Category: Know These Truths

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

A Call to Holy Living

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16 / SOAP: verses 14-16

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:14-16 NLT

Today’s SOAP calls us to focus on verses 14-16; however, I included verse 13 in the mix as well. because I love the encouragement Peter gives here!

  1. Prepare your mind for action and exercise self-control.
  2. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you … (ie. That is in God’s grace to us at the future coming of Jesus, the moment in which all the longings of our hearts will be fully satisfied. – Bibleref.com)

Friends, if we are not intentional with our thoughts, we will lose sight of the HOPE God has given us in and through Jesus! Faith and obedience require attention and determination; dare I say – they require work. This is why Paul told the Philippians to work out their salvation with reverence and awe. – Please understand that Paul is not telling us to work for our salvation. but rather to live it out. Or, as bibleref.com explains —“to practice, demonstrate, and exhibit—the salvation which believers have in Christ.”

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God.

Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

The world and our old nature will vie for our attention. So we must mentally prepare and be determined to stand firm in the Holy lifestyle God has called us to. This won’t be easy, which is likely why the Scriptures teach us to set our minds on things above, to fix them on God. If we don’t do this, our loyalty will be divided between God and the world, and we will be more likely to live by our old nature – the sinful nature that held us captive before we knew the TRUTH and placed our FAITH in Christ. This is crucial to the instructions Peter gives to “live obediently as God’s children.” For it is only through faith in Christ that the old nature passes away and the new nature is put on.

Paul said it like this: “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

– He even encouraged the Colossians to “put on their new nature and be renewed as they learned to know their Creator and to become like Him.” Colossians 3:10

Our new nature is obedient as opposed to our old rebellious nature. Because of this we are equipped to answer the call to “Be holy as He is holy.” As Peter will point out in his second letter, we are without excuse.

 I can pray this because – “His divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. 4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We will not be perfect this side of Heaven but we must set the goal and strive to attain Holy/righteous living. We do this by:

  • living by the Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-26
  • working hard to show yourselves approved a workman for the Lord – 2 Timothy 2:15
  • And doing everything as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, You have called us, as believers, to change our conduct to fit our identity. Help us to remember that when we placed our faith in Jesus we chose to identify with Him as Your sons and daughters. You have removed our sin-stained clothes and covered us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ! You have called us to live like Jesus – to be holy in all we do and say. Therefore, we shouldn’t be okay with our sins; we shouldn’t accept falling into the patterns of our old nature – Paul wrote that the new has come, and the old is gone! Help us to remember these truths and the strength of Your Spirit in us and by His power to live the holy lives You have called us to. Forgive us when we fall short, and pick us up with Your victorious right hand when we stumble or fall. – I pray this all in the name of Jesus, amen and amen –

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

isaiah 41:10 NLT
Music for the journey

I couldn’t find a version of this that I liked on YouTube – so I’m simply sharing the lyrics as encouragement for the call to be holy as God is holy –

  1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
    Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
    Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
    Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
  2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
    Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
    By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
    Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
  3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
    And run not before Him, whatever betide.
    In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
    And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
  4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
    Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
    Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
    Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

 William D. Longstaff

THE MORE WE KNOW

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly blog post

Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Importance of the Resurrection

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: John 20:1-18; and SOAP: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NLT

I love that Paul simply identifies and shares what is the most important information to pass on. He starts with the three things – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – one by one. Then he reminds his audience that these things, the hope on which our faith is built, happened just as they had been written about “in the Scriptures,” and were witnessed by many. The citing of Scripture and witnesses most likely was meant to emphasis and ensure the people that they do not have to depend on Paul’s word alone.

According to Bibleref.com, the truthfulness of the resurrection, or at least the resurrection of Christians, was being challenged or misunderstood by some in Corinth. Paul wants them to understand not only that the resurrection really took place, but that faith in that truth is essential in order to be saved.

For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. 15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

1 Corinthians 15:13-19 NLT
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Tell the story of Jesus, with your words or the Scriptures or by sharing the testimonies of other’s you have heard or seen God do a great work in. Share the truth of the cross and of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and of the love of God that brought Him down to man, and of the grace that says, “whosoever, Jew or gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free – whosoever may come and enjoy a new life in Jesus – not only here in this world but in the Kingdom yet to come.

