Tag: relationship

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

Lydia

Posted on by

Posted by MaryEllen on 

Adapted from the study ‘She, volume 1.‘

Read: Acts 16:11-14

“…she was among the group of women who gathered on the Sabbath by a riverside to pray.” 

We put out to sea from Troas and sailed a straight course to Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis,12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of that district of Macedonia, a Roman colony. We stayed in this city for some days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the side of the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down and began to speak to the women who had assembled there. 14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.

Acts 16:11-14

Friends, this one hit close to home for me. Have you ever heard of or participated in a “cardboard testimony time”? We did one at our church about 10 or 15 years ago. People were given a piece of cardboard, and on one side they wrote what they used to be (an addict…lost…condemned…) and on the other who/what they were now (sober…found….forgiven…). I couldn’t help but think of that event when I was working through the study guide on Lydia(p 25) and saw: 

SHE TRADED HER RELIGION
FOR A RELATIONSHIP

Adapted from: She, Volume 1, p 25

 While there are many ways we could think of that Jesus has changed us, I can picture Lydia, excitedly labeling her cardboard for her family, neighbors, and friends: “I was Religious, but now I am saved!” There was a time in my life when my piece of cardboard would have been very similar to Lydia’s. You see, I was saved somewhere around the age of six, but somehow I never understood what it meant to have a true and active relationship with the Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) until much later in life. What a life-changing journey it has been since that day!

I was religious – BUT NOW – I have a relationship with God!

What does that mean exactly?

A pastor/friend helped me understand that while God “so loved the world,” His love is personal. He cares about me (1 Peter 5:7) as an individual, not just as part of a group of believers; after all, He left the 99 to rescue me (Luke 15:3-7). When I draw near to Him, His Word says He will draw near to me (James 4:8). When I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins (1 John 1:9). Scripture is filled with passages that reveal His personal love for us, and if we stay alert we will see evidence of it in our lives … the peace He delivers right when we’re about to break… the way He provides for a need right when we are desperate for it… the protection that only He could have provided … the healing that only He could have made possible …and perhaps the most life-changing evidence of His person love – is how He pursued me and pulled me from the pit of sin time after time. Oh, the height, and depth, and width of His personal love and tender care are as vast as the oceans – and once you experience them, your life will never be the same again.

How did things change?

Prayer is more personal…forgiveness replaces guilt…conversation replaces a silent one-sided prayer…awe replaces fear…outward vision replaces an inward one…legalism has been replaced by freedom…obedience is a response to my love of/for God and no longer simply a habit or ritual. I expect this story of transformation will continue to grow as I live and grow in Him, for He isn’t finished with me yet. 

Friends, please hear me when I say – these changes are not perfected, and they certainly don’t make me perfect – but because of the changes, my walk with God is no longer centered around the expectations of man but rather on my relationship with God. I no longer turn away from Him when I sin; instead, I turn toward Him with a repentant heart, broken that I have fallen short and brought Him grief. I no longer try to make myself look or seem better than I really am because I know that He knows me from the inside out. He has seen me at my worst and yet still LOVES me. There was a season of my life when I had Him in a “box” for Wednesdays and Sundays, but now – He walks with me and I with Him – 24:7:365. He is God of the mountains in my life just as surely as He is of the valleys. He is bigger than I ever understood – and His LOVE is richer than I ever imagined; and the more He shows me of Himself, the deeper and fuller our relationship grows. 

Reflection/Application:

  • What example have you seen of religion rather than a relationship?
  • What is essential to having a relationship with God?
  • What keeps those who are saved stuck in religion, but having no personal relationship with God?

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

James 1:22

Friend, do you know Him today, truly know Him? If not or if you’re unsure, I would love to introduce Him to you or chat with you about Him. Comment “Know Him” below or message me questions or concerns at mryelnb@aol.com (subject line: “Know Him”).

You can also join the conversation at Journey Through the Word via Facebook

The More We Know

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

More…

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Secure In Christ, w1d5

Read: Ephesians 1:15-23; SOAP: verses 16-17

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 

Ephesians 1:16-17

After nearly three years of living with the believers at Ephesus, Paul had come to know them well. He was impressed, not only by their faith but by their love for one another. It was clear to him that they knew the facts and blessings of salvation as well as the future hope believers have with God. Clearly, this knowledge and his relationship with them fostered the beautiful and heartfelt prayer for them to more fully understand the importance of their salvation and eternal hope, and grow in their knowledge of God. Oh, that we might pray for and encourage each other like this.

