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Sketched IX Day 3 A New Work

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 5:1-11
Matthew 17:1-13
Isaiah 42:1-4
Galatians 2:18-21

Sketched IX, Day 3

It’s been nearly a week since Jesus taught us in detail about the cost of following Him, but the words still roll in my head, keeping me awake at night and popping up unbidden as we move through crowds ministering to them.

“Take up your cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)

Death.
That’s all I can think about.

A cross signifies one thing, cruel death.
There is no way to escape torture when a cross is involved.
None.

Cross victims press against nail-pierced feet to slide their raw back upwards against shredded wood attempting to catch a breath as their wrists are nailed on either side, outstretched in agony. Eventually, exhaustion overtakes the condemned man and their futile exercise for oxygen is over, resulting in suffocation. It’s cruel, but it is the price to pay for those who dare break Roman law. I’ve seen it before, the crucifixion parade outside the city as thieves and murderers are led away for gruesome justice. It’s bloody and agonizing, the screams of men as naked flesh is grotesquely pierced, but it is effective in making its point: don’t run against Rome.

I shook my head again, attempting to clear the horrific scenes playing out in my mind. I just don’t understand! Why did Jesus tie these two ideas together, following Him and taking up a cross. It makes no sense! To follow, I must be alive. So, why must I also die? And not simply die, but die a cruel death.

Why does following Him cost so much?!

The turmoil inside me continues churning, never lessening, and I grab a fistful of olive branches in my frustration as I take one more step forward up the narrow, well-worn path on the side of Mount Tabor.

“Hey! Come on, Peter!” James’ indignant voice complains behind me as the olive branch swipes his face. “What’s wrong with you lately, man?”

I glance back, ruefully apologizing for the errant branch thrashing. Does James understand? I lift my eyes forward to catch John following closely to Jesus on the path ahead; the two are conversing, and then I hear John’s laughter ripple out. I grin in spite of my war inside, as John’s laughter invites everyone into its embrace. I can’t stop myself from wondering, does John understand? I furrow my brow and increase my pace, ignoring James’ question. Chest heaving and brow sweating, I catch up to John and Jesus at Tabor’s summit. A quip about my meaty muscles weighing me down compared to John’s lean, young frame is on my lips, but it dies instantly as I follow John’s aghast gaze.

Jesus! Jesus! He’s…

Suddenly, the brilliance of light envelopes everything in sight. The radiance is utterly beyond description as Jesus’ face shines like He swallowed the sun, His ordinary garments now aglow with uncanny light. James gasps and I follow his finger, seeing the unbelievable!

Moses and Elijah are here as well! I may not have everything figured out, but as Moses representing Law and Elijah representing Prophets stand here with Jesus, it’s all becoming clear! They are all the same! Law, Prophet, and Jesus!

Bursting with my revelation, I run unhindered towards the three men bathed in light. “Jesus! Jesus!” I shout. “Lord! It’s so good for us to be here! I’ve got it figured out! We will build three tents for you all and honor you all equally!” (Matthew 17:3-4, paraphrase)

Instantly, a thick, heavy cloud overshadows all of us, striking deep fear into our hearts. Moses and Elijah vanish. Terror-stricken, James, John, and myself are rendered immovable and speechless as a voice boomed, “This is my Son, the Chosen One, listen to Him.” (Luke 9:35)

Cowering and mute, the three of us fall face down in the heart-stopping glory of Yahweh’s voice. Then, as suddenly as it appeared, the cloud of glory vanished, replaced by natural Judean sunlight that makes me sweat again. Stuttering as I examine the common dirt clinging to Jesus’ feet and toenails before me, I realize I haven’t been breathing and gulp in air as Jesus reaches down to touch my shoulder. His voice, astounding in its common, ordinary sound, tenderly speaks, “Get up; don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7)

With lightning-fast clarity, Jesus’ words prompt a memory of the very first time I followed Him. He had looked at me then too, my nets bursting with an enormous catch of fish flopping everywhere. Crowds had gathered and men were agape at the plunder I’d caught, but Jesus had His eyes fixed on mine, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people.” (Luke 5:10)
And so my following began.

Death.
Don’t be afraid.
Follow.

Though it would cost me everything, even my very life and all the pleasures and materials I had once loved, I was to crucify those daily, torturously even, and be left in the wake of the life of Yahweh so I could follow Him freely, without any hindrance.

He knew.
He knew of my internal battle, and He was making me new in the midst of it.
He was showing me Who He was, as God of all.

For Him, no, in Him, I will crucify my old self, and live to follow Him daily in the newness of abundant life. Jesus, the Great I Am, was worth it.
He is the Beloved Son, the Only One worthy of my life.

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

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

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

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Sketched IX!

Neighbor Day 6 Seeing Beyond The Service

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 7:36-50
Colossians 3:23-24
Isaiah 43:1-4

Neighbor, Day 6

I currently spend my working hours at the front desk of a doctor’s office. I am the voice answering the phone and seeking to assist the person on the other end. I am the one who schedules the next appointment and wishes individuals a good day as they leave. I am the face welcoming them to the office as they arrive for appointments.

