Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Faithful Followers

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Week 5, Day 2 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)When He Appears We May Have Confidence

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:28-3:3 (SOAP – 1 John 2:28)

 And now, little children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back.

1 John 2:28 NET

Observations

As believers, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, we are to be faithfully living as His followers. For John explains when our faith is proven genuine we will be able to stand before Jesus in confidence and not shame when He returns. For as Paul told the believers in Rome, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are ‘in‘ Christ Jesus.” And, as John goes on to say, in today’s passage, we have been clothed in His righteousness and are being purified (sanctified) to be like Him.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 NET

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

If we have placed our faith in Jesus, we must not treat it as simply a “stay out of hell” card, but we are to “abide in” Him, meaning we are to faithfully follow in or imitate His ways. We are to live and love like Jesus. Jesus set these parameters when He told the believers that they were to love others just has He had loved them, John 13:34. This standard of living is also set by Paul in both deed and word throughout the New Testament – Col 3:1-17; Gal 2:20; Phil 2:1-11; 1 Cor 11:1; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph. 4:22-24 and 5:1-2 to name a few. However, John says it the clearest of all in 1 John 2:6, when he said, “Whoever claims to live in [Jesus] must live as Jesus did.”

If we read through the rest of today’s passage we see this explained a little more when John mentions practicing righteousness (2:29), which is to say – practice the ways of Jesus, for apart from Him no one is righteous – not even one of us.

“There is no one righteous, not even one,
11 there is no one who understands,
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.”

Romans 3:10-12 NET

Prayer: Response To God’s Word

Father, help us to faithfully abide in Christ so that when He returns we will not shrink away in shame but stand in the confidence of His work on the cross for us. For You have promised that there is now no condemnation for those who have placed their faith in Him. Help us to imitate Him more and more so that others will see Him in us and You will be glorified. In His Name I pray – and trust – amen and amen!

Reflection: Your Turn

How are you choosing to abide in Christ today?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

A Message For Everyone

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Week 5, Day 1 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A study by Love God Greatly)
Today’s Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (SOAP – Mark 13:37)

What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Mark 13:37

Observations

vs. 32 [But as for that day]: The time of Jesus’ return is going to come but only the Father knows when.

vs. 33 [Watch out! Stay alert!] Jesus is warning that there is not time for a leisurely faith. Paul says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Like the faithful servants (Mark 13:34–36) or the bridal party waiting for the groom (Matthew 25:1–13), we can’t treat Jesus’ delay as permission to act ungodly (Matthew 24:48–51). (Bibleref.com on Mark 13:33)

vs. 35-36 [Stay alert … or else he might find you asleep when he returns]

“Jesus doesn’t just want His followers in the tribulation to be aware, He wants them to use that awareness to stay alive. During the tribulation, many, many Christ-followers will be hunted and killed by the Antichrist (Revelation 13:7; 17:6). But Jesus explains that they should still try to survive. In fact, they should pray for favorable conditions (Mark 13:18). He tells them to be aware of false teachers (Mark 13:5), run from impending violence (Mark 13:14), and keep a clear head (Mark 13:35). He also promises that the tribulation will not last long. If the tribulation saints can remember Jesus’ words, they will have a better chance of being “awake” when He returns.”

Bibleref.com on Mark 13:35-36

vs. 37 [to everyone] This conversation started with Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asking Jesus a question on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. They said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:3-5). Now, here in verse 37 Jesus is clarifying that His message to the four disciples, particularly about staying alert, was meant for everyone.

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

We are to be alert – awake to what is being said and what (prophecy) has been given – so that we don’t fall prey to false prophets of our day. This is not to say that we should be obsessed with the “end times” but simply alert to the messages and the events we here and see. Our efforts must not be in figuring out the day or hour but with sharing the message of the cross and the promise of eternity.

Prayer: Our Response to The Word

Father – the end times are a mystery. Clearly we are not meant to know the day or the hour of “that day” – but, we wait believing that it will come. Help us to be ready and to help others be ready by being alert to those around us who need the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name and power and for Your glory! – Amen!

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Be Patient and Courageous

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Week 4, Day 5 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) The Return Is Near

Scripture Reading: James 5:7-12(SOAP: James 5:7-8)

So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near.

James 5:7-8 NET

Observations – Past and Present

James spent the first six verses of this chapter speaking to unbelievers. He warned them about the judgement that was coming their way because of how they were treating the believers. Now, he speaks to the believers who were being treated harshly; he encourages them to be patient and strengthen their hearts (or to be courageous as translated in the NLT) as they wait on Jesus’ return. James wants them to remember that their reward of eternity with the Lord will be worth the wait.

