Gracefully Truthful

  • #HisWordsBeforeOurs
  • contact@gracefullytruthful.com
  • Register!
  • Today’s Journey
  • Previous Journeys
  • Faces of Grace
  • GT Bookstore
  • Our Mission
    • Our Mission
    • #HisWordsBeforeOurs
    • Our Beliefs
    • Translations Matter
    • #GTGoingGlobal
    • Our Team
#GTGoingGlobal

kindness

Another Day 12 Loving Devotion: Digging Deeper

March 21, 2023 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Another Day 12 Loving Devotion: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 21, 2023

Affectionate,Captivating,Character,Christ,church,Clothed,Community

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

This DD Connects With "Loving Devotion"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Thessalonians 5:12-28

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How are we instructed to recognize and regard our Christian leaders? (verses 12-13)

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul urges them to “give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) God desires the church to regard their leaders very highly in love because of the work they do to teach, nurture, and lead His people.

Nearly all churches in America recognize their pastors during October for Pastor Appreciation month. Pastors receive gift cards, baked treats, cash, flowers, and other tangible rewards as appreciation for their service. Pastors love being valued in this way, but the church should honor their leaders through encouragement and prayer on a consistent basis. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

The work our leaders do on the daily is what keeps our churches growing and thriving. Pastors teach us the Scriptures and instruct us how to live out Christ’s teaching in our daily lives. They pray for our health and well-being, they counsel us in family matters and relationship struggles, and they challenge us when we need to hear God’s truth applied to our lives. Author and pastor’s wife, Kristen Wetherell, suggests “Your encouragement will both deepen [your pastor’s] confidence in the power of God’s Word and also increase his desire to faithfully read, enjoy, study, communicate, and apply it. You will help him press on in ministry when the going gets tough, whether personally, culturally, or within the church.”

Let’s commit to encouraging and praying for our pastors with regularity (1 Timothy 5:17) for in doing so we minister to the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

The Everyday Application

1) How are we instructed to recognize and regard our Christian leaders? (verses 12-13)

Somewhere in my box of “treasures” languishing in the basement is a note I received during my junior year of high school. I was assisting in a first grade class where one little boy needed some extra help with reading. A few days into our work together he slipped me a note that melted my heart. In clumsy, backwards letters he let me know how much he appreciated my help and the time and attention I gave him. I have worked with kids most days since then, in some capacity or another, and those letters, cards, pictures and gifts of encouragement have never lost their power to recharge my batteries or refocus my vision.

Knowing I’m making a difference for my students gives me the strength to face the hard days that seem like swimming through peanut butter. Under the Spirit’s leading, Paul instructed the Church to recognize and highly regard our leaders. Charles Ellicott explains, “The bond which binds the Christian community to their directors is not to be one of ‘recognition’ and obedience only but of holy affection above all.”

Paul knew the dedication of leaders to the care and nurturing of their churches was labor intensive and sacrificial, patterned after the example of Jesus. (Mark 10:45) He exhorted the church to do more than acknowledge and say thanks, though they should do that as well. He wanted them to act in love, sharing their blessings with church leaders as a way to honor the work of God done through them. (Galatians 6:6)

Follow Paul’s suggestion and reach out to your church leaders with love and encouragement, let them know the work they do is impacting your life.

The Original Intent

2) Why is it important for Christ-followers to be at peace among themselves? (verse 13)

Paul charged the believers in Thessalonica to “be at peace among yourselves” as he taught the church how to engage with one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:13) A.S. Patterson asserts, “Social peace among true Christians is highly important, both for their own mutual improvement and personal comfort, and for the recommendation of religion to the world; and it is to be maintained by the cultivation both of unanimity of sentiment and of kindliness of feeling”.

When there is disharmony among Christians, it sends a negative message about the church to the world. Feuding between Christians makes it seem the truths they share about Jesus are ineffective. Christians are meant to be identified by their love (John 13:35); discord detracts from the winsome beauty of Jesus’ love. Disunity makes it difficult to see Christ in our lives when we are not living at peace with one another. (1 Corinthians 3:3)

Since living in peace is so important to the Lord, Christians ought to focus on the things they have in common and let God guide them through their differences with a heart committed to loving devotion toward each other. (2 Timothy 3:17)

Jeremy Ham explains, “Since there is one faith, there will be unity in this faith, so we should be like-minded. Whenever Christians have conflicts, we should remember that we all are pressing and working toward the same goal.” We must walk out what we preach, living in peace under the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The Everyday Application

2) Why is it important for Christ-followers to be at peace among themselves? (verse 13)

When my son was in 2nd grade our state allowed homeschoolers to attend online school for free, so we took advantage of the program. He was in virtual class with kids of different races and religions. One student was Rastafarian, others Muslim, some were Jewish, others Christian and Catholic. From all over our state, these kids and their backgrounds were as different as they could be, but our families were unified by the common goal of learning at home and curating the learning environment we found most beneficial for our children.

The Body of Christ could benefit by remembering the common goals we all have, to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7) and make Him known in the world (Acts 20:24). Paul admonished readers to “be at peace among yourselves” in 1 Thessalonians 5:13. He knew divisive issues would arise, pitting believers against one another and dimming the light of our testimony as we point others to Jesus. (Matthew 5:16)

Christ desires us to live in peace together, despite our differences and contentions, so we will draw others to know Him as He truly is. (Mark 16:15) John Piper notes, “The gospel creates peace with God. And the gospel creates lovers of humble peace and workers for peace.” When Christians pursue peace among themselves, they bring glory to God and cause others to want the peace they have found.

The Original Intent

3) What does it look like to always pursue what is good for one another and for all? (verse 15)

In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul exhorted readers to “See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.“ Instead of retaliating or looking for payback when bad things happen, the Lord teaches believers to actively pursue things that are good for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

To pursue what is good for each other means we are not looking out for our own best interests ahead of others (Philippians 2:3-4) while working for the good of our fellow believers. (Galatians 6:10) Pursuing what is good for all involves treating other people the way we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12) with a willingness to be last instead of first (Matthew 20:16).

