Miracles

Blessed Day 15 Celebrate In Persecution

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 15:18-19
Acts 4:29-31
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Philippians 1:12-14
Romans 5:3-5

Blessed, Day 15

In the 1950s, a young missionary pilot had a passion for the Huaorani tribe in Ecuador. This tribe was suspicious of, and known to kill, all outsiders. But Jim Elliot felt called to reach them and share the Gospel. Step by step, he made inroads to reach the tribe.

Finally, he and his team built a camp not far from the Huaorani people. They made contact and even took one of the tribespeople for a plane ride. Later, a larger group of tribesmen came to the base expressing interest in the plane, instead, they turned and killed all five missionary men.

Jim’s wife, Elizabeth, and the other widows continued the work to reach the Huaorani people, despite the great danger they faced. She persisted in the belief that, as her husband was often quoted to say,

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Eventually, the women reached the entire Huaorani tribe for Christ, including those who had killed Jim and the others.

The Elliots experienced what Jesus promised would be true for all believers in this world, we will be hated and even killed (John 15:18-19, Matthew 10:22). The world rejected Jesus and attempted to end His work; we are to expect the same. So rather than being surprised and caught off-guard when we face persecution, let’s prepare ourselves so we can endure to the end.

The apostles certainly experienced persecution! But they persevered to spread the Good News. They prayed for each other, not to be removed from trouble, but to seek boldness to continue speaking the Word of God and performing miracles. As they prayed for endurance, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31)

In my own life, there have been many trials and tribulations, and my ministry team has encountered persecution. But this opposition has drawn us even closer to God! We were made stronger in our faith and able to encourage others. Looking to Jesus kept us from becoming distressed and gave us boldness in ministry.

This boldness in kingdom work comes from equipping ourselves with the armor of God. Each piece of armor, fueled by the Spirit of God, adds strength and courage to our fight. As we don our armor daily, we are prepared for battle.

Paul wrote of his many trials in his epistles:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our bodies.”
(2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

Rather than complaining about his poor treatment, Paul praised God in his suffering because it advanced the Gospel. (Philippians 1:12-14)

Yes! Because he was sent to prison, he testified not only to prison guards, but to the great leaders of the day. He would not have been allowed in their presence except to stand trial. In presenting his defense, he shared the Gospel with judges and counsels and great men, such as King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32); Paul was even prepared to testify before Nero, who was Caesar at the time (Acts 27:4).

Paul, and other saints of old, surely experienced fear as they faced persecution and declared the Gospel to hostile leaders. Similarly, we are still human and may become fearful when confronted with opposition to the Good News. But, just as the prayers of fellow believers gave Paul courage to boldly speak the Word of God, we too can be strengthened and encouraged through prayer (Philipians 4:6-7).

We can even rejoice, not only because the Gospel is being spread, but also because of the transformation within our own spirits. As Paul explains,

 “We also rejoice in our afflictions,
because we know that affliction produces endurance,
endurance produces proven character,
and proven character produces hope.
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Paul’s words encourage us even today! We can rejoice because our suffering produces character and hope within us. Hallelujah! God’s love is poured out into our hearts and we are able to share His Gospel Story.

Finally, the Bible promises reward to those who persevere through trials: the crown of life!

“Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Therefore, sisters, let’s endure persecution covered in the armor of God and shrouded in prayer; let’s rejoice in our suffering, ever keeping our eyes fixed on the promises of God to further the kingdom, transform our character, and bless us with the crown of life!

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Treasure Day 2 Handcrafted And Lovely: 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 Handcrafted And Lovely!

The Questions

1) Why would God create me with so many imperfections?

2) What does it mean that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb?”

3) What are some of God’s “wondrous” works?

Psalm 139:13-14

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.

Original Intent

1) Why would God create me with so many imperfections?
David praises the Lord in Psalm 139:14 because he has been “remarkably and wondrously made.”  Many other verses declare we were handcrafted by God. (Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 119:73, Job 31:15, Deuteronomy 32:6, Psalm 138:8) Genesis 1:26 proclaims man was made in the image of God and Ephesians 2:10 declares we are God’s workmanship. But if we are all made in God’s image, why are we flawed?  Why isn’t everyone beautiful, healthy, and whole?  Moses complains about this when God asks him to be His spokesperson.  In Exodus 4:3-9, the Lord provided two miraculous signs convincing Moses the Israelites and their captors would listen to Moses when he would demand the Israelites’ freedom.  Still, Moses hesitates saying, “I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.” (Exodus 4:10) God answers Moses, “Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:11)  As John Piper  explains, “God is the Creator. He made man’s mouth, and God’s providence rules over all things. . . God always has a purpose for every event, whether we can see it or not.”  God made us in a way He says is remarkable and wonderful, even if it doesn’t match our definition.  God knew Moses saw imperfections in himself, but still God called Him to speak for Him.  What we see as imperfections are not a hindrance to God.  Where we see flaws and disabilities, God sees opportunities to bring Him glory.  He is available to help us and teach us in every situation He places us in, regardless of how inadequate or imperfect we are.

2) What does it mean that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb?”
In Psalm139:13, David contemplates how God created “my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  According to author Albert Barnes , “the literal translation would be, “Thou hast “woven” me in my mother’s womb, meaning that God had put his parts together, as one who weaves cloth, or who makes a basket.”  He further explains how “The original word also carried the idea of protecting, as in a booth or hut, woven or knit together – to wit, of boughs and branches.”  Pastor R.C. Sproul asserts this verse is “showing that the Lord’s presence is close and intimate—so close, in fact, that God was there in the womb of David’s mother knitting him together. The image pictures the Lord as attending to the details, just as a knitter has to pay close attention in order to knit a blanket and not produce a tangled mess.” This verse lets us know God is our intimate Maker.  Not only can we never be outside of God’s presence (Psalm 139:7), but He was there, putting us together in our mother’s womb, before we were even born.

3) What are some of God’s “wondrous” works?
When describing the “wondrous works” mentioned in Psalm 139:13, the  Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes, “The verb rendered “wondrously made” probably means here “selected” or “distinguished,” and represents man as the [masterpiece].” Humans, with their intricate body systems and astonishing complexity, are one of the most amazing works of God. Psalm 78:4 also mentions some of God’s “wondrous works,” which are described later in Psalm 78:13-16 as the miracles God performed in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.  God’s creation is also part of His “wondrous works”.  Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.” The miracles of God and the glorious natural world He created, including making wonderfully complex humans, are among His many wonders.  With the psalmist I say, “For you have made me rejoice, Lord, by what you have done; I will shout for joy because of the works of your hands!” (Psalm 92:4)

Everyday Application

1) Why would God create me with so many imperfections?
I knew someone who, while staying with friends of friends, was shown into a lovely guest room, complete with a canopy bed covered in a pristine white duvet and heaped with beautiful, lacy pillows.  My friend loved the room, but spent the night sleeping on the floor because she was convinced such a gorgeous bed could not be meant for her.  The story broke my heart when I heard it, because she doubted the host’s gracious intentions, despite the generosity displayed.  This belief that we are not good enough runs rampant through our culture.  Author Jo Saxton uses the verse Psalm 139:14 (“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.”) to help women exchange the truth of God’s Word for the lies of the enemy.  She encourages women to “acknowledge that your body, your personality, your talents, all of you is fearfully and wonderfully made.  His words have the power to level and liberate you, a Spirit-filled sword to cut through the most resistant of chains. I think they can help you see into the mirror differently. His words help you discover who you fully are.  His words speak a truth that will set you free.” It might be helpful to tape this verse to your mirror so you see the liberating truth of God’s Word every morning when you wake up and each night before you go to bed.  Contemplate daily on the fact that you are a wondrous work of God! Your imperfect flaws are merely opportunities for God’s glory to be wonderfully revealed through you!

