear affirmation of human life to former slaves after 400 years of oppression.

3) How did God intend for mankind to rule as a reflection of His image?
When God created man and the world for him to rule. He first placed Adam in the garden of Eden to tend to it and keep it. (Genesis 2:15) In a garden, one learns when and how to use power. If Adam had some seedlings to transplant, the wrong thing to do would be to handle them roughly and damage the roots. (Isaiah 42:3)  However, Adam would need to use just the right amount of power to pull up weeds and dig into the earth. Ruling the environment with love ensures that the earth under mankind’s domain will grow and prosper. Fast forward to Exodus 20, God was teaching the Israelites how to rule by first establishing a set of laws on how to govern their plot of earth. God taught them through the Old Covenant (10 commandments and Levitical law) how to rule with love, justice, and righteousness.

Everyday Application

1) What was the effect of sin on the image of God on Earth?
This week has been one of the most emotionally draining weeks I have experienced so far in 2020. Two videos came out today. In one, a white woman threatened a man in a park with potential police brutality for asking her to leash her dog. In another video, George Floyd is begging for his life as a police officer crushed his neck for 8 minutes. When God created mankind He loved diversity so much He made black, white, brown, and yellow people. This week, the effects of slavery in America still say the black man created in God’s image is dangerous by default of his skin color. The truth is we all have a sin problem, and that sin has made us each of us slaves. God has confined us all under sin, for there are none who are righteous. (Romans 3:9-10) Christ offers righteousness through faith for ALL. (Romans 3:22) In Christ, all who surrender to Him, are made into a new creation in Him. All races, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, and Nigerian are slaves of sin just like the ancient Israelites were slaves to Egypt, but God stepped forth as our Redeemer! In Jesus, we are no longer slaves, we are free in Christ! “For where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

2) How did sin defile the relationships between the image-bearers of God?
Sin prevents us from seeing outside of ourselves to witness how our actions affect fellow believers in Christ. This is a heart issue, and for me, at one time, it was a root of bitterness that led to hatred. I needed to repent and ask God to forgive me for not loving my white brother and sister in Christ. Because God can’t use petty people that hold on to grudges, I still find myself in situations ministering to all people. As much as it depends on me, I will make peace with all men. (Romans 12:18) Sometimes peacemaking involves having difficult conversations and being in difficult environments, we are called to make peace anyway. Even if making peace costs you relationships and opportunities, as much as depends on you, make peace because God made a way for peace with us. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’s sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:9-10) If the Lord puts you in a situation that requires you to make peace, do not fear and wonder, “what will I say?”. The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them. (Luke 12:12) As representatives of Christ, it is on us to make peace and usher in reconciliation. “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

3) How did God intend for mankind to rule as a reflection of His image?
Just like God gave Adam the power to rule and govern in Eden, so too has God given His church power (the authority to rule). “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you.” (Luke 10:19) Each one of us has our own “plot of land”, or sphere of influence, God has placed in our care. As a representative of the kingdom of God, how do you choose to use your power? I urge you brethren to plead for the fatherless and seek justice for the downtrodden, especially among the members of the body. (Isaiah 1:17)  “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering. I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant.” (Isaiah 61:8) There is a reason why Christ called the church His body, with Christ occupying the head. How can a body function properly or rule, if the feet have been injured and no salve has been applied to heal the wound? Imagine trying to live your life in perpetual pain as the foot, while the hands say, “your problems do not concern us we have our work over here.” If the wound is never healed, the whole body will become sick, weak, and feeble. (2 Corinthians 12) “Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.” (Hebrews 12:12-13). For too long, the body has been dislocated, and now is the time for healing to take place. Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. (Hebrews 12:14-15) Consider your “plot of land”; where can you begin actively pursuing peace to make the Body of Christ stronger?!

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

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 Ten Week Two!
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.

Ignite Day 14 Just One: 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 Just One!

