Tag: hope

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Watch and Pray

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w5d5

Scripture: Our Road Map For the Journey / Luke 21 (SOAP: verses 34-36)

 “But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will overtake all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 NET

Observation and Application from the Journey

For the last five weeks, we have heard, in various ways, the reminder that Jesus is coming again. We have been warned to stay alert and to be ready. We have read words of excitement, hope, doom and gloom, warning, and victory. Today’s message is much the same.

The signs will be clear; the Kingdom of God is near! The question is, will we be so caught up in the world that we are too earthbound to grow excited about what and who is coming?

Today’s passage, specifically vs. 34-36, draws our attention once again to the warning to be alert but not just to the signs around us. Here, the disciples are warned not to become weighed down or caught up with the pleasures or worries of this life, allowing those things to blind them from the clear signs that God’s Kingdom is near.

He does not want them so consumed by the things of this world that they fail to pay attention to the signs of His coming kingdom.

Bibleref..com

Whenever and wherever in history we are found waiting for His return, Jesus makes it clear that His disciples are to: “Stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

With Christ, we will always have the hope of heaven, a hope that will one day be a reality for all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. –1

Prayer of response to the journey

Father, so much around us heightens our senses to the coming reality of Christ’s return. Help us not be so caught up with the world that we shrink back from the excitement that the Hope of Heaven brings. Help us not to tremble in fear or be weighed down with worries but to pray, as Jesus said, that we have the strength to escape all these things that must happen and to stand before Him. Put Your hedge of protection around us and fill us with Your peace that passes all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May we wait with patience, excitement, and alertness to those around us who need to know JESUS, and may we be quick to share Him in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen and Amen!

The More We Know: side trails of the journey

Wisdom and Encouragement: “Being on guard is something we must do actively and purposefully. We must intentionally fight back against the worries we face in this life by bringing our burdens to God in prayer, realizing that this world is not our home. Better days are ahead. Jesus could return at any time. The pains, tribulations, and worries of this life will not last forever. God has a plan, and nothing is out of His control.” LGG Journal entry, Come, Lord Jesus, Come p. 170

  1. LGG Journal entry, Come, Lord Jesus, Come p. 170 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Calvary Covered It All

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come, w5d2 / art work by LGG

Scripture: Our Roadmap for the Journey – 1 John 2:28-3:3 / SOAP 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 and Applications from the Journey

For those of us with a less than perfect past – after receiving Christ – standing before Him with confidence and not shrinking back in shame when He returns, may seem a bit daunting or even impossible. However, reading the fuller passage, specifically verses 28-29 and 3:3 – I found hope in John’s words. Specifically, John’s encouragement that those who live more and more like Christ in this world can look for the return of Christ with HOPE rather than shame and fear of the future judgment.

When we are walking close to Christ, life will be different. We will live different from the world, we will look and sound more like Christ than the world. Acts of kindness, gentleness, and patience will simply be part of who we are. Peace will overcome fears, Joy will overcome sorrows, love will overcome hate, and we will look forward with great anticipation to Jesus’ return.

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

Romans 8:1. NET

Living like Christ, walking in a close relationship with Him and the Father, builds our confidence that we truly belong to Him and that both our salvation and relationship are solid – meaning we have nothing to be ashamed of, because as Paul said, there is no condemnation for those who “are in Christ Jesus.”

This promised security doesn’t mean we are to sit back and chill while we wait. We are to be living out our faith by practicing righteousness, for then we will be light and salt to the world around us. Some will hate us for it but others will be drawn to the light and hopefully come to know the Savior like we do.

 So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17. NET
Prayer: A Response to our Journey

Father, may we heed John’s word and remain in Christ, practicing righteousness and living and loving others as Christ loves us. May we not waiver in our FAITH that Jesus, covered all of our sin and shame at calvary, When we are walking close to Christ, life will be different. Help us to faithfully live different from the world, to look and sound more like Christ than the world. When the world sees us may they see peace overcoming fears, joy overcoming sorrows, love overcoming hate, and may they see us looking forward to Jesus’ return with unwavering faith and hope. – In the Jesus’ name I pray – amen and amen.

The More We Know: Side Trails of the Journey

It should be noted that remaining, or “abiding in Christ as taught in 1 John 2:5–6, is synonymous with “knowing” Christ (verses 2 and 3). Later in the same chapter, John equates “remaining” in the Father and the Son with having the promise of eternal life (verses 24 and 25). Biblically, “abiding in,” “remaining in,” and “knowing” Christ are references to the same thing: salvation.” Quotes from Gotquestions.org1

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Be About the Master’s Business

Posted on by
Scripture for the Journey: Mark 13:32-37 / SOAP: 37

What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!” Mark 13:37 NET

Observation and Application for the journey

Have you found yourself longing more and more for the return of Christ? Do local or social media about world events escalate anxious thoughts and heighten your desire for His return to be sooner rather than later? I know it has mine. Come, Lord Jesus, Come is certainly on my lips more frequently these days than ever before. Surprisingly, for me, the prayer isn’t provoked by fear of mounting dangers and disasters but by sorrow and weariness of what is the acceptable, if not expected and even demanded, ways of this world. But, to borrow a few words from the prophet Jeremiah: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope” – this world is not my home, I’m only passing through. I’m a stranger and alien here with a message of hope to share with others who do not know The Way, so they may go where I am going; and so those who know The Way may be equipped and encouraged to keep going in the right direction.

This isn’t a task given only to me; it is the assignment Jesus has given to each of His disciples. Yes, everyone who has trusted Him as their Savior has been commissioned to “go and make disciples,” introducing the Messiah to the lost and dying world around us. However, we must also remember that we are to encourage one another, a.k.a. other believers, daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of us may be hardened by sin and turn away from God.

The New Testament is filled with letters written by Paul and others to the various churches/believers who were struggling with various aspects of the Christian faith, some of whom were starting to walk contrary to the faith. Their messages were meant to help the believers understand the faith and to walk faithfully with God. Friends, I can testify to the importance of both the one who shares the WAY of hope and the one who encourages a wayward or struggling believer with the TRUTH, which is able to guide us back to God. Without the first, I would still be lost and dying in my sins; and without the second, I would still be out of fellowship with God, struggling in the pit of sin and despair – naming His Name but living like the world.

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God

Hebrews 3:13 NLT

We do not know the day or hour, but we do know the WAY and the TRUTH – so let’s let our lights shine out in this dark world as we wait, staying alert and eagerly anticipating the day of His return.

“Get busy with the work God has given us by reaching the world and our neighbors with the gospel. At the same time, we do not store up our treasures here on earth because we know that this world will not last. Our days are precious and time is short, so we keep our eyes heavenward as our hands stay busy. We share Christ and the reason for our hope with those in our lives. We stand firm in God’s Word even in the midst of persecutions. We remember that no matter how dark our world gets, Jesus promised that He will be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). – the LGG Journal entry for Come, Lord Jesus, Come p148

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, how good You have been to save us by Your grace1 and free us from the law of sin and death2; and to promise us an eternity with You in Heaven3. We are most blessed. So, help us to be about our Master’s business as we wait on His return, help us to stay alert – alert to those4 around us who have not placed their faith in You and will be condemned,5 and may we be ready with an answer for the hope that is within us. Help us also have eyes to see those believers who are struggling and lift them up both in prayer and through words of encouragement that lead them back to You. Remind them, Father, that they do not have to settle for just a place in Your heaven, but they have been given the gift of a relationship with You now. Mold us, make us, use us, Lord – as we wait. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

The More We Know

If you would like to know more about Heaven and how you can share in the hope of eternity please read Know These Truths.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

As We Wait

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w4d2

Scripture/Today’s roadmap: Titus 2:11-15 / Soap: verse 13

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. – Titus 2:11-15. NLT

What a great passage of Scripture to not only study – but to keep in mind as we wait for Jesus’ much anticipated and desired return. Remember, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and ‘training’ in righteousness. So that, the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good deed.” This means that what Paul is teaching to Titus through this letter is also important to us – namely that – as we wait, we are to live as the ‘New Creations’ we have been created to be, and encourage others with the same message.

