Tag: Jesus

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

Wholehearted Engagement

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w1d1

Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11 / SOAP: Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord and do what is right.
Settle in the land and maintain your integrity.
4 Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers.
5 Commit your future to the Lord.
Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.

Psalm 37:3-5

I love the profound yet simplistic passages like this. David, the Psalmist, uses the if this, then that process, which is very much how my brain works. He gives us four directives:

  1. Trust
  2.  Obey
  3.  Live, or as it means here – Abide ( which is defined by bibleref.com as – more than merely existing or surviving . It is wholehearted engagement! ) This wholehearted engagement most likely looks like what Moses taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and what Jesus Himself said summed up all of the commandments in Luke 10:27, namely – “You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.”
  4.  The fourth and final directive is, “Commit your future to the LORD.”

These directives are summed-up in verse 5, repeating where he started in verse 3 – “Trust in the LORD.” It is worth noting that unless you trust the LORD, the second, third, and fourth directives are unlikely to be done. When we trust – all the rest will follow, and we will find ourselves delighting in the LORD and seeing Him working in our lives.

The Psalmist says when we choose to live like this, not only will we take delight in the LORD, but that the LORD will answer our prayers and act on our behalf. What great motivation to trust and obey, to wholeheartedly engage as a faithful follower of Christ, and to commit our future to the LORD.

Prayer / Response to God’s Word

Father, You are worthy of our trust and obedience . We want to more than merely exist or survive – we desire to be wholeheartedly engaged with You and in Your work. Help us to faithfully abide in Your Son and find our delight in You.

Going Further

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

Let’s Worship
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Alive and Active

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Today’s Verse: Hebrews 4:12

When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer.

Hebrews 4:12

One of the ways I see God’s goodness is the way He uses His Word to guide us, teach us, and correct us. He equips us with the Word and fills us with peace, verse after verse encourages us and gives us hope. He uses His Word in so many ways in the lives of His children. He uses it as a light for those who have wandered away from His path – and as salvation for those who are lost.

Every word is living and filled with power. Every Word is trustworthy and true, providing strength for the weary and hurting and wisdom for the confused. It is food for our soul and healing for the broken. Without it we would be lost – both literally and figuratively.

Response to God’s Word

God thank You for Your living and Holy Word. May its light always be my guide and its power my strength! Help me to walk by them to talk of them morning, noon, and night – to use them faithfully to teach, to encourage, and to equip others til the whole world knows You and lives by every active Word You’ve spoken.

Ancient words ever true – changing me and changing you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4
Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Pursuit of His Presence

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TODAY’S VERSE: PSALM 42:1

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

Psalm 42:1

Chances are if I proclaimed to a crowd of believers – “God is Good” – the crowd would respond: “All the time!” – And to this I would respond with another – “God is Good”. Active followers of Jesus understand that God is good. We have tasted His goodness and seen it, and because of that we long for it, we search for it, we pursue it – even as a deer searches for water. He is our refuge, our source of strength, and refreshment when the way seems long and our minds and bodies grow weary. When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer. We can find no true hope or quenching of our soul except in God.

There are many ways we can seek Him, watching for His goodness and spending time in prayer are among my favorite ways – but oh how I love to sit with Him in His Word. For it is more than a book with words on a page – it is truly a living and active way to connect with Him. To sit in His presence fills me with joy and peace and leaves me wanting more. I pray it is the same for you. If not, or if you would like to know more about spending time with God – reach out to me in the comment section or via the email in my bio.

May your soul long for God and pursue Him all the days of your life. For there is no hope or quenching of our soul except in God –

Me – from the InsideOut🦋
Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Living While We Wait

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Today’s Verse: Isaiah 60:22

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.” Isaiah 60:22

Whether it is the result of a medical test, the birth of a baby, the answer to a job interview, or a pressing need not yet provided – waiting is difficult. For many of us, it is the most difficult part of life – as it causes anxiety to rise and holds us back from living while we wait.

Our verse today speaks hope to this anxiety and promise that graces us with the strength to go on living – despite the wait. Why? Because God knows when it is time for Him to act – and He will do so swiftly.

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ "our daily verse"
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The World-vs-Your Soul

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Today’s Verse: Mark 8:36

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Have you ever known someone that was never satisfied? You know, the person who seems to have everything going for them but they’re just never content. Their lack of satisfaction or contentment motivates them to grasp at the next best thing “the world” offers with the thought or the hope that “it” will make them happier. A better car… a bigger house… a better relationship…a better job… more money… more status… more accolades… more happiness… you get the picture. The list is endless and exhausting, and according to today’s verse – it can be dangerous.

