lavish love

Redeemed Day 14 Paid In Full: 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 Paid In Full!

The Questions

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)

Ruth 4

Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So, Boaz said, “Turn aside, friend; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So, they sat down. 3 Then he said to the redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. 4 So I thought I would tell you of it and say, ‘Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people.’ If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you.” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance.” 6 Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.”

7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel. 8 So when the redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself,” he drew off his sandal. 9 Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. 10 Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, I have bought to be my wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give you by this young woman.”

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron, 19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab, 20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon, 21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, 22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.

Original Intent

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)
Naomi and Ruth were in a bit of a predicament. They moved back to Naomi’s town, but with no money, and no place to live, as her deceased husband had sold their land before fleeing due to the famine, they were destitute. Naomi knew of a redeemer, some translations say, “kinsman redeemer”, which means a near relative who is in a position of stepping in to “redeem” her current situation. (Ruth 2:20) In the original language, the root word for redeemer is ‘ga al’, meaning “to redeem, or buy back”. The Lord had designed the role of kinsman redeemer as means of protecting a woman and her family, or sometimes giving provision for a slave. (Exodus 21:8) Outside of Ruth and Naomi’s story, there are several other instances of kinsman redeemers in the Old Testament. Job also knew he had a kinsmen redeemer, however, he wasn’t referring to a human redeemer to save him from his circumstances. Rather, by God’s all-knowing Spirit, Job pointed forward to a coming Messiah who would offer redemption for all peoples. (Job 19:25) The prophet Isaiah confirms Job’s words hundreds of years later in Isaiah 43:14, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel…”. Regardless of the reference in Scripture, the role of the redeemer always carries the idea of “buying back as a gift of grace”, meant to elevate the status of the one being redeemed.

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)
From reading Ruth’s story, it may seem like women had little worth and they truly were commodities for sale, which is largely true. The ancient eastern culture was patriarchal, meaning men held sole power and authority. Whether it was over a nation, a large city, the synagogue, or a home, the voice of a man was the only voice that mattered. Women were allotted the role of homemaking, and even more critically important, childbearing, especially bearing a son who would carry on the male lineage. The father selected a suitable husband for his daughter and, when it came to slaves, women were sold at a lower price. In Ruth’s case, the true prize in the near relative’s view, was foremost Elimelech’s land, and secondary, Ruth. When we read Ruth’s story, we must put on these cultural glasses so we can properly see how God’s perspective of women was vastly different. He elevated women to be equal with men in importance and value. He esteemed women so highly He ensured their inclusion, by name, in the lineage of Jesus, God’s Son. Even the concept of “kinsman redeemer” was put in place by God in order to elevate and safeguard women in a patriarchal society. These laws were given by the Lord in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. (Deuteronomy 25:5-6 and Leviticus 25:23-28) The relative who was first in line to carry out the duties of kinsman redeemer, didn’t want Ruth; he was only interested in the land. When he discovered that Ruth came along with it, he turned down his duty because it would jeopardize his inheritance. This could have meant he was married with other children or it could be another reason entirely. Thankfully, Boaz stepped in and was willing to pay the price for Ruth.  Throughout the book of Ruth, we see Boaz elevating Ruth; He didn’t view women as simply a commodity, but as people worthy of honor and respect.

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)
In Old Testament times, family lineage was an important piece of Jewish and Hebrew culture. Who you came from, who your people married, and how far back you could trace Jewish bloodlines carried significant importance. Extreme value, and whole identities, stemmed from one’s heritage. The ideal lineage could be traced all the way back to the fathers of the faith, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In fact, this supreme importance of clear lineage is why the Samaritans were such outcasts in Jesus’ day as Jews had intermarried with Samaritans, creating a mixed race. Great care was taken to ensure people with distasteful lifestyle choices or poor reputations were avoided, even cut off from Israel, as to be certain of a “clean bloodline”.  For this same reason, women were rarely, if ever, included in a genealogical listing; they were viewed as non-entities and were typically ignored. God, however, radically upends these ideas by including both women and persons of ill-repute in His human family tree! The genealogy at the end of Ruth is a small snippet of the full one found in the New Testament, preserved in both Luke and Matthew. Luke takes the genealogy found in Ruth 4 and begins with Jesus Christ working backwards until arriving at the first man made in God’s image, Adam. It is important to note that some of this family tree was foretold by prophets thousands of years before Jesus was born.  Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would come from the family lineage of Jesse. (Isaiah 11:1-2)