Today’s journal entry by the Love God Greatly team is too beautiful and encouraging not to share. I pray it blesses you as it has me. I pray for each of you, truly from the heart, that together we might understand the blessing of our salvation and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I pray that He might give us spiritual wisdom and insight so that, together, we might grow in our knowledge of God. You are dearly loved and such a blessing to me. 💕🦋

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

“What Motivates Your Obedience?”

Posted on by

Originally posted on Living Our Days / Aug 27, 2023

Friends, this one may step on your toes; I know it did mine the first time I read it. But isn’t that, at least partly, why we journey through God’s Word – to clarify the areas of our walk of faith that need to be corrected or honed? I’m not saying that every encounter with God and His Word should result in a painful conviction – but I do believe that drawing near to Him is not meant to be a checklist kind of thing but rather a purposeful and heartfelt desire to spend time together. Whether it is seeking to understand Him, to know His ways, or to find comfort, strength, and wisdom in His presence, the chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, which is certainly upheld throughout the Scriptures, particularly in Ps. 145 and 1 Cor 10:31. Thus, the goal of our time with God should always be to lead us to a closer relationship with Him, motivated by love, which will in turn sharpen the righteous character of Christ in us, and put to death/quench the old sinful nature when it seeks to rear its ugly head – thus rendering disciples that live and love like Jesus. 🦋

What’s the Temperature of Your Love Relationship with the Lord?
Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

What will Christ say to You?

Posted on by

Posted by MARYELLEN on 

Based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w5d4 / artwork by LGG

SCRIPTURE: OUR ROADMAP FOR THE JOURNEY: MATTHEW 25 / SOAP: verse 12


But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’

Matthew 25:12. NET
OBSERVATION AND APPLICATION FROM THE JOURNEY

Can you imagine hearing these words from Jesus? He’s receiving others in but when you stand before Him, He denies you entrance because He doesn’t know you. You look at Him wondering how that can be, you were in church every Sunday, you grew up in a Christian home, you can repeat all of the Bible stories, why doesn’t He know you? Because knowing who someone is isn’t the same as knowing or being known by that person. Being ready for Christ’s return means having more than a head knowledge of who He is. It means having a relationship of the heart with Him, one that comes only from believing that He died for you because you were in need of a Savior. It’s a relation born not only of His crucifixion and resurrection but of you being crucified with Him and raised in newness of life. It is a heart to heart relationship that spills over into a heart to heart relationship with the Father and Spirit – and from my vantage point, there is nothing else like it in all the world.

From that belief and the gift of His indwelling Spirit we can walk with Jesus and talk with Him, we can learn of Him and grow to be like Him. Actually, we find that apart from Him we can do nothing but through Him we can do all things. He entreats us to come near to Him and to cast our cares upon Him, why? Because He cares for us. You see, life with Jesus isn’t about a religion – it’s about a relationship with Him; and through Him we are given bold and confident access to the Father’s throne of grace. It is a grace made evident through the triune-God:

  • God, the Father’s love-gift of salvation1 through His only begotten Son
  • The Son who gave His life so that whosoever believes might have eternal life rather than the horrific death their sins deserve2… and
  • Through the Spirit, the One who is gifted to all who believe to teach us all things and remind us of all Christ said, and who equips us to live as we have been called to live.

The best news is, God’s gift of grace is available to all who believe! Do you?3

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Acts 16:31

The following is from the LGG Journal for this Study / p164 – It is a wonderful explanation of the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids and a beautiful closing prayer for us all.

The Olivet Discourse continues in Matthew 25. In this section of Scripture, we read more parables that Jesus taught on the Mount of Olives concerning the end times. One parable which always concerned me when I was younger was the parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. I wanted to make sure that when Christ returned, I was ready.

Part of being ready and prepared is making sure you know Jesus personally. It is not enough to know about Jesus. Knowing facts about Him like you would about a historical character from history class will not cut it. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as having a personal relationship with Him. Knowing stories about Jesus will not get you into heaven. Coming from a strong Christian home and being taught about Jesus from an early age is also not the same as knowing Him personally.