20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, even after all these thousands of years later – the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are still humbling and a bit overwhelming. Your gift of love come down, your sacrifice of Your only begotten Son, Your Word come true, Your detailed plan down to the witnesses before and after boggles my mind and yet fosters the hope of all my faith proclaims.

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight read today’s LGG Blog

Do you share in the hope of the resurrection? Do you want to?

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Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

“I Will Rise Again”

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Matthew 27:62-66 / SOAP: Matthew 27:66

62 The next day (which is after the day of preparation) the chief priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while that deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give orders to secure the tomb until the third day. Otherwise his disciples may come and steal his body and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “Take a guard of soldiers. Go and make it as secure as you can. 66”So they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Matthew 27:62-66 NET

As I was reading this passage, it struck me a that Jesus wasted no words, in this case, “After three days I will rise again.” The words were shocking and memorable for sure but the fact that Jesus’ statement was remembered by the Pharisees and chief priests led to the sealing of the tomb. The sealing of the tomb gave credit to the fact that Christ did indeed rise up from that grave – just as He said He would.

My friends at Love God Greatly noticed the same thing and wrote a wonderful devotion about what I believe will be both enlightening and encouraging to your Easter celebration.

Very little is recorded about the Saturday between Jesus’ death and resurrection. It was a Sabbath day, so very little happened. There was no work, and people could not even travel far from their homes. The disciples may have stayed hidden, trying to process the events of the previous day and figure out what to do next.

However, the Jewish leaders remembered Jesus’ words and His promise to rise again. Though they didn’t believe Him, they understood the power of His impact and knew His followers were loyal. They had the Roman soldiers set guards over the tomb and secured it with a large stone.

What they didn’t know was what was coming. They sealed the tomb to keep the disciples from stealing the body, but what they didn’t expect was for Jesus to rise again. While they were sealing the tomb, Jesus was sealing the salvation of those who would put their faith in Him. He died, and stayed dead for a time so that he could defeat death once and for all.

Reflecting on these events allows us to examine how we respond when God seems silent. Saturday sits between the most horrific day in history and the most glorious. But nothing happened. When our life and circumstances sit between devastation and restoration, how do we respond? It is not easy to wait patiently for redemption, but we can be sure of this: The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is always working. No matter how long it takes, may we be followers of Jesus who remain steadfast even in the darkness, uncertainty, and silence. -p. 196 of the LGG Lent Journal –

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

There is much to be learned from the Pharisees and Chief Priests remembering the words of Jesus – namely that we should do the same. As was noted in the Love God Greatly devotional, they knew and understood the power of His impact. Because of this, they sought to do something about them.

Read the words and follow the teachings of Jesus –

Never lose sight of the power and the impact that the words of Jesus (and the words God inspired throughout the Scriptures) have on us and on others. For instance, remembering that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation – to everyone who believes should keep us from being ashamed to share God and His message of salvation (the hope of every man – who believes) and should encourage us to lay aside our timidness and eagerly use/share the Gospel and see God’s power at work. ( For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes... Romans 1:16)

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember the words and teaching of Jesus – so that you can be ready with an answer for the hope that is within you, (1 Peter 3:15). Remember, it was Jesus who said that the Holy Spirit was sent to teach us all things and to remind us of everything that Jesus taught, (John 14:26)

Speak/share the words and teachings of Jesus with others. I understand this can insight fear in us – fear that we won’t know what to say or how to say it (Remember though, God told Moses [who was afraid to speak] that He would teach him what to say, Ex 4:10-12). It can panic us because we may not remember what or where something was said- again, remember John 14:26 says that the Spirit will remind us; and in this day and age we have the beautiful tool of computerized browsers that will help us find specific verses or topics. We might also be afraid of how the other person will respond but remember the greater danger is they never hear and how can they be saved if they do not hear? (Rom 10:14-15) –

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, help us to be bold with Your Word. Help us to spend time in Your Word – to let the light of it shine in own lives and radiate out to others. Let us be forever alert to Your Spirit who was sent to teach us all things and to remind us of everything Jesus said. There are lost and dying people all around us and if they do not hear, if Your servants do not carry Your words to others then they will not hear and they will not be saved.

The More We Know

To live unashamed of the gospel means we …

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Do You Believe This?