As we wait … we are to live as the new creations we have been created to be – free, godly, self-controlled, hope-filled, committed/eager to do good; pleasing Him and boldly encouraging others to do the same.

from the Insideout 🦋

According to Ephesians 2;8, we are saved by grace through faith and not by works. So, when we read Paul’s words to Titus, that the grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all people, we understand that “the grace” is referring to Christ. We find validity in this truth, when we remember John’s well known and powerful message, that says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”

At the top of my life-verses list is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which teaches that when anyone comes to Christ through FAITH they become a new creation,🦋 or as I like to say – they are changed from the inside out. Paul says, the old has gone the NEW has come.🦋 I love knowing that God replaced the old sinful nature with a NEW one, through the gift and presence of His Spirt – who fills us up from the inside out – training/teaching and reminding us of all that Jesus taught.1 2 When we live by the Spirit we will begin to act, talk, and think differently. We will look, sound, and react less and less like ourselves and more and more like Jesus; we will remember that the purpose of His death was not for our pleasure but rather to set us free and purify us for Himself; and this, as in all things Christ did, was so that God might be glorified (made-known).

The More We Know: Side-trails of the Journey

Our chief end is to glorify God…

https://www.gotquestions.org/glorify-God.html

What does it mean to glorify God?

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Spirit

By Faith

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w3d1

Scripture: Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5 / SOAP: Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 NET

Observations and Applications for the Journey

Several things caught my attention in our passages; not the least of which was the fact that Enoch1 was taken up so that he did not see death.2 I was also drawn in by the possibility that he was sixty-five when he began his walk with God, or at least started faithfully walking with God. Some translations, like the KJV and NET, record that “After he became the father of Methuselah at the age of 65, Enoch walked with God.” However, some, such as the NIV, do translate it as: “After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God -” Please note that my curiosity about this statement wasn’t doubting that older people can be saved, but that for some reason the Bible makes a distinction that “after” he became the father of Methuselah he walked (faithfully) with God. Whether Enoch was sixty-five or younger when he became a man of faith doesn’t really matter here, but knowing and having heard many say, ‘I’m too old to become a believer’ or ‘I’m too stuck in my ways…’, gives me/us hopeful encouragement to offer those who are older and have not yet received Christ.

The second thing that came to mind was the heartbreaking thought that God must look at our world and see the same thing (or worse) as He did in the days of Noah, who, by the way, was a descendant of Enoch. Consider for yourself the record in Genesis: “in the days of Noah, the Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind had become great on the earth. Every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time.” I don’t mean to change our focus from Enoch to Noah, but bear with me for a minute and consider not just what God saw but how it made Him feel, as the author of Genesis goes on to describe: “The Lord regretted that he had made humankind on the earth, and he was highly offended.” So offended was He that the Lord said, “I will wipe humankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—everything from humankind to animals, including creatures that move on the ground and birds of the air, for I regret that I have made them.” But please do not miss the next words because they will forever bring hope to us and our lost and dying world: “Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”

“Noah found favor in the sight of the LORD.”

Genesis 6:8

So here we are in this world, much like, if not worse than, Noah’s day. Surely, few, if any, would disagree that we live in a world filled with wickedness, where every inclination of the thoughts of man’s mind always seems evil. Leaving no room to wonder why we are encouraged to search the Scriptures for hope and cry out – Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Friends, a strong and resilient faith, not just the faith that leads to salvation but the faith that keeps us standing in the midst of the storms and temptations of this life, is essential to our walk with God. This is especially true in a world filled with evil, like ours – enticing us toward ungodly living or striking fear in our hearts – and/or shaking our faith. This, at least in part, is the reason for Paul teaching the church of Ephesus and all other disciples who would read his letter to put on the armor of our faith, the armor of God.3 For we certainly do not have a chance of standing, let alone walking faithfully with God if we are not suited up with His armor – including, the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one who rules this dark world.4

Prayer – Our Heart’s Response to the journey

Father, Thank You for Your Word from beginning to end, from Genesis, where we read of Enoch and Noah and others of the faith, to Revelation, where we read of Your Son’s impending return. From beginning to end, it fills us with HOPE and imparts both saving and staying FAITH to our hearts and minds. Please help us live faithfully in this world of wickedness that is saturated with every evil inclination. Father, we can only stand firm with Your help and effectively do the work You have called us to do when we live and look like Jesus instead of the world. Help us, like Enoch, to walk faithfully with You, our God, until You call us home! – Amen! In the name of Jesus – the pioneer and example of our faith – so let it be!

