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The GT Weekend! Sketched IV Week 3

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The GT Weekend!

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

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) We speak countless words every day. Think through your day and estimate the amount of time talking versus the amount of time listening. How would your day look if your speech was stopped? Building in intentional time of silence can be a very effective way to hear from God. Curious as to why silence with God is necessary? Check this out!

2) We see several places in the Bible where faith is the space between logic and the promises of Scripture. Which topic in Scripture causes you to squirm? What do you secretly doubt didn’t actually happen? Perhaps there’s a premise of Scripture you think might not really be true? God is bigger than your doubts and He longs for you to trust Him enough to voice your questions. Finding a safe community to explore and find what the Bible actually has to say is important to our continued growth. Needing help finding someone to talk with, email us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com , we’d love to hear from you!

3) The idea of “there’s no free lunch” permeates our life. It’s difficult to see how salvation could actually be a FREE gift. We don’t need to work and earn our salvation, yet we often consider our perceived value in God’s eyes based on how busy we are doing good things. Where do you see this lie seeping into your life? Are you needing a reminder that Jesus has covered ALL the punishment and paid the price for you to enjoy relationship with Creator God again?

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Hebrews 11:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

1Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by it our ancestors won God’s approval. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Prayer Journal
O Lord and Ruler of the hosts of heaven, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of all their righteous offspring: You made the heavens and the earth, with all their vast array.

All things quake with fear at your presence; they tremble because of your power. But your merciful promise is beyond all measure; it surpasses all that our minds can fathom. O Lord, you are full of compassion, long-suffering, and abounding in mercy. You hold back your hand; you do not punish as we deserve. In your great goodness, Lord, you have promised forgiveness to sinners, that they may repent of their sin and be saved. And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I know my wickedness only too well. Therefore, I make this prayer to you: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. Do not let me perish in my sin, nor condemn me to the depths of the earth. For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, and in me you will show forth your goodness. Unworthy as I am, you will save me, in accordance with your great mercy, and I will praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For all the powers of heaven sing your praises, and yours is the glory to ages of ages. Amen.

Taken from the Common Book of Prayers

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

Character Day 4 Jealous God: 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 Jealous God!

Exodus 20:1-11 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Then God spoke all these words:
2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
3 Do not have other gods besides me.
4 Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. 5 Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ iniquity, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, 6 but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.
7 Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.
8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: 9 You are to labor six days and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. 11 For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.

The Questions

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?
Verse 2 is a preface of sorts.  It reminds the Israelites Who it is that is giving them these commandments.  By reminding them that He alone is Jehovah, God is calling them to remember that He is their creator, their very source of existence.  By reminding them that He brought them out of slavery, He is reminding them that He has been faithful to them and powerful to cause the plagues and the miracles that allowed their exodus.  By making this statement, God reminds the Israelites that He is worthy to command the way they should live.

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?
Many commentators believe that this speaks of the natural consequences of our sin.  As parents, many times our sins have direct effects on our children, and even on their children.  This verse does not mean that the children of sinners are damned because of their parents—Ezekiel 18 points out that every person is responsible for their own sin (as do many other passages).  This serves as a warning to us.  Our idolatry can cause punishment, not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren.  But our faithfulness also has long-lasting good consequences.

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?
God gives us the Sabbath, not just for our benefit, to allow our bodies and minds to rest, but for His sake.  We are to dedicate one day in seven to the Lord. This is His day, when we are prescribed a time to remember and worship Him.  We are creatures who too easily forget the One who made us and holds us together, so He gives us the Sabbath to keep us focused on Him.

The Everyday Application

1) Why is verse 2 included before listing the Ten Commandments?
When I think about myself, my desires, my perceived injustices, I find obedience to God to be cumbersome.  But when I think about the Lord, how He made me, saved me, sustains me, and is so awesome, powerful, just, sovereign, and inconceivably wiser than me, I find obedience to be the clear, easy choice.  Women, remember the God you serve, when you are tempted to think of yourself first!

