kingdom

Sketched VIII Day 12 Giver Of Sight: 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 Giver Of Sight!

The Questions

1) Why did Jesus lead the blind man away from the village for his healing? (verse 23)

2) Why did the man’s healing come in phases?

3) Why did Jesus warn the man to not even enter the village after his healing? (verse 26)

Mark 8:22-26

22 They came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and brought him out of the village. Spitting on his eyes and laying his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people—they look like trees walking.”

25 Again Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes. The man looked intently and his sight was restored and he saw everything clearly. 26 Then he sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”

Original Intent

1) Why did Jesus lead the blind man away from the village for his healing? (verse 23)
If we rewind two chapters back to Mark 6 we see Jesus sending the disciples out in pairs to preach and heal. Jesus gave His followers power over demons, the ability to heal the sick, and the instruction to call the Israelites to repentance, all for the sake of spreading the kingdom of God. Jesus also included a warning that if any place would not receive, or listen to the message, then the disciples were to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against that place. (Mark 6:7-11) In Matthew 11:16-24, Jesus curses the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their consistent rejection of truth and persistent unbelief. “Then He began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done because they did not repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:20-21) As a result of their spiritual blindness and hearts dull of hearing truth, the village of Bethsaida was no longer allowed to experience the fullness of God. They had firmly chosen unrepentance as their stance towards God. Could this have been the reason the blind man’s friends begged Jesus to touch him? Even in the midst of judgment, God still had mercy and led the blind man out of the village to restore his sight.

2) Why did the man’s healing come in phases?
The first stage of the blind man’s healing took place when Jesus physically removed him from the village of unbelief (Bethsaida). The second part took place when Jesus did an unexpected thing. “When He had spit on his eyes and laid His hands on him, He asked him, ‘do you see anything?’” (Mark 8:23) The physical blindness of the man was much like the spiritual blindness of the disciples. Although they were witnesses, and took part in the miracles of Jesus, there was still a veil covering their spiritual eyes. They could not comprehend the full scope of who Jesus really was, and is, as God. After spitting and laying hands on the man, the blind man responded that he could only see partially. His condition mirrored the disciples’ partial spiritual blindness. In fact, earlier in the chapter, Jesus had just fed the 4,000 and warned the disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees. The disciples thought He was talking about physical bread, and frustrated, Jesus responded, “Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?” (Mark 8:17-18) Often, spiritual understanding is the cure for spiritual blindness. (Mark 8:21) As the man’s blindness began to lift, Jesus completed the healing by laying hands on him one more time. “His sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” In fact, after this healing, Peter’s spiritual sight was made new, and he finally saw Jesus clearly for who He was as the Son of the Living God. (Mark 8:29)

3) Why did Jesus warn the man to not even enter the village after his healing? (verse 26)
Paul posed an interesting question in Romans 6:1-2, “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Once Jesus called the blind man out of the place of sin and unbelief, there is no going back to the place of blindness. Once the blind man’s sight had been restored, Jesus set him on a new path of renewal. There were instances where Jesus warned people to go and sin no more like the woman caught in the act of adultery John 8:3-11 or the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda John 5:1-16. In the case of the blind man, the wrath of God was resting on the village of Bethsaida due to the corporate sin of unbelief. Unbelief is an affront to God’s character because the premise is that God is a liar, He will not perform according to His word. God has declared that if anyone is to approach His throne, that person must first acknowledge that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. “For without faith it is impossible to please God” and, “for the just shall live by faith.” (Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 10:38)

Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus lead the blind man away from the village for his healing? (verse 23)
The book of Mark is full of references to Jesus wandering desolate places to be alone and to receive refreshing from His Father. In many ways, God will take us on paths that lead us away from our villages. Sometimes, our “villages” where we spend our most time are places where faith dies, where we are pulled away from the Lord because the voice of the “crowd culture” is so deafening. In order to do a new thing, and usher in times of refreshing, the Lord will lead us down lonely and isolating paths away from the crowds, just as He did with the blind man in Mark’s narrative. In Exodus, when Yahweh led the Israelites into the wilderness and met them on the mountain, He initially wanted to converse with the entire congregation at one time. Unfortunately, the crowd was frightened and asked Moses to be their representative instead. So, Moses and God conversed on the mountaintop for 40 days. “The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:21) Sometimes the clearest place to find God is in the midst of thick darkness. When life is chaotic and uncertain, solitude is the surest place to find God. To know Him, and the fellowship of His sufferings, requires an intimacy that cannot be found in peace and security wrapped around material things or even other relationships. Instead, God’s peace is found when you leave what you have known to follow Him. “He who dwells in the SECRET place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1) The place of intimate healing is often found in the desolate corners of life.

