Tag: Observation

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, Enduring Hope, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Focus of Our Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w6d4

Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7/ SOAP: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. 19 In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NET (click on the link to find your preferred translation)
Observations

It should be noted that Paul is giving instructions to Timothy about teaching wealthy believers how to live. That being said, the truth behind the teaching is good for all believers, wealthy or not. For every believer should put their hope in God and not worldly riches or possessions. Likewise, every believer is to do good and to share/give as generously as the Lord allows. And, in doing so – every believer is storing up for themselves treasures that truly matter and lead to what is “truly life”.

“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

The focus of our hope is vital to our endurance. This is made clear by Paul’s words to Timothy. He doesn’t just give instructions about not setting their hope on riches (things, desires, treasures) of this world that are “uncertain” – but he immediately follows up with the good and profitable focus of their hope, which was “on God”. The contrast of the focus is – one is uncertain and the other is not only a sure and trustworthy ‘hope’ but also one who “richly provides”. Paul says that God provides those who hope in Him “with all things – not just for necessity but “for enjoyment”. In-turn, as recipients of His rich provisions we are to imitate Him by “doing good” and not just being good through obedience – but “to be rich in good deeds and generous in giving and sharing with others.” By doing this we are storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven where that which is “truly life” – Jesus, the hope of eternity – awaits us.

Application

I’m a list maker by nature and this is definitely one of those times where a list is beneficial –

  • Do not set your hope on riches that are uncertain.
  • Do not be haughty [arrogantly superior and disdainful].
  • Set your hope on God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment.
    • Enjoy what He gives.
  • Do good.
  • Do an abundance of good deeds.
  • Give generously.
  • Share with others.
  • Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... as you endure with hope
Prayer, Response to God’s Word

Father, giver of life and light and all that is good I praise You. I hope in You and seek to please You and to what is good and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to not be haughty or to set my hope on riches, which are uncertain, but instead, let them be set on You – who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Help me to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be a generous giver who shares with others. For in this way I will save up a treasure that is a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life – that which is eternal life in Jesus Christ my Lord. – In His name I pray and trust – amen and amen!

More for the Journey

Today’s Scripture included a passage from Genesis chapter three. I have included the notes from my journal page on this passage. It always amazes me when such a familiar passage can seem so new and enlightening – but for me it was captivating. May we always be blessed by the Word of God – careful not to rush through it as though its a boring ‘rerun’. Rather, may we pray over it before reading, asking for fresh insight and understanding … and may we linger there so that we do not lose sight of it when we are finished.

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

He Created Them

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Today’s Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27; SOAP / Genesis 1:27

26 Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth and over all the creatures that move on the earth.” 27 God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27 NET
Not Made To Be Alone

Re-read the Scripture passage today, paying special attention to all of the plural pronouns. As He begins this portion of the creation process – the creation of man – He converses with the other parts of the trinity, saying – “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness, so they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air … God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” Note – God makes it clear that the full trinity is present – He is not alone, the creatures are not alone, and man is not alone for it says, “he created ‘them’ in his image, male and female he created ‘them’.

In His Image

It is clear by this passage that we are created by God. It is also clear and important to understand that we are made in His image. If we look back at verse 26 – which I think is necessary to fully understand and appreciate verse 27 – we see that God doesn’t just say “let us make man in our image, but He goes on to say – “after our likeness,” – why? He immediately makes this clear, “So they may rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth and over all the creatures that move on the earth.” I found the clearest explanation for being made in His image at bibleref.com, which says –

“…this verse raises the question of what it means to be made in God’s image, or in His likeness. Without question, this statement does not mean that God created humans to resemble Him physically (John 4:24 [where we read that God is Spirit]). Rather, this seems to support the idea that God endowed humans with a certain kind of awareness, one which animals and birds and fish were not given. In other words, humans would possess the capacity for reason, morality, language, personality, and purpose. In particular, the ability to use morality and spirituality are unique to human beings among God’s creations on earth. Like God, we would possess the capacity to experience and understand love, truth, and beauty.

Humans are made in God’s image in another way: as a model, or a representative. God is the Maker, and all of creation belongs to Him. He is Lord over it. However, in the moment of creation, God gives mankind the responsibility to rule over all other life He has made on the earth. In that sense, humans would stand as God’s image, God’s representatives, on earth as we rule over and manage all the rest of His creation.

https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/1/Genesis-1-26.html
Applying This Knowledge

So, how in the world do we apply the knowledge that we are made in His image?

  • We embrace it, allowing ourselves – even applying ourselves to experience and understand love, truth, and beauty in the relationships, and various places and positions God has placed us in.
  • And, we bear His image, living as His representatives here on earth. Perhaps this is best explained by what Paul told the Colossians – “.whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,…” He had just explained what this looked like – namely, ”
    • “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 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. 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.”
Response to God’s Word

Father, help us to live out Your plan for us to bear Your image – to somehow serve as Your representatives here on earth, to rule over and manage all the rest of Your creation. Your image is larger than life but You have created us in that image and to bear it. You have empowered us to do so by Your Spirit in us. May we rise daily to do so in Jesus’ name. For, as Paul wrote, we have been crucified with Christ – we no longer live but He lives in us. The life we now live in the flesh we live by faith in Your Son, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Help us to love like Him, to serve like Him, to obey like Him – laying down our will for Yours – that You might be well pleased with us as You were with Him. It is in His name that I pray and for Your eternal glory and praise – amen and amen.

