Tag: LGG

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

God Protects His People

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Week 2, Day 3 of The God Who Restores; A Love God Greatly Advents Study
Today’s Reading: Psalm 94
Today’s SOAP: Psalm 94:14-15

Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
and teach from your law
13 to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 The Lord will not leave his people
or abandon his heritage,
15 for the administration of justice will again be righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:12-15 CSB
Observations: God’s People

I think most of us, myself included, prefer the loving, kind, long suffering descriptions of God rather than the passages that boast or cry out for the avenging God, the God who pays back the proud. The Psalmist cries out for that in today’s passage and yet he also sings God’s praises, boasting of how blessed we are to be taught of Him, how He instructs in order to protect us from times of trouble until the wicked are destroyed. Clearly, as the Psalmist clarifies, God understands that it is hard to live among the wicked who constantly seem to flourish and even celebrate, while those who follow God struggle through, what seems like, one trouble after another. So it was quite refreshing and encouraging to reach verse 12 and the verses that followed, specifically through verse 15. To read of the one who receives God’s instructions, the one who is taught by God from His law is blessed with His protection from times of trouble, until the wicked are destroyed.

However, I think the most encouraging words in the passage aside from knowing He will protect us come in verses 14 and 15 where the Psalmist insist that God will not forsake us, restating it and clarifying that God will not abandon His people – those who belong to Him. The writer goes on to explain that while it may not look like it now – justice for the righteous will prevail! Our God will clear us of any blame or suspicion, He will make right the wrongs for those who walk in His ways.

Application: What does this mean for me?

While in this world it may seem like the ‘wicked’ – the ‘evil doers’, the ‘morally corrupt prevail in all they do’ but the upright suffer for their righteous living – there will come a day when the tables will turn and the upright, those who walk in the way of the LORD, will be vindicated.

Are you following God but facing one trial after another while others who follow only the desires of their hearts seem to flourish? If so, take heart and rejoice in knowing that our God reigns! He will neither forsake or abandon you and will protect you in your times of trouble and use them for His glory and your good.

Prayer: Our Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You that You have adopted us into Your family – that You have by grace through faith made us – or a way for us – to be Your people. For as surely as this promise was true in the Psalmist day so it is in ours! You will never forsake Your people. You will not abandon us because we belong to You. And though we wait for Jesus in this world full of sin – we continually wait with hope in Your promise to one day vindicate the upright.

Your Turn: Reflections:
  • How do you handle waiting on God?
  • Are you impatient, doing all you can to ‘help’ God out?
  • How does Psalm 94 help you as you wait on Him?
Want More?

Visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

Trust In His Faithfulness

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A God Who Restores, A Love God Greatly Advent Study

Today’s Reading: Psalm 13

Today’s SOAP: Psalm 13:5-6

But I trust in your faithfulness. May I rejoice because of your deliverance. I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.

Psalm 13:5-6

Observations: More Lamenting

Like Habakkuk’s lament from yesterday’s post – the Psalmist from today’s reading feels ignored or forgotten. Actually, “how long?” is a common phrase of lament, of people crying out honestly to God with their cares and concerns. However, David writes it four times in this one six verse Psalm – perhaps an indication that that his suffering has lasted a long time, explaining why he feels the way he does. David was lamenting not only his physical struggle of waiting on the Lord’s deliverance but the emotional fears and concerns about his enemies seeing him defeated or the thought that they would rejoice because they saw him shaken.

What I love most about this Psalm is that while David makes it clear that he felt defeated he also makes it very clear that he had not lost hope in God’s faithfulness. He placed so much trust in God, that despite how everything ‘seemed’, he was planning to rejoice in God’s deliverance and sing praises to Him – because he believed God would vindicate him.

Application: What can I learn from this?

Despite the circumstances of our lives, we must trust in God, in His faithfulness and power to rescue us and set us free, even when it feels as though we’ve already been defeated and our enemies are gloating over our failure to stand strong. I am also reminded, that we must be careful not to fear or crave the approval of man so much that we take our eyes off of God, which shakes our trust and adds to the worries of our lives.

