Tag: Love God Greatly

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

Rescued for Redemption

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w5d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Jonah 2 / SOAP: verse 2

“I called out to the Lord from my distress,
and he answered me;
from the belly of Sheol I cried out for help,
and you heard my prayer.

Jonah 2:2 NET

Note: I hope you have time to read the entire post today; but If you only have a short time to spend on today’s lesson/blog please skip from my portion of the blog to the “MORE WE KNOW” segment. It is an excellent explanation of Jonah and a wonderful focus for our minds and hearts as we approach the Easter celebration. – I don’t say it often but comments are always appreciated. I love hearing/reading what God is doing with these posts/studies.

Jonah’s story is a familiar one to most, but we would be wise to check our understanding of it, the meaning behind it and the reality of it in our own lives and the lessons God has for us through it. There’s certainly more to the story than Jonah and a ‘whale’. There’s disobedience, sailor’s tossing Jonah overboard into a stormed tossed sea, Jonah nearly drowning wrapped in seaweed, waking in the belly of a giant fish and giving thanks to God for saving him. Then there’s the fish vomiting him up on dry land and Jonah actually going to Nineveh and preaching judgment to the people as God had commanded. Just, as Jonah had feared, the people repented and believed; but instead of rejoicing, Jonah, who had just received mercy from God for his own disobedience, now becomes angry with God for showing mercy to the Ninevites and saving them from their sins – and Jonah’s anger leads him to even more distress.

Jonah’s prayer in chapter two is a prayer of thanksgiving, not for God saving him from the belly of a fish but for what God did to rescue him from drowning in the sea. Read it again – listen to his words of distress and desperation as he is drowning in the storm tossed sea. Watch as God responds in mercy, not in a way Jonah would have thought or prayed for but through what John Piper describes as “uncomfortable stages and impossible circumstances and just in the nick of time.”

In spite of Jonah’s guilt and God’s judgment, in spite of the impossible circumstances Jonah found himself in, God had delivered Jonah from death to life so that he could go and live out the calling on his life to take God’s message to the people of Nineveh so that they would repent and be saved and know the mercy of God.

Even when God is displeased with us, he never brings us into affliction merely for the sake of punishment. His purposes always include redemption.

Piper / Cry of Distress, 1982

Like Jonah, we have been disobedient. Like Jonah, many of us have run away from God and/or His calling on our life. Like Jonah, we must realize the weight and significance of our sin and what God has done to save us from perishing in our sins. We weren’t sent a great fish but rather God’s only begotten Son to save us from our sins, sins that deserved God’s wrath but received His mercy – by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We must recognize the weight and seriousness of our sin … repent and call out to God for help … and live obediently to His Word.

John Piper presents Jonah as history more than a story or parable. He sums up the application of what we learn from Jonah like this, “And if the book (of Jonah) had recorded the rest of God’s dealings with Jonah, I think it would have ended like this (and it’s just as relevant for us):

‘Jonah, don’t you see what I was trying to teach you when I answered your cry of distress and sent the fish to save you? I had mercy on you in spite of your guilt. I had mercy on you in spite of my own sentence of judgment. I saved you from impossible circumstances. I delivered you in the nick of time. I commanded a fish to save your life. You were filled with a song of thanksgiving for my mercy and vowed your loyalty to me. Jonah, Jonah, be merciful, even as I have been merciful to you!'”

Friends, like Jonah, we were saved from our sins for the purpose of redemption – for the purpose of showing God’s mercy and love to others as we take the message of salvation to a lost and dying world.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, You are a holy God and You cannot look on sin so in Your great mercy You made a way where there was no way for us to be saved from the weight and the death sentence of our sin. Like Jonah, we were drowning and entangled in our sin with no hope of surviving but when we called out to You in faith You heard and answered, relenting from Your judgment and saving us – not through a great fish but through a mighty Savior who laid three days in the tomb but on the third day He walked out of that grave! Now, because He lives I can live too. Because He loved – I can love too. Because You have shown great mercy – I can show great mercy. – Let me not walk in sin but live alert to any diversion from Your word and call on my life – For you heard my cry as surely as You heard Jonahs, You rescued me from the pit of destruction and by Your mercy I am redeemed!

