Tag: LGG

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

The Impact of our Choices

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Read: Jonah 1:4-16 (SOAP: verse 12)

And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Jonah 1;12

Have you ever tried to run from God’s will for your life? If you have, you have most likely found yourself in a similar situation to Jonah’s. As the Psalmist discovered, we can run from God, but we cannot hide from Him. This has been true from the beginning in the Garden of Eden and is still true today. Fleeing from God’s presence or something He is calling us to do is simply not advisable.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

Psalm 139:7-12

Even on a merchant ship in the middle of the sea, Jonah could not escape God. Why? Because God pursues us. In Jonah’s case, He sent a powerful wind and stirred up the sea, which threatened to destroy the ship. While Jonah was sound asleep in the inner parts of the ship, the sailors were above deck crying out to their god. When the ship’s captain found Jonah sleeping and not praying, he woke him and ordered him to pray, hoping that perhaps Jonah’s God would respond and keep them from perishing. Eventually, as was customary, lots were cast to see who was at fault for the danger they were in, and the lot fell on Jonah.

Jonah wasn’t ashamed of the LORD – He just didn’t want to go to Nineveh.

Me from the inside-out🦋

When Jonah was questioned about everything from his occupation to who His people were, he replied to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Needless to say, this reply and the fact that He had already told them that he was running from the LORD brought even more concern. So, when the storm continued to grow in intensity, they asked Jonah what should be done to him to calm the sea – and because he knew his actions had created the danger, Jonah said, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea.”

While I know the story of Jonah, I had either forgotten or simply hadn’t learned that the sailors didn’t want to throw him into the sea. Instead, they tried to row back to land; but because the LORD was pursuing Jonah their efforts to spare him proved impossible – and they cried out, “Oh, please, LORD, don’t let us die on account of this man! Don’t hold us guilty of shedding innocent blood. After all, you, LORD, have done just as you pleased.” Then they picked him up and threw him into the sea, and it stopped raging.

I love that Scripture records that they first tried to row back to the shore before they gave in to the only other option. It bears witness to the fact that neither Jonah, nor the crew were in control – God was, and they knew it.

I have found that the LORD often uses our struggles in this life to garner not only our attention but the attention of those around us. As we will see throughout the rest of our journeey with Jonah, this truth is the reality behind the words of James 1:2-4.🦋

Prayer

Father, may I never again from Your calling or seek to escape Your presence. i am horrified to think of all the times I have hidden from You or allowed myself to be engulfed by my own desires. Thank You for redeeming grace and Your faithful pursuit of me. Thank You for the faith that has come from the “whales” of my life and for the hope that You will use it all for Your glory. Blessed be Your Holy Name! 💜

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

Nineveh~vs~Tarshish

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Read: Jonah 1:1-3 (SOAP: 1:3)

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”

3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

Jonah 1:1-3
God’s Plan ~vs~ Jonah’s Plan

My journal entry today consisted of two columns on either side of the page, which contained the passage for today’s journey. One column included God’s plan, the other Jonah’s. When I finished the plans mapped out from the Scripture, I connected them with the words: Nineveh-vs-Tarshish. However, I could have easily written God’s plan vs Jonah’s or God’s plan vs man’s … or, for that matter, God’s plans vs mine. Regardless of the tagline we give today’s study, it is a clear reminder that we have a choice to make –> follow ‘our’ will/plan or align ‘our’ will/plan with God’s and faithfully follow where He leads/sends.

God’s Plan

  • God sent a very specific message to Jonah
  • The message included:
    • a time frame: immediately
    • a location/people
    • a cause/purpose
      • God noticed their wickedness
      • to announce judgment

Jonah 1:1-2

Jonah’s Plan

  • Jonah’s plan was to escape God’s commission of Him for Nineveh
    • he immediately headed to Tarshish
    • by way of Joppa and a merchant ship
    • he paid to get far away from the LORD

Jonah 1:3

God’s Call of His People

Throughout the Bible, we read of God calling His people to places or tasks or simply to trust Him. God called… Noah to build an ark1, Abraham to leave all he knew and father a great nation2, Moses to lead His people out of bondage3, Joshua to bring down the walls of Jericho4, and He called Hosea to “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her.5..”. The list of what God has called/led/sent His people to do goes on and on, but the greatest example of difficult and seemingly impossible callings/plans is the one God gave Jesus, His only begotten son, who was sent6 to save His people from their sins. God didn’t send Him in a hero’s cape or kingly crown, but as a baby born of a virgin. God sent Jesus to take on flesh, experience threats, troubles, and temptations of this world, teach, preach, heal and die on a cross for the sins of the world and rise again the third day – crushing the enemy! It was just as God had announced in the Garden (Genesis 3:15)7.

