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Worship X Day 9 Faithful Redeemer: 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!
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The Questions

1) “Be anxious for nothing”? Really? (verse 6)

2) What is true peace? How does it guard our hearts? (verse 7)

3) Why meditate on “these things”? (verse 8)

Philippians 4:6-8

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable–if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy–dwell on these things.

Original Intent

1) “Be anxious for nothing”? Really? (verse 6)
These sound like words from someone who has never faced a problem in their life. It makes you want to ask, “What gives you the right to tell me, “Be anxious for nothing“? Until we see the writer is none other than the Apostle Paul, who suffered significantly for preaching Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:23-30) He had many things he could worry about. As a matter of fact, even as he wrote to the Christians in Philippi, he was on house arrest at Rome waiting for a decision on his execution. Paul had plenty for which to be anxious, but he confidently held fast to what he had come to whole-heartedly believe, “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Tensions and hardships spoken of within his letter may reflect social tensions and economic difficulties within the larger community of Philippi or even in the broader church. These issues could have been a source of anxiety for the Philippian believers along with many other potential worries. Since this instruction comes at the close of his letter perhaps it was an encouragement to not be worried about him. Throughout his letter, Paul reiterates that “joy is an essential outgrowth of union with Christ in the gospel.” Paul stresses the idea of joy or rejoicing in a number of ways throughout the letter: (Philippians 1:18;2:28-29;3:1, and 4:4 to name only a few) (Jason C, Meyer, The Lexham Bible Dictionary, Logos)

2) What is true peace? How does it guard our hearts? (verse 7)
In a previous Digging Deeper Study, we studied how peace is one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit cultivates in the heart of a believer! This peace of God surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7-9) God’s peace remains, EVEN when the world storms around us. The Bible is filled with God-followers who found peace in relationship with Him despite their circumstances. Daniel’s daily relationship with God provided him peace and increased his faith that God would protect him from being consumed by lions. (Daniel 6) Peter walked out on stormy waters at Jesus’ invitation based on what he knew to be true of Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-33) As long as he remained focused on Jesus, Peter walked peacefully amidst a literal storm. We can find this same supernatural peace by continually turning our minds and hearts to Jesus in prayer, worship, and reading His Word. (Isaiah 26:3) Jesus told the disciples (and us) that in this world we would have suffering, but He came to give us peace. (John 16:33) We have this peace because Jesus has already conquered the world, so why worry? We, with Him, have conquered this world and all its troubles!

3) Why meditate on “these things”? (verse 8)
True… honorable… just… pure… lovely… commendable… excellence… praiseworthy. These, Paul would say, are the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God. When we put these good things into our mind, they stay in our mind and then come forth from us. (Enduring Word Bible Commentary) Have you heard the children’s sermon where the pastor puts water into a glass and then has a child shake his arm? Of course, the water spills out. Then he asks the children “why did water spill out of the glass?” They respond, “Because we shook your arm”, but he replies, “No, because water was in the glass”. What is in your heart comes out when the world shakes you. Paul tells us through his letters that what we put in our minds makes all the difference. Romans 12:2 talks of transforming our minds and 2 Corinthians 10:4-7 speaks of “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself.” Meditating on “good things” that reflect God and His character is key. It’s a practical way to bring every thought into captivity under Christ’s rule in us. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Negative thoughts come, but we don’t need to allow them to stay or mull them over in our minds. Just “cast them down“, and ask the Lord to renew our minds in Him!

Everyday Application

1) “Be anxious for nothing”? Really? (verse 6)
Yesterday, Christine encouraged us that “There is always hope when God is in our story.” David exhibited this kind of confident hope in Psalm 71:5, “For you are my hope, Lord God, my confidence from my youth.” David often began his psalms with worries, but he always gave them to God; Paul instructs us to do the same. Paul doesn’t leave us with a blank statement “not to worry”, but tags on “how to do that” by prescribing praise, “but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) If we remember what God has done in the past it gives us hope for the future. We can confidently know that God will come through with whatever is best for us. (Romans 8:28) He absolutely will work it out. In Psalm 71:14-19, David wrote about the faithfulness of God. Christine challenged us to look at our own journals. Do we ever praise him for what He has done or is it all about our worries and concerns? I am impressed that it is not only once in the Psalms that the works of God are listed but over and over again. Don’t ever stop praising Him! Yes, make your requests to Him. But then, praise Him for what He WILL do, then wait in faith and watch what happens! The faithful God gives us His gift of peace when we choose praise over fear. “Peace. Wonderful Peace flowing down from the Father above.” (Wonderful Peace by Warren D. Cornell)