Memos

If you missed yesterday’s introduction to the new study I encourage you to take a minute to look back and read through it. It is both informative and encouraging as it gives us a glimpse of what we will be striving for.

Don’t forget every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you can dive a little deeper by reading the blogs by the Love God Greatly Team. You’ll find them at https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

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

Not Made To Be Alone

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A Love God Greatly Study

Introduction

This introduction is not my own. I borrowed it from the Love God Greatly Journal, and I’m guessing some version of it has been on their blog page, so you may have already seen it. However, if I was going to write an introduction meant just for our little group, one that would encourage each participant to be committed to and participate in this little community  – I couldn’t have written it better than this. When I started this group two or three years ago it was in part out of concern for those who couldn’t get out or didn’t have a group to be a part of. Years ago God called me to equip, encourage, and empower women with His Word and I have been trying to do just that since the day He called me. However, because of family responsibilities, health issues of my own, and the whole covid shut-down I was struggling with the commitment of the two in-person groups I led,. So this group became a God directed outlet of hope to help others to stay or be strengthened in their faith by spending time in God’s Word, both personally and also with an online group of women hungry for the same thing. My hope and prayer continues to be that our little community will develop into one where we share/discuss what we are learning or simply a favorite part of the day’s passage, and even praises and prayer requests. To quote the opening and closing words of the following introduction, “- I know this is hard. … but [ladies] we were not made to be alone; we were created for community.” 

I’m praying for each of you but I sure would love to know whose participating. It’s easy to let me know, simply share a comment or hit the like button after reading the introduction I can’t wait to see what God has for us in this study!

Week 1 Memory Verse: You can do this!
Week 1 Challenge: Enhance your study this week –
Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, The God Who Restores

The Lord Returns

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The God Who Restores, a Love God Greatly Advent Study

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Today’s SOAP: Isaiah 40:10-11

9bSay to the towns of Judah,
“[Behold] your God!”
10 Look, the Sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior;
his military power establishes his rule.
Look, his reward is with him;
his prize goes before him.
11 Like a shepherd he tends his flock;
he gathers up the lambs with his arm;
he carries them close to his heart;
he leads the ewes along.

Isaiah 40:9b-11
Observations: Behold Your God!

From the first words of this chapter, Isaiah’s message changed from one of coming doom to one of comfort and peace and the coming of the LORD, the God of Israel. The message becomes one of hope and preparation for His return – a message of making a way, removing obstacles, and getting ready to see God’s work. Israel had known hills and valleys and mountain top experiences in their life time – but they were not to let them stand in the way of seeing God and what He would do. -They were to make a way for “all people to see” when His splendor that would one day be revealed (5)

The people of Judah are called to “behold [their] God”. Behold has such a different connotation than glancing or noticing, it is more like gazing or fixing your eyes on something. It was an invitation to take a lingering look, to look intently – as if to study God for who He is and how He is. For instance, as Isaiah points out- God and His Word are eternal and unfailing! He can forever be trusted!

Isaiah doesn’t just present the message/invitation for the people to Behold their God, but he gets specific, pointing out the mightiness and yet the tenderness of God:

  • The LORD our God will come
  • He will come as a victorious warrior
  • He is strong and mighty
  • He comes prepared to reward His people
  • He is like a shepherd
  • He cares for His flock
  • He is tender and protective with the lambs
  • He keeps them close and carefully, knowingly, tenderly leads the vulnerable
Application: So what does this mean for God’s people today?

Of course, this message was first given to the people of “Israel”, – but in light of the fact that we have been adopted into God’s family, as sons and daughters – we too are called to “Behold our God”. To look at Him, gaze upon Him, study His life, know His love, and pour it back out on others. In this there is both comfort and peace. I believe for the full scope and application of this passage we must not miss or hesitate to look at the full message of Isaiah in these eleven verses, namely verses three and four, where we read:

  • Clear a way for the LORD – (in other words, remove the obstacles)
    • level the road
    • elevate the valleys
    • level the mountains and hills
    • where there is rough terrain needs to be a level plain
    • the rugged landscape a wide valley

Why? Because if they don’t, if we don’t, we will miss what God is doing and is going to do.

Finally, we must not be afraid to present our God to others – boldly drawing their attention to who He is – “the Sovereign LORD, coming as a victorious warrior, a powerful ruler, who will reward those who belong to Him”; and also how He is – “A [tender] shepherd, who tends his flock, gathering up the lambs with his arm, carrying them close to his heart, leading the ewes along.”