You cannot enter heaven based on your pedigree. To make sure you are included at the wedding feast and not uninvited is to personally know the bridegroom—Jesus Christ. Your relationship with Jesus must be your own. It cannot be handed down, purchased, or borrowed. The shocking truth of this parable is that there will be people who think they are Christians because they have been fooled into thinking that knowing about Jesus is the same as having a personal relationship with Him. Those will be like the five bridesmaids who ran out of oil and were not prepared when the groom returned because they did not truly put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Prayer: A Response to the Journey. Dear Lord, today I lift up all those in my life who know about You and believe that they are saved. I pray they will see their error before You return. Please use me and others in their lives to help them see that knowing about You is not the same as knowing You. I pray all those in my life will have a personal relationship with You, and we will all be prepared for that amazing day when You return. Until then, I pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know: Side Trails of the journey
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Determined

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w2d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:25-32/ SOAP 27-28, 30

I lie in the dust;
    revive me by your word.
26 I told you my plans, and you answered.
    Now teach me your decrees.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
    and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 I weep with sorrow;
    encourage me by your word.
29 Keep me from lying to myself;
    give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
30 I have chosen to be faithful;
    I have determined to live by your regulations.
31 I cling to your laws.
    Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
32 I will pursue your commands,
    for you expand my understanding.

Psalm 119:25-32 NLT

Regardless of the condition and plight of the Psalmist, he returns again and again to the importance of God’s Word. He realizes it isn’t enough to simply read it but that he needs to meditate (dwell/think) on it. The Psalmist knows that God’s Word will bring encouragement, and he is determined to faithfully live by the “regulations”1 of God.

Don’t miss that the Psalmist didn’t just dwell in or search the Word of God; he sought God Himself. The Psalmist had a relationship with God and called out to God when he needed help understanding the Word or when he needed encouragement. When he was in great sorrow, the Psalmist cried (literally wept) and reached out to God

Living the Journey (Application)

Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions of a relationship with God? I confess that for many years of my life, my relationship with God simply included attending church. Then there were seasons when a daily verse—found in a book or on a calendar or app—that took 5 minutes to read sufficed as a relationship builder. Other times, it was a devotion that took five minutes to read. All were great at the moment but left me floundering in the relationship department.

Just like our earthly relationships aren’t built or strengthened by five minutes a day, neither is a relationship with God. – Please understand, that I believe these methods are all beneficial stepping stones, but in and of themselves, they will not build a relationship, cause our light to burn brightly, or offer us protection from the fiery darts of our enemy, the devil.

The Word of God is meant to be read, meditated on, used as a road map, shared with others, and talked about morning, noon, and night – daily.

Consider the importance of God’s Word. According to Paul, it has the power to save (Rom 1:16-17),, and Solomon wrote that it offers life and health and peace (Prov 4:20-22; Jn 16:33). It is a light to guide our feet and a lamp for our path (Ps 119:105), and we would be wise to faithfully follow after It. Let’s –

  • choose to be faithful to the Word of God
  • be determined to live by it in all our ways

 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

Romans 1:16-17 NLT
Prayer for the Journey

Yes, Father – Yes! Help us to follow faithfully after Your Word. Help us to be committed to keeping it, determined to live by it – so that You might be honored and glorified as we become healthy and strong in our faith, who walk by the light and power of Your Word! Cause us to shed light on the world around us – reaching others with the Gospel that has the power to save! – Hallelujah and amen!

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Have you committed to living by the Word or to simply reading a daily verse and going about your day?

THE MORE WE KNOW

You’ll want to check out the LGG post for today’s passage – but before you go – take a minute to read the following.

Another prominent theme in Psalm 119 is the profound truth that the Word of God is all-sufficient. Psalm 119 is an expansion of Psalm 19:7–9: “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.” There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statues, commandments, judgments, word, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is mentioned.

gotquestions.org
  1. Note the many ways the Psalmist refers to God’s Word in today’s passage: decrees … commandments … Word … instructions … regulations … law … commands ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Be Ready With an Answer

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-22 and SOAP: verses 15-16

 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NET

Just prior to this passage, Peter wrote these words:  “But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.” – “But,” he goes on to say, “set Christ apart as Lord in your heart …” Peter understood the surprising ease of being terrified and/or shaken, he also knew the importance of being ready with an answer for the hope that believers possess through/in Christ. Peter had learned and was passing on to other believers the need to be intentional in their relationship with Christ and the role He played in their lives. Peter wanted them to understand the relationship is meant to be personal; it is multifaceted – for when we know Christ as our Savior – we also know Him as friend, brother, Redeemer, teacher, and as Peter suggests – “Lord”. On top of that, it is an ongoing, neverending, ever-evolving (deepening and root-growing) relationship in the good and in the difficult seasons of life – which, I imagine, is why Peter instructs us to “always be ready to give an answer for the hope we possess.”