2) What is true peace? How does it guard our hearts? (verse 7)
We tend to believe that peace comes in the absence of storms and trials. When blessings are flowing, then I can have peace. Consider with me, how would we define blessings? Family? Financial gain? Health? If so, then, what hope is there for the one with no husband, no children, no money, or bad health? I always felt at peace with life. My husband and I had our ups and downs, but we were “at peace” serving God. But then, I lost my health. After which, my husband lost his job and subsequently our home. Just before the job loss, our son introduced me to Laura Story and her song, Blessings. She proposes through song that blessings aren’t tangible things but divine things. Through our difficult trials, my husband and I truly found Christ’s “peace that passes all understanding“. His providence for every need, and His grace to walk through the valley of the shadow of death were constant. This peace was discovered through a much deeper relationship with the God of the ages. Now, God was truly “guarding our hearts” for all the ‘stuff’ had been stripped away and we could really be at peace with Him. Everything else was just icing on the cake.

3) Why meditate on “these things”? (verse 8)
Not long after my illness began, my sister sent me a “joy box” inspired by the writings of Ann Voskamp. This got me started in reading her book, One Thousand Gifts. Ann tells her story of a life of depression until a friend challenged her to start a gratitude journal. The goal was to list one thousand things for which she was thankful. By writing down three things every day, she had one thousand gifts within a year! In the process, she discovered joy! Thinking on the good things instead of the negative made all the difference. While I haven’t suffered depression over my health, making a gratitude journal keeps everything on a high note. I even went to the next level and brought my whole church into the practice. Every Sunday, I placed an assignment in the bulletin for each person or family to create their own lists. It became “a fragrant offering, and acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) Meditating on the good things brings us right back to the whole theme of Philippians – JOY! I pray you will begin to “think on these things” in life and in this act of worship, increase your joy!

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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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Nations Day 6 The Unreached At Home

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Nations Day 6 The Unreached At Home

Lesley Crawford

May 17, 2021

church,Community,Faith,Faithfulness,God,Gospel,Holy Spirit,Jesus,Worship

Read His Words Before Ours!

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


 

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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Worship VIII Day 13 My Victory

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-10
Colossians 1:15-23
Romans 7:21-8:3
Romans 8:18-39
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Worship VIII, Day 13

We’ve all heard evangelists preach truth to the lost,
but have you ever preached truth to yourself?

It may sound odd, but it’s a beneficial practice. Reminding ourselves of the truth of Scripture impacts our real, everyday lives.

For example, His great faithfulness is equally true both in times of devoted worship and as we fold laundry. His plans for our hope and future remain, even as we potty-train our toddlers or wait in the car-rider line.

We’re often encouraged in church, yet promptly deflated as we smack headlong into life. Preaching truth to ourselves helps us remain in the confidence of worship and move forward in strength, rather than living in perpetual frustration. Hymns and worship songs provide excellent material for preaching truth to ourselves, and My Victory by Jimmy Needham is no exception.

“Never turning back to the way things were
I’m stronger now than I was before
I hear the sound that freedom brings
It’s ringing loud
Now I am free to lift my eyes
For grace is alive”

The first stanza prompts a glance over our shoulders, recalling life when Christ found us. As I remember from what He’s saved me, I rejoice! My empty life was suddenly infused with the breath of God. What was dead, is now alive!

