Tag: Love

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

Pleasing Sacrifices

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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

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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

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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

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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

Sin’s Requirement

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

The Spirit

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

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Luke 4:1-15; and SOAP: 2 Corinthians 3:17

 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 4:17

I can’t help but start with the passage from Luke and the story of Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. This lesson on dealing with temptation has been a huge help to me in my walk of faith through the years. I have benefited greatly from the example of Jesus’ method of dealing with temptation and have put specific verses to memory to use as weapons of warfare when the enemy comes at me. However, this time, as I began reading, what caught my attention were the words: “Then Jesus, full of the Spirit … led by the Spirit … and returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.” I love that Luke writes with details like, “Then Jesus,” which is a follow-up statement to the preceding verses that told of Jesus’ baptism and the heavens opening and the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove.

 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

Luke 3:21-22

Jesus, or the Word, as John describes Him in John 1:1, was victorious over the devil!

Though His fasting had emptied Him of food, it was clear that Jesus was filled, not only with the Spirit but also with the Word, and that the words He chose and boldly spoke to the devil overcame every temptation hurled at Him by the devil. The Word of God was the victory that empowered Jesus to return from the wilderness and eventually begin His public preaching. 🦋

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Like Jesus, we are full of the Spirit and led by the Spirit – and when we choose to keep in step with the Spirit we will be victorious over the enemy. Consider the words Jesus spoke to His disciples about the Holy Spirit before His ascension into Heaven, “But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told You.” When we keep in step with the Spirit, walking in and by the Word of God, the Spirit will help us to use the Word to overcome the enemy just like Jesus did. While we may not ‘fast’ for forty days as Jesus did in this extraordinary event, we can make it a habit to pray – Father empty me of me and of the things of this world and fill me up with You, Your Son abiding in me and I in Him, and Your Spirit leading me, teaching me, and reminding me of everything You have said.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father empty me of me and of the things of this world and fill me up with You, Your Son abiding in me and I in Him, and Your Spirit leading me, teaching me, and reminding me of everything You have said. For where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom from the power of sin and its pull or hold on me! Thank You, Father, that it isn’t the name “Christian” that makes a believer strong, but rather it is the Spirit, Who is our strength and Who intercedes for us in my weaknesses. I am most blessed to belong to You!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Jesus came to set us free spiritually. 

The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses

The Lord is a Spirit

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

Seeking Godly Wisdom

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based on the LGG Study, LENT – A Season of Drawing Closer to God / w2d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Daniel 1:3-17; SOAP / James 1:5

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5
What is the Wisdom We Should Seek?

Godly wisdom may look very different from worldly wisdom. Jesus highlighted these differences in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). For example, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite to our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).1

Take, for instance, Daniel, who was committed to God. He not only trusted God but He acted on that trust even at the risk of his life … And God blessed Daniel and those who joined him in the commitment and risk.

Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 12 “Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,” Daniel said. 13 “At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.”

Daniel 1:11-13 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

So how can we know the wisdom of God? How can we know when to stand for something or, like Daniel, when to stand against something? Following the words James wrote, we are to seek God’s wisdom by going straight to the source, boldly approaching His throne, asking God through prayer, and/or by seeking Him through His Word. After all, in (Psalm 119:98–100), we are told that God’s Word makes us wise, so it only makes sense that we seek for wisdom within His Word.

The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by learning God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). No one is born wise; we must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (Psalm 119:98–100).

Gotquestions.org / Godly Wisdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Your Word tells us to study to show ourselves approved workmen for You and to do this so that we can understand Your Word and walk in the wisdom of It. This instruction is not only so that we may live well by it – but that we might explain it well to others in order that they might also know and follow You. Help us to be faithful stewards of Your Word and prayer, for both are gifts and spiritual disciplines that are meant to draw us close to You and help us live according to Your Word. – In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
THE MORE WE KNOW

1What is Godly Wisdom?

Be sure and visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/ for more insight on today’s passage

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

The Scriptures

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THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Romans 15:4 NLT

Because of the importance of this passage and the desired effect I believe God wants it to have on our lives – I have chosen to share the following reference from Bibleref.com / Romans 15:4, which had a profound impact on my understanding. I’m praying it will bless you as well.

Paul seems to take a bit of a detour from his main point with these words. In the previous verse, he quoted from Psalm 69 to support the idea that because Christ did not please Himself in this life, self-gratification should not be the main priority of Christ-followers.