Loving devotion to one another means surrendering our presumed “right” to have the last word about everything. It means speaking the truth in love instead of turning a blind eye to keep the peace. (Ephesians 4:15) Pursuing what is good for each other doesn’t mean we always agree, but it means we can disagree with respect and love. (Romans 14)

The Everyday Application

3) What does it look like to always pursue what is good for one another and for all? (verse 15)

I admire moms and dads who are purposeful in their parenting. They plan ahead and budget time for teachable moments. This means they allow their kids to actively help cook a meal or fold the laundry even if it takes 3 times longer than if they shooed the kids out of the room and finished the tasks themselves. These parents know it is best for the child and, eventually, the whole family for their children to learn life skills like cooking and cleaning at an early age. Purposeful parents consider what is best for their children in the long run and value those goals over immediate convenience.

The Apostle Paul championed purposefully pursuing good towards others when he wrote verse 15, “See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.“ Paul desired to mimic Christ’s heart-desire for His people to always be about the business of doing what is good for all, even when it’s tempting to be retributive for personal injustices.

The way to live peaceably is to put others first and treat them honorably, even when they don’t deserve it. (Romans 12:10-14) When we give a gentle answer rather than quarreling, we squelch anger and promote peace. (Proverbs 15:1) It can be difficult to put others’ needs above our own (1 Corinthian 10:24), but we can ask the Lord to help us pursue good for each other so we can live together peacefully and show the world God’s love in action. (John 15:12)

Tags :
care,family,humility,kindness,preference
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Another Day 11
Journey Study

Have you ever been in the shoes of Zacchaeus? On the receiving end of extravagant love despite who you are and what you’ve done?

Perhaps you’ve heard the voice of someone who loves you and looks your way and says, “I want to spend some time with you today!” This is the Jesus kind of love. This is “One-Another” kind of love. This is the lifestyle love we are called to exhibit in our everyday lives as believers.

I know for a fact Zacchaeus’ life changed that day by the words in Luke…”hurrying down and receiving Him joyfully.”
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Affectionate, Captivating, Character, Christ, church, Clothed, Community Tagged: care, family, humility, kindness, preference

Another Day 6 Helping Hands

March 13, 2023 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Another Day 6 Helping Hands

Sara Cissell

March 13, 2023

Character,Christ,church,Faith,gentle

Read His Words Before Ours!

John 10:1-18
Matthew 20:20-28
John 13:2-20
Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 3:34

Have you ever seen a grindstone wheel used to sharpen axes? Picture a circular stone, mounted on a frame and axle. The edge of the ax would be placed against the turning stone; the pressure of the ax on the stone and the texture of the stone itself would sharpen the ax blade. 

This process enabled the ax to function to its highest potential and saved its owner much time and energy when using it. Sharpening was imperative to the lifespan of the ax. 

Sharpening is imperative to our lifespans as well. 
“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
That’s right, our interactions with others sharpen us. 

Serving others with humility is one of the most significant ways we can leverage a situation to sharpen us into becoming more like Christ. In fact, Jesus demonstrated this reality time and time again in His ministry. 

Jesus had every right to expect others to serve Him. Not only was He perfectly sinless during His years on earth, He carried with Him all authority as Lord. (Matthew 28:18) He literally could command angels, and how did this God Man treat His disciples?           

He washed their feet. (John 13:2-20)
Jesus filled one of the lowliest cultural roles as He willingly, humbly served His very human disciples. 

Jesus, being fully God (John 10:30), had no need to be sharpened by humbling Himself. However, He modeled humble service because this is His character and He desires to see His heart flourishing in us. 

“Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
who, existing in the form of God, 
did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient,
to the point of death–
even to death on a cross.”
(Philippians 2:5-8)

Serving with humility creates a softness of heart that allows us to be shaped into the likeness of Jesus, and the Lord gives many opportunities to practice humility in everyday life.

Patience with personalities, going the extra mile, serving others regardless of social standing, gender, race, active listening, and the list is endless. Basically, in all real-life scenarios choose “humility, consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

For clarity, let’s also consider what an attitude of humility does not look like. 

Serving with the assumption of an expected response, especially one benefitting ourselves. This is a business exchange, and potentially even manipulation, while covering up the gross sin of self-serving. 

Serving someone with the mindset he or she is less than or “lower” than us, unworthy of our presence, or any other thought in which we are exalted as higher than the other. This is the sin of arrogance. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Serving with impatience and a communicated sense that another person is an inconvenience. This demonstrates a lack of value for the other person, revealing the sin of pride. Remember, we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the God who crafted each of us in His image. (Psalm 139:13-16)

These non-examples make me cringe because I can easily pinpoint times when I have done all of them. The sweet, and usually pointed, conviction of the Holy Spirit has helped me recognize those moments. When I ask for forgiveness and allow my heart and thoughts to reflect the love of the Lord, I am sharpened and become more like Christ. 

Serving others with humility is not for the faint of heart, nor is it to be confused with abandoning healthy boundaries. We interact with others imperfectly, and healthy boundaries are needed in relationships. If you’re a believer in Jesus, having repented from your sins and trusted Christ for your eternal rescue, asking Him to be Lord of your life, the key to discernment here is listening. Listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit who lives within you to guide you as you seek to love others with humble service. If you’ve never surrendered your whole life to Jesus, it’s just impossible to truly serve with Christ’s humility in real life. Come to Jesus now, with the humble awareness that you need a Rescuer from your sin. Ask Him to make you new, forgive your sin, and put His Spirit inside you to begin cultivating your heart to love like Him!