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w5d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: John 11:1-44 / SOAP: verses 25-27

esus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

27 She replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world.”

John 11:25-27

“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.” This line of an old hymn came to my mind as I read and reread this passage. The world we live in brings physical death to everyone at some point. We cannot escape it this side of heaven for we live in a fallen world. Lazarus had become sick (3) and, as Jesus said, had “fallen asleep.”(11) – Jesus also said He was going to awaken Lazarus – and awaken him He did! – Four days he had lay dead in the grave but when Jesus called to Lazarus, His friend, he arose and walked out of the grave! (11, 17, and 44)

Jesus uses this death and life situation to introduce or identify Himself as “The resurrection and the life.” According to gotquestions.org, “When Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He was claiming to be the source of both. There is no resurrection apart from Christ, and there is no eternal life apart from Christ. Beyond that, Jesus was also making a statement concerning His divine nature. He does more than give life; He is life, and therefore death has no ultimate power over Him. Jesus confers this spiritual life on those who believe in Him, so that they share His triumph over death (1 John 5:11-12). Believers in Jesus Christ will experience resurrection because, having the life Jesus gives, it is impossible for death to defeat them (1 Corinthians 15:53-57).”

Note that this life and power to defeat death does not belong to everyone but to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Todays focus passage and the verses leading up to them reveal Martha’s deep faith in Jesus.

In verse 21-24, Martha professes her deep faith in the power of Jesus. Then Jesus proclaims Himself to be the resurrection and the life – a statement that is wonderfully explained by gotquestions.org:

Jesus’ statement that He is the resurrection and the life provides a godly perspective on several spiritual matters. Martha believed that the resurrection is an event; Jesus showed her (and us) that the resurrection is a Person. Martha’s knowledge of eternal life was an abstract idea; Jesus proved that knowledge of eternal life is a personal relationship. Martha thought victory over death was a future expectation; Jesus corrects her, showing that victory is a present reality.

gotquestions.org / I Am the resurrection and the life

Following this “I Am” statement to Martha, Jesus asks her a crucial question concerning her faith, saying – “Do you believe this?”

After presenting Himself as the resurrection and the life, and clarifying that “the one who believes in Him will live even if he dies,” Jesus asks Martha a crucial question concerning her faith, saying – “Do you believe this?”(John 11:26). This time Martha responds with a statement of faith in who Jesus is, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who was to come into the world” (verse 27).

I look at this and I can’t help but think how Jesus could have gone straight to the grave yet he addresses Martha’s pain first and does this by reminding her, not of what He could do but of who He was. He wanted her (and us) to understand that the resurrection is not an abstract idea but a Person and the catalyst of eternal life through a personal relationship with Him. For Martha, “victory over death was a future expectation,” as she stated in verse 24 – saying, “I know that he will come back to life again in the resurrection at the last day.” However, Jesus wanted her to see that “victory is a present reality” – when we believe in the one who is: “The Resurrection and the Life.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Believe, not just in the power of Jesus, but in who Jesus is – “the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world to seek and save the lost – in order that all who believe will have eternal life through Him

Make Christ known to those around you – be bold and faithful to share who He is and to ask the crucial question of faith – “Do you believe?”

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, may Martha’s faith be an inspiration that leads us to affirm our faith in You and in Your Son – both in His power and in who He is. May we, like Christ, identify and share Him as “the resurrection and the life,” clarifying that whoever believes in Him will live, even if he dies,” Then, Spirit – give us boldness to ask the crucial question of faith that Jesus asked Martha – “Do You believe this?”

THE MORE WE KNOW

“This sickness will not lead to death.”

For it is by grace that we have been saved through FAITH: Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:15-16; Acts 16:31; and Rom 10:9-10

For more insight read today’s blog post

If you (or someone you know) do not know Jesus or you have questions about what it means to believe in Jesus and be saved – I invite you to read “Know These Truths.” You will find answers and hope and the opportunity to have eternal life!

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Weight of Sin

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w5d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 30; SOAP verses 2-3

O Lord my God,
I cried out to you and you healed me.
3 O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol;
you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

Psalm 30:2-3 NET

Sheol (in verse 3) is a place from which there is no escape. The gates are locked, the windows are barred, and the prison guard, death, is undefeatable …
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I hope you read the whole Psalm, for David’s words are moving and enlightening, and they give insight into the depth of his soul, his reflection on the weight and significance of his sin, and his great need for God. They also paint a beautiful awareness of who God is, what He can do, and what He has done. We are wise to pay attention to them and to pattern our reflections and prayers in such a manner.