2) Why did the man’s healing come in phases?
Paul said that “we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10) Until we come to the point of perfect understanding in Heaven, some things remain a mystery. I suppose that not being able to see everything clearly can be one of the most frustrating things about the faith walk. I’m sure the blind man was wondering why Jesus couldn’t just heal him on the spot in the village. I’m really sure the blind man was wondering why Jesus spit on his eye! At that point, I’m not sure I would have had the faith to see what Jesus would do next. There have been many times when I asked God to come through at a certain time and place and He didn’t. Often, God doesn’t move and act on our time, or in the way we imagine to be best. Sometimes, He takes the long route and gradually we discover His “why” as we keep walking forward and trusting Him. Like a child, the Lord teaches us heavenly precepts at the level where we are. “Who is he trying to teach? Who is he trying to instruct? Infants just weaned from milk? Babies removed from the breast? “Law after law, law after law, line after line, line after line, a little here, a little there.” (Isaiah 28:9-10) You’re not going to find your growth in the place of comfort! For many of us, these have been some of the most painful and uncertain times we have ever experienced. But in this midst of all that uncertainty, the Great God is preparing you for a better place. In this place, you will find your healing!

3) Why did Jesus warn the man to not even enter the village after his healing? (verse 26)
Have you ever left a toxic relationship before? It took a really long time for me to heal from the effects of a bad relationship, yet there is still the haunting question of what if I tried again? Your brain, and wise friends, tell you not to return because you will be worse off than you before. Sometimes people will return to what was comfortable and familiar, even if it will put them back into bondage. Even the Israelites wanted to go back to slavery because walking by faith in the desert with God required surrendering control. Lot’s family was warned to not return to sin-filled Sodom, yet Lot’s wife still looked back and was instantly punished for it. Sin will always beckon you to return like a siren’s song. Fear and doubt will tell you to continue doing what were familiar with, even if it disobeys God. At some point, we all have to choose not to go back to our personal “Egypts” and “Bethsaidas”. Instead, we can make the same choice as Paul, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:7-8)

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

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 Sketched VIII Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion!
Sign up to receive every GT Journey Study!

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Treasure Day 6 Beautiful Work

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1
Genesis 2:15-20
Proverbs 11:10
John 17:15-19
I Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Treasure, Day 6

As a 14 year-old, I was thrilled to start earning money. Bagging groceries never sounded so glorious! I quickly learned, however, just how hard I had to work to pay for the teen necessities of Gap jeans and outings with friends.

As I entered adulthood, I gained a deeper understanding of my work, beyond a monthly paycheck. I learned how God designed work to be a gift, both to the worker and the world.

Genesis 1 paints a beautiful example of God’s work in creation.  The image isn’t one of drudgery or complaint, but of beauty, energy, creativity, and calling the end result “good.” (Genesis 1:31) God enjoyed creating and working because He saw a greater purpose.

God established purpose in work for humanity, as well. In Genesis 1:28, God gives authority over the earth to Adam, commanding him to “subdue it”. Adam’s dominion wasn’t a reckless use of the earth’s resources for selfish gain, but rather a rule of careful stewardship.  

Genesis 2:15 reiterates, “The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.” 

It’s critical to recognize these mandates were given to Adam before sin entered the world. Work was not a problem, nor was it punishment. In the perfection of Eden, the work we were created to do was a gift and privilege.

God wove holy work into our design as an act of love toward humanity. 

Then, Adam sinned. His choice brought toil, frustration, and pain to our work. What a heart-wrenching example of how sin breaks and mars a perfect gift. (Genesis 3:17-19)

But He didn’t leave us there.
Instead, He created a rescue plan, full of hope and grace, in Jesus.

He promises to faithfully complete His work within us (Romans 8:28) as He makes all things new. (Revelation 21:5) Therefore, our work can be done with excellence and faithfulness, even while we are not perfect.

But how?

Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that we have been made in the image of God. Much like a mirror reflects what is before it, we have been created to reflect the character of God before us.

Not to be God, but to reflect Him.

When God created, He did so with joy, creativity, purpose, and with the end result in mind. His work gives us an image of His glory. Likewise, God has established good works in advance for His followers to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Out of His love for us,
He has given us work as a gift and privilege,
to exercise the skills He’s given us,
all to display His greatness. (I Corinthians 10:31)

Every task we’re given is for the purpose of pointing to a Creator God who is full of joy, excellence, justice, integrity, grace, mercy, and beauty.  This is kingdom work.

We’re not just talking about missionaries, evangelists, and pastors.
No, the kingdom of God is much broader, bigger, and fuller than a few vocations.
While Jesus lived on the earth, especially before His public ministry, He worked an ordinary job. Learning carpentry from His earthly father enabled Him to earn a living in an honest, simple, ordinary way.

The Kingdom of God is anywhere where God rules. Jesus came to teach us about and to usher in the Kingdom of God. We can apply Jesus’ approach to kingdom work to our own efforts.

Does God rule our motivation and attitudes?
Does He rule the use of our time on the clock?
Do we have a long-term view of how our work will serve those around us?
Do we aim to reflect God’s character in our work day?
When our heart for the simple, ordinary work before us mirrors His own, we are doing kingdom work.

In John 17:11-19, Jesus reminds us we are not of the world; rather, He has sent us into the world. While our identity isn’t rooted in the world, we are here to serve, impact, and love the world through the tasks the Father gives us. He’s shared with each of us a slice of creation to steward well, for His glory.

The awesome impact of kingdom work is highlighted as Proverbs 11:10 declares,
“When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices;
when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.” 

When we are using the gifts and skills God designed for us, working with excellence to bring the most glory to God, we will flourish in a way that blesses and serves our co-workers, communities, families, cities, and beyond.

Whether we’re collecting garbage around the neighborhood or collecting plates off
of a restaurant table,
designing websites or church bulletins,
nursing the ill back to health or nursing a newborn baby in the night,
the foundation can be the same.

Let’s align ourselves with the kingdom of God, be faithful in our work, and purpose to bring glory and honor to the King.

It’s what we are created to do.

Author’s note: A few years ago, I wrote a song surrounding work and vocation in light of the Kingdom of God.  If you’d like to hear a modest recording of The Work of our Here and Now, head to the link here.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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

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

Kaleidoscope Day 2 Patient Father: 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 Patient Father!

The Questions

1) Who is the audience of this letter?

2) What is the promise referred to in these verses?

3) Why do these verses emphasize God’s delay?

2 Peter 3:8-12

8 Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness 12 as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming. Because of that day, the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat. 13 But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Original Intent

1) Who is the audience of this letter?
Unlike other letters written in the New Testament, Peter writes this letter to a broad audience of believers.  2 Peter 1:1 introduces the letter to “those who have received a faith” instead of to a specific church. There are many scholars who believe this letter was written to the churches in Asia Minor. These churches were undergoing both persecution and false teaching and Peter is writing to warn them. Peter wants to remind them to cling to their faith and the promises God has made. He wants them to stand firm and not waiver in the face of outside influence.

2) What is the promise referred to in these verses?
These verses center around a promise the audience is waiting to be fulfilled. The promise is seen in verses 12-13. It is the promise Jesus left His disciples with when He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Acts 1:10-11 promises that just as Jesus left, He will return. When He does, Revelation promises the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth where everything is as it was supposed to be. A coming redemption where there is freedom from sin and death for all who have placed their faith in Jesus and received the gift of salvation. The promise Peter speaks of is the fulfilled promise of the redemption for all creation!

3) Why do these verses emphasize God’s delay?
When Jesus ascended to Heaven and promised to return, He did not give a time frame for His return. He simply promised to return. Since Peter died during the reign of Nero, we know his death occurred before 68 A.D. This letter would have been written before then, but scholars assume it was towards the end of his life. This is important because it means it had been over 30 years since Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended. There were believers who lived during Jesus’ life and those born after Jesus’ time on earth. Yet, they are still waiting on the fulfillment of the promise made to them. These verses emphasize God has a timing and His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with mankind’s timing. Believers are being reminded God will not delay in fulfilling the promise made to them, even though it may have seemed like He has. They are also reminded God’s delay is intentional. He is providing an opportunity for others to accept Jesus and receive the gift of salvation before His return. Once Christ returns, the time for choosing His offered salvation will be over.

