Category: Quiet Time

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
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Don’t miss today’s LGG’s Blog Post

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

The Impact of God’s People

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based on: Not Made to Be Alone, an Love God Greatly Study / w4d2

Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 / SOAP: 14-16

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16
Be the light

God’s people are important to His process of calling others to Himself. Consider the words of Paul to the Romans, in chapter 10:13-14 – where he writes, “How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?” And don’t forget the “great commission” of the [church] to be His hands and feet and the mouth pieces though whom He speaks.

Like a light in a dark room we are meant to help others see their way out of the darkness to God. So what we say and do is meant to draw attention, not to us, but to our deeds and words – which should reflect God in us and in return reflect honor and glory back to Him.

Response to God’s Word

Father let the words of our mouths and the actions we take or the countenances and responses we have reflect Your love in us and our love for You – so that in all things You receive the glory – Forever Amen+

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, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

You’re Beautiful to Me

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based on today’s Scripture reading – 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 3:18

Father, You are good! You are Holy and glorious to behold – whether in Your creation, Your works, or Your Word – 💜 – O Lord, You are beautiful to me! May the light of Your Presence and the counsel of Your Word daily transform me – more and more – into the image of Your Son – by the power of Your Spirit in me 💙 So that I reflect Jesus to the world around me – Amen+

But do you know there are some scriptural beauty treatments? Peter said that true beauty comes from “the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). Solomon said, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful” (Proverbs 15:13, NIV). Ecclesiastes 8:1 says, “A man’s wisdom makes his face shine.”

As we absorb God’s light, we’ll reflect Jesus to the world around us. We must constantly behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. People will notice how different we are. Take a look in the mirror. Is your face reflecting Christ?
 
Character in a saint means the disposition of Jesus Christ persistently manifested.
Oswald Chambers

Commentary by David Jeremiah, as posted on Turning Point – May 15, 2023

Hope you enjoy this beautiful song that came to mind as I was writing the above prayer – May it lead you into deeper worship of Him – who is worthy of our adoration 💗

This song does not belong to me, but is shared from a link found on Youtube

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

Our Biblical Community

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Today’s Reading / SOAP: Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20
The Question and the Answer

Such a little verse with such a big message. You see, it’s not really a stand-alone-verse. Note how the verse starts with “For where …” That little word ‘for’ indicates that what follows goes with what came before …. meaning this little sentence is part of a larger conversation. In this case a conversation between Jesus and the “12”. The conversation started with a question from one of the disciples concerning who would be greatest in the Kingdom Jesus had been telling them about.


Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Matthew 18:1
We Don’t Do It alone

Jesus’ answer covers this but so much more, including a shepherd leaving his flock to find one lost sheep … the severity of being a stumbling blog … and restoring Christian relationships … then he concludes the extended lessons with our little sentence of assurance that where even two or three people are gathered in His name He [Jesus] is there with them. The Love God Greatly team explained it like this, “Our relationship with God is personal, and it is meant to be lived out in community where we can encourage one another, hold one another accountable, and support each other — and we don’t do it alone! Jesus promises that, when even just a few believers are gathered together in His name He is there.”

The Role and Importance of the Local Church

The LGG writer goes on to explain what the local church is. She includes its benefit to us, as well as how we might bless others by being involved in it. I would suggest reading and re-reading this quote, and then writing it down somewhere so when it gets hard to stay committed or be involved with your biblical community (church, small group, and even this online community of faith) you can read it again and remember the vital role it is meant to play in our lives.

When we gather with our biblical community, motivated by a desire to love God greatly and help others do the same. Jesus is there with us. That’s what the local church is: a gathering of likeminded people who love Jesus and have a desire to grow, teach, learn, encourage, and support each other while also providing accountability and connection. you were made for this type of community with the local church! What a blessing!

Not Made To Be Alone, study journal p117
Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for the local body of Christ, at LMBC and all of the other churches represented within this group. We are blessed to be a part of the body of Christ and to gather freely and with the confidence that Jesus is there with us. I confess, yet again, that it is sometimes easier to be ‘an island’ than to gather with others, easier to hear the sermon through earbuds than in person – but I also understand this is not how you intended it – for we are not made to be alone. We are made for “community” with You with family and friends, and with the church, and I believe that includes small groups like Journey Through the Word. We are meant to gather – to pray, to worship, to serve, and to encourage one another – and this is a blessing. May we faithfully engage with the body of Christ – to Your glory and honor – Amen+

Want More?

Visit LGG for today’s blog post, at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

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

Created for Community With the Local Church

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From the Love God Greatly study – Not Made to be Alone

Week 3 Preview

In the last two weeks we have journeyed through Scriptures that have shown us how we were created for community with God and with family and friends. This week, as we continue exploring how God did not create us to be alone, we will find that we were created for community with the local church. We will see how Jesus plays a part in that community, as well as the importance of fellowship, serving others, unity, and meeting together. I hope you’ll join me for the journey –

Me from the Inside-out 🦋

This one is a real challenge (pun intended – lol) but don’t let it deter you from rising to the challenge of connecting with or helping someone in your church.

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

The Way of Peace and Unity

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Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17 / SOAP: verses 12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy,kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these  virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.

Colossians 3:12-14
Putting Off and Putting On

Paul has just been telling the believers of Colossae how they have been made new – through their faith in Jesus Christ – explaining how their life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-11). Now he points them to the way of peace and unity with others by instructing them how to live as chosen children of God. Having just informed that they are to put off anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander and filthy language – He now tells them what to put on in order that the peace of Christ might control their hearts. He says to put on … actually to clothe ourselves with these virtues:

  • a heart of mercy
  • kindness
  • humitlity
  • gentleness
  • and patience
  • making allowances for other’s faults
  • forgiving anyone who offends you
  • remembering that God forgave you
  • on top of all of these – LOVE
The Call of Christ

Living this way is the call of Christ on our life, it pleases God, and it will lead to peace and unity as we are united together as one. When this happens, not only will we know the joy of life in Christ (John 15:1-13) but we will be the salt and light that makes God known to the world (Matthew 5:1-16).

Response to God’s Word

Father, we aren’t meant to live alone – certainly we have been created for “community” – living, working, interacting with others. But admittedly, Father, this isn’t always easy in our own strength. So, please help us to put off the old and put on the new – showing mercy, loving and forgiving others even as You have forgiven us – being kind to each other – humble in attitude and actions – patiently bearing with one another and gentle in our responses, so that You might be glorified and we might live in peace. In Jesus’ Name and for the fullness of His Joy – to Your glory – Amen+

More at LGG

Don’t miss the Friday Blog Post at Love God Greatly

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

Meditate On It

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Based on Joshua 1:6-9

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Joshua 1:8 NLT

Father, You are good. You are good to encourage us with Your Word – good to guide us by It – to equip us and empower us with It. Blessed are we when we meditate in It day and night – that we may observe to do all that is written in It. For then will our way be made prosperous and we will, by It, have good success. – Yes Father God – You are good! 💜