The Questions

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)

Philippians 1:12-20

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Original Intent

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)
Yes, it’s true! Paul’s suffering was used by the God who turns all things into platforms for His goodness and glory to be made undeniably clear. Paul was writing this letter, while imprisoned, to the church in Philippi and, understandably, wanted to assure them of the mysterious truth he had long come to know, “that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) It would be easy to run in fear on hearing Paul’s news, and he wanted the church to know the truth. He wasn’t plastering on a happy face, this wasn’t an attempt to get more people imprisoned, Paul’s purpose was to declare the power of the gospel! In his letter to Timothy, also written while in prison, Paul says about preaching the gospel, “I am bound like a criminal, but the word of God is not bound!”. (2 Timothy 2:9) Paul was imprisoned and had suffered countless persecutions for holding unswervingly to Christ alone, yet still he relentlessly clung tighter. As a result, God used even his harsh circumstances as a means to reach a new group of people, the imperial guard and those who ran in that circle of people. They knew of Paul, his imprisonment, and the gospel he preached. They witnessed how Paul willingly accepted persecution as normative for the delight of following Jesus. This is an outrageous gospel that frees people from the inside so that no fear of men can overcome them! (Matthew 10:28) Paul wanted his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to keep running the race of sharing Jesus (2 Timothy 4:7), keep being bold, and keep their eyes on eternity because the gospel is worth it, even for just one!

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)
Paul, his word, his preaching, and his public persona carried quite a bit of weight within the early church. He traveled far and wide, strengthening and encouraging and providing wisdom from the Lord wherever He went. In today’s verbiage, Paul had a huge following. Despite his floggings and many forms of persecution, he was greatly respected, honored, and beloved by many. (Acts 20:36-38) In their sinful human nature, other preachers of the gospel became jealous of Paul’s popularity, wishing for some of the same prestige. (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) They viewed Paul’s imprisonment as a roadblock for Paul’s popularity rankings and were seemingly taking advantage of the situation in order to promote themselves on the stage of the gospel. Paul responds not with words that try to edge himself over other pastors, but in pointing straight to the power of the gospel. Paul knew that whatever popularity he carried had nothing to do with himself, but only about God doing His mighty work through Paul. Perhaps much of the reason Paul was so well loved was because he understood the gospel’s going forth had nothing to do with him being especially blessed. Rather, Paul viewed himself as unworthy to carry this precious gospel, referring to himself as the “worst of all sinners”. (1 Timothy 1:15) Preaching wasn’t about Paul, it was always and only about Christ, which is why Paul was able to rejoice when his “competitors” preached the gospel while Paul was stuck in prison. Paul wanted one thing, for the gospel to be declared with all boldness, which was being done, even as Paul sat in prison.

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)
A quick, cursory glance through these verses and it would be easy to think Paul was talking about either his “deliverance” from prison or the “salvation” or his soul, but neither of those take the whole context into consideration. Paul was speaking of those who were preaching Christ out of envy and vanity and he was transparently sharing how easy and tempting it would be for him to fall into self-focus and discouragement about his own preaching. But he is kept a safe distance from these pitfalls because of his intentional choice to rejoice and celebrate that the gospel is being preached instead of focusing on who is (or isn’t) doing the preaching. Paul was just as human as any of us and the temptation to make his ministry about himself was a real threat. If we were to slow down, take the meaning of the Greek words into account, and amplify the context of this passage, verse 19 might read like this:
My heart attitude of rejoicing will lead to my vindication and clear conscience. By focusing on rejoicing that the gospel is being preached, I can keep a clear conscience before the Lord. My human tendency is to become discouraged and to fall into self-pity, focusing on my circumstances, but when I choose rejoicing, when I choose thanksgiving for the gospel’s declaration, I am kept safe in my thought-life. Even this inner, heart adjustment to stay away from self-focus is a gift given by the Spirit of Jesus as He works within my heart and is continued because you, my brothers and sisters in Jesus, keep praying for me, asking the Lord to supply and sustain me where I am weak.