Jesus set the example for serving others during His years on the earth. We have been given our time here to become more like Him and invite others to experience His goodness in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) May we humble ourselves to experience the fullness of the sharpening process, for His glory. 

Tags :
church,humility,Jesus,kindness,love,serving
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Another Day 7
Digging Deeper

The pastor, despite his leadership role and busy demands, stooped low to save face for the man temporarily until the heart of the matter could be discussed. The pastor stooped down to clean the nursery bathrooms and vacuum the sanctuary for several weeks allowing the hired man received the check. An act of grace and humility for the gift of spiritual growth before coming to a resolution. Are we willing to take on the difficult and dirty for the spiritual benefit of one another?
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
March 6 - March 24, 2023 - Journey Theme #115

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Character, Christ, church, Faith, gentle Tagged: church, humility, Jesus, kindness, love, serving

Philemon Day 12 Partnership In Christ: Digging Deeper

February 28, 2023 by Debbie Collin Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 12 Partnership In Christ: Digging Deeper

Debbie Collin

February 28, 2023

Comfort,Community,Humility,Mercy

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

This DD Connects With "Partnership In Christ"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 4:1-6

Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) What does it mean to “walk worthy of the calling you have received”? (verse 1)

In verse 1, “worthy”, comes from the Greek word, “axios”, meaning “of weight, matching value, or having as much as.” To the early Christians in Ephesus, this word may have brought to mind images of the marketplace and commerce. Paul encouraged them in this verse to “weigh” their calling and to walk accordingly.

He had previously told the elders in Ephesus, “the church of God had been purchased with Christ’s own blood.” (Acts 20:28) To understand a little more about the calling Paul is writing about, we are clued in by his marker word, “therefore”, which he used to remind us to go back and read his whole thought. In the first half of Ephesians, Paul devoted three chapters to our identity in Christ by describing our blessings and salvation in Christ.

In verse 1, Paul equips his readers to understand that salvation not only changes who we are, but also changes what we do. Note that Paul never said he was a prisoner of Rome, but rather, a prisoner in the Lord. He submitted his identity and calling to Christ.

To “walk worthy” is to walk in a way reflective of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that reconciled us to a Holy God from our state as a rebellious sinner.

The Everyday Application

1) What does it mean to “walk worthy of the calling you have received”? (verse 1)

How do you know if another person is a Christian brother or sister? Paul reminds us our identity in Christ isn’t something we wear, nor is it defined by a place we go or activity we do. Receiving salvation completely changes us into a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Paul urges us to evaluate our circumstances through the perspective of what Jesus finished for us at the cross when He took the punishment we rightly deserved upon Himself and freed us to live as now-declared-righteous sons and daughters of God if we place our faith in Him. Doesn’t our mindset change as we think about God’s mercy, kindness, and love for us?

Christ pursues reconciliation with us through His sacrifice and obedience. In light of His mercy, we worship Him by presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice together with other believers. (Romans 12:1-2) If we want unity in the church, Paul tells us it starts with an alignment of our souls to the Lord, and a right view of our relationship with Him.

The Original Intent

2) If we “walk worthy” of our calling, how should that be reflected in our relationships within the Body of Christ? (verses 2-3)

The “calling” in verse 1 was not just an individual call to discipleship, but also a calling to become a member of the Body of Christ. Paul intended these truths to affect every believer’s behavior in relationships, especially within the body of Christ. In verses 2-3, Paul uses several, rich Greek words to practically describe how to “keep unity in the Spirit”.

humble

tapeinophrosune

lowliness of mind that comes from living in complete dependence on the Lord instead of relying on the flesh

gentle

prautés

meekness (gentle-strength) that originates with God and operates through faith

patient

makrothumia

long-suffering, waiting a sufficient time before expressing improper anger, opposite of “short-tempered”

bearing with (one another)

anechó

endure, suffer, tolerate with mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations

love

agapé

unselfish, unconditional love for others, charity

make every effort

spoudazó

be diligent, exert oneself, acting to accomplish all that God assigns through faith

Paul’s urging to the “faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1) was to preserve unity and peace with nothing less than all they had received through the Spirit. He desired their relationships to be a testimony of the transforming power of the gospel message. 

The Everyday Application

2) If we “walk worthy” of our calling, how should that be reflected in our relationships within the Body of Christ? (verses 2-3)

Every day we are bombarded with messages designed to manufacture rage within us and between us. For entertainment, we can even watch other people get angry while we feel justified in our own angry moments.  Paul invites us to a completely different attitude as followers of Jesus.

We have been made ambassadors, messengers, of the reconciliation He offers, which means we are called to daily live as reflectors of God’s great act of taking our punishment upon Himself. (2 Corinthians 5:20) He has commissioned us to live lives of mercy, compassion, and distinct unity. Instead of asking us to stand firm for our rights or giving us the latest talking points, Paul tells us to be humble, patient, gentle, tolerant, and loving in verse 2.

Let’s pause and have a reality check though. Followers of Jesus can struggle with unity even in the closest of relationships. However, we can find peace together in the gospel as we learn to be more like Jesus. (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

The Original Intent

3) How does Paul define unity in the Body of Christ? Why is this important? (verses 4-6)

Paul uses “one” seven times in verses 4-6 to describe the unifying doctrines of believers: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of All. He was writing to the city of Ephesus, which was one of the largest cities within the Roman Empire. The Ephesian church reflected the city’s diversity.

During Paul’s two-year stay in Ephesus, “all the residents of Asia [modern-day Turkey], both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.” (Acts 19:10) With all those backgrounds represented in the church, Paul knew it was important to outline the essentials that united them together.

In another letter, Paul cautioned believers to “watch out for those who cause divisions” or “create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught” and to “avoid them”. He described people who cause this kind of disunity as those who do not “serve our Lord Jesus Christ”. (Romans 16:17-18) This may sound harsh, but this wording clarifies how strongly Paul “weighted” unity within the Body of Christ and the message of the gospel unity carried.

