Tag: Jesus

Posted in Bible study, Enduring Hope, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Hope Deferred

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Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 1 The Nature of Hope
Today’s Reading / proverbs 13:12 / SOAP verse 12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Such a tiny verse and such a great message. I found it helpful as I journaled to clarify a few things in order to unpack the meaning.

  • Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire or longing for a certain thing to happen.
    • examples include things like pregnancy, a much needed job, a loved one’s salvation, or the healing of a disease…
  • Deferred means to put off or postpone until a later time.
    • this is not always a controlled or chosen action (see examples above)
  • Heart, in this sentence, is not referring to our physical organ but rather to the spiritual part of us where the emotions and desires dwell.
  • Desire is another word for hope
  • Fulfilled is something accomplished or completed.
  • Tree of Life in the Scriptures signifies “renewal of life” or to be refreshed, a breath of fresh air, renewed strength or joy, encouragement …

These observations may not seem necessary since they are all familiar words or phrases; however I find them helpful in fully appreciating the warning and wisdom of this proverb. The warning being we can’t always control when or if we will receive what we desire – but we can control how we respond in the waiting. Do we allow our crushed hopes and disappointment to drive us to bitterness and anger or do we let it lead us closer to the Savior? Do we succumb to “heart sickness” – allowing ourselves to fall into despair, depression, anxiety, and even actual physical sickness? Or, do we endure the wait with our faith planted firmly in God? I believe the answer lies in whether we want our desire more than we want God’s will and His perfect timing.

When our hope is deferred, we can cling to the hope we have in Christ, the one hope that will never be deferred. –


An LGG Team Member

Father, when hope is deferred help us to trust in You, Your will and Your perfect timing – and to want these things more than the desire we seek. Help us to not give up! – Amen and amen

Posted in Enduring Hope, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

Saved in Hope

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Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 1 The Nature of Hope
Today’s Reading / Romans 8;18-25 / SOAP verses 24-25

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25

Some Observations

Our larger passage begins with these words from Paul, “For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us.” It is worth noting here that Paul is not trivializing ‘our’ present suffering in this sin cursed world nor any suffering that we may face because we follow Him, but rather – he is pointing out how great and wonderful the “coming glory” of life with the Father will be. With the knowledge of such a great promise, is it in wonder that Paul goes on to write, “- we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”?

  • The hope of being with God is the same hope that led us to believe – and place our faith in Christ.
  • Our hope is certain – but not yet seen. We have to wait for it and while we wait we hope.
  • While we wait we will know the suffering and consequences of life on a sin-filled earth and because of this – we will wait eagerly, knowing there is a better day coming.
  • And, we will wait patiently – enduring this present life for the promise yet to come – eternal life with God.
A Present Day Perspective

To put this in perspective of our present day. I work in the office of my church, and there’s a lady who faithfully for prayer – for herself and her extended family. She’s been doing this for years and the needs are never trivial – she calls because she or someone she loves is suffering, or in prison, or unsaved. She is a woman of great faith but also great need and suffering, most recently in her own battle with cancer. She was just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when her sister took ill and died. She buried her sister this past weekend and then called today to say that her brother’s house was robbed while they were at the funeral and thousands of dollars was taken – it was all he had. The list goes on. The suffering never ends for her … but her faith holds firm. In one breath she cries out in agony and in the next – “hope”. Today her agony was so great and her wails so loud that I could barely understand her – then her agony turned to a professed and firm confession of hope in knowing that God is able to save her unsaved and troubled nephew, and He is able to return the stolen money to her brother, and He is able to give her peace “in” all the suffering – and that one day all pain and suffering will end. It was a hope that calmed her crying and brought peace to her agony – and tears to my eyes – because it was a true and abiding hope placed in God and His coming glory.