Everyday Application

1) Who is the audience of this letter?
The broad audience of this letter should remind us that, as believers, we too are included in these warnings and encouragement to hold tight to the faith. Just as the believers in the early church faced persecution and false teaching, believers today face it as well. We are not exempt from any of this. Peter writes to the early believers and warns them of false teachers and we too need to know there are false teachers and be prepared. We too need to cling tight to Scripture, to what we know is true, and to not be swayed when the false teachings arise. Even Jesus, in Matthew 7:15, warned there would be false teachers and they would come as wolves disguised in sheep’s clothing. The encouragement, however, is found in that when we know the fruit to look for, we know if it is truth being shared. We know this fruit when we spend time knowing Jesus and reading His Word.

2) What is the promise referred to in these verses?
The promise in these verses is the promise we are still waiting for the complete fulfillment of. As believers, we have assurance of what is yet to come. Revelation 21:3-4 promises a time when God will dwell with us, when there will be no more death, no more tears, and no more pain. What an incredible promise! When we place our faith in Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, this is the certain hope we look forward to. God doesn’t promise we will be free from pain, temptation, death, or persecution while on this earth, but He does promise there is something so much better coming, something we can only imagine! The promise the disciples and early followers of Jesus clung to is the same promise we cling to. The promised day is coming, we just don’t know when.

3) Why do these verses emphasize God’s delay?
Two thousand years after Christ’s ascension to Heaven and we are still waiting on the fulfillment of God’s promise. Patience is hard on the best of days, but when circumstances are tough and life doesn’t make sense, patience is even harder. Yet, just as the early believers are reminded God does not delay, so are we. God is faithful and His promise will see fulfillment, however, it will be in His perfect timing… not ours. That tension isn’t always easy to live in. These verses remind us, just as much as they did early believers, that God is providing an opportunity for lost people to receive the Good News and share in the promise made. We can cling tight to this promise knowing that in God’s perfect timing, Jesus will return and His Kingdom will reign forever!  It is a promise we can cling tight to on both good days and hard days, and it will never fail. Patience is hard, but as someone I know and love says, “God is never late, but He is always on time.” His delay is intentional and means our work of sharing the Good News is not complete. The delay will end in God’s ultimate and perfect timing!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Groom &His Bride!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

The GT Weekend ~ Anchored Week Two

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) To be pruned in a relationship with Jesus means we are growing deeper with Him! Colossians 2:6-7 has much for us in how we can grow deeper and remain anchored in truth. Write out these short verses on a notecard (or download the lockscreen!) and memorize them this weekend. Read the verse out loud to help you and write it out in different lettering on a journal page. As you meditate on it, what words is the Spirit pointing you towards specifically? Write those on your wrists to remind you of His truth and how He wants to anchor your heart in Him!

2) Have you ever considered your faith as means through which God equips you for your day-to-day life? Are you tempted to think of God, faith, or religion as an escape from the real world? Suppose God’s desire was to be your shelter in the middle of tumultuous circumstances. Suppose His Word was intended to equip you to extend His kingdom in the lives you come in contact with. How might your perspective shift on why you go to church or why you should read your Bible or why you are called to live authentically in biblical community? Write down specific ways you feel you are being stretched to grow deeper and extend the gospel further because of how God is equipping you!

3) Tawnya challenged us to reassess the foundational values behind phrases like, “you be you.” Write out some of your thoughts on this. What is attractive about these phrases? What assumptions does it make about the person and their core identity? In contrast, read through Colossians 3, writing out what our identity as believers is (not should be). Compare your thoughts on both of these and consider why one has a more secure foundational source than the other.

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Colossians 2:8-10 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Prayer Journal
Father, I know You came to set me free, but oh how often I am captivated by lesser loves. I throw myself at lies that look so appealing and I swallow them whole, looking for an antidote to my pain. But You died to set me free. You came to fill me, not partially but completely with Your flawless fullness. The glory of the godhead alive within me!

Remind me of the sweet satisfaction of submitting fully to Your rule and Your authority in the midst of my everyday. Have Your way, Lord Jesus, silencing the temptation to find shelter in any anchor but You.