The Everyday Application

3) How does Paul define unity in the Body of Christ? Why is this important? (verses 4-6)

Take another look at the list of essentials Paul listed in verses 4-6: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of All. Two thousand years later, those are the same essentials binding all true believers in unity today. But, how are we doing in our churches really?

Often, the things that cause division in our churches sound like “good” things. Church people have disagreements about political positions, missions giving, childcare programs, and worship music. Do any of these areas hit your heart as a sore spot? Have you found yourself advocating for a lack of unity by taking sides on non-essentials?

These verses should lead us to pray for one another, encourage one another, and respect one another in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The speech among brothers and sisters in Christ should be radically different from what we hear and see reflected in culture around us because of our devotion to unity for the sake of our calling to the Body of Christ.

Instead of battle lines drawn with opponents, we have a body of fellowship (“koinonia”) with hope and faith to bring glory to Him.

Tags :
compassion,family,kindness,mercy,unity
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Philemon Day 11
Journey Study

We cannot claim to be walking with Christ if we are walking apart from each other.

As painful the offence or attitude of our offender may be, we must make deliberate effort to forgive, and pursue reconciliation. Knowing offences can be painful and humiliating, Paul says, “[Bear] with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace[.]” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Feb 13 - Mar 3, 2023 - Journey Theme #114

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Comfort, Community, Humility, Mercy Tagged: compassion, family, kindness, mercy, unity

Philemon Day 6 For The Love

February 20, 2023 by Malinda Fugate Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 6 For The Love

Malinda Fugate

February 20, 2023

Called,church,Comfort,Equipped,Family

Read His Words Before Ours!

Proverbs 17:17
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
1 John 3:16-18
1 John 4:7-21
Philippians 2:1-4

“For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.” (Philemon 8-10)

Few words hold as much meaning as “therefore.” It’s our cue to pay attention to something previously communicated. 

In this case, Paul, an apostle and preacher of Jesus, was encouraging Philemon in his ministry and praying for “effective faith.” (verses 4-7) Philemon, Paul’s “dear friend and coworker,” knew Christ personally, had surrendered to His work through the Holy Spirit for the glory of God, and had a deep, genuine love for others. (Philemon 4-7) As a result, he refreshed the hearts of believers.

Philemon’s richly authentic love was the very thing Paul hoped would move Philemon to hear his earnest request regarding Onesimus, Philemon’s former slave.

Paul knew that the more Philemon leaned in to knowing Jesus and being anchored in Christ’s love, the more effective his faith would become. Authentic love that mirrors Christ’s results in a life of humble, gentle kindness, which is exactly what Paul knew Philemon would need in order to love, and forgive, Onesimus.

A few months ago, I recruited a couple of friends for a day of sharing this type of Jesus-like kindness. Before long, however, my focus shifted from “gentle kindness” to “achieving a goal” as I diligently researched needs, collected donations, and organized schedules. From beach cleanup to taking blankets to the animal shelter, I was determined to do good in our community. After all, wasn’t that what I should do? All the while, Scripture gently beckoned, “And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3)

On Kindness Day, we stopped at the local coffee shop. A young couple walked in the door, and I offered them a gift card for breakfast. At that moment, the Holy Spirit nudged me, and I truly saw them as beloved children of God. Suddenly, as I responded to the Spirit’s transforming work in my heart, the project ceased being a loveless “should” and began to be led by the Lord’s compassion.

The Spirit’s stirring that day was woven by Scripture’s truth, “Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Paul knew Philemon’s motivation mattered. Philemon must sincerely love Onesimus as Paul did, and more importantly, as God did. Otherwise, the relationship would’ve been strained and Onesimus would not have known true freedom. It was crucial that, just as Philemon cared for other believers, he also embraced his former slave with love rooted in Christ.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:7-9)

I never saw the coffee shop couple again, but I spent the rest of the day with my two friends, traveling around town and sharing God’s compassion from a place of genuine love instead of a list of goals to accomplish. We were united in a cause of love, joined together by the Holy Spirit. We encouraged one another with Christ’s joyful love, and the Spirit refreshed our hearts as our faith responded to Him. Instead of being weighed down by life, we were uplifted, enabling us to care for others. What I experienced that day reflected the truth Paul wrote in Philippians 2:1-2.

“If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” 

When we are fueled by Christ’s love,
unity happens.

People with vast differences truly can come together in Christ. When we love as He loves, we find peace and equality. It’s this love that could enable Philemon, a wealthy man and church leader, to love his former slave like a brother.

At this time, Paul was suffering as a prisoner for preaching the gospel. Still, Paul demonstrated Christ-like love by caring for Onesimus, and prompting Philemon to do the same. Instead of focusing on his own freedom, Paul championed for another. He had come to love Onesimus like a son, which bound Paul and Philemon together as they lived out the love of Jesus in unity.

“Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

Love was the bottom line of Paul’s letter. It united Philemon, Paul, and Onesimus in the fellowship of Christ and it calls us to unity as well. When we are motivated by divine compassion, lives are transformed.
It’s a matter of the heart as we live for the Love of Christ.

