Tag: Christ

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

Changed From The Inside Out

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click on any of the images for a larger view –

I don’t always read the devos from the LGG Journals – and never before I do my own journaling because I don’t want their take on the Word to influence what God might want to show me. However, as I was looking over my soap journal for today, an entry I made days ago, I was curious to see if they included any thoughts about – “apart from Him I can do nothing”, and boy did they! While this first one wasn’t the first one I read – it seems to highlight this week’s theme, “Created for Community With God”.

“The fruitfulness of our lives is a direct result of our connection to Jesus, not anything we can do. The love that we show to others, the joy we experience, the peace in our hearts, and the kindness that we share, it is all because of what God is doing in our lives, and He deserves the credit.“

Not Made To Be Alone, an LGG Study – p42
Nuggets of Gold

The following are more quotes from the LGG devotional for day 3, week 1 of Not Made To Be Alone. I encourage you to read these slowly and then read them again. May the truth of them penetrate and influence our minds and hearts as we proceed not only through this study but through life and living in community with God and others

“Community is not one-sided. … God is with us, not because He is obligated to do so as our Creator, but because He loves us.”

Ok, so this next one is my favorite and may become my new tag-line on my blog page as it highlights the reason I chose the name of the blog –

*** “When we live in community with God, we are changed from the inside out.”

This last one is some wonderful and encouraging advice – that I pray the Spirit will help us to recall every day. Check out what happens when we remain with Him and depend on Him –> out of a close relationship with Him flows life. 🦋

“As long as we remain in Christ, we will bear much fruit. We must choose, each day, to remain with Him and depend on Him. And when we do, He is there for us. We choose, through [love and obedience], to grow close to Him, and out of that relationship flows life. Being in community with God helps us rely less on ourselves and more on Him.”

Journal Entries/thoughts From ME

It’s Wednesday – don’t forget to check out https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/ for today’s blog post

This song was shared by a Journey Through the Word group member yesterday – seemed fitting for today’s post as well – may it lead you to worship and seek and reciprocate God’s abiding presence –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

“He Sees, He Knows, He Cares”

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An Invitation for The Journey

You are invited to join me for this six-week journey through the Book of Luke. We will be using the Love God Greatly study, He Sees, He Knows, He Cares, Our journey will take us through Luke’s writings of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Our destination: The Empty Tomb!

Introduction

The Gospel of Luke offers a unique perspective of the life of Christ. Luke did not meet Jesus in person, yet he followed Him. Luke was a physician, an intellectual who was passionate about sharing all he could about Jesus with his friend Theophilus. Luke teaches about the humanity of Jesus, the Sonship of Jesus, and the care, concern, and power of Jesus.

This Gospel highlights a variety of events from Jesus’ life. The first two chapters emphasize the Old Testament promises of the coming Messiah. Luke 3:1—4:13 demonstrates that Jesus was and is the Messiah. Verses 4:14—9:50 show Jesus’ power, His teaching, and the way He cares for those in need. The conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership is the main focus of the next section (9:51—19:44), as Luke focuses on what true discipleship looks like and the cost of following Jesus. The final section, 19:45—24:53, describes the Passion of Christ and the events surrounding His death and resurrection.

Tradition has credited Luke with the authorship of this Gospel. As the only Gentile author of a New Testament book, Luke was a companion of Paul on some of his missionary journeys. Luke is also credited with authoring the Book of Acts, and it is assumed that the two books were written around the same time. Since the Book of Acts records Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, some scholars estimate that Acts was written sometime after A.D. 62. This dates the Gospel of Luke between A.D. 64 and A.D. 66. 

The Gospel of Luke encourages us to love God greatly because of its unique portrayal of Jesus’ life and ministry. Luke provided details of Jesus’ life that allow us to see His humanity and deity, displaying His great compassion for His people and His power over evil. We also see what it looks like to be a true disciple of Jesus and His unceasing pursuit of the lost.


LGG Team

Help Wanted

My mission is to encourage, equip, and empower others with the Word of God. Will you help me by sharing this post/link with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family – both saved and unsaved. and invite them to join us for the journey as we move toward Easter focusing on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. My prayer is that the saved will be brought closer, the wanderers will find their way out of the wilderness, and the lost will be saved! ME – from the Inside-out 🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Prayer for God’s Strength

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8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Have you ever wondered what Paul struggled with? Defined as a “thorn in his flesh”, one that was given purposefully to trouble him, and one meant to keep him from being arrogant. Ouch! Read the verses again, don’t miss how Paul handled the maddening trouble (7). Verse 8 says that on three different occasions he prayed – begging the Lord to take it away from him. Paul was both confident and persistent and yet the answer was continuously ‘no’. Why? Because God knew that the effect of the trouble would cause Paul to see his own weakness and depend on God’s strength. God’s plan was never for Paul, or us for that matter, to think of ourselves as self sufficient but rather to be dependent on God’s all-sufficient grace

Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me—so that I would not become arrogant.

2 Corinthians `12:7

When we see our own weaknesses and in turn realize the need for and sufficiency of our God, we will understand the futility of bragging about our strengths and instead we will find ourselves seeking God, trusting in Him, and praising Him. As Paul says, we will boast all the more about our weaknesses so that the power of Christ might be seen in us. To this end we should all live – that Christ be glorified in us.

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The Importance of Prayer

Pray Rejoicing In Hope

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Inspired by the – The Importance of Prayer, A LGG Bible Study- w3d1
Today’s Scripture: Romans 5:1-5; SOAP: 1-2

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have also obtained access into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance, character, and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 NET

3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:3

But the statement it was credited to him was not written only for Abraham’s sake, 24 but also for our sake, to whom it will be credited, those who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was given over because of our transgressions and was raised for the sake of our justification.

Romans 4:23-25

Is there anything more exciting than knowing we have been declared righteous by our faith? To truly understand the implication and the beauty of it, the unbelievable love behind it, and the truest meaning of God’s grace – it helps to read chapters 1-4 of Romans but specifically Romans 4:3, 23-25. I especially love verses 23-24, “But the statement it was credited to him was not written only for Abraham’s sake, but also for our sake, to whom it will be credited, those who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” But in context with our study on prayer, what does it all mean? How does it affect the way we pray? And, how does it produce a HOPE in which we can rejoice?

Why Can We Pray Rejoicing in HOPE?

Because, to name a few reasons …

  • Christ was given over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.(4:25)
  • We are DECLARED Righteous through faith in Christ. (3:24-25)
    • This declaration happens by grace through faith, not by works. (Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9)
  • We have peace with God, through the sinless blood of Christ. (5:1-2)
  • Which means we have access, or A WAY, [Jesus Christ, John 14:6] …
    • to enter into the presence of God
    • to stand in His Grace
    • to rejoice in the HOPE of God and all that is His

Faith is the victory! It is the key to the righteousness we must obtain through Christ to be made right with God and experience the hope of rejoicing in His glory! – The hope that does not disappoint, as we come to know the love of God that has been poured out into our hearts through His Holy Spirit, who He has given to us! It [faith] is the key to praying with HOPE and to rejoicing in our sufferings, and standing in His Grace!

Father, Than You for the HOPE that comes from knowing and believing in Your Son, Jesus! Thank for the RIGHTEOUSNESS that is ours through our Faith in Him, in His death and resurrection, for the victory that is ours through this FAITH, and for making a way where there was truly no other way. Thank You for Your GRACE that allows us to stand in Your presence and to REJOICE in the HOPE of Your GLORY but also in our sufferings because of the love You have poured into our hearts through Your Spirit! – Thank You in Jesus’ name, Amen –

Want More

Be sure and check out today’s LGG blog post for even more insight

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study, The Importance of Prayer

Devoted to Prayer

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The Importance of Prayer, A love God Greatly study – w1d1
Today’s Reading: Acts 2:42-47; SOAP: Acts 2:42

Welcome to Week 1, Day 1 of The newest study by Love God Greatly – “The Importance of Prayer”. Join me here M-F for commentary, links, and a place to grow in your faith and understanding of the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

According to one of the definitions I found for the word ‘devoted’, verse 42 could read – “the believers were given over to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” However, there was another definition for the word devoted that I truly love in regard to prayer. The definition is ‘very loving or loyal’, and when used in verse 42 would enhance the previous reading something like this – “The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

What a beautiful picture and basis for prayer – that we, as the followers of Christ, would be moved to pray, not only when we are in need, but out of loyalty to and love for Christ. We only have to read the rest of the passage to see the benefit of their devotion. As they gave themselves over to the teaching and the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and the prayers, Luke writes that “awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” They were dwelling in harmony with one another and caring for the needs of others, meeting together in the temple, “praising God and having favor with all the people.” And here’s perhaps the richest of the benefits – “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Certainly this is great reason to consider prayer and fellowship with believers vital to the work of God through us.

“The believers were devoted to Christ and given over, out of love and loyalty for Christ, to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Acts 2:42 my paraphrase
Reflections: Making it Personal

The early Christians devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

  • How do you think these four actions influenced their daily lives?
  • How can we live like this today?
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, help me to faithfully live devoted to Jesus – to His teachings, doing life with other believers, and to prayer. In this You will be glorified.