Now Paul seems to comment on his practice—seen in Romans and throughout his other letters—of quoting Scripture to support his teaching about Christ. For the modern reader, Paul’s references are from what we now call the Old Testament. It is true that Christians have died to the law in Christ and have been released from any obligation to obey the requirements of the law (Romans 7:4–6). That does not mean, however, that the scriptures from the “former days” have stopped being valuable.

Paul insists that those older Scriptures were written to teach modern Christians, not just those who read them in the former times. Those Scriptures are for us, too, to bring encouragement and hope to God’s people in every generation. They help us to endure, even in and through suffering.

This verse serves as an answer to modern Christians who ask, why even bother to read the Old Testament? Regardless of age, those writings remain the revelation of the heart of God. The fact that we have been freed in Christ from following the law does not stop those 39 books from being the Word of God, full of truth, wisdom, history, and great encouragement for believers. Paul insists that we place value on those Scriptures and seek out encouragement and hope from them.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We must make room for the Word(s) of God – whether it is literal time or quieting the distractions of our minds and hearts. The importance of this is seen not only in the forty days Moses spent listening to God and writing down the ten commandments but also in Paul’s words that tell us “Faith comes from hearing the preached word of Christ. I can’t help but also think of Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to stay faithful to the Word he has been taught, emphasizing how all Scripture was breathed out by God and is useful for rebuking, correcting, teaching, and training in righteousness.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Indeed all Scripture was breathed out by You and is useful for rebuking, correcting, teaching and training in righteousness. Help us not neglect It Father – for we know It has the power to save and that it is a light to guide our feet and a shield against sin. By Your Word we are warned and in keeping it there is great reward. As Paul told Timothy, we must remain faithful to the things we have been taught. We want to remain faithful to You – to the things written of old all the way to John’s closing words of Revelation. We want to know and understand and live out Your Word. We believe, as Your Word proclaims, that all Scripture has been inspired by You and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. Through the Word we are given the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Jesus Christ. Help us to create space for Your Word in our day to day lives and to keep in step with Your Spirit, whom You sent to teach us all things and to remind us of everything Jesus said. Use it, please – to prepare and equip us for every good work – to set us apart from the world and to make You known. – Amen, in Jesus’ name!

THE MORE WE KNOW

Keep In Step With the Spirit

To trust in Christ and yield to His Holy Spirit is to walk in wisdom; as Christians,

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

We Need A War Room

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based on the LGG Study, Lent, A Season of Drawing Closer to God / w2d1

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)

Scripture: Matthew 6:6; Luke 5:15-16 / SOAP: Matthew 6:6

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:6 NLT

I have learned that when a verse begins with words like but, therefore, so, afterward … it is best to go back and look at what came before. Such is the case with this verse in Matthew. The word “but” actually refers to the preceding verse, which illustrated how some who pray are hypocrites who loved to pray where everyone could see them. Clearly, they loved and sought attention from others rather than time alone with God. and Jesus used it as a teachable opportunity to train them in the better way.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.

Matthew 6:5 NLT

One of the many things I love about Jesus is that He was a teacher who taught not only with words but by example, as we see in Luke chapter five. As Jesus’ ministry became known, the crowds grew not only in numbers but in intensity of need and demands. So, Jesus didn’t just need to pray – He needed alone time – undistracted time – with the Father. Remember, Jesus was God in the flesh – all strength and power belonged to Him. Yet, in order to give the people what they needed – in order to do the work of the Father – Jesus needed time alone with the Father.

Now, if Jesus – the perfect Son of God – needed time alone to pray to the Father – how much more do we, imperfect human beans – marred by the flesh and sin stained world – need to spend time alone with Him? Apart from time with Him we will flounder in our own strength and we will lack wisdom and direction. We will succumb to fears and doubts, we will fall prey to temptations and not see the way of escape He has promised to all who belong to Him. We will speak words that displease Him rather than honor Him, we will miss the person who needs to hear the Gospel message, or the brother or sister who just needs some encouragement. You see, time alone with the Father is our lifeline to joy and peace, to strength and guidance, and to obedience – and to all of the abundant life Christ came to give.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy, My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 10:10 NLT
Living the Journey (Application)

Not only are we meant to stay connected to the Father and to abide in Jesus, but we are to keep in step with the Spirit. Our God is a triune God and to truly enjoy all that is ours in Christ Jesus we must cultivate a relationship with each person of the Trinity. Disciples of Christ, then and now, need the daily one on one with Jesus, which is why He taught, “Abide in Me…”, but He also teaches them by word and example that we need the Father, and following His crucifixion – He made it clear that anyone who wanted to follow Him and be His witness would be dependent on the Holy Spirit.