Worship Through Community

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

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

The GT Weekend ~ Anchored Week One

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) When you think of the local church, do you see yourself as having a role in helping her grow healthy and strong? Why or why not? Don’t give quick answers. Consider what you say you believe and what your actions prove. Consider your words and how you view leadership in the church. Are you generally encouraging and looking for ways to strengthen the Body? Take time this weekend to write a note or two to a church leader the Spirit is leading you to encourage! Love the church well this week!

2) What feelings do you sense as you consider words like “community” “church” “transparency” “connection” “prayer” and “worship”? Exuberance? Warm feelings? Gratitude? Fear or pulling back? How we view God and our role in His Body, the Church, greatly impacts how we view those words and what we choose to associate with them. As you think through these, look for ways you can grow deeper in your understanding of God’s perspective, plan, and purpose for the Church to live together.

3) Tawnya tackled some big topics in yesterday’s Journey Study as she helped us unpack core truths of the Almighty God of the Bible. Right thinking about God and His character will lead to right living and a true gospel shining out in our lives from the mundane to the big-moment-highlights. Make a list of the top 10 things you know for sure about the God of the Bible. Don’t think too hard, just the first 10 that come to mind. Next make a list of things you also know about God that seem to contradict the first list. For example, how can God be both loving and jealous? Or how can he hold Justice and Grace perfectly? Don’t let your questions scare you away! The Lord isn’t afraid of them, He wants you to ask and explore Him in greater ways!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Colossians 1:5-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it and came to truly appreciate God’s grace.

Prayer Journal
Yes, Abba. Ah, gracious Lord God! How sweet and pleasing it is to gaze at this “Word of Truth”, Your gospel, Your hope given generously to humanity. Precious, Lord, it is precious! Remind me, again and again, every single day, hour by hour, of this life-giving gospel by which I am surrounded by abundant, unending grace. Remind me that the work is finished, my job is to submit to Your tender leading as Your Spirit whispers through Your Word.

Bear much fruit here, Father. See my relationships? My children? These ministries You’ve given me to steward well? Grow gospel fruit here, Lord. Teach me to surrender more and more of myself to You that Your Spirit may be free to grow and prune and multiply Kingdom growth here in the soil of my life. I praise you, Lord God, ruler of all, Creator of all!

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Pause 2 Day 6 The Sword & The Scalpel

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Pause 2, Day 6

The wound refused to heal.
The flesh surrounding the wound was hot, pink and tender.
The doctor’s brow furrowed as he poked around, speaking in low tones to the nurse, who scurried away. The wound was deeply infected, needing to be lanced, infection drained, cleansed and perhaps packed. The nurse returned with a cart bearing medical supplies in tidy rows,
the silver blade of the scalpel glinting in the light.

The doctor explained the procedure; the patient didn’t hear.
His eyes were fixed on the silver blade.
It was true the wound refused to heal, and intervention was needed, but the scalpel?
Yes, the scalpel.
If the wound was ever going to heal, the scalpel must be part of that plan.    

As the doctor lanced, drained and packed the wound to allow physical healing,
so the Spirit of God desires to pursue the healing of our souls.

To do this, He must remove the infectious sins impeding our spiritual healing.
Scripture describes His Word as a sharp, two-edged sword.
Swords lacerate, wound and even kill!
But in the hands of our Great Physician, the Sword of the Spirit is an instrument of healing. 

Due to our innate depravity, besetting sins are imbedded in the deep tissue of our souls like infectious bacteria. Allowed to remain, those sins multiply, leaving our souls riddled with festering infection and rendering the work of our hands ineffective for Kingdom growth.

With truth, our Great Physician cleanses our souls, leading us to repentance and the fullness of a redeemed life. He then packs our wounded souls with the healing balm of grace upon grace. 

“I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing” 
Psalm 101:2-3 

When my flesh cries out for gratification, Scripture’s truth speaks clearly.
As I welcome its healing, I feel the deep slice of the sword of truth and know my self-will must die if I am to be healed and whole. 

Without the sword of truth, our only option is to remain entangled in besetting sins,
observing the abundant life from a distance,
yet never truly partaking.

