Trusting the God of the Impossible

Trust in the Lord with all your heart    and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,    and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 I’ve had some twist and turns lately that have caused me to remember these words from Proverbs chapter three. Words that instruct the child of God to trust in Him…

Are You Prepared?

Reevaluate from time-to-time to make sure your armor hasn’t grown rusty or weak. Remember, because the battle is spiritual and not physical, we will only be able to survive the battle if we are armed for the battle with God’s armor.

If you or anyone else you know ever wants to know why reading the Bible is so important – here’s the answer. It is inspired by God for the purpose of empowering and equipping those who are dedicated to God for “every good work”. Paul breaks it down to Timothy like this, God’s Word is able to …

Investing

based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / W5D4 Scripture: Nehemiah 12:44-47; Leviticus 7:28-36 / SOAP: 1 Timothy 5:17-18 Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading…

REJOICE!

based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored/w5d3 Nehemiah12:27-43 / SOAP: Nehemiah 12:43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard from far away. Nehemiah 12:43 “Lift up your heart,Lift up your…

Doing Good

If we’re honest in answering this question we will have to admit the answer is simply – because it isn’t always easy, desirable, or appreciated by others. We will be tempted to pay more attention to our own needs and desires and time schedules or whatever/whoever is vying for our attention; not to mention, we will literally be tired and not want to take the time to “do good.”

In My Blood

based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d5 Scripture: Nehemiah 9:38-10:27; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Luke 22:14-20 / SOAP: Luke 22:19-20 Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And in the same way…

A God of Forgiveness

based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d4 Scripture: Nehemiah 9:5-37 / SOAP: Nehemiah 9:16-17 “But they—our ancestors—behaved presumptuously; they rebelled and did not obey your commandments. 17 They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their…

Conviction, Confession, Forgiveness

based on the Love God Greatly study, From Broken to Restored / w4d3 Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-4; Leviticus 26:39-45 / SOAP: 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 All of our passages in today’s study reveal the seriousness that…

A Steadfast Hope

based on Love God Greatly’s study, From Broken to Restored / w3d4 Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-19; Job 42;2; Psalm 37:22-24 “I know that you can do all things;no purpose of yours can be thwarted; Job 42:2 In all of his loss and pain, in all of his emotions and questions and conversations following the devastation that…

The Power of God’s Word

based on Love God Greatly, From Broken to Restored / w3d3 Scripture: Nehemiah 6:10-14; Psalm 119:9-16 / SOAP Psalm 119:10-11 With all my heart I seek you.Do not allow me to stray from your commands.In my heart I store up your words,so I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11 In the continuing story of Nehemiah…

Be Gracious

based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d4 Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-5; Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Proverbs 3:27/ SOAP: Proverbs19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17 So what does it mean to be gracious to the poor? According to some translations…

ased on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w2d3 Scripture: Nehemiah 4:15-23 / SOAP: 1 Peter 5:8-11 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same…

Seek God

When we are distressed by the evil of this world or the personal attacks/battles of life — the first thing we should do is – SEEK GOD! He is our faithful deliverer.

Waiting is Difficult

Are you waiting on something? Whether it is God’s promised return or a job, marriage, a house, a child or perhaps God’s healing hand on you or someone you know – waiting is difficult.

Live Out Loud

Today’s Verse: James 2:17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. I was saved at a young age and I have witnessed God strengthening my faith through the years. Actually, He continues to strengthen it day by day, trial by trial, miracle by miracle,…

Alive and Active

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 4:12 When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer. Hebrews 4:12 One of the ways I see God’s goodness is the way He uses His Word to guide us, teach us, and correct us. He…

Wonderfully Made

I don’t know about you, but I find myself seeking His mercies and strength more and more as I weather the consequences of the lack of self care and/or good habits, or simply the aging process on this earthly body.

Through Him…I Can

Through Christ You empower me to live – to endure – and to walk in confident HOPE that all of Your promises are “Yes and Amen in Him” who has overcome the grave; and through whom I can do all things!

The Focus of Our Hope

The focus of our hope is vital to our endurance. This is made clear by Paul’s words to Timothy. He doesn’t just give instructions about not setting their hope on riches (things, desires, treasures) of this world that are “uncertain” – but…

Jars of Clay

“Paul’s heart was the vessel that God had shown His light in. The same is true of everyone who names the name of Christ today, and according to Scripture, we too, have been given the mission to carry this Gospel message to the world.”