Everyday Application

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)
It goes entirely against every urge within us, doesn’t it? This counting suffering as a source of encouragement, but here we find it written by the pen of the greatest apostle that, as a direct result of his suffering, Christ was preached, brothers and sisters were encouraged to preach more boldly, and the kingdom of God expanded. The root? Yes, suffering. Transparently, I’ve long struggled with this passage, feeling as if it were a splinter against tender flesh. How could other believers, upon hearing of Paul’s imprisonment because of the gospel, not run in fear of the same result? Perhaps it felt so splintering, because I couldn’t imagine being encouraged. But then I read of brothers and sisters all around the world who preached boldly and loved those around them for the sake of the gospel even knowing they would face persecution. If their love for Jesus was worth it to them, how could I, a recipient of the same undeserved, lavish grace, hide away in fear? Was the gospel not worth it to me? Were other souls less precious than my own? Did I really value the now over the forever of eternity? With conviction from the Holy Spirit, the stories I read stirred me, encouraged me, and emboldened me to share this precious gospel like never before. While reading The Insanity of God, this passage, which I happened to be memorizing at the time, was constantly before me. The God of all power, sovereignty, and love used the evil of the world, upending it and shifting it, to become a stage for the purpose of declaring His gospel of love and freedom to even more people. Considering the brevity of my vapor-thin life, I want to be part of that kind of kingdom work. A work that lasts far beyond myself into eternity, for the sake of even just one more soul. Yes, even if it means suffering.

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)
Falling into a popularity competition is far too easy for each of us in our own various ways. Envying another’s accomplishments is probably a scenario we’ve all found ourselves in. Whether it’s about ministry success, picture perfect kids, attaining fitness goals, or accomplishing big milestone markers in life, Paul’s heart attitude is an excellent model for each of us. There is one goal for every believer, and that is Christ is preached. Whatever we are doing, our aim is to bring God glory, even if it’s as menial as eating or drinking. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Every single Christ follower has been gifted with an intentional purpose and special giftings to accomplish that mission. Whatever it is, we are to do it well, keeping our eyes on the goal of bringing God glory, not competing against other brothers or sisters. Paul says it like this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (emphasis added) Next time you are tempted to fall into jealousy or lean into a competitive spirit against a brother or sister in Jesus, step back and choose instead to celebrate with them. We are each precious and we each have a role in building God’s kingdom!

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)
Where do you commonly find yourself straying in your private thought life? Maybe you struggle with physical lust or constant comparison or perhaps your struggle is in the negative words you choose to speak to yourself with phrases like, “You’re such an idiot. Why can’t you get it right?” Whatever your familiar weakness, Paul’s model provides a solid antidote. Choose thanksgiving; choose to rejoice over what the Lord is doing through you and others. Celebrating others’ strengths and victories clears away our tendency to focus on what we don’t have. Be transparent. Share your weaknesses and struggles with other trusted, believing sisters in Jesus and ask them to pray for you. The Holy Spirit will use their prayers to strengthen and encourage you and keep your heart and mind focused on the goodness of the Lord instead of yourself. Want to go a step farther? Be that place of safety for another sister. Be transparent with her and invite her to share vulnerably with you, then commit to praying for one another in these areas of weakness. Watch what the Lord will do through the gift of your committed prayers and your intentional choice to rejoice!

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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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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Ignite Day 13 Just One

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 16:11-34
Hebrews 6:9-11
Philippians 1:12-20

Ignite, Day 13

My mama turned to me and asked me if it would all be worth it,
if my story touched just one soul?

I grew up praying for missionaries in my extended family and my church. These missionaries spread around the globe from South America to Africa to Russia, and we prayed for them daily.

I wonder now as an adult….
would they still choose to leave their country,
leave their family and material possessions,
and face trials and persecution if it meant that just one soul was reconciled with God?
I believe all of them would answer “Yes”.

I imagine their “yes” is sometimes said through gritted teeth,
eyes heavy with exhaustion,
and determination tightening their body from head to foot,
regardless of how they might emotionally feel
And sometimes their yes flowed from a heart that danced victoriously.

Their “yes” didn’t come without heartbreak, heartache, or sorrow.
Neither did it come without blessings, laughter, and joy.
But their yes was worth it when
someone said their own “yes” to Jesus.

Following the example of believers like Paul, Silas, the other twelve apostles, and the many men and women who gave up their lives for the sake of the gospel, three men said yes to Jesus, giving up everything to follow wherever He led. Adoniram Judson and Samuel J Mills were two of the first missionaries sent out from the United States, while Hudson Taylor, a contemporary, was one of the most influential missionaries to China.