“You are the hope that broke the dark in me
You are the light that shines when I can’t see
You are, You are, my victory”

Because Jesus is God in human form,
our divine Redeemer,
our death-conquering,
resurrected and ascended King,
He is the only one truly qualified to be our living hope.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus purchased an all-access pass to the resources we need for a fruitful life in Christ. As believers, we have access to an arsenal of truth, a “truth trifecta,” we can use to fight lies in Jesus’ name. This truth trifecta is Scripture, prayer, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. 

Scripture is our “light when we can’t see,” our battle-sword, and our bedrock of truth. Therefore, Scripture’s words about God’s character, our sinfulness, His grace, and our victory in Christ are absolutely true, regardless of our feelings. Standing upon Scripture is standing upon truth. It is bedrock, especially in the heat of battle.

The Holy Spirit serves as our internal compass and intercessor. Because the Holy Spirit connects us to the same power-source that resurrected Christ, we’re empowered to live fruitful, flourishing lives in enemy territory.

Through the phenomenon of prayer, redeemed humans can enjoy free-flowing communication with God. For example, the psalms illustrate raw, unfiltered conversations with God; the writer is often an open book. Because the astounding privilege of being known and loved by The Ancient of Days is our reality, our deepest heart-cries and most treasured dreams are His immediate concern.

“My weakness Yours, Your mercy mine
My God, You’re not the leaving kind
I sing the song that freedom brings
It’s ringing loud
Now I am free to lift my eyes
My God is alive”

Here, we’re reminded of the paradoxes within Christianity. In our weakness, we are strong. Because we surrender our weakness to Him and in turn, are suffused with His strength. Instead of abandoning us to our sin, He redeems us, bestows riches upon us, and fights for us.

I know this is true, because for years He fought for me, empowering me in my weakness. Preaching Scriptural truth to myself, praying like an open book, and drawing strength from His Spirit sustained me as weighty circumstances threatened to crush me.

My preemie twins needed a skilled, compassionate mother; it was a rewarding yet exhausting and thankless task.

Matthew’s special needs intensified my load and isolation. His medical needs steadily increased, along with his seizures.

My solid (but previously untested) faith was called into action. Throughout our struggles, truth was my ever-present companion, and preaching it to myself, through tears of desperation, became my means of survival. Prayer became my lifeline, often resembling a signal flare launched into the darkness. Truth was my bedrock, prayer sustained me, and the Holy Spirit empowered me to care for my boys well in Jesus’ name.

“In times of trouble
When I’m not able
You are, my God, You are
My chains are broken
Your gates are open
Hallelujah”

How easily we can identify with Needham’s words! A quick scroll on social media screams of a world is in chaos. Covid19, political vitriol, and the “Cancel Culture” exasperate and disorient us.

Yet, He remains our foundation. When Matthew died, I stared numbly into his casket and was engulfed in a swirling fog of grief; yet He shared my burden, lifting my tear-stained face toward eternity and the temporary nature of my affliction.

The truth of Scripture stabilized me throughout my care-giving years and in my grief. For truth remains, no matter the circumstances; what is true in the sunlight is equally true in the pouring rain.

His Spirit gave me steely fortitude in heartbreaking circumstances; His Word and His Spirit spoke of eternity and our blessed hope.  Though we now dwell in enemy territory, building outposts of truth in occupied land, we know how this story ends. Jesus wins! Therefore, “we sing it out, we sing it loud! He is our victory!”

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Ignite Day 1 The Wick

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Isaiah 43:1-4
Acts 4:29-31
Acts 2:42-47
Luke 11:31-36
James 3:1-12

Ignite, Day 1

“My heart is the wick, Your love is the flame. And I wanna burn for Your Name.”

Merriam-Webster defines ignite as “To set afire. To cause to burn. To subject to fire or intense heat. To heat up. To set in motion.”

Have you ever built a campfire from scratch? In order for your fire to catch and grow, you need everything set up in exactly the right order. First, you gather lots of small, dry branches and twigs, leaves, paper and anything else that will catch fire quickly. This is called kindling. You’ll have more success if you pile the dry twigs and branches on top of the kindling. Next, you position larger logs over your kindling, being sure to leave space for air to flow under the logs.