The More We Know

Cry of Distress and Voice of Thanks / The Prayer of Jonah : by John Piper,1982

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

Pleasing Sacrifices

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w4d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 20:3; Proverbs 19:17 / SOAP: Hebrews 13:16

And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

Hebrews 13:16 NET

Let’s look back at the verses prior to verse sixteen, specifically at verses twelve through fifteen, on which verse sixteen seems to hinge.” Therefore, to sanctify the people by his own blood, Jesus also suffered outside the camp. 13 We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced. For this world is not our permanent home, we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name. –And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.“

I’m so glad I backed up and read what came before the word “and” because I love that it bumps up against both haunting and exciting verses. In the first two verses, the author causes us to look upon our abused and suffering Savior and His sacrificial death for us. Yet, the writer quickly follows up with the exciting reminder that Jesus suffered these things so that we might be made holy and inherit the “home yet to come,” the Kingdom promised to us through our faith in Jesus. The fact that the warning or instruction to not neglect to do good and share follows the reminder of what Christ did for us is a wonderful prompter or reminder of why we should not neglect to do good and to share with others, especially since we know these are pleasing sacrifices to God.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

As believers and followers of Christ, we should not neglect to do good and to share what we have, for God considers these things pleasing sacrifices. Gift cards for dinner, gas, or groceries are all good things to share; likewise, paying a bill for someone or helping with another monetary need are most certainly blessings to the person you help. However, I believe we could also list countless good things to share and good things to do for others that don’t involve money and would still please God. Whether it is a home-cooked meal or an offer to watch someone’s children so they can be with a family member at the hospital or even have a much-needed date night, cleaning a house for someone who has broken a leg, or mowing the grass for an elderly neighbor – what we do doesn’t have to be a monetary sacrifice. Truthfully, while monetary sacrifices are sweet and appreciated, sometimes, the gift of our time is of greater value to the recipient.

Jesus wasn’t ostentatious with His acts of doing good and sharing. He worked with what He had, like mud or five loaves and two fishes. Despite all the power of the heavens at His disposal – even His mighty and marvelous acts of healing were not flashy displays of lights and showmanship.

Me, From the Inside-Out 🦋

6 Then Jesus spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. 7 He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!

John 9:5-7 NLT
Prayer for the journey

Holy, heavenly Father, I praise You for the things You teach us through Your Word; and for the things You show us through Christ Jesus, Your Son. He demonstrated in word and deed how to live and to love, to do good and to share – and to do it all as a sacrifice of praise to You and for the opportunity of pointing people to You. Help us, please, to live and love like Him. Help us in these days leading up to Easter, to remember Jesus there – sanctifying the people by His own blood, suffering outside the camp. Help us to see Him, there, outside the camp, bearing the abuse He experienced. For this world is not our permanent home, we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to You, our God, proclaiming our allegiance to Your name – for You are worthy! –Help us, please, not neglect to do good and to share what we have, for we know You are pleased with such sacrifices. I pray this all in the name of Jesus and for Your glory – hallelujah and amen!

THE MORE WE Know

Cast out for us

Bearing His disgrace

Eternal Perspective

Sacrifice of Praise

Sacrifice of Love

For more insight, be sure and read today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

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

Pursuit of the Kingdom

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w4d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Luke 12:13-34 / SOAP: verses 29-30

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 

Luke 12:29-30 NLT

I find the fact that God already knows our needs and every detail of our situations in life quite comforting and encouraging. However, I confess that I still often find myself struggling with worry. The latest/current example is a situation with my mom, who – (for reasons like physical health, dementia, loneliness, and because the house had outgrown her) – needed to move into an assisted living community.

Prayer for wisdom and direction as well as grace and peace in the wait was a daily habit.

