Category: From the Insideout

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

The Art and Importance of Listening

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Years ago God began showing me that I’m not a good listener. In full disclosure it has been one of the most difficult truths that I’ve had to face about myself but God has been good to help me and while it’s a work in progress, He is faithfully honing my listening skills. So when I found this article in my inbox I read with interest and found it to be filled with godly wisdom to apply; and I believe it will be more than helpful to the ongoing process of me becoming a better listener. I also believe that there are others out there who may benefit from these five important lessons. For this reason, I will share a different lesson each of the next five days with the hope of helping and encouraging any and all who read. At the end of each devo you will find Scriptures to enrich the lesson and grow your faith. – I hope you’ll follow along –

How Can We Model the Love of Christ through Good Listening? [part one

As posted on biblestudytools.com

by – Sheila Alewine

How important is it for a follower of Jesus to be a good listener? Do our social skills matter? To answer, we start with a definition.

What, Exactly, Are Social Skills?

The simplest definition is “the personal skills needed for successful social communication and interaction with others.” This includes verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual skills. Good social skills help us communicate efficiently and effectively and have a direct impact on our relationships.

As we think about our purpose and mission as followers of Jesus, our social skills take on an eternal value. How well do we communicate the gospel? Think about your words, your mannerisms, your responses and reactions, and your non-verbal body language. Do they help or hinder your goal of modeling the love of Christ to both the unbelieving world, and our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ?

The good news is that social skills can be learned and improved, especially when we go to the source of all wisdom, God’s perfect Word. God is a master communicator. His social skills are impeccable. The words and life of Jesus while He lived and interacted on earth, as well as all the written Word of God, sets the perfect pattern to imitate as we model the love of Christ.

Five Things to Consider as We Strive to Improve Our Listening Skills

1. We Must Learn to Listen to God First

Listening requires spiritual maturity, self-control, and wisdom to really hear what another person is saying – all characteristics that come from a personal relationship with God. Spiritual maturity happens as we deepen our understanding of God’s Word. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture – listening with an intent to obey – produces the fruit of the Spirit, of which self-control is key. As the Word gives us God’s wisdom, we will better understand others, and be able to respond with His wisdom, not just our opinions or perceptions.

Set your heart to become a good listener of what God is saying to you as the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding of the Word of God. Let God speak to you before you attempt to speak to others. One practical tip for becoming a good listener is to repeat back to the person speaking what you heard them say, so that you are both clearly communicating. We can practice this by praying God’s Word back to Him!

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Proverbs 23:12 – “Apply your heart to discipline and your ears to words of knowledge.”

Proverbs 22:17-18 – “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Posted in From the Insideout, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

These Stones Remind Us

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Happy Memorial Day friends. Tomorrow we will start the next leg of our journey through God’s Word – but today I wanted to share this post. Please understand, I don’t want to distract from the true purpose of Memorial Day, which is honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. However, because our relationship with God is vital and important to us, this post about memorializing His faithfulness seems fitting to share on a day called Memorial Day. May it be an encouragement and blessing – 

A Prayer to Remember His Faithfulness
By Ashley Moore … as published on iBelieve.com 5/26/23 

“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” – Joshua 4:6-7, NLT

The hand of God was undeniable when we purchased the land where our family now resides. I wanted our kids to grow up with a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. Have you ever set up a memorial to remember God’s faithfulness? A friend of ours got a tattoo with the number of stripes that Jesus got when He went to the cross to remind him of the sacrifice of our Savior. One author I know keeps a running list of things she is thankful for so she can easily recall God’s faithfulness. My husband and I set up a stack of stones at the end of our driveway so that when our children and future grandchildren asked about them, we could retell the story of God’s provision. 

When God instructed Joshua, the nation of Israel’s leader, to get stones from the river to stack as a memorial, 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. And God knew that His people would forget if they didn’t have some reminder. And we, too, are forgetful people. 

  • We forget where we put our keys. 
  • We forget the plans we made for dinner with the neighbor. 
  • And we forget the thousands of ways God has been faithful to us.

We don’t want to lose our keys, so we only hang them in a particular place at home. We would hate to stand up our friends accidentally, so we put a reminder in our calendars about dinner. And because our relationship with God is vital and important to us, we need to memorialize His faithfulness. 

So maybe you want to stack stones, put marbles in a jar, or write reminders for yourself. Whatever you do, never forget how faithful God is, has been, and will be to you in the future. And every opportunity you have, share why you set those reminders up with those around you too! May none of us neglect to memorialize His faithfulness. 

Let’s pray

Dear Lord, We thank you for your faithfulness. Scripture tells us You are faithful from one generation to the next (Psalm 119:90). We see Your faithfulness to the Israelites, Gentiles, foreigners, and the people and nations alive right now. Thank You for the practical ways You instruct us to remind ourselves of who You are and what You’ve done for us. Lord, forgive us for forgetting all the many ways You have come through for us time and time again. And Lord, forgive us for becoming entitled to Your goodness and grace. Lord, we praise You for Your never-ending mercy and that Your Word never fails (Luke 1:37). Thank You that You never leave or abandon us, and You sealed us for eternity with You by giving us Your Spirit (Hebrews 13:5; Ephesians 1:13-14). Lord, thank You for the visual reminder of Your ultimate act of faithfulness to us on the cross. God, if You’ll do that for Your undeserving children, will You not be faithful to care for our lesser needs? You are good, only good, and always good. Would You help us find creative and practical ways to remember Your faithfulness? And would You give us the boldness to speak about Your faithfulness out loud to all who see our memorials and ask about their meaning? Lord, help us to bring it up even if they don’t ask. Jesus, prepare the hearts of those with whom we will have these conversations to be receptive to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

Spur One Another On

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We have come to the end of our study – Not Made To Be Alone. We have learned from Scripture that we were made by God and for God. We have read over and over that we are made for community – with God, with friends, with family, and with the church. It may not always be easy – the ‘island life’ may be our preferred way of living – but we were created for more and will thrive only when we are in the center of God’s will. So my prayer for us all is that we will embrace the communities He has placed us in or allowed us to be a part of and thrive – for His glory!

This little devo is a nugget of gold that I found on a sight that I follow – It seemed a perfect bookend for our study,💕💜 and I pray it is a blessing for all who read it –

Spurs and bull riding

As published on Grace Moments, by Pastor Daron Lindemann

“I see lots of spurs at the Austin rodeo that kicks off every spring. One of the most popular competitions is bull riding.

In bull riding, spurs are dulled and mostly help the bull rider hold on to the one-ton bull with their legs and feet. And what happens then? A wild ride. Getting bucked around and off. Broken ribs. Mental toughness. The cheers of the crowd. Telling your grandkids someday that you rode a bull named Fumanchu. Growth. Strength.

Now listen to what the Bible says about the Christian community: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

“Hold unswervingly” are Greek words in the original Bible that literally mean “hold on tight!” The Bible calls us to be spurs that help each other hold on tight and not let go. Let go of what? “The hope we profess.””


And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,

hebrews 10:24

“We don’t let go of each other. We hang in there with each other. Why? Because we have this agreement that we profess. This body of teaching we believe. That’s the Bible that reveals Jesus Christ. The Bible and Jesus define our fellowship as a church.

Hold on to Jesus and his church! Be like spurs and help others hold on to Jesus and his church too. It might result in a wild ride. It might cause pain but will also result in spiritual growth.

And remember Jesus—who believes in his church—is holding on to you. “He who promised is faithful.””

The Rest of the Study

Hey if you missed out on the study, Not Made to be Alone, you can start here and then click next post if you want to continue with the study … https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/05/07/not-made-to-be-alone-2/

The Next Study

Enduring Hope beginning Monday, June 12, 2023 – I hope you’ll join me for the journey 🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

The Great Commission

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based on, Not Made To Be Alone, a LGG Study / w4d5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 / SoAP: 19-20

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20
But Jesus Met them There

Following the resurrection o f Christ, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a severe earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were shaken and became like dead men because they were so afraid of him. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you!” 8 So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”” —

This is where today’s passage picks up. With Judas gone there were now only 11 disciples in Jesus’ inner circle and they did just what He had instructed. They went to Galilee where they saw Him just as Jesus said they would. Jesus told the disciples that He had been given all authority in heaven and on earth – and by that authority He commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations -[signifying every people group on earth], to baptize the new disciples, and to teach them. – not just who God was and what He had done – but obedience to the commands He had given and to remember that He would always be with them.

Hands-on discipleship

A disciple is one who becomes like their master by living in a servant relationship to their master …

BibleRef.com

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. As His disciples, this is what we have been called to do as well. Whether one on one or in group settings – Jesus’ hands-on discipleship program was vital to the spread of the Gospel then and now – to all nations, tribes, and tongues.

Consider This …

Faithful followers multiply followers.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

Acts 6:7
Response to God’s Word

Father, may we be faithful followers – obedient to Your Word, lights to the communities we’re a part of, voices in the wilderness, hands and feet that love and serve like Jesus did – drawing others to You. Embolden us to ‘go’, ‘to make disciples’, and lead/encourage baptism. Grant us the words to teach but also a lifestyle that models Christ-likenesss; and may we never forget that You are with us always for this is both strength and joy. – To Your glory, I pray – Amen and Amen!

Want More?

Don’t forget to visit LoveGodGreatly.Com for today’s blog [comments] on today’s passage.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

Love and Honor

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based on, Not Made to Be Alone, a LGG Study, w4d4

Today’s Reading: Romans 12:9-21 / SOAP: 10

Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.


Romans 12:9-10
Outdo one another

We talk so much about loving others that the ‘lesson’ can sometimes become old or stale and easy to brush off. But today’s passage isn’t just about loving others or even how we show love, instead it focuses on making sure our love is devoted, mutual, and eager to honor the other – or as one translation puts it – “Outdo one another in showing honor”. These other translations are helpful as well.

  • Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. NIV
  • Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, NASB
  • Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. CSB
  • Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. NLT
  • Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; KJV

To truly love like verse ten teaches, we must first heed Paul’s words in verse nine of chapter twelve, that says, let your love be without hypocrisy. In other words, their love – like ours – is to be ‘genuine’. Only this genuine love will translate into the love that Jesus described in Mark chapter twelve as the second greatest commandment, which is loving your neighbor (or those from your community of faith) as yourself. When this is the love we possess/share we will be able to fulfill Paul’s teaching of being devoted to one another in love, sharing a mutual love, and eagerly honoring (greatly valuing) each other.

Don’t just pretend to love other. Really love them –

Romans 12:9 NLT
The impact of Real love

When we “love really” we will fall into step with the rest of Paul’s instructions. We will be enthusiastic in spirit and serve the Lord. We will rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, and persist in prayer. We will contribute to the needs of the saints and pursue hospitality. We will bless those who persecute us. We will rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We will live in harmony with one another and we won’t be haughty but associate with the lowly.  We will not be conceited. We will not repay anyone evil for evil but consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on us, we will live peaceably with all people. We will not avenge ourselves but give place to God’s wrath, because we know vengeance belongs to the Lord. Instead, when our enemy is hungry we will feed him, if he is thirsty we will give him drink, and we will not be overcome by evil, but we will overcome evil with good.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

It’s A Gift

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based on, Not Made To Be Alone, a Love God Greatly study / w4d3

Today’s Reading: Zechariah 4:8-10 / SOAP: 9-10

 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies said, ‘Exercise true judgment and show brotherhood and compassion to each other. 10 You must not oppress the widow, the orphan, the resident foreigner, or the poor, nor should anyone secretly plot evil against his fellow citizen.


Zechariah 7:9-10
Love Like God

I love the way the LGG devotion for today describes this text. The writer opens by explaining that the name Zechariah means, “Yahweh Remembers.” And she goes on to explain that the message of Zechariah is one of hope, namely that “God would remember His people. He is always with us no matter the circumstances” of our life. The writer breaks this down even further with these examples – “heartache, unexpected pain, or long-term suffering.” She writes, “God remembers us. He shows us compassion when we need it most, serving as the perfect example so that we, who are created in His image, can reflect that care to others.” In other words – love like God.

Compassion

One of my favorite verses is found in Lamentations chapter three, where we read that God’s compassions, or His mercies as some translations define it, are new every morning. Jeremiah says they never end, they are fresh every morning and speak of the abundance of God’s faithfulness.

The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases;
his compassions never end.
23 They are fresh every morning;
your faithfulness is abundant!
24 “My portion is the Lord,” I have said to myself,
so I will put my hope in him.

Lamentations 3:22-24

This was made even sweeter to me today as I read the LGG devotion and their explanation and commentary on the word “compassion”. The word “comes from two Latin words that mean ‘to suffer with’. The writer clarifies, “It is not just sympathy, but empathy.” But I especially love this next comment, “It is walking with someone else as they go through a difficult time, the same way God shows compassion to us by promising to never leave us or abandon us.” Isn’t that beautiful? What a great illustration of how we can encourage and show compassion to others in not only our biblical communities but our family and friend communities as well. As the writer made a point to say, “it is a gift to have a group of like-minded believers [church/biblical community] who will not simply feel sad for us but will choose to walk through life with us.”

Who is Included?

Clearly, from the passage today, we are to care for the widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor and weak – those who need us most – seems to be the idea. As the devotional writer put it, “No one in need of help should be ignored, overlooked, or forgotten.” We don’t get to pick and choose – for as the author says, “Everyone — from our sister to a stranger — is deserving of compassion.”

Our verse from the previous post reminded us that we are meant to be the lights of God to the world/communities around us. In a ‘me, me, me’ culture, I believe reflecting Him to the world through our love and compassion to those in need will be a very bright light.

Response to God’s Word

“May we be women who are good stewards of the gifts, time, and resources God has given us as we show those precious people God has placed in our lives that they are seen, known, and loved.”

borrowed from the LGG devotion from w4d3
More …

Don’t miss today’s LGG’s Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone

Prioritizing

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based on Not Made To Be Alone, an LGG Study / w4d1

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 / SOAP 37-39

Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39
Who and What’s Important?

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. Jesus makes it crystal clear what priorities we are to place on self in His response to a question about which commandment was the greatest. Jesus exemplified this love for the Father in His ‘garden prayer to the Father’ when He prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.” And of course there is no greater example of His love for others than His selfless LOVE made evident by Him laying down His life for us on a sinner’s cross of shame.

Loving God and loving others is of the greatest importance to God

The Standard

Note the emphasis on the importance of these two commandments as written in our passage today–

  • One is the greatest
  • the second is like it
  • both involve love
  • both involve/require dying to self – laying self down
    • ie – loving like Jesus
      • – but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father – John 14:31
      • So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

More …

Don’t forget to visit LoveGodGreatly.com their Monday Blog Post

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

I Bless Your Name

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Today’s Prayer Prompt: Psalm 103:1-5

Father, You are Good! You forgive all my iniquities. You bring healing to my mind, my body, and my soul. You have redeemed my life from the pit. Father – You crown me with Your faithful love and compassion. You satisfy me with good things and I am renewed like the eagle who soars on the wind. My soul blesses You LORD – All that is within me blesses Your Holy Name!

I bless You LORD – my Father and my God – my Creator, Healer, and Sustainer of life and I do not – no, I will not forget ALL these benefits. They are unmerited favors – gifts from Your grace, poured out from Jesus, Your Son and my Savior+. Yes, oh yes! You are good and all that is within me blesses Your Holy Name!

Me-From the Inside Out🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone

Encouraging Others

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Based on Not Made to Be Alone, a Love God Greatly Study / w3d5

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25 / SOAP: Verses 24-25

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 habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.


Hebrews 10:24-25
The Hope We Confess

Because Christ is who He is and since He did what He did, we – as believers, who by faith have had their hearts cleansed – should not only make a habit of drawing near to God – we should also “hold unwaveringly to the hope we confess – knowing the one who promised is trustworthy.

We must be intentional
  • 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.
  • be committed to the body of believers. Don’t stop or abandon regularly meeting together as a church community..
  • Be alert to “the day” that is coming and step up the encouragement as His return gets closer and closer
Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for Jesus, our great High Priest, who made a way for us to draw near You with confidence. Help us to truly hold tightly to the HOPE we have in Christ and to think about how to not just speak nice words but speak true words of encouragement, specifically toward love and good deeds. Amen and Amen in Jesus Name!

Want More?

Visit LoveGodGreatly. com for today’s blog post –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone

Love that Covers a Multitude of Sins

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Based on the Love God Greatly study, Not Made to Be Alone

Today’s Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11 / SOAP 8-10

Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins.9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

1 Peter 4:8-10
Today’s SOAP From My Journal
How Deep Is Your Love?

How fervent [intense] is your love for others? Is it like a fountain flowing deep and wide? Is it boundless and free? Is it sincere, selfless, considerate, and forgiving? Does it readily make allowance for other’s faults – covering a multitude of sins? To be clear, as Bibleref.com explains, “This doesn’t mean that our acts of love for each other can earn God’s forgiveness. Nor does Peter mean to imply that we are paying our sins off through good works. – Rather, the idea that our love for each other covers a multitude of sins relates to our imperfection. Christians are not yet sinless. We are not perfect. We have set the course of our lives away from sin, but we still fail to obey sometimes. We make mistakes, even when we mean well. Love for each other includes forgiving each other, overlooking past hurts, and building each other up when we fall. It is difficult for sin and resentment to flourish in a community rich in Christ-like love.

This is the kind of love Peter is talking about here in 1 Peter chapter 4. Actually he isn’t just talking about love, he is commanding them to love one another and to work hard at it. Keep in mind that Peter is writing to believers who have been suffering for Jesus’ sake. They have taken on the attitude of Christ and accepted the hardships as part of their purpose as His people.” (BibleRef.com) Here in the fourth chapter he is offering a more encouraging perspective by telling them their suffering is almost over. Loving like this won’t be easy – it includes being self-controlled and sober-minded. It means showing hospitality even when you’re tired and don’t want to, or using your gifts to serve others. I don’t know about you but this one is stepping all over my toes. But don’t run away yet – because Peter knows it’s going to be hard and he gives them the ‘secret’ weapon. Look at verse 11, after telling them to use their gifts to serve one another, he goes on to tell them to rely on God’s Word and the strength that He supplies. He knows when they do this that God will be glorified. But don’t miss verse 7 – and his encouragement to stay self-controlled and sober-minded because they are going to need to pray. Prayer is a big part of the church community.

7So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. … 11Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever servers, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11

So, how deep is your love? Is it a love that honors God? Is it selfless or self-focused? Is it unshakable even in times of suffering? Peter knew the believers would need God and each other in order to stand strong and not fall. His words are still true for us today because, like them, we are made for community and we are meant to love one another fervently. Because, as the earlier quote said, “Love for each other includes forgiving each other, overlooking past hurts, and building each other up when we fall.” In other words, our love for one another, is meant to cover a multitude of sins.

“It is difficult for sin and resentment to flourish in a community rich in Christ-like love.”

Bibleref.com, 1 Peter 4:8

Don’t forget to visit lovegodgreatly.com today for the Wednesday blog post.