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 3:15
The Importance of God’s Callings

It isn’t my point to contrast or compare these callings, but to help us remember the many callings of God throughout the Scriptures and see their importance. Jonah’s story is one of these and is equally a great example of the lengths to which He will go to pursue His people, reach them with the message of repentance, and save them from their sins.

More than a Whale

On our journey this week, we will follow Jonah from Tarshish to Nineveh. We will see that Jonah’s story is more than that of a whale. It is the saga of disobedience and revival. It is a beautiful picture of how our personal revival isn’t just about or for us but rather how God will be glorified and use our obedience to revive others from death to life.

Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book. Jonah’s experience in the belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents during this equally unique retreat. His initial disobedience leads not only to his personal revival, but to that of the Ninevites as well. Many classify the revival which Jonah brings to Nineveh as one of the greatest evangelistic efforts of all time.

gotquestions.org
What is God Calling You to Do?

Friends, God still calls His people to serve Him and share Him today. Do you know what He wants you to do? Are you doing it? Whether it is to serve as a greeter, a nursery worker, a teacher, preacher, musician/singer, encourager, accountant, or doctor… He has called all of His children8 to love Him, love others as Jesus loved us, and go and make disciples9.

Want to know why we should pay attention to God’s calling on our lives? Visit the links below and dig deeper into the purpose and importance of God’s commissioning of His people.

Prayer

Father God, Thank You for the story of Jonah and for the reminder that we are to be prepared with a faithful yes – regardless of what You call us to do or where You commission us to go. Help us to not run away from You but towards You, knowing that You will lead us, help us, and strengthen us for the tasks and trusting that You will be glorified in our obedience. As we continue throughout the week, may all those whose eyes fall upon this page be led to a personal revival and used to revive those around them with the truth of Your Word, love, and promises. – In Jesus’ Name ~ Amen!

The More We Know

For more insight into today’s journey, read Love God Greatly’s blog post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

God Will Repay

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Read Joel 3

Borrowed from the journal of Love God Greatly’s, Our God Who Pursues, p57

SOAP
Joel 3:16
The Lord roars from Zion; from Jerusalem his voice bellows out. The heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people; he is a stronghold for the citizens of Israel.


INTO THE TEXT


From our earliest years, we are taught the difference between right and wrong. When we or someone we love are treated unjustly by others, or when we see the terrible things that are done to people throughout this world, we often feel anger. Life is unfair and we strongly feel the need to make things right. We know that life here on earth is not what it should be.


Of course, Christians should work hard to promote justice on behalf of those who are oppressed and mistreated. There are many ways we can help to make this world a little more bearable for others. However, when it comes to revenge, that is not ours to seek. It is God’s role. God promises in Joel 3 that there will be a future day of judgment where He will confront all evil and remove it forever. A lot of times, our motives for revenge are out of selfish or angry means. Everything God does, however, is out of His holy character.


For believers, we don’t have to worry about getting even with others or making sure that we are treated with justice. We are called to trust God, who will make sure that every evil deed committed against us or others, if it is not forgiven through the cross of Jesus, will be brought into the open and justly dealt with.


Joel sees a future with two sides. On the one side, there will be salvation and blessing for those who belong to God, for those whose sins have been forgiven through Jesus Christ. But on the other, there will be judgment and destruction for all those who go their own way. At the end of times, God will be for us either a roaring lion or a safe place of refuge.


Let’s run to our Heavenly Father, who offers mercy, forgiveness, peace, and protection. He will give us strength to withstand all the difficulties and injustices of life.


PRAYER


God, I oftentimes want to see revenge and repayment done to those who commit sin and evil around me. Help me to run toward your safe refuge and trust in your timing for seeing justice delivered. Amen.

REFLECTION

Where are you tempted to take revenge or justice into your own hands? How can you open your hands to trust in God’s deliverance and begin to pray for your enemies?

THE MORE WE KNOW

Be sure and check out today’s LGG blog post: Refuge for the Day of Judgment

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

The Hope of Restoration

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based on the LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues/w1d4

Scripture: Joel 2:18-32 (SOAP verse 19)

Three things I noted from the reading today:

  • We move the heart of God when we do as He directs.
    • When the people cried out as they were directed, when they returned to the LORD as He gave them the opportunity to do – it was “Then the LORD became zealous for His land;
  • It is a wonderful thing when the LORD responds to His people.
    • “Then the LORD became zealous for His land; He had compassion on His people. The LORD responded to His people.”
  • The LORD sends His people hope of restoration.
    • He tells them, “Look! I am about to restore your grain as well as fresh wine and olive oil.” He promises them that they “will be fully satisfied” and that He would “never again make them an object of mockery among the nations.”

While I realize that this passage probably has a wealth of other truths and teachings, I was struggling to put it into words – but then I read the journal entry1 today from Love God Greatly’s study, “Our God Who Pursues.” I’m sharing it here because it is, in my opinion, the perfect commentary for today’s journey. I pray it is as rich a blessing for you as it is for me.

redeeming what was lost

We read in the previous chapter of Joel how God brought destruction on the people of Israel through the locust plague. His aim was to secure their undivided commitment to Him. They had been half- hearted in their worship, and they had gone after other things and other gods. That’s why God was fighting against His own people in order to bring them to repentance. He still does the same with His people today when we wander away from Him, our first love. He sometimes allows problems and hardships to bring us to repentance and draw us back to Himself.


But now God was going to bring restoration. He was going to make beauty from ashes. Can you imagine the hope that this message brought to the people? After their land had been decimated, God, in His kindness, promises to restore and renew that which was lost.


We see that with God there is hope. Even when we, His people, wander away from Him and let other things or people take priority over Him, God will not let us go. In His fierce love and jealousy, He will draw us back to Himself. He gives us His Holy Spirit who convicts us of our half-heartedness and pours His love into us again as we seek Him.


You may find yourself in a season when the locusts of this life have taken away everything. God, because of His great love for you, is allowing hardship in order to have your full allegiance, your whole- hearted worship. Turn to Him in repentance and put your full trust in Him, because one day He will make all things new. You don’t know how or when, but you know that He will. He has promised it. Believe Him.


PRAYER
God, life on this earth is hard, but you are a God of restoration. Help me to trust you no matter what may happen in my life, knowing that you have a plan to one day make all things new. Amen.

Our God Who Pursues/Journal Entry/p 53
The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

A Change of Heart

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Based on: Our God Who Pursues w1/d3

Many people mistakenly believe that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath and judgment, whereas in the New Testament He is solely characterized by love. However, Joel 2 shows us that God is both angry at sin but full of love towards the sinner. It’s important to know and understand God’s character as it greatly impacts how we live. … While we wait for that coming day, we are charged to live faithful lives. We are to regularly repent and live a life of obedience. When our hearts can view God truly for who he is, it changes the way we live.

LGG Journal/Our God Who Pursues/p49

Friends, as the LGG journal points out today, “It’s important to know and understand God’s character as it greatly impacts how we live.” So, while our focus is on verses 12 and 13, we must first address the overriding theme of Joel’s prophecy, which is “the day of the LORD,1” or as Gotquestions.org describes it, “a day of God’s wrath and judgment.”

It will be such a terrible day that Job’s opening words of the second chapter are a message from the LORD, to “Blow the trumpets in Zion, sound the alarm signal on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land shake with fear, for the day of the LORD is about to come.” If we know the hope of salvation, we may not be as prone to fear the day – yet surely, if we look around us today, it seems there is undoubtedly great cause for alarm – a truth that prompted me to write in the margin of my journal: Should this not also be our message to the people around us and across the world? After all, if the day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing, threatening the survival of mankind, as verse eleven announces, should we not also heed the call of repentance and sound the alarm to alert ‘all the inhabitants of the land?’