Don’t get me wrong, none of these things in themselves are bad – but the danger comes when our motive is based on what the world offers or says is best rather than on the reality of what God has given us. For God has graciously gifted us with “life to the full”(John 3:16 and 10:10). This gift includes the Kingdom of Heaven and an eternity in paradise with Him! There is nothing better or anything in the world that can make our joy and contentment fuller than this. 

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Jesus – The Anchor of Our Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d5
Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:10-20 / SOAP: verses 19-20

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:19-20 NET

Last days of a study are always bittersweet for me. While I’m anxious to move on to the next adventure of our journey through God’s Word – I most often want to linger in the present adventure – soaking up more of the insight and wisdom in our current study. However, today’s final destination is such a perfect ending. We end on a grand note of encouragement that offers confidence in this and in everything we will study moving forward in the journeys still ahead of us.

I invite you to read the larger passage (Hebrews 6:10-20) and consider what a powerful message of enduring hope we have been given. –

Put together, these separate images create a powerful message of reassurance. Christ has “anchored” our hope of “refuge” in the very presence of God: the “inner place.” Prior verses pointed out the absolute and unchanging value of God’s promises.

Bibleref.com / Hebrews 6:19
Observations

This message is to believers / followers of Jesus Christ. The author says that we “have” this hope … indicating that it is a given rather than something we might have, can have, or will have someday.

When we choose to believe in Jesus Christ, we are anchored securely in the “very presence of God.”

The word hope has been mentioned over and over throughout our study and we have focused on many of its different aspects in Scripture. Today we end our study with the reminder and the truth of who “this hope” is.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. – Romans 6:9

And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. -1 John 2:25

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. –Colossians 2:15-16

God’s Word makes it clear that Jesus is our Anchor; and equally clear, that in the midst of life’s storms and trials our Anchor holds secure! Having cancelled our debt, through His death, Jesus is our trusted refuge and redeemer, our source of Truth and Righteousness – the HOPE of our faith – through whom we endure.

Jesus has anchored us – literally, placed us securely in God. We can have no greater hope than this. It is a hope that, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, will surely endure to the end.

To KNOW Jesus is to LOVE Him – to LOVE Him is to TRUST Him – and – to TRUST Him is to place our HOPE in Him.

Applications

I’ve read that sailors at sea intentionally fix their anchors out from the ship in a safe and secure location, and I believe that Scripture teaches that the same should be true of believers. We must intentionally fix our ‘anchor’, our hope, in Jesus who is seated in heaven at the right hand of God, the Father – rather than in this world or our circumstances. When our Hope is fixed in Jesus we will be more and more confident in the promises of our God.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Oh how I love Your Word God! How precious are its truths and the reminders of our sure and present Hope, namelyJesus. Thank You for all He did on our behalf – to secure us safely in You; and to give us confidence in Your promises – that are all yes and amen in Him, 2 Corinthians 1:20. There is truly no greater hope than this.

More for the Journey

Read more on today’s passage at the LGG Blog

What Does it Mean that We Have This Hope As An Anchor?

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Focus of Our Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d4

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7/ SOAP: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. 19 In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NET (click on the link to find your preferred translation)
Observations

It should be noted that Paul is giving instructions to Timothy about teaching wealthy believers how to live. That being said, the truth behind the teaching is good for all believers, wealthy or not. For every believer should put their hope in God and not worldly riches or possessions. Likewise, every believer is to do good and to share/give as generously as the Lord allows. And, in doing so – every believer is storing up for themselves treasures that truly matter and lead to what is “truly life”.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

The focus of our hope is vital to our endurance. This is made clear by Paul’s words to Timothy. He doesn’t just give instructions about not setting their hope on riches (things, desires, treasures) of this world that are “uncertain” – but he immediately follows up with the good and profitable focus of their hope, which was “on God”. The contrast of the focus is – one is uncertain and the other is not only a sure and trustworthy ‘hope’ but also one who “richly provides”. Paul says that God provides those who hope in Him “with all things – not just for necessity but “for enjoyment”. In-turn, as recipients of His rich provisions we are to imitate Him by “doing good” and not just being good through obedience – but “to be rich in good deeds and generous in giving and sharing with others.” By doing this we are storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven where that which is “truly life” – Jesus, the hope of eternity – awaits us.

