Tag: salvation

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

Choosing The Jesus Way

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Based on the LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues,/w3d2

Read: MICAH 3:9-12; 4:1-5 and 4:10-12
Bad morals corrupt good character

Today’s journey through Micah reveals an unflattering picture of God’s people and disturbing news of what was to come. Israel’s leaders had forgotten the God whom they were committed to serve. Micah writes that they hated justice and perverted all that was right. They were building Zion through bloody crimes and Jerusalem through unjust violence. Legal cases were decided on bribes that the leaders received, even the priests proclaimed rulings for profit, and the prophets read omens for pay. As if this corruption was not bad enough, despite the fact that devastation and destruction were already wreaking havoc within the nation, the leaders continued to claim to trust the LORD and were telling the people, “The LORD is among us. Disaster will not overtake us!”

What About You?

We, too, face a similar choice. In a world that says that serving self and doing what seems right to you is the most important, we must, as Joshua told the people in his day, decide whom we will serve. Will we serve self or God? Take a moment to think about your own heart. Are you willing to set aside your wants and desires to follow what God may be calling you to? Are you willing to put others first over getting something you want? Is your heart’s desire to make the name of Jesus known over building your platform or building your own renown? It’s a choice we all must make.

Our God Who Pursues/LGG Journal p99
The hope of Future Days

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all— the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. 2 People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. 3 The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore 4 Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise! 5 Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.

Micah 4:1 -5

The Temple Mount/Mountain of the LORD’S House written about by Micah: A hill in the Old City of Jerusalem that has been venerated as a holy site for thousands of years, including in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The Jesus Way

Admittedly, serving oneself or garnering the applause or approval of others can be pretty enticing. Goodness knows I have succumbed to those choices more than I care to admit, but I can tell you it generally led to disappointment or heartache. Choosing the Jesus Way isn’t always the easiest, most desirable, or most comfortable way, but it is most certainly the best way, for it leads to immeasurable blessings and joys.

As I wrote that last sentence, A group of women I used to lead on Sunday mornings came to mind. The name of our group was JOY, which stood for Jesus … Others … You. Seems like a great acronym for our focus today. Jesus first, then others, and then yourself. Whether it is in serving or living out our day-to-day lives, or even in our prayer lives, pay our eyes to stay on Jesus, the One we chose to follow.

23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

Luke 9:23-24

But I say love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Matthew 5:44

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Mark 12:29-31
Prayer of Response

Father, do not let us be like the leaders of Israel, who forgot their commitment to serve You and Your call on their lives to serve the people. Help me to remember Jesus’ similar call to let go of my life and follow Him. It isn’t always easy, but You knew that, and You sent the Spirit to empower us to do all that You have called us to do. Holy Spirit, keep my focus Heavenward, guard me from the distractions of this world and the enticements of the flesh. May I be known for living a J.O.Y.-focused life: Keeping Jesus first in all things and serving and loving others before myself. In the name of Jesus – I pray and believe – Amen!

The More We Know
The Jesus Way Devotional
The Jesus Way Song

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Living Out Our Faith

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, W4D4

SCRIPTURE FOR THE JOURNEY: HEBREWS 11:1-7/ROMANS 10:9-10/ SOAP: HEBREWS 11:1 AND ROMANS 10:9-10

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Romans 10:9-10
Observations of the Journey

As we have already seen in this week’s journey, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential to our faith. He not only helps us understand God’s Word, but He empowers us to obey (live out) God’s Word. John emphasizes this in 1 John 3:24, where he taught: “The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.“

Day three of this week’s journey revealed a beautiful and powerful picture of God’s grace that was poured out at the cross so that we might be made right with God, be adopted as His own, made joint heirs with Christ, be empowered with His Spirit, and have a relationship with the Father by means of faith in the Son – it is a gift of God not by works. Nothing good we do can earn it, and nothing bad we do can render the gift invalid.

So, how do we live out a faith that requires no work?

Application: Living Out the Journey

Paul addresses the issue of living out our faith with the Philippians when he tells them to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, [obeying God] with deep reverence and fear. For God (is working in you, giving you the desire and the power) to do what pleases him.1” That desire and power are from His Holy Spirit in us. Please note: Paul is not calling them to work for their salvation but rather to live it out, in other words, to put it into practice – or as James wrote.“being doers of the Word and not hearers only,”2 In other words the result of our faith and subsequent relationship with God should lead us to want obey/please God. We should want others to know that we belong to Him.

For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation. 🦋

I used to think I could right my wrongs (sins) – somehow securing my salvation – by being better/doing better or praying more. Somehow, I had come to think if I were good ‘enough,’ God would love me and keep loving me. It’s a story for another day – but I will tell you this – I was very relieved and overcome with joy to hear the truth that God never loved me because I was good – there was no amount of goodness that would have earned His love, there was nothing I could do to keep His love – He simply – yet profoundly loved me because He is love and because He is good. – John made this clