Miracles

Sketched IX Day 12 I Have Seen Him: 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 I Have Seen Him!

The Questions

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)

Luke 5:1-11

5 As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, He was standing by Lake Gennesaret. 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets. 6 When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” 9 For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners. “Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” 11 Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.

Original Intent

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)
As Peter was a fisherman, a boat was an important tool of the trade. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter was washing the nets by the shore. It was here in this very common moment, Jesus physically stepped into Peter’s boat to better serve the crowd pressing close to hear Him. Jesus often taught from boats as it gave Him a little space from the crowd while the masses could sit on the shore, allowing them to see and hear better.

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)
Similar to Isaiah’s call in the Old Testament (Isaiah 6:1-8), Peter was overcome by the power and presence of Jesus. He was overcome and hyper-aware of his sinful nature. Before the miracle was given, however, Peter was faced with a decision to trust a Rabbi’s fishing advice over his long-seasoned experience, or just laugh Him off. Jesus’ advice surely seemed laughable to Peter, but his willingness to humble himself under Christ’s authority paved the way for the Lord Jesus to not only abundantly bless Peter with fish, but entirely re-write the story of his life. As Peter chose obedience, he witnessed the result of one step of faith and became keenly aware of Jesus’ authoritative holiness and his own un-holiness! (verse 8)

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)
Jesus uses Peter’s current occupation as a metaphor to explain his future as a follower of Christ and “fisherman” for “people”. He responds to Peter’s humility with grace and a new assignment filled with rich purpose. Jesus would not divorce Peter’s natural love of fishing from his new calling, but instead, would use it to take Peter deeper and into more meaning than he ever dared dream. Peter would continue to fish, but instead of death, he would “catch” people, leading them to life. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came in the form of tongues of fire, Peter preached the Gospel and about 3,000 people were saved! (Acts 2)

Everyday Application

1) What is the significance of the boats? (verse 3)
The boat in this passage was a critically important tool Peter used to provide for himself and his family. It was vital for his career and the livelihood of his family. Yet, when allowed to be used by God, it produced so much more than Peter could have ever imagined! What have you been given? The first thing often considered is wealth, and God can certainly do much with our financial generosity, but we all have much more to offer Him. Consider your time. Depending on your season, you may have more time in this season to serve those who need to hear, or see, the saving grace of Jesus manifested through the generosity of your time. Consider other possessions. I know several who open their homes to groups of high school students on Sunday nights, so they can grow in their relationship with Jesus. What about your talents? Are you a gifted writer? An artist? Resist the temptation to compare your gift to someone else’s. Peter wasn’t comparing his boat to John’s, he just allowed the Lord to use what he had! When we surrender our whole hearts and lives to Jesus for His glory, there is no limit to what can be accomplished for His Kingdom!

2) What changed in Peter as he witnessed the miracle? (verse 8)
When was the last time you were overwhelmed by the power and movement of God? Enough so that, not only were you swept up by the sheer magnitude of God, but also were deeply aware of your own un-holiness. Peter witnessed something that could only have been done by the power of Jesus and he was overcome with His divine presence. I remember a time when I sensed the Spirit in an overwhelming way. Following the news that a fertility treatment had not produce the desired results, I sat, overcome with sadness, when the Comforter wrapped His arms around me as only He could. I truly physically felt as if Jesus sat with me as I cried. In that moment, there was nothing else I wanted but His presence. If you’ve never experienced this kind of intimacy with the Lord, there is nothing mystical about it, instead the Lord gives these as we grow closer in relationship with Him, coming to Him with a heart of humility and a desire to know Him for Him, just as Peter did.

3) What did Jesus mean when He told Peter he would now catch people? (verse 10)
Peter’s assignment as a “fisher of people” is the same assignment we have when we decide to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus did with Peter’s natural passion, Christ also takes our natural design to color His new purpose for us. As disciples of Christ, we are called to make disciples as we go through everyday life, however that looks for each of us. Teaching others what Jesus has done in our lives is the centering purpose for all who have surrendered to Jesus. This looks different for every Christ-follower because each of our stories is unique while the freeing, gospel story of hope in Jesus remains exactly the same! Sometimes we make this too hard, thinking we need to know everything about the Bible or be able to teach in formal scenarios. But, we are simply called to share with others the hope we have been given as we chose to trust in Jesus! 1 Peter 3:15 tells us we are to live holy lives and be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in us. Jesus is contagious! People have always been drawn to Him, and as they see Jesus in us, we need to be prepared to share the source of our Hope!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with I Have Seen Him!

