Tag: Community

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
More …

Don’t miss today’s LGG’s Blog Post

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

Prioritizing

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based on Not Made To Be Alone, an LGG Study / w4d1

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:34-40 / SOAP 37-39

Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39
Who and What’s Important?

Life isn’t about us. It is about God and loving others more than anything or anyone else. It is about obedience that flows from “TRUE” and unadulterated love for God and others. Jesus makes it crystal clear what priorities we are to place on self in His response to a question about which commandment was the greatest. Jesus exemplified this love for the Father in His ‘garden prayer to the Father’ when He prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.” And of course there is no greater example of His love for others than His selfless LOVE made evident by Him laying down His life for us on a sinner’s cross of shame.

Loving God and loving others is of the greatest importance to God

The Standard

Note the emphasis on the importance of these two commandments as written in our passage today–

  • One is the greatest
  • the second is like it
  • both involve love
  • both involve/require dying to self – laying self down
    • ie – loving like Jesus
      • – but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father – John 14:31
      • So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

More …

Don’t forget to visit LoveGodGreatly.com their Monday Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Living In Community, Not Made to Be Alone

Encouraging Others

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Based on Not Made to Be Alone, a Love God Greatly Study / w3d5

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25 / SOAP: Verses 24-25

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.


Hebrews 10:24-25
The Hope We Confess

Because Christ is who He is and since He did what He did, we – as believers, who by faith have had their hearts cleansed – should not only make a habit of drawing near to God – we should also “hold unwaveringly to the hope we confess – knowing the one who promised is trustworthy.

We must be intentional
  • taking the time to consider how we can encourage others. Note the clarification the author makes, we are to encourage each other specifically toward acts of love and good deeds.
  • be committed to the body of believers. Don’t stop or abandon regularly meeting together as a church community..
  • Be alert to “the day” that is coming and step up the encouragement as His return gets closer and closer
Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for Jesus, our great High Priest, who made a way for us to draw near You with confidence. Help us to truly hold tightly to the HOPE we have in Christ and to think about how to not just speak nice words but speak true words of encouragement, specifically toward love and good deeds. Amen and Amen in Jesus Name!

Want More?

Visit LoveGodGreatly. com for today’s blog post –

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

Living Like Jesus

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Today’s Reading: Romans 15:1-6 / SOAP: Romans 15:5

Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 

Romans 15:5
Scripture and observation

You may want some steal-toe shoes on before reading this. Seriously, Paul makes it clear that we must live ‘counter-cultural’. In other words, we must not live to please self, instead we must take time to consider how what we do and say will impact our ‘neighbors’. The bottom-line here is that we must live like Jesus.

How Do We Do This?

Learn to Know How Christ Lived

How do we live like this in a world that preaches and teaches and makes it more than easy to live for self? How do we live like Christ? First of all we have to learn to know how Christ lived and then choose to follow His example.

Paul gives us a glimpse of these examples in the passage today, but, I believe, what he wrote to the Philippians in chapter 2 says it best …

 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,

6  who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
—even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:6-8
Live Counter-Cultural

This kind of living is not only counter-cultural, it is difficult to the nth-degree. If it weren’t for God it would be impossible – truthfully apart from God there is no way hope for true and abiding unity. However, we must remember – “nothing is impossible with God” (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37) actually, Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13 that – through Christ we can do all things, and Peter teaches us that we have been given everything we need for living a godly life, (2 Peter 1:3-4). So, while we may not want to put others above ourselves, or love others as Christ has loved us – it is clearly how we are called to live when we put our faith and hope in Jesus. On top of that, God has equipped us to do it so that we are without excuse.

Depend on God

As Paul did here in Romans, writing “to all those loved by God in Rome, called to be saints” – we must also do – and that is pray. Pray for, ask God often, and depend on God – for the unity both in individual and corporate setting, such as church, families, work places, and neighborhoods. Again, it is impossible without Him but “we have this confidence before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will (and without a doubt unity is His will) He hears us and if we know that He hears us we know we have whatever we ask.”

The Goal

I don’t know about you, but whenever I set out to do something difficult it helps to have a goal that matters. When I broke my ankle and had to go to therapy morning after morning it not only meant getting up super early and enduring the pain that came with the therapy, but my goal was to walk again, to drive again, and to be free of that cast/boot. That motivation kept me going even when I didn’t want to – even if it was painful or seemed pointless. Paul clarifies in verse 6, the reason for what he has taught and prayed for, saying: “so that together you may with one voice, glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ“. The Bible says we were created for His glory and specifically here, the goal in our unity is first and foremost God’s glory. What a good and trustworthy motivation it is then to lay aside any self-centeredness or lack of consideration for the good of others and commit ourselves to live and love like Christ despite what it costs us.

Response to God’s Word: Prayer

Father God, only through You can or will we truly enjoy unity in the circles of our lives. Help us to let the attitude of Christ dwell in us – that we might be like-minded, having the same love, being in one spirit and of one mind. Guard us from acting out of selfish ambition or conceit – instead help us to value others above ourselves so that we look not only to our own interests but to that of others. Help us to have the same mindset of Christ, who being in very nature God did not consider equality with You something to be used to His own advantage, but made Himself nothing by taking on the nature of a servant – made in human likeness and humbling Himself to obedience – even death on a cross. Father, I know this doesn’t come easy – but we have hope in the knowledge that nothing is impossible with You! May Your glory be our goal and motivation. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

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, LGG Study

Friendship: Wk 5, Day 5 Friday Breaking Bread Together

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READ: ACTS 2:42-47 AND 20:7; SOAP: ACTS 2:46-47

Acts: 2:42-47 – NLT The Believers Form a Community

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

If the point of our meeting is merely to learn more about the Bible, then there is no reason for us to meet in person. Yet this account of the early church reminds us that there is something more significant about meeting together.  

Read the full LGG devotional

Acts 20:7 NLT – Paul’s Final Visit to Troas

On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight.

DON’T FORGET THE DAILY BLOG AT HTTPS://LOVEGODGREATLY.COM/LGG-BLOG/

Reflection Question: What things did the early church do to foster community?

Reply below with your thoughts on today’s question or SOAP
Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Friendship: Week 1, Day 2 — Created for Community

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Read: Genesis 2:18, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Matthew 18:20; SOAP Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Genesis 2:18 New Living Translation

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New Living Translation

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

This section of Ecclesiastes is on friendship, and it summarizes some of the beautiful benefits of living in community.

Read the full LGG devotional

Matthew 18:20 New Living Translation

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

My take on it … Feel free to share yours in the comment bar.