I love that James doesn’t just say be patient but he guides them in their patience with an analogy of a farmer waiting for the rains to water his crops (7). He knows that their suffering will wear on them and warns of turning on one another (9). He points them to the prophets and to Job, those who had waited and suffered before them, reminding them that they had seen that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy (10-11). Then finally, and somewhat out of context with his other words of encouragement, he instructs them to make sure that they maintain trustworthy reputations so that when they speak their words and promises are trustworthy and require no oath to be sworn (12).

Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us?

As believers, if we truly are living for the Lord, we will suffer not only the normal troubles of this life but at the hands of unbelieving oppressors. Therefore, we must heed James’ warning and –

  • be patient
  • be courageous, standing firm despite who or what comes against us
  • not turn against one another in our anger or frustration
  • know and remember God’s Word and the examples of those who served and waited patiently and courageously in the midst of their suffering
  • finally, but above all, live above reproach or question – so that our yes is yes and your no is no1

1We might think of saying to someone, “I swear on a stack of Bibles that I’m not lying,” or “I swear on my mother’s grave that I’ll pay you next Thursday.” Jesus forbid Christians from doing this, and James confirmed that teaching. The issue appears to be about honesty. Truthfulness should be the absolute norm for those who trust in Christ. Our simple yes or no should be completely binding since deception is never an option for us. If an oath is required to convince someone of our honesty or intent to be faithful, it suggests we may not be known for telling the truth in other circumstances.

BibleRef.Com on James 5:12

Prayer – Response To God’s Word

Father, waiting isn’t easy and waiting on Your return is even more difficult! Strengthen us in our waiting – help us to be patient, as were the prophets and others, like Job, who have gone before us. And in this knowledge, may our hearts be courageous and firm in our faith as we wait on You. Let our minds be on You and the examples from Your Word rather than the chaos, confusion, and troubles that surround us. Finally Father, we live in a world where lying, manipulation, and questionable propaganda are the norm but if we are to be Your representatives we must be trusted. Help us live above reproach or question, so that people do not doubt our words. Let our yes be yes and our no be no – In Jesus’ name – Amen!

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:14-16  NLT
Your Turn – Reflections

How can we strengthen our hearts and live courageously while we wait on Jesus’ return? Why is this important?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

Immortal…Imperishable…Transformed

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Week 4, Day 4 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) – In The Blinking Of An Eye

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (SOAP: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NET

Observations of Transformation

Paul, talking to believers, grabs his listeners attention with – “Listen”, or “behold” as some translations write – either translation is meant to alert those listening that what he is about to say is important. Knowing that there are those who doubt the actual resurrection of the body he proceeds to “reveal to them the mystery” behind the resurrection. When Christ returns –

  • Dead or alive believers will be changed – transformed into a heavenly body, like Jesus (49)
  • Trumpets will sound and at the last sound
    • The dead will be raised ‘imperishable’, meaning they no longer have their earthly bodies but heavenly ones (see verse 49)
    • and those who are alive will likewise be changed from mortal to immortal, perishable to imperishable
  • And death will be swallowed up in victory!

 And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, let us also bear the image of the man of heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:49 NET

Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us

It means we have been given a wonderful promise of HOPE and eternity in a new and improved body. For we will be transformed from perishable to imperishable and from mortal to immortal. It means we can rejoice now as we look forward to what God has promised.

Prayer – Response To God’s Word

Father, thank You for the promise of eternity with You – a promise that is yes and amen in Jesus! Thank You that one day this mortal, perishable body will be changed into an imperishable, immortal one. – Help me to stand firm in this and not be shaken as I wait on You.

Your Turn: Reflections

What excites you the most when you think about getting a new imperishable body when Christ returns?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Be Ready –

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Taken, One Left Week 4, Day 3 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:22-37 (SOAP: Luke 17:34-35)

 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”

Luke 17:34-35 NET

Observations

The entire passage leads up to Jesus’ conversation with the disciples about the end times. In telling them that they would not know the day the day or hour, He used the comparison of “The days of Noah and the days of Sodom to make the point – “One will be taken and the other left” – which we find in our soap passage.

Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us

In regards to the soap passage, the obvious answer for this question is that we must be ready, so that whether we are in the field working or asleep in bed we will not be left behind. We must be prepared for His return, irregardless of when it occurs. I also think it is important to understand verse 33, where we read: “Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.” in other words, we must let go of the things, places, and people that bind us to this world. Or to put it in the words of Joshua, “choose this day whom you will serve”, Joshua 24:15.

Prayer – Response To God’s Word

Father, I don’t fully understand this passage, except that Jesus’ return is known only by You and that we (I) should not hold tightly to the things (people/places/things) of this world. Please help me to die to self daily, choosing You over the world – in Jesus’ mighty name!