The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing.
    Who can possibly survive?

A Call to Repentance

12 That is why the Lord says,
    “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
    Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
    but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
    He is eager to relent and not punish.

Joel 2:11-13

I’ve heard it said that God is a God of second chances, and in verses twelve and thirteen, we see an example of this truth. Joel’s announcement of the coming awesome, terrible day is followed by his message from the Lord for the people to turn to Him while there is still time. You see, God wasn’t interested in their outward expressions of tearing their clothes but rather an inward change of heart that they might return to Him. He desires their hearts be broken for what breaks His heart, and he was giving them more time, or a second opportunity, it would seem, to repent. Don’t miss the beauty of His message that He was ready and waiting to pour out His mercy and compassion as a wonderful reminder that He is slow to get angry and abounding in unfailing love. – When we know this side of God’s character, it shouldn’t just change the way we live, but it should spur us on to sound the alarm so that the people around us will turn to the Lord while there is time.

God doesn’t desire an outward repentance of tearing the clothes, but instead desires an awareness of our sin that brings sorrow on the deepest level – so that we turn to Him and away from the sin.

Prayer of Response

Father, You are a merciful and compassionate God. You are slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Thank You for letting me know this side of You and for the way it has changed my life through the years. Help me to be better about sounding the alarm so that those around me can turn to You while there is still time. May my heart be broken for what breaks Yours, and may my will align with Yours. – Let sin break my heart so that I always turn away from it – for Your glory – Amen!

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Love

Choosing Life Over Death

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Based on the LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues; w1d1

Deuteronomy 30:17-20; Ezekiel 33:10-11 (SOAP: Deut 30:17-18)

“But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.

Deuteronomy 30:17-18

Obedience isn’t always easy. Even for the most compliant child, there are times when our way simply seems easier or better – and we choose it over what we know is right. Admittedly, it is often without giving the choice much thought – though I would venture to say there are times when we put much thought into the choices – and yet still choose our own way over God’s.

Cheering One Another On

Our journey today takes us back to the days of Moses and the Israelites and a warning they received from Moses to choose obedience to God over disobedience. Moses isn’t teaching them something new but reminding them of their commitment to follow God and not turn aside to worship and serve other gods. – Now, maybe it’s because I was a cheerleader in high school, and it’s still part of my chemistry, but I couldn’t help noticing how Moses cheered the people on toward the path God longed for them to choose. He urges them to “Choose life”… (GO-ISRAEL-GO!)… He calls them to “Love the Lord their God”...(GO-ISRAEL-GO!)… He reminds them to play hard and well, saying, “Obey the Lord and be loyal to Him”…(GO-ISRAEL-GO!). Moses wants the Israelites to succeed, so He cheers them on to victory.

But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

Hebrews 3:13

When I cheered in high school, it was for our team to win the game, but what Moses cheered for was a matter of life and death. The people were told that the reward of obedience is life and the curse of disobedience is death. One leads to crossing the Jordan into the land that God had promised them, and the other leads to the loss of the life they would otherwise experience. While Moses strongly urges the people of God to obey and not turn away, the choice was ultimately theirs then, and it is still ours today, as we see in Acts 5:29 – where Peter and the other apostles faced the choice to obey God or man, the resolved united reply was: “We must obey God rather than men.” Jesus, like Moses, had obviously cheered His disciples on to victory, teaching them to choose life1, to love God2, and to be loyal to Him3.

God Wants Us to Succeed

God wants His people to be victorious. This is why He sends repeated calls through His messengers for His people to choose life over death by choosing obedience over disobedience. He warns us to be vigilant, like a watchman guarding the city. When the watchman knows the people are in jeopardy, he gets the message out – he sounds the alarm. If the people don’t listen, they are responsible for what happens to them, but if the watchman sits back and does nothing, Ezekiel warns that the watchman is the one responsible for the outcome.4

The Watchman’s Message

As exciting as the cheers of Moses are in Deuteronomy, my pulse races a little more when I walk through the words of Ezekiel chapter thirty-three and realize how God clearly wants His people to succeed. I see and hear the evidence of this in the blessing of “life” that is offered to those who love God and walk in obedience to Him. I also hear it in God’s declaration through Ezekiel to His rebellious people: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but prefer that the wicked change his behavior and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil deeds! Why should you die, O house of Israel?”