2) What does it mean that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb?”
I was born back before sonograms and birthing plans and fathers in the delivery room.  These were the days before push presents and gender reveals, when the doctor came out to the waiting room to tell my anxious family, “It’s a girl!”  By the time I had my first child in 2001, technology had progressed. I remember pouring over the book A Child is Born by Lennart Nilsson, marveling at the pictures of pre-natal development.  I signed up for weekly emails telling me “this week your baby is the size of a plum!”  The first time I felt the baby kick, I was overwhelmed with amazement! (When he wouldn’t move his foot out of my rib for the last 4 weeks, I was overwhelmed in a different way!) The development of the baby from conception to birth is an amazing testament to God’s intricate, creative plan.  The Bible says He “created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) To think He makes each person, especially designed by His loving hand, is almost unfathomable.  Pastor Tony Evans writes, “God doesn’t produce ‘off the shelf’ people. Each person has been custom designed by His loving, sovereign hand. The fact that each person’s finger prints are completely unique proves that God doesn’t mass produce people. Let’s start living with an awareness God has a perfect plan for each person He has uniquely crafted.” I love this encouragement to live fully aware of God’s great plan for our lives.  He uniquely constructed each of us to uniquely carry out His purposes.  I want to recognize His great design in others and myself as I seek to glorify His name while carrying out His plans!

3) What are some of God’s “wondrous” works?
Whenever I visit the mountains or the ocean, I ask myself, “Why don’t I live here?”.  There is something about the combination of sights, smells, and sounds at these locations that makes me feel joyful and peaceful. But really, if I stop and think about it, the startling beauty of natural things is all around me, no matter where I am.  Breathtaking sunsets, vivid autumn leaves, icicles glistening in the sun, there is a never-ending list of glorious natural wonders everywhere I go.  Writer W. F. Adeney notes that “God’s works are ‘wondrous.’ They are stamped with the impress of thought. The most advanced science is but man’s blundering attempt to spell out God’s hieroglyphics written in the great book of nature.”  God also surrounds me with wondrous miracles big and small in my everyday life.  Just the way the human body is wired to work is a remarkable daily miracle (Psalm 139:14), and every day I enjoy the miracle of a risen Savior who died to give me life (Romans 10:9) are only two examples of His incredible, loving work! God’s “wondrous works” (Psalm 139:14) are all around me, and I know very well how good they are! Together, let’s determine to praise Him for these gifts of grace and love!

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1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
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3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

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Captivating Day 8 Longing To Be Loved

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:26-28
John 4:1-2
John 4:39-41
Psalm 139:13-18

Captivating, Day 8

Oh God, please, please, please just give me a baby sister. Please.

This was the pleading of a five-year-old little girl, who continued praying this for 2 years.
This was my prayer.

As much as my five-year-old brain could understand, I knew my mom couldn’t physically have more children, but I also knew God was a God of miracles, which meant I could still have a little sister. So I prayed with everything in me.

Oh the joy when my prayers were answered one evening two years later! My parents gathered my grandparents, brother, and I into our tiny living room, telling us we would be adopting a baby in a few months. They didn’t know whether that baby was a boy or a girl… but I knew. This baby was my answered prayer. This baby was my sister.

As hot tears streamed down my tanned cheeks, I knew, at just eight-years-old, that the Lord hears. He does the impossible, far beyond what we can imagine or dream.
I knew God loved me.

This began my deep passion for adoption, and a softened heart towards women surprised with pregnancy.

Unexpected pregnancies have been a rhythm in my family, including my precious Gamma and her beloved Harald. My Papa passed away right after they celebrated 59 years of marriage, but their marriage began unconventionally. When Gamma was 15 and smitten with a handsome, blonde, German boy, they found out they would become parents much sooner than planned. At 16, they made vows they took seriously and carried out all 59 years of their marriage. However, being pregnant in the 50s at only 15, forever marked my Gamma. So, when other family members found themselves in similar circumstances, her heart ached for the pain they endured from scoffers and judgers; which marked me.
I learned at a very young age the Bible is clear: sex outside of marriage is wrong. Pregnancy is not.

