Tag: blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Pray to Abide in Christ (1.0)

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The Importance of Prayer, A Love God Greatly Study – w2d5
Read: John 15:1-8; SOAP: John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remain in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

John 15:5

I believe it is important to grasp the whole vine and gardener analogy to truly appreciate and rightly apply the message of verse 5.

In verses 1-4

  • Jesus likens Himself to a vine and God to a gardener,
  • He says we are the branches.
  • Some branches will be “taken away” and some “will be pruned”.
    • It is vital that we stay focused on the analogy of the vine, branches, and gardener and remember that in a real life gardening scenario some branches are already dead because they were never truly attached and viable, so they are thrown out. This is in no way teaching that believers will be cut away from Jesus.
  • The disciples would have understood the statement, “You are already clean” as a message from Christ that they were among those with a true saving faith. (see John 13:1-11)
  • Jesus teaches in verse 4 that if they remain or stay in Him/connect to Him then – in turn – He remains in them and they will produce spiritual fruit.

In verse 5, Jesus expands on what He’s already stated about Him being the vine and now makes it clear that we are the branches. Of course, this is just an analogy. Jesus isn’t truly a vine nor are we branches but it is a good illustration of how Jesus is the source of life for all who believe in HIm. Much like us working in our gardens, throwing away all the things that are dead and pruning our growing and viable plants and then enjoying the beautiful new blooms/growth in the weeks and months to come – Jesus teaches, when the branches are pruned – they will bear more “fruit”, bearing evidence of God’s work in our lives. He also teaches, the one who remains (abides … stays) in Him bears much fruit. You see, our faith involves active participation and this produces much fruit. However, the ones who just hang close to the vine but do not actively participate or take nourishment from the vine (remember they were never truly connected to the vine) will be cut off and thrown into the fire. In the analogy. as the gardener, God knows which are which and tends to us (the branches) accordingly. Finally, don’t miss that it is a joint participation – requiring not only us abiding in Him but Him abiding in us – for apart from Him we can accomplish nothing.

Father – through Faith – I am attached to Jesus, and He abides in me. help me to produce fruit to Your glory.

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The Sermon on the Mount

5 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
    for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
    for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
    for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
    for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Matthew begins chronicling the events that transpired after the crowds began following Jesus. The crowds were still growing and would have included Jews and gentiles, curiosity seekers and His disciples, both those whom He had personally called and those who were serious about following Him and learning from Him. While all who could hear Him may have listened, it was the ‘disciples’ that He spoke to.

His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

Matthew 5:1b-2

The lesson or lessons as it would seem, were long and would have given those listening much to consider. This first segment of the lessons, called the “Beatitudes” was a list of ways Jesus’ followers would be blessed by God. The word blessed here does not carry a connotation of being happy but rather of turning out well. In other words, when their attitudes lined up with these expressed qualities – which were basically expressions of what God desired – then the result would be good. They aren’t all easy or even easily understood but the message or lesson Christ was teaching was this: whether here on earth or in heaven with God the blessings of a godly life will be far greater than a life filled with worldly pleasures, ease, or convenience.

One other note ,that I believe is a good take-away for application, is profoundly yet simply this – As His disciples we must be faithful to gather around Him and listen to Him teach. This is the key to the blessings.

If you would like to know more about each of the ‘beatitudes’ you will find helpful information here. https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/5/Matthew-chapter-5.html – simply click on the verse you want to know more about.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time
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The Ministry of Jesus Begins

12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13 He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali,
    beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
    in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
    a light has shined.”

Isaiah 9:1-2

17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:12-17

So where do we focus our attention today?