Because I have set the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8 ESV

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank you for David’s example – his endurance in suffering, his dependency on You, and his determination to trust You in the midst of life’s difficulties. – May we learn from his example to bring You our honest worries and concerns accompanied with our determination to trust You regardless of how things look or feel. In this You will be glorified and our roots will grow deeper and deeper in You. – To Your glory and honor in the the name of Jesus our Lord – Amen!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Philippians 4:4-8
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS

What are you facing this season? Do you feel neglected, ignored or passed over by God? Are you in a season of rejoicing and praising God for His faithfulness? Or, perhaps, you’re facing both. You feel loss and pain, but you can also recognize God’s provision, wisdom, protection, and care.

(Borrowed from the LGG Devotion, p68 of A God Who Restores)

More: We Can Trust In Him

Our God is faithful. Nothing is unnoticed by Him. No matter the pain we feel or the praise we proclaim. He is always with us. When God’s people waited for he Messiah, God was silent for four hundred years. The people felt ignored by God, forgotten even. But He was working out His perfect plan in His perfect timing. He is not ignoring you. He is not withholding from you. He is working in ways you cannot see or understand, even now, in your situation. And more than that, He is working in incredible, unseen ways to bring about His purposes for the perfect moment when Jesus Christ will return. We can trust Him!

Borrowed from Love God Greatly, p68 of A God Who Restores
Posted in Advent, Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

A Cry for Help!

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The God Who Restores – A Love God Greatly Study, Week 2 – Day 1
Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4;
SOAP: Habakkuk 1:2-4

How long, Lord, must I cry for help?
But you do not listen!
I call out to you, “Violence!”
But you do not deliver!
3 Why do you force me to witness injustice?
Why do you put up with wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence confront me;
conflict is present and one must endure strife.
4 For this reason the law lacks power,
and justice is never carried out.
Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent.
For this reason justice is perverted.

Habakkuk 1:2-4

Observations: In the Absence of Law Justice is Perverted

Because God’s law was no longer being honored, Habakkuk, the prophet, cried out to God . Then, feeling as though he wasn’t being heard – he continued to call out, but still, no deliverance was seen. He was overwhelmed by the injustice God had him witness, and he didn’t understand why God was putting up with all the wrongdoing. He was confronted by destruction and violence and constantly had to endure conflict and strife.

Because of these things, he concluded that the law had become powerless (insomuch that it wasn’t being carried out). In its absence, the wicked were intimidating the innocent, and justice was being perverted.

Application: How can I apply this?

I am reminded that God’s Word is given for our instruction, for rebuke and correction, and to train us in righteousness – so that those who are dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. Thus, I am convicted by Habakkuk’s lament that, like Habakkuk, I should cry out to God with this prayer on behalf of our world today.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NET

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, we live in a world that, for the most part, does not honor You. Much like Habakkuk’s lament expresses – our world is filled with violence and it often seems like there is little to no deliverance. Thus, we are forced to witness a myriad of of injustices and atrocities. We wonder why You put up with wrong doing, we are confronted with destruction and violence when we watch or read any world news publication. Conflict is definitely present and we constantly have to endure strife. We watch as the law seems powerless and justice is perverted – so much, that the wicked intimidate the innocent – and we often cry out as Habakkuk – how long and why? And, I find myself pressed to say, even so Lord Jesus come!

Your Turn: Reflections

What are some of the questions you want to ask God today? Remember He cares for you, so spend time honestly sharing your heart with Him.

Cast all your cares on God, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, The God Who Restores

A PRAYERFUL REFLECTION: WEEK 1

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The God Who Restores, An LGG Study

Father, Your Word makes it clear that all have sinned and fall short of Your glory, and having done so our payment should be death; but in this first week of advent You have reminded us that You are a loving, good, and gracious God, who has given all who believe in Your Son – life instead of death! And with that promise comes the hope of eternity with You in Your Kingdom – the New Jerusalem – yet to come! As we wait for our Redeemer’s return, may Your Spirit teach us and keep us faithful to pray for peace, prosperity, and security for Your people, both here and around the world – Thank You for the Love God Greatly ministry that not only enhances our relationship with You, but for the focus they place on reaching and transforming women with Your Word in every nation and tribe! You know me Father, You know my passion for all things Christmas – but the trees and lights and shopping, the hurry and busyness to get things done clamor for our attention daily. Help me/us to make sure to not allow – what can be the joys of the season – to distract me/us from the first advent – the coming of the Christ child – the reason for the season.