Don’t forget to check out today’s blog from the Love God Greatly Team

https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/
Posted in Advent, Bible study, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

Examining Your Heart

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A Love God Greatly Devotion from The God Who Restores, p 116

This devotion was written by the Love God Greatly Team as part of their 2022 Advent Study, The God Who Restores. It is a beautifully written ‘commentary’ on Micah 5:4; and great encouragement to the beginning of the final week before Christmas. May it be a blessing to lead you away from the hustle and bustle of the seasonal celebrations and rituals of Christmas; and may it spark a light that will draw your attention to the redemptive love, peace, mercy, joy and hope that God intended HIS gift of the Messiah to be.

borrowed from Love God Greatly, The God Who Restores p. 116 – Advent 2022
Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time
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OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS

TODAY’S READING: COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 (SOAP: V7)

According to Paul, true thankfulness seems to overflow, not from the circumstances of our life, but from the FAITH we have been taught and placed in CHRIST. When we allow that faith to grow and deepen “into Him” then it becomes unshakable and thankfulness abounds in spite of life’s circumstances. –


MefromtheNsideout –
YOUR TURN: HOW CAN YOU LET THE ROOTS OF YOUR FAITH GROW DEEP INTO JESUS? I invite you to share your answer in the comment bar
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time
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So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:1-4 ESV

In this portion of his letters to the Philippians believers Paul was encouraging them to live in unity with each other. So important was their unity that he equated it with completing his joy, as one who had mentored them in the faith. When believers are motivated by the same love, the love of Jesus Christ – when they are motivated by the same purpose or cause, salvation for those who are lost – when they are full of compassion and affection for each other …. when we think more about someone else more than we do ourselves – only then will there will be true joy in the midst of us all, and perhaps especially for those who are teaching or shepherding us in the faith. This type of unity won’t always be easy but Paul gives the perfect pattern for success as he encourages the believers to consider their attitude … namely, the same attitude of Christ (vs 5-8) who, though He was God, didn’t consider equality to God something to be grasped … instead He took on human flesh, and in the form of a servant He humbled Himself – even to the point to death on a cross +

Me, from the Inside-out💙

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout
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Jesus, I Need You

Scripture Reading: John 1:14-18; SOAP – John 15:5

Day 1 of “Jesus I Need You, part 1” A study by Thistlebend Ministries, as posted on Youversion

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 NLT
Observation: Of the Teaching:

Christ’s teaching that He is the “vine” is a well known and wonderful illustration of our need to stay close to Him. However, because it is so familiar, it is easy to gloss over, which means we would be wise to ask the Lord for fresh eyes to look closely at what there is to learn even from the most familiar passages. Let’s dissect it and see what reminders or perhaps even some new insight the Spirit (John 14:26) might lead us to in this reading.

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

In John 15:5, the following observations can be made:

  1. I [Christ] am the vine
    • Christ is the source of life
    • He became human and “made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14)
  2. You [disciples/followers] are the branches
    • His followers are dependent on Him for life, strength, wisdom …
  3. Those [disciples/followers] who remain [abide/stay – meaning they are truly engaged with Jesus rather than just in it for appearance sake]
    • 2 Cor 5:17 says: Therefore if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation the old has gone the new is here
    • Gal 2:20 says: I have been crucified with Christ therefore I no longer live, the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me
  4. And I [Christ] [abide/stay in them [disciples/followers]
  5. will produce [grow/develop] much fruit [evidence of new life]
    • Galatians 5:19-26 bears witness that followers of Christ will bear fruit when they live by the Spirit
  6. ‘but you [disciples/followers] cannot do this without me’
    • Paul emphasizes this truth in Philippians 4:13 with this antithesis – “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Application: How Then Should I Live?

Clearly, we are dependent on Jesus Christ and will only be healthy followers when we remain connected to Him – the Living Word. Abiding in Christ is both a privilege and a responsibility that is ours by Grace through Faith. It is vitally important that we realize this so that we do not neglect the responsibility nor forfeit the privilege by attempting to walk through this life in our own strength or according to our own desires.

LESS OF ME MORE OF CHRIST

This means we must SEEK and STRIVE to ABIDE in Christ and not be pulled away by the desires of the heart/flesh. We must be alert to the enemy’s tactics to steal, kill, and destroy. ABIDING IN CHRIST is our key weapon against our great enemy, the devil! The best formula for ABIDING is for there to be less of me and more of Christ. This happens when we saturate ourselves with Christ, the Word made flesh to dwell among us, John 1:14.

We must be alert to the enemy’s tactics to steal, kill, and destroy.

 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

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

Prayer: Response to the Word

Father, I praise You for sending Your only begotten Son – Jesus – The Living Word and Lover of my soul. So deep and lasting is His love that He gave His life for mine! Sadly, I so often crave other things more – forgive me for these times and work in me a discipline to never put anything before You – my Savior and my God. Thank You for Your faithfulness to love me, to forgive me, to abide in me, and to hear me when I call to You. Change my desires – lessen the hold this world and my flesh have on me. May there be less of me and more of You LORD -that Your glory may be known and seen in me! For Your glory, Amen –

Want more?

Visit Thistlebend Ministries for their encouraging devotional – Be sure and check-out what comes after their devotional! It’s a great and profitable way to go deeper in the Word.

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study
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Read: John 14:27-31; SOAP: John 14:27

Reflection: What does it mean that Christ has given you His peace? How is the peace that Christ gave us different than anything the world can offer?

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

“In His great mercy and wisdom, God continues to give us good and perfect gifts, not just for today, but for our future.” Read today’s full devotional