Sin brought a curse upon the world and man that is still present today. So that we (believers) eagerly await God’s “coming glory”, when all will be restored and completely made right.
The Lord Returns
From the first words of this chapter, Isaiah’s message changed from one of coming doom to one of comfort and peace and the coming of the LORD, the God of Israel.
God Protects His People
Are you following God but facing one trial after another while others who follow only the desires of their hearts seem to flourish?
Trust In His Faithfulness
Despite the circumstances of our lives, we must trust in God, in His faithfulness and power to rescue us and set us free, even when …
A Cry for Help!
Because God’s law was no longer being honored, Habakkuk, the prophet, cried out to God .
A PRAYERFUL REFLECTION: WEEK 1
Thank You for the encouragement of Advent to focus and refocus our hearts on Your promises God.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE SON OF MAN
Advent is the season of intentionally waiting as we slow down our lives, our hearts, and our schedules to reset and remember what we are truly waiting for.
ALL THINGS NEW
We’ve always been on His mind. Think of it: The most important Man in the universe has always been thinking of [us]!
The Coming King
Keep the celebration for His first coming flowing and the anticipation growing for His second coming by staying grounded, rooted, and fixed on Him.
Seeking the Peace of God
Take time to soak up all nine verses, they are beautiful and have a message of hope for all who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Waiting for Deliverance
While we look forward to the second coming of Christ, the people of Judah were given hope and would have been looking forward to the first coming – the first Advent – the coming of the Messiah.
Give thanks –
Perspective
Thanksgiving is the lens God means for us to see joy all year round.
The Three Steps
Paul has laid out three distinct steps for the believers – rejoice, pray, and “in everything” give thanks.
Gratitude Defined
Give it some thought – it might just be the spark they need.
True thankfulness seems to overflow, not from the circumstances of our life, but from the FAITH we have been taught and placed in Christ.
GOD IS GOOD
Admittedly, it is easier to say when things are going our way – but we may need to let the truth of this quote by Ann Voskamp sink in and stir our hearts to praise Him even when life doesn’t seem “good”.
Commissioned
Much like Paul gave Timothy his ‘charge’ or particular ‘ministry’ to do, Jesus gives His disciples a charge to carry out. He actually tasks them with much the same thing – the work of an evangelist, which is to spread the Gospel message
The Work of an Evangelist
as disciples of Christ, called to go and share the Gospel message and to make other disciples as we go, it seems we need the very same instructions Paul gave to Timothy.
Children of the Light
As “children of the light”, who will one day “come to life together with [Jesus], we are to “encourage one another and build each other up in the faith.”
A Grace Filled Hope
This Scripture makes clear how we are to live while we wait for Jesus to appear, fulfilling our hope, we are to:
Being Intentional
Day 1, Week 6 of Come, Lord Jesus Come (A Love God Greatly Study) Encourage as the Day Draws Near! Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25 (SOAP – Hebrews 10:24-25) 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the…
What’s Next?
A perfect follow-up to Come, Lord Jesus, Come, The God Who Restores Bible study journal will lead us through the season of Advent, a season of waiting and great expectation of the coming back of our eternal King.
Be On Guard
Such a fitting message for me today – and everyday. A message that reminds me that those who trust in God, those who keep their thoughts fixed on Him will know His perfect peace.
The Wise and Foolish
A wise person thinks things out and takes the time to be prepared for the day, the hour, an event – or for whatever they know lies ahead of them.
Live As Though It Could Be Today
The fact of the matter is that Scripture repeats itself, in part because the Gospel writers tended to share similar events but in large part because God is making a point that is vitally important for us to hear and not forget.
Faithful Followers
As believers, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be faithfully living as His followers.
A Message For Everyone
We are to be alert – awake to what is being said and what (prophecy) has been given – so that we don’t fall prey to false prophets of our day.
Be Patient and Courageous
The Return Is Near
Immortal…Imperishable…Transformed
Dead or alive believers will be changed – transformed into a heavenly body, like Jesus (49)
Be Ready –
Taken, One Left Week 4, Day 3 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) Scripture Reading: Luke 17:22-37 (SOAP: Luke 17:34-35) I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding grain together; one will…
Marvelous Grace
Jesus came in the flesh bearing God’s grace to a world in need of salvation. He came not just to the Jews but to all people who, by faith, would believe in the One God had sent.
Caught Up Together
Week 4, Day 1 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (SOAP: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will…
Music From Heaven
After a difficult day of information and emotions – I chose to turn music on to drown out the fiery darts that were beginning to assault my mind with fears and worry and sorrow.
God All Victorious
BUT GOD … after three and a half days causes them to stand on their feet bringing fear to all those who saw it.
Jesus Will Come Back
His sacrifice was so perfect that we have no need of another payment, or atonement. So when He returns it will not be to pay for our sins but to save all those who have trusted in Him from this dark sin-filled world.
Witnesses – of These Things
From Elijah’s whirlwind departure to Jesus’ mid-prayer departure, we are definitely journeying through some drama-packed adventures of God’s people. In essence, we are witnesses of these events.
Energized by the Spirit
Such imagery might be too much for us to imagine but we live in the day of incredible cinematography that allows us to actually see in our mind this scene that Jeremiah paints of Elijah going up to heaven.
The Power of Faith
WEEK 3, DAY 1 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY) TODAY’S READING: Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5 (SOAP: Hebrews 11:5) By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been…
I Am Coming Soon
For, what better prayer could there be than for God’s sustaining grace(s) to be with His people as they wait.
I Am Coming Soon
Do your “deeds” identify you as one who is evil or do they reveal God’s grace?
Come, Lord Jesus, Come
I Am Coming Soon: Week 2, Day 3 (A Love God Greatly Study) Today’s Reading: Revelation 3:10-11(SOAP verse 11) “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon….
I Am Going Away and Coming Back Again
Come, Lord Jesus, Come: Week 2, Day 2 (A Love God Greatly Study) Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31(SOAP: 27-28) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away,…
I will Come Back
Their bravery, and ours, depends on knowing and trusting Jesus as God.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come
The words belong to Jesus and to every believer that hears them – they offer encouragement and hope. Look for them, soak them up so that you might cling to the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus,
The Last Hour
In verse 19, John also gives us details of how we will know them. The details are both shocking and concerning. First, the shocking detail is we will know them because they were part of our churches.
One Who Holds Evil Back
Paul warns the Thessalonians, as he has others, not to be easily shaken by false messages.
Scoffers Will Come
This is important for us to understand as we prepare our minds and hearts for the last days.
In the Days of Noah
God called Noah to build an ark and was specific in telling him when it was time to go into the ark as well as who and what to take aboard. God isn’t sending another flood but He is sending His Son for those that are His and He called us to be ready.
The Last Days
Paul saw the reality of these people in his day and they still grow worse today. Surely we understand Paul’s warning that the “last days” will be difficult ones.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come
I believe that it is important to hide Scripture away in our heart, to be familiar with all of it, and to remember as much of it as we can. after all it promises benefits in this life and in the life to come. Such as …
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look…
The God of All Comfort
I believe to know that God is the “source of all comfort” is or should be a great encouragement and strength to every believer.
Change is Beautiful
For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice…
Prayer for the Lost Sheep –
Father, for those who have both heard and believed but have turned away to the right or to the left and find themselves wandering in a wilderness,
Choosing God Instead of the World
When we are intent on loving God, what the world has to offer us will be less and less appealing. When we are intent on loving God, what the world has to offer us will be less and less appealing.
The Grand Finale
It bears great witness to Joseph’s character and to God’s sovereignty, both wonderful examples and encouragement to the Christian faith.
Reassurance and A Call for Courage
Jesus encourages the people not to let death be a cause for fear or stress, but rather a call for courage. It’s a courage that comes from trusting in God, the Father and the Son – knowing God’s provision through the Son and the Son’s provision through His death and resurrection.
Living Dependent On God
I love knowing that God is all-knowing (omniscient), all-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). While we might find ourselves wishing He didn’t see and know every thought, word, deed, or – thing left undone, especially those things that we know He would be less than pleased with – the Bible makes it very clear – nothing escapes Him!
By Faith
The author of Hebrews writes of those who not only lived by faith but “died in faith without ever receiving the things promised.”
The Wisdom and Power of God
WEEK 6, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY Scripture Reading: Genesis 46:31-47:27 (SOAP – Proverbs 8:12-17) By me kings reign, and by me potentates decree righteousness; 16 by me princes rule, as well as nobles and all righteous judges. 17 I will love those who love me, and those…
Choosing God Instead of the World: Looking Ahead to Week-6
Notice, while Joseph still credits God with the power and purpose, his words are a little more specific this time concerning the brother’s actions.
The Reality of the Dream
In our journey this week we have seen the reality of this dream not once but twice. We have seen the beauty of God’s sovereign control positioning Joseph just where he needed to be.
Here I Am
It is crucial that we believe these truths, for the “Hear I am” answer depends on it.
For God Sent Me –
“I am Joseph! Is my brother still alive?” The brothers were confused and gave no answer, so he said again, “I am Joseph your brother,” this time adding – “whom you sold into Egypt.”
Love One Another
Judah shows great sacrificial love by offering himself in the place of Benjamin, but for the sake of Benjamin and in order that Jacob would not suffer more grief.
Affection for His Betrayers
WEEK 5, DAY 2 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY Scripture Reading: Genesis 43 (SOAP – 1 Peter 3:8-9) 8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil…
The Brothers Go Down to Egypt
Because Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people, it was him that they appeared before with their request and him they bowed down to.
As we move into week five we will get to see the unfolding story of Joseph. We will see his own dream become a reality and once again see his unusual but extraordinary reaction to his brothers.
Two years after the cupbearer was released from prison and returned to Pharaoh’s service, Pharaoh had a dream but none of his ‘diviner-priests’ or any of his ‘wise men’ were able to tell him what it meant. BUT…
“BUT…” (you have to love the ‘buts’ of God’s Word – right?). After spilling out all of these emotions he responds to his own rant, breakdown, or what I would call a panic attack with the expressed determination and declaration, “But I trust in Your faithfulness.”
God uses whom He pleases to accomplish what He pleases – when He pleases.
Don’t miss the fingerprints though – look for them throughout Joseph’s story – they are actually a story within the story.
As we move into week four we will get to know Joseph and see his extraordinary reaction to the horrifying and challenging events of his life.
As we move into week four we will get to know Joseph and see his extraordinary reaction to the horrifying and challenging events of his life. We will read shocking details about the life of Judah, another of of Jacob’s sons, and get a glimpse of God’s fingerprints in the outcome generations later. We will also listen as Joseph moves from dreaming dreams to interpreting the dreams of others.
How sweet it is to wake to the knowledge of You …
A Faithful Servant Week 3, Day 4 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 37:2-11 (SOAP – Luke 16:10) 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with…
Hold On Tightly … Week 3, Day 4 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 36:1-37:1, Genesis 27:28-29, Genesis 27:39-40 and Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 11:20 (SOAP: Hebrews 10:23) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his…
Keeping the Covenant Week 3, Day 3 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 35 and Deuteronomy 30:16-20 (SOAP: Deuteronomy 30:15-16) 15 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to…
Vengeance Week 3, Day 2 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 34 and Romans 12:17-21 (SOAP: Romans 12:19) 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says…
Reconciliation Week 3, Day 1 of Choosing God Instead of the World, A Love God Greatly Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 33 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (SOAP: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19) 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling…
In the third week of our study, we will watch as Jacob and Esau finally meet up again, there will be trouble over his daughter Dinah, and both tragedy and blessing on his return to Bethel. We will meet Esau’s descendants and be given our first glimpse of Joseph as a teenager. All events will continue to strengthen our understanding and resolve of choosing God instead of the world.
This week, through the continuing saga of Jacob and his family we have learned the wisdom of setting our mind on Things Above instead of things on the earth that tend to draw us away from God.
Fleeing his family history had been bad enough; wrestling with God Himself was a different matter altogether.
here in the third part, while he continues to touch on keeping His commandments he also zeroes in on letting love define their behavior – both in “deed and truth”.
Proverbs 3 contains some of my favorite verses, specifically verses 5-8. It is the wisdom to “trust in the LORD with all your heart”, found in verse five, that has gotten me through many rough times where “relying on my own understanding” would have only ended up making things worse.
I back-up because these three verses in chapter three will not make the impact intended by Paul if we don’t understand why we need to keep “seeking” and “thinking on” – things above.
In the second week of our study, we will watch as Jacob contends not only with his “sister-wives” but their servants given to him as early prototypes of ‘surrogate mothers’.
What a week we’ve had traveling through the early stories of Jacob, from his birth as a twin to his most recent ordeal of thinking he had married Rachel, only to wake up to discover it was Leah he had married.
Jacob dupes Esau, deceives his father, and because his life is in danger he leaves home to find a wife among his mother’s people. On the way he has an encounter with God in a dream –
Isn’t it always in the “meanwhiles” of our lives that hope is most appreciated? Such is the case here with Jacob.
The Blessing Day 3, Week 1 of Choosing God Instead of the World, a love God Greatly Bible Study Scripture Reading: Genesis 26:34-28:9; Romans 9:6-1; Genesis 28:3-4 (SOAP) May God Almighty bless you and give you many children. And may your descendants multiply and become many nations! 4 May God pass on to you and your…
Sight, sound, touch, hearing … our senses are catalyst for desires. From things we need to things we enjoy to things we’ve never tried but know someone else enjoys – from the time of the garden – our desires have been an issue.
You Are Mine Scripture Reading: Genesis 25:19-26; Isaiah 43:1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 Observation: I love that our reading gives us a…
Every day throughout this study I have read the verses and looked for ways that they point us to our need for Jesus.
These truths, that in one way or another led us all to Christ, are the truths we are meant to cling to, motivation to seek Him daily and that remind us – we are to be lights for Him – the One true Light!
While salvation places us into a community of faith it is not a communal faith.
Today’s message is undoubtedly the message of repentance. However, let’s look at the underlying message first
The Word Of God Day 1 of Jesus I Need You, Part 2, a study of Thistlebend Ministries Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:2-3;Psalm 19:1-2,7-20 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; Ps 111:7 the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. Ps 119:130 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; Ps 119:14 the command of…
Sound doctrine and service are important, but they should be grounded in a deep love for Jesus.
The nations will put their hope in His name. … And in his name shall the Gentiles hope.
As followers of Christ we are meant to bear fruit. We are meant to bring glory to the Father – our Gardener.
Blot Out My Guilt Day 3 of Jesus, I Need You – Part 1, a study of Thistlebend Ministries Scripture Reading: Psalm 51 (focus verse 17) and Isaiah 6:1-13 The sacrifice God desires is a humble spirit—O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject. Psalm 51:17 Observation: What’s the Message? In Isaiah…
The message in Isaiah chapter one is from the LORD, Himself. He is obviously offended, angered, and grieved over how His children do not even recognize Him and how they have chosen to live.
This means we must SEEK and STRIVE to ABIDE in Christ and not be pulled away by the desires of the heart/flesh.
Jesus is not an option for my life – He is the source of my life, my strength, and my access to God the Father.
The women we’ve studied this week showed us that leaving a legacy of faith is important, not only for the lives of our own children but for the generations to come.
Can i be honest? Ever since my divorce I have tuned this verse out.
Then we see that Timothy is connected to the faith through his relationship with his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, through their living faith (5).
We also see her unwavering focus kick-in when the Lord’s use of her name revealed to her who He really was.
Lest we think that Paul and his companions knew all the right words or amazing presentations, don’t miss that it was the Lord who opened her heart
Shiphrah and Puah: Saving Hebrew Boys Day 1, Week 6 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study Today’s Reading: exodus 1:1-21; SOAP: verses 17 and 21 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he…
In the final week of our study (week 6), we will look at what it means to be “Women Leaving a Legacy”.
Life isn’t always easy so praising God isn’t always easy. Likewise, being joyful in all circumstances, as James suggested, is at best a challenge and at worst seemingly impossible.
Above cultural norms and people’s opinions she desired to be “at His feet”.
We may not sit in a judge’s seat or rule God’s people from under a tree but we would be right to encourage others to do what God has called them to do,
We will not truly or adequately praise that which we do not adequately recognize as from God.
“This time I will praise the LORD!”
Miriam: Sing to the LORD Day 1, from week 5 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Today’s Reading: Exodus 15:1-21; SOAP verse 20-21 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. And Miriam sang this song: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed…
In the coming week (week 5), we will look at what it means to be “Women of Joy and Praise”.
Trusting God isn’t always easy. He allows things in and around us that don’t make sense and that often cause us to wonder where He is.
It’s important to note that Jesus wasn’t teaching that the wealthy should not give or that the poor should give all they have. Rather, He was pointing out how they gave
What is important to today’s story of Moses’ mother are the steps she took to save the life of her son.
While no one in the palace knew Esther’s true identity, she knew and outside the place walls Mordecai knew and thus our story today. God used them both as examples of faith and heroes of His people.
We would be wise to follow Abigail’s example and keep God as our perspective in all things
Mary was a virgin from Nazareth, also known as Galilee. She was engaged to a man by the name of Joseph who was a descendant of David. She was favored by God, chosen to bear the Messiah, God’s only Son.
In the coming week (week 4), we will look at what it means to be “Women of Surrender and Sacrifice”.
As we read about Hannah, Anna, Rachel, Hagar, and The Woman at the Well this week we learned the need to stay surrendered to God in prayer.
Crucial to this encounter with the Samaritan woman is the word “whoever”. It is equally important to understand the importance of who Jesus was speaking to –
It’s easy to read Hagar’s story and get lost in our thoughts or conversations and judgements about Sarah and Abraham actions …
Rachel: God Heard Her Cries Day 3, Week 3 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study Today’s Reading: Genesis 29:31-30:24 (SOAP – 30:22-24) Then God took note of Rachel. He paid attention to her and enabled her to become pregnant. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Then she said, “God has taken away…
Anna: Never Ceasing Prayer
We are to be devoted to prayer as she was, it should not be something we only do in the morning and evening or when we have a desperate need. We are meant to pray “without ceasing”, staying alert to the opportunities and needs throughout the day to call on or cry out praises to Him on our own behalf or other’s.
Hannah’s prayers affected not only herself and her husband but don’t miss how even, at a very young age, they were already affecting Samuel
Reflections from Week 2 of Beautifully Surrendered A Love God Greatly Bible Study about God’s Heart for His Daughters Through Elizabeth, the Canaanite Woman, Rabhab, Ruth, and the Bleeding Woman we have seen how God’s heart is moved by our faith. We have witnessed His blessings of miraculous pregnancies, healing of a demon possessed daughter,…
The verse we are focusing on today starts with, “He said to her …” but you have to read the passage to see the fuller picture of why He said it. Her face to face encounter with Jesus happened because “she heard about Jesus”. What she heard she must have believed because she acted on her faith and by Jesus’ own words – “her faith made her well”.
There were cultural norms of the day that would have led Orpah and Ruth to stay with their mother-in-law, Naomi,
Rahab: Strong and Brave Wednesday, Week 2 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study Today’s Reading: Joshua 2; James 2:14-26; SOAP: Hebrews 11:31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the…
We really need to look at the full picture to understand and appreciate what took place and what it means for us as Gentile believers.
Elizabeth: Nothing is Impossible Monday, Week 2 of Beautifully Surrendered, A Love God Greatly Study Today’s Reading: Luke 1:5-25; 39-45; SOAP: Luke 1:45 You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke 1:45 My Observations: The Back Story To truly appreciate and rightly observe this one verse I believe…
Now that we have laid the foundation of God’s love and concern for us as women we will press forward looking at how God has use and worked through the lives of women in Scripture.
How sweet is this scene’s depiction of the Savior’s intimate care for His mother even in the throes of a horrendous death.
What happened next melts my heart and highlights the fact that He truly cared about the widow. Jesus saw her, took notice of her situation, had compassion for her, spoke words of compassion to her – and then …
We are to measure ourselves, not by who we are or were but by the faith God has given us, Rom. 12:3
… gifts had become a source of contention among the body at Corinth instead of being the effective tool they were meant to be.
Don’t you love that God didn’t just create but became intimately involved with His creation? He could have simply created man to name and tend the animals and all that He had made but instead …
I’m so excited to get a closer glimpse at these women and how they learned, through pain and difficult situations, to walk by faith and not by sight.
Otherwise our focus will be words on a page – quickly forgotten or laid aside because they hold no real value.
A “recounting” of God’s ‘mighty acts’ will always lead us to praise Him
When our relationship with God becomes personal everything changes.
Remembering His Faithfulness Today’s Reading: Psalm 9 (SOAP verses 10 and 11) Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help. 11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion. Tell the nations what he has done. Psalm 9:10-11 NET “You can be an instrument through which others encounter God,…
Turning Lament into Dancing Today’s Reading: Psalm 30 (SOAP: Psalm 30:11-12) A song used at the dedication of the temple: by David David’s Response to Answered Prayer This psalm begins with an acknowledgment that a prayer has been answered. It seems to be a recounting or a testimony of what it was all about and…
I do not have to be afraid because I know that the living God is with me and loves me and I rest secure in His love demonstrated on the cross.
I do not have to be afraid because I know that the living God is with me and loves me and I rest secure in His love demonstrated on the cross.
Surely there is absolutely no one and nothing that can stand against us when we are loved so deeply.
Just as I/you live in “HOPE” of the promises of God through Christ – we need to live in the power of the Spirit for all of life’s needs.
After all, isn’t that what we were hoping for when we believed in Jesus for our salvation? – Thus, Paul wrote: “In this hope we were saved”.
When we suffer, whether it is from petty hurts, great sorrows or persecution, an anguishing illnesses or catastrophic event – as God’s children we can suffer with hope.
In response to his own questions Jeremiah prays a prayer of restoration and renewal and includes a purpose that he knew would align with God’s will for his people and the city.
In response to his own questions Jeremiah prays a prayer of restoration and renewal and includes a purpose that he knew would align with God’s will for his people and the city.
What happened to this once thriving and powerful city and people? Scripture answers this for us in Lamentations 1:5, “The LORD afflicted her because of her many acts of rebellion.”
Then the lament changes from despair to hope (21-24) and it wasn’t because his situation had changed – but because Jeremiah had purposefully
Like Jeremiah, we should be greatly affected when God’s people or His work are impacted by suffering, regardless of where the suffering comes from.
The Lord’s Anger Today’s Reading: Lamentations chapter 1:1-22 (SOAP/FOCUS: 12) “Does it mean nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see if there is any suffering like mine,which the Lord brought on me when he erupted in fierce anger. Lamentations 1:12 NLT Background It is impossible to understand this one verse without first taking in…
His faith was strong because God had delivered him from the claws of the lion and the bear and he didn’t wear Saul’s armor, not because he trusted the sling and stones but because he trusted in the LORD who rescued him from the bear and the lion!
the tangible sacrifices of bulls and goats, or of incense and rituals, but that of the heart, humbled and repentant and yielded to Him and His will.
reading “the verse” in it’s full context is always helpful and often the meat around “the verse” is juicier than “the main portion”. While I love the SOAP passage, I definitely think verses 1-21 enhance verse 19 and bring the fuller flavor or meaning of the verse to the surface. Don’t stop with the main course though or you’ll miss the wonderful dessert found when reading through to verse 31. It’s like icing on a cake.
When we can’t see His hand we can always trust His heart.
What is the resolve of your life? What will you do when the crisis comes? Clearly Scripture teaches us to have a plan that is rooted in God (Father, Son, and Spirit) and in His Word. Here are some helpful tips …
We are one week away from our next study, Trusting God in the Midst of Suffering! This is a 4-week study by Love God Greatly that I will be sharing/hosting here at Mefomthensideout.
John was, as we should be, impressed with Jesus. He knew Jesus’ importance and the value of what He had to offer and believed in the dire need to proclaim it so that, as Jesus prayed, “the world will know that you sent me, and You have loved them just as You have loved me.” (John 17:23)
ns available. As Paul said in Romans 1:16, they have the power to save. So, having believed these Words and having received the gift of salvation we must now share them so others may also believe and be saved.
The urgency for Mary to “go and tell” was because He would be leaving. The urgency for us to “go and tell” is He will come again and people must be ready. – Me from the inside-out
Father, this world is not my/our home. Like Christ, we are here on mission for You.
When we talk about glorifying something or someone we typically are referring to making them known – drawing attention to them or to what they’ve done – and giving them the place of honor.
Much like a home adorned with beautiful ferns, our lips should flow with the message of Christ and our lives are to be adorned with the fruit of His Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should define the landscape of our lives – the chief of which is LOVE. For “they will know we are Christians by our love”.
but I am doing just what the Father commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Get up, let us go from here.
Make no mistake, as surely as we are to serve and love others as He served and loved we are also called to be His messengers. (Mark 16:15)
What stands out to me here is that by the death of Jesus, many more were saved and are still being saved today! Because His Light continues in and through us. When we “continue testifying” about Him (17-18), what He’s done for us, what we’ve seen Him do for others, and what He says He’s going to do it impacts others.
Caiaphas and the Prophesy Today’s Reading: John 11:45-12:11 (Now he did not say this on his own, but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not for the Jewish nation only, but to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered.)…
“Jesus shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” – and Lazarus came out and at Jesus’ command he was unwrapped from the burial clothes and let go. Ah, the power of our God and of our Savior.
Jesus makes it clear to the Jewish leaders that the ones who listen to His voice and follow Him, those are His sheep.
It’s packed with sheep, a shepherd, and a gate, there are thieves, robbers, a wolf and danger lurking just outside the gate, but there is also safe pasture and the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
The Bondage of Fear
Fear is a ferocious giant, an enemy like no other, a predator and captor – and an enemy who steels, kills, and destroys … IF we allow him a foothold.
We must not allow the questions this raises to cloud the TRUTH. Those who TRUST in God will be given sight and understanding (6-7 and 35-37).
Following His conversation with the adulterous woman ( 8:3-11), Jesus immediately makes His second “I Am” statement, this time not as the “Bread of Life” but as “The Light of the world”.
well, at least they knew where in this world He was from – but what they didn’t know, or who they didn’t know – was God
This is when Jesus holds the 12 accountable – questioning them as to their intentions – and receiving a staunch declaration of allegiance from Peter on behalf of them all it would seem.
Jesus doesn’t answer with a list of requirements but simply one – “believe in the one whom God sent”.
Let the calm of His voice and His presence flood your soul for there is no darkness or impending danger so great that it will keep Him from you.
That my friends is what we call a miracle and the people were talking about it – connecting it with something they remembered from the teachings of Moses, referring to Him as the “prophet” they were expecting.
Let’s explore the truth to this name of our Savior …
If we do not believe in God and what He says about Christ how can we truly believe in Christ?
We must come to Him believing, but like the official in today’s account of the second miracle, we must often move forward believing without seeing.
When we read or listen to the Word and engage with Him – we will hear and see the truth and be forever changed.
The One Who Believes and the One Who Doesn’t 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things under his authority. 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him. John 3:35-36 NET The Message Continues We last looked…
While the chief benefit of God’s gift is salvation we must not miss the secondary benefit, the freedom from condemnation of our sin.
Their confidence in who Jesus was – was being strengthened – and yet again the roots of their faith were growing deeper.
Seeing Him For Who He Is John 2:1-11 and SOAP John 2:11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:11 The Elephant in the Room First things first, let’s address the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’, found in verse 4,…
The purpose of Jesus’ ministry was to connect men and God.
God gave John an unmistakable sign that left no room for doubt that Jesus was the Chosen One,
Jesus – The Word and The Creator Grab your favorite Bible and read John 1:1-18; SOAP: John 1:1-4 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He existed in the beginning with God.3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.4 The Word gave life to everything that…
One of the biggest and most humbling questions in life is what happens when we die.
These are the people who will obtain and dwell in the land the LORD had promised long ago.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who walk in integrity— Proverbs 2:6-7 In the first 5 verses the listener is encouraged to listen for wisdom, to concentrate on understanding, and call out for understanding and then here in verse…
The Peace of Listening But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33 All the wise sayings that preceded this verse were concerning those who had ignored the opportunity for wisdom, 1:20-32. They had chosen their own desires and their own ways over that of wisdom and because…
We must, as God’s children, listen to these (His) instruction(s) and walk in them rather than ‘with’ the world.
Fear of the LORD Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 For the next two weeks we will journey through the first 4 chapters of Proverbs. The book was written by King Solomon, son of David. It is typically described as a book of wise sayings –…
David expresses his own desire to not forget the good things God has done for him and then begins to name them …
What Really Matters 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of…
There’s one thing for sure – we can never out love Jesus or God!
In light of who we are in Christ, here’s how to live …
Commit to a Pure Heart Read: Psalm 51; Soap: Psalm 51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God.Renew a resolute spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Have mercy … wipe away … wash away … cleanse me … forgive me … cleanse me … grant me forgiveness … hide Your face from my sin ……
Commit to a Pure Heart Read: Psalm 51; Soap: Psalm 51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God.Renew a resolute spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Have mercy … wipe away … wash away … cleanse me … forgive me … cleanse me … grant me forgiveness … hide Your face from my sin ……
The more we know about God and the more we experience with God, the more we will trust Him and seek Him for the strength we need.
when your relationship with God is based on these truths and not dependent on your circumstances Your very life will stay yielded to a lifestyle of PRAISE.
Once we have experienced God’s love nothing else satisfies and even in the midst of drought and storms we will still praise Him.
This combination of commitment and expectation is also what keeps us coming back – asking, seeking, knocking – and what moves our heart to rejoice when we receive the answer.
Fear was My Captor
God had been weaponizing me for the day of battle, preparing me to stand firm with the belt of truth securely in place.
“How long are you going to be paralyzed by indecision?[a] If the Lord is the true God,[b] then follow him, but if Baal is, follow him!”
Waiting is the easiest part”. However, I have heard many, including myself, say, “waiting is the hardest part”.
God’s plan was never for Paul, or us for that matter, to think of ourselves as self sufficient but rather to be dependent on God’s all-sufficient grace
if that’s not enough – He says, when You don’t know how to pray about something – don’t worry, I have you covered. Oh the rich rich goodness of our God!
May we learn to trust these truths and in faith receive and use each gift or answer He gives – according to His glory and pleasure.
… we can not only come confidently but boldly into the very presence of God
As such, they are no longer separated by a curtain but are invited to approach God – to come before Him – with confidence that when they ask anything according to His will He will hear them and answer accordingly.
As God’s children we have HOPE and when we truly understand the foundation of our HOPE we will be moved to rejoice in the goodness of God and all that is His – and this my friends – should have a great effect on how we pray.
Jesus declared, when the branches are pruned – they will bear more “fruit”, evidence of our God’s work in our lives.
We too can learn much from watching Jesus – the way He lived, loved, and worked/served.
We must care so much about others that we seek to not offend them and to quickly make things right if we do.
Yet Jesus himself frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.
Oh the blessing and the privilege of praying for each other.
May it be praise that ignites more praise both in us and in all those who hear or see what He is doing.
Revere God and His Wisdom Read Jeremiah 10:6-7 6Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.7 Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone!Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the…
Confidence comes with trust and trust is built through relationship and established over time . MefromtheNsideout –
As His disciples we must be faithful to gather around Him and listen to Him teach. This is the key to the blessings.
“The Apostles were devoted to Christ and given over to teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Don’t you love the phrase, Jesus saw? Notice though, Jesus didn’t just see the brothers and keep walking – he stopped and called them to follow along with Him. He, no doubt, could see that they were busy – Peter and Andrew, actively throwing nets into the sea, James and John repairing their nets, implying that they intended to catch more fish. Their current positions did not keep Jesus from saying “follow me” nor did it keep the brothers from following. I love that Jesus took the time to see and call them, but I am equally moved and actually – a bit convicted – by the fact that the brothers did not hesitate to stop what they were doing and follow Him.
He heard of John’s arrest did not hurry to his aid but rather back to Galilee. Why?
He heard of John’s arrest did not hurry to his aid but rather back to Galilee. Why?
it is equally clear to me today that it is good and right to be direct and firm with the ‘tempter’ and say “no”!
picture of words that seem to describe the love, joy, and pleasure that God took in seeing His son baptized
Our salvation isn’t based on whether or not our parents are Christians or if we go to church …
We would be wise to be alert to His teaching and reminders as well as to live yielded and obedient as Joseph did.
Combatting Anxiety
What I love about Paul is that often when he told the people ‘what not to do’ he followed it up with ‘what to do’.
Want to be equipped, encouraged, and empowered with God’s Word – join me daily.
Our Redeemer has been born and we get to join with angels in heaven as we sing His praises.