2) What does it mean that God punishes the children for the fathers’ iniquity?
It is sobering to see my children speak in a way that reveals the sinful way that I’ve spoken to them.  It’s true that God can and does redeem our mistakes in parenting, but it is also true that our sins affect our children negatively.  Let this be a motivating factor as we make decisions; our sinful choices affect more people than only ourselves.

3) What does it mean that the seventh day is a Sabbath “to the Lord”?
Although the Sabbath is practiced differently in the New Covenant (meaning right now) than it was in the Old Covenant (meaning before Jesus’ sacrificial death), it is still a part of the Law that God gave us as a gift.  Often, we feel like we don’t need to take time to rest and worship, but the Sabbath is not about us—it’s about God.  How can you set aside intentional time to cease from your work and remember your Creator? What would it look like to set aside one 24-hour period each week to cease from everything that is work, both paid and un-paid, and simply delight in the life that the Father has given you? Consider trying out God’s rhythm and see if you sense a more gently pace for living!

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
Character 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 Character!

Pause Day 7 Grounded & Steadfast

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His Word is rich.
It is sweet. 
It is precious.
It is life-giving.
Nothing we at Gracefully Truthful, nor anyone else in all of Creation past, present, or future, can add to the loveliness that is the plain Scripture bound up before us in the Word of God.

We are much too easily pacified with clever words, thinking we can feast sumptuously without bringing fork to plate to mouth by actually reading, meditating, and studying Scripture.

Feast with us, Sisters.
Hope is here.
Delight.
Strength.
Encouragement.
Patience.
Perseverance. 
Grow deep, friends, be grounded and steadfast in His Word!

Today's Invitation

1) Hold the lovely Scripture in hand and read Colossians 1 fully through 4 times.

2) Each time, write down everything that pops out at you, makes you curious, or wonder “why?”. When you’re finished, go back through and you’ll be amazed at the new things the Spirit is leading you into knowing about Him!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
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Colossians 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

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 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 Pause!

Battle Day 10 Feasting On Truth

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 4:1-11
Psalm 119: 9-11
John 4:31-35
Ephesians 6:10-18
Psalm 119:36-37

Up until about two years ago, regularly memorizing Scripture was a wonderful, admirable, beautiful idea in my mind.  I was reading God’s Word, growing in Him and had a few basic verses memorized, but for the most part, intentionally putting Scripture to memory seemed optional.  However, as my battle with anxiety and depression increased, clinging to the promises in God’s Word became a life-line.

I found myself glued to my verse notecards in the check-out lane at the grocery store, in moments of despair with my kids, and at night before falling asleep. I was preaching truth to my soul, despite my feelings, just like the Psalmist did in Psalm 42.
I learned that God’s Word quite literally protects me from choosing evil (Psalm 119:9-11, 133-35).
His Word became a deeper hope and comfort (Psalm 119: 49-50).
I accepted that even when I didn’t want God’s Word, I needed to humble myself and ask Him to make me want it (Psalm 119:36-37).
I experienced a deeper need to “live… by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

The Promise of Battle
Scripture tells us to expect trials in this life (John 16:33). As believers, we are not to think it is strange or that something unique is happening to us when we go through difficulties of any kind (I Peter 4:12).  We live in a fallen world, which means sin has infected, not only every person’s heart, but also every institution, each system, and all of creation.
This should cause us to expect battle.

Yet these battles are not against our neighbor, our spouse, our child, that other mom in the carpool lane, the co-worker we can’t seem to see eye-to-eye with, the family member who has hurt us, or any other element of flesh and blood.  The Bible is clear that all battles boil down to us against Satan (Ephesians 6:12). He is behind them, poking and prodding and pushing all of his desperate buttons in an attempt to devour our faith (I Peter 5:8).

The Pattern of Attack
Satan uses our own desires against us in his battle for our faith. I John 2:16 explains, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” He will use both external circumstances and internal temptation to weaken us in the battle of faith.  Satan is a professional tempter and liar and his methods have been the same through the ages.