Like my friend Thelma and in the words of the Apostle Paul, “we [too] eagerly await our adoption and the redemption of our bodies [from earth to heaven]. Because in hope we were saved.” To be sure, – according to God’s Word He has adopted us as His own children, Romans 8:15, but as someone once said – “The adoption is complete, we’re just waiting for our Father to come and pick us up so that we can be with Him.”(unknown source)

Response to God’s Word

Father, as we “eagerly await” Your coming glory, help us to wait patiently, with endurance, for the hope-filled promise of 4-ever with You! And as we ‘endure’ the suffering of this world, whether spiritual or physical, may our endurance shine a light on You, so that others will share in our hope. – In Jesus’ Holy Name –

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

Sickened by Lies

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Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 2 Hope In GOd’s Character
Today’s Reading /Psalm 77 / SOAP Psalm 77:10-13

Then I said, “I am sickened by the thought
that the Most High might become inactive.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord.
Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago.
12 I will think about all you have done;
I will reflect upon your deeds.”
13  O God, your deeds are extraordinary.

Psalm 77:10-13
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Suffering Produces Hope

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Enduring Hope, An LGG Study / Week 1 The Nature of Hope
Today’s Reading / Romans 5:1-11 / SOAP verses 3-5

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

I’m sure as we go through this week, we will discover many things about the “nature of hope” but if I had to sum it up today as we begin – I would use the phrase “life-changing”. I hope the following image/my “SOAP NOTES” will give you a glimpse of what I mean …

Don’t forget to visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/ for today’s Love God Greatly blog post for some insightful commentary on today’s passage.

MAKE IT PERSONAL-
  1. How would you sum up the “hope” that results from our faith in Christ?
  2. What effect has ‘hope’ had on you?

My SOAP/study Notes

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

Enduring Hope

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I cannot wait for this study to begin!!! I need the daily refreshment (the giving of fresh mental or spiritual/physical strength or energy) of this Hope in my life –

Check this out … and please share and invite a friend because everyone needs a hope that will not disappoint 💜❤️💙

A hope that allows us to live every day with joy and peace, no matter our circumstances.

“Hope is the confidence to wait on God when we cannot see the future.”

“Endurance is continuing to place our hope in the goodness of God when our circumstances tell us to give up.”

“And faith is the assurance that our hope will not disappoint us because the One who holds our hope is trustworthy.”

Join me here daily for links and blogs on the daily readings.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Listen With More Than Your Ears

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Well, this has been a “full-disclosure” kind of week for me here on the blog. Sharing with you the struggle I have with listening and the love I have for words has been a bit humbling for me. So, it is good to end the study with the revelation, that as much as I enjoy words and talking, as I read through some of the words in today’s devotion, God allowed me see that I am equally comfortable to “sit in silence” and that while it is true that I love words and a good conversation, I do not feel the need to “fill every space with words,” That being said, it is obvious I still have much to work on in the listening department and have been blessed with the thoughts and instructions and Scriptures given with every point. I pray you have been as well. I hope you’ll take the time to read through this final point and truly consider that while “learning to really listen to others is hard work – for a Christ-follower, it’s vital to our mission as God’s ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.” – Simply put, according to Gotquestions.org, “The ministry of reconciliation involves the proclamation of the gospel and its assurance that forgiveness of sin is available in Christ.” This is “the work believers have been given to do and the message they declare: ‘you can have a restored relationship with God through Jesus.” Me – from the Inside out

5. We Must Count the Cost of Remaining a Poor Listener

For some people, listening comes naturally as their personality is to be less verbal. Others may feel they have nothing to offer in a conversation, so they listen more than they speak. After all, God did give us two ears and only one mouth!

Whether we are quiet in nature or a person who is uncomfortable in silence and feels they must fill every space with words, learning to really listen to others is hard work. For a Christ-follower, however, it’s vital to our mission as God’s ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

The way we listen can either draw people toward God or push them away. Even in our attempts to tell others about Jesus, we can talk too much in the uncomfortableness of a gospel presentation. Are we focused on downloading information and our beliefs without stopping to listen to the questions people are asking? Good listening skills can help us slow down and reduce our anxiety to win a convert. Instead of talking constantly, we need to hear what the other person is sharing about their own hearts and where they are in their spiritual journey, trusting Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the right words at the right time.

Listening well tells others they are valuable to us, and illustrates they are valuable to God. Just as God patiently listens to our prayers with His heart of compassion, we must learn to listen with more than our ears. Let us humble ourselves to close our mouths often, and when we do open them, make sure we speak timely words that produce life, hope, and peace in the hearts of the listener.

Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

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

It’s Tricky

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How Can We Model the Love of Christ through Good Listening? [part four]

If you know me then you know that I like to engage in conversation. I’m not sure why – I only know that I love words – long words, short words, descriptive words, words that make you laugh, well-used words, and uncommon words. I love to look up the meaning of words and – well, a thesaurus still thrills my soul. Actually, when my girls were growing up we would play a game where we would see how many words we could use that meant the same thing. For instance, “that’s puzzlingly” would lead to filling in the same/similar phrase with a different word that meant the same thing – like ‘what a conundrum’, or what a ‘riddle’, which led to others like mystery, baffling, confusing, perplexing, and the list would go on as far as we could take it. anyway, you get the idea – words are like a game for me.

I’m not sure when it started. I don’t remember being a particularly chatty child growing up, though I do remember enjoying listening to the adults talk at our family gatherings- (we ate Sunday dinners together often), and I enjoyed their stories and conversations – maybe that’s where it started? Who knows – the point is, and I’m sure you can tell for yourself by now – I like to use words, both spoken and written. However, here’s the thing – just because you like words doesn’t mean you always use them well. I have learned that the hard way more often than I can count. Too many words can turn people away, harsh or unkind words can offend people, too few words can leave others with the opinion that you aren’t friendly, too many challenging words, regardless of their intention, can turn into a confrontation – and again, the list goes on and on. The point is, as you will read in point four of our study – carefully considering how and when we speak is extremely important. This can be particularly challenging when you like words. – it seems that the love of words can be both a blessing and a curse. but as I’m finding through this study, rising to the challenge may be difficult but the result will be unbelievingly beneficial for the effectiveness of our words. Me – from the Inside Out 🦋

As posted on biblestudytools.com

by – Sheila Alewine

4. After Listening, We Must Carefully Consider How and When We Speak

A good listener must become a good “responder” so that the conversation has an effective outcome. Listening doesn’t end when the other person has finished speaking. The goal isn’t that both of you “say your piece” and walk away, unchanged or with no better understanding of one another. How we respond in one conversation lays the foundation for the continuing relationship we want to build, as a bridge to share the gospel and model the love of Christ.

Sometimes we may not need to respond to a comment, but choose to fight that battle on another day, in a better setting and in another way. At other times, God provides an opportunity to speak words of grace and truth at just the right time. Our words are a reflection on the Savior we profess faith in and speak on behalf of. [Our words] should always leave an accurate impression of the character of Jesus, even when the truth may convict or challenge the listener.

Ecclesiastes 3:7b – “A time to be silent and a time to speak.”

Proverbs 15:28 – “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”

Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

2 Timothy 2:14 – “Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29-30 – “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Proverbs 12:17-18 – “He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”

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

God’s Way of Listening

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How Can We Model the Love of Christ through Good Listening? [part three]

“God invites us to cast all our cares and anxieties on Him, because He truly cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).” – If you’ve read many of my posts or heard me teach, you know this is one of my favorite go-to-verses. The knowledge that God cares for us and invites us to bring Him “all of our cares and anxieties” truly changed my life in my late teens and again in my early thirties. This is when I learned that God actually, invites us to “cast our cares/anxieties”, [get rid of them] or – to [let Him handle them]. This means trusting Him with it all and leaving it all at His feet – knowing that He is able to do so and believing He cares about us enough to do it. He has set the example of listening. You can read all the ways He does this and the great depths He went to, to make it happen in this third part of our series on listening. Me – from the Inside Out 🦋

As posted on biblestudytools.com

by – Sheila Alewine

We Must Practice God’s Way of Listening

One of the greatest privileges afforded to those who have placed their faith in Jesus is the opportunity to take the concerns of our heart to the Father. God invites us to cast all our cares and anxieties on Him, because He truly cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We are invited to draw near to His throne to find grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). This invitation is extended only on the merits of the finished work of Christ on the cross, who literally opened the way into God’s presence by His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:17-18; 3:11-12).

God loves to hear the prayers of His children. He longs to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). He has made Himself available and accessible to hear our prayers anytime and at any place. When we approach Him to pour out our concerns, we can be assured He hears, He listens, and He has compassion on us.

As our perfect example, we must strive to imitate the patience and compassion of God in our interactions and conversations with others. Just as we desire and long for God’s face to be inclined toward us when we pray, we ought to give others that same attention.

