Category: Journey Through The Word

Posted in Advent, Advent, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Promised Messiah, Uncategorized

A King from Bethlehem

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Hosea 11:1; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6 and14-15 / SOAP: Matthew 2:6

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
    are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
    who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

God’s Perfect Plan and Provision

Isn’t God the coolest? He’s thoughtful and attentive, a detailed organizer, and a planner. He’s quite the designer and very creative. His imagination is unmatchable, He’s a great communicator and a fierce but loving protector; and He’s given us a King, a ruler who will shepherd His people well. We can rest assured that we are safe under His ruling care – and we can rejoice that His Kingdom knows no end.

The circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth were nothing short of miraculous. The timing, location, and events that occurred were ordained by God, long before Jesus was conceived.

LGG Devo p48, The Promised Messiah
Going Futher

Foreshadowings: Micah 5:2 is a Messianic prophecy quoted when the magi were searching for the king born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6). These wise men from the East were told that from the tiny village of Bethlehem would come forth the Prince of Peace, the Light of the world. Micah’s message of sin, repentance, and restoration finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:24-25) and the only way to God (John 14:6). (to read the full commentary visit https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Micah.html)

Tod

ay’s readings are a beautifully designed landscape. From Hosea, to Micah, to Matthew we see how the Scriptures paint a wonderfully vivid picture of God’s work and unfolding plan. For me it is a picture that fosters trust and instills comfort and peace. The artistry of our Master Creator both in creation and His Word makes me love and worship Him and leaves me wanting to spend more time with Him. to see Him close-up and to know Him more.

Posted in Advent, Advent, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, The Promised Messiah

Son of David or of God?

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 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”

They replied, “He is the son of David.”

Matthew 22:42

We know and celebrate Jesus as the Son of God, but in today’s reference, and many other places in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the “son of David.” Jesus even says of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David …” in Revelation 22:16, identifying Himself as both the creator (root) of David and David’s descendant. Only Jesus can claim both titles because He alone is the true and living Son of God come down to earth in the flesh – just as God promised David through the prophet Samuel.

The title “Son of David” is more than a statement of physical genealogy. It is a Messianic title. When people referred to Jesus as the Son of David, they meant that He was the long-awaited Deliverer, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

gotquestions.org

Our traditional Christmas celebrations are centered around the nativity. We talk of Mary and Joseph and others like Elizabeth and Zechariah or Anna and Simeon who are all part of the narrative. We sing of the baby in a manger, of shepherds and the angels on the night of His birth, and of the wise men who visited him from the East, and these are all good and true parts of the story worthy of rejoicing in. However, in recent years, I have grown to love this season of Advent – the time leading up to the celebration, a time when we look forward to the nativity by remembering God’s promise of a Messiah to His people and, ultimately, the world. It is a time of hope, peace, joy, and love coming down to earth in the flesh, Jesus – the Light and Savior of the world. Advent is a time of remembering that while Jesus is fully God, He is also the promised Messiah, the “son of David.” Combining the history of this long-awaited Messiah with the sweet baby boy in the manger has helped me more fully appreciate and celebrate Christmas for who and what it’s really about. The twinkling lights, the music, the presents, and childlike wonder are always going to tug at my heart of nostalgia and childlike delight – but the Advent will forever move me in awe and wonder of God’s love and fulfilled promise the Messiah – Immanuel – God with us!

May we press on faithfully in the observance of Advent and draw near with hearts of worship and wonder worthy of our God and Savior.

Going further

Be sure and check out today’s blog post by the LGG Team

Reflections on the journey

Who do you say Jesus is?

Posted in Advent, Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Promised Messiah

The Hope of Israel

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Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7 / SOAP: Isaiah 9:6-7

For a child has been born to us,
a son has been given to us.
He shoulders responsibility and is called
Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His dominion will be vast, and he will bring immeasurable prosperity.
He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

In our larger passage, verses two through five are a message from the prophet Isaiah that tells of a time when God will send light back to Israel. War will cease and Israel’s enemies will no longer rule over them. Verses six and seven tell us how that will happen.

Oh the beauty of a promise kept and of hope given. Through God’s Word we have seen the child, the son that Isaiah spoke of, born to a virgin who called His name Emmanuel. We have seen Him on a cross bearing the weight of sins that belonged to the world. We have watched as God let Him die and listened as He cried in agony, “My God, My God – why have You forsaken Me?” We’ve peered into the tomb with Mary and the others to see the grave clothes but no body and then watched as He later ascended into heaven. Perhaps we’ve even doubted with Thomas but then realized the reality of His presence and cried out as Thomas did, “My Lord, and my God!” By faith we now believe that He sits at the right hand of God’s throne interceding on our behalf. And by faith we believe and wait with great anticipation for His promised return. Yes, oh yes! There is beauty in a promise kept and that beauty comes in the hope, peace, and strength that come from knowing Him .