Then, you strike your match and set the kindling on fire. As the flames grow and start to spread to the smaller twigs and branches, you might blow on the flame, or poke it with a long stick, to stir it up more. The flame grows and burns hotter, and as it does, the larger branches and logs grow hotter until they begin to catch fire, too.

Love, I have to be honest with you. When I picked up the assignment to write this Journey about Polycarp and Ignatius, I had literally never heard of them in my life. In fact, as I sat in our writer’s meeting and scanned the list of upcoming Journeys, I felt…

Uneducated.
Lacking.
Ill-equipped.

Ouch. And to add insult to injury? The truth is that I didn’t feel any real desire or curiosity to dig deeper into the lives of any of these historical fathers of the faith.

So, I did what any self-respecting fringe millennial would do. I picked the ones with names I could not really pronounce, pseudo-affectionately dubbed them, “Iggy & Poly” in my mind, threw my inexperience to the wind and dived in deep.

And here we are. But before I can fully introduce you to Ignatius and Polycarp, we have to go back a little further. In order to do that, we’ll stick with the campfire picture we just processed together.

Stay with me, this is important.

The Kindling
Before Jesus arrived as the promised Emmanuel, God With Us, we need to visualize the spiritual climate in Israel. God’s people were effectively trapped in a religious box of their own making. Where He had set out His law to protect and free them, they instead chose to chain themselves to religion and more. They created their own laws and rules in addition to His, and rather than trusting God to justify them through sacrifice and the atonement of sins, they adopted a religious spirit. They thought they could justify themselves. This resulted in a prideful people group who were desperate for truth, purpose and relationship, yet still rigidly clung to the very things that held them captive.
They were empty. Dry.

Spiritually dead.

The Spark
Enter Jesus.

When the Son of God slipped quietly onto the Bethlehem scene in the form of an infant… the Jewish people were confused.

They had asked for a king.
Someone who would fulfill the Law.
Someone who could rescue them.
And God answered, because that was His plan all along.

But He didn’t answer in the way they wanted, or the way they expected. Instead, He sent Jesus to fulfill the Law in the way that only Jesus ever could. And because the people who prayed for rescue didn’t see it coming in the way they expected, the majority missed the message the Son of Man brought to life.

However, there were those positioned closest to Jesus who recognized the Truth and began to smolder from His heat. These apostles were disciples in word and deed. They spent time with Jesus in His everyday life and ministry.

They saw Him perform miracle after miracle, healing after healing.
They witnessed Jesus in life, in death,
and then in life again.
They got it.

More importantly, they caught it. And when He told them to go, they went.

They began to walk out their faith in boldness, preaching the gospel to all who would listen. They healed the sick, and cast out demons. They taught others about the life of Jesus, what His death and resurrection meant, and why it mattered. They devoted themselves to studying the Scriptures, to praying, and fellowship.

And their numbers grew exponentially.

And Love? The ones Jesus chose to draw into His closest circle?
The ones He trusted to catch fire first – and to fan the flame?
They were unquestionably the last people anyone would expect to fulfill that weighty calling. In fact, you or I might have even called them….

Uneducated.
Lacking.
Ill-equipped.

But God saw them differently.

The early church began to grow against all odds in the face of extreme opposition.
In the weakness and humanity of the ordinary men and women who spread the message and ministry of Jesus, God was shown strong.
Whole families began to receive the message of Jesus,
and though persecution was commonplace, Christianity caught fire.

The church continued to grow until one day, as Saul of Tarsus walked the road to Damascus, the resurrected Christ Himself appeared to him. Prior to this face-to-face, Saul had been instrumental in persecuting countless followers of Christ, with the full support of the Jewish leaders. Saul’s resulting sudden and whole-heart, whole-life, jaw-dropping conversion fanned the flickering flame to a roar. Saul became known as Paul, and he adopted the lifestyle of the other apostles, discipling others, encouraging young leaders in the church, and delivering truth and challenge in love to all he encountered.

And the flame began to grow.