Is there anything better to occupy a believer’s mind than to focus on God and then pour Him out to others?

Mefromtheinsideout –
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, today’s passage calls us to look to come and behold You – to gaze upon You and see You not only in power and might like a warrior but as a shepherd who tenderly and lovingly leads Your sheep — keeping them close to Your heart and protectively leading those who are vulnerable. I’m so thankful to know You as a God of comfort and peace who will come in power and might! Admittedly, I rely on both.

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

Trust In His Faithfulness

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A God Who Restores, A Love God Greatly Advent Study

Today’s Reading: Psalm 13

Today’s SOAP: Psalm 13:5-6

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

Psalm 13:5-6

Observations: More Lamenting

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

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

Application: What can I learn from this?

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

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

Psalm 16:8 ESV

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

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

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

Philippians 4:4-8
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS

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

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

More: We Can Trust In Him

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

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

THE ARRIVAL OF THE SON OF MAN

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Advent, Day 5: The God Who Restores

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

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

Observation – Precursors

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

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

The Focus Passage – verses 27-28

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

Luke 21:27-28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Turn: Reflection

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

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

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

Live As Though It Could Be Today

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Day 3, Week 5 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A Love God Greatly Study) – STAY ALERT

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24 (SOAP – Matthew 24:42-44)

 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have been alert and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 24:42-44

Observation

I realize that our observations are all beginning to sound alike, “Stay alert”, “Be ready”, “He’s coming soon”, “He will come when we least expect it”, … which may make it tempting to skip over the repetitious passages or perhaps even look to see if I accidentally repeated a lesson (trust me, I looked this morning, just to make sure I wasn’t repeating one – lol). The fact of the matter is that Scripture repeats itself, in part because the Gospel writers tended to share similar events but in large part because God is making a point that is vitally important for us to hear and not forget. So as tempting as it is to skip over this long passage from Matthew, I encourage you to read it through from beginning to end. Soak in the details and take note of the warning to be found living in a way that the Master finds pleasing.

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

My take away observations from today are also my application or what this passage means for us …

  • The repeated phrase to – “Stay Alert”
  • Jesus will come when we DO NOT EXPECT HIM!
  • So – We must live as though He could return today!
  • And, just like Jesus and His disciples did, share the message with others so that they will also be prepared.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, the end times can seem both exciting and daunting. They can leave us wondering and wishing we knew when. Help us simply to keep our eyes on You and to carry out the mission that You gave to all of Your disciples – to take the Gospel, the story about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and impending return to all the world. May we be the faithful and wise slave described in the passage today so that we do not have to shrink back in fear – but rejoice in Your good pleasure when You see that the thief did not break in and steal.

Reflection: Your Turn

What are some ways you are currently living on mission for our Lord while you wait for His return?

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

A Message For Everyone

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Week 5, Day 1 of Come, Lord Jesus, Come (A study by Love God Greatly)
Today’s Reading: Mark 13:32-37 (SOAP – Mark 13:37)

What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Mark 13:37

Observations

vs. 32 [But as for that day]: The time of Jesus’ return is going to come but only the Father knows when.

vs. 33 [Watch out! Stay alert!] Jesus is warning that there is not time for a leisurely faith. Paul says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Like the faithful servants (Mark 13:34–36) or the bridal party waiting for the groom (Matthew 25:1–13), we can’t treat Jesus’ delay as permission to act ungodly (Matthew 24:48–51). (Bibleref.com on Mark 13:33)

vs. 35-36 [Stay alert … or else he might find you asleep when he returns]

“Jesus doesn’t just want His followers in the tribulation to be aware, He wants them to use that awareness to stay alive. During the tribulation, many, many Christ-followers will be hunted and killed by the Antichrist (Revelation 13:7; 17:6). But Jesus explains that they should still try to survive. In fact, they should pray for favorable conditions (Mark 13:18). He tells them to be aware of false teachers (Mark 13:5), run from impending violence (Mark 13:14), and keep a clear head (Mark 13:35). He also promises that the tribulation will not last long. If the tribulation saints can remember Jesus’ words, they will have a better chance of being “awake” when He returns.”

Bibleref.com on Mark 13:35-36

vs. 37 [to everyone] This conversation started with Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asking Jesus a question on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. They said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (Mark 13:3-5). Now, here in verse 37 Jesus is clarifying that His message to the four disciples, particularly about staying alert, was meant for everyone.

Application: So What Does This Mean For Us?

We are to be alert – awake to what is being said and what (prophecy) has been given – so that we don’t fall prey to false prophets of our day. This is not to say that we should be obsessed with the “end times” but simply alert to the messages and the events we here and see. Our efforts must not be in figuring out the day or hour but with sharing the message of the cross and the promise of eternity.

Prayer: Our Response to The Word

Father – the end times are a mystery. Clearly we are not meant to know the day or the hour of “that day” – but, we wait believing that it will come. Help us to be ready and to help others be ready by being alert to those around us who need the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name and power and for Your glory! – Amen!