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 IX 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.

Sketched IX Day 9 Who Do You Say I Am?: 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 Who Do You Say I Am?!

The Questions

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)

Matthew 16:13-20

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he gave the disciples orders to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

 

Original Intent

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)
The events recorded in Matthew 16 occur in Caesarea Philippi, which author David Guzik explains was “associated with idols and rival deities.”  Jesus knew this when He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (verse 13) Jesus probably expected the Gentiles to compare Him to their gods since His miracles proved He was more than just a wise teacher. By His Jewish followers, He was compared to John the Baptist or one of the Old Testament prophets. Author Adam Clarke explains that the Pharisees taught the “doctrine of the Metempsychosis, or transmigration of souls . . . that the soul of the Baptist, or of Elijah, Jeremiah, or some of the prophets, had come to a new life in the body of Jesus.” Jesus probably sounded like an Old Testament prophet to the Jews. His Words and actions fulfilled the Scriptures right in front of them! His miracles convinced them He must be an emissary of God like Elijah or Jeremiah had been hundreds of years prior. These comparisons to Old Testament characters probably also signaled the hope that Jesus was a messenger of the coming Messiah, or perhaps the Messiah Himself. David Guzik suggests, “perhaps in seeing Jesus in these roles, people hoped for a political messiah who would overthrow the corrupt powers oppressing Israel.” It was important that even though many accounts existed of who Jesus was, His disciples knew the Truth about Him. Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?”, was to proclaim, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”. (verses 15-16) The disciples believed Jesus was divinely God’s Son, the promised Messiah. Because the disciples believed the truth that Jesus was God, Jesus could begin building His Church through their faith and their discipleship of His followers.

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)
When Jesus first met a fisherman named Simon, he changed His name to Cephas, or Peter. (John 1:42) He elaborated on the name change in verses 17-18, when Peter acknowledged for Himself that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter got his name from the Greek word petros, “a masculine proper noun which means a ‘stone’ and generally a smaller stone than the feminine form petra which refers to a massive rock or a foundation boulder.” (Preceptaustin.org) Jesus renamed Simon, the emotional, unpredictable fisherman, to Peter, a rock-solid character on whom He could build His church. The name change represented a new phase in Peter’s life, who had just professed His faith in Jesus as the Son of God. His unshakeable faith in Jesus as the Messiah was the kind of faith required to act as the foundation for Christ’s Church. The name Peter represented rock-solid faith of the new Christ followers. Author, Gregg Allen, explains, “Using a play on words, Jesus renames his disciple Peter (Greek petros) and promises to found Messiah’s church on “this rock” (Greek petra.)”  Because Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus provided a foundation on which Christ could build His Church, Peter became instrumental in building a body of believers who would confess Christ and take His Good News to the world.  That body, Christ’s Church, continues to share the Gospel and stand firm in faith today!

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)
Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound[ in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” (verses 18-19) Some interpret these keys as literal keys to Heaven, exemplified by many art depictions of Peter holding the keys to the pearly gates. Others view the keys as symbolic. Author, Thomas Constable, suggests, “Probably the keys stand for the judicial authority that chief stewards of monarchs exercised in the ancient world . . . They could permit people to enter the monarch’s presence or give them access to certain areas and privileges. As the Judge of all humanity, Jesus gave this authority to Peter. Of course, some of the other Apostles exercised it too.” In Matthew 18:18, Jesus uses similar wording when He tells His followers, “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.”  This suggests that Peter, and others who believed Gods’ message, were entrusted with carrying out the work of Heaven here on earth. Rather than denoting Peter as Heaven’s gatekeeper, the keys to the kingdom of Heaven represent the authority Jesus gave Peter and other Christians to carry out His will and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Author, Louis Barbieri, explains that “Peter was told he would possess the keys and be able to bind and loose people. These were decisions Peter was to implement as he received instruction from heaven, for the binding and loosing occurred there first. Peter simply carried out God’s directions.” Using the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven includes doing God’s will and sharing His Word. What a privilege to be entrusted with taking God’s Word to the world!