Thank You for the encouragement of Advent to focus and refocus our hearts on Your promises God. The promise we read of in week one, of peace and of no more tears or sorrow or pain and suffering, was one we can never hear enough. However, to those who are currently in challenging seasons of their lives, it was a particularly wonderful reminder and source of encouragement.

Jesus, help us to live today and every day, preparing for Your return. Help us to know what boundaries to set in order to be guarded from trading the peace You came to bring for the busyness of the season and the demands of every day life.

Holy Spirit – Prepare our hearts as we begin the second week of Advent. As Jesus did with His disciples, open our minds to understand The Word that we will read, and help us to grow by it, to live it out, and to share it for the glory of Your Holy and powerful Name! – Amen, so let it be!

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

THE ARRIVAL OF THE SON OF MAN

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Advent, Day 5: The God Who Restores

Today’s Reading: Luke 21:25-36; SOAP: Luke 21: 27-28

 Then they will see the Son of Man arriving in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Observation – Precursors

As I read the first lines of the opening verses (25-26), leading up to the focus passage (27-28) – two things struck me – the first was how familiar or similar the events sounded to what we read and hear in the news today. The second was one word – “signs”. When I read that word – the passage of the wise men following a star that led them to Bethlehem where the Christ Child lay popped in my mind. It hit me, just as the wise men studied and watched – staying alert to the things that would reveal the one they were waiting on and knowing when to travel with their gifts for the “King” – we too can study and know the signs and wonder. No, we will not know the day or the hour – for not even Jesus knows this, but we can know He is coming and we can tell others about Him. We can, and should, stand (be alert) to what God has revealed in His Word, the precursors – so to speak.

Actually to come close to understanding and truly appreciating the focus passage, it helps greatly to read verses 8-26 , where you will read warnings about false prophets, the persecution of disciples, and the desolation of Jerusalem – before coming to the wonderful news that Jesus is coming again, in power and great glory!

The Focus Passage – verses 27-28

 Then they will see the Son of Man arriving in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:27-28

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t truly or fully understand what this means and will not begin to explain it. However, what I do know is that –

  • Jesus is the Son of Man
  • He is coming again to complete the redemption of His people
  • He will be seen arriving in a cloud
    • Note: God’s presence is often accompanied by clouds. A cloud guided the Israelites by day (Exodus 13:21). God protected Moses from His glory with a cloud (Exodus 19:9). And God appeared during Jesus’ transfiguration in a cloud (Mark 9:7). God seems to use our literal heavens as a metaphor for the spiritual heavens in which He lives. Clouds, then, act as a kind of threshold between the realms. (Bibleref.com)
  • He will arrive in power and great glory
  • God’s word makes it clear that there will be signs
  • Those who remain should be paying attention
  • Standing, alert, with heads raised, and minds and hearts surrendered and ready for the redemption that is coming
Application :Intentional, alert, and ready

As for me… the application is just what is advised in verses 27-28 :

  • Look for the signs and wonders of God (be intentional with God’s Word, familiar with and focused on the promises of His return and the knowledge and hope He has given)
  • Stand up ( be alert)
  • Raise your heads – despite the events or the condition of the world around us, we know He is coming again and can live with that certainty rather than the hopelessness and panic of the world around us (be ready and help others be ready by making Him known)
Want more?

One of the greatest perks of purchasing the devotional journals for the LGG studies is that it helps spread God’s Word in every language. However, the devotion that follows each days Scripture reading is my second favorite perk. I found today’s especially helpful and wanted to share it with you. Hope you enjoy!