Adoniram Judson and Samuel J Mills were among the very first class at the very first evangelical seminary in the United States, Andover Theological Seminary in 1810. Together, they helped create the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

Adoniram, and his young, new wife, Ann, headed to Burma. Shortly before they left, Ann wrote this to a friend:

“I feel willing and expect, if nothing in providence prevents, to spend my days in this world in heathen lands. Yes… I have about come to the determination to give up all my comforts and enjoyments here, sacrifice my affection to relatives and friends, and go where God, in His providence, shall see fit to place me. My determinations are not hasty, or formed without viewing the dangers, trials, and hardships attendant on a missionary life. (…) Now my mind is settled and composed, and is willing to leave the event with God.

While the Judsons were in Burma, Samuel Mills was forming several missionary and benevolent organizations in the United States while also carrying the gospel to Mississippi and New York City. In 1818, Samuel spent time in West Africa, locating a site for the repatriation of freed African-American slaves.
On his return, Samuel died on the ship.
His life seems short by our standards, but it was rich, and the fire in his spirit for spreading the Gospel ignited the flames of countless hearts. The Lord does not count our success by years or tasks completed, but only by our willing obedience to His heart of love!

Like Paul in the Bible and countless other Christ-followers through the ages, Adoniram also spent time in prison, but persecution and suffering did not deter him from obediently pressing into the Lord’s calling on his life. He opened a girls’ school, translated the Bible and other Christian books into Burmese, and faithfully kept following Jesus in His everyday life. Ann passionately worked beside him, using her love for Jesus and writing to encourage American women to pray fervently. She specifically asked women to pray for the rescue of child brides, the end of female infanticide, and other struggles for Burmese women. The Lord used Ann’s gift of writing in one final act before He called her home: helping to release her husband from his 21 months prison sentence by writing about the horrid condition of the prison in which he was contained.

Ann & Adoniram were normal, everyday people who chose, again and again and again, to love Jesus more than the comforts of life for the sake of even just one.

After Ann’s death, Adoniram also buried his second wife and three of their precious, tiny children before marrying his third wife. Like Ann, his second wife, Sarah, willingly held open her hands and life to the Lord. She used her skills as a linguist to continue spreading the Gospel to the Burmese by translating books, hymns, and tracts as well as the New Testament. Sarah fervently worked alongside her missionary-husband, while enduring the pain of losing her children. Her heart was not withheld from sorrow, she knew suffering well, but she knew Jesus was worth it, even for the sake of just one.

Adoniram’s met his third wife, Emily, when he enlisted her writing abilities to write about the life of Sarah. Unbeknownst to him, Emily had read many stories about Ann. As a result, she too felt the call to live missionally in Burma. After they married, she joined him in what would be Adoniram’s final job before entering Heaven: completing an enlarged edition of the Burmese dictionary to ease translation of the Bible.

Just three years after Adoniram’s death, another well-known Christ-follower made his way to a foreign land with one goal: spreading the Gospel.
As a baby, Hudson’s mother, on urgings from the Holy Spirit, had prayed he would be used in China.
China!

Her prayer was answered when he encountered the Holy Spirit one evening, and spent the next several years studying medicine, learning Mandarin, and growing his relationship with the Lord in preparation to move to China in 1853.
After marrying Maria Dryer, the daughter of Chinese missionaries, Hudson Taylor became incredibly ill and returned to England in 1961.
His return did not dampen his fervor, no!
He spent his time translating the Bible into Chinese,
studying to become a midwife,
and recruiting more missionaries!

Adoniram Judson
Ann Judson
Sarah Judson
Emily Judson
Samuel J Mills
Hudson Taylor
Maria Dryer
Seven individuals who chose the “just one” over their own comfort.
Seven individuals who counted the cost of following Jesus, and said yes.
Seven individuals who changed the world for countless souls.

Will you say yes for the sake of just one?!

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Prayer Day 1 The “For Us” God

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Romans 5:6-11
1 Peter 1:3-9
Matthew 6:5-15 

Prayer, Day 1

“Our Father who art in Heaven”
Perhaps you’ve said this prayer your whole life and you’re already skipping ahead of me, saying the next lines in your head. After all, this is “just the introduction”.
Or maybe don’t know the Lord’s Prayer and have only heard it a handful of times by “super-religious-people”.
Or maybe, this prayer carries no meaning for you whatsoever.