Everyday Application

1) What is meant by “kinsman redeemer”? (Ruth 4:1-3)
Your life doesn’t need to be destroyed and your children tragically killed like Job, or be impoverished like Ruth and Naomi, to be in need of a kinsman redeemer. Just being you is qualifier enough! We are all broken, whether we like to admit it or not.  We need rescuing! Maybe you’ve had a friend jump start your car, or maybe you’ve received a warning instead of a speeding ticket, or perhaps your “rescue” was not being marked late for work or class.  These everyday rescues are common graces the Lord kindly gives, but our greatest need for rescue runs much deeper to the core of our nature as human beings. We are, each of us, tragically cut off from a relationship with the God of the Universe because of our sin. This sin earns us the penalty of eternal death, forever separating us from God, from love, from life, and from forgiveness. (Romans 6:23) Our need for this kind of rescue is found only the pure, holy God who willingly sacrificed Himself on our behalf that we might be restored. With His blood, Jesus redeems those who trust in Him; He “buys us back” from the kingdom of Sin and Death. (Ephesians 1:7) He “redeems our life from the grave” that we might enjoy His lavish “love and mercy”. (Psalm 103:4) This Jesus is the same Redeemer the prophets foretold would come in the Old Testament and He is the same Redeemer Paul wrote about to the churches in Corinth and Galatia. (1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 4:5) Jesus is our Eternal Redeemer, adopting us as God’s sons and daughters if we turn to Him in faith, repent of our sin, and surrender our lives to Him. (Ephesians 1:5)

2) Were women truly considered commodities to be bought? (Ruth 4:5-6)
Just as the Lord God placed value on women in the Old Testament in many ways, including the law of the kinsman redeemer, so did Jesus exemplify this same valuing of women when during His earthly ministry. Rather than viewing women as a commodity to be bought, sold, or traded, He esteemed women. In John 4 Jesus went out of His way to travel to Samaria, intentionally stopping at a Samaritan well at midday where He met a woman who was an outcast.  His chat with her set in motion a revival in a city with mixed races who were considered pariah by traditional Jews! Following her encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene traveled with the disciples, serving where needed in Jesus’ earthly ministry. (Luke 8:1-3) Talk about a coveted position! Additionally, she was one of the last to leave the scene of Christ’s crucifixion (John 19:25, Luke 23:49) and the first to see Jesus resurrected in the garden (John 20:15-16)! Jesus was also friends with Lazarus and his two sisters Mary and Martha. He even protected Mary’s position of sitting at His feet to learn from Him as His student, a position traditionally only permitted for males. (Luke 10:39-43) Jesus shepherded these sisters, both reprimanding them and loving them deeply. (Luke 10:38-42, Luke 11:17-33)  Be assured that, to Christ, you are not simply a commodity! You are so valued that Christ your Redeemer purchased you with the greatest price. The Savior shed His blood so you might have eternal life with Him! In Christ, there is no sliding scale of value between male and female. (Galatians 3:28)

3) Why is the genealogy at the end of Ruth so important? (Ruth 4:18-22)
Matthew’s record of Jesus’ lineage hides nothing, boldly listing women and people with tarnished character. Because we’ve first put on the necessary “cultural glasses”, we are encouraged and pleasantly surprised to realize how much value God places on women, despite the cultural norms. Ruth, a non-Jew, is listed as well as Tamar, who was manipulated and abused (Matthew 1:3), and Rahab, a Gentile prostitute (Matthew 1:5). Have you ever been shamed or taken advantage of?  Perhaps you’ve dabbled in promiscuity or adultery. By including these women, God was declaring that no one is too far gone to be esteemed and valued for His kingdom work! Guess who Rahab gave birth to? Boaz! The women listed in Jesus’ genealogy were broken, used, and carried deep shame, and most weren’t even Jews! But, they turned to Jehovah, the One True God, and HE redeemed them, using each of their stories in radical ways. Because God is gracious and loving, He saw fit to redeem them and give them a place of honor. God loves you with the same grace and love! He knows where you have been, the shame you carry, and He knows the good kingdom work He has for you in the future if you surrender to Him. He paid the highest price for you, and because of this, we can each call on His name and repent for our past, seeking forgiveness for our sin and freedom from our shame. Jesus doesn’t see us as beyond repair. Be encouraged by these seeming random names at the end of Ruth’s story, they shout of God’s inclusive love and value! God wants you to know you beloved and chosen!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Paid In Full!

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 Redeemed 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.

Shielded Day 12 Certain Rescue: 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 Certain Rescue!