Before His death Jesus spoke of His return. He let His followers know that even though he would leave this earth for a time, He would return to power and great glory. He explained some of the signs that would happen before His return, alerting His people to them so they would be expectant of His coming.

During the Christmas season, we focus on the birth of Christ, which was His first coming. He has come and has delivered us from sin and death. But what Advent reminds us, year after year, is that we still live in brokenness and long for His second coming. It is this longing we remember during Advent as we look forward to His return.

The day of our redemption is drawing near. Advent is the season of intentionally waiting as we slow down our lives, our hearts, and our schedules to reset and remember what we are truly waiting for. The world tells us we need to attend parties, buy gifts, experience all the seasonal attractions, and wear all the ugly sweaters. What Jesus tells us is that we must watch, set aside time to pray, and be ready!

Jesus told His disciples not to allow their hearts to be so weighed down with the worries of life that His return comes as a surprise. Instead, we are to continually turn our eyes and hearts to Him, staying alert and ready for His return. We are to live with great purpose, as a light in our dark world. That may mean saying “no” to a few parties, activities, or gifts. It may mean laying down our expectations and yielding to God’s will. It may mean waking up early to spend time alone with Jesus and letting Him fill our longing hearts with His love and life. Whatever it may be, we can know that it is worth it. May we live expectant, faithful lives, always prepared for His return.

LGG, The God Who Restores, wk1/d5 devotion – p54

For even more visit Love God Greatly – You won’t want to miss this beautiful analogy!

Your Turn: Reflection

How can you live today to prepare for Christ’s return?

How will you set boundaries or guards this season to trade the busyness and urgency of the world for the peace of Christ?

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

ALL THINGS NEW

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Advent Day 4: The God Who Restores

Today’s Reading: Revelation 21-22: SOAP: Revelation 22:13

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end! Revelation 22:13 NET

Observation and More

I find John’s opening words in chapter 21 captivating. So I hope you will indulge me for just a minute or two before we look at the focus verse. I mean how can we read and not address John’s descriptive word picture of, “a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist.” If that isn’t enough to draw you in, surely the description of seeing the holy city and the new Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband” captures your attention. Then, as if you need any more enticement, you hear the voice of the “husband”, the one seated on the throne talking about God’s home being among humans and saying [God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former thing have ceased to exist. – Look,” He says, “I am making all things new!” Then John says, “[The One on the throne] also said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life.” Oh how beautiful and hope-filled are these words and all the ones which follow.

You Are On God’s Mind

Not too long after reading these captivating words this morning and soaping the focus verse, I was going through my email and opened one from a ‘blog’ I follow, written by Anne-Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham. This particular blog focused on a verse from Revelation 1:8 – which says:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

I say it again and again, how sweet is the timing of our God?

Much like being caught up with John’s word picture of the new heaven and earth, I was taken up with Anne’s own word picture of the title, Alpha and Omega …, namely how it, as she wrote, “describes the eternal omniscience of Jesus Christ.” She went on to explain, “The alpha is the first letter and the omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet. Through the alphabet all of our words, all of our wisdom, and all of our knowledge are expressed. Jesus is the beginning and end of the alphabet, the summation of all wisdom and knowledge.”

However, what filled my heart with joy was the way she described what the omniscience of Christ means to her personally? Anne wrote, “It means [we] have always been on His mind. Think of it: The most important Man in the universe has always been thinking of [us]! Wonder of wonders! [We] have never been out of His thoughts! Even as He hung on the cross, He was thinking of [us] by name! Dying for [us] by name! …” – The passage we read today and the passage Anne wrote about obviously correlate – and together prod my heart to ask – in response to Anne’s word picture , am I, as part of the church, always thinking about Him? Is He always in my thoughts, even when life is hard or when I’m in the middle of a mountain-top experience? And, in response to John’s word picture – how am I, as part of the bride of Christ, adorning myself for Him?