As for my friends, Poly and Iggy, I’ll introduce you on Wednesday of this week. 🙂

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Sketched IV Day 11 Zechariah

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:5-25
Luke 1:57-80
Genesis 17:1-27

Sketched IV, Day 11

The lot has been cast; I am the chosen priest to burn the incense in the temple.
What an honor!
I love serving the Lord and have always taken the entrustment of priestly role seriously. There is a humility required that draws me closer to Him and challenges me to honor Him with my actions.

I made sure all my priestly attire rested properly in place, no stains or blemishes marked it. I spent time purifying myself – mind, body, and soul – before approaching the altar of incense. The actions were a routine I’d walked through before, but even then, the holiness of the movements humbled me.
Who am I to serve the Lord of Lords?

I approached the altar of incense with reverence, focusing on the faithfulness and intentionality of the Lord. His parameters were specific, and the expectations were high, but the palpable holiness I felt in this moment only motivated me to honor Him more.

Suddenly I was not alone in the space.

An angel of the Lord stood beside the table. How I knew it was an angel was slightly beyond me, but fear coursed through me due to the heavenly presence.
Why was he here? What had I done?

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John.
There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.
For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

The adrenaline coursed through my body and I fought to comprehend what He had just said to me. “How can I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

The moment the words were out of my mouth I wished I could retract them. The angel’s response only confirmed my desire to have thought through my words before speaking.

“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God,
and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.
Now listen.
You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Several long, yet joyous, months later the proper time approached. In a few moments, our baby boy, our miraculous gift, would be officially named. Over the months, I had replayed my conversation with Gabriel and thought through what I wished my response would have been that day:
“May the Lord be glorified. The God of Abraham who gave Sarah the ability to conceive, is great and powerful. When He speaks, all of creation responds. He is entrusting us with John, and we seek His wisdom and strength in raising him.”

That had become my prayer over the months of silence.
The Lord was the only one to whom I could speak and know my voice was heard.
How many times had I talked to Him about His faithfulness and ability
to bring to pass what He has promised?
How many times had the silence been a reminder of His power and sovereignty?

Ever since Elizabeth told me she was pregnant, I dreamed of the moment I would be able to speak.
To look at my wife and say her name again.
To look at my son and call him John.

He had arrived eight days ago. Elizabeth had called him John the first moment she held him in her arms. I had nodded my agreement and waited for the words to flow.

None came.
The silence continued.
Now neighbors and relatives were gathered, all talking about how the child would be named after his now mute father.
I shook my head and yet again Elizabeth spoke for me,
“No. He will be called John.”

Great argument arose from those surrounding us since John was not a family name.
I motioned for a tablet to write on while they argued. With great joy and determination, I wrote four words on the tablet and showed it to the crowd.

His. Name. Is. John.

In that moment, the floodgates released as my faith was manifested before witnesses.
The silence ended, and with it I proclaimed all that was within me.

No doubts and no fears; Yahweh was trustworthy!
Sometimes it is in the waiting to speak that the power to believe rises up.

As I spoke, watching the reactions around me, the words of Gabriel whispered in my ear:
“Many will rejoice at his birth.”

Perhaps John’s legacy will be something like my silent lesson.
Silence before a proclamation that would break all expectation.
A proclamation delivered in pure, solid faith of the Almighty.
A proclamation that would point unequivocally to the coming Messiah.
The proclamation John would make, again just as Gabriel had said,
“to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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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 Sketched IV Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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

Worship II Day 15 Where’s Your Mountain?

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 4:18-22
Ezekiel 33:1-8

When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we couldn’t wait to tell everyone we knew. We immediately began plotting how we would break the news to our family, friends, coworkers, and, of course, what the all-important Facebook announcement would be. I also couldn’t help but tell waitresses, cashiers, and baristas. The joy in my heart had to come out everywhere I went.

Can you think of a time you had great news that you couldn’t wait to tell someone about? Maybe it was a marriage engagement, a job promotion, or a great new restaurant you just discovered. Did you call your mom or text your best friend? Did you take to social media so that you could quickly reach as many people as possible with your exciting news?

Sometimes news, even good news, can be a little bit scary. What does this mean? How are things going to change? How am I supposed to respond to this new information?