The Questions

1) What is Paul referring to when he “urges” us to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice”? (verse 1)

2) How is true worship defined and what does it look like?

3) What is Paul’s call to action for the believer in everyday life?

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Original Intent

1) What is Paul referring to when he “urges” us to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice”? (verse 1)
Paul is writing his longest preserved letter and it’s packed full of solid truth for what the gospel is, and how we are to live in the reality of that glorious truth. Paul’s urging here to his readers at the house churches of Rome isn’t about a one-time offering to God, or a single moment of sincere surrender. Following God equals offering ourselves fully to Him in willful obedience. Every day. All together in unity with believers everywhere. In accordance with the time, Paul’s exhortation to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice”, would have been a foreign concept to the Greek audience. A Greek would never say this. According to William Barclay, a prevalent Greek philosophy was “only the spirit of a person mattered, the body was only a prison cell, and was something to be despised and even ashamed of.” Paul’s calling was counter-cultural to the individualistic Greek, as he urged them to view their bodies, fully connected with other believers, as daily, living sacrifices to the Lord in response to His sacrifice for them. Paul is answering his audience’s question of how to live everyday lives in light of all God had accomplished for them through in Christ’s sacrifice. In the Old Testament, sin was atoned for, or forgiven, when an animal was sacrificed on behalf of the person who sinned. When Christ sacrificed Himself for us, once and for all, on the cross, animal sacrifices were no longer needed. His sacrifice purchased our freedom from sin’s penalty of death, our response to such lavish love is surrender to the One who loved us enough to die for us. That surrender doesn’t consist of taking the life of animals, but in giving up one’s own. The sacrifice of obedient lives is the only reasonable response to the grace of God.

2) How is true worship defined and what does it look like?
The Greek word we read in this verse simply as “worship” carries the deeper idea of “reasonable service”. Paul had spent the first 11 chapters of Romans explaining the magnificence of God, His vast, unending love for us, and our own impossible situation of death brought about by our own sin. In light of these blatant realities, the redeemed believer’s “reasonable service” IS worship. Worship includes a spiritual offering by mind and heart and a physical offering as we use our bodies, our time, talent, and treasure to Him as a gift of love. Worship is the act of attributing reverent honor and homage to God with everything we have. Worship overflows from our lives when we remember how magnificent He is, how worthy He is, and how good He is, regardless of our circumstances. Worship acknowledges He alone is the One True Living God and worthy of all honor and praise. He is worthy of our whole life sacrifice of worship!

3) What is Paul’s call to action for the believer in everyday life?
A dedicated life of surrender is also a transformed life, deeply committed to God with a heavenly calling for obedience on earth as He builds His eternal kingdom through us. While the believer has been promised rescue from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4), which has Satan for its god, we still live here until that day when we finally experience our full rescue and are welcomed home to glory. We offer ourselves as living sacrifices while we reside in this world of brokenness and sin. God could instantly take us to Heaven when we become Christians, but He keeps us in this world to call more to Himself through our sacrifice of worship. He has called us to proclaim Him, through our physical bodies and spiritual hearts, declaring with bold worship of the magnificence of Him who “called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) God makes this proclamation of His glory through us as He transforms us through the power of His Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We are called to stop living like we once did, before we were made new in Christ. We have been given a new identity, and we are to submit to the Spirit as He entirely transforms us. We must constantly renew our mind, feasting on the life-giving word of God (the Bible). (John 17:17) As we do, we delight ever more so to submit to the work of the Spirit in our lives as He makes us new, declaring God’s glory through our sacrifice of surrendered worship.

Everyday Application

1) What is Paul referring to when he “urges” us to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice”? (verse 1)
Because of God’s rich mercy towards us in Jesus, Paul urges us, you and me as believers in Jesus, to offer the whole of who we are in continual, everyday sacrifice back to Him. Our physical bodies with our hands, tongue, eyes, arms, and mind, all given over to be used by God in our ordinary, everyday life. All of our daily tasks, the way we drive our cars, speak to the cashiers, interact with our spouse, serve our neighbors, and care for our children, everything we do can be given as an offering of worship to the God who offered Himself for us. He does not desire a portion of our lives, for He is a jealous God who knows we will never be fully delighted in Him until we give Him every aspect of our whole selves. Rather than living by the standards of the world, and at a constant unharmonious discord with God, believers are to let the renewing of their minds by the power of the Holy Spirit transform our lives into unity and conformity with God’s will. Saying yes to Jesus is an entire way of life, and it will always involve offering ourselves as living sacrifices as God continues to build His kingdom in and through us. God intended our surrender to not simply be something we verbalize or nod our head to, rather it is to involve the whole of who we are in body, mind, and soul. After all, God did not begrudge taking a human body upon Himself to live in it and work through it, offering Himself wholly as a sacrifice for us! What will you offer Him today?!  