“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus explained to them, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1: 4-5 and 8 NLT

Later in Scripture we read a message that Paul, one of, if not the greatest of, Jesus’ witnesses, sent to the church of Galatia – in which he told them (and by extension, all disciples) that since they lived by the Spirit they should keep in step with the Spirit.1 Paul seems to make it clear that if we choose not to walk in step with the Spirit then we will not be good witnesses, instead we will become self-focused, self-righteous, and even make our walk of faith a competition rather than the relationship and light it is meant to be.1

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT
Prayer for the Journey

Spending time, in prayer with You Father is imperative to abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit, for our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion just waiting to devour us. The enemy doesn’t want us to be good witnesses for the cause of Christ. He wants us to be silent and weak and to look more like the dark world than to radiate the light and love of Jesus. If we aren’t careful, if we aren’t intentionally strategic in the battle we will struggle at best or fail at worst. We need a War Room,2 where we frequently get alone with You so that when we are out in the world we aren’t of the world, and so whether we are on the mountains or in the valleys we can stand strong agains the wiles of the enemy and walk through the battles victoriously – filled with the Spirit! – 🦋

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

1 John 5:14-15 NLT
The more we know

1Keep in Step With The Spirit

Don’t forget today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Do you have a war room?

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

That Will Be A Time to Fast

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based on the LGG Study, Lent – A Time of Drawing Close to God / w1d5

Scripture: Luke 5:33-35 / SOAP: verse 35

A Discussion about Fasting

33 One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?” 34 Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. 35 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” This isn’t another trick question from the Pharisees but rather a legit question of wonder from unidentified people. Why do the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees fast while the disciples of Jesus do not? Jesus’ answer is, and I paraphrase, ‘Because I am still with you. When they come and take Me away from you that will be a time to fast.’ Luke 5:33-35

From the Journal / LGG Lent Journal, pg 58

“When Jesus was with His disciples, there was no need for them to fast. But now, since Jesus is not physically with us, since He has completed the work of His first coming and is preparing fo rHis second, we fast.

Fasting reminds us that, without God, we are nothing. It heightens our longing for eternity and reminds us to recognize how empty we are without Him. We fast and pray, earnestly longing for Him to come and restore and redeem all things.

Now is the time to fast. Now is the time to turn our hearts toward our Risen Savior. Now is the time to remember His love, mercy, compassion, and grace. Now is the time to remember that without Him, we are nothing. And now is the time to remember and remind one another of God’s incredible grace and the victory we have in Him!”

While these are all incredible reasons to fast, it hit me as I was reading/studying and highlighting the passage in my journal – that while Jesus may not be physically with us now He rose again and walked among the disciples again and He ascended into Heaven with the promise that He will come again. We cling to that promise, not in mourning, but with HOPE and we look forward to that day with JOY – we no longer mourn as the disciples did in the three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection after He had been led away or “taken from them” – but we rejoice in the grace of God poured upon our lives and we remember that the grave could not hold what “man took away!”

I”m not saying we shouldn’t fast – but for me the fasting isn’t in mourning His absence, for Joy and Hope follow the resurrection and ascension – because He is alive and will come again – just as He promised! – Me, from the Insideout 🦋

I wait, perhaps fasting and praying, as Anna did – for His coming – keeping my mind set on Him – watching and listening and hoping always … but I do not mourn at His absence for He is with me! Scripture says, I abide in Him and He abides in me. In an effort to comfort their sorrows, Jesus actually told the disciples in John 16:7 that it was to their advantage for Him to go away. The commentary from Bibleref.com on John chapter 16 is quite enlightening concerning the way the disciples would have felt following the resurrection –

Modern believers have the benefit of hindsight. We read the description of Jesus’ arrest (John 18:1–3) and crucifixion (John 19:18) knowing He will be resurrected (John 20:19). The disciples originally listening to Jesus didn’t have that perspective. That three-day period (John 2:19) will fill them with unimaginable sorrow, fear, and doubt. Jesus compares this to the experience of a woman in childbirth. During labor, pain is almost the only thing a woman can process. However, once the baby is born, agony is no longer the center of her attention. She doesn’t literally lose all memory of the pain, but the joy of a newborn vastly outweighs memories of labor. The same will be true for Jesus’ followers: they will quickly move through extreme pain and into tremendous joy (John 16:16–24).

bibleref.com

Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy

16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”

17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”

19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. – John 16:16-24 NLT