Everyday Application

1) Why did people think Jesus might be Elijah, John the Baptist, or a former prophet? (verse 14)
My teenagers are Marvel fans, and they enjoy discussing theories about what the latest episodes set up for the future. Every scene is intensely scrutinized for its importance in upcoming installments. I get this sense of frenetic “fandom” when I read the theories about who Jesus is in Matthew 16. The disciples report how some think Jesus is “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (verse 14) These theories come from people who didn’t know Jesus very well. His lifestyle probably reminded casual observers of John the Baptist. Even King Herod, when He heard about Jesus, said, “John, the one I beheaded, has been raised.” (Mark 6:16) None of the theories going around about Jesus’ identity were accurate. Jesus wanted to ensure His closest followers believed He was who He claimed to be, the divine Son of God. Although Jesus already knew the answer, He queried, “Who do you say I am?” (verse 15) so His disciples would be moved to profess their faith. Author, Thomas Constable, asserts, “This passage represents the climax of Jesus’ teaching ministry. It was, in effect, the apostles’ final examination, consisting of but one question, the ultimate question that every human being must face: Who is Jesus Christ?”  When Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (verse 16) he demonstrated their belief in Jesus as God’s Son, their Redeemer.” Today, confusion still surrounds people’s perception of Jesus’ identity. Some consider Him benevolent, though not divine; others consider Him just one entrée to sample on the smorgasbord of religions, but equal to all others. But those who truly know Him have come to understand and believe He is “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” the only bridge to reach God the Father. (John 14:6)  His desire is for everyone to trust Him, by relying on His sacrifice on the cross to bring us back in relationship with God. (1 Peter 2:24) Only His sacrifice is sufficient to pay the penalty we owe because of our sin, allowing us to deeply know God as our Rescuing Savior!

2) Why did Jesus change Simon’s name to Peter? (verse 18)
My friend was known by his middle name, John, well into his thirties when he decided to switch to his first name, Michael. He had recently gained some personal victories over self-destructive thinking patterns, and wanted to reflect those improvements by presenting himself in a healthier way to others. His name change reflected an important new mind-set. I always admired him for doing this, even though it took me months to remember the switch. It has always interested me how God changed peoples’ names in the Bible for similar reasons to Michael’s. God changed the name of a temperamental fisherman, Simon, to Peter, the rock, as seen in Matthew 16:18. He gave Simon a new name indicative of the strong foundation God would build in Peter. Author, Kenneth Ortiz, notes, “Many times in the Bible, God changed someone’s name because He was calling them to live out a new mission or identify with a new role God was giving them. This is exactly what Jesus did with Simon as He saw the greatness God could do in Peter’s life. Everyone else saw Simon, but Jesus saw Peter.” God may not call you to change your name to express what He is doing in your life but know that He is at work and He does see the good work He can do in you if you surrender to Him. (Ephesians 2:10) Others may not be able to see how God could use you, maybe not even you. Rejoice with me today that God has good plans for me and for you that will accomplish His good purposes! (Jeremiah 29:11)

3) What are the keys of the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus says He will give Peter?  (verse 19)
I drive an ancient mini-van with only one remaining key. I constantly fuss at my family not to lose my one and only key. On a recent mechanic’s visit, I separated the key from the fob in case he needed to lock the key inside the vehicle if I retrieved the van after hours. Of course, I promptly lost the key fob, and my family gloated over the irony. Being the keeper of the keys can be a lot of pressure! The Apostle Peter was entrusted with something even more important than car keys in Matthew 16:19 when he was given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. In giving Peter these keys, Jesus gave him authority to loose and bind things that had been loosed and bound in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus called on Peter to do His work and carry out His Word, and to lead others to do the same. Now this was the same Peter who was previously called Simon, the tempestuous fisherman with a big heart, and a big mouth, and a propensity for making big mistakes. Simon probably would not be my first choice for key-keeper in God’s Kingdom. But Jesus saw Simon’s strong faith and called him Peter, the rock, designating him to disciple others and spread His Word as the Holy Spirit led him. You might feel like you shouldn’t be trusted with keeping track of the car keys some days, let alone with showing others how to live out God’s great plan for their lives. When you feel this way, remember Peter and his rock-solid faith. God didn’t choose Peter because of Peter’s strength or ability. He chose him because Peter believed unswervingly in God and His Word and was willing to surrender to Him. When we trust in God, He strengthens us to do what He asks.

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with Who Do You Say I Am?!

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

Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

Memorize It!

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

Nations Day 6 The Unreached At Home

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 43:14-21
Judges 2:10-15
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Matthew 5:13-16

Nations, Day 6

As I climbed the steps of my former church building, I paused.  There was a sense of familiarity; for five years I had entered through these doors almost every Sunday to join others in worship. But this also felt incredibly surreal, because now the fragrant aroma of garlic and herbs was drifting from the building, and inside people had gathered not to worship, but to eat. My former church was now a pizza restaurant.

This one incident encapsulates being a Christian in Scotland today.

Scotland is a country with a rich Christian heritage. It was once known as the “land of the Book” and sent many missionaries to spread the Gospel in other countries. People such as David Livingstone, Mary Slessor, and Eric Liddell originated from Scotland. Church buildings are everywhere in Scotland’s cities, and even city mottos reflect this history.

Edinburgh’s motto, Nisi Dominus Frustra, comes directly from Psalm 127:1, meaning “except the Lord, in vain.” Glasgow’s motto is a prayer, “Lord, let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of Thy word and praising Thy name.”

Despite our faith-filled past, our present is very different. Today, most people of Scotland have no idea what the Bible says, nor any interest in learning. Many church buildings have been repurposed as restaurants and carpet salerooms, while others have been knocked down. As for the city mottos, I’ve lived in Edinburgh for 14 years and never heard its motto mentioned. Glasgow’s is better known, but has been stripped to simply “let Glasgow flourish.”

Over the last thirty years, church attendance in Scotland has more than halved. A study from 2016 showed just 7% of the population attending church and found only around 2% attend evangelical churches, bringing Scotland dangerously close to fitting the definition of a people group unreached with the Gospel.

So, what went wrong?  It’s not an easy question to answer. Too often, religion in Scotland has been associated with sectarianism, and the church has regularly been distracted by arguments around same-sex marriage and the appointment of clergy in same-sex relationships, resulting in many church splits.

However, the main cause of the decline in the church is simple in one sense, as elderly churchgoers have died, younger generations haven’t replaced them. In an increasingly secular culture, which highly values inclusion and diversity, Christianity is often seen as old-fashioned, irrelevant, and narrow-minded.

A similar pattern of falling away occurs in the Israelites’ story. They witnessed many miracles as God led them to the Promised Land, but once they arrived, “another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10)
The result was evil and idolatry.

How easy it is to be influenced by the surrounding culture! We cannot underestimate the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation. Rather than relying on heritage, we should encourage them to know God for themselves.

While, in many ways, the church in Scotland continues to decline, I believe there is cause for hope. All through the Bible we see God’s faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful. He has the power to bring new life, even from dry bones. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

When God’s Word is proclaimed and His Spirit is poured out, dry bones can become a mighty army! It is encouraging to remember that although the number of believers in Scotland may be small, we are not powerless. Paul writes of “the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”  (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT)

And God is still at work.

“Look, I am about to do something new, even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”  (Isaiah 43:19)

Over the last ten years, various Scottish organisations have invested in equipping leaders to begin missional communities or church plants, many in Scotland’s poorer communities. These aim to help with practical needs as well as sharing the Gospel. Churches have experimented with different styles of gatherings and new, creative methods of outreach and community involvement. The results have been impactful, particularly in less affluent communities, where people are perhaps more aware of their need for something beyond what this life offers.

I am part of a church plant which was nearly five years ago, and through community meals and family activities (pre-COVID), as well as provision of food parcels, many people have been impacted and expressed interest in learning about Jesus. One man came to faith through the witness of our church during lockdown, and there are several others waiting eagerly to join our church when we can gather again. They may not yet follow Jesus, but they have found a community where they belong.

Although the church is smaller, in some ways it is stronger.  There is no cultural expectation for people to attend church, so those who participate are generally committed and willing to play an active part.

Christian values are so different from those of our culture that we have a real opportunity to live the distinctive lives Jesus describes (Matthew 5:13-16), for even a small amount of salt and light can make a difference.

My prayer for Scotland is these small signs of life and growth will increase, for people to come to realise that without God all their efforts to create a better society are in vain, and in order for Scotland to truly flourish, it must return to the preaching of God’s Word and the praising of His name.

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Nations!

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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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!

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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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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!