There are many lessons packed into these three small verses, like how Jesus is the pioneer of our faith, meaning He led the way or set the example for the life of faith He has called us to live.

Building Your Endurance

You see, we can work out every day to build up our physical strength and endurance, but if we don’t use the muscles we’ve worked out we will never progress. The same is true spiritually. If we are not

Faith is the Victory

While these are all awe-inspiring and certainly stood out to me it was the statement about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthath, and David, and Samuel, and the Prophets that I found captivating and a wonderful picture of the power that moves when we live by FAITH!

Contentment in God or …?

as the years went on I would “act out”, so to speak. I would chase after other things that I believed could satisfy – for somewhere in my mind I had traded hope in God for hope in my circumstances.

A Faith that Presses On

The same is true for us today, for when we walk by faith and not by sight, placing our trust in Jesus, we are made right with God – no longer His enemies but the children He, by grace, adopts as His own.

Confident Expectation

Based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope, w3,d4 Today’s Reading: Titus 3:3-8 / SOAP: Titus 3:7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.” Titus 3:7 Because Jesus made us right with God – who saved us by His grace – we have become…

The Salvation of Your Souls

Based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope, w3d2 Today’s Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 / SOAP: 1 Peter 1:8-9 You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, because you are attaining the goal of your faith—the salvation of your…

His Loyal Love Endures

Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 2 Hope In GOd’s Character Today’s Reading /Psalm 136 / SOAP Psalm 136:23-26 to the one who remembered us when we were down,for his loyal love endures,24 and snatched us away from our enemies,for his loyal love endures,25 to the one who gives food to all living things,for his loyal…

The Goodness of God

Consider this, not only had God provided Naomi with a guardian, He was continuing to carry out His plan to gift us with a Savior! – Oh the vast, immeasurable goodness of God!

Hope in the Lord

Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 2 Hope In God’s Character Today’s Reading / Psalm 31 / SOAP Psalm 31:24 So be strong and courageous,    all you who put your hope in the Lord! Psalm 31:24 Sadly, we live in a fallen world. We live in a world where we have to call out to the…

Sickened by Lies

Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 2 Hope In GOd’s Character Today’s Reading /Psalm 77 / SOAP Psalm 77:10-13 Then I said, “I am sickened by the thoughtthat the Most High might become inactive.11 I will remember the works of the Lord.Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago.12 I will think about all you…

These Stones Remind Us

He wanted the people to have a visual reminder of His past faithfulness. God wanted the people to have a way to endure their present and future struggles based on His character and not their feelings.

The Great Commission

It’s important to note that Jesus had been the teacher up to this point, and to remember that His teaching involved mentoring, training, explaining, and modeling matters of faith.

Prioritizing

Life isn’t about us. It is about God and loving others more than anything or anyone else. It is about obedience that flows from “TRUE” and unadulterated love for God and others.

Encouraging Others

taking the time to consider how we can encourage others. Note the clarification the author makes, we are to encourage each other specifically toward acts of love and good deeds.

Standing on the Promises

When we make it a habit to remember the things God has promised or the things He has done we will be strengthened in our Spirit, we will sense His victorious right hand holding us up and helping us. We will begin to trust Him as our Protector and stand on/rest in His promises.

Not Made To Be Alone

o quote the opening and closing words of the following introduction, “- I know this is hard. … but [[ladies] we were not made to be alone; we were created for community.” 

Peace With The Shepherd

Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with…

One In The Spirit

Where this love is absent, self will be prevalent and there will be no true unity. This is why Paul doesn’t suggest that we do this on our own but instead says to “make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Sprit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

Because of My Name

As I sat wondering how in the world to apply Christ’ statement and the reality that we, as His disciples/followers, are going to be hated because of His Name these four thoughts came to mind:

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS

Thus to place faith in Christ is to understand the cost and still choose Him above all else – be it people, situations in life, possessions, money, earthly desires, and self – Christ must be first to be Lord of our life.

Persistence

Don’t just pray words, pray with persistence, persistence that comes from faith and faith that comes from the Word of God – by which we know Who He is and what He can do and what He has done before.

This Is The Way

Instead, the love Christ is referring to requires investing yourself in the person, helping them, not only with their pressing need, but any needs that may arise in the days to come.

The Wind and Waves

It is worth noting that first Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and then to the disciples about their faith. He questions them on their faith, not simply because they were unnerved by the storm but because fear had consumed them.

They Glorified God

Today’s Scripture: Luke 7:1-17; SOAP / Luke 7:16  Fear seized them all, and they began to glorify God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us!” and “God has come to help his people!” Luke 7:16 There were two miracles in today’s passage. The first emphasizes the faith of a Centurion, the second the compassion of Jesus for a widow…

None Righteous, Not Even One

Whether we are filled with mindless rage, as the Pharisees were after Jesus healed a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath or we simply have yet to repent – we are all left with this one question – “What we will we do with Jesus?

But, At Your Word I Will …

Obedience outside of what we do not understand reveals our trust and respect for the one we choose to obey. Not only that, but our obedience can lead to a broken and contrite heart, and then to worship, and even to others seeing and knowing Jesus.

In the Power of The Spirit

Going through rituals meant for sinners, enduring temptations, mockery, insults, and all that we will witness moving forward may appear to be easy for this man who was God – but let us not lose sight of the fact that He was a man, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Today’s Scripture: Luke 3:1-4:13; SOAP – 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.” Luke 3:21-22…

Good News of Great Joy

God sets the stage, aligning all things with His perfect will and timing. From the ‘unexpected pregnancy’, to the census, the genealogy of Jesus, and heaven’s army joining the angel and filling the sky – God is clearly the orchestrator of these events.

Ancient Words Strong and True

Not only can TRUTH be used as a weapon but it is also an important tool in our representation/presentation of God to the world. The words and actions we use should be filled to overflowing with the light and love of God so that others see and hear Him in us.

Cultivating an Attitude of Patience

My mother always told me, “Don’t pray for patience”. The theory of this statement is that if you do pray for patience the Lord will answer with situations that train you to be patient. Patient in trials, patient in waiting, patient in listening, patient with a difficult child, patient with someone slower than you, patient…

Full of Grace

The Grace of God is the expression of His unmerited favor on all who, by faith, believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is, I believe, the catalyst of His mercy, an expression of His love, and His power at work through me.

Called to Do Justice

God’s justice is untainted by sin. He is always right and perfect in all He does. His being just, is based on His knowledge of our actions, thoughts, and motives – which are weighed or measured against His perfect law, given so we might know right from wrong.

AGAPE, God Most Loving

Agape is the word used to describe the love of God and it, as all of the other attributes we will study, are a requirement for holiness. The more detailed definition is that “agape is an act of the will, an intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion; a selfless, purposeful, outgoing attitude that desires to do good to the one loved.”

Love Overflowing

He’s praying about what really matters – not just that they might grow in love but in the knowledge and understanding of how to live and love like Jesus Christ.

Love With Your Whole Being

So important were the words God had given to Moses that they were meant to be passed on to their children, written on their door posts, and spoken of day and night, at home or on the road. Surely if they are that important they are meant to be a consideration of our prayers …

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 … do not reject me ……

God Remembers

– for ultimately, it is about us remembering and knowing, as Hannah did, just who our God is and what He can do when we humble ourselves before Him in faith – believing He is able.

Praying According to His Will

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.

Reflections

For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like

Devoted to Prayer

“The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

PRAISE THE LORD!

PRAISE THE LORD was going to be my single response here – but as I began typing my observations it occurred to me that, for me, the application might just need to be a question (and answer) response.

“Let’s remember that we are preparing for and awaiting the coming of our King, our Good Shepherd, our sovereign Lord.” LGG

Shout for Joy

God is my God and He is with me, my mighty Savior who takes delight in me, with gladness! I will remind myself often that it is in Him and because of His love that I find a calming peace and a renewal my spirit.

God Restores

When we focus on the joy we have in the Lord, no matter our circumstance, we find hope. We do not ignore our suffering, but we focus on God’s faithfulness and what He promises to do.

The Coming Glory

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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,…

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.

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.