Application

I’m a list maker by nature and this is definitely one of those times where a list is beneficial –

  • Do not set your hope on riches that are uncertain.
  • Do not be haughty [arrogantly superior and disdainful].
  • Set your hope on God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment.
    • Enjoy what He gives.
  • Do good.
  • Do an abundance of good deeds.
  • Give generously.
  • Share with others.
  • Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... as you endure with hope
Prayer, Response to God’s Word

Father, giver of life and light and all that is good I praise You. I hope in You and seek to please You and to what is good and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to not be haughty or to set my hope on riches, which are uncertain, but instead, let them be set on You – who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Help me to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be a generous giver who shares with others. For in this way I will save up a treasure that is a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life – that which is eternal life in Jesus Christ my Lord. – In His name I pray and trust – amen and amen!

More for the Journey

Today’s Scripture included a passage from Genesis chapter three. I have included the notes from my journal page on this passage. It always amazes me when such a familiar passage can seem so new and enlightening – but for me it was captivating. May we always be blessed by the Word of God – careful not to rush through it as though its a boring ‘rerun’. Rather, may we pray over it before reading, asking for fresh insight and understanding … and may we linger there so that we do not lose sight of it when we are finished.

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters

Endure Suffering …

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d3

Today’s Scripture: Romans 12 / SOAP: 12:2 and 12

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 12:2

Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 12:12

Romans 12:2 and 12
Observations

In verses nine through twenty-one, Paul basically makes a list of things that Christians should do, or ways they should live, in order to please God. He starts with the importance of love without pretense (9), and ends the list with instructions to not be overcome with evil but rather to overcome evil with good(21).

Verse twelve, the second of our SOAP / focus verses, is so important to our study that I wanted to share this Scripture ‘nugget’ I found by Bibleref.com – I encourage you to really take the time to carefully read through this explanation of “rejoicing in hope and enduring suffering,”as well as the role prayer plays in it all.

The first command to Christians is to rejoice in hope. Often, we resist instruction about what we should feel: that we should change our attitudes to be joyful. The idea here, though, is more about declaring ourselves as having reason for joy. It’s not a command to be happy, but to have the right perspective on our situation. We should agree with God that our hope is worth rejoicing over. What hope? Paul is referring to the hope of the redemption of our bodies and being united with our Father forever once our adoption is complete (Romans 8:23–24).

The next command is to be patient [endure] in tribulation or affliction. This becomes much easier if we are keeping the other two commands. Those who see their future worth celebrating and who pray to the Father continually will have a much easier time being [enduring] during hardship. Paul is not downplaying the genuine pain of those experiences. Life can be unpleasant, and not all moments are happy moments. Yet Paul has pointed out that the struggles of life on earth are not worth comparing with the glory to come (Romans 8:18). So, we wait with patience (Romans 8:25).

The final command of the verse also connects with Paul’s thoughts in Romans chapter 8. We’re commanded to be constant in prayer, or to keep praying continually. During any time of suffering, while waiting for what we’re hoping in, we should pray. Prayer brings a connection with our Father through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26–27). He hears, understands, and helps in response to even our clumsiest attempts to communicate with Him.

Keep in mind that none of this is possible without the transformation of our minds, which is the focus of verse two, our other SOAP verse. In a recent message by one of our pastors, this verse was explained as such: “God wants a transformation, meaning a continual moving toward God, and allowing Him to change and renew the way we think. However, prior to this transformation we must be intentional to guard ourselves from being “conformed to(or to copy the behavior of…) this world.” Pastor Yates went on to clarify that being conformed to the world involves a continual renunciation of God for the ways of the world.”

Application

Consider these applications found at Bibleref.com and from Pastor Yates’ sermon …

Bibleref – 12:2 / “…God may continue to provide us with pleasure, possessions, and status in various forms, but he urges us to learn how to look at life with a new question: What does God want for me? What is truly a good, acceptable, and perfect use of my life for His purposes and not just for my own?”

Pastor Yates –

“God wants a presentation” –

We are to …

  • be a living sacrifice
    • “a vehicle through which we serve Christ”
  • be set apart for God
    • to be holy as He is holy=====
  • be pleasing to God (Malachi 1:6-8_
    • “second best is not pleasing to God”
  • be a true worshiper
Prayer, Response to God’s Word

Father, Your Word is living and active and life-changing when we yield to Your instructions. Help us to faithfully present ourselves to You as living sacrifices … to live set apart for You, pleasing You by really loving others. Help us to hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is good, to work hard and serve You enthusiastically, being eager to show hospitality. Let us rejoice in the hope we have in You, patiently endure – even in our suffering, and to always keep praying. If we are persecuted may we bless our persecutor and not curse them – and may we even pray for them to know God’s blessing. Remind us to be happy with those who are happy, to weep with those who weep, and to live in peaceful harmony with all people – as much as is possible with You. Guard us from vengeance or paying back evil for evil, and in all of this may You be glorified – In Jesus’ Name – Amen!