Imagine you just received the most important piece of news in the history of the world.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold,
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby
wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:10-12)

The shepherds in Luke 2 were in the fields with their flocks. Luke doesn’t say there was anything special or out of the ordinary about that night, but I like to imagine that it was a clear night when the stars could be seen brightly. Suddenly, something happened that would certainly change the shepherds forever. An angel of the Lord was standing before them and he had something to say! After his announcement, a whole host of angels appeared, praising God and singing of His glory.

After the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds hurried to see this great thing that had been proclaimed to them. After seeing Mary, Joseph and the baby for themselves, they went on their way proclaiming the news they had experienced.

Can you imagine?
The Israelites had been waiting to hear from God for hundreds of years
and he chose that moment
and those shepherds
to make His big announcement.

God had been in the business of using ordinary people to bring His message throughout the Old Testament, so it shouldn’t surprise us that he would choose lowly shepherds to be the bearers of the news of the birth of His Son the Messiah.
He used Moses, someone poor of speech, to lead his people out of Egypt.
He used Esther, an orphan Jew, to save His people from genocide.
He used Rahab, a prostitute, to hide the Israelite spies in Jericho.

The shepherds were the start of a new era of unqualified people bringing the Gospel to the world. Jesus’s disciples were a ragtag group of ordinary men – fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. He didn’t stop there. He also used the widow, the lame, the blind, the young, the old, and the sick to share His gospel.

God is still using ordinary people to bring His Good News to the world today;
people like you and me.
God could have chosen any mode to proclaim the Gospel,
but in His infinite wisdom and perfect plan,
He decided to use people.
People of small and large influence,
people young and old,
people rich and poor.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He gave the Great Commission before He ascended to Heaven.

And Jesus came and said to them,
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20)

He wasn’t just talking to the crowd that day.
The Great Commission is for us!
We have Good News!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is better news that any engagement, job promotion, or new restaurant. Shouldn’t we want to tell everyone about the Good News that has been proclaimed to us?
Go Tell It On The Mountain is traditionally a Christmas song, but it is just as relevant to us in December as it is January through November.
So, where is your Mountain?
Who will you tell about Jesus Christ?

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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

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 Worship II 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 Worship II!

Palette Day 7 All The Colors: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s
Journey Study?
Check out All The Colors!

Matthew 28:16-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Questions

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?
In reading all of chapter twenty-eight, the scene is set for this passage that falls at the end of the chapter. Jesus has just been resurrected and there are those who simply cannot, or choose not to believe, His resurrection. The chief priest pays the soldiers to say that Jesus’ disciples have stolen His body rather than affirm the resurrection. (28:13)

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?
Throughout this passage, Jesus gives four commands. He tells them to GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, and TEACH THEM MY WORD.

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?
Jesus is very clear the power is from God the Father, through the Spirit, and He will be with us until the end of the age.

The Everyday Application

1) Why are some doubting? What has happened previously to make them doubt or believe?
The evidence of Jesus’ resurrection was right in front of them in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no reason to doubt. I read a passage like this and I think how could they not see? It is only a mirrored reflection of my own disbelief at times. God clearly works in my life, clearly moves, and clearly shows me who He is, yet I still question just as they did. It is in these moments that God gently nudges me closer to Him. He shows me my own heart of disbelief to push me and convict me of my desperate need for Him.

2) What commands are given to the disciples in this passage?
GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, BAPTIZE THEM, and TEACH MY WORD. It could not be simpler than that. This passage iterates the simplicity of the gospel. God desires His people to teach others about Him. He desires us to move beyond our borders, our personal boundaries, to places unknown, places of discomfort, and sometimes places that we simply just don’t want to go. It doesn’t mean you leave this country or even this city. What it does mean is that you have eyes that see as Jesus sees paired with a heart’s desire to tell others about Him.          

3) In whose power, do we go? And how long do we have that power?
As we go, we do not go alone. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” This is the promise we have from our Savior. He doesn’t leave us, He empowers us! He doesn’t expect us to go of our volition but rather as His power transforms us, we move forward out of worship for Him. This power is not fleeting, but rather eternal. It does not run out or fade away, rather it grows in us, drawing us closer to Him. In that strength, we begin to look and act a whole lot more like Him. We love because He first loved us!