Without the sword, there can be no healing.
Therefore, I welcome the sword,
for by it I am healed and set free to run in pathways of the abundant life.
1 Peter is a book about solid hope.
It’s also about running fervently away from sin that chokes the lifeblood of our freedom in Christ,
and our effectiveness in building God’s Kingdom. 

Peter’s passion for Jesus and His redemption available to all is woven throughout his first, short letter.
As we continue to Pause this week, walk slowly through the words Peter wrote.
See his heart, hear his passion, run from the world’s enticements, and sink your feet deep into the solid rock of HOPE! 

Today's Invitation

1) Read 1 Peter 1 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today.

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I Peter 1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: 

To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. 

May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. 11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.  12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things. 

13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. 17 If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. 18 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 

22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, 23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For 

All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like a flower of the grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.  

And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause 2 Week Two!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause 2!

Screenshot Day 13 The Story Isn’t Over

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 13:24-30
Matthew 13:36-43
Job 1:6-12
Hebrews 4:15-16
John 16:25-33 

Screenshot, Day 13

I often hear my husband say, “Don’t put a period where God has put a comma.” 
Sometimes, I’m tempted to give up when I can’t see progress.

In ministry, it’s disheartening when someone who once followed Jesus wholeheartedly, has abandoned those ways, choosing to chase the world instead.
Especially after you’ve invested time and energy into that relationship.
I’ve been discouraged, questioning what I may have done wrong, or could have done better.  The following story of Jesus reminds me never to lose hope,
remembering that what I can see isn’t the whole story.  

Jesus tells the story of a farmer who sowed wheat in his field. In the night, an enemy came and contaminated the field with weeds.  As they both grew, it became apparent there were both weeds and wheat in the field so the servants asked the farmer if they should pull the weeds.  The farmer told them to let both grow together.
At harvest, the reapers would bind and burn the weeds, while storing the wheat safely in the barn. 

Unlike most parables, we get the benefit of Jesus’ interpretation of this one.
Since He took the time to give its meaning, we should listen closely!

“The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 
the field is the world; 
and the good seed – these are the children of the kingdom.  
The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.  
The harvest is the end of the age and the harvesters are angels.  
Therefore, just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom all who cause sin and those guilty of lawlessness.  They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom.  
Let anyone who has ears listen”
Matthew 13:36-43 

God is the one responsible for planting the seed. 
He alone is responsible for salvation and already knows the eternally fate of every person He created. Regardless of our desire to see the ones we love and serve begin a relationship with Jesus, we do not have the power to save them.
Only Jesus does.
Certainly, we have a responsibility to share the gospel and pray for them.
Remain faithfully obedient in that task, no matter how long it takes! 
But only Jesus has the power to save.  

Evil exists in this world.
God has allowed Satan certain liberties on earth for a time, and the Enemy has not wasted his opportunities to sow weeds of Death and Destruction.
In the book of Job, Satan, intent on stealing, killing and destroying (John 10:10), is busying himself with God and His people.  After a time of roaming the earth, Satan appears before the Lord, which makes it clear that he answers to God’s authority, not the other way around.
During their conversation, God asks if Satan has considered Job, to which Satan replies, “Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns?”
He concluded by saying that, without all the blessings from God, Job would not be a faithful follower.  God then gives Satan permission to do whatever he desires with Job’s possessions, but not to touch Job himself.  

Nothing can come into our lives that hasn’t passed through the loving thought of our Heavenly Father.
Weeds from the Enemy are abundant in this world, 
but we are not abandoned by our Heavenly Father!
While He does not cause evil, He does allow certain things to enter our lives to refine us, grow us, and ultimately bring Him glory. (Romans 8:28)

We also must remember our Savior is not immune to our suffering.
Hebrews 4:15, teaches that Jesus knows and understands our pain for He was tempted and tried in every way as we are.
Because He has experienced our suffering, He invites us to come boldly to Him in our need!  

I have a friend with a challenging parenting situation.
She and her husband have made some tough decisions concerning their child and much pain has been involved. It’s hard to understand why they’ve had to endure such difficult circumstances and I’m sure they’ve asked “why” many times.
Just as each of us have at various points in life as well. 

My friends both serve and love God, having purposed to parent according to godly principles.  And yet, for a season, their difficulties make it appear the enemy has prevailed.