This particular Psalm is one of dedication of the temple – or according to bibleref.com – most likely the ground where the temple would be built. It is not a private prayer between David and God but rather a Psalm that was for the people to hear and respond to.

Note:

  • David realized not only the depth of God’s goodness but his own depth of need for God to rescue him and to spare him what he deserved and he cried out to God according to his knowledge/belief.
  • Not only does David praise God but he calls all followers of God to give thanks
  • The praise is a life-long practice of the one who turns to God and who realizes His immense goodness and power.

David obviously understood the ‘But God principle” – which says despite the odds of any given situation, despite the reality of what I deserve, despite where I am or what I have done or any obstacles that are in my way- GOD can defy the odds, change the reality, and overcome the seemingly inevitable! mefromthensideout 🦋

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We must take time daily to reflect on the weight and significance of our sin to truly appreciate the gravity of who God is and what He has done and promised to do. If we do not understand the danger and weight of sin we will not seek God’s forgiveness nor see the need for repentance. Likewise, if we do not understand the depth of God’s love and the height of His power we will not pray accordingly.

Because he turned from arrogance to humility, David was forgiven, and God turned his grief into joy. Rather than being trapped in misery and shame, David was able to embrace the joy of God’s forgiveness. For that, David intends to offer unending thanks

bibleref.com / Ps 30:8-12
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank You for all the ways you rescued David and Your people. Thank You for the encouragement that this brings to us and for all the ways we have seen it in our own lives. We are blessed to be Your children and to know the greatness of Your goodness and the faithfulness of Your character. Help us to daily reflect on the weight and significance of our sin – now as we prepare for Easter – and always, so that we do not fail to remember the greatness of Your love and sacrifice on our behalf. If there are those reading this Father, who do not understand the immensity of Your goodness and the depth of their sin and need for Your salvation open their minds to understand that their hearts might yield to the promise of new life through faith in Christ Jesus, who sacrificed His life for the sins of the world. There is no hope of life apart from You and there is no sin too great for Your grace and mercy to cover. We pray and praise You in Jesus’ mighty name and power – Amen and hallelujah!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Insight to Psalm chapter 30

Be sure and check out today’s today’s LGG Blog for more insight

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Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Pursuit of the Kingdom

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w4d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Luke 12:13-34 / SOAP: verses 29-30

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 

Luke 12:29-30 NLT

I find the fact that God already knows our needs and every detail of our situations in life quite comforting and encouraging. However, I confess that I still often find myself struggling with worry. The latest/current example is a situation with my mom, who – (for reasons like physical health, dementia, loneliness, and because the house had outgrown her) – needed to move into an assisted living community.

Prayer for wisdom and direction as well as grace and peace in the wait was a daily habit.

Money and availability at the “right place” were an immediate factor but God gave me a glimmer of hope that it was financially doable so we paid the deposit to put her name on a waiting list. Weeks turned into months and months into nearly a year. In the early stages I would call occasionally to gage the ‘hope’ factor of a space opening up – which was kind of silly since the waiting list was long and we weren’t at the top and the unknown factors of how and when a room would open were near to impossible for the director to even know. Yet, maybe if I kept calling she would realize the urgency and somehow put mom ahead of the others. Yes, I know how that sounds but it’s where I was in the moment and I’d like to say it stopped there but it didn’t. No, my mind went so far as jealousy over those who were getting in ahead of her! I’m not proud of these thoughts but I share them because today’s Scripture reminded me just how much I looked like the man in the parable. Concern for my mom had turned into worry and excessive planning and even envious thoughts for something that was completely out of my control.

Early on in the process, probably before the deposit was made, I began to pray every day as I drove by the road to the assisted living facility that God would create an opening and that we would get the call. However, as I realized what the desperate desire and worry were doing to my mind I gave it over to the Father and began praying:

“Father, when the time is right for mother and if it is Your will for her to move – will You please open a door to the room You want her to have.”

This was more than a prayer it was a daily exercise of faith in the God who knew not just my mother’s needs but mine and it was the daily reminder (multiple times a day, as the facility is on my way to and from work and nearly anywhere else I would be going) that He was in complete and perfect control. There was so much comfort and worship that came from the prayer. There was growth and there was peace and grace; and without a shadow of a doubt I can say that He used every day, week, and month of those prayers to make what had become a tense relationship between mom and I one that was covered with grace and peace and even more and more moments of sweet memories and laughter. Perhaps, even more importantly (and the underlying reason of sharing this story) there was renewed strength and prayer and focus on the Kingdom work of praying for the lost and getting His message out daily.

As the months stretched closer to a year and mom’s forgetfulness, daytime needs, and loneliness became more of a factor – it was apparent that she needed help sooner than later so I began looking into in-home care. After research and an interview with a trusted caregiver recommended by a friend – I was preparing to call and confirm the details of days and times when my phone rang. I recognized the number, it was the number I called so many times to ask if there was a room open yet. I answered to hear the words: “MaryEllen, your mom’s room is ready!” –

Elation, shock, and nervousness tumbled together allowing the enemy to create some pretty rocky emotions, questions and doubts. Again, I found myself looking like the man from today’s parable. Was there really enough money and what could I do to make sure there was and … “STOP, peace be still!” God was quick to send me the message – “Child, you prayed faithfully for me to open this door if it was my will and when your mom’s room was available. Are you really going to shut the door in my face or question my will and preparation for your mother? Be still and know that I am Your God!”

From that point on the door was flung open and I was walking through it – timid yet bold – calm yet nervous, concerned BUT turning every ounce of worry back to Him with the new daily prayer that He would prepare mother’s heart and mind for the move from her home of more than thirty years, the last place she was with my father and brothers. This wasn’t going to be easy and there are no guarantees of her money lasting as long as her days – but this one thing I knew – God was in complete control and He opened the door – my job was simply to walk through it in faith and keep my eyes on Him.

When my eyes were on my mom’s situation – her health, her inability to walk, her forgetfulness, her loneliness, her obstinance, her money, … worry was high and tensions were great between us. Yet, when my eyes were on God and His power, His timing, His will, and goodness through all of my life … when grace and peace became my prayer tensions were lessened, faith was strengthened, and Kingdom work was pursued – ALL GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD!

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Be wise and plan well – but plan with God. Lay down the worry and let God direct your steps, your thoughts, and prayers. Remind yourself daily that God is in complete and perfect control. The Word of God is your armor and prayer is a powerful weapon – use them. Above all these things – “Pursue the Kingdom,”1 remembering that “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“

If we are taking care of God’s business as a priority—seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others—then He will take care of our business as He promised—and if that’s the arrangement, where is worrying?

gotquestions.org / seek first the kingdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

God, You are holy and good and I adore You. Your ways are good and right and Your presence is encouraging. You turn worry into worship and fear into peace and concerns into prayer – and You continually amaze me! Keep us always in pursuit of Your glorious Kingdom and will. Guard us from worry and from the enemy who seeks to steal and kill and destroy. Help us to stand strong in You through prayer and time in Your Word – a light for our path and a lamp to guide our feet and the priorities of this life. We are utterly dependent on You because we know that You are in control of today and all of our tomorrows. Father, we seek Your love, and will, and presence that enable us to walk obediently… We seek Your priorities Father… the boldness to share the good news of the Gospel… and the salvation of others are the treasures we seek – guard our earthly concerns from turning to worries, help our hearts to lay down the concerns and faithfully follow after You and all the treasures of Heaven.2 – In Jesus’ Name – Amen

THE MORE WE KNOW
Journey inspired worship
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Be The Difference

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based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10 / SOAP: verse 7

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Luke 15:7

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him.

Luke 15:1 NLT

Whew! What an opening line to a wonderful portion of Luke’s story. Jesus wasn’t having to go to the people, they were coming to Him and as Luke reveals here, even the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear Jesus. This didn’t settle well with the Pharisees and experts of the law though because it meant Jesus was welcoming them, agreeing not only to spend time talking to them but to eat with them – which was a sign of friendship. They complained and Jesus used the complaint as another teachable moment. He used two parables, stories/examples that were relevant to the day and helpful in making the point that He was needed by the ‘sinner’ more than the ‘righteous ones’. After all, He came to seek and save the lost, (Luke 19:10).