Money and availability at the “right place” were an immediate factor but God gave me a glimmer of hope that it was financially doable so we paid the deposit to put her name on a waiting list. Weeks turned into months and months into nearly a year. In the early stages I would call occasionally to gage the ‘hope’ factor of a space opening up – which was kind of silly since the waiting list was long and we weren’t at the top and the unknown factors of how and when a room would open were near to impossible for the director to even know. Yet, maybe if I kept calling she would realize the urgency and somehow put mom ahead of the others. Yes, I know how that sounds but it’s where I was in the moment and I’d like to say it stopped there but it didn’t. No, my mind went so far as jealousy over those who were getting in ahead of her! I’m not proud of these thoughts but I share them because today’s Scripture reminded me just how much I looked like the man in the parable. Concern for my mom had turned into worry and excessive planning and even envious thoughts for something that was completely out of my control.

Early on in the process, probably before the deposit was made, I began to pray every day as I drove by the road to the assisted living facility that God would create an opening and that we would get the call. However, as I realized what the desperate desire and worry were doing to my mind I gave it over to the Father and began praying:

“Father, when the time is right for mother and if it is Your will for her to move – will You please open a door to the room You want her to have.”

This was more than a prayer it was a daily exercise of faith in the God who knew not just my mother’s needs but mine and it was the daily reminder (multiple times a day, as the facility is on my way to and from work and nearly anywhere else I would be going) that He was in complete and perfect control. There was so much comfort and worship that came from the prayer. There was growth and there was peace and grace; and without a shadow of a doubt I can say that He used every day, week, and month of those prayers to make what had become a tense relationship between mom and I one that was covered with grace and peace and even more and more moments of sweet memories and laughter. Perhaps, even more importantly (and the underlying reason of sharing this story) there was renewed strength and prayer and focus on the Kingdom work of praying for the lost and getting His message out daily.

As the months stretched closer to a year and mom’s forgetfulness, daytime needs, and loneliness became more of a factor – it was apparent that she needed help sooner than later so I began looking into in-home care. After research and an interview with a trusted caregiver recommended by a friend – I was preparing to call and confirm the details of days and times when my phone rang. I recognized the number, it was the number I called so many times to ask if there was a room open yet. I answered to hear the words: “MaryEllen, your mom’s room is ready!” –

Elation, shock, and nervousness tumbled together allowing the enemy to create some pretty rocky emotions, questions and doubts. Again, I found myself looking like the man from today’s parable. Was there really enough money and what could I do to make sure there was and … “STOP, peace be still!” God was quick to send me the message – “Child, you prayed faithfully for me to open this door if it was my will and when your mom’s room was available. Are you really going to shut the door in my face or question my will and preparation for your mother? Be still and know that I am Your God!”

From that point on the door was flung open and I was walking through it – timid yet bold – calm yet nervous, concerned BUT turning every ounce of worry back to Him with the new daily prayer that He would prepare mother’s heart and mind for the move from her home of more than thirty years, the last place she was with my father and brothers. This wasn’t going to be easy and there are no guarantees of her money lasting as long as her days – but this one thing I knew – God was in complete control and He opened the door – my job was simply to walk through it in faith and keep my eyes on Him.

When my eyes were on my mom’s situation – her health, her inability to walk, her forgetfulness, her loneliness, her obstinance, her money, … worry was high and tensions were great between us. Yet, when my eyes were on God and His power, His timing, His will, and goodness through all of my life … when grace and peace became my prayer tensions were lessened, faith was strengthened, and Kingdom work was pursued – ALL GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD!

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Be wise and plan well – but plan with God. Lay down the worry and let God direct your steps, your thoughts, and prayers. Remind yourself daily that God is in complete and perfect control. The Word of God is your armor and prayer is a powerful weapon – use them. Above all these things – “Pursue the Kingdom,”1 remembering that “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“

If we are taking care of God’s business as a priority—seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others—then He will take care of our business as He promised—and if that’s the arrangement, where is worrying?

gotquestions.org / seek first the kingdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

God, You are holy and good and I adore You. Your ways are good and right and Your presence is encouraging. You turn worry into worship and fear into peace and concerns into prayer – and You continually amaze me! Keep us always in pursuit of Your glorious Kingdom and will. Guard us from worry and from the enemy who seeks to steal and kill and destroy. Help us to stand strong in You through prayer and time in Your Word – a light for our path and a lamp to guide our feet and the priorities of this life. We are utterly dependent on You because we know that You are in control of today and all of our tomorrows. Father, we seek Your love, and will, and presence that enable us to walk obediently… We seek Your priorities Father… the boldness to share the good news of the Gospel… and the salvation of others are the treasures we seek – guard our earthly concerns from turning to worries, help our hearts to lay down the concerns and faithfully follow after You and all the treasures of Heaven.2 – In Jesus’ Name – Amen