Reflection on the Journey

How did Enoch’s life please God? What does this teach us about how we should live our lives?

The More We Know: Side trails for the Journey
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

A Faith that Requires Courage

Posted on by

Based on the study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come – by Love God Greatly / w2d1/ Image by LGG

Scripture: John 14:1-4 (3)

“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. 3 And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. 4 And you know the way where I am going.”

Observations and Reminders from the Journey

Jesus Himself was, at times, distressed. “intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed “(Jn 11:33 and 12:27)

The term dwelling place in verse two, which is often translated “mansions” carries with it the reassurance that in the family of God there is room for all who believe.1

Christian living, or living and loving like Jesus, is to be the outward expression of our faith. Make no mistake this godly faith requires both discipline and courage. We are not called to paint on a smile and live the pretense that our lives are all sunshine and roses and free of trouble(s). We are called, however, to not let the troubles of this world weigh us down or deter us from our faith and God’s calling on our life. Instead we are to give them to God (Phil 4:6-7) because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7); we are to trust that He is not only working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose but that He is also using the troubles as opportunities to enrich our faith, (Rom 8:28-29; James 1:1-2). We are to fix our eyes on Jesus and fight the good fight – in other words stay alert, don’t turn away or fall prey to the false teachings and tactics of the antichrists meant to slay our faith. It will be a battle at times but it is a fight that, as Paul pointed out to Timothy, leads to the eternal life to which we were called, (1 Tim 1:18). It is the hope of our faith.

Life is hard, obedience is hard – loving our enemy is hard, being kind, bridling the tongue, and not demanding our own way are all difficult challenges. Difficult times are upon us, outrageous and heinous sin is everywhere, false teachings, and ‘live as you please attitudes’ aren’t relegated to the world but are in the ‘church‘ as well – making it difficult to tell the saved from the unsaved. This is exactly what we heard/read from Luke, John, Peter, and Paul last week and again today from John. It is undoubtedly daunting and seeming hopeless which is why we must not lose. sight of the TRUTH. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith Who has given us reason to HOPE. Through Him we have seen that our God is faithful and present with us. He will strengthen us and help us and He will hold us up with His victorious right hand! His Word is forever a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path and It is an arsenal of truth and power enabling us to stand firm against all who would/will try to lead us astray.

Notes From the Journey
A Prayer for the Journey

Father, when our hearts are troubled or distressed help us to set our eyes on You and on Jesus, our Savior, so that we are brave and courageous. Help us not to shrink back under trials or to walk away from You when things are difficult or not going the way we hoped. Help us to know the Truths from Your Word so that we are not led away from You by false teaching or the world’s temptations. Thank You that Jesus is preparing a place for us there where You are, Thank you that He will – one day – come again and take us to be with Him. We have been taught that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to You, except through Him. Thank You for the Hope that is ours because of Your grace and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Thank You that while the battles on this earth and the lies of the enemy will be many we can live courageously knowing the victory is ours through Christ! -Hallelujah and amen!

Reflection for the Journey

As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!” What or who have you place your faith in? If it isn’t Jesus, I would love to introduce you to HIm. Please take a minute to click on the link “Know These Truths.” If you have any questions please message me at mryelnb@aol.com – with the subject line ‘Know these truths.”

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Stay the Course

Posted on by

Based on the study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come – by Love God Greatly / w1d45/ Image by LGG

Scripture:1 John 2:18-19

Children, it is the last hour, and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. We know from this that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us, because if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But they went out from us to demonstrate that all of them do not belong to us.

1 John 2:18-19

borrowed and posted from the Journal, Come, Lord Jesus, Come (P50)


There are so many reasons why it is important to read God’s Word for yourself and not rely on only what others claim it says, even well-known or well-trusted preachers or teachers. God’s Word helps you get to know God better. It helps you know His heart, His forgiveness, and the lengths
to which He has gone to redeem you from your sin.

Reading and knowing God’s Word also protects you from being deceived by false teachers, preachers, and modern-day antichrists—anyone who is against the teachings of Jesus Christ. From the time Jesus left to the moment He returns, there will always be antichrists, those who are against Christ and everything He stands for. But in the last hour, the antichrist of all antichrists will appear on the world scene. Again, as we move closer and closer to these events, don’t get discouraged. But realize that even in this, God is in control. As that last hour approaches, don’t be surprised when friends you thought were Christians suddenly turn away from Christ and travel down another path.

I know the pain when a dear friend, someone you love and who you honestly thought was saved, ends up turning away and denying Christ. I’ve felt that heartbreak, shock, and betrayal. But when friends and family decide to turn away and choose another “enlightened path,” pray for them, but don’t let them discourage you. More and more people will turn away from Christ as His return gets closer and closer. Stay the course and remain faithful. Pray that your heart will remain tender
and not hardened as you persevere. Don’t give up hope, and continue to live for Christ as you eagerly await His arrival.

Dear Lord, create in me a hunger for Your Word. Help me know it so well that I can immediately detect false teaching. Lord, I pray for those who have been deceived and for their salvation. Help them to repent and turn back to You. Until then, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Watching And Waiting

Posted on by

Based on the study, Come Lord Jesus, Come – by Love God Greatly / w1d2 / Image by LGG

Scripture: Luke 17:26-37 (SOAP: 26-27)

26 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 27 In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— 29 until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day a person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return home. 32 Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! 33 If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. 34 That night two people will be asleep in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. 35 Two women will be grinding flour together at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.”

37 “Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked.

Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.”

Friends, the truth is clearly stated… Destruction is coming! For far too many people this is a warning of doom and gloom; but to those who are in Christ Jesus,1 it is a message of promise and eternal hope! Blessed be the name and salvation of our God and Savor Jesus Christ, who was and is and is to come!

PRAYER

Father, help us be found faithfully watching and waiting, looking above – filled with Your mercy and lost in Your love. Open our eyes and ears with an awareness of those who need You. Move our hearts with compassion for the lost, and let us speak with conviction and pray diligently with passion. Let this be the story that is on our lips – that Jesus is coming again and those who are His will be saved from the destruction that is promised to come to those who have not called upon the name of the Lord.2 And, to borrow from the prayer of the Love God Greatly writer, I pray Your Spirit will help us to “pause and take time to pray for our loved ones who do not know You. Please, Lord, open their hearts to You. I pray for salvation for all those in our lives who have not accepted Your free gift of salvation. Please, Lord, use us in their lives to help them see You better. Our lives are Yours, dear Jesus. Use us powerfully to help more people accept You as their Lord and Savior as we daily pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know

What do we need to know about the vulture and the corpse? Watching for the signs

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Way Of Hope

Posted on by

Based on the study, Come Lord Jesus, Come – by Love God Greatly / w1d1 / Image by LGG

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3

But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 5 They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. 6 For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. 7 Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth. 9 But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

Continue in What You Have Learned

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 11 as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. 12 Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. 14 You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3 (NET)

The world we live in today sounds vaguely familiar to the description we find in verses 1-5 of our passage today. Let’s read them again:

,,, They will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 5 They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power.

2 Timothy 3. NET

While Paul wrote the letter to Timothy, the truthful reality of it today, can be quite an overwhelming source of hopelessness; but keep reading and notice how Paul points Timothy and all disciples of Jesus to the way of hope.

Paul uses godly instruction, wisdom, encouragement, and wonderful examples that encourage us to live it all out in the very world of hopelessness he described earlier. How do we do that? We aren’t to shrink back simply because of the difficult challenges and ungodly, situations we face in the world around us. Instead, we are to seek God and press into His Word. We are to follow the teachings of Paul, who followed the teachings of Jesus – which points us to God’s Word that fills us with a hope that can only be found through a living faith in Christ Jesus. However, make no mistake – Paul warns, those who choose to follow the teachings of Jesus will surely face persecution — yet even in this, we have the hope that God will deliver us – just as He did Paul and those who have gone before us.

Despite the promise of persecution, there is “exciting news” as the devotion in the Love God Greatly journal for this study points out: “We can take comfort in the truth “that each day we live is one day closer to Christ’s return, and knowing this should motivate us to make every day count for eternity. When you look around and see people in your world becoming more and more like the people described in today’s verses, don’t allow discouragement to seize your mind. Instead, take heart. On those days when everyone in your world seems to want you to live as they do, cry out to Jesus, and ask Him to give you the courage to live in a manner that gives Him glory.”

The writer of the devotion goes on to say,

“Don’t get discouraged as the days get darker before Christ’s return. Instead, live with anticipation as you see the time getting closer and closer. Never forget that Jesus promised right before He returned to heaven that He would never leave us. He is with you. You are not alone, and God is watching over your life right now. Make the most of the opportunities He has given you, and do not get discouraged. This world may seem out of control, but remember, God is more powerful than anything in this world, and this world still submits to His ultimate control.:1

PRAYER

Father despite the reminder that our world must get like Paul described before You return, I take comfort in knowing that You are in complete and perfect control of this world and our lives. Please help us to be brave in these last days. Help us live each day with a greater purpose and urgency, to make You known, until Your return. Until that day, we will continue to pray – come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know

Don’t miss today’s Love God Greatly’s Monday blog post

  1. Today’s quotes are from pg 34 of Come Lord Jesus, Come, a love God Greatly Study ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Off The Beaten Path –

Posted on by
Day 5 – Celebration of Life Prayer 2.0

I posted this little blog on my 57th birthday five years ago. It was actually a prayer and one of the first prayer posts I shared under the category of “God is Good.” I have updated it to reflect my most recent birthday and share it here with you as a segue to the guest post by Ann Voskamp.

Celebration of Life / an edited post of July 20, 2019

God, you are good! You have blessed me with 62 years of life🎉 This number represents more than years of life. For it is also a reminder that …

  • through FAITH in Jesus Christ, I have known you as my God for 56 years – and
  • 35 years ago, You brought me to a fuller understanding of Your marvelous grace, which profoundly and forever changed my life1 – and
  • Since then,  I have been GROWING in the knowledge of Your grace and of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ ❤️ in the nurture and admonition of Your amazing, never-failing LOVE!

So, while I celebrate my birthday and am deeply grateful for another year of life – my greater celebration is in You!

  • I bow in worship and celebrate who You are and that You made Yourself known to me!
  • I bless and celebrate Your Name – Name above all Names –
  • I celebrate being adopted into Your family and known as a child of God!
  • I praise and celebrate You for all that You have done for me throughout these 62 years – You’ve protected, provided, and shown me Your kindness, love, and compassion. You’ve rescued me from pits of destruction and walked with me through countless valleys, and not once have You left me on my own —so I celebrate You and the day of my salvation 56 years ago!
  • again and again I praise and celebrate You for Your mercy and pursuit of this wayward lamb
  • and I celebrate the fuller understanding You have given me of Your life-changing grace and Your faithfulness to grow me up in the nurture and admonition of Your Love over the past 35 years!

When I was writing this post five years ago – a song from decades ago started playing in my mind – And will be my song of celebration every year of my life – not just for my celebration of years but even more for my celebration of life in Christ! 🎶

Listen to my birthday song. Then, I invite (and encourage)you to visit the link to Ann Voskamp’s blog. It is a wonderful musing of ideas and encouragement about God’s grace and the change that comes from knowing and embracing Him, the God who doesn’t change and can do the impossible.

Change is possible, when you embrace the God who doesn’t change and can do the impossible.

Ann VosKamp

The post is long but well worth the read – even if you read some today and some tomorrow …. How to Have a Better Second Half of Your Life

photo credits/Ann Voskamp

Clock - it's never too late