not enough

The GT Weekend! ~ Ten Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) It’s a lie the enemy has used from the beginning of time, “you don’t have enough.” It was good enough to lure Eve away from a rich, perfect relationship with her husband (wow! Can you even imagine?!) and the Lord God (mind blown!). Nothing would surely be worth that trade, yet she did it in a moment. What if God is holding out on me? What if there’s something He isn’t giving me? What if He is actually stingy? Second guessing the nature of God and the relationship she enjoyed with Him, ended up destroying well, everything. How easily we do the same! This hunger for more seeps into our marriages, our friendships, and of course, our relationship with God. Always, the result is death and destruction. Jealousy and comparison flow easily from the lie that what we have is “not enough”. We think God says, “don’t steal”, so we relegate that to taking a physical item that doesn’t belong to us, but the heart behind it is so much more! Spend some time speaking with the Lord about where you might be stealing, and where your heart is incurably hungry for what you do not have.

2) I recently sat with one of my kids as we walked through a circumstance where their lies had caused damage they didn’t foresee to someone else. As we talked it out, the one who lied kept insisting they didn’t see how they had actually lied. It was such a small stretching of truth. The lie was “almost” true. But that “almost” had seriously hurt someone else and their reputation. Without a clear line of distinction on what is truth, any variation of reality can be manipulated on a whim. We must have truth in our lives, anchoring even the small decisions we make. I often tell my kids, “sin always hurts someone.” Even if it’s your own heart and relationship with God, sin always hurts someone. We cannot expect to play with lies and manipulate truth to our own advantage and walk away unscathed. That is a lie itself! Journal about a recent time when someone’s deception hurt you, then write about a time your deception hurt someone else. Ask the Lord to give you a soft, repentant heart and keen awareness of truth, so you can walk far away from lies!

3) Yesterday, Merry challenged all of us (or maybe it was just me!) to reconsider how we have viewed the last commandment, do not covet. It’s easy to get bogged down in “don’t covet your neighbor’s manservant or maidservant”. Okay, got it, God. Check! Not so fast. Merry invited us to peel back the layers, and squirm. According to this command, we are called to, daily, hold up before the Lord our wants and desires at any point of our everyday, and ask ourselves, “Why am I chasing this?”.  Are our motives focused on gratifying ourselves? Jesus summed up all of God’s laws by commanding us to love God and love one another. Why? Because if I first loved my friend, I wouldn’t be earnestly wishing for her wardrobe, her job position, or her anything. Instead, I would be celebrating her because I loved her. Use this gauge of love and think through those things you have been deeply desiring or earnestly wishing for. Where can you ask the Lord to renew your heart of love?

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Hebrews 13:5-6 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Therefore, we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Prayer Journal
If You alone are my fullness. If You alone are the complete satisfier of all my needs, my hungry longings, and my aching empty places. Then I have no need to look farther than the richness of knowing You more deeply and more fully than I have just a moment ago. You are endless and hold more than enough mystery and unconditional love towards me to captivate me for an eternity. Hold me fast, Lord God, here with You. If you are for me, I need no other. If you are with me, I have no need to fear. For, bound up in Your perfect demonstration of on-going, never-ending love surrounding me on all sides, is perfect peace with no room for fear. Your perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18) Speak these truths over me again and again, Lord Jesus. Remind me to declare over my heart, my emotions, my circumstances, and my relationships, “Jesus is enough!”.

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Ten Day 12 The Deceit Of Not Enough: 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 The Deceit Of Not Enough!

The Questions

1) How does the knowledge of the Lord’s salvation comfort the psalmist David? (verse 1)

2) Do these verses indicate that God will protect us from experiencing any and all trouble? (verses 2 and 5)

3) What did the David focus on when trouble surrounded him? (verse 4)

4) How do God’s commandments in Exodus relate to David’s feelings in this psalm?