Feel free to share your thoughts (observations, application …) about today’s passage – in the comment section
Reflections on Today’s Journey
  • Who is Jesus to you?
  • Why is He such an important person?
  • Why do so many people still follow Him?
Going Further

For more insight on today’s reading be sure and ready today’s blog from the LGG Team

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

The Habit of Thanksgiving

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And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Eph. 5:20

The following is shared from a facebook post by Ann Voskamp on November 15, 2023. Ann is a joy to read and listen to. She is a catalyst of knowing, loving, and worshiping God. She plants seeds and nurtures them and today’s post is a beautiful example – Read each line, read them slow and let them soak in to the crevices of your heart, soul, and mind – and be prepared for joy to abound and thanksgiving to pour forth and become a habit that changes your life and touches the lives of those around you. I praise God for introducing her to me and for how He has used her to grow my faith and ignite a life of gratitude within me. I pray that she will be a blessing to you as well. – Me, from the insideout – 🦋

“As long as thanks to God is possible — then Joy in God is always possible.

But you better believe it: There’s a force in this world that does not want any of us to live in real joy.

Because Joy is dangerous — it’s igniting and contagious and otherworldly and it wins the war against the dark.

Joy isn’t Pollyanna– joy is revolutionary: Joy goes straight against the way the darkness spins.

Joy isn’t the optional feature of the Christian life. Joy is the operative feature of the Christian life –

Joy is a function of gratitude — and gratitude is a function of perspective.

So how do we see, how do we get and keep the perspective to see that there are gifts everywhere to be grateful for?

You trains your eyes to see gifts.

You make thanksgiving your life habit.

So we have got to pick up a pen & wield it like a sword & write down what we’re thankful for, & count gifts & fight this fight for joy because this is the thing:

Our God asks us to give thanks in everything —

because He knows this is the only way to live through *anything.*”

Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for the power of giving thanks and for the joy it ignites in us – a joy that is a force against the enemy and a contagion that spreads among Your people and brings You glory, praise, and honor! Thank You for Your servant, Ann. Thank You for the way You use her to touch and empower others with Your Word. Thank You for what she has taught me about giving thanks and how I have seen it change the way I think and respond and live. Use this post as a catalyst to ignite thanksgiving in the lives of those that read it – that You might be praised and the world around us might be impacted with life-long habits of thanksgiving and joy that flows from the gratitude. Train our eyes to see the gifts of Your grace and to respond with resounding praise! In and through the name of Jesus ❣ I pray – Amen!

Going Further in the Journey

Check out Ann’s book: “One Thousand Gifts” @ https://annvoskamp.com/onethousandgifts/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

A Promise of Hope

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It’s Tuesday friends and one day closer to the Thanksgiving Holiday and some time off with family and friends. If you’re like my daughters and are already enjoying a nice week-long break – I pray it is off to a good start. 🙂 Our new advent study, The Promised Messiah, begins next Monday (Nov.27) but for now let’s continue through our journey of Scriptures that prompt praise and worship for all God is and does.

 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28
What is the promise?

The promise is, for those who are saved, all things will indeed work together for good. “All things” should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even pain or suffering. “Work,” or “work together,” must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together or, perhaps, works in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end? “Good.”

Bibleref.com

From Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to Jesus hanging on the cross for our sins this truth/promise brings us hope as it is played out in the lives of those who came before us and certainly in our own trouble or regrets. Is there anything in your past that you would do over if you could. Are there decisions you made then that have adversely affected your now? Take some time right now to remember or grasp hold of the truth from this verse of promise and hope – perhaps for the very first time. I used to think it said, “And we know all things work together for good…” and I remember the day and the place when I realized what it really said/meant: “…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Mistakes, regrets, things you had no control over, hurts, betrayal … these will surface in our minds from time to time – the enemy uses them as arrows but this powerful truth will combat them.

We must be careful to keep these words in the context Paul intended – and that was to bring hope to those believers who were struggling or suffering in life. He wanted them to remember that God is good and He is in perfect control on behalf of His children and according to His purpose, which by the way is perfect. Take hope in the encouragement that Paul’s words offer to those who belong to God – and trust that He truly has been and is continually working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.💜

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Joseph, to his brothers – Genesis 50:20
Your Turn

What about today’s verse, Romans 8:28, makes you thankful?
Is there a way you have seen its truth played out in your life? – If so give thanks!

Will you take a minute and share your response(s) in the comment section –
It may be just the encouragement that someone else needs and for certain it will bring God glory.

Worship Through Music

I do not own the rights to this music nor do I use it for any profit or gain –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

Asking for Help

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Happy Monday Friends! Let’s look to the Lord for the help we need today💜 For we know that God will hear us when we pray and we can be confident that just as He saved us from our sins He will rescue us from our troubles or walk with us through them.