THE MORE WE KNOW
Journey inspired worship
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Treasures

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God/w4d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 49/SOAP: ; Matthew 6:19-21

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

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

“Material possessions are temporary.” The Psalmist wrote it well in verse ten of chapter forty-nine: “Surely one sees that even wise people die; fools and spiritually insensitive people all pass away and leave their wealth to others.” Jesus also said it well to His audience, when He pointed out to them that earthly treasures will only decay or be stolen or destroyed. We all know it, yet, somehow we all – for the most part, at one time or another – struggle against the reality of the temporary and get caught up with acquiring “earthly treasures.”

Without a doubt Psalm forty-nine, with all of its talk about death and the grave and the loss of everything they’ve worked for or enjoyed can be depressing. However, when we read carefully, we will discover a “BUT GOD” verse. I love the “BUT GOD” verses and moments of life – and there is a powerfully encouraging one found in verse fifteen. Clearly, nothing we have, do or say can keep us from ‘death,’ not even wealth, fame, or wisdom – BUT GOD will rescue His people from the power of death! For this one thing we know is true – Christ Arose!

We may not mean for our hearts to be so caught up with treasures – but as a collector of a variety of things, I am well acquainted with the realities and dangers of treasures and the focus of the heart. I am constantly learning and seeking to practice the wisdom of setting my heart and mind on God, for I know Scripture teaches that doing so brings peace, joy, strength, wisdom, guidance and so much more to our lives on earth. I am also reminded by today’s passage that there is a heavenly treasure trove of rewards we receive when we live well for God, which should be our ultimate priority. While we know that there will be rewards in Heaven, we are not told exactly what these rewards will be. However, we can and should assume that any gift we receive from God will be far greater than any earthly treasure we might attain in this life.

Christ’s point is not that Christians cannot have wealth, or they should not own anything. Rather, He means that we can only have one ultimate priority (Matthew 6:24), which should be God.

Bibleref.com / Matthew 6:21
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

I believe the key to applying this truth is the focus of our heart and mind. When our focus and goal in life is anything other than God’s will and glory we’ve got it wrong and it will not end well, for as Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Bibleref.com commentary on verse twenty of chapter six, asks and answers this question: How did Jesus mean for His followers to store up rewards for themselves in heaven?

  • “Christ has spoken a few times in the Sermon on the Mount of acts God will reward. These have included being persecuted for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11–12); giving to the needy in secret (Matthew 6:4), praying in secret (Matthew 6:6) and fasting without calling attention to oneself (Matthew 6:18). In short, God rewards His people when they lead lives of sincere devotion and worship to Him.” Bibleref.com

To help us even further, Paul’s words to the Colossians, specifically in chapter three, seems to be the perfect application as to where our hearts and minds should be focused as well as what it looks like to lead lives of sincere devotion and worship to God. I encourage you to read through it several times and then mark it in your Bible and even print it to keep with you or put where you will see/read it often. Remember, we must be intentional in living the Christian life – it doesn’t just happen.

Living the New Life

3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, help us to seek first the things that matter to You – the treasures of Heaven and not of earth. Fill our minds and hearts with the things of Christ like love, joy, and peace and the message of His Gospel that brings salvation to all who believe. Help us to live well as representatives of our Lord, Jesus Christ – giving thanks to You always. We cannot do this well if we are living for self or earthly treasures so align our desires with Yours Father, help our ultimate priority to be to know You and make You known – and to please You in all we do and say. In this we will give You thanks – in Jesus’ name – amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

<a href="http://”>How Can We Store Up Treasures in Heaven?