Psalm 27:1-5

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread? 2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident. 4 I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple. 5 For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

Original Intent

1) How does the knowledge of the Lord’s salvation comfort the psalmist David? (verse 1)
Most Bible commentators and scholars state it is difficult to emphatically state the period in David’s life of this particular psalm. Like much of David’s writing, this psalm speaks of danger from enemies, foes, murderers, and battle. This situation seems to be common to his life. Here specifically, David is comforted by the thought that the Lord will keep him safe. If you have done much reading of David’s psalms, you will find a trend of his emotions riding a roller coaster. This is important to remember as you study his writings because David’s comfort often came from speaking truth over himself. He reminds his soul of certain unchanging realities about God. (Psalms 42-43, Psalm 103) It is his knowledge about God’s character that reassures his fearful heart and mind. David had been rescued by God before, and he trusted God would continue to save him. The wonderful picture here is that though he seems to be surrounded by trouble, he is able to be focused on his strong God. It is this experiential understanding of unshakeable truth that helps David rehearse and remember that the Lord is greater than his circumstances. Even if those circumstances include harmful outcomes.

2) Do these verses indicate that God will protect us from experiencing any and all trouble? (verses 2 and 5)
If we read these verses pulled away from other psalms and Scriptures, we may conclude the Lord promises His children protection from all harm and victory over every enemy. This would be an incorrect Scriptural conclusion. We learn from the apostle Paul’s encouragement to his friend, Timothy, that it is crucial for the Bible student to study all Scripture to discover who God is and what He is teaching. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) We do so because “whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” (Romans 15:4). The psalms are reliable and useful because like many other Bible passages, they are marked by honesty. I tend to go to the New Testament for my doctrinal lessons and I overlook the gospel message God sprinkled through the pages of the Old. Yet, Old Testament passages like these, speak of God “humbly and artfully—poetically—because the divine mystery dwells beyond all language” and it speaks of the Lord “in mercy and judgment so as to free the world of sin and injustice.” (Old Testament professor Brent Strawn) The psalmist believed the Lord was his salvation. This went beyond his temporary circumstances.

3) What did the David focus on when trouble surrounded him? (verse 4)
David was a skillful warrior and had some impressive victories in his history. However, he looked to the Lord as the strength of his life. Bible commentator David Guzik said, “If we rarely know what it is to have God be the strength of our life, perhaps it is because we trust in so many other things for strength. We find it easy to trust in our wisdom, our experience, our friends, and our resources. David knew a strength greater than all of those.” (enduringword.com) As a poet would, David uses picturesque words to describe his confidence in God. When he thinks about the darkness around him, he recalls the Lord is light. When he considers his enemies, he rehearses his salvation and reminds his soul about the One who is the stronghold of his life. When he remembers how God had proven Himself reliable in the past, he speaks truth to his own heart about Him. Although there are psalms revealing David’s fear, these verses tell us he was confident that no one had the power to take his life apart from the authority of His good and gracious God. God alone was his stronghold despite his circumstances.

4) How do God’s commandments in Exodus relate to David’s feelings in this psalm?
In the Old Testament story of the exodus of the people of Israel, God gives the nation ten major laws. These laws were to instruct the Israelites how to obey and please God. The Bible tells us God Himself spoke to Moses and wrote with His own finger on tablets of stone. (Exodus 31:18) These commandments summarized the 600+ commandments included in the Law. David had learned the importance of rehearsing God’s commands to himself. (1 Kings 15:5) We know by reading his words throughout the psalms that even though David was not immune to anxiety, his knowledge of God’s commands encouraged him. Throughout Israel’s history, the people misunderstood the purpose of these commands. When God appointed David’s son as the king of Israel, Solomon asked God for wisdom. God granted his noble request. In the book of Proverbs, we have many of his wise principles guiding us on how to apply God’s commands and how they affect all the areas of our lives. (Proverbs 4:20-27) Although Solomon took the hard road and eventually rebelled against God, his conclusion on life gives insight into how God intended His commandments to guide us to depend on Him. (Ecclesiastes 12:12-14)

Everyday Application

1) How does the knowledge of the Lord’s salvation comfort the psalmist David? (verse 1)
Commentator Guzik said, “David’s confidence in God was battle-tested. He did not have fair-weather faith that lived in always-easy circumstances. This isn’t the joy of a man in a comfortable monastery; this is the song of a man who knew God’s goodness even in danger and despair.” This is the God I have come to know for myself! When I fear, when I doubt, when I fail, I recall God’s faithfulness. He comforts, He assures, and He forgives. The psalmist reminds us that those who trust in the Lord will be saved to an abundant way of living. “The righteous one will not fear bad news; their heart is confident, trusting in the Lord. their heart is assured; they will not fear. In the end they will look in triumph on their foes.” (Psalm 112:6-8) The apostle Paul believed this truth and declared, “I will continue to rejoice because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20)

2) Do these verses indicate that God will protect us from experiencing any and all trouble? (verses 2 and 5)
The psalms of David are filled with adoration to God as his protector (Psalms 18, 54, 138). God protected and spared the life of Job also. (Job 1–3). Even though at times, both David and Job could not see God working behind the scenes for them, both came to understand God’s presence is sure and faithful because He promises His people, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) However, God’s promise and power to deliver us does not always mean our physical lives will be spared. Protecting us from trials is not always beneficial to us. Since “we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28), we our called to trust Him. Solomon’s wealth was a reward for his request for wisdom. But when wisdom and wealth became his idol, the blessings he had enjoyed became sorrows. Sister, God is for you. He is not bothered by our cries to Him for protection. I am thankful, though, that the essence of God’s protection is the presence of the Holy Spirit. He is always with us to help us trust and obey in our daily lives.

3) What did the David focus on when trouble surrounded him? (verse 4)
Commentator Albert Barnes said “though engaged in other things, and though there were other objects of interest in the world, [David] felt it would be supreme pleasure on earth to dwell always in the temple of God, and to be employed in its sacred services, preparatory to an eternal residence in the temple above. To him the service of God upon earth was not burdensome, nor did he anticipate that he would ever become weary of praising his Maker. How can a man be prepared for an eternal heaven who finds the worship of God on earth irksome and tedious?” In this psalm, David exemplifies where to place our focus amid trouble. Trials will come. We will be tempted to fear and let anxiety win. Yet, God is near. He remains our confidence. “Only trust Him, only trust Him, only trust Him now; He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now.” (Hymn by John H Stockton)

4) How do God’s commandments in Exodus relate to David’s feelings in this psalm?
Randy Alcorn said, “Our pleasure is won in the ‘Aha!’ moments of discovering firsthand why God’s ways really are best. The more we discover His ways and experience the goodness of His holiness, the less we will try to find happiness apart from Him.” By turning toward the Lord, David often found protection from his enemies. More than that, he was reminded of God’s faithfulness. The temple was the place David worshipped the One who created and sustained him. God’s presence is our comfort too. It is also our power. The psalmists found their delight in God’s presence and they found joy in His commandments. “Better a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people. For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord grants favor and honor; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity. Happy is the person who trusts in You, Lord of Armies!” (Psalm 84:10-12) “How happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the Lord’s instruction! Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:1-2)

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?
Catch up with The Deceit Of Not Enough!

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

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Our Current Study Theme!

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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 :-))

Memorize It!

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Neighbor Day 15 When Unloved

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Leviticus 19:17-18
Matthew 5:33-48
Luke 10:1-16
Romans 13:8-14

Neighbor, Day 15

The Command
Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Most of us have repeated the words countless times, so they roll off the tongue easily. But what does it really mean? Human nature urges us to draw the boundary line so we know what’s expected. We want to know exactly who we should consider our neighbors…and whether we consciously realize it or not, who we can exclude.

Let’s dig in a little deeper.

The Context
In this story, the title, citizenship and position of the people involved didn’t matter at all. 

Jesus was showing the disciples God was not at all interested in labels that appeal to mankind; rather, His focus was heart posture. When Jesus told His disciples the parable of the good Samaritan, He didn’t hesitate to jump knee-deep into the hypocrisy of the age and point out the wrong heart motives hidden behind titles of priest and Levite.

Jesus was a master storyteller. Every word He spoke held great intention and profound revelation. He knew that because of their heritage, those listening would be predisposed to connect with the priest, or the Levite, and prejudiced against the Samaritan.

Make no mistake; His purposeful vagueness with regard to the man who was beaten and robbed was by design as well. Because it didn’t matter who he was or where he was from. Jesus was making the point that their neighbor, and ours, is anyone and everyone in need. 

The Questions
But what about those who don’t return our love?
What about those who will not love us the way we desire to be loved? 

Dear friend. This may be a hard word to receive, but it’s absolutely vital that we grasp it. Those very questions are rooted in the great deception of our current age: that our faith is about us and how we feel. For the people in the back, I’ll say it again.

Our faith is not and can not ever be based on our feelings.

There never has been and never will be another human who will ever be able to fulfill in us the needs that God alone can fill.

As tempting as it may be to seek approval and fulfillment from those around us, our salvation can only ever be founded on Scripture alone, by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. This is the true gospel. The moment we begin to believe it is acceptable for our faith to be dictated by our feelings is the moment we begin to settle for a false gospel: the gospel of self.

Friends, we can not allow this to be so. The gospel message has never been about us beyond the salvation, freedom and whole heart, whole mind, whole life transformation Christ Jesus works in us when we submit ourselves to His hands.

In short, it doesn’t really matter how we feel. 

Woo. Talk about counter-cultural. But the gospel has never been about fitting in or being comfortable, has it? Jesus himself assured us that to answer His call and follow Him required us to pick up our cross and die to self.

But what about those who harm us?
Jesus said to love them.

But what about those who persecute us? What about our enemies?
Jesus said to love them.

But what about when our spouse doesn’t show love or communicate the way we need? What if we have grown apart, or are simply incompatible?
Jesus said to love them.

The Call
We are each called to yield to the work of the cross as God performs the outworking of our faith, and to live and love the gospel out in every aspect of our lives. From the moment we accept the gift of salvation, we receive the impartation and installment of Holy Spirit inside us. This is something we can take absolutely no credit for, because none of it is possible in our own strength. Our part is only to submit to what He is doing and recognize all glory belongs to God alone!

However, as we go about our daily lives, there is an enemy who actively works to destroy, distort, and disengage us from the transformation Jesus desires to work in us. How does he do this? By introducing a thought pattern rooted in lies.

So what is the lie here?

You deserve to be treated the way you want to be treated. 

Friend, the enemy loves to woo us with thoughts and ideas which glorify our feelings, ourselves, our needs, and our desires. He wants nothing more than to see us so completely wrapped up in ourselves and what we think and feel and need, that we miss what God has to say about anything. He’s sneaky, and a masterful liar, and Scripture tells us he prowls around like a lion, searching for anyone to devour. This lie is a prime example of how he works. He takes a tiny bit of truth, or even a big chunk of truth, and distorts it into something we want to hear.
Close enough to sound right, but just enough off course we miss the message. 

The Truth
Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Do you catch the difference between the two statements, Love?
The lie is all about what serves us.
The truth is all about what serves others.

Because the Jesus we follow and submit to was a servant to all.
When we look at His life on earth, we can’t escape the fact the King of Kings chose humility and servanthood over control.
He chose righteousness over self-righteousness.
He chose holiness over being heavy-handed.

This is the truth, and cost, of our calling: we are called to love and serve all people.
Regardless of how they respond to and treat us.
No caveats; no excuses.

We are called to love!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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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 Neighbor Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

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