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Luke 5:31-32 NLT

Jesus’ response to the complaint made by the Pharisees came in the form of parables. The first parable was about a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep who had foolishly strayed off the path. The second story was about a woman who searched desperately for one coin that was lost when she still had the other nine – the point Jesus was making was that His greater concern was for those who needed Him, whether they had foolishly strayed off the path or didn’t even realize they were lost. The end result is that both the sheep and the coin were looked for and when found there was great rejoicing.

Living the Journey

Just as Jesus left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep and just as the woman shown a light into the dark room to find the missing coin we should likewise give careful attention to the lost and let our light shine into the darkness around us. When we live and love like Jesus we will be the difference He calls us to be and the world around us will be changed.

Even if there is only one who is lost, we are to seek them out – we are to be the light that helps them find their way; and we are to rejoice over them when they are found.

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋
Prayer for the Journey

Father, please help my attitude to be like Jesus’ attitude and not that of the Pharisees. Let me not only see the lost around me but seek them out and respond to them with Jesus’ loving concern and compassion. Let me not be caught up with the complaints of those around me or ever consider myself better than those who are lost or have wandered away. Help me to remember, “but by Your grace there I would be also.” – In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!

The More We Know

The Parables Explained

Why Jesus Feasted With a Group of Cultural Outcasts

Righteous versus sinners

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Sin’s Requirement

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:38; and 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 NET

Sin requires something of us, and according to God’s word in Roman’s 6:23, that requirement is death. However, great provision was made through Jesus Christ and we are given a second option – which is a commitment to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. That faith, according to Jesus’ teaching demands that we turn from our selfish (sinful) ways, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Or, as it is written in 2 Chronicles, “If my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.“

I love words, and I love running across words I’m not familiar with – like “repudiate,” which we find in the NET version of 2 Chronicles 7:14. The meaning of repudiate is to refuse to have anything to do with, to refuse to be associated with, or to divorce or separate from formally. In other words – naming the name of God, choosing to place our faith in Christ requires us to divorce ourselves from sinful practices and instead seek to please God and call out to Him. In return, God promises to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin requires something of us – either death or a commitment to God.

Me, from the Insideout –
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Before writing the beloved promise of forgiveness that we find in 1 John 1:9, John penned the words: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8) Clearly, if our desire is to live (abide) in Christ, who is the Truth, then we must own up to our sins, confessing them before God who is faithful to not only forgive us but to cleanse us from all of our “all unrighteousness.” The promises don’t stop there though, remember He also promises to help us stay faithful by giving us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3-4) and to show us the way of escape when we are tempted to return to our old ways (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Cor 10:12-13 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, turning from sin and living righteously – denying ourselves our selfish, sinful desires and following Jesus does not come naturally to us – but You knew this and provided a Way where there was no way. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have received all the precious promises of Your Word, promises that guarantee us forgiveness and enable us to share in His divine nature and escape not only the world’s corruption but the wages of our sins – which are death. Father help us to ‘repudiate’ our sinful practices and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life whom You have provided so that we might receive the free gift of Your grace, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. – And Father, if anyone is reading this today who does not belong to You – may their heart and mind be opened to the Word of Your Gospel – which has the power to save and to forever change their life! – In the most holy and powerful name and blood of Jesus I pray – trusting and believing –

Amen and Amen!

THE MORE WE KNow

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

Forgiveness’ cleansing power!

For more insight on today’s passage – visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

You Made Me Bold

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w2d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Esther 4; and SOAP: Psalm 138:3

When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me.

Psalm 138:3 NLT

Who doesn’t love the story of Esther?1 A Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them. If you read chapter four or know the story, you understand that the rescue almost didn’t happen. Whether it was respect for the law, which required an invitation from the king to enter the inner courts, or whether it was out of fear of the outcome – which was death, Esther’s first response to Mordecai’s message to appeal to the king for her people was a hard pass.

However, when Mordecai confronted Esther with a message of truth, “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” – Esther 4:13-14 – Esther understood, and she surrendered to the truth of who she was as a Jewish maiden who had been chosen queen. She proceeded with wisdom, inciting fasting2 from her people and even her female attendants – with the hope that God might use her to save her people from annihilation.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Esther had to be reminded that she was more than a queen; she was also a Jew. We, too, must remember who we are in Christ. Regardless of our place in this world, we must not forget that we are in a relationship with a wonderful and loving God who has invited us to call out to Him – to cast our cares and anxieties on Him because He cares for us and has promised that He will answer. We must courageously surrender to Him regardless of the outcome and trust that He will give us the boldness and strength we need to act on our commitment.

Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16b NET
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, standing for You when we know it may subject us to danger or ridicule isn’t always easy. Like Esther, our first response may be a hard pass; please help us surround ourselves with those who will speak the truth. Help us be so immersed in Your Word that we know the truth and surrender to it with the boldness of Esther.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1 Who was Esther in the Bible?

2 “-the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.” – read the rest 

Be sure and visit LoveGodGreatly.com for more insight from today’s blog

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

We Need A War Room

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based on the LGG Study, Lent, A Season of Drawing Closer to God / w2d1

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)

Scripture: Matthew 6:6; Luke 5:15-16 / SOAP: Matthew 6:6

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 NLT

I have learned that when a verse begins with words like but, therefore, so, afterward … it is best to go back and look at what came before. Such is the case with this verse in Matthew. The word “but” actually refers to the preceding verse, which illustrated how some who pray are hypocrites who loved to pray where everyone could see them. Clearly, they loved and sought attention from others rather than time alone with God. and Jesus used it as a teachable opportunity to train them in the better way.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.

Matthew 6:5 NLT

One of the many things I love about Jesus is that He was a teacher who taught not only with words but by example, as we see in Luke chapter five. As Jesus’ ministry became known, the crowds grew not only in numbers but in intensity of need and demands. So, Jesus didn’t just need to pray – He needed alone time – undistracted time – with the Father. Remember, Jesus was God in the flesh – all strength and power belonged to Him. Yet, in order to give the people what they needed – in order to do the work of the Father – Jesus needed time alone with the Father.

Now, if Jesus – the perfect Son of God – needed time alone to pray to the Father – how much more do we, imperfect human beans – marred by the flesh and sin stained world – need to spend time alone with Him? Apart from time with Him we will flounder in our own strength and we will lack wisdom and direction. We will succumb to fears and doubts, we will fall prey to temptations and not see the way of escape He has promised to all who belong to Him. We will speak words that displease Him rather than honor Him, we will miss the person who needs to hear the Gospel message, or the brother or sister who just needs some encouragement. You see, time alone with the Father is our lifeline to joy and peace, to strength and guidance, and to obedience – and to all of the abundant life Christ came to give.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy, My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 10:10 NLT
Living the Journey (Application)

Not only are we meant to stay connected to the Father and to abide in Jesus, but we are to keep in step with the Spirit. Our God is a triune God and to truly enjoy all that is ours in Christ Jesus we must cultivate a relationship with each person of the Trinity. Disciples of Christ, then and now, need the daily one on one with Jesus, which is why He taught, “Abide in Me…”, but He also teaches them by word and example that we need the Father, and following His crucifixion – He made it clear that anyone who wanted to follow Him and be His witness would be dependent on the Holy Spirit.

“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus explained to them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1: 4-5 and 8 NLT

Later in Scripture we read a message that Paul, one of, if not the greatest of, Jesus’ witnesses, sent to the church of Galatia – in which he told them (and by extension, all disciples) that since they lived by the Spirit they should keep in step with the Spirit.1 Paul seems to make it clear that if we choose not to walk in step with the Spirit then we will not be good witnesses, instead we will become self-focused, self-righteous, and even make our walk of faith a competition rather than the relationship and light it is meant to be.1

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT
Prayer for the Journey

Spending time, in prayer with You Father is imperative to abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit, for our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion just waiting to devour us. The enemy doesn’t want us to be good witnesses for the cause of Christ. He wants us to be silent and weak and to look more like the dark world than to radiate the light and love of Jesus. If we aren’t careful, if we aren’t intentionally strategic in the battle we will struggle at best or fail at worst. We need a War Room,2 where we frequently get alone with You so that when we are out in the world we aren’t of the world, and so whether we are on the mountains or in the valleys we can stand strong agains the wiles of the enemy and walk through the battles victoriously – filled with the Spirit! – 🦋

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

1 John 5:14-15 NLT
The more we know

1Keep in Step With The Spirit

Don’t forget today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Do you have a war room?