The Focus Verse

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end! Revelation 11:13

Jesus Christ, is:

  • The Alpha and the Omega
  • The first and the last
  • The beginning and the end
  • Jesus is eternal

There is no one like Him, no one who came before Him – no one who will come after Him. He was there in the beginning, when God spoke the world into place and when we were created.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God-

John 1:1

Application: What does this mean to me?

I love how the prophecy doesn’t end with the beautifully enticing description of the City – but with a focus strictly on Jesus and His return! As wonderful as the ‘Eternal City’ will be – the reality and beauty of the Eternal King is to be our focus, always on our mind and forever our hope. When He is, we will adorn ourselves appropriately – with the fruit of His Spirit [Galatians 5:22-26]. We will be found living and loving like Him [John 13:34] , showing grace and mercy to others, making allowance for each others faults, and forgiving anyone who offends us [Colossians 3:12-13]; and above all, we will clothe ourselves with love and let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. The message about Christ, the Gospel, will fill our lives. We will teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives, sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts, and whatever we do or say, we will keep in mind that we are representative of the Lord Jesus, meant to bring glory to the Father, [Colossians 3:14-17].

Your Turn: Reflection

  • How are you adorning yourself for Christ?
  • What part does Christ play in your thoughts, in your life, in your consideration of all things?

Prayer: My Response to God’s Word

Father, You were there before time began – and it is a beautiful thing to know that Jesus was there with You; and to know that though He died for my sins, He has never ceased to exist! He is eternal and has given me eternal life. Oh, what victory we have in Jesus! The Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end – the One who was and is and always will be!I long to be forever in Your presence but until that time – until we are face to face, help me live and love like Jesus so the lost will see and hear and be saved, and You will receive the glory! In the Restoring and Majestic name of Jesus, who will make all things new – Amen!

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

The Coming King

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Advent Day 3: The God Who Restores – An LGG Study

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 11-12; SOAP: Isaiah 11:10

At that time a root from Jesse will stand like a signal flag for the nations. Nations will look to him for guidance, and his residence will be majestic.

Isaiah 11:10 NET
Observations: The Root of Jesse and a signal flag
  • The root from Jesse represents the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the shoot, the bud, the root out of the stump of Jesse. (See verse 1 and Acts 13:22-23).
  • The Root, our Messiah, would be a banner or a “signal flag for the nations”.
  • He will be one who stands out and is sought after. (see: Luke 2:32; John 3:14-15, 12:32: Romans 15:12; and Revelation 5:5)
Application: How then should we live?

There are probably many more, but the applications that came to mind were –

  • Celebrate the birth, the life, and the death of Jesus, who came from the stump of Jesse.
  • Wait with confident expectation knowing that He will one day come again. In this we can trust and rejoice.
  • Keep the celebration for His first coming flowing and the anticipation growing for His second coming by staying grounded, rooted, and fixed on Him. This means faithfully dwelling in and living out His Word. Remember, it is living and active, a light to our feet, a weapon against sin and discouragement as we wait, and it is the power of God that leads to the salvation of all who believe!
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, how great You are! Jesus what a beautiful gift You are, a signal flag of HOPE, assurance, and guidance as we wait for Your return. Holy Spirit, who rested upon Jesus and now lives in us, You fill us with POWER and HOPE as we wait for what is to come; and You stir us to celebrate and rejoice as we remember Bethlehem and the gift, Your gift, of the baby in the manger. Strengthen us as we wait, keep us faithfully living and loving like Jesus, and use us as salt and light in this dark world. Blessed be the name of the Lord, the God who restores! Thank You in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior – Amen!

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Seeking the Peace of God

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Today’s Reading: Psalm 122; SOAP:Psalm 122:8-9
Observation: For the Sake of Jerusalem

I have often quoted and/or prayed the first words of this passage, “I was glad because they said to me, ‘We will go to the [House] of the Lord.'” Yet, in all honesty, I confess the rest of this passage is unfamiliar to me or at least does not jump out to me as often read or ever studied. Take time to soak up all nine verses, they are beautiful and have a message of hope for all who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Read it, listen to the building excitement in David’s words in this “Psalm of Ascent”1, a call to worship, sang as the people of Israel traveled to Jerusalem. His obvious love for simply being in the city – comes out in the second verse when he declares: “Our feet are standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.” Be careful not to miss how he focuses on the features of the city. He’s caught up with the temple (House of God) (v1,5,9), the gates (v2), the thrones (v5), the walls (defenses) (v7), and fortresses (v7). They have an affect on his life and he believes, as his words reveal, on all who are inside the city.