Today’s Verse comes from Micah 7:7 which says:

I

It seems like everyday (sometimes every hour or minute) has something that we need help with – something we are crying out to God for. Whether it is health … provision … wisdom … strength … peace … or a myriad of other needs that arise – God is able. Whether it is us or someone else we know that is in need, God tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us, (1 Peter 5:7). From the least to the greatest of the cares He has invited us to bring them all to Him. So what is it you need to look to God for today? He’s ready and always listening – so let Him know and then wait confidently for His help.

  • What about this verse can you thank God for today?
  • How can I pray for you? Share a request in the comments or private message me at my email or facebook account –
    • mryelnb@aol.com (please put prayer in the subject line
    • @facebook/ MaryEllen Black
  • How have you seen God answer recently? Give Him praise and let it be a reminder that you can trust Him and a catalyst to continue looking to Him for help.

You are loved and prayed for 💕💜

-Me from the insideout 🦋

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

The Blessing of Friendship

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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

When I was growing up, my family was extended by six or seven other families that we fondly called ‘aunts and uncles’. They were close friends of my parents. The friendships were formed in school and stuck throughout the years. Those still living are friends to this day, and it is a blessing to watch as these 80-somethings continue to do life together and face death with one another. Solomon describes This type of friend in today’s verse; of course, the ultimate example of this friend is Jesus – who promised never to leave or forsake us, and it is the kind of friend we are to be. These earthly friendships are a rare treasure for sure – I have been blessed with several, and I count them as rich blessings. 💕💜 I pray, first and foremost, that each of you know the wonderful friendship of Jesus – there is none greater! However, I also pray for each of you to know the rich blessing of a true friend here on earth – and encourage you to be that friend to someone. If you do not know such a friendship – pray to the Father in heaven that He might grace you with one soon.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” John 5:14

How would you express your gratitude for the friends God has given you?

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

Thankful for the Day

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This is the day the Lord has made.
    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Some days are exciting from the moment you wake up. You’re excited about the planned adventure, the day off work, or expected company. Some days are just regular get up and go kind of days. Then there are the days full of challenges from the time you open your eyes – right? On those days, I often find myself singing or reciting this verse over and over. I find it an uplifting reminder that I can still rejoice despite the challenges because God made the day – which in turn reminds me that He has a purpose for it and me. It takes my eyes off the challenges and places them squarely on Him, His goodness to give me life and breath, His promise to direct my path, His call on believers to count it all joy when troubles come our way and the hope that comes from knowing if He can make the day He can certainly help me through it. I should note that this verse is a good way to start every day – I just find the Spirit brings it to mind most often on the more challenging/difficult days.

Your Turn:

I also find that it is a rather easy verse to memorize – give it a try. I promise it will be a blessing.

Name something about this day for which you are thankful.

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

Prayer

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Scripture: Psalm 5:3

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3

I wonder sometimes if we truly realize the blessing and utter privilege of prayer. Think about it, the God who created the universe and holds it all in place. – the One who gave His only son to die for sinful, wretched humans and then raised Him from the dead – not only invites us to pray but hears and answers when we do. The psalmist was so certain of this truth that he waited expectantly for the answer. Do you?

Your Turn

Share something about prayer that you are thankful for.

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

We Will Remember

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Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. – YET how quickly they forgot what he had done!

Psalm 106:1, 13a

Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 1 Chronicles 16:34 and so many other passages call us to “give thanks to the LORD.” The passages site various reasons like His faithfulness, His goodness, His steadfast love and more. The problem is when we fail to be impressed with the Lord’s character and acts of kindness and when we fail to notice His miraculous works. There is great danger in forgetting to acknowledge Him with praise and thanksgiving. For look at the example of the Israelites in today’s passage who failed to be impressed with the works of God’s hand and then quickly forgot what He had done. May we never find ourselves in this place – but rather daily find time and reasons to sing His praises and give HIm thanks – even for the littlest of blessings or fingerprints –

Your turn

What is that impresses You about God? – Make sure to journal it or write it out somewhere or even tell someone – and don’t forget to give thanks to Him to whom the praise/thanks is due. We must be intentional about this discipline in our life – not being so captivate by the day or the moment or the person but fully captivated by God alone – and intent on remembering the works of His hands. 💜

We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
You’re our creator, our life sustainer
Deliverer, our comfort, our joy
Throughout the ages You’ve been our shelter
Our peace in the midst of the storm
With signs and wonders You’ve shown Your power
With precious blood You showed us Your grace
You’ve been our helper, our liberator
The giver of life with no end
We will remember, we will remember
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give you praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
When we walk through life’s darkest valleys
We will look back at all You have done
And we will shout, our God is good
And He is the faithful One … Hear the entire song at
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AcUA7x9CVgs&feature=shared