Attitudes Toward Wealth

For more insight on today’s Scriptures read the LoveGodGreatly Blog Post

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

The Blessing of Repentance

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Psalm 32 / SOAP: verse 5

Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD.” And then You forgave my sins. (Selah)

Psalm 32:5 NET

Refusal to confess sins creates physical problems but, as David teaches us here in Psalm 32, confession (repentance) brings the blessings of forgiveness and joyful deliverance!

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋

Today’s devotion by the LGG Team is a wonderful capstone for the week we have spent looking at and making repentance part of our observance and/or study of Lent.

“This week, we’ve studied repentance. Repentance is a key component of our faith. In the season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the saving work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, repentance is one way we turn our hearts to Him.

In Psalm 32, David expresses the way repentance and confession of sin brought him true joy and peace. He writes how, when he refused to confess his sin, he experienced great pain. The weight of his sin tormented him, nearly destroying him, and even affecting his physical health.”

Living the Journey (Application)

David’s example sets the stage for a wonderful application – as the LGG team member writes:

“Once David confessed his sin, he recognized and accepted God’s incredible forgiveness. He no longer suffered pain but experienced great peace and joy. When he trusted God to forgive him. God’s faithfulness overwhelmed him.

David also encourages God’s people to pray and repent while they can still do so. Because of Jesus, all our sins are forgiven and paid for if we have placed our faith in Him. So our lives no longer need to be tormented by the weight and destruction of sin. When we turn back to God and seek His forgiveness, we find life, peace, and joy.”

Repentance is not a one-time action but a discipline and a posture of our hearts. The more we recognize the freedom and blessings that come from repentance, the quicker we are to repent when we make mistakes.

LGG Team/ LENT Journal w3d4
Prayer for the Journey

“May we be followers of Jesus who continually humble ourselves before Him in repentance and live in the freedom and joy that comes from His forgiveness.” – Amen!

The More We Know

What does Psalm chapter 32 mean?

For more insight check out today’s LGG BLOG post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Be The Difference

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10 / SOAP: verse 7

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Luke 15:7

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him.

Luke 15:1 NLT

Whew! What an opening line to a wonderful portion of Luke’s story. Jesus wasn’t having to go to the people, they were coming to Him and as Luke reveals here, even the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear Jesus. This didn’t settle well with the Pharisees and experts of the law though because it meant Jesus was welcoming them, agreeing not only to spend time talking to them but to eat with them – which was a sign of friendship. They complained and Jesus used the complaint as another teachable moment. He used two parables, stories/examples that were relevant to the day and helpful in making the point that He was needed by the ‘sinner’ more than the ‘righteous ones’. After all, He came to seek and save the lost, (Luke 19:10).

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Luke 5:31-32 NLT

Jesus’ response to the complaint made by the Pharisees came in the form of parables. The first parable was about a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep who had foolishly strayed off the path. The second story was about a woman who searched desperately for one coin that was lost when she still had the other nine – the point Jesus was making was that His greater concern was for those who needed Him, whether they had foolishly strayed off the path or didn’t even realize they were lost. The end result is that both the sheep and the coin were looked for and when found there was great rejoicing.

Living the Journey

Just as Jesus left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep and just as the woman shown a light into the dark room to find the missing coin we should likewise give careful attention to the lost and let our light shine into the darkness around us. When we live and love like Jesus we will be the difference He calls us to be and the world around us will be changed.

Even if there is only one who is lost, we are to seek them out – we are to be the light that helps them find their way; and we are to rejoice over them when they are found.

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋
Prayer for the Journey

Father, please help my attitude to be like Jesus’ attitude and not that of the Pharisees. Let me not only see the lost around me but seek them out and respond to them with Jesus’ loving concern and compassion. Let me not be caught up with the complaints of those around me or ever consider myself better than those who are lost or have wandered away. Help me to remember, “but by Your grace there I would be also.” – In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!

The More We Know

The Parables Explained

Why Jesus Feasted With a Group of Cultural Outcasts

Righteous versus sinners

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

Sin’s Requirement

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:38; and SOAP: 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 NET

Sin requires something of us, and according to God’s word in Roman’s 6:23, that requirement is death. However, great provision was made through Jesus Christ and we are given a second option – which is a commitment to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. That faith, according to Jesus’ teaching demands that we turn from our selfish (sinful) ways, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Or, as it is written in 2 Chronicles, “If my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.“

I love words, and I love running across words I’m not familiar with – like “repudiate,” which we find in the NET version of 2 Chronicles 7:14. The meaning of repudiate is to refuse to have anything to do with, to refuse to be associated with, or to divorce or separate from formally. In other words – naming the name of God, choosing to place our faith in Christ requires us to divorce ourselves from sinful practices and instead seek to please God and call out to Him. In return, God promises to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin requires something of us – either death or a commitment to God.

Me, from the Insideout –
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Before writing the beloved promise of forgiveness that we find in 1 John 1:9, John penned the words: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8) Clearly, if our desire is to live (abide) in Christ, who is the Truth, then we must own up to our sins, confessing them before God who is faithful to not only forgive us but to cleanse us from all of our “all unrighteousness.” The promises don’t stop there though, remember He also promises to help us stay faithful by giving us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3-4) and to show us the way of escape when we are tempted to return to our old ways (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Cor 10:12-13 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, turning from sin and living righteously – denying ourselves our selfish, sinful desires and following Jesus does not come naturally to us – but You knew this and provided a Way where there was no way. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have received all the precious promises of Your Word, promises that guarantee us forgiveness and enable us to share in His divine nature and escape not only the world’s corruption but the wages of our sins – which are death. Father help us to ‘repudiate’ our sinful practices and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life whom You have provided so that we might receive the free gift of Your grace, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. – And Father, if anyone is reading this today who does not belong to You – may their heart and mind be opened to the Word of Your Gospel – which has the power to save and to forever change their life! – In the most holy and powerful name and blood of Jesus I pray – trusting and believing –

Amen and Amen!

THE MORE WE KNow

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

Forgiveness’ cleansing power!

For more insight on today’s passage – visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Repentance Leads to …

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God w3d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Exodus 34:27-28; Romans 10:17; and SOAP: Romans 15:4

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

INTO THE TEXT – borrowed from the LGG Journal for Lent –


Have you ever stopped to contemplate the vastness of God’s character? He can possess both wrath and mercy, justice and compassion, and offer them perfectly. God can look at our sin and hate it, but also offer us mercy and desire that we would repent and turn to Him.


Since Creation, God has made Himself known. He has displayed His character and love through creation, His people, and Himself. Though He is holy and cannot be near sin, He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. He desires that all would repent and turn to Him.


When we are believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us. When we sin, we experience godly sadness. This sadness is not condemnation but is intended to lead us back to God. The purpose is both to show us that we need God and to lead us to repent and turn to Him.


Often, that sadness can be brought about when we recognize God’s kindness. Yes, there are times when God will allow us to experience the consequences of our sins, natural or otherwise. But God’s kindness is what often leads us to repent. When we see and understand how much God loves us, we are moved to repent from our sins and follow Him.


God’s desire for us is to recognize our need for Him and to repent. That repentance leads first to salvation, and then continual sanctification for the rest of our lives. Whenever we experience sadness and sorrow over our sin, may we recognize it as a mercy from God intended to bring us to repentance. May we turn away from our sin and toward Him so He can replace our sorrow with true joy.

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

A Plea of Repentance

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 51; SOAP: verses 1-2

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love.
Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts.
2 Wash away my wrongdoing.
Cleanse me of my sin

Psalm 51:1-2 NET

What a beautiful prayer and example of repentance! It is a prayer of David, following his affair with Bathsheba, after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. David was clearly undone before God. As we saw with Esther in the previous post – sometimes (if not often) we need people in our lives that will speak the truth to us – even if it is about a sin in our life. I believe God used Nathan’s bold obedience to confront David to change the trajectory of David’s life. I have learned from personal experience that God can and will use David’s prayer to change the path we are on as well. For surely you have found, as I have, that we don’t always see sin for what it is and even when we do we find it hard to turn away from and/or never confess before God the guilt and shame we are under.

For I am aware of my rebellious acts;
I am forever conscious of my sin.
4 Against you—you above all—I have sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
So you are just when you confront me;
you are right when you condemn me.
5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,
a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.
6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man;

Psalm 51: 3-6 NET

David was made aware of his rebellious acts and became conscious of his sin. He knew that he had sinned against God and that God was right to confront and condemn him for his behavior. He knew what God desired of him was a heart of integrity, not the sexual transgressions and lies and murder1 for which he was guilty. David understood that God would be well within His rights to reject him or even to take His Holy Spirit from him but he cried out for God’s mercy and prayed that God would create a pure heart and renew a right spirit within him and that he might be sustained by the desire to obey. David also committed to then teach other sinners God’s merciful ways so that they would turn to God as David had.

Create for me a pure heart, O God.
Renew a resolute spirit within me.
11 Do not reject me.
Do not take your holy Spirit away from me.
12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance.
Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey.
13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,
and sinners will turn to you.

Psalm 51:10-13 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

The end result David was looking for, which should always be the point of our repentance – was being restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus died for it and we should strive for it – by living as God has called us to live and repenting when we fall short. As David pointed out, God does not want us to offer Him burnt sacrifices or great offerings while our hearts are still far from Him. This is why Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites and quoting from Isaiah, said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me” (Matthew 15:7–9).

2“Today, some believers try to erase their guilt over sins by increasing their offerings, or helping in the nursery, or cleaning the church, or observing optional traditions such as Lent, or a number of other good works. But these “sacrifices” can never substitute for a heart that loves and obeys the Lord. Nor can those efforts outweigh the offense our sin causes to a perfectly good and holy God.”

Bibleref.com / Psalm 51:16
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Holy is Your name! We are a blessed people to know You as our God and be invited, through the blood of Christ, to boldly approach Your throne – but God forbid that we only approach it for our needs and desires and earthly sorrows. Let us learn from David and from the teaching of the New Testament saints that we must be in the habit of confessing our sins before You, in repentance seeking Your merciful and graciously promised forgiveness. For when we continually fail in repentance we place a wedge between us and You – and though we may go through all the right motions of church and prayer and devotions – when we continually fail in repentance we will wallow in our sin and be hypocrites like the Pharisees, a people who worship You in vain, honoring You with our lips, when in reality our hearts are far from you – O God forbid that this be true of us and where it is – speak truth into our lives and lead us, as You led David, to full and beautiful repentance.

THE MORE We Know

1“Rescue me from the guilt of murder – “

Be sure and visit lovegodgreatly.com for more insight

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

You Made Me Bold

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w2d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Esther 4; and SOAP: Psalm 138:3

When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me.

Psalm 138:3 NLT

Who doesn’t love the story of Esther?1 A Jewish maiden who became queen of Persia and rescued her people from a murderous plot to annihilate them. If you read chapter four or know the story, you understand that the rescue almost didn’t happen. Whether it was respect for the law, which required an invitation from the king to enter the inner courts, or whether it was out of fear of the outcome – which was death, Esther’s first response to Mordecai’s message to appeal to the king for her people was a hard pass.

However, when Mordecai confronted Esther with a message of truth, “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” – Esther 4:13-14 – Esther understood, and she surrendered to the truth of who she was as a Jewish maiden who had been chosen queen. She proceeded with wisdom, inciting fasting2 from her people and even her female attendants – with the hope that God might use her to save her people from annihilation.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Esther had to be reminded that she was more than a queen; she was also a Jew. We, too, must remember who we are in Christ. Regardless of our place in this world, we must not forget that we are in a relationship with a wonderful and loving God who has invited us to call out to Him – to cast our cares and anxieties on Him because He cares for us and has promised that He will answer. We must courageously surrender to Him regardless of the outcome and trust that He will give us the boldness and strength we need to act on our commitment.

Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16b NET
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, standing for You when we know it may subject us to danger or ridicule isn’t always easy. Like Esther, our first response may be a hard pass; please help us surround ourselves with those who will speak the truth. Help us be so immersed in Your Word that we know the truth and surrender to it with the boldness of Esther.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1 Who was Esther in the Bible?

2 “-the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.” – read the rest 

Be sure and visit LoveGodGreatly.com for more insight from today’s blog