Psalm 40:1 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.”

James 1:19-20, 26 – “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. … If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

Matthew 7:12 – “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Not Made to Be Alone, Quiet Time

Spur One Another On

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We have come to the end of our study – Not Made To Be Alone. We have learned from Scripture that we were made by God and for God. We have read over and over that we are made for community – with God, with friends, with family, and with the church. It may not always be easy – the ‘island life’ may be our preferred way of living – but we were created for more and will thrive only when we are in the center of God’s will. So my prayer for us all is that we will embrace the communities He has placed us in or allowed us to be a part of and thrive – for His glory!

This little devo is a nugget of gold that I found on a sight that I follow – It seemed a perfect bookend for our study,💕💜 and I pray it is a blessing for all who read it –

Spurs and bull riding

As published on Grace Moments, by Pastor Daron Lindemann

“I see lots of spurs at the Austin rodeo that kicks off every spring. One of the most popular competitions is bull riding.

In bull riding, spurs are dulled and mostly help the bull rider hold on to the one-ton bull with their legs and feet. And what happens then? A wild ride. Getting bucked around and off. Broken ribs. Mental toughness. The cheers of the crowd. Telling your grandkids someday that you rode a bull named Fumanchu. Growth. Strength.

Now listen to what the Bible says about the Christian community: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

“Hold unswervingly” are Greek words in the original Bible that literally mean “hold on tight!” The Bible calls us to be spurs that help each other hold on tight and not let go. Let go of what? “The hope we profess.””


And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,

hebrews 10:24

“We don’t let go of each other. We hang in there with each other. Why? Because we have this agreement that we profess. This body of teaching we believe. That’s the Bible that reveals Jesus Christ. The Bible and Jesus define our fellowship as a church.

Hold on to Jesus and his church! Be like spurs and help others hold on to Jesus and his church too. It might result in a wild ride. It might cause pain but will also result in spiritual growth.

And remember Jesus—who believes in his church—is holding on to you. “He who promised is faithful.””

The Rest of the Study

Hey if you missed out on the study, Not Made to be Alone, you can start here and then click next post if you want to continue with the study … https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/05/07/not-made-to-be-alone-2/

The Next Study

Enduring Hope beginning Monday, June 12, 2023 – I hope you’ll join me for the journey 🦋

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

The Great Commission

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based on, Not Made To Be Alone, a LGG Study / w4d5

Today’s Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 / SoAP: 19-20

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20
But Jesus Met them There

Following the resurrection o f Christ, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a severe earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were shaken and became like dead men because they were so afraid of him. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you!” 8 So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” They came to him, held on to his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. They will see me there.”” —

This is where today’s passage picks up. With Judas gone there were now only 11 disciples in Jesus’ inner circle and they did just what He had instructed. They went to Galilee where they saw Him just as Jesus said they would. Jesus told the disciples that He had been given all authority in heaven and on earth – and by that authority He commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations -[signifying every people group on earth], to baptize the new disciples, and to teach them. – not just who God was and what He had done – but obedience to the commands He had given and to remember that He would always be with them.

Hands-on discipleship

A disciple is one who becomes like their master by living in a servant relationship to their master …

BibleRef.com

It’s important to note that Jesus had been the teacher up to this point, and to remember that His teaching involved mentoring, training, explaining, and modeling matters of faith. As His disciples, this is what we have been called to do as well. Whether one on one or in group settings – Jesus’ hands-on discipleship program was vital to the spread of the Gospel then and now – to all nations, tribes, and tongues.

Consider This …

Faithful followers multiply followers.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

Acts 6:7
Response to God’s Word

Father, may we be faithful followers – obedient to Your Word, lights to the communities we’re a part of, voices in the wilderness, hands and feet that love and serve like Jesus did – drawing others to You. Embolden us to ‘go’, ‘to make disciples’, and lead/encourage baptism. Grant us the words to teach but also a lifestyle that models Christ-likenesss; and may we never forget that You are with us always for this is both strength and joy. – To Your glory, I pray – Amen and Amen!

Want More?

Don’t forget to visit LoveGodGreatly.Com for today’s blog [comments] on today’s passage.