Your Turn

What is one way that we can be ready for Christ?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Marvelous Grace

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Week 4, Day 2 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-15 (SOAP: Titus 2:13)

 – as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:13 NLT

Observations of Grace

Jesus came in the flesh bearing God’s grace to a world in need of salvation. He came not just to the Jews but to all people who, by faith, would believe in the One God had sent. His grace doesn’t just save but it trains and equips us to live in a manner pleasing to God and to wait patiently for His return. I love the vivid illustration in verse 14 that God, by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), not only gave His Son to save us (John 3:16) but Jesus gave Himself to set us free from the law of sin and death (Galatians 5:1; Romans 6:1-2 and 14-15) and to purify us for Himself. This passage makes it clear that He did it to specifically have a people who are surrendered to Him through faith and eager to do good because of the grace (unmerited favor of God) that was lavished on us through His life, death, and resurrection.

Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us

As we wait for Jesus to appear 1we are to reject godless ways and worldly desires. 2We are to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives 3keeping in mind that He gave Himself for our freedom and to purify us for Himself – so that we can 4live fully surrendered to Him and 5eagerly seek to do good. Like Titus, we are God’s chosen representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, so, 6we are to teach or urge others concerning these things being careful to not let others disregard, the message of Hope.

Prayer – Response To God’s Word

Father, thank You for the GRACE that is ours in Christ Jesus – for it is Your power to save us from our sin, to set us free and cleanse us, and to transform us – from slaves to sin to righteously clothed representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Colossians 3:17); and it is Your grace that sustains us while we wait. May we be faithful to share these truths with others – our lives a stirring testament to Your sustaining grace. May our devotion to Jesus and our eagerness to do good light the way for others and may the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe, and the lives we live inspire them to obey – rather than to disregard Your Truth. In the name and power of Jesus I pray and wait – AMEN!! (words in italics are from a song that came to mind as I prayed … Find Us Faithful, by Steve Green)

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Caught Up Together

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Week 4, Day 1 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study)

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (SOAP: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. 1Thessalonians 4:16-18 NET

Observations

  • the Lord will come down
  • there will be a shout of command
  • the trumpet of God will sound
  • the dead in Christ will rise first
  • those who are alive will be taken up with them
  • we will always be with the Lord
  • we are to encourage one another with these truths

Application – So, What Does This Mean For Us

The HOPE we cling to and the encouragement of our FAITH is that we will always be with the Lord! – Me, from the InsideOut

We are to encourage “one another” with the truth and the HOPE that whether we are dead or alive – Jesus is coming back for us and we will live with Him forever!

Prayer – Response To God’s Word

Father – thank You again and again for the HOPE of eternity with our Lord, forever in Your Presence! Yes Lord come for this is where I want to be – forever in Your Presence – Amen!

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good

Music From Heaven

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When I got in the car after leaving mom in her room at the rehab center where she is recovering from her broken femur and spinal injury, I sat for a moment in the silence of the dark night sky. Tears beckoned to fall again, prayers of praise were whispered for how well the conversation went – considering I had just told my mother that she isn’t going to be able to come home yet. I sat staring, hurting for my mother and missing my father and brothers, trying to pray – yet no words came – so I started the car and began the drive home in silence. After a difficult day of information and emotions – I chose to turn music on to drown out the fiery darts that were beginning to assault my mind with fears and worry and sorrow. Typically, when I press play my Spotify opens and begins playing the mix where I left off, but this time another app, one that I never use any more, actually one I’m not sure I’ve even seen before, opened and started in the middle of Lauren Daigle’s, “Trust In You”. I started to change it but realized the song was exactly what I needed to hear, as were all that followed it and serenaded me for the 25-minute car ride home, a complete playlist centered on trusting God, clearly this was His doing, It was what He knew I needed to hear, just as the quiet office day, and Angela’s words of encouragement, and Barbara’s aptly timed phone call, and all of the other text or messages throughout the day were what He knew I needed. I drove in tears and surrender as Heaven came down and His presence and peace not only filled my car but every essence of my being. Check it out and tell me if you don’t think this was a music interlude from heaven – I know it was the sweetest I’ve ever heard.

The first song picked up in the middle of “Trust in you”, by Lauren Daigle, I confess I hit replay on this one at least twice and sang and cried along with it, surrendering all of my apprehensions to what I know to be His perfect and loving control.

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want, Lord, and nothing less

When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

This was followed by “Amen”, by I Am They – The exact expression of my thoughts just moments before and so often over the past two weeks …

I have no words to say
Don’t know what I should pray
God, I need You
God, I need You
O Lord, my faith is tired
And tears fill up my eyes
But I will trust You, I will trust You

The next one was just a short stanza but what a beautiful reminder to “Turn [My] Eyes Upon Jesus”, by Hillsong

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Next up was, “I won’t be shaken”, by Building 429 and this needful phrase that is still playing in my mind –

I know You go before me
and I am not alone
This mountain rises higher
The way seems so unclear
But I know that You go with me
So I will never fear
I will trust in You

and finally, as I rounded the bend to home, “Carry Me”, by Josh Wilson started playing.

I try to catch my breath
It hasn’t happened yet
I’m wide awake in the middle of the night scared to death
So I prayed God, would You make this stop
Father please hold on to me, You’re all I’ve got

Carry me, carry me, carry me now
From my sinking sand to Your solid ground
The only way I’m ever gonna make it out
Is if You carry me, carry me, carry me now
God carry me, carry me, carry me now

Jesus calm my heart
Come near me please
Lord don’t let these worries get the best of me
Oh I believe, that You’re still here with me
Cause You meant what You said when You said You’d never leave

So carry me, carry me, carry me now
From my sinking sand to Your solid ground
The only way I’m ever gonna make it out
Is if You carry me, carry me, carry me now
God carry me, carry me, carry me now

Beautiful, right? They may not have been on my Spotify playlist before but, I can promise you, they are at the top of it now. Whatever caused that app to open, whatever caused those particular songs to play in that order – they were without question a blessing from God to me. I pray they will be a blessing to you as well, for regardless of what fills your life right now – mountain top experiences or valley deep trenches – trusting God is the key to walking by faith and not by sight and trusting God is the key to being light in the darkness around us.

Blessings – from the InsideOut

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

God All Victorious

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Two Witnesses – WEEK 3, DAY 5 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY)
TODAY’S READING: Revelation 11:1-14 (SOAP: Revelation 11:12)

12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them: “Come up here!” So the two prophets went up to heaven in a cloud while their enemies stared at them.

Revelation 11:12 NET
OBSERVATIONS

God gives authority to two witnesses to prophesy for 1260 days

They will be dressed in sackcloth, which implies one or all of these definitions: mourning, repentance, austerity (someone who has stripped down to the simplest essentials of his physical life), or poverty (either physical or spiritual)

At the end of their allotted days to witness they will be conquered by the beast and their bodies will be placed in the street as a victorious celebration of their death, for their message had tormented those who lived on the earth.

BUT GOD … after three and a half days causes them to stand on their feet bringing fear to all those who saw it. Then the witnesses were called up to heaven and ascended in a cloud while their enemies watched.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

I think the biggest take away for me from this passage is to trust God, even when it looks like evil or the troubles of this life have prevailed. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

While the “two witnesses” are specific to the day and time John writes about we should none-the-less be reminded and inspired to remain faithful and always live as His humble witnesses.

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Father, thank You for these glimpses of victory in the battles yet to come. Your triumph over evil and Your provision of witnesses among the people bring hope and encouragement to our days of waiting. Thank You for Your promise of rapturing us to be with You and for Your power over all the forces of evil! We wait and trust Father – in Jesus’ name and power amen!

YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, LGG Study

Jesus Will Come Back

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WEEK 3, DAY 4 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY)
TODAY’S READING: Acts 1:1-11; Hebrews 9:27-28 (SOAP: Hebrews 9:27-28)

27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, 28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.

Hebrews 9:27-28 NET
OBSERVATIONS
Many Convincing Proofs

While our focus verses come from Hebrews 9:27-28 I cannot help but make a few observations on the passage from Acts chapter 1. In large part it is a recap of Luke 24, where we read about being witnesses and waiting on the Holy Spirit. But there is one line that caught my attention, “He presented Himself alive with many convincing proofs.” It made me ask myself – ‘how has He presented Himself to me?’ To the apostles He appeared for more than forty days and spoke with them about matters of the kingdom, not to mention other proofs like inviting Thomas to reach out and touch where the nails had been in his hands and sides, telling him to “stop doubting and believe”. We may not have His visible appearance with us as the apostles did or be able to touch His nail scarred hands as Thomas did, but God’s Word is full of proofs and conversations about matters concerning the Kingdom of God. And, like the apostles, we have been given the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Personally, for me, it has been the awareness of His presence with me, or watching Him work in the life of a loved one, or the peace that comes in a storm of life or an engulfing fear, or the power of His Spirit in me when I know I have no strength of my own.

The Focus Passage

Like man – Jesus died once, and He did it to make atonement, or pay, for our sin. His sacrifice was so perfect that we have no need of another payment, or atonement. So when He returns it will not be to pay for our sins but to save all those who have trusted in Him from this dark sin-filled world.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

It means that I can know and trust that He is coming again and will take me out of this world to forever live with Him. To which I say – Hallelujah!! COME, LORD JESUS, COME!!

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Father, by faith I am saved! Because of Your grace through the atonement of Christ – the perfect, spotless lamb. And this same Jesus will return for me, for I am sealed with the Holy Spirit whom You gave me the moment I believed. I claim and praise You for Your promises in Jesus’ name – and wait with great expectation for His return – Amen and Amen!

YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS
  • How has Jesus presented Himself to you?
  • While you wait for Jesus’ return, what can you do today to help share Him with your neighbors and friends?