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

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

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

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Palette!

Repurposed Day 4
My Dear Timothy: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

Looking for yesterday’s Journey Post? Check out My Dear Timothy!

2 Timothy 4:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The Questions

1) To whom are the commands in this passage given?

2) What do Paul’s words in verse 1 tell us about the command he is about to give?

3) What exactly does it mean to preach? Be ready? Reprove? Rebuke? Exhort?

4) What does it mean that people will have “itching ears”? What is Paul’s command that contrasts with this type of person?

The Findings for Intention

1) To whom are the commands in this passage given?
When studying the Bible, we look for the original intent of the author to make sure that we don’t misunderstand or misapply what is written. 2 Timothy is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus. So the commands were given directly to Timothy, but can also be understood to apply to current-day pastors and overseers. Those of us who are not pastors can still apply the universal principles to our own lives.

2) What do Paul’s words in verse 1 tell us about the command he is about to give?
Verse one contains strong language that shows just how important the following command is. This isn’t just a suggestion, but a charge, and Paul is reminding Timothy that God and Christ Jesus are present, powerful, and coming back to finish their work. This would have encouraged Timothy to take seriously the task set before him, and to consider the magnitude of such a command.

3) What exactly does it mean to preach? Be ready? Reprove? Rebuke? Exhort?
The word translated “preach” here means to herald or proclaim. And the emphasis is on preaching the word, not just preaching whatever people want to hear. “Be ready” means to be prepared to take opportunities to preach the word (1 Peter 3:15). The dictionary defines “reprove” as to criticize or correct (when someone is in error), and rebuke means to express sharp, stern disapproval. To exhort is to urge someone to do or believe something. All these commands are related to helping people know and understand the truth of God’s word, and to reject falsehood.

4) What does it mean that people will have “itching ears”? What is Paul’s command that contrasts with this type of person?
When something itches, it wants to be scratched. When someone’s ears “itch,” there is something specific that they want to hear that will satisfy that “itch,” regardless of whether it is truth or myth. People with itching ears don’t necessarily want to hear the truth of God’s word, and they will seek out any teacher who will tell them what they want to hear. In contrast, Paul commands Timothy to be sober-minded. He is to be disciplined and watchful, preaching the truth even if he suffers, and to fulfill his ministry.

The Everyday Application

1) To whom are the commands in this passage given?
Not every believer is a pastor, but we can all apply the commands in these verses to our own lives by being ready to defend the truth of the gospel to those around us. We think of pastors “preaching the word” on Sundays, but the truth is that our lifestyle is what preaches the word and shares the gospel. The way we live out Christ’s love, the way we treat people, the way we intentionally share the gospel…in all of those things, we have the opportunity to proclaim Christ.

2) What do Paul’s words in verse 1 tell us about the command he is about to give?
What a huge, weighty task our pastors and leaders have! I am grateful for those who have submitted themselves to God’s call on their lives to lead. Understanding the magnitude of the calling that they bear makes me want to support them through prayer and encouragement. Commit to praying for your leaders, that they will fulfill the commands in these verses with joy. And write them a note or an email to let them know you are praying for them.

3) What exactly does it mean to preach? Be ready? Reprove? Rebuke? Exhort?
All of these commands involve using the Bible to communicate truth. Just a couple of verses before these is 2 Timothy 3:16, which says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Women, lets resolve to know our Bibles better, so we can use it to speak truth to ourselves and to others!

4) What does it mean that people will have “itching ears”? What is Paul’s command that contrasts with this type of person?
Lord, may I not be a woman with “itching ears.” May I desire to hear truth, whether it is convenient and easy, or difficult and painful. You are Truth, and I desire to know you, truly. Help me to be sober-minded and to fulfill the ministry that you have called me to.

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
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!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into
Repurposed Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion. 
We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

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. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? 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 :-))

The Why!

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.

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Repurposed!