Tags :
genuine,kindness,love,sincere,spirit
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Philemon Day 7
Digging Deeper

The Christian faith is not just about individuals living out their faith as it is about individuals living out their faith in community. Our effective faith is put into action when we bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and when we love as Christ loved. (1 John 4:17-21). Paul is calling on Philemon to act in faith and love his brother in action.
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Feb 13 - Mar 3, 2023 - Journey Theme #114

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Called, church, Comfort, Equipped, Family Tagged: genuine, kindness, love, sincere, spirit

Philemon Day 5 For Glory: Digging Deeper

February 17, 2023 by Shannon Vicker Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 5 For Glory: Digging Deeper

Shannon Vicker

February 17, 2023

Digging Deeper,Encourage,Faith,Family

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

This DD Connects With "For Glory"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:6-7

6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. 7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who is the one praying in these verses and who is he praying for? (verse 6)

Backing up to the beginning of this letter, verse 1 leaves no possibility to mistake the author’s identity as the apostle Paul. Along with Timothy, his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), Paul is writing from prison to fellow Christ-followers, Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus along with the believers meeting in their home. (verse 2)

Philemon is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament outside of this epistle. However, we know he was a believer and can assume he knew Paul based upon his greeting in the epistle. While Paul mentions two others by name and the house church, Philemon is the main audience of Paul’s words.

We also know these words were not meant to stay solely with Philemon, but to be shared with the believers in the house church. The principles of Paul’s message went beyond one person to the larger church body in Colossae. (Colossians 4:9, 17) 

The Everyday Application

1) Who is the one praying in these verses and who is he praying for? (verse 6)

While Paul wrote these words primarily to Philemon, he never intended his epistle to stop there. In his greeting, Paul intentionally included those who regularly gathered in the house church to make clear he intended his message to be heard and received by them as well.

As believers today, centuries removed from Paul’s first intended audience, we can be assured his message applies to us as well. Letters from apostles were carried from city to city to encourage, teach, train, and rebuke the global church as a whole. We are simply part of the still-growing Body of Believers known as Church, albeit two thousand years later.

Because all of Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), and God timelessly never changes (Malachi 3:6), neither does His message. (Psalm 33:11) We must always approach Scripture with ears ready to hear and hearts humbly ready to accept the word of the Lord He desires to plant within us. (James 1:21-22)

Paul’s words, timely and relevant for Philemon and the church in Colossae, are equally timely and relevant for us; let’s read it that way!

The Original Intent

2) Why does Paul pray for Philemon? (verse 6)

Prayer and Paul are commonly seen together in his letters, in fact, Paul frequently began his letters by praying for those he was addressing. (Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:3)

Although the idea of praying for the recipients of his letter is not unique to this particular letter, the specificities of this prayer are unique. Praying for fellow believers in other churches was something Paul did regularly in the course of his everyday life.

To Paul, prayer was like breathing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and as he did, it was often filled with intercessory prayers for fellow believers like this one for Philemon and believers living alongside him. In this letter, Paul prays specifically that Philemon’s “participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.” (verse 6)

This idea of putting faith into action and becoming effective for kingdom work is something Paul knows Philemon will need if he is to follow through with the appeal Paul will make in the rest of his letter.

Following Christ is hard, it costs our pride, and Paul knows that for Philemon to continue to be effective for sharing the gospel in real life his “participation in the faith” and “knowing every good thing” about Christ through His Word will be essential. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Paul pray for Philemon? (verse 6)

This repetition of praying for other believers is a lesson every believer can grow more consistent and deeper in, regardless of how long we have been following Jesus. Not only did Paul privately go before the Lord on behalf of other believers, but he often wrote out those prayers as a testimony and encouragement to those for whom he prayed. (Colossians 1:9-10)

Paul prays for Philemon to be effective in his faith and to have knowledge of the goodness the Lord Jesus’s glory was bringing about in Paul and Timothy. Paul does not shy away from sharing his prayers, which sets an example for every Christ-follower’s prayer life!

First, we are called to pray for others; it’s expected for every believer to be praying for other brothers and sisters.

Second, there is something sacred in sharing those prayers with those for whom you’ve prayed. Sometimes we will blithely say “I’ll pray for you”, but never follow through. Neither must we be guilty of the opposite, praying for someone and never encouraging them by letting them know of your prayers on their behalf. It’s certainly not required to share every prayer you pray, but we should follow the Spirit’s lead to share our prayers when He prompts us. Together, let’s be obedient to bless and comfort others through our written-out or spoken-aloud prayers over others. There is a blessing in reading the words of another believer lifted up for you in prayer.

Third, we are to pray specifically. Know the needs for the ones you pray, and pray using that understanding as you carry them to the Lord in prayer. Let’s begin following Paul’s example of how to pray!

The Original Intent

3) How have the hearts of the saints been refreshed? (verse 7)

The refreshment Paul speaks of directly connects his thought to the words at the beginning of verse 7 regarding “joy and encouragement from your (Philemon’s) love”. Expositor’s Bible Commentary defines this love as “The “love” which gives Paul such “great joy and consolation” is not love directed to himself, but to others; and the reason why it gladdened the Apostle was because it had “refreshed the hearts” of sorrowful and needy saints in Colossae.”

Philemon has refreshed and encouraged others in the love he has shown and it was exactly what the believers needed. In turn, this genuine love encouraged Paul’s heart as well. So we find this truth at work in the spiritual realm, the more we pour out the love of Christ, the more His Spirit encourages and brings joy to His people!

The Everyday Application

3) How have the hearts of the saints been refreshed? (verse 7)

Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “No man can ever tell how far the blessing of his trivial acts of kindness, or other pieces of Christian conduct, may travel. They may benefit one in material fashion, but the fragrance may reach many others. Philemon little dreamed that his small charity to some suffering brother in Colossae would find its way across the sea and bring a waft of coolness and refreshing into the hot prison house.” 

As I pondered this quote, it led me to dwell on acts of kindness bestowed on me. They have been a refreshing blessing to me, but many times they prod me to share even more kindly and generously to others. When I share with others how someone’s kindness affected me, they are also stirred up to live with kind generosity. The rippling effects of kind love cannot be calculated!

Philemon refreshed the saints through his acts of kindness, which should encourage all who claim to love Jesus to follow Philemon’s example. We never know when a simple act of kindness will refresh those who were directly impacted as well as those who have witnessed the kindness. There is something refreshing in being reminded kindness still exists in our broken world and it goes a long way in lifting the hearts of those who experience it.

Together, let’s find simple ways to express the simple gift of kindness to those around us. 

Tags :
church,generosity,kindness,love,prayer
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Philemon Day 10 Journey Study

As we practice tuning the ears of our hearts to know His voice through His Word, we will be drawn deeper into worship, which naturally leads to a life fully surrendered to the Love of Christ. Working like an ever-deepening spiral, the more we know Him, the more we will worshipfully surrender, the more our faith grows, and by the Spirit’s work, our effectiveness for the Lord increases exponentially.

This surrendered life resulting in effective faith, deeply refreshes the hearts of our “fellow ones”, brothers and sisters in Jesus. Joy floods and encouragement abounds from this rich well of surrendered following of the Lord Jesus.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Feb 13 - Mar 3, 2023 - Journey Theme #114

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Digging Deeper, Encourage, Faith, Family Tagged: church, generosity, kindness, love, prayer

Pause VI Day 5 Family Life

January 6, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Pause VI Day 5 Family Life

Melodye Reeves

January 6, 2023

Comfort,Family,Joy,Love

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 2:1-4

1 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,  2 make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

Read More Of His Words

In addition to walking through suffering with a joyful, hopeful attitude, the Philippians needed to walk as a family in unity and steadfastness.

Have you heard someone say, “If you care about me at all, then …”? This way of requesting something assumes there is already affection in place. What we are really saying is “since you care about me, you’ll at least do this.”
Paul presumed the Philippians had a desire to care well for each other. Based on his belief about them, he introduces four aspects of family life to motivate their affection toward one another.

“If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy…” (Philippians 2:1)

Since these are facets of salvation, it is through valuing them in our everyday lives that we will naturally be drawn to live in unity with fellow believers and love them in Christ. When we fully recognize how much Christ has done for us and understand the depth of His love, our pride and selfishness shrink away. Those who bask in the love of Christ aren’t consumed with position or recognition. We are willing to take a humble place and serve others, motivated by God’s love and grace. (1 Peter 4:8-10)

Learning to be others-focused, not self-focused, is a long, growing process as we surrender to the Spirit’s work in us as we study truth from Scripture. When we are communally intent on one purpose, we move ahead as partners and teammates toward a goal. If we’re choosing to put others first, we won’t have space to be proud or seek power. It’s hard to be self-important when we’re genuinely considering others as more important.

Do you remember the beginning of Paul’s letter?
He expressed his reason for his deep gratitude for them.

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (…) indeed it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace (…)”    (Philippians 1:3-7)

As you read his words today, gauge your willing partnership with other believers in Christ. What is currently shaping your attitude toward them? Is there anyone specific the Lord is bringing to mind? Pray over them and that relationship! What is your general and specific posture toward those in the family of God?

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Read through Philippians 2:1-4 out loud today twice. Slowly. Linger over that verse (or verses) that stick out to you, slowing and listening as God’s Spirit speaks to your heart! Choose 1 or 2 to write out on notecards and post them around your house – then post a picture of your reminder cards on Instagram or on our Facebook Community Page. Add it to your memory verses from this week.

2) We are so excited to share our Spotify playlist for Pause VI Week One! We created it as we prayed over *you*. Put this playlist on repeat this weekend and be reminded of the rich truths God has shown you this week in Pause 6!

3) Continue to memorize Philippians 1:20-21. If you can, add your additional verse(s) from today.

Tags :
family,kindness,love,mercy
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Pause VI
Day 4

Living as Christ meant Paul’s life was centered on Christ. Even when he recognized his own weakness and humanity, Paul turned to Christ’s perfection and salvation. (Romans 7:18-25) Even in prison, Paul drank deeply from the well of Christ’s love. He did not view his suffering as a liability, Paul realized it was a gift of grace. His suffering indicated he was becoming more and more like Christ.
Join The Journey!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
Jan 2 - Jan 20, 2023 - Journey Theme #112

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Comfort, Family, Joy, Love Tagged: family, kindness, love, mercy

Whole Day 11 Whole Story Messengers

July 4, 2022 by Guest Writer Leave a Comment

Whole Day 11 Whole Story Messengers

Guest Writer

July 4, 2022

Forgiven,God,Grace,Hope,Jesus,Love,Obedience

Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Matthew 18:21-35
Mark 2:1-12
Micah 7:18-19

It was a warm, sunny day in Mali, West Africa. 

I’d jumped at the chance to lead a missions work team to the local artisan market to shop for souvenirs before their departure. 

We headed to one of my favorite sections with wooden carvings and other cultural gems. I was immediately greeted in French by a shopkeeper. When my team decided on their purchases, the shopkeeper quoted a ridiculous tourist price, his response curt and full of animosity. He made it known, in no uncertain terms, that he would never sell anything to the French, who had taken advantage of his country, for a fair price. 

I was taken aback. He’d clearly assumed my nationality based on hurts from his past and the color of my skin. So, I switched from French to his heart language of Bambara. 

“Sir, I think you have it wrong. I am not French. I am American and have lived here for 18 years. My parents & grandparents have lived in your country for many years as well. We love your people and your country. I am sorry for how the French treated your people. It was not right.” 

Surprised, his demeanor and tone began to soften. I reassured him we shared a common hope for his people, and we were supporting his community through building schools, medical clinics, and literacy programs. After discussing the beautiful people in his country, which I considered home, we agreed on a fair price and off we went with our carved wooden treasures. 

As I look back on that moment, I am reminded that reconciliation isn’t just a one-time event that is wrapped up in a tidy bow. The continuum of reconciliation is ongoing. It requires us to understand the past and properly assess the situation in front of us. This step of obedience will lay a foundation of empathy and trust, paving the way for us to make connections with the messiness of this world. 

Our message is full of hope because of Jesus, and our world needs all the hope it can get. Reconciliation requires us to find a commonality with the person next to us and use that as a connection point before we launch into the heart of the matter. 

Just as with my shopkeeper friend, it can often involve some uncomfortable moments where emotions run high. I wasn’t able to fix the hurt in his heart from the French people, but I was able to remind him there are people who DO care and want to help. For all of us, this conversation can serve as a helpful reminder that jumping to conclusions can lead to judgment. Instead of judgment, reconciliation involves communication and asking questions.  

Why do we engage in this messy work of reconciliation?

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 urges,
“Everything is from God, who has reconciled Himself to us through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’ He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 

Because the blood of Jesus has reconciled our separation from God and secured a right relationship for us with the Father, we are now tasked with sharing this message with the world. 

Notice Scripture doesn’t say, “If you want, you can be part of the ministry of reconciliation.” 
No, Scripture states, “He gave us this ministry.” 
God’s commission implies action on our part. (Matthew 18:21-35)

If we truly want to embrace the way of Jesus,
then we are called to step into the lifelong work of reconciliation. 

Often, we think of reconciliation as a single, turning-point moment, and while it can certainly be that, I’d challenge us to see small opportunities to pursue reconciliation in everyday situations. They are like stepping stones, leading people to know Jesus and the forgiveness and hope He offers. (Mark 2:1-12) Each stepping stone is key in building trust as we encounter the world. 

When we love people who are different from us, we are offering them the chance to be seen by a God who loves them. 

When we offer our kindness in the grocery store to a Muslim woman who is wearing her hijab and speaking another language, we are reflecting the kindness and grace Jesus has shown us. 

When we build a friendship with our coworker and demonstrate that we can listen without jumping to a rash conclusion, we model the way Jesus listened and truly cared. 

These seemingly mundane moments walk people closer to reconciliation with a God who loves them and desperately wants them to know Him.  

Questions for reflection…*What assumptions have you made about people? How might you stop yourself from making those same assumptions in the future?

*How can you engage with someone who is different from you, to show them you are listening? 

*How can you reflect the message of hope in the messy parts of your day? 

 

Tags :
Communication,embrace,heart,kindness,Messenger,questions,reconciliation,story,whole
Share This :

Recent Journeys

Steadfast Day 3 Not In Vain
March 29, 2023
Steadfast Day 2 Of Epic Importance: Digging Deeper
March 28, 2023
Steadfast Day 1 Of Epic Importance
March 27, 2023

Whole Day 12
Digging Deeper

Undoubtedly, we’ve all experienced hurt from others in life. Some hurts are small while others are so painful we would be well-served to navigate them with Christian counseling. When preparing to live overseas as missionaries, it’s often said the hardest people to love are those within God’s church. Hmmm, say that again?! The church is supposed to be the safest, easiest place to love others!
Dig Deeper!

Can We Pray With You?

Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!

  • prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
This Week's Lock Screen
Explore This Journey Theme!
June 20 - July 8, 2022 - Journey Theme #109

Join a GT POD!

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!

  • gtpods@gracefullytruthful.com
Join the GT Facebook Community!
Free Registration!
Share Your Story!
Posted in: Forgiven, God, Grace, Hope, Jesus, Love, Obedience Tagged: Communication, embrace, heart, kindness, Messenger, questions, reconciliation, story, whole

Worship X Day 11 From Eternity To Eternity

May 23, 2022 by Sara Cissell 1 Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 103
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
Deuteronomy 8:11-20
Psalm 25:8-11
Isaiah 40:28-31

Worship X, Day 11

Day 1
As I sit to write today’s Journey Study, physical and emotional tiredness are my companions. Thankfully, tomorrow is a new day and His mercies are new every morning.

“[Your mercies] are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:23)
His promise allows me to let the events of the day drain away while focusing on the truth found in His Word.

The truth in Psalm 103 is a solid reminder while my body is ready for rest and a new day, His mercies for today are still active.

“My soul, bless the LORD,
and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
My soul, bless the LORD,
and do not forget all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:1-2)
Tiredness begins to melt away as my focus shifts from myself to the truth of the Lord. The tension in my shoulders eases as I ponder His benefits.

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.” (Psalm 103:8)
Thank You, Lord, for Your compassion, grace, and slowness to anger. I am so undeserving of those, especially today when I failed to extend the same to my husband. Please forgive me.

“He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve
or repaid us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10)
Thank You for Your forgiveness, for not repaying me according to what I deserve.

“He satisfies you with good things;
Your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:5)
Thank You for renewing my youth and my strength, so I can “run and not become weary [. . .] walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31) when I wait on You. This, too, is one of Your mercies for today. Help me wait on You and experience Your energizing presence.

Lord, You have poured out so many benefits, yet how often do we fail to thank You for all the ways You demonstrate Your love towards us?

I’m not sure I actually want to answer that question.
But I can choose to make tomorrow and each subsequent day different.

Day 2
I set alarms today on my phone. Four of them.
When they sounded throughout my day, I intended to pause and focus on the Lord and the truth of Psalm 103.

When the first alarm rang, I remembered my conviction, paused to say a quick thank You for my current blessings, and continued on with my day.

A short while later I snapped at my husband in conversation and the words of Psalm 103:2 wafted through my mind, “do not forget all His benefits.”

Ugh. My fleshly heart rebelled at the gentle conviction of the Lord through His Word.

My study of this verse revealed connections to Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 6:12 reminded the Israelites, in the midst of their materiel bounty,
“[B]e careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.”

Two chapters later, Deuteronomy 8:11 reiterates,
“Be careful that you don’t forget the LORD your God by failing to keep his commands, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today.”

Understanding began to dawn. I’d said thank you to the Lord for His benefits to me with the first alarm, but quickly forgot Him by failing to follow His commands to show His mercies to others.

With the next alarm, my heart posture stretched a bit deeper.