All of this leads to a prayer for Jerusalem, a concern for her, and the people and the leaders within, to know peace inside her walls and to rest in the security of such a great fortress. He prays this not just because he loves the temple-city of His God but, as he says, for the sake, or the concern, for his brothers and neighbors – not only that they would know peace but that there would be no contention among them that would destroy the city or distract them from being in the temple of their God; and the concern seems equally spent on “seeking Jerusalem’s good through prayer”2 I love this imagery, the people having an effect on the House of God – where they dwell, where they gather to worship, and where legal decisions are made; but also the House of God – and all that goes on or is within her, from the gates to the thrones and the security she provides – having an effect on the people. In other words we affect the ‘church’ and the ‘church’ affects us.

Application: So what’s it all mean?

As is clearly stated, Jerusalem was a place meant for God’s people to gather, to worship, and to make legal decisions. The “tribes”3 of families go “up” to Jerusalem, where they are required to give thanks (v4) to the name of the LORD, their God.

As I read through this part of the passage, I landed on the people being ‘required to give thanks to the name of the LORD and realized another beautiful truth to apply here – while we may no longer live under the requirements of the law – if thanksgiving was important to God then, and clearly it was – would it not also be important to Him now? After all, we live under the freedom of His grace, (Rom 6:14-15), which He lavished on us through the life, death, and resurrection of His only begotten Son, (Eph 1:3-8).

As for the application of our focus verses (8-9), we have already noted: the Psalmist prays acknowledging his desire/concern for his brothers and friends to enjoy peace within the walls of Jerusalem and then for the good of the “temple of God” to prosper or do good. It seems to me that David is seeking the welfare of both the local and the corporate aspects of God’s people – which I believe is a good indication that we, as a community of faith, both locally and globally, should share this same focus and purpose in prayer – a focus so intent on being in the Presence of God that we seek the good of the church and its people.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
May those who love her prosper.
7 May there be peace inside your defenses,
and prosperity inside your fortresses.
8 For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors
I will say, “May there be peace in you.”
9 For the sake of the temple of the Lord our God
I will pray for you to prosper.

Psalm 122:6-9
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, how good you were to place Your people within “tribes” – developing families of nations and ultimately, the community of faith/church – Your people both locally and globally. Help us/me, like David, to faithfully seek peace and [good] for Your people and for the good of Your [House]. May we be glorifying and honoring influencers in the church, and may its influence leave a lasting impression on us that is a light to all we come in contact with. may I/we always enter with thanksgiving, not because we are required to but because we realize the blessing, privilege, and power that are ours because we belong to You. In the name and power of Jesus, so let it be!

1Love God Greatly from the God who restores, devotion-Day 2 (p. 38)
2FOOTNOTE on verse 9, from HCSB study Bible: tn Heb “I will seek good for you.” The psalmist will seek Jerusalem’s “good” through prayer.

3″Tribes” is a reference to the 12 tribes of Israel. The twelve tribes of Israel came from the twelve sons of Israel. “Israel” is the name that God gave Jacob (Genesis 32:28). His twelve sons are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin (Genesis 35:23-26; Exodus 1:1–4; 1 Chronicles 2:1–2). When the tribes inherited the Promised Land, Levi’s descendants did not receive a territory for themselves (Joshua 13:14). Instead, they became priests and had several cities scattered throughout all of Israel. Joseph’s tribe was divided in two—Jacob had adopted Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, essentially giving Joseph a double portion for his faithfulness in saving the family from famine (Genesis 47:11–12). This means the tribes who received territory in the Promised Land were Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh. In some places in Scripture, the tribe of Ephraim is referred to as the tribe of Joseph (Numbers 1:32–33). – https://www.gotquestions.org/twelve-tribes-Israel.html

Your Turn: Reflections

Why/how are you praying for peace, prosperity, and security for God’s people today?