For the most part, I love my job, because I am able to serve patients and my fellow staff members from my role at the front desk. The position enables me to be a blessing in a scenario where anxiety may be high and tensions may be mounting. My ability to multitask, function in a fast-paced environment, and think quickly on my feet increases the effectiveness of my service.

I prayed a great deal during the interview process for this job. Was this the job for me? It was not a logical choice in light of my degrees or the jobs I had previously held, but I knew I wanted a place where I could serve the Lord and those around me while also healing from the previous toxic work environment I had left.

Repeatedly, I sensed the Lord confirming this job choice. Several years later, I have discovered multiple reasons for my presence in the office, including the chance to write this Journey Study on loving the neighbor who provides a service!

For clarification, everyone, regardless of job title, provides a service: the stay-at-home mom, the CEO, the custodian. We all have the invitation to serve wherever we are with a mindset of working unto the Lord.

In the last several months, I have heard Beth Moore and Christine Caine reference the story in Luke 7 of Jesus asking Simon if he sees the woman before Him. Both highlighted the reality of Simon not truly seeing the woman, in contrast to the Lord seeing her, knowing her, and loving her.

The Lord demonstrated an intentionality Simon sorely lacked. Simon was blinded by the woman’s reputation and (in his eyes) inappropriate display of wastefulness. Yet, the Lord saw her as His precious child, looking past her sordid history and culturally unacceptable display of worship to the heart behind them.

We are invited to do the same.
To pursue intention.
To truly see the people before us and invite Christ’s love to guide our interactions.

Now, if you are like me, you could use some examples of what intentionality might look like. Below are a few suggestions of ways to truly see those providing a service.

Names are significant.

More often than not, people in the service industry wear name tags. While this is a useful tool in getting their attention, it is also an excellent reminder they are unique individuals. Throughout Scripture, the Lord highlights the importance of names. (Genesis 17:3-16) Therefore, when possible, use the name of the person with whom you are interacting.

We can honor individuals with our awareness of their dignity as human beings, rather than simply valuing them for the service they are providing. I am always surprised when people use my name when interacting with me, and I feel the interchange took place between two people, rather than simply patient to staff.

Express gratitude.

Regardless of the service being rendered, express gratitude to the individual providing it. This creates value for that role and honors the person at the same time.

Let’s remember in order to complete their jobs, even people performing what might be considered the most menial of tasks still carry a level of authority and access higher than our own. For example, a server at a restaurant has access to the kitchen. Let’s recognize and acknowledge, with gratitude, workers are walking in the authority granted to them in order to meet our needs.

Learn from examples of excellence.

For a season of life, the Lord consistently drew my attention to examples of excellence. More often than not, these demonstrations were observed in the service industry. I observed people doing their jobs with high levels of integrity, attention to detail, and positive, uplifting attitudes. Each person challenged me to do the same. I remember truly seeing those individuals in a deeper way as they taught me to live my life better.

The Lord created us to fellowship with others. While it may be easy to do this with those with whom we have a deep connection, we also may fellowship with those who provide a service when we truly see them.

The Lord is a good author, and our neighbors in the service industry are living His beautiful stories.
Let’s celebrate them and love them well! 

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

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

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

The GT Weekend! ~ Hallel 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!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) As we began this Journey Into Hallel, we were reminded of the always-present Jesus Christ. Being fully divine, means Christ has always existed from eternity past and will exist for eternity future. His time on earth wrapped in human flesh did not signify His “beginning” or His “end” as the second member of the trinity. This important truth is difficult for our finite minds to comprehend, yet, at the same time, it can bring us extreme comfort. There is not a single point in our lives, or even a fleeting moment in our everyday existence, where the Lord of All, is not, was not, nor will not be fully present. His presence can never be escaped. Our forgetfulness, or lack of discipline to remember His constancy, does not negate His permanency. Think back through just the last few hours. Where have you been distraught, overwhelmed, joyful, excited, annoyed? The Lord was there every time. Ask the Spirit to remind you of this truth as you go into the weekend. Practice the discipline of remembering His constant presence!

2) A major portion of the Hallel sings of all God had previously done in the history of Israel as a nation. They mighty works of God had often come on the heels of extremely difficult times, but He proved faithful again and again. Their song marked out specific remembrances of His faithfulness towards them, and we would be wise to do the same! Take a few extra minutes this weekend and begin with just a list of 10. Fill each space with a specific instance when the Lord proved His faithful love. How did He show up in your life? Where did He answer when you were lost and wandering? Where did He provide when you felt bereft? Where was He present when you were alone? Close out your time by praising Him with your whole heart for all He has done as you look forward to all He will continue to do!

3) When the Bible talks about idols, part of us likely either discounts its relevance to our everyday lives, or pulls back defensively, insisting we don’t have any idols. Which of these do you tend to lean towards most often? Casting the light of Christ upon the dark corners of our hearts where we are apt to hide our idols can feel frightening. What if we lost control? What if the Lord discovers our secret loves? What if we realize the depth of our own desire to worship other, lesser loves? Between you, the Lord, and your pen and paper, make a short list of “loves” that may be stealing your worship from the Lord God. Pray over these, confess your sin, and ask the Spirit to turn your heart to worship Him alone!

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 113:1-3 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

Hallelujah!
Give praise, servants of the Lord;
praise the name of the Lord.
Let the name of the Lord be blessed
both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
let the name of the Lord be praised.

Prayer Journal
Father God, as I draw near to this Easter season in such a strange time in our world, fighting this unknown virus worldwide. Uncertainty and fears have replaced confidence and individual freedoms. Yet, You are the changeless One. The Holy One. And this season of Easter, of celebrating Your eternal victory over death reminds me once again that YES! You are God of all. Your Name is worthy of praise. For as long as time on earth exists, let Your Name never cease to be praised. I will choose to praise. I will choose to sing the Hallel to You, to remember Your goodness, and to trust You anew. Turn our hearts to You, Oh Lord, the Risen King!

Worship Through Community

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Worship Through Prayer

Worship Through Music

Treasure Day 10 Kingdom Work

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Read His Words Before Ours!

2 Chronicles 15:1-7
Psalm 90:10-17
Matthew 7:13-25
Colossians 3:17-24
2 Timothy 3:12-17

Treasure, Day 10

I sat in the parking lot for five more minutes, thinking to myself, “I’m not ready to go in.” I really disliked that place, my job. While I tried to do my best work, my heart just wasn’t in it, and it felt like drudgery.

Move forward to Sunday morning, and you’d see me cheerfully awake at 7:30 am, getting ready to serve in Children’s Ministry at church. There was no sitting in the parking lot with dread in my heart. Instead, I was full of anticipation and joy because I considered it kingdom work. 

My perspective on my less-than-appealing job changed radically when I encountered Colossians 3:23-24,
“Whatever you do,
do it from the heart,
as something done for the Lord and not for people,
knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord.
You serve the Lord Christ.” 

I came to understand that all of our work can be kingdom work, whether or not it happens within the walls of a church. We carry the Holy Spirit within us (1 Corinthians 3:16), and therefore we represent Christ always.

When we give of our time to a ministry or our church, it’s kingdom work.
When we go to our place of employment, it’s kingdom work.
It’s so easy to separate the “now” from the “eternal.”
But they are intertwined. . . through kingdom work.
Our now affects our eternity.
And our eternity should inform our now. 

Let’s talk about eternity. Throughout the Bible, God reminds us eternal rewards await us in heaven. (Romans 2:6, Hebrews 11:6) The reward of heaven itself is unbelievable, but our gracious and abundant God offers even more!

Heaven is not tied to our work, but to Jesus’ finished work on the cross. However, other rewards are directly related to our earthly efforts, and therefore, our eternity should directly impact how we live in the present. 

The Bible identifies five crowns we can receive as eternal rewards, each for different work believer’s have done during life on earth.

First is the crown of victory.
According to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, this crown blesses those who are disciplined in their spiritual lives.

How can we practice discipline?
We can begin by consistently reading, studying, and obeying God’s Word. The more we commit to these disciplines, the more the Lord will grow them in us! ( James 1:22-25)

Next, let’s maintain a posture of gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks, always.

Third, we pray. In the Gospel accounts, Jesus took time to pray both corporately and privately.  He even instructed us how to pray. 

My final suggestion is to be generous with our resources, time, and talents (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 1 Peter 4:10). Let’s bless others out of the overflow of God’s incredible generosity to each of us! Sisters, I believe every Christ-follower can earn this crown of victory!

The second crown is the crown of life.
This crown is given to those who tenaciously hold onto their faith and persevere through trials. (James 1:12)

I’d love to say my aforementioned hated job would fall in this category, but I believe this speaks of much greater struggle. I can’t say in my now, I’d want this crown, but ladies, if God ordains this crown for us, let us win it well. 

Next comes the crown of rejoicing.
This crown is given to those who have rejoiced in the salvation of others.  We wear this crown if we have shared the gospel and helped build and celebrate biblical community Have you shared your testimony to help win someone to Christ and make a disciple? Have you told someone about the goodness of God and how they can have assurance of heaven? Then, this crown will be rewarded in Heaven! (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

The crown of glory is for pastors, elders, and church leaders, an eternal recognition of the special sacrifices made by those who devote their lives to serving the church. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Finally, the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8) blesses those who lived completely sold out for Jesus, always expectant of His return. I pray we all shift our focus to eternity so we might win this crown.

We are called to give ourselves away for the glory of God and for the advancement of the kingdom.

With Jesus ever before us and His Holy Spirit guiding us from within,
our eternal calling can be lived out in the now.

When we’re tempted to skip our time in His Word,
when we consider compromise to avoid ridicule,
when fear threatens to silence our sharing of the gospel,
or hold us back from the role to which He’s called us,
let’s remember this narrow road, while sometimes hard in the moment, brings eternal reward and ultimately, greater glory to God.

May we keep the vision of our crowns offered back to our Father in praise before us as we go about living in the now with eyes for eternity.


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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!

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Treasure Day 7 Beautiful Work: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) Who is Jesus praying for in these verses?

2) What does it mean to not be of the world, but sent into it?

3) What does it mean to be sanctified by the truth?

John 17:15-19

15 I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Original Intent

1) Who is Jesus praying for in these verses?
If we look back to John 17:6 and 17:9 we see Jesus is praying specifically for “the people the Father gave Him from the World”, who are His disciples. Jesus knows what the future holds, He has told these men what is coming, and He knows the time is drawing near for His death, burial, and resurrection. He knows the next few hours and days and weeks will be confusing, difficult, and fearful for them. He is praying for the men He has walked closely with during His three years of public ministry when He called them to Himself and transformed their entire live. It is with these men, He has spent the most amount of time pouring into. Jesus also knows what will come after His arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection when He will ascend back into Heaven, and He is praying for that time when He is no longer physically walking daily with them.

2) What does it mean to not be of the world, but sent into it?
Jesus didn’t pray God would take the disciples out of the world, but is instead praying His disciples would go out into the world. Jesus knew for the Gospel to go forth, His disciples would also need to go forth; they would be required to leave their homes, their area of comfort, and share the truth of Jesus with the world. Jesus is praying they would go out into the world as His representative and not be conformed to the ways of the world. He is praying they would look and act differently than those who don’t believe, while still going out and sharing the truth and good news of the Gospel with them. Jesus knew there would be temptation to become like the world instead of like Him, and He is asking His Father to help them remember who they are in Him.

3) What does it mean to be sanctified by the truth?
In order to understand this verse, we must first understand sanctification. Webster defines sanctification as, “the state of growing in divine grace as a result of Christian commitment after conversion.” Basically, it means becoming more like Jesus moment by moment as His Spirit transforms us by His power. In these verses Jesus refers to truth as the bedrock anchoring power of sanctification. The truth comes from the word they have been taught both by Jesus and the truth they grew up knowing as Israelite children through study of the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament), as well as the biblical prophets. Jesus is praying that as they continue to grow in knowledge of Him, and in relationship to Him, that the Holy Spirit would continuously transform them through the truth of the Word of God (all of Scripture), which would result

Everyday Application

1) Who is Jesus praying for in these verses?
While Jesus was praying specifically for His disciples in those moments, He is also praying for those followers would come after them, meaning us if we’ve surrendered to Him! Jesus prays a specific prayer for future believers in the verses directly following this in John 17:20-26 and the language He used in praying for His immediate disciples, in some ways, continues on into those verses. He knows there will be those who come to faith after He ascends and that the work is not over until He comes back again. Jesus knows what the future holds for each of us as we follow Him with our everyday lives. The trials we will face and the fears we will walk in, and He prayed for us before going to the cross and purchasing our redemption. What an incredible thought to know that Jesus prayed for you and me over 2,000 years ago while He was still walking on earth!

2) What does it mean to not be of the world, but sent into it?
What a contradicting picture to go into the world while being reminded we are not of the world. However, that is exactly what Jesus is praying for His followers and for us. Jesus knows we do not get to go home to Heaven the very day, or moment, we place our faith in Him. No, we stay in the world and are given an intentional calling Jesus gave to all those who believe in Him. In Matthew 28:18-20 as He was ascending into Glory, He commanded His first disciples and all those who would come to follow Him, to go into the world and make disciples of the nations from Jerusalem to Judaea, and the rest of the world. There is a clear calling to go out into the world. However, Jesus also knows the temptation to become like the world we are sent out into. They look different from us, behave differently from us, and it is much easier to become like them than follow Christ in full surrender. However, Jesus does not want us to begin to look and act like them, so He is praying we would look so much like Him that we represent Him well in the world.

3) What does it mean to be sanctified by the truth?
You and I have never had the privilege of walking on this earth with Jesus in His physical form. However, that doesn’t mean He left us alone to figure out our faith or grow in it by our own strength as we are supposed to become more like Him. No, He left us His word, the very living, breathing word of God, and the fueling power of God Himself by depositing His Spirit within our hearts. As we spend time in His word, getting to know Him better, we begin to look more like Him as the Spirit does His work of transformation that only He can do. We are sanctified by the truth as we grow in relationship with the God of the universe by the unifying power of the Spirit. While we will never be perfect on earth, we are daily, and even moment by moment, being conformed to look more like Jesus than we ever have before. This is the process of sanctification. We should never be comfortable where we are in our faith journey, instead allowing the word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit to continuously shape us to look more like the image of Jesus. Sisters, I pray for you and me that we would continue to let God work to transform us and use us as the women He is calling us to be!

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Treasure Week Two!
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Why Dig Deeper?

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

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

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

Study Tools

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

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

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

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Treasure Day 6 Beautiful Work

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 1
Genesis 2:15-20
Proverbs 11:10
John 17:15-19
I Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Treasure, Day 6

As a 14 year-old, I was thrilled to start earning money. Bagging groceries never sounded so glorious! I quickly learned, however, just how hard I had to work to pay for the teen necessities of Gap jeans and outings with friends.

As I entered adulthood, I gained a deeper understanding of my work, beyond a monthly paycheck. I learned how God designed work to be a gift, both to the worker and the world.

Genesis 1 paints a beautiful example of God’s work in creation.  The image isn’t one of drudgery or complaint, but of beauty, energy, creativity, and calling the end result “good.” (Genesis 1:31) God enjoyed creating and working because He saw a greater purpose.

God established purpose in work for humanity, as well. In Genesis 1:28, God gives authority over the earth to Adam, commanding him to “subdue it”. Adam’s dominion wasn’t a reckless use of the earth’s resources for selfish gain, but rather a rule of careful stewardship.  

Genesis 2:15 reiterates, “The Lord God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.” 

It’s critical to recognize these mandates were given to Adam before sin entered the world. Work was not a problem, nor was it punishment. In the perfection of Eden, the work we were created to do was a gift and privilege.

God wove holy work into our design as an act of love toward humanity. 

Then, Adam sinned. His choice brought toil, frustration, and pain to our work. What a heart-wrenching example of how sin breaks and mars a perfect gift. (Genesis 3:17-19)

But He didn’t leave us there.
Instead, He created a rescue plan, full of hope and grace, in Jesus.

He promises to faithfully complete His work within us (Romans 8:28) as He makes all things new. (Revelation 21:5) Therefore, our work can be done with excellence and faithfulness, even while we are not perfect.

But how?

Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that we have been made in the image of God. Much like a mirror reflects what is before it, we have been created to reflect the character of God before us.

Not to be God, but to reflect Him.

When God created, He did so with joy, creativity, purpose, and with the end result in mind. His work gives us an image of His glory. Likewise, God has established good works in advance for His followers to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Out of His love for us,
He has given us work as a gift and privilege,
to exercise the skills He’s given us,
all to display His greatness. (I Corinthians 10:31)

Every task we’re given is for the purpose of pointing to a Creator God who is full of joy, excellence, justice, integrity, grace, mercy, and beauty.  This is kingdom work.

We’re not just talking about missionaries, evangelists, and pastors.
No, the kingdom of God is much broader, bigger, and fuller than a few vocations.
While Jesus lived on the earth, especially before His public ministry, He worked an ordinary job. Learning carpentry from His earthly father enabled Him to earn a living in an honest, simple, ordinary way.

The Kingdom of God is anywhere where God rules. Jesus came to teach us about and to usher in the Kingdom of God. We can apply Jesus’ approach to kingdom work to our own efforts.

Does God rule our motivation and attitudes?
Does He rule the use of our time on the clock?
Do we have a long-term view of how our work will serve those around us?
Do we aim to reflect God’s character in our work day?
When our heart for the simple, ordinary work before us mirrors His own, we are doing kingdom work.

In John 17:11-19, Jesus reminds us we are not of the world; rather, He has sent us into the world. While our identity isn’t rooted in the world, we are here to serve, impact, and love the world through the tasks the Father gives us. He’s shared with each of us a slice of creation to steward well, for His glory.

The awesome impact of kingdom work is highlighted as Proverbs 11:10 declares,
“When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices;
when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.” 

When we are using the gifts and skills God designed for us, working with excellence to bring the most glory to God, we will flourish in a way that blesses and serves our co-workers, communities, families, cities, and beyond.

Whether we’re collecting garbage around the neighborhood or collecting plates off
of a restaurant table,
designing websites or church bulletins,
nursing the ill back to health or nursing a newborn baby in the night,
the foundation can be the same.

Let’s align ourselves with the kingdom of God, be faithful in our work, and purpose to bring glory and honor to the King.

It’s what we are created to do.

Author’s note: A few years ago, I wrote a song surrounding work and vocation in light of the Kingdom of God.  If you’d like to hear a modest recording of The Work of our Here and Now, head to the link here.

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Sketched Day 14 Laura: 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 Laura!

The Questions

1) How will God preserve and save?

2) What “purposes” do the Lord have?

3) What are the “works” of God’s hands?

Psalm 138:7-8

If I walk into the thick of danger,
you will preserve my life
from the anger of my enemies.
You will extend your hand;
your right hand will save me.
8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
Lord, your faithful love endures forever;
do not abandon the work of your hands.

Original Intent

1) How will God preserve and save?
There is no guarantee anywhere in Scripture that those who give their lives to the Lord will experience material wealth, physical health, and smooth relationships. If it were true that all who accepted Jesus as Savior benefited in these ways, everyone would see and take notice and want in on Jesus too. But, that would be a business deal, and that is as far from what the heart of God wants for us as the east is from the west. What God desires is a deep, faithful relationship of commitment with our whole hearts. (Isaiah 29:13) If we miss the relationship aspect, focusing instead on what we can get from following Jesus, we’ve missed the point so completely we might as well have the integrity to admit we don’t actually want to follow Him. The reality for every Christ-follower is that our surrender to Him will cost us our lives. (Matthew 10:38-39) Salvation is free, (Ephesians 2:8) but obedience is about total surrender of every aspect of our everyday lives (Luke 14:33). To help us with this impossible “handing over of rights”, is the Spirit of God who lives inside every believer, teaching them what it means to give up control. The sweet spot?! In that surrender, we experience a richness the world could never possibly provide!

2) What “purposes” do the Lord have?
The Lord God, being all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present has always had a Master plan. His purposes are deep and unfathomable, far too lofty for humanity to begin to comprehend the breadth and depth of them (Isaiah 55:8-9), but that doesn’t stop Him from inviting each believer into His work of accomplishing those purposes. By studying Scripture, we can see enough of His purposes to give us the direction and guidance we need to follow Him. For example, He purposes for His kingdom to be built on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10), He purposes for all to know Him (1 Timothy 2:4), He purposes for the Church to be unified in love (John 15:12), and He purposes for believers to grow in faith and understanding of who He is (Ephesians 1:17-18). These are only a few examples of the purposes God has revealed in Scripture. While He has intentional plans for the world, the human race, and the Church, He also has plans for every single person who gives their life to Him. (Ephesians 2:10) These purposed intentions are designed to work in connection with His larger purposes. We all have a role to play in His plan!

3) What are the “works” of God’s hands?
The psalmist concludes his song with a plea for God not to forget the work of His hands. David full well understands that just as God has initiated this sweet, tender relationship with him, just as God is David’s source of rescue and salvation, and just as God’s purposes are at work in Him, so is David the very work of God’s own hand. How precious! David’s life was hidden there in the protection of the Almighty! (Psalm 91:1-4) As is often found in the Psalms, David was praying a truth he already knew. God never abandons the work of His hands, and David already knew this. He still cried it out to God to remind himself of God’s character as he was in the presence of God. Also, David adds his plea for God to never forget him on the tail end of stating two other immoveable realities, God’s faithfulness to fulfill His purposes and God’s enduring love. David was speaking with the Lord much like a small child would to a parent in the face of fear. I know you are good to me, Daddy, I know you will always love me just like you’ve told me, please, please, don’t leave me. Of course, the daddy won’t leave the child, he is too good of a father and has proven his love over and over. The same is true of the Father God and David. God had proven His love, proven His faithfulness, and of course, He would never abandon David, the precious, delighted over, work of His hands.

Everyday Application

1) How will God preserve and save?
As we relinquish ourselves, the Father becomes the holder of our very hearts. He lovingly teaches, gently corrects, constantly shapes us to reflect Him, wraps us in tender love, and fights for us. He is not a distant God, rather He is the with us God who sees our every hurt, knows the depth of our anguish, and sits with us there to protect our hearts as we sit in His shelter. While the outside may crumble away, the Lord renews our inner soul, giving us His own courage and the promise to never leave. (2 Corinthians 4:16) His promise to preserve and save as referenced in this verse begins here, in the sacred ground of our relationship with Him where He is both Lord and Father, and we are both slave and precious child. The inside soul is where He fights for us first and foremost. Additionally, the Lord is indeed abundantly gracious in the physical realm just as He is in the relational and spiritual realms. He provides food, strengthens relationships, brings conviction, gives us the common graces of finances, medicine, vehicles, housing, and clothes. Again, the Lord sees all and knows all, and will provide what we need. Often, however, we focus solely on the physical, expecting God to give us what we perceive we need. These are the times to remember God first is fighting for our hearts, teaching us to trust His good character. Seek His face, ask Him to grow your desire to learn His heart, and practice sitting still with the Lord studying His word. This is the beginning of His rescue!

2) What “purposes” do the Lord have?
It’s important to know that while God has lovingly crafted plans for each of us to walk into for our everyday life that ultimately fulfill His larger purposes, we can neither fulfill these purposes on our own strength, nor can we mess them up beyond His redemption. The Lord’s master plans will never be thwarted. (Isaiah 46:10) What He chooses to accomplish, will come to pass in His way and in His time. However, there is a tension involved here, because He also gives us freedom of choice. Esther had the choice to stand in the gap for her people or watch them be slaughtered. Moses had the choice to walk forward in faith, believing God would use him in his weakness to lead Israel out of slavery or push back and tell God he couldn’t because He wasn’t a good speaker. Esther chose obedience and God used her small choices to accomplish His larger plans. Moses chose to push back, and although God still used Him, He also brought in Aaron as Moses’ mouthpiece and it was Aaron who later led Israel to sin by worshipping a golden idol. With Moses, God still used him and His purposes were still accomplished, but He allowed for freedom of choice. In Judges, God had given clear victory over to Barak against his enemies, but He also gave Barak freedom of choice, and because Barak chose fear over faith, the victory went to a common woman named Jael, whom God used to accomplish His purposes, despite Barak’s personal choice. We each have a choice to make when it comes to God’s purposes. If we submit to His rule, choosing to follow His ways, He will faithfully work His purposes through us. If we choose our way instead, He will still finish His work, but we will have missed out on being an active participant with Him in that work.

3) What are the “works” of God’s hands?
Just as David was the delighted over son, so are we. If you have given over your heart to the God was has faithfully loved you since the moment He knit you together in your mothers’ womb, He is yours and you are His. He has proven His love to you time and time again. Can you see His hand? Count the ways He has loved you, write them down as reminders of His good love towards you that never ends! He has proven He will always fulfill His purposes in you if you’ve given Him reign over your heart and life. Where have you seen His purposes coming to fulfillment? Have you grown in your faith? Have you learned to love more like Him? Have you reached out and encouraged another to grow in their faith as well? These are His purposes! His kindness towards His adopted sons and daughters endures forever; His presence will never leave! But, I know, we don’t always feel that way do we? This was certainly true for David. Sometimes we find him shouting praise and dancing, and other times we find him in the pit of despair wondering where God was. But, every time, we find David recounting what He knew to be true of this God who loved him and rescued Him. We would be wise to do the same!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Digging Deeper Community

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Our Current Study Theme!

This is Sketched VI 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!

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Open Day 6 The Unconventional Open

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Mark 2:1-12
Colossians 1:15-20
Isaiah 44:21-23

Open, Day 6

Home.
You walk in the front door, kick off your shoes, and there they are. The same walls, the familiar terrain of pictures and wall decor, couch and chair placement, family table for dinners, and the counter space for preparing meals.

Home. Regardless of how its decorated, the name brands marking the furniture, or the number of crystal pieces in the cupboard, it’s home.

As unremarkable as it may seem, here lies the hallowed place of potential. It’s in the ho-hum of sour laundry, endless dishes, carpets needing vacuumed, and colored-on walls that the Lord can turn the mundane into the miraculous.

Jesus was home.
Though He spent a good deal of His life moving about like an itinerant preacher, He had a place in Capernaum. Whether the house where He stayed was actually His own home or it was Peter’s, isn’t as important as what He did with His space. Here was His bed, His kitchen, His low table for meals, perhaps a carpentry shop outside for income to care for His mother; regardless of its appearance, this was His home.

His fame was growing and He was attracting increasingly more attention. Most wanted His blessing, His healing, or His provision. Some, deeply offended by Him, wanted His death, but His message remained the same to all, humanity is separate from God because of sin. Repent and surrender to Him, for the Kingdom of God is near. (Matthew 4:17)

Wherever Jesus walked, visited, or raised His voice to teach, crowds followed. He had just spent several days walking place to place, engaging people, healing, and preaching. He’d ended His tour in the region of the Gerasenes where He’d created a ruckus by healing two demon possessed men. Ruckus? He sent the demons into the pigs who then ran themselves headlong over a cliff, killing themselves. The result? Jesus was run out of town. (Matthew 8:34) Never mind that two men had been set free from demons!

From this, Jesus sailed back over Galilee and comes home.
Surely exhausted emotionally, spiritually, and physically in the wake of busy days filled with powerful ministry and personal attacks, Jesus makes His way from the Galilee shore through the familiar streets to His house. As He walks, word spreads. “Jesus is back!” “Jesus is back!”
It was a few stragglers at first following from a distance, maybe even a handful of children running to grasp His hands as He walked, but it grew quickly. By the time, Jesus reached home, the gathering crowd was leaning in, ready to experience Jesus.

He walked into His home, the growing crowd pressing right into His house with Him. Sandals tumbled off and body heat increased as sweat caused clothing to stick to hot bodies. Yet despite the room temperature, the smell, and the pressing tightness of human beings, Jesus’ voice rang out with compelling winsomeness as He preached truth wrapped with grace. (John 1:17) The more He preached, bringing out precious truths from the Old Testament and unveiling the fullness of the gospel, the more the crowds swelled. Windows were blocked by faces peering in and the doorway became darkened by the flood of people and crowds surrounded the exterior.

Meanwhile, word on the street kept spreading and four friends knew this was their chance. Bound together by their love for one another, they lifted their paralyzed friend and moved forward as one team. Urgently, gingerly, and with all haste, straining under the weight of their friend’s makeshift bed, they made their way through dusty streets to Jesus’ house. Grunting and squeezing their way between bodies, they knew their only option was the flat, clay roof. The four hurried up the rocky steps, weeds poking between stones, with their precious friend precariously swaying between them, all the while navigating people. Once on the roof, they began literally tearing it apart. Plaster and pebbles rained down as Jesus preached, a scattering at first and then, finally, after what seemed like hours of digging through brittle clay, a downpour of pebbles flew and the sky opened above the crowd. Stunned and silent, all eyes peered up at the 4 heads looking sheepishly down through the man-sized hole. Wordlessly, the friends lowered their friend through the opening, it was up to Jesus now.

Jesus. His home upturned by hundreds of unexpected guests, His own body exhausted, and now His roof torn open. He could have shooed everyone out, He could have seen the crowds earlier and gotten back on a boat or at minimum, He could have preached from the beach instead of His home. But He did none of those things. Instead, He moved forward with His mission to preach the good news of God who had come in the flesh to be a Forever Rescuer from sin, even if it meant….this mess.

“Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus’ gentle voice held a fullness of authority balanced with tender kindness. He would set this man free from sin’s grip for this is exactly what He came to do, “seek and save those who were lost.” (Luke 19:10) Going farther, Jesus physically healed the paralytic proving His authority over all creation in both physical and spiritual realms.

What happened that day was a miracle, but it began in the middle of unspeakable mess. At every point that day, Jesus could have chosen to indulge His flesh, but He continually modeled surrender to the Father’s will, allowing a dramatic unconventional opening for the gospel to be preached and hearts to be set free.

One roof was destroyed.
One house was overrun.
One preacher man was physically spent.
But…
Countless hearts were shifted for eternity.
Millions of people have read the story of the paralytic since, and every time,
the gospel has been preached again.

My home is familiar territory to me, a safe haven of rest.
As I read this story of Jesus and His home, I’m challenged to be ready to leverage my house for kingdom work, even if it means getting plaster on my hands so others may experience Jesus.
Are you with me?!

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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 Open 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 Open!

Pause 2 Day 6 The Sword & The Scalpel

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Pause 2, Day 6

The wound refused to heal.
The flesh surrounding the wound was hot, pink and tender.
The doctor’s brow furrowed as he poked around, speaking in low tones to the nurse, who scurried away. The wound was deeply infected, needing to be lanced, infection drained, cleansed and perhaps packed. The nurse returned with a cart bearing medical supplies in tidy rows,
the silver blade of the scalpel glinting in the light.

The doctor explained the procedure; the patient didn’t hear.
His eyes were fixed on the silver blade.
It was true the wound refused to heal, and intervention was needed, but the scalpel?
Yes, the scalpel.
If the wound was ever going to heal, the scalpel must be part of that plan.    

As the doctor lanced, drained and packed the wound to allow physical healing,
so the Spirit of God desires to pursue the healing of our souls.

To do this, He must remove the infectious sins impeding our spiritual healing.
Scripture describes His Word as a sharp, two-edged sword.
Swords lacerate, wound and even kill!
But in the hands of our Great Physician, the Sword of the Spirit is an instrument of healing. 

Due to our innate depravity, besetting sins are imbedded in the deep tissue of our souls like infectious bacteria. Allowed to remain, those sins multiply, leaving our souls riddled with festering infection and rendering the work of our hands ineffective for Kingdom growth.

With truth, our Great Physician cleanses our souls, leading us to repentance and the fullness of a redeemed life. He then packs our wounded souls with the healing balm of grace upon grace. 

“I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing” 
Psalm 101:2-3 

When my flesh cries out for gratification, Scripture’s truth speaks clearly.
As I welcome its healing, I feel the deep slice of the sword of truth and know my self-will must die if I am to be healed and whole. 

Without the sword of truth, our only option is to remain entangled in besetting sins,
observing the abundant life from a distance,
yet never truly partaking.

Without the sword, there can be no healing.
Therefore, I welcome the sword,
for by it I am healed and set free to run in pathways of the abundant life.
1 Peter is a book about solid hope.
It’s also about running fervently away from sin that chokes the lifeblood of our freedom in Christ,
and our effectiveness in building God’s Kingdom. 

Peter’s passion for Jesus and His redemption available to all is woven throughout his first, short letter.
As we continue to Pause this week, walk slowly through the words Peter wrote.
See his heart, hear his passion, run from the world’s enticements, and sink your feet deep into the solid rock of HOPE! 

Today's Invitation

1) Read 1 Peter 1 and answer these 3 questions in your journal:
a) What do these verses tell me about God and His character?
b) What do these verses tell me about others and the world around me?
c) What do these verses 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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I Peter 1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: 

To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. 

May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 5 You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. 11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.  12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things. 

13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. 17 If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. 18 For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 

22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, 23 because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For 

All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like a flower of the grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.  

And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1.Each day, Monday through Friday, for 2 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 2 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 2!