10 “Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: You are saying, ‘Our sins are heavy upon us; we are wasting away! How can we survive?’ 11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?

Ezekiel 33:10-11

God is love, and His love is richly evident in the way He relentlessly pursues His people – particularly His rebellious people – to lead them out of hiding, to rescue them, and to offer them hope and a future with Him forever.

Consider these examples5:

God pursued Adam and Eve after they sinned in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3)
God pursued Hagar when she ran away from her problems. (Genesis 16)
God pursued Elijah when he ran from Ahab and Jezebel. (1 Kings 18-19)
God pursued Paul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9)
And God pursues us.

Even when I was rebellious, even when sin was clearly my choice, even when I hid behind closed doors – God faithfully pursued me, pulled me out of more than one pit, drew me back to Him and changed me from the inside-out. 🦋

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, Thank You for pursuing me, for never letting me go, and for calling out to me and showing me the way. Thank You for hearing my prayer and not turning away from my voice. Thank You for teaching me Your way and changing me from the inside-out! I am forever and always gratefully Yours. Please, Lord, let me be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true – alerting others to follow you. ~Amen

Reflection on the Journey

If others were to look at your life, would they say that you are following the world or Jesus? Why?

The More We Know

For more insight on today’s journey, read the LGG Blog

Do you know the God who pursues? If not, I invite you to read “Know These Truths” so that you might share in His amazing love and grace.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Church: Fellowship

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w6d2

Scripture: God’s Road Map for Our Journey

Read: Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25 / SOAP: Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:24-25

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

Acts 2:42

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25
Observation of Today’s Journey

I have probably mentioned far too often that while I love the fellowship of friends and family, I am just as easily, if not more so, a loner at heart. I could sit and study for hours; I love to read and write in the quiet of my room or office and I enjoy a good movie and a bowl of popcorn. I don’t even mind going to the theater by myself. Weird? Perhaps, but it’s me, and I’m okay with it. If you ask me, it is not just enjoyable – it is often the easier way of doing things. However, today’s journey is a bristling fresh reminder for me that while it might be easier and, at times, perfectly okay, God means for us to live in community with others.

If you’ve ever wondered what God thinks about the importance of Christian fellowship – these passages offer both evidence and reason for the need to make it a part of the building blocks of our firm foundation of faith. As Paul points out, Christian fellowship is beneficial to discipleship, encouragement in faith, and knowing and meeting the needs of others.

Living out the Journey (Application)

According to Ephesians 4:2-3 and other passages, we are called to serve each other in the church. Our journey passages today reveal that there are benefits when believers fellowship together. Whether it’s breaking bread, praying, or sharing with one another – or a myriad of other things that fall under the canopy of fellowship, these things foster unity and promote sharing and caring not only for others in the body but for reaching others with the Word.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Ephesians 4:2-3

Clearly, we are to fellowship with one another. However, we must also take up the instructions of Hebrews 10:24-25 and live it out for the sake of the body of Christ. We must be intentional in thinking about how to spur one another on – specifically to love and good works – which basically means to live and love like Jesus. Don’t stop short of the final step in today’s journey – be connected to/with other believers. We might like to think of this as a suggestion by the author. Actually, the commentaries that I looked at say that it is a command; we only have to look back to the previous verse to see why it is so important – you see – one of the benefits of meeting together is the relationships that come from those gatherings. Which, as bibleref.com writes: “Relationships with other believers are one way to be encouraged to live out the faith we proclaim.” Without question, we will have other obligations in this life, be it family or work, home, ‘recreation,’ and/or rest, but we must be careful and sure not to make a habit of neglecting the fellowship of believers.