  • John being arrested?
  • Jesus hearing of the arrest and heading back to Galilee?
  • A prophesy fulfilled?
  • or – Jesus beginning His preaching ministry, with the message “repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of God is near? *note the message didn’t change, just the deliverer

I believe they must all be considered to gain the full impact of verse 17, where Jesus begins to preach. Clearly each event led to the next and was laced with the fingerprints of God’s perfect timing. John was sent as a messenger, to prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah whom he had baptized. The one of whom he said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” . Once Jesus entered the scene , John was well aware that his ministry was nearing its end and this, by the Gospel’s accounts, began with John’s arrest. The same is true of Jesus who, when He heard that John had been arrested, did not hurry to his aid but rather back to Galilee. Why? Because He knew the message John had been preaching – one of repentance and turning to God because the Kingdom of Heaven is near- had to continue; He also knew God’s intention was for Him to carry the news to the lost, which according to the prophecy of Isaiah would begin with the Gentiles in Galilee “where so many Gentiles lived“.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Luke 19:10

Both Jesus and John knew the Father’s plan was for Jesus to be exalted and they were committed to it. I do not suggest that John knew he would be arrested but simply that he understood things would be changing. He was yielded to God’s calling on his life, yielded to Christ increasing and him decreasing, but he continued to speak the truth in boldness, unapologetically preparing the way for the Lord. John’s message led him to prison and ultimately to his death. (Read the story) Jesus also knew and understood the Father’s plan – His timing, purpose, and the importance of the message – and He went in that direction. His commitment to the Father’s plan, like John’s, also led to His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

Wow! If we didn’t know the rest of the story we might be tempted to think – “if commitment to God means heartache and death – why commit?” The answer can be found throughout Scripture, such as in Jesus’ answer to the thief on the cross – “today you will be with me in paradise”, or in the promise and pledged love of God to give all who believe in Him eternal life, or even in the words of Jesus to the crowd when He explained that to be His disciple they had to give up their own way, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. If you think the first two requirements are harder than the last check out what Jesus had just told them about His life in verse 22 of Luke 9, “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.“  Following Christ may not be easy or desirous at times but as He told them at the conclusion of His discipleship requirements … the end result is LIFE.

“if you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

Luke 9:24

May we seek to know the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), His purpose for the world (John 3:16-17), His call upon our life (Matt 28:18-20), and, like John and Jesus, may we be committed and yielded to follow accordingly.

MefromtheNsideout

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time
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The Ministry of Jesus Begins

12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13 He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali,
    beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
    in Galilee where so many Gentiles live,
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light.
And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,
    a light has shined.”

Isaiah 9:1-2

17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:12-17

So where do we focus our attention today?

  • John being arrested?
  • Jesus hearing of the arrest and heading back to Galilee?
  • A prophesy fulfilled?
  • or – Jesus beginning His preaching ministry, with the message “repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of God is near? *note the message didn’t change, just the deliverer

I believe they must all be considered to gain the full impact of verse 17, where Jesus begins to preach. Clearly each event led to the next and was laced with the fingerprints of God’s perfect timing. John was sent as a messenger, to prepare the way for the Lord, the Messiah whom he had baptized. The one of whom he said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” . Once Jesus entered the scene , John was well aware that his ministry was nearing its end and this, by the Gospel’s accounts, began with John’s arrest. The same is true of Jesus who, when He heard that John had been arrested, did not hurry to his aid but rather back to Galilee. Why? Because He knew the message John had been preaching – one of repentance and turning to God because the Kingdom of Heaven is near- had to continue; He also knew God’s intention was for Him to carry the news to the lost, which according to the prophecy of Isaiah would begin with the Gentiles in Galilee “where so many Gentiles lived“.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Luke 19:10

Both Jesus and John knew the Father’s plan was for Jesus to be exalted and they were committed to it. I do not suggest that John knew he would be arrested but simply that he understood things would be changing. He was yielded to God’s calling on his life, yielded to Christ increasing and him decreasing, but he continued to speak the truth in boldness, unapologetically preparing the way for the Lord. John’s message led him to prison and ultimately to his death. (Read the story) Jesus also knew and understood the Father’s plan – His timing, purpose, and the importance of the message – and He went in that direction. His commitment to the Father’s plan, like John’s, also led to His arrest and subsequent crucifixion.

Wow! If we didn’t know the rest of the story we might be tempted to think – “if commitment to God means heartache and death – why commit?” The answer can be found throughout Scripture, such as in Jesus’ answer to the thief on the cross – “today you will be with me in paradise”, or in the promise and pledged love of God to give all who believe in Him eternal life, or even in the words of Jesus to the crowd when He explained that to be His disciple they had to give up their own way, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. If you think the first two requirements are harder than the last check out what Jesus had just told them about His life in verse 22 of Luke 9, “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.“  Following Christ may not be easy or desirous at times but as He told them at the conclusion of His discipleship requirements … the end result is LIFE.

“if you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

Luke 9:24

May we seek to know the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), His purpose for the world (John 3:16-17), His call upon our life (Matt 28:18-20), and, like John and Jesus, may we be committed and yielded to follow accordingly.

MefromtheNsideout

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study
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Happy New Year’s Eve! I can’t wait to begin our new study, The Importance of Prayer, now available for purchase and scheduled to begin on January 17. Until then, I hope you will continue to join me here for daily verses meant to equip, encourage, and empower us with the Word of God. I look forward to growing with you in our faith, sharing with You what God is teaching me, and hearing what you’re learning and what He’s doing in your life. I recently read an article, The Most Wonderful Books on Earth, that has been the inspiration for where we will begin and maintain our focus in 2022. I will explain more in the days to come but reading the article will help you understand my heart as we begin reading through Matthew together on Monday. In the meantime, I have a huge favor to ask of each of you. Will you please join me today, tomorrow, and Sunday, in praying for:

  1. The growth of our group: It’s not about numbers for me, but rather about reaching more women with the Word of God, equipping, encouraging, and empowering them to know His love, live in His ways, and leave a trail of salt and light everywhere they go. (How: pray for and share this site with others you know, or simply share the daily posts on any of your social media. Invite others to join the group)
  2. The growth of you: a. In your faith – we all need to grow in our understanding and obedience to the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews taught that it is by constant use of God’s Word that we learn to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:11-14) … b. In your commitment and participation (as much as is possible)- (How? Checking in daily for the day’s passage, devotion and/or blog; sharing your observation, application, or a question you might have; sharing a prayer request or a word of encouragement – you never know how your words might encourage someone else …)
  3. Finally, for me. Please ask God to help me as I lead us on these journeys through the Word – that I might plan, prepare, schedule and communicate well and in a timely manner. Pray for the wisdom I need, that I might correctly explain the Word (2 Tim 2:15). Pray also for strength, joy, peace, and praise to be abundant in and through me. (Eph 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has *created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago and by which He is glorified … Matt 5:16 -In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. *[see also, 2 Cor 5:17]

From the bottom of my heart I thank you in advance for your prayers and for being partners with me in this journey and quest to not only study the Word but to Love God Greatly. 💜

Me – From the Inside-out

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Read: Luke 1:46-55 and Psalm 113; SOAP: Psalm 113:1-2

Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.

    Praise the name of the Lord!

Blessed be the name of the Lord

    now and forever.

Psalm 113:1-2

Reflection: It’s the last Friday of our Advent study, The greatest Gift Given, and it’s time to praise the Lord again. Is there something you can praise Him for today? Think back through the week – where did you see God’s fingerprints or hear HIs voice. What has He done that you know could only have been Him? Have you known peace in your heart or mind? Take some time to give God praise! Let’s end our study time together with some Praise for the Greatest Gift Ever!

I pray you have a wonderful Christmas celebration! Our Savior has arrived—the King of kings and Lord of lords! Our Redeemer has been born and we get to join with angels in heaven as we sing His praises. Before the gifts are opened, before the meals are shared, before the carols are sung, sing praise to God, for He alone is worthy.

Read the full devotional from the Love God Greatly Team

And don’t forget the blog

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Hoping in God’s Love

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From “The Greatest Gift Given” wk3d1 ( A Love God Greatly Study)

Read: Romans 5:1-11; SOAP: Romans 5:3-5

3Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

Reflection:

  • How does suffering produce endurance?
  • Have you experienced this in your life?

“Our hope has nothing to do with the titles we hold, the work we do, how often we volunteer, or how well-behaved our kids are.”

For the answer to our true hope read the full devotional

Don’t forget to check out today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

God’s Love Endures

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From: The Greatest Gift Ever, A Love God Greatly Advent Study

Read and SOAP Psalm 136:26

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 NLT
Reflection Question:
  • How can you give thanks to God for His love today?

Reading through Psalm 136 today gives us twenty-six reasons to give thanks to the Lord!

Read the full devotional to find out more

Don’t forget to read today’s blog