Regardless of what these words signal to you, it’s my prayer that in the next few minutes, you’ll have an encounter with the very One who invited you,
yes you,
to pray these words directly to Him.
Not as means of an introduction, but as the indication of something
incomprehensibly sweet, and un-searchably deep: a relationship with Him.
Him, the God of the Universe.
Him, the One who longs for us to call Him “Father.”

These words are indeed a beginning; a beginning of rich depth.
So, let’s stop now, before we even start, and ask this Father to make Himself known to us,
to meet us wherever we are, to show us Himself.

Father, God, will You, oh Holy One, do exactly that?
Here, in the space of these next brief moments, meet us, God. In the hurry, in the ache, in the loss, in the lonely, in the whatever-we-are-feeling….show us that You are indeed “our Father.”

Here starts the very beginning of the sample prayer given in Matthew 6 by the Lord Jesus Christ as He responds to a request from His disciples.
“Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1)
Carefully constructed, yet deeply personal, these 52 words (depending on your translation) are among the most well known in all of Scripture.
A few simple words, nothing grandiose or poetically riveting,
yet they speak powerfully of God’s character, His nature, and our place in His gospel story.
For it is only in light of the very nature of God,
that we discover our own identity and purpose.  

“Our”
What a bold word for the God of the Universe to invite humanity to use as He leads us to talk with Him!
Our. It means shared.
Our. It denotes privileged access.
Our. It implies reciprocal relationship.

Shared.
First between Himself and us as He extends His hand, choosing to love us even as we were enemies of Him, hating His ways and walking in our own, clinging stubbornly, arrogantly, to our ways.
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

In fact, we, in our sinful states, are so blinded to how wonderfully abundant and free it is to live for Jesus, that we cling, ridiculously and dangerously, to our sin, insisting we know better than the Father. Better than Our Father, who reaches out in love to save us from ourselves.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Access.
Accessibility that we have never once deserved, no matter how many times we’ve gone to church, how many tax refunds we’ve racked up in donations, how many handfuls of bills we’ve passed to the homeless man on the corner, or how many times we’ve said yes to sacrificing something we didn’t really want to.
None of that matters and none of it gets us access to the Holy One.
Because all of it is filthy rags. Every last scrap of it.

The Bible says we are just too broken to be good in the eyes of a righteous God.
A God we have no business having access to.
“ALL our righteous acts are like a polluted garment;
all of us wither like a leaf,
and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.” (Isaiah 64:6)

We are literally swept away like dry grass because of our sin.
BUT, Our Father graciously grants, out of His majestic love, total access.
Access to His riches by being co-heirs with Christ Himself. (Romans 8:17)
Access to an inheritance that will never fade. (1 Peter 1:4)
Access to His throne-room. (Hebrews 4:16)
Access to call Him “Our Father”.
“But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

Relationship.
A relationship with zero chance of failure.
Regardless of the state of our earthly fathers, whether physically or emotionally absent, or wonderfully invested, we can fully rely on the consistency and adoration of our Heavenly Father.
Our God has no shortcomings.

He will forever protect. (Psalm 18:2)
Always guard. (1 Peter 1:5)
Never abandon. (Psalm 138:8)
Never shame. (Romans 8:1)
He is our perfect Father.

If we make Him ours by relying on His sacrificial death on our behalf,
as He took the punishment for our sin,
we are given the right to become His children; the right to call Him ours.

Here, in this precious relationship,
we find intimacy, depth, and sweetness in being fully known and fully loved.
How great is it that Yahweh Himself is ours?

“Who art in heaven” clearly reminds us, separation exists between us and God.
He is perfect and we are imperfect.
He is holy and we are not.

But Jesus Christ fills that gap by offering Himself in our place.
Taking on our sin and its consequences,
and giving us His Own Righteousness in exchange for our shame.
He becomes OURS!

Our.
One bold word.
One grand invitation.

Our Father, who art in Heaven.
It’s not just the introduction of an old prayer we recite to be spiritual, it’s an invitation from the King of Kings to be in intimate relationship with Him where we have access to a shared relationship between Him and us as our Father.