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your Word that is used to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. I confess that this one is not always easy for me, but I love You and seek to obey Your Holy Word so that I might live and walk in holiness and fulfill Your call on my life to equip, encourage, and empower women with Your Word. Thank You for the sisters who meet with me here – who encourage me and pray for me and share in my needs while also allowing me to share in theirs. We are richly blessed. Thank You that You have allowed this group to minister to those who are unable to meet in face-to-face gatherings – but as much as we are able, Lord God, help us to never abandon the habit of in-person meetings.

Reflection on the Journey:

For me, the in-person meetings happen every day in the church office where I work, as well as Sunday mornings and other local gatherings. – What is it for you?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Church: The Body of Christ

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation / w6d1

Scripture: Our Road Map for the Journey
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23 (SOAP: 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 1:22-23)

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27.

 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Ephesians 1:22-23
Observations from today’s Journey

Throughout this particular journey, centered around building a firm foundation on the truths of God’s Word, we have been searching for the key elements of our faith. Today’s treasure is the core belief that we are not only individual members of the body of Christ but together as a group as well. To not understand this is to put ourselves and the whole of the church in jeopardy.

When we work together as the body of Christ, we can have a greater impact. Each member, functioning in their God-given role, contributes to the health and effectiveness of the whole body. This collaborative effort, not only brings glory to God but also demonstrates His love and truth to the world.

LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171

This is what Paul is striving to help the Corinthians understand. He teaches them that while they have all been given spiritual gifts, not everyone’s gift is the same – and just as the various parts of our body aren’t meant to function alone – neither are our spiritual gifts. As the LGG Journal puts it: “We aren’t called to do it all, but we are all called to contribute in the ways He has equipped us.”God has a purpose not only for every believer but for every spiritual gift He gives. For this reason, as well as for His glory, believers must work together in order for the gifts God has given to work well and be effective for the cause of Christ.

If believers are willing to set aside their discontent about the role God has given to them in the church, and their arrogance about not needing other members of the body of Christ, they have the opportunity to thrive together to become what God
intended for the church to be.

Bibleref.com/1 Corinthians 12:27
Application of today’s discovery

As Paul taught the Corinthians, we are to set aside any discontent we have with the role God has given to us and others. We are to put away the idea that we don’t need the other members to succeed or that we don’t need to be a part of a local body of believers. We must understand that only together can we truly be what God intends for us to be – which is the Church, or the ‘body of Christ,’ “working together to reflect Him to the world.”1

The Love God Greatly team said it best in today’s journal entry:

When we come to faith in Jesus, we are not meant to live life in isolation or with a “Jesus-and-me” mentality. Instead, we are ushered into the family of God. Though this family is made up of all believers who have been saved by faith through all times, we also have access to the family of God here and now through the church.

LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171
Prayer of Response to the Journey

God, I am so glad to be part of the body of Christ, both as an individual believer and as a member of the local church. It is easy for me to get caught up with the day to day and fail to function or see/remember the need to function within the body. So thank you for reminders from Your Word of the importance of the “body of Christ,” and the importance of each member being active and engaged with the others. Teach me to work in unity with others so that I can have a greater impact for Your kingdom.2 – In the name of Jesus, Who is the head of the body – Amen!

The More We Know
Click here For more insight from the Lgg blog post
  1. LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171 ↩︎
  2. LGG Journal: Firm Foundation, p171 ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Sufficiency of Scripture

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d5

Scripture: Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-15 and James 1:21-25 / SOAP 2 Timothy 3:15 and James 1:21

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.

2 Timothy 3:15

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21

I grew up in a home where the Word was read, studied, and talked about, and we were taught to live it out. My dad and mom encouraged, equipped, and empowered us to know and follow Jesus So, it’s hard for me to imagine that not everyone’s home life was like this. Thinking about the reality of it always brings a deeper, fuller appreciation for the upbringing I had. Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t perfect – we all made our ‘mistakes,’ – but it was one of faith and family. So, as I read today’s passage on Timothy, my heart was moved by Paul’s reminder that “From infancy you have known the holy writings…” and filled with gratitude that my dad and mom faithfully took us to church where the Word – “which is able to save souls,” as James wrote – was read and taught and then incorporated into our daily lives.