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Waiting for Deliverance

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Today’s Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5; SOAP: Isaiah 2:5
Observation: A prophecy about Israel’s future and ours

God gave Isaiah a message about Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah’s words would have been questionable at best and totally unbelievable at worst in the minds of his listeners – who had been warned of exile and destruction if they did not repent of their idolatrous ways. His words were nonetheless true and coming. Yes, the words were given to a nation about to go into exile because of their idolatrous ways – but Isaiah points them to a better day of hope and restoration.

From the book of Genesis forward throughout the Old Testament there was the promise of one who would crush the head of the serpent, and one who would save His people from their sins. Then there is the passage where Isaiah talks of how God was preparing a way where there seemed to be no way … or consider the words of the Apostle Matthew, when he said:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

Matthew was connecting Jesus [Immanuel, God with us] to the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14, where he said:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Whether this prophecy of Isaiah is solely referring to the birth of Jesus is debatable among scholars but clearly God’s inspired word through Matthew attributes truth to this understanding.

While we look forward to the second coming of Christ, the people of Judah were given hope and would have been looking forward to the first coming – the first Advent – the coming of the Messiah.

Application: What can we learn from this?

Clearly Isaiah is giving hope but he is also giving them an instruction to not wait to follow the LORD but to live in His ways now. They would enjoy peace “now” if they submitted to Him and faithfully walked in His ways. The same is true for us in this world of chaos and idolatry that seems to hold no hope and demands us to wait – on what at times can appear to be an unbelievable promise – but is nonetheless the hope of our faith.

I love this quote from the LGG devotional and I think it best sums up for us what Isaiah was telling the people then – and can still speak hope to us today:

“That is the character of our God. No matter what we have done or how we (personally and corporately) have turned against Him, He is the God who restores. He sent His Son as the redeemer of our souls. He is the hope we have, the promise of restoration. When we walk in His guiding light, we see the future hope we have in Him.”

LGG Devotion, day 1 of 2022 Advent, The God who Restores
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, while this is a message for the tribe of Judah in the days of Isaiah, Your prophet – I thank you for the hope it brings to all nations. For by faith, those who have believed in Your only begotten Son, will be among those who dwell in Your Kingdom. Blessed be Your glorious and gracious name! In the Name of the One in whom I have placed my hope and faith – Amen.

Your Turn: Reflections on the Word Read

Even though God promised to judge His people for their sin, He offered a glimpse into the future glory of Jerusalem.

  • What does this reveal about His character?
  • What does this mean about us, in our season of waiting?

(I invite you to share your thoughts/answers in the comment section …. If you do not know Jesus as your Savior please message me and let me share with you the greatest gift you will ever receive.)

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study

Commissioned

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Day 5, Week 6 of Come, Lord Jesus Come (A Love God Greatly Study) Disciples of All Nations

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 (SOAP – Matthew 28:19-20)

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 NET

Observations and Application of the Great Commission:

Much like Paul gave Timothy his ‘charge’ or particular ‘ministry’ to do, Jesus gives His disciples a charge to carry out. He actually tasks them with much the same thing – the work of an evangelist, which is to spread the Gospel message. Like Timothy, we are to do the work of an evangelist, spreading the news that Jesus saves, discipling others, encouraging new believers to follow the Lord in baptism, and to obey everything that Christ commanded. We would also do well to remember to encourage others that Jesus is with us, even to the end of the age.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, You are good and Christ was good to walk with and transform the lives of so many disciples who followed Him. You continue to disciple and train us up today by Your Word and people. May we be faithful to Your commission, whether it is convenient or not – to be ready with an answer for the hope that is within us. Show us how to reach those here and in other countries. And as we go, open hearts and minds to the message of the cross and of our Christ!

more insight

https://lovegodgreatly.com/devotional-come-lord-jesus-come-w6d5/

Reflections: Your turn

Who in your life can you disciple?