Won’t you come in, know Him, and pray?

*This Journey was written by Parker Overby and Rebecca Adams

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Character Day 5 Righteous Anger

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Read His Words Before Ours!

James 1:19-21
Ephesians 4:26
Galatians 5:16-24
Psalm 37:7-8

Character, Day 5

I stood there holding the severed kitchen faucet handle, adrenaline still pumping. My then five-year-old son had been helping me rinse dishes. Our stubborn hearts were at odds. He was ignoring my instruction. I was being controlling. In anger, I slammed my hand down on the faucet breaking it beyond repair. Shame, sadness, and despair rushed over me.

I never considered myself an angry person, but suddenly, in the trench years of very small children, flares came easily. Anything from obnoxious noises, toothpaste on towels, and spilled milk (I know, I know…), to sibling spats, sassing, and willful disobedience were moments I could erupt.

I knew that fits of anger were a work of my flesh (Galatians 5:19-20), and I began crying out for God to help me. I knew I needed the Word of God to save me from myself (James 1:21). The Spirit began showing me the connection between my anger and whose kingdom I’m bowing to – mine or God’s.

The question isn’t simply, ‘Is anger sinful?’.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26 that to be angry and not sin is possible.
Yet a few verses later he also admonishes the church to
“let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away..”.
Psalm 145:8 explains, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”.
Yet, Psalm 78:49-51 paints a picture of God’s unleashed anger.
So how are we to discern this visceral emotion?

Unrighteous Anger of Man
In their book The Cry of the Soul, Dan Allender and Tremper Longmann bring clarity stating, “the core of unrighteous anger is a hatred of vulnerability and a love of control”.

When we feel pain, offense or exposure, unrighteous anger attempts to secure for ourselves satisfaction right now. It might be triggered by a legitimate wrong, but the defining point is how that anger is directed.

James 1:20 says, “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

This pricked my heart early on in my battle with anger. In my attempt to correct and discipline my children, I had allowed my own satisfaction to be a driving force. Instead of submitting to the Spirit’s control, I was tossed around by my natural reactions to things that jarred my comfort, peace, and control. My own desires were the things I was seeking to satisfy my heart.
Unrighteous anger is a hungry search for satisfaction in our own timing,
and with our own methods.
Ultimately, it is a display of discontent with God. 

Righteous Anger of God
Is righteous anger, then, shoving our desire under a rug or ignoring injustice?
Is it playing nice and downplaying an offense?
Not at all.
It is critical for our souls to acknowledge that all is not right in this world. The Psalms are full of laments and questions directed toward God. A re-orienting of the direction of our anger, however, is needed. To be righteous in our anger is to reflect God, whose anger is always directed at sin and darkness.

Looking to God in our anger, we also wait on His timing to show His character.
Psalm 37:7-8 begs, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”

We must acknowledge our anger honestly before God, acknowledging our inability to make things right. Psalm 4:4 tells us to “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”
This is counterintuitive and uncomfortable.
It can also feel incapacitating.
Yet this is exactly where God wants us:
running to Him in our anger and crying out for His action.

Allender and Longmann explain,
“Righteous anger warns, invites, and wounds for the greater work of redemption.
It is full of strength that is neither defensive nor vindictive, and it is
permeated by a sadness that is rich in desire and hope…..
righteous anger allows the offense to be seen as an issue between the offender and God.” 

Is your anger permeated by sadness over sin and rich in desire for God’s holiness?
Or is it a short fuse connected to the hope of your own desires?

When I slammed my hand down in exasperation on my kitchen faucet, I wasn’t thinking about the greater redemption of my son, nor was I full of hope. I was mad and wanted to end the struggle.
But God has more for our anger.
He desires to use us to bring about His greater work of redemption.
As we submit to His Spirit, He will do this through us!

Lastly, consider God’s example.
We deserve His full wrath because of our sin,
but instead received mercy and grace.
God poured out His fury upon His perfect Son, who paid the punishment for you and me.
God’s wrath was satisfied, His holy standard maintained.

Father thank you for your grace.
Use our anger to point us to your holiness, righteous fury, and redemptive work.
Help us embrace utter dependency as we wait on you to make all things new and right.

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