When Satan tempted Eve in the garden, he showed us his cards. First he aimed at her physical appetite, (Genesis 3:1-3) then at her desire for personal gain (3:4-5), then he offered Eve an easy path to power and glory (3:5-6). He pulled the same attack on Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).  Yet Jesus fought off Satan’s lies with responses of obedience rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Consider that we are most vulnerable to temptation when the following are true:
1) Our physical body and appetites are in need
2) We see things we want or need and do not have them
3) We lack power or glory (think control and recognition) 

Feast for Focus in the Battle
How do we fight against Satan’s lies and temptation? God has not left us alone in the battle! Jesus told Satan in the wilderness, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4), showing us that knowing and living by the Word of God is more soul-critical than even real, human needs. It’s no wonder then, that during his ministry years Jesus had a laser sharp focus on His mission. He told His disciples in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

What is the will of God, and how does it become our food? God’s will is revealed through His Word, giving us wisdom, direction and knowledge of His heart.  We feast on it by treasuring it, seeking it, reading it, and memorizing it.

But this isn’t simply about getting more knowledge.  Knowledge alone does not transform or equip us for battle. Scripture tells us to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2), and that remarkable work is accomplished by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) as we feast. This is a life-long process for the believer!  As our mind is renewed by the Word of God, we are prepared to rightly discern in every battle.

So, we must make a choice to come and live by the Word of God, submitting to the Holy Spirit, and entrusting the work of mind-renewal to be done by Him. This process of being transformed strengthens us to lay aside the things that so easily distract us (Hebrews 12:1), that we may keep doing the good works God planned in advance for us, according to the perfect will God which He will accomplish in us (Ephesians 2:10, I Thessalonians 5:24).

Come away, feast, and be victorious against the true Enemy!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
Join us for every Journey Study by signing up!
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 Battle Week Two! 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 Battle!

Battle Day 4 Sole Satisfier: 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 Sole Satisfier!

1 Peter 2:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The Questions

1) What is the motivation for “putting away”?

2) What is “pure spiritual milk”?

3) In what way are we “living stones” and what is God “building”?

The Findings for Intention

1) What is the motivation for “putting away”?
Marker words in Scripture like “so” and “therefore” should be waving flags for us to stop reading, go back, and get a broader context for our understanding so that we correctly understand the meaning and purpose of the passage. In this instance, Peter has been talking about the power of the gospel being unleashed in the life of a believer, reminding us that we have been raised to life and are no longer slaves to Sin. Because of this new life and the power of the Spirit flowing inside us, Peter calls us to put away the lifestyle of Sin. Malice, deceit, and hypocrisy are clothes that no longer fit a remade creation of Christ, so stop putting them on!

2) What is “pure spiritual milk”?
The author of Hebrews uses similar phrasing when referring to our spiritual condition by using “milk” vs “solid food”. By looking at a cross-reference for Hebrews 5:11-14, we get a broader perspective on the meaning of this phrasing. “Spiritual milk” is the simple gospel, the basic foundations of the Christian faith and the character of God.

3) In what way are we “living stones” and what is God “building”?
To our Western culture, stones are what we find by the riverbed and our context generally ends there. But to the original hearers of Peter’s letter, stones were for building magnificent structures with, where the extremely obvious case in point was Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. The temple was cut using the finest of stones and its beauty and resplendence was apparent to everyone in the Roman world. Then-current-day believers would be tempted to wish for a physical building, for power, and display of importance in the social and political spheres around them. Peter reminds them here that they, as Christ followers, are the “living stones” and God was building them together as His Church to display an everlasting glory that would shine into eternity!

The Everyday Application

1) What is the motivation for “putting away”?
There’s no escaping that fact that relationships are full of conflict, but we absolutely have a choice in how we respond to that conflict. Instead of grabbing the weapons of Sin and Death (namely: deception, malice, hatred, anger, and so forth), as Christ-followers, we have a new “wardrobe” to choose from. The garments of Christ are love, mercy, gentleness, self-control, patience, goodness, and the like. In the next verse, Peter notes how we “grow up” in our salvation. Putting these clothes on doesn’t come naturally, but with practice and growth, and the under-girding of the Holy Spirit’s power, we can fight against the enemy when it comes to conflict in our relationships!