It is not a sin to be pregnant.
Life is never a sin.
Life, because of God’s great redemption, can be the result of sin, but it is not sin.
Period.

So, sisters, how do we go about loving the fellow mamas around us who are expecting a life they weren’t planning to receive? How do we approach the mamas who were planning their pregnancy, but became pregnant outside of marriage?

Well… we love them,
just like the Father loves them.

Jesus, was the result of an unplanned pregnancy occurring outside of marriage. Mary was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit as a young teenage girl. (Matthew 1:18)  Motivated by redemption, the Father brought forth LIFE. The Spirit impressed on the hearts of wise-men to search for the King and shower Him with gifts.

We love our fellow sisters, women, image-bearers, by welcoming their miracles with gifts and showering those mamas with love.

The Woman at the Well, was a woman living in repeated sexual sin. She’d been married five times, and while we don’t know the reason for each of those marriages, we do know she was with a man who wasn’t her husband at the time she met Jesus. While she didn’t physically bear the evidence of her sin, Jesus saw her and He knew it all. Even still, He loved, accepted, and conversed with her as He offered redemption.
Through her powerful story, many came to know Him.

We love our fellow hurting women by accepting them, conversing with them, and showing them grace and Jesus through our actions. God has not abandoned her or her child. If He will not cast her off, neither can we. He offers redemption and hope to her just as He has for us.

Sisters, Jesus is for life.
He is for all life, which includes the life of the mama with the unplanned pregnancy.
He isn’t just longing for her physical life, but her spiritual life. Despite painful circumstances, shame, and brokenness, He will use all of it to draw her to Him.
How incredible to be a part of that redemption!

I am so incredibly thankful my sister’s birth mama chose life.
The Lord used her unplanned pregnancy to answer to my prayers and show me His Love.
God is the creator of life, and all life has a purpose.
Let us, the Church, join together to celebrate life, celebrate redemption, and celebrate motherhood.
Let’s join together to love the mamas who desperately need to experience Jesus’ loving redemption.

Ready for some practical tools to love these mamas?
Below is a list of ministries both international and local to Kansas City (GT headquarters) that do exactly that!
All of these ministries focus on loving women with Jesus’ love while helping prepare them for their future as a birth mama, for a baby being adopted, or a single mama raising her child.

If you are an expecting single mama or already a single mama, these are some awesome resources for you.
Know you are Loved.
You are Valued.
You are Treasured.
You are not the sum of your mistakes,
and we would love to pray for you and love on you – so please reach out to us!

Embrace Grace – A support group for women with an unplanned pregnancy where mamas are showered with love by throwing baby showers for expecting moms. There are groups all around the country and you can find a group near you! There are also support groups for those same mamas after their babes are born.

Rachel’s House – This amazing organization has four locations across the Kansas City metro and is focused on educating parents on all options for their unexpected pregnancies as well as supporting families through pregnancy and adoption or parenting.

The Single Mom KC – A group for soon-to-be single moms and current single moms of all ages, stages, and circumstances. They have a free boutique for moms to “shop” at as well as hosting monthly workshops to help equip mamas and give them a night out (Free childcare! Woohoo!)

Bahamas Godparent Center – This community ministry offers biblical guidance, pregnancy testing, counseling, ultrasound imagery, and, most importantly, HOPE!

The Life of a Single Mom – This ministry works to educate church and community leaders as well as the general public with the challenges faced by single moms. They believe no single mom should walk alone.

Heartbeat International – An international ministry that helps 1,500,000 clients every year by offering resources, helping with adoptions, and overall, aiming to help women recognize life and choose life.

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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 Captivating 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 Captivating!