 

Going Further

Enhance today’s reading with the LGG Blog Post

More on Romans 12

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:12

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

True Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d2

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 62 / SOAP: 62:5-8

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. 

Psalm 62:5-8 NLT [for your preferred translation click on the Scripture link above]
Observations

God is worth waiting on, for real hope comes only from Him. He alone is our protector, deliverer, and refuge. Because of Him – I am not “shaken” when troubles come.

God is the only one who gives me hope.

ak
Application

When I am in danger, whether from earthly forces or spiritual, He is my protector. I can trust in Him.

When I am threatened or afraid, I can hide myself in His refuge, I can rest secure in His shelter – knowing that I am safe and protected.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for being all that You are to us, Your Children. Thank You for being a safe refuge in times of trouble. Thank You for Your living and active Word and Presence that provide strength, protection, and refuge.

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Jars of Clay

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based on the LGG study, Enduring Hope / w4d5

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 / SOAP:7-10

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed, 10 always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Observations:

The first question that begs to be asked when ‘soaping’ this passage is – what is the “treasure” mentioned in verse seven? According to 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, the treasure is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus. In other words, the Treasure is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

According to a commentary by Bibleref.com, “Paul has been defending himself from allegations of practicing falseness with the Corinthians. Some may have even accused him of being manipulative or a false apostle. To counter these arguments, Paul has emphasized his sole mission: to deliver the true gospel of Jesus and to proclaim that Christ is Lord. Paul insists that he and his friends see themselves as mere servants to the Corinthians for Christ’s sake. In his first letter to this church, Paul gave numerous indications that he was not interested in personal gain or fame” (1 Corinthians 1:10–17; 9:12–16).

BibleRef.com / 2 Corinthians 4:7-8

The next question then, is what, or who, are the clay jars? To Paul’s original audience, the clay jars would have represented something very fragile, and as Paul explained to the Corinthians – God used the fragile vessel “so that” everyone would understand, “the extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” However, metaphorically speaking, Paul, in an effort to answer – or better yet – silence those accusing him and his team of “practicing falseness”, Paul was referencing himself and his team as the clay jars. Paul’s heart was the vessel that God had shown His light in. The same is true of everyone who names the name of Christ today, and according to Scripture, we too, have been given the mission to carry this Gospel message to the world.”

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

Mark 16:15

So often it seems we are bombarded with ‘trouble’. Even then – perhaps, especially then – we can, like Paul and his team,, be reflections of Jesus. We must remember though, it wasn’t because of their power or strength but because of God in them; and as we saw in our recent post, it was also the power of God through the prayers of others.

Paul’s illustration of suffering was meant to help the Corinthians see and understand that what others were seeing in and from him was all about God’s power and glory – as the “life of Jesus was made visible in them.” This should have been evident in the way they handled all of their ‘troubles’, for through it all, even in their weakness and struggle, they did not turn away from following Christ and making Him known to others. They knew He had not abandoned them and they endured with hope of the “eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (15-17) to what they were experiencing now.

Application

Do not let today’s trouble crush you or drive you to despair. If you are persecuted or suffering because of following Jesus, remember He has not abandoned you. If your troubles have knocked you down or simply knocked the wind out of your sail, don’t lose hope – for you belong to Jesus and to God the Father, and in them we cannot and will not be destroyed.

While it may not be easy to live for Jesus in this world – we must remember the goal set before us – and that is to make Him known. May all our troubles, and our responses to the troubles, make Him visible to the watching world.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, Paul’s words are challenging. I confess it is sometimes easy to lose hope or to despair. Yet they are equally encouraging to be reminded that You have not and will not abandon us. We belong to You and we will not be destroyed. These are the truths that help me to endure with hope. Guard us Father where we are vulnerable and strengthen us where we are weak – and in all these things grace us with Your protection. Through it all and above it all help us to make Jesus visible to the watching world. – In Jesus’ Name – Amen and amen –

Going Deeper

2 Corinthians 4:6

2 Corinthians 4:9

2 Corinthians 4:10