2) What is “pure spiritual milk”?
Those who are taking in the spiritual milk are not wrong! If you are seeking and exploring the claims of Christ, let the sweetness of the gospel capture your heart and draw you in. Read His Word, meet with other believers, get to know this God who is pursuing and redeeming you….but don’t stop there! We were not saved from eternal separation from God to stay in one place, rather we were intended to grow and become more like Jesus. Keep Journeying with Christ! Eating the “solid meat”, doesn’t mean going beyond the gospel and the heart of God, rather it means going deeper into it. Don’t be satisfied with simple answers or explanations or “feel-good” sermons. Push the boundaries of your comfort zone and hunger for more of God and more of His righteousness! Paul warns here by his words “if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good”, that if you aren’t growing and longing for more of Jesus, then carefully consider whether you have genuinely given your heart to Him or whether you are deceiving yourself.

3) In what way are we “living stones” and what is God “building”?
Political sway, social importance, and the desire for power are temptations we face in our modern day world, just like the ancient Christians. Even if it’s simply power of our own home, control in our relationships, approval on social media, or being noticed by others we have elevated to a higher standard. Take courage and find rest in knowing that Jesus sees you, and your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ, as being far more valuable and long-lasting than fleeting popularity. The work God is doing in and through a heart fully surrendered to Him will last for eternity and have impact in the present day. Trust Him for your foundation today; let Him build and shape you for His purposes!

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 Battle 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 Battle!

The GT Weekend – Creed Week 3

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The GT Weekend

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

Journal With Us!

Journal Prompts

  1. Baptism is a beautiful symbol of our earthly bodies being put to death and resurrected through the power of Jesus. Walking forward, what impact does the power of the resurrection have in your life? How does it bring to light the power we have available to us through Jesus on this side of heaven?
  2. What part of Communion brings questions to mind? Think about your experiences with a Communion service. What emotion is evoked?
  3. There is often division and divisiveness based on denominational names and delineations. In thinking of The Church in a much broader sense, how does that shift your perception? How does it encourage you in knowing your part in The Body?

Worship In Song

Music Video: Hillsong United’s “The Creed”

Pour Out Your Heart

God the Father, You thought of everything! You gave us so many symbols of who you are and what your love for us looks like. Thank you for your provision and foresight. In baptism, Jesus, we see how close to You we can walk. Communion, Holy Spirit, gives us a new layer of interaction with you. God, The Church, your Bride, is all of us working in harmony for your glory. How amazing that you could plan such a perfect and beautiful illustration!

Lord, when questions creep up about being dunked vs. sprinkled, or drinking wine vs. grape juice, remind me to look to You for my answers. Bring to mind truth from Your Word about being at peace with everyone and being quick to listen. Give me a spirit of humility and obedience to follow my local Church in practice. Show me how to honor you with my choices!

Pray With Us!

In everything, with praise and thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God!
Click here to comment and pray with the GT Community!
Want to connect with a GT Partner?
Send your prayer request to prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
We are committed to praying over and walking with you!

Journey With Us

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How were you drawn near to the Father and encouraged in your faith?
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The GT Weekend – Creed Week 1

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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!

Journal With Us!

Journal Prompts

  1. When it comes to teachings from the Bible, what questions do you walk away with? Have you voiced them? If not, find someone you trust and ask them or email us at prayer@gracefullytruthful.com . There is so much freedom waiting to be experienced after you release those fears by physically voicing them. What are you waiting for?!
  2. If you’ve already decided to accept salvation, reflect on your encounter with Jesus. Linger in that moment and allow God to stir up your heart in revival! If you’ve not accepted salvation, reflect on what connotations that word has to you. Check out this journey Study again to see “salvation” and “justification” unpacked.
  3. Discipline is not a fun word to hear; often it brings up negative emotion. However, there is great reward for digging in and doing the difficult work of growing in the disciplines of the faith. Remember to think of the disciplines of Scripture as being “training” instead of “punishment”! Which do you need to focus on cultivating today? Prayer, fasting, scripture reading, worship, or service?

Worship In Song

Music Video: Ryan Stevenson’s “The Gospel”

Pour Out Your Heart

Lord, Your amazing magnificence scares me sometimes. How can a God so big and all-knowing, know everything about me and still love me so personally? Your precious Word shows me how and the Holy Spirit living inside me points me back to Your hand at work in me. Thank You Lord Jesus for the many gifts you’ve given me. Of Your Word, of salvation and redemption back to You, of the Holy Spirit moving in my life. I’m blessed by Your outpouring of love!

Father I thank you for community. Thank You for my ladies that hold up my arms when they are weary, for the ladies lifting prayers and petitions to You on my behalf. Bless them for pushing me to keep growing and investing in my relationship with You. Reveal more of Yourself to us Jesus. Spur us to action and obedience in growing these disciplines in our lives; we are look longingly for the reward of spending eternity at Your feet!

Pray With Us!

In everything, with praise and thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God!
Click here to comment and pray with the GT Community!
Want to connect with a GT Partner?
Send your prayer request to prayer@gracefullytruthful.com
We are committed to praying over and walking with you!

Journey With Us

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What were your thoughts from the GT Weekend?
How were you drawn near to the Father and encouraged in your faith?
Share with the community and encourage other women!

Worship Day 12
His Excellent Word: 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

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Journey Study?
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Psalm 62:8-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.

The Questions

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?
Here the psalmist calls the people, who would have been the Israelites, God’s chosen people, to “pour out their hearts” before the Lord God. We get the image of water being poured out as in Lamentations 2:19, where Jeremiah also pleads with Israel to “pour out their hearts” to God. The “why” behind this outpouring is rooted in God’s character. He is a refuge, a safety, bringing peace, calm, and clarity to our hearts, as alluded to by the word “selah”.

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?
When we get desperate and afraid, wracked by fear and loneliness, it’s often our perspective that first deceives us. We begin seeing the world through jaded eyes and begin living based on emotion rather than truth. Here the psalmist reminds his audience that despite appearances of wealth or social standing or possessions, life, like breath, is fleeting for everyone. Only God holds truths that are solid enough to build an unshakeable life upon.

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?
The Psalms are poetic and full of literary devices. The numbering of things God says is used in various places throughout Scripture and always denotes supreme importance among other things. Here, God having spoken “once” capitalizes on the fact that only one word from God is more than enough because of His ultimate supremacy. We need know nothing else other than the Word God speaks because He is the author of life and all truth. Nothing is swayed that comes from Him. He is steadfast in all He says and does. The “two things” heard are 1) His all-consuming power and 2) His steadfast love.

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?
When studying Scripture, it is crucial that we never pick up a verse and tear it away from its context, and then insert our own preconceived ideas about what it means. “For you will render to a man according to his work” cannot be severed from the previous statements regarding God’s character, especially given that this phrase begins with the word “for”, which refers backwards. Man’s “work” must be seen in context of God’s power and justice as well as His steadfast love (again, made manifest in Christ Jesus). God’s justice says that all of our work is filthy and not good enough to attain salvation or right standing with Him. But because of His love, He offers the free gift of salvation in Jesus’s sacrificial death and resurrection. Our “work” is the act of faith in choosing Jesus or rejecting Him. It’s this work that God will “render” or judge us by.

The Everyday Application

1) Why does the Psalmist insist that we “pour out our hearts” to God?
Our hearts are the innermost places of our beings, the place where ache, injury, love, joy, delight, fear, secrets, and pain all dwell together. Our hearts encompass everything about us and God asks for all of it, the good with the bad. He is the only true place of complete safety, where intimacy can genuinely flourish. Where do you long for refuge in your heart? Bring it to Him, every part!

2) What is meant in verse 9 regarding the balances?
These verses hit at the core of our insecurities, no matter what they are. Whether we falter when comparing ourselves to others, or struggle with fear about finances or health or livelihood, God’s Word calls us to sink the foundations of our being into the solidity of Himself. He is a strong refuge, He holds all power, His love is steadfast. Take a few minutes to evaluate your own insecurities…..where are you holding onto anything other than the Truth God offers in His Word?

3) What is meant in verse 11 by “once…” and “twice….”?
How deeply do you cling to the very Word of God? It’s one thing to claim it as your source for truth, but another thing to make it the essence of your every day. How vital is your Scripture intake? In the same way, God’s single “Word”, is made manifest in human form through Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent One. He is before all things and in Him, all things hold together. Take a look at Colossians 1:15-20 and John 1:1-18 for some deeper insights!

4) Does the last part of verse 12 support salvation by works?
How deeply have you considered salvation through Jesus Christ? Is it yours? Do you claim Him as your own? Does you life reflect this utter dependency on His sacrifice and are you pursuing Him and His word ever deeper? Every current Christ-follower has had questions and doubts and wonderings along the way of their faith journey. If you’re simply exploring what it means to have Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we’d love to engage with you about those thoughts and questions. Shoot us an email and let’s connect!

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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 Worship Week Three!
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 Worship!

Day Three
Truth & Grace

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Psalm 85:10-13
John 1:14-18
Romans 5:12-21Fullness-Week1-Day2

On the western coast of the state of Washington, there’s a strip of land called “Washaway Beach.” It’s named simply because of the fact that its ground is entirely composed of sand that continuously erodes and eventually washes everything on its shore into the sea.

Despite the solidarity of homes built here, their final destination will one day be the Pacific Ocean because their foundation is literally nothing but sand.
Just as awful, is the all too true reality of a poorly built home, being wiped out by horrific winds, despite its rock solid foundation.

If both home and land are not equally solid, life is swept away.

In much the same way, true fullness and abundance in our own lives cannot be found without the mutuality of both truth and grace.
All grace and we get carried away by deadly sin, leaving a shipwrecked life.
Only hard-hitting truth, and our lives become dull and meaningless with the impossible standards of legalism.

For me, it was the bounds of legalism that blinded me to grace and kept me from experiencing fullness. I had experienced deep emotional and verbal abuse as a child. Giving me wounds that bled profusely into my adult life and my marriage relationship (and every other relationship).
I held everyone at arm’s length and protected myself with a vast array of weaponry like strict rules, heavy judgment, arrogance, and pride. My definition of love and relationships was built upon the lie that love was earned by my performance.
Love looked angry.
Love could not be trusted.
Love shouted.
Love hurt.
Love was earned by good actions
……and lost through poor ones.

My foundation was poorly constructed and eventually fell apart just like those houses on Washaway Beach, leaving me ruined.
Through a painful and arduous journey, I began to tear down those lies I had based everything on and began to look for new building material.

I needed truth. Desperately.
I simply couldn’t afford any more lies.
I was bankrupt emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and even physically.

Through the process of rebuilding, my husband walked beside me, faithfully showing me love. True, gritty, down-in-the-dirt love. Not perfectly, but beautifully enough that one summer day as I sat on the front porch with him in a glorious sunset watching our children play, I suddenly turned to him and astounded even myself as I said, “I think you actually love me.”

He laughed and shook his head like I had been in a deep sleep and was just now coming around. Of course, he loved me.
Except his love was like God’s.
His love reflected Jesus’ heart.
His love was sacrificial.
His love poured out grace.
He showed me that love was patient, kind, gentle, generous,
and wasn’t the least bit based upon what I did or didn’t do.
His was a love that freed me to love him better.

But in order to live in that freedom of grace, I first needed truth.

Truth about who God really was,
A Father who passionately loved and pursued me, desiring a restored relationship.
Truth about me,
A mess without Him.
Truth about what I had been believing,
A twisted set of lies that didn’t reflect God or His character.

Those truths set me free to dance in the grace that abounded from it as I began to re-build, holding on tightly to both truth and grace.
From truth
to grace
to flourishing
in a fullness that pulls me ever deeper into seeking truth.

It’s a cycle that blossoms,
it’s a foundation that’s solid,
it’s the gospel of Jesus Christ,
held out freely, full of truth and grace in the abounding love of a Father pursuing a relationship with each of us.

Just like a house and its foundation.
Both must be solid to work.
Grace without truth is nothing, truth without grace is nothing, only both together can bring the abundant fullness God longs to give each of us.

Share Your Thoughts with the GT Community!

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

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Check out all past studies in Fullness!