So, I had two other paragraphs written but then read today’s journal entry and decided to leave the first and share what I believe is the best follow-up to the memory God prodded in my mind – and a beautiful lesson on the sufficiency of the Word of God. – I pray it is a blessing and one that you will share as God leads. 🦋

Observation and Application of the Journey

Into The Text and a prayer/by Love God Greatly

From a young age, we understand the importance of having a loving mentor. For Timothy, this mentor was the Bible, taught to him by his mother and grandmother. Through Timothy’s example, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, we see how the Scriptures can lead us to salvation, help us walk in faithfulness, and shape our faith.


The Bible is the living and active Word of God that provides wisdom and direction for every aspect of our lives. James 1:21 reminds us that when received with humility, the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and save our souls. It’s not just about reading the words but allowing God’s Word to take root in our hearts and change us from within.


The Bible serves as a mirror in our daily lives, highlighting areas where we need His grace. It’s through engaging with Scripture that we understand God’s character, His promises, and His instructions for living a life that honors Him.


The Bible is our steadfast anchor when we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. It offers comfort in times of sorrow, wisdom in moments of confusion, and strength when we feel weak. The Bible reminds us of God’s unchanging love and His faithful presence in our lives. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we find that it equips, encourages, and transforms us, helping us grow and live out our faith boldly.


PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for the completeness of your Word. Help me to depend entirely on the Bible for guidance, wisdom, and truth. Let your Word dwell abundantly in my heart, shaping me to be more like you. May I walk with confidence and peace, knowing that your Word provides everything I need for life and godliness. In your name, Amen.

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

Inerrancy of Scripture

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d3

Scripture: (Read and SOAP) Psalm 19:7 and Proverbs 30:5

The law of the Lord is perfect
and preserves one’s life.
The rules set down by the Lord are reliable
and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

Psalm 19:7

Every word of God is purified
he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5
Observations of the Journey

Knowing that God inspires every Scripture and that He makes no mistakes – it stands to reason that the Bible is without errors. It is entirely pure and true. It is the truth that is pointed out in our passages for today’s journey – passages that validate the statement that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. However, as qotquestions.org points out concerning the inerrancy of Scripture and its importance – “We’ve grown accustomed to being lied to, and many people seem comfortable with the false notion that the Bible, too, contains errors.”

Wait what? Is it possible that the Bible, the “inspired … breathed out Word of God, is flawed? – No, absolutely not.

While I believe it is true that, as a whole, we have grown accustomed to being lied to and sadly even to telling lies, but friends, we must not even entertain the thought that the Bible contains errors. For, if there is even one error in God’s Word then we cannot trust any of His Word. “It is either trustworthy or it is not.1”

Application: Living out the Journey

The world is full of those who lie or cast doubt on God’s Word – pray against any doubts, be ready with an answer for the hope in You, and look for and remember the ways You have seen the truth of God in and around you through personal experiences and life situations. Build your life on the unshakable truth of God’s Word and stand firm on the firm foundation of your faith.

Be a Berean

Please don’t settle for my posted opinion/belief or quoted words from trusted commentaries. Read/listen to the words of Jesus Himself, who identifies God’s Word as “truth” when He prayed His High Priestly Prayer, saying to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). As gotquestions.org explains, “In this verse, Jesus communicates two important facts: God’s Word is truth—God’s Word equals truth—and it’s by that truth that God sanctifies us, or sets us apart for holy service to Himself.”2

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), and that quality makes it impossible for Him to lie. The holiness of God is His moral and ethical perfection, His absolute integrity that sets Him apart from all His creatures. God’s holiness is thus related to His transcendence. God does not conform to any standard of purity; He is the standard. God is absolutely holy with an infinite purity incapable of being changed. Because of His holiness, when God speaks, He will not and cannot lie. He never deceives; He never distorts or misrepresents what He says or does. Lying is against His nature.

gotquestions.org/

Because God cannot lie, God’s Word, the Bible, is completely trustworthy (1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:160). “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). 

Can God Lie?
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for giving me Your perfect Word. Like You, It is faithful and true – it is my joy and peace and strength. It is my help in times of trouble. Help me to build my life on its truths. Use it to strengthen my faith and guide me as I seek to live according to Your Word. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

The More We Know

For more insight in today’s passages: