quiet

Reveal Day 8 Sudden Peace

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 1:26-38
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 2:8-14

Reveal, Day 8

Quiet. Tranquil. Calm.

Pandemic.
Riots.
Murder Hornets.
Politics.

When I think of the word “peace,” I think of its absence in the past year.

For the first time in my life, I can actually say that pretty much the whole world understands what the person next door is going through.
Chaos has been the shared experience of 2020.

But chaos is not new;
the world has been in chaos since man’s first sin.
(Genesis 3:1-24)

Fear follows closely on the heels of chaos as we struggle to navigate this broken world in which we live. Fear of the unknown. Fear of disease. Fear of man.

Yet, the Bible urges us to live unafraid:

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

We do not need to fear the unknown, disease, or man.
God has already gone before us.
No amount of chaos surprises Him.

I know. It sounds impossible. During this chaos of Covid-19, I personally allowed the news and the opinions or dire predictions of others to spiral me into panic.

Is it safe to leave the house?
Should I start doing grocery pickup?
Should I order everything online and just have it brought to the house?
What about staying home?
Should I go to church?
Is it ok to see family?
What if I want to go to the park? Is that ok?
Will I die?
What if . . . ? What if . . . ? What if . . . ?

But God.

Peace. 

Uttering simple words, “but God,” brought sudden peace to my heart, just as He promised in John 16:33.

“I have told you these things so that in me, you may have peace.
You will have suffering in this world.
Be courageous! I have overcome the world.”

The world wants peace.
The world wants no disease, no hate, no chaos, but true peace will never happen here.
Yet, in our hearts, we long for a kind of peace the world cannot give; it’s only found in God.

As we step into the Christmas season, we hear stories of Mary and Joseph and the night Jesus was born.

Was the world at peace?
No.  

God was silent for hundreds of years. Israel was under Roman rule. The corrupt religious leaders oppressed the people. Israel awaited the promised Messiah, the One whom God said would bring peace. They were expecting a peace in the world, a peace of circumstance. No more chaos, disease, or corrupt leaders. They could not foresee or understand Jesus would bring peace with God, a peace transcending circumstance.

When Mary was approached by Gabriel, the world around her was full of chaos. The angel’s announcement certainly brought confusion, possibly threatening her one source of earthly stability, her engagement to Joseph and the secure future it promised.

But the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

Like Mary, Joseph lived in a world of chaos but was secure in their relationship. Until Mary told him the news she was expecting a baby. (Matthew 1:18-25)
Confusion. Hurt. Questions.
The law said, “Divorce her,”

but the angel said, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

The shepherds took refuge in a quiet, hillside night from the chaos of the city during census. Shepherds were lowly in society, the people no one cared about, yet they were the first to learn of Jesus’ birth! The angel’s proclamation sparks immediate fear (Luke 2:8-14),

but then he says, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

Each person in the Christmas story experienced fear.
Fear on the outside, fear on the inside.
They each felt the ache for peace.
Peace in the world and peace in their hearts.
“Do not be afraid.”

Peace.

When Jesus was born, the chaos of the world did not end. Yet each person in the story found peace. It was a peace inside, a peace in their hearts.

Desperation for peace in the world’s circumstances is an outward need, reflecting our desperate need for spiritual peace. In the midst of the chaos, we can still have peace inside if we search for the One who IS peace and GIVES peace. The same Jesus who calmed the storm on the waves by simply speaking, “Peace! Be still.” (Matthew 4:35-41) When we seek Him in chaos, He speaks, “Peace! Be still!” to the storm raging within us.

We may not see a physical change.
The diagnosis doesn’t change.
The people around us may not have a new attitude.

We change.
His peace, which passes all understanding, is inside us, calming our hearts.
(Philippians 4:6-7)

We hear God speak simple words, “Do not be afraid.”

And in the midst of chaos, sudden peace.

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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 Reveal 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 Reveal!

Pause IV Day 14 Quiet

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Pause IV, Day 14

I’ve always been captivated by the word “quiet” in the Bible. Being still and silent is not something I do well, or often. When my watch reminds me to breathe for one whole minutes, I feel like it’s an eternity!

Being quiet before the Lord, submitting to the discipline of waiting for Him, takes intentional practice over time. The more we practice, the better our hearts become at willingly waiting and silently being still.

When we are silent, the Lord speaks most clearly.
While we wait, the Lord acts.
As we sit still, God trains our hearts to trust Him, instead of ourselves.

Habakkuk has heard the unequivocal word of the Lord to bring about His justice on His people, Israel. He has reminded himself of the Lord’s sovereignty, His kindness, His righteousness, His deliverance, and protection of His people.

Where Habakkuk has wrestled with tongue and spirit against the Lord,
he now sits quietly waiting.

Tomorrow, a beautiful unveiling of Habakkuk’s changed heart is poetically revealed, but first, quiet.

Hush, be still, wait quietly for what the Lord will do.

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of Habakkuk 3:16 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com).

2) Take time to wander through these Scripture passages on being quiet before the Lord, letting His Spirit teach you. Copy down 1 or 2 verses onto notecards and place in prominent spots in your home so you can memorize them in the coming days. Share them with a friend and ask her to memorize them with you!
Exodus 14:14, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 37:7, Job 6:24, 1 Peter 3:4, Lamentations 3:26, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 26:3, Mark 1:35, Isaiah 30:15, Habakkuk 2:20

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Habakkuk 3:16

I hear, and my body trembles;
my lips quiver at the sound;
rottenness enters into my bones;
my legs tremble beneath me.
Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble
to come upon people who invade us.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause 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 Pause IV!

The GT Weekend! ~ Hallel Week 2

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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) The disciples were undoubtedly filled with fear and confusion unlike anything they had experienced before as they sat with the Lord Jesus in the Upper Room, doing familiar actions, singing familiar hymns, but everything was different in deep ways. When have you felt something similar? Maybe it was a family tragedy. Maybe it was finding yourself caught in the quicksand of a relationship spinning out of control. Maybe it was discovering a serious health issue or uncovering a painful deception. For the disciples, Jesus was turning their worldview upside down, doing the very thing they expected to be the end of them and of Him. But His purposes were far above theirs, and as they kept walking forward in faith, trusting Him even when they couldn’t understand, they would see how He would turn death into life. Remarkable! This portion of the Hallel called for the disciples to bless the Lord, despite their dire circumstances. Where is the Lord calling you to do the same? Commit to blessing the Lord, praising Him, and choosing to trust Him regardless of your situation.

2) That last Passover with the disciples was fraught with intentional forethought that had begun centuries before by the very same God who now sat at the table with 12 men. Unfathomable!! Jesus Himself even said He had long waited for this moment with anticipation. Finally, the fulfillment of so much was unfolding! Jesus was about to make things new. He was taking an Old Testament understanding of the covenant and allowing it to give birth to a New Covenant. One where animal sacrifices would be overtaken by the perfect sacrifice for sin across all of time and covering all of sin, God Himself. Yes, the price was far beyond our ability to even begin to comprehend. Yes, the darkness of those three days in the grave would leave the disciples spinning with uncertainty and fear. BUT. All would be made new as Christ’s victorious life was given in exchange for our sin! Take time to journal your thoughts on this act of incredible love and mercy that far exceeds our ability to express. Sit. Worship. Adore. Lift hallelujah for the Lord of Life and Love!

3) Sarah made it clear in yesterday’s Journey Study that Christ had come with clear purpose, to be the Passover Lamb. Every year, Jews were required to slay a lamb with spot or blemish to cover over their sins, making atonement to the Most Holy God. Though Scripture teaches that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22), it also teaches it is impossible for the blood of animals to effectively take away sin. (Hebrews 10:4) A perfect sacrifice was needed. One that was so effective it didn’t need to be repeated every year. Christ was perfect as He lived out our human life, wrapped in human flesh, but did it all without even one sin. Then He, who deserved no punishment, chose to take our death and separation from God upon Himself. He was the sacrificial lamb given on our behalf. Are you relying on your own good works to give you access to a good standing with God when only one, perfect sacrifice will be accepted? Choose to be covered by the blood of the Lamb, and spend your every breath praising Him for this radical gift 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 Psalm 115:9-11 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield.
House of Aaron, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and shield.

Prayer Journal
Trust. Help. Shield. Trust. Help. Shield. Lord, how often I look to the strength of my own hands or to my own ingenuity or even, oh Lord, to other people of influence in my life in order to solve my problems. Father, remind me of these three powerful words and turn my heart back to being fully focused on You alone. Teach me not to wander. Pursue me, and may I quickly learn to return. May I choose to trust You over and over for every situation, big or small. You alone are my help and my shield, oh Lord my God!

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Awaken Day 12 Victorious Wonder: 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 Victorious Wonder!

The Questions

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?

Psalm 91

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust:
3 He himself will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.
4 He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
6 the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
8 You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
10 no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
12 They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

14 Because he has his heart set on me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
16 I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him my salvation.

Original Intent

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
The Hebrew word for “dwell” literally means “to sit” and “remain”. A few months ago, a lovely saint in Christ invited me to lunch in her home. She prepared a delicious soup and bread and set the table with cloth napkins and delicate silver. As she invited me to sit down and eat with her, the intention was that both of us would be fully engaged and remain with one another until the conversation had pleasantly ended. We weren’t in a hurry or thinking about all the “nexts” of the day. We had no agenda other than enjoying the gift of being with each other. This is the meaning of the Hebrew word for “dwell”. When we abandon everything else about life with all of its burdens and aches and pressing insistences, coming to the Lord with His Word for the purpose sitting and remaining, He delights in extending His gracious presence to us. He fills us with good things, He teaches us to trust His heart, and He leads us into righteousness. He protects us at the very core of who we are in our hearts when we choose to dwell with Him.

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
Yes, Scripture itself teaches that trials, persecution, and burdens are indeed the reality of life lived here on earth, but we cannot possibly know the depth and breadth that the Lord has protected believers from. This psalm isn’t a promise that nothing “bad” will ever happen to a believer, but it is promising that even in the midst of “bad things”, He is still for us. He uses all things, good and bad, as if they were tools to shape us to become more like Him. While the reality of present danger cannot be ignored, neither can the very real testament of believers who have received innumerable protections from the Lord. God is intimately acquainted with our lives, our comings and goings, and, holding all power, protects us constantly. We are never outside of His gentle, fatherly hands of love.

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
Verses 1-2 are the psalmist’s personal testimony of his own experiences with the Almighty One as he has chosen to make Him his dwelling place. The Lord is “my God, my refuge, and my fortress”. He then proceeds in verses 3-13 to prompt his listeners to do the same. He sees the busyness, the unrest, the destruction, and the pain happening in their lives and pleads with them to just dwell with the Lord. “He will rescue you…He will cover you…you will not fear…pestilence will not reach you…no harm will touch you…..no plague….He will protect….He will support.” But it is not the protection believers who receive this gift are seeking, it is simply to dwell with the Lord, to know Him in ever deepening ways. His protection is a gift overflowing from the relationship. (verse 9) The final perspective is of the Lord Himself in verses 14-16 which depict that precise intimate love between Most High God and us, the Beloved of God. Protection is given because the one who seeks after Him “has his heart set on Me” says the Lord. God extends loving protection “because he knows My name.” Relationship is central! These last 3 verses are precious indeed to the one who daily chooses to dwell with the Lord!

Everyday Application

1) What is it about “dwelling” with the Almighty that brings such protection and rest?
If we are to truly “sit and remain” with the Lord, we are to do it regularly, daily, and consistently. We benefit from the Lord’s protection and His presence when we are immersed in it, daily choosing Him over all other, lesser loves. A curious philosopher holding a chirping sparrow in his hands, wanted to discover the source of the sparrow’s song, and sliced open the bird to find the reason it sang. Of course, the song ended with his life. Similarly, the love, intimacy, and buoying protection shared between the one who dwells with the Almighty and the Lord God Himself, is also one of mystery. It simply is not fathomable or searchable unless it is experienced for one’s self. Have you discovered that rich delight that comes with dwelling with the Almighty? The intimacy that protects your heart, guards your mind, and teaches you the path of right living? Come away with Him! Dwell with Him! Know Him as He already knows you and delight in the rest and protection He brings!

2) How can we reconcile the protection spoken of here and the reality that everyone, even believing Christians, struggle so much physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally?
An unexpected check in the mail during a difficult financial time, encouragement when we were tempted to give up, a friend offering to get groceries for us when we ran out of time, an easing of the schedule because of a cancellation, these are all protections from the Lord. Sometimes we take these things for granted as just a “coincidence of life”, but it is the Lord who sees and knows, and acts to protect on our behalf because we love Him and He loves us. Praise Him for these! The Lord is so mighty that even in the midst of intense suffering, as the believer draws near to dwell with the Father, enough strength and peace are given to bring rest and encouragement because while the Lord does indeed give protection in this life, His protection into life eternal is immutable and permanent! Rest here in His presence and find unspeakable treasure!

3) What are the three perspectives we hear in this psalm?
We bring glory to the Lord when we tell of His deeds in our own life. The act of writing down His faithfulness in our own personal faith story not only encourages our own faith because we can see on paper the mighty hand of the Lord, but it also equips us to better share with others how the Lord has been our sheltering refuge. If you’ve never done this, take the challenge to do it this week! Consider upping your personal challenge and sharing it here with the GT Community by emailing your story to Faces of Grace. When you get the chance in everyday, regular life, implore those around you to find shelter with the Lord by dwelling with Him. Speak of His goodness, share of little moments when He has protected you, boldly declare Him! For the last 3 verses in Psalm 91, take them in deeply. Savor them. Memorize them. Pray them out loud over yourself, your friends, your spouse, your children, or even your enemies. Experience the precious gift of truly dwelling with the Almighty and being hidden in Him!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Catch up with Victorious Wonder!

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 Awaken Week Three!
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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!

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

The GT Weekend! Awaken Week 2

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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) Quiet Spaces. How does that concept strike you? A struggle? A joke? Something offensive? A check marked list? A retreat? An impossibility? Audra insists that regular, intentional Quiet Space is a necessity for a vibrant relationship with Jesus because without quiet, we cannot listen. Are you feeling far from God? Stressed or worried? Find necessary solace in a Quiet Space with the Christ!

2) The psalmist prayed, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart”, in the middle of deep anguish. His wasn’t a lofty, holy prayer, but a desperate, tear-stained, gut-aching beseech to the Almighty. Don’t have it together? Grasping at straws? Aching with a pain no one sees? This song is for you. What’s more, this Almighty is for you. Make some space to write out your own “Song In The Night”. Describe your “night”, be honest, and then be willing to anchor your hope in the unchanging, ever present Holy One.

3) When was the last time you entered the Lord’s house of worship with pure delight? When was the last time your whole being just ached to be in His holy presence in the midst of other believers? What does “church” usually feel like to you? If you find yourself coming up dry, having lost some of the wonder and awe of following Jesus, perhaps your focus has shifted from Beautiful Person to just a place. Spend time just sitting with the Lord today as you prepare for community worship this weekend. Read His Word, tell Him what you’re grateful for, and meditate on His attributes. Sit With HIM!

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 Psalm 84:1-2 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

Prayer Journal
Ah Lord, so holy and awesome, righteous, and glorious. Utterly unapproachable are You! Yet, You beckon me to come near, and nearer still. Into Your Presence, to see Your heart, to know Your fullness, to experience wonder and awe. You persistently and passionately pursue me, day after day, moment after moment, forever holding out everlasting arms of love to me.

This love humbles me, Abba. I’m so undeserving, and, ashamedly, I push You away for a hundred lesser things. Renew my passion for You, whet my appetite, draw me again and again and again into Your presence until I become so drunk on the pleasure of Your presence, I want for nothing else. Let me see Your beauty, Lord. Show me Your glory. Awaken my heart.

Worship Through Community

Can we pray for you? Reach Out! We’d love to pray for and with you!
Send us an email at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com

Build community, be transparent, and encourage others:
Share how God spoke to you today!
Comment Here or in our Facebook Community Group!

Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Awaken Day 6 Still, Small Voice

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 62
1 Kings 19:9-18
Mark 1:35-39

Awaken, Day 6

I HATE silence!
It is deafening to me.

In college, I always had my headphones in.
I studied with music, wrote papers while watching television and took tests in crowded rooms. I have always, and still do, craved noise and busyness. When I am alone in a quiet place, I seek out something to drown out the incessant silence.

Counter to my noise-hungry-soul, 1 Kings 19:11-13 brings the story of Elijah, a servant of God afraid and running for his life, who, in the quietest of moments, encounters God’s voice.

Elijah is hiding in the wilderness and on the run from wicked Queen Jezebel, who would love nothing more than to kill him for threatening her power. While in the wilderness, depression and loneliness hit hard, and Elijah cried out to God.
And God showed up.
A tornado ransacked the area.
An earthquake shook Elijah’s cave.
Wild fires blazed around him.
But God was in none of these mighty things.
Just when God had Elijah’s rapt attention, the Lord God spoke in a still, small voice.
The God of All came near in a still, small voice, beckoning him to listen.

Through Elijah’s encounter, I have understood that God speaks in a hush.
And boy am I convicted!

Because if God speaks into the quiet,
then am I will never hear Him with all of my noise.

Being an extrovert, I seek out noise because it’s how God crafted me;
being around people energizes me.
While that is a gift and a tool to be used to build God’s Kingdom, I know God is teaching me get my energy from Him as I focus on listening to His voice. He is leading me to be still and quiet that He can have space to speak as He shows me more of Himself.

Many of us are busy and frantic, “doing things for God”, all the while missing out on quiet times with Him. When God whispered to Elijah it was an invitation to communicate with Him to be honest and transparent before the Lord. God spoke, but Elijah listened and was encouraged because he walked away knowing God better.
Tucked away in the midst of still, quiet moments lies an invitation for each of us for our relationship with the Lord to grow deeper, our faith to be strengthened, our hearts to know the Father better, and as a result, our lives will produce much fruit.

This noise-lovin’-girl finds herself questioning if “quiet time” and being still and listening to God is even necessary, but Jesus Himself shows us in Mark 1:35-37 how necessary it is.

“And rising very early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
He departed and went out to a desolate place,
and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35

Jesus had just begun His earthly ministry.
He had just preached the gospel in Capernaum and validated the power of His message by healing people and casting out demons.
The people had never seen anything like this before and were chasing after Him relentlessly. They wanted Him to perform more miracles, do big things, squelch the Roman authority, but Christ’s focus wasn’t on those showy acts.
He came to restore relationship with us that we might know Him.
Because relationship was His focal point, quiet prayer with the Father took center stage.
This was Jesus’ rhythm, this was His food, this was His necessity.

Regardless of all the things you think you need in the span of a day, I guarantee you need quiet with Jesus most.

Each of our days are furiously frenzied.
Find your quiet.

In the middle of folding laundry, you pull out your Bible to meet with Jesus in the midst of mismatched socks.
Rocking a babe to sleep and there, instead of scrolling social media, you meet with the Almighty.
Early morning.
Before bed.
The when isn’t nearly as important as the determined intentionality because you know you need it.

I need it.

The Lord knows that in order for us to accomplish what He intends for our busy days, He must first have our rapt attention that He might show us His heart and prepare us for the day ahead. If Jesus needed it, we absolutely need it!

Silence, the thing I’ve been running from, is actually becoming my “necessary”.

Sisters, I challenge you along with myself to take 30 minutes each day to be still, and listen to the Lord. Read His word and wait for His whisper.
No music, no phones, no distractions, just you and the Lord.
A challenge? Yes! But if it truly is our necessity, the Lord will strengthen us as we fight for space to hear His voice.

Come ready, expecting to hear God tell you things you’ve been too busy and distracted to hear before.

I am expecting that He will
answer questions,
send breakthroughs,
heal hurts,
reveal next steps,
and romance me as He shows me His heart.

May the prayer of the psalmist become our own heart’s cry with no exclusions:
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.”  Psalms 62:5-8

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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 Awaken Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Screenshot Day 15 Now

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Esther 4:14-16
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:31-46
2 Corinthians 3:12-18
Ephesians 5:15-21 

Screenshot, Day 15

I came upstairs after my workout, glancing at the clock as I tiptoed through the kitchen to pour myself a cup of coffee. Perfect. I had fifteen minutes to savor that sacred nectar of quiet and get in some Jesus time before the kids woke up.  

Passing by the baby monitor, I saw my youngest conked out, sleeping on her tummy with her little tushie up in the air. I stirred some stevia into my coffee and headed to the living room. My seat touched sofa cushion . . . and the baby started talking. 

Really?? Really?? 

My fifteen minutes became three as I chugged a scalding half a cup, scanned a paragraph of verses in Ephesians, and offered up a hurried prayer. 

{I share this vignette not to complain about motherhood, as I’m deeply grateful for my three healthy, nutty children. Rather, I’m attempting to give you a glimpse into this season of my life.} 

In retrospect, I chuckle at the whole situation, as, I’m sure, do my fellow mamas. 

But you don’t need to have kiddos to relate. Maybe you sit down to your laptop to pull up your devotional and an urgent email pops up. Maybe the delivery or repair person calls to say he’ll be there in five minutes. Maybe your dog chooses that moment to pee on the carpet, jump the fence, or dig out of the yard. 

Whatever the reason, we’ve been there! Some days are for deep introspection, pages of journaling, flowing, heartfelt prayers, and creating detailed action plans.  

And some days just aren’t. 

This day just wasn’t.
Given that, I found my mind returning to the morning’s passage, Ephesians 5:15-21.
I was puzzled. . . in an I-have-30-seconds-to-think-about-this-while-putting-the-laundry-in-the-dryer kind of way. 

The section’s heading in my Bible read “consistency in the Christian life,” and the verses encourage us to live holy lives, as time is short and the days are evil. In my less-than-focused mindset, I wondered at the relationship between consistency and the certain knowledge of Jesus’ imminent return. 

Certainly, a life set apart to God is a worthy calling for all believers. But, as I continued to mull over His words, I felt Him shedding a different light on this exhortation, drawing connections between parts of Scripture I hadn’t previously understood to be related. 

Matthew 25:1-13 promises the second coming of Jesus, urging us to live expectantly. This theme is echoed later in the chapter (v. 31-46), as Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd separating sheep from goats to illustrate the certain and eternal consequences of our acceptance or rejection of His loving sacrifice on our behalf. 

Jesus is returning. 
Whether we’re ready . . . or not.
Therefore, the time is now. 

Not that dangerously nebulous and falsely-comforting someday. 
Someday, when I’ve taken the right classes and know the buzz words and can devote hours to study and meditation.
Someday, when my kids are grown and I can finish a thought.
Someday, when my work is established and my future security is certain. 

Dear sisters, let’s learn from the virgins and the goats. Let’s avoid the siren song of someday, lulling us into complacency and ineffectualness. The time is now.
The time for considering our own salvation is now.  

Do you have questions about what it means to admit that we’ve all messed up and to accept the forgiveness and grace made possible by the propitiatory death of Jesus? Sister, that’s cool! This is a big, potentially confusing, and vitally important topic.  

Would you like to talk with someone about your questions in a space that’s safe and judgement-free? Drop a comment and it would be an honor for someone from our community to reach out to you. 

The time for embracing a vibrant life of spiritual growth is now.  

Some of us are already assured of an eternal home with the One who loves us best. But our journey doesn’t end with our salvation; rather, a whole new adventure begins. When we joyfully take up the disciplines of a Jesus-like life, His longing for our transformation into His image starts to become reality. 

Even when we only have three minutes. Friend, He’s teaching me that three minutes are better than no minutes. He sees our lives, He sees our hearts, and He’s bigger than our schedules. Give Him the best three minutes you have, and watch Him move! 

And the time for sharing the truth and hope of His love with the dying world around us is now.  

And that brings me back to the heavenly-inspired lightbulb moment that He brought to me, despite the craziness of this season: one extraordinarily effective way to demonstrate the power of the love of Jesus is to live changed lives.  

How do we pursue a changed life? 
Remember that puzzling heading in my Bible?  

Consistency. 

When we consistently spend time in His Word, in worship, in prayer, in community with other believers. . .  

When we consistently talk to Him about what we’ve read or prayed or learned from others, asking Him what He’s saying to us and what we should do about it. . .  

And then when we consistently do it. . . 
Change happens. 

A changed life is an undeniable testimony to the power and the hope of our God. 

So, my sister, whether this season gives you two hours or fifteen minutes to spend with Him daily . . .  

Whether opportunities to build meaningful connection with fellow believers are frequent and easily accessible, or require intentionality and planning at a level you’ve never experienced . . .  

Whether your ministry reaches thousands or He’s highlighting a single lost friend . . . 
Seek Him, every day.
Build your tribe.
Share your transformation.
God has a purpose and a plan for your now.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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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 Screenshot 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 Screenshot!

Shepherd Day 5 Quiet Waters

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalm 23:2
Colossians 3:12-17

Shepherd, Day 5

Lead
Definition of the Hebrew word: יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃ (pronounced naw-hal’)
to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest,
bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh

Leadership is a tough road, friends. It’s scary, it’s intense, it’s pressure-filled.
It’s heavy on the side of accountability, vision, loving others, being “on”.
Leadership wearies.

And before you say, “I’m not a leader, so this doesn’t apply.”
Stop.
You are. We all have a sphere of influence that we’ve been given. We all lead.

Every single one of my seven children from 15 months to 14 years are leaders.
They all lead those around them into either greatness or into disobedience.
And let me tell you, their influence is significant; able to quickly turn the tide of their siblings, of their friends, of their parents, and even their whole family.
Whether it’s a tantrum, an encouraging word, a genuine hug, or a kick and a punch,
their influence is felt.

As Is Yours.
Student. Wife. Mama. Friend. Co-worker. Boss. Woman. Sister. Leader.
What we do with our leadership is significant.
Its influence is felt far and wide, whether we realize it or not.

Because our leadership reach is so far-reaching,
where we lead from makes all the difference.

When my daughter reaches out to hug the brother who just kicked her and, rather than run tattling, rather than kicking back, she hugs and says, “I can tell you’re having a rough morning.”
She is leading from something deeper and more solid than her own sense of self-preservation.
She’s leading from love.
Sacrificial. Humble. Love.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

When my husband gets my text message and reads between the lines to know that something deeper is happening than the words appearing on the screen, and he chooses to lay aside his work, hang up his call, and ask what’s really going on…..he’s leading from love.
Sacrificial. Humble. Love

He leads me beside quiet waters.

When we hold our tongue to listen to others.
When we choose to step into another’s shoes rather than pass judgment.
When we give generously.
When we pause to consider what it would look like to love our spouse better today.
When we seek the good of another over our own convenience.
When we lay aside the insistence that others fit into our parameters.
We are leading from love.
Sacrificial. Humble. Love.

Leading like this is hard. Leading like this doesn’t come naturally.
Leading like this, doing it well, and doing it consistently, necessitates One Thing.
Being led.
Sacrificing our own agenda to be led.
Humbly submitting ourselves to another’s leadership.
Leading from love.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

Hush. Peace. Slow. Be still.
He leads.

Hands stop moving.
Brains stop rushing ahead.
Agendas die.
Must Do lists fade.
All the voices silenced.
Closed doors.
Hush.
Peace.
Listen.
Quiet Waters.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

We cannot lead well if we refuse to be led.

יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃ has the connotation of being led station by station, from one, very intentional place of rest into the next in a continuous journey of quiet water to quiet water.

Wait, you might say, I don’t know about you, but my life is anything BUT quiet water.
Yes! Mine too!
But still, His invitation remains.

He leads me beside quiet waters.
Whether I’m leading my toddler in a rhythmic bedtime routine, homeschooling my children, leading at church, or choosing to love my husband better, intentional rhythms are crucial.
Leadership takes planning, forethought, a direction, and the discipline to follow through on those plans.
Being led requires the same discipline.

We will not have access to the quiet waters if we refuse to be intentional on allowing the Shepherd access to our hearts.
Quiet time.
Space for silence and solitude with the Savior.
Journaling prayers.
Allowing access. Being led. Accepting love.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

When we make space for quiet and time carved out to let the Savior love us with His own Word, we can lead from that love.
When we make meeting with Him, in submission to His leadership, the rhythm and practice of our daily lives,
He leads us solidly from quiet water to quiet water.

The world will continue to be loud.
The relationships may continue to spiral.
Others choices may continue to frustrate and be destructive,
but you will be steadfast.
Held by the hand that leads you from the quiet water of Himself, the very Living Water.

Jesus answered,
“If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you,
‘Give me a drink,’ you would ask Him,
and He would give you living water.” (John 4:10)

If you knew….
Oh sisters, if you knew of the sweet intimacies and depth of riches of being led from quiet water to quiet water, while being refreshed and refueled by the Living Water of Jesus Christ Himself, you would ask Him. And He would give it.

Drink deep.
Create the space.
Submit to His leadership.
And learn the rhythms of leading from His quieting love.

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Looking for yesterday’s Journey Study?
Share your thoughts from today’s Study!

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 Shepherd Week One! 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 Shepherd!

Pause Day 1 Waiting Embrace

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Dear Sisters of the GT Community,
We believe so deeply that the Word of God is foundational and critical to our everyday life, that we felt the need to hit “Pause” on our regular lineup for Journey Studies.
Even really good things need to take a back seat so we can sharpen our focus in a different way.
We, as sisters in Christ, as leaders in our churches, as friends, and as daughters, as wives and as mamas, need to pause before the throne and
just
sit
in
His
glory.
We need to breathe Him in.

This sitting with the Lord is too precious to bypass, and too significant to only be for a select few in elevated places in ministry.
At Gracefully Truthful, we take this meeting with Jesus seriously.
Everyday.
And when the world is so loud, and the chaos so all-consuming,
we must remember to pause.

The holidays are coming,
our days are never slowing,
but still the Father longs to linger with each of us.
We are hitting pause for the next 3 weeks, won’t you please join us?

This Journey Theme will look and feel very different.
No regular Journey Studies or Digging Deeper Days or GT Weekends.
Just prompts for you, and for us, and an everyday reminder to Pause.

Be intentional, friends, and you have our word as GT Partners and co-laborers with you for the gospel,
that we will be intentional right along with you. 

This Pause won’t happen on its own.
The “time for God” will never knock on your door, fall into your lap, ready for you.
Commit with us to slowing enough to spend a minimum of 15-20 minutes, very intentionally, every day.
It’s only 3 weeks, but these 21 days may just change the trajectory of your walk with Jesus for the rest of your life!

Journeying with Jesus is our hearts’ desire; walk with us. Pause with us.

Whether you already have a consistent quiet time space to meet with God every day, or you’ve always had the best of intentions, but never been able to follow through, or you’ve never even considered having a quiet time to meet just you and the Almighty,
the invitation is open and waiting.
The invitation to a deep embrace.

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

Today's Challenge

1) Read Psalm 142 & 143 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these 2 psalms tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these 2 psalms tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these 2 psalms tell me about me and my heart?

2) Close your time by praying for these truths to take root in your heart and for the Holy Spirit to remind you and teach you more about these things today.

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Psalm 142

With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
    with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
    I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me,
    you know my way!
In the path where I walk
    they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
    there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
    no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
    for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
    for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
    that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
    for you will deal bountifully with me.

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
    give ear to my pleas for mercy!
    In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
    for no one living is righteous before you.

3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
    he has crushed my life to the ground;
    he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
    my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
    I have fled to you for refuge.[a]
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!

11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
    In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with a simple challenge. Each challenge is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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

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