2) How is true worship defined and what does it look like?
We often say we are going to church to worship God, but we should also be able to say we are going to work, school, caring for the family, staying at home as a mom, or going to the grocery all to worship God. We worship Him in how we act, what we say, where we go, and what we do, both alone and in the presence of others. Worship isn’t merely a hand raised at church, or a song on the radio, but an entire life given over in surrender. THIS is the worship Paul was conveying to his audience. Our lives are ready instruments intended to be offered in everyday worship, this is the only reasonable response to God. The offering of EVERY MOMENT and EVERY ACTION to God is our sacrifice of whole life worship. Sometimes it’s hard to worship God, (hence the sacrifice part), but true, reasonable act of service back to God, requires our minds and hearts to shift from circumstance to His unchanging character, His lavish love, and His constant presence with the believing heart. How will you worship Him today?!

3) What is Paul’s call to action for the believer in everyday life?
When we believe and truly receive Jesus as our Savior, trusting that His work on the cross paid the debt for our sin that we could never pay, His Spirit is given to live within us. This Spirit of the Living God is the power of transformation at work in us. This work is not something we can manufacture on our own ability; it is only from God!  (2 Corinthians 3:18) From that first moment of initial surrender to the rest of our days on earth, we are learning the depths of surrender, becoming more like Christ, and Jesus becomes ever sweeter to us as we journey the path before us, following Him, and becoming transformed by Him. This is a radical change from the moment we say YES, LORD, I BELIEVE. We are saved from sin and death in a moment, but we are transformed to be like Jesus over a lifetime. This transformation is not without daily, sometimes moment-by-moment struggle as we fight against being conformed to the world, instead choosing our surrender to God’s powerful Spirit working in us. If we conform to the ways of the world, we are dominated by human nature. When Christ comes into a man’s life, he is a new man, his mind is different, for the mind of Christ is in him. “The old has passed away and the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) The glorious result of this amazing continuous transformation is that God displays His glory through our renewed lives to people around us who desperately need His salvation and transformation for themselves!
How will you surrender today?!

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

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 Shielded 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.

Pause 3 Day 3 Living Word & High Priest

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Pause 3, Day 3

It is a mercy to be cut by the Word of God.  
The beginning of Hebrews 4 is spent pleading listeners to not miss this opportunity of grace. Eternal rest is offered freely, but the offer will not last forever. Only while it is called today; only while breath is in our lungs do we still have the rich grace to be welcomed into His arms of rest.

The chapter closes with the sweetest of invitations to those who have entered His forever rest from the burden of working hard to attain our own salvation. The doors of Heaven’s throne room are flung wide as we are welcomed with lavish love into His presence where we are known and tenderly loved, cared for, and empathized with.

Sandwiched in the middle of these abundant graces, lies the sharpness of God’s Word, fueled by His own Spirit. His Words are alive, quick, and adept at its task of penetrating our souls and exposing our hearts. A pastor once shared, “if we allowed God’s Word to cut us more often, perhaps we would be spared the pain of greater discipline.”

Is His Word so precious to you that you hold it close enough to allow it to cut your heart and pierce the sins you love so dearly? Is it close enough to allowing His surgeon hands to heal you, and bring you life by His Spirit through the same Word?
It is a mercy to be cut by the Word of God.

Grab your Bible, a journal and pen,
and open your heart to bask in the presence of the Almighty!

Today's Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down every word of Hebrews 4:12-16 today. And as you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, think of the incredible gift it is to be invited into God’s presence through His word!

2) Choose one of these options to answer the invitation of going deeper into biblical community! 
a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
            b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
            c) Leave a comment here about it.
            d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
            e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
            f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
            g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
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Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Hebrews 4

Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware that none of you be found to have fallen short. 2 For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith. 3 For we who have believed enter the rest, in keeping with what he has said,
So I swore in my anger,
“They will not enter my rest,”

even though his works have been finished since the foundation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in this way: And on the seventh day God rested from all his works. 5 Again, in that passage he says, They will never enter my rest, 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, 7 he again specifies a certain day—today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10 For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge 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 3 Week One!
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 3!