Don’t miss the phrase at the end of verse fifteen, “the hope you possess.” What a hidden gem this is! A treasure that should stir hope in every believer, the reminder that Christ lives in us! Or, as the NET translation so beautifully puts it: “the hope you possess.” – We are assured of this throughout the Scriptures but one of my favorite references to this truth is found in 1 John 3:24, where we read:

Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

1 John 3:24 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Set Christ apart (in your heart) as Lord—that is, intentionally make Him more important than anything or anyone else in your life. Be ready with an answer for the hope His Lordship brings to your life. Have a good attitude when presenting your answer, being careful that it doesn’t come across as smug or defensive but rather points others to Christ and quiets not only the accuser but also their accusations. – Suffering comes into everyone’s life, whether we are believers or not, however, when we have intentionally placed Christ on the throne of our heart when the crises come – be it a cancer diagnosis, marital problems, financial struggles, family feuds, aging parents, death, household disasters or other catastrophes – they may disrupt our lives and bring much sorrow but they will not – and cannot destroy us when we have set Christ apart as Lord of our life!

When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent. So, Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: “How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?”

Bibleref.com1

Believe it or not – while setting apart Christ apart as Lord is important, being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us is also vital – since we have been called to not only know Christ but to make Him known. This is why Peter encourages us to be ready with an answer for the Hope that is within us. Hope that allows us to stand strong in the storms of life is meant to be shared- it is meant to change not just our lives but to impact the lives of those around us. Consider these words of encouragement from today’s LGG Journal entry:

When we walk through life with Christ enthroned in our hearts, our reactions to crises — like a destroyed home — become opportunities for testimonies. They make people stop and wonder, and that wonder cracks open the door for us to point them to Jesus our everlasting hope.”

Love God Greatly Journal Enthr / w3d3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you prepare your heart today so that your hope in Christ shines through in times of crisis?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father make us instruments of Your love and peace. Let us neither murmur nor complain when troubles are near but let us keep Jesus firmly established on the throne of our heart so that our struggles become opportunities for testimonies. May they be testimonies that make people stop and wonder, and may that wonder crack open the door for us to point others to Jesus, our everlasting hope. When the opportunity arises, let us speak of You with gentleness, love, and respect. Father, You are my true hope and comfort, and I want others to know this peace that You so freely give to all who trust in You – all who fix their eyes and thoughts on You. – Amen! (borrowed in part from the “Triumph and Trials, journal – p102

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight be sure to visit Lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post

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

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Friendship: Week 6, Day 2 — He Calls You Friend

Posted on by
Read: John 15:14-17; SOAP: John 15:15

John 15:14-17 New Living Translation

You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

We are not worthy to be called friends of God, but by His grace, we receive the honor of that relationship.

Read the full Love God Greatly Devotional

REFLECTION QUESTION: HOW DOES FOLLOWING JESUS’ COMMANDS MAKE US HIS FRIENDS? (HELPFUL HINT – LOOK AT VERSES 1-13)

Ok – so what’s your takeaway? How does it make you feel to know Jesus calls you “friend”?

Comments are welcomed – reply below
Posted in God is good

A Way To Know You

Posted on by

Father, You are good and in Your goodness You have provided Your Word as a way for us to know You.💜 Your Word allows me to personally know Who You are, to know my sinfulness and need for a Savior; It makes a way for me to not only know The Savior but to trust in Him and to have a relationship with You, the True and Living God. To be able to grow in the wisdom and understanding of your Word is a blessing that allows me to live and love like Jesus❤️, to bring salt and light into this dark world, and to share You with others.

I do not deserve this blessing but have received it as a gift from You💜 It is a gift born not of merit but of Your love and desire to have a relationship with me. You are good and I am greatly blessed!

Posted in Prayer Starters

Why we need to Recharge

Posted on by

For me this was another perfect starter for the days we are living through. Does anyone remember the song from the 70s called “Pass it on”? “It only takes a spark to get a fire 🔥 going and soon all those around will warm up to its glowing – that’s how it is with Gods love – once you’ve experienced it … you want to pass it on…” can you imagine what would happen if we lived these words of Paul?! How we would be affected and how we would affect the world (believers and non-believers) around us? 🙌 praying for our batteries to be recharged and sparks to fly 🙏😁


Prayer starter by Criswell Freeman – Smith freeman publishing (Prayers to Start Your Day)