But, as my friend continually reminds, “the story is not over”.
Her hope is not in what she sees right now,
but in the One who has full authority over what is allowed to enter our lives.
She views the pain of her present situation through the lens of God’s final authority and goodness, choosing to remain faithfully committed to Him, despite the weeds growing around her.  

Jesus concludes His parable by reminding us that in the end, God wins.
Evil will be bound and burned.
God’s children will “shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom”.
What a beautiful hope we have!

Yes, my friend, weeds will grow around you, 
but be reminded, “The Story Isn’t Over!” 

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
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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 Screenshot 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 Screenshot!

Screenshot Day 11 Hidden Talent

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 25:14-30
Romans 12:3-8
Ephesians 2:10 

Screenshot, Day 11

Growing up, I would read this parable (you know you’re supposed to read His words before mine! Get back up there and read ‘em!) and my stress level rose.
I was never one of those kids who wanted to have a lemonade stand, and I equated this parable with that concept. I always felt bad for the third person in the parable. They didn’t lose any money yet they were found wanting. (Though I agreed that a bank accruing interest was the wiser choice there!)

As I grew older, my understanding expanded beyond thinking this story was only for entrepreneurs in the Church Body. I saw how the parable incorporated literal funds and money management concepts reflecting one’s heart and priorities.
Where has money been spent? Where has money been invested?
What story does your money tell?
The parable challenged me to take what the Lord has given me and use it for His glory. This was far more about stewardship of my life than simply my finances.

But the real grit was yet to come…
This parable sprang to life in a deeper way for me when I revisited a memory from a missions trip several years ago. At the time, I found myself on the other side of the world where my cell phone wasn’t buzzing, my job wasn’t beckoning, and my ears to hear God’s voice were open. I remember the team sitting front and center at church, which was not my favorite place to be. I told the Lord I would much prefer sitting in the back where I was more comfortable.
Little did I know my complaint to Him would became the very conduit through which He conveyed a very real truth to me.
“You are hiding.”  

I didn’t hear it audibly, but my heart resonated with the statement. As I sat there pondering those three small words, a wave of humility and awareness washed over me. The Lord continued the conversation, emphasizing that He had made me for more than the back row. He did not force the issue or tell me a timeline, but He made it abundantly clear that the time would come when
I would need to choose between Him and hiding.  

As I read through the parable of the talents, this memory played vividly in my mind. I still remember the feel of the chair beneath me and the color of the stage backdrop. The emotions of that moment bubbled up inside all over again as I reflected.
The fear of realizing hiding was my comfort zone coupled with the thrill of having a purpose, and the hope of living a life that was more than my current existence, was beautifully overwhelming. 

As I remembered, the parable of the talents unfolded for me in an entirely new dimension.  

Gone were the days of the lemonade-stand-understanding.  

Gone were the thoughts about limiting its merit to finances, resources, and outcomes.  

Tears filled my eyes as my heart and mind comprehended the reality of where I was so many years ago.  

I was the buried talent.
And I was the one who had done the burying.

It has taken me some time to acknowledge the gifts the Lord has given me
and be willing to step out in them. 
I still struggle with fear, doubt, and indecision more than I care to admit.
Who am I to live this life?  

Yet, He reminds me, sometimes with the firmness of a coach and other times with the tenderness of a parent, who I am.
I am a “talent”, intended for use.
Intended for building His kingdom here and now! 

He has poured out gifts to each of us.
He has called us by name.
He has plans and purposes He desires to see us live out for His glory.
My time on this earth is not to survive and arrive at the finish line unscathed.
That would be the life of a buried talent.  

No, my purpose is to make Him known, and in the process, continually learn who I am in Him.
This adventure requires being seen and known by Him.
It requires courage and grace.
It requires more Jesus and less me.
It requires living this life with expectancy and intentionality of the next. 
What I do here impacts there.

What are the talents the Lord has given you? How are you stewarding them?
What would it look like today to invest those talents for His glory: sending an encouraging note to a friend, picking up the piece of trash on the ground, starting that blog, setting that boundary you’ve been avoiding, believing the Lord and what He says about you?

Regardless of what that looks like for you today, know it is not wasted time to serve Him and invest where He is investing. We may not see the rewards until heaven, but oh, my friend, what a glorious return they will have! 

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 Screenshot 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 Screenshot!