Thank You, God, for forgiving me. Please help me to demonstrate my love for my husband and respect him with my words and tone.

This encounter with the Lord didn’t fade into the background of my day. Much like the eased tension of the previous night, my emotional and physical reactions softened. I sensed the Holy Spirit within me, helping me as I surrendered more fully to Him.

The third alarm was set for late afternoon. Reflecting on the impactful second alarm, I felt anticipation growing. What would You speak to me during this moment of encounter, Lord?

As I waited for late afternoon to arrive, the words of Psalm 103:17 lovingly wrapped themselves around my heart.
“But from eternity to eternity
The LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him[.]”

Psalm 25:10 echoes,
“All the LORD’s ways show faithful love and truth
To those who keep his covenant and decrees.”
He is faithful to us now, and promises His faithfulness will extend to eternity.

This brought such hope to my heart; no matter the circumstances awaiting us in this lifetime,
if we seek the Lord, He will faithfully walk with us.

We can thank Him for the hard times with confidence.
We can rejoice in today.
We can praise Him for all of His benefits.

In the Lord’s divine multiplication, when we praise Him
from the depths of who we are
for who He is, He is honored and we are helped.
He is worthy of worship now and for eternity!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 X 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 Worship X!

Posted in: Adoration, Adoring, Anxious, Believe, Faith, Faithfulness, Grace, Mercy, Redeemed, Worship Tagged: adoration, Bless, kindness, Lord, mercy, praise, soul

Wilderness Day 11 Lost, Alone, Forgotten

March 21, 2022 by Amy Krigbaum Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 37:1-11
Genesis 39:21-23
Genesis 50:21-23
Psalm 94:17-19
Matthew 28:16-20

Wilderness, Day 11

Lost, alone, and forgotten.
Discouraged, hurt, and betrayed.
We all experience these along our journeys.

These feelings were all too familiar to another wilderness wanderer, Joseph. Great-grandson of the Hebrew patriarch, Abraham, Joseph was one of 12 sons. More specifically, Joseph was his father’s favorite son, a fact which did little to endear him to his brothers.

Joseph was further divided against his brothers by his special gift of dreams.
Dreams centering on his older brothers, and even parents, serving him. (Genesis 37:1-11) Dreams he enthusiastically shared with his family, without forethought, wisdom, or humility. You see, Joseph wasn’t perfect. Today, we would call him immature or even a brat. Finally, the family dysfunction reached a point where, embittered with hatred against Joseph, his brothers sold him as a slave. (Genesis 37:12-36)

Purchased by a rich Egyptian, Joseph was betrayed, alone, and forgotten. I’m sure Joseph wondered, “Why?” Why the dreams? Why the hatred? Why the pain? Similarly, when we are in our own wilderness, we may ask God, “Why?”

Sometimes, there may be an obvious answer, and we can use that understanding to help us learn, or navigate our way through the trial.

Other times, however, our “why”s are met with silence.
Wrestling with the unknown becomes a part of our wilderness story.

For Joseph, no clear answer was forthcoming.
Yet he continued to cling to God.

In Egypt, “The Lord was with Joseph [. . . and] Joseph found favor with his master.” (Genesis 39:2-4) Unfortunately, this same master would ultimately imprison Joseph for a crime he didn’t commit. (Genesis 39:3-20)

Even in prison, “the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor with the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21), and soon, all prisoners were under Joseph’s authority. Still, this wasn’t enough to earn his release; he was trapped, with no way out.

Ironically, the same supernatural gift that first thrust Joseph into the wilderness would be the means of his freedom. While in prison, a series of God-empowered dream interpretations took Joseph from the lowest position in Egypt to second-in-command. (Genesis 40, 41) In his new role, Joseph was tasked with storing enough crops to feed the entire country during a subsequent famine. (Genesis 41:46-57)

The famine was the final step in the fulfillment of Joseph’s boyhood dreams, as his brothers found themselves bowing before him with requests for food to sustain their families. (Genesis 42:5-6)

In this moment, possessing all the power to exact revenge and presented with the perfect opportunity to wield it, we see the work of wilderness time in Joseph’s heart.

He extended forgiveness to his family.

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result–the salvation of many people. Therefore, don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.’ And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19-21)

At last, Joseph understood the answer to all the “why”s.

Why the dreams?
Why the slavery?
Why the prison?
So Joseph would be in the right place, at the appointed time. God crafted every step to position Joseph in Egypt, at the palace, before the famine, to save many lives.

The nice thing about Joseph’s story is we already know the ending. But, when Joseph was bound to other slaves, stumbling through desert sands on the way to Egypt, he didn’t understand what was happening, or why. He was deep in the wilderness of the unknown.

Our future is unknown to us. We will have wilderness seasons like Joseph. We may not be sold into slavery or tossed in prison, but we will feel lost, alone, and forgotten.
Yet Joseph’s story reminds us God has not forgotten us.

Psalm 94:17-19 declares God’s love is unfailing and He brings us joy. Our circumstances do not define us. We are God’s, and He has not left us alone.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus concludes the Great Commission by promising, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” We may feel left alone in this world by those around us, but the Lord is always with us.

We are not lost; He is leading us.
We are not alone; He is with us.
We are not forgotten; He is working in us and through us.

Wilderness Wanderer, though we may not understand all the “why”s right now, we can hear Joseph’s heart echo across the generations . . . cling to faith . . . find joy . . . embrace hope . . . for God is with us, and He is working out His plan. Even in the wilderness.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

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 Wilderness 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 Wilderness!

Posted in: Dream, God, Hope, Journey, Joy Tagged: alone, Cling, discouraged, forgotten, heart, hurt, kindness, lost, Why, wilderness
1 2 3 4 Next »

Gracefully Truthful Ministries

© 2022 Gracefully Truthful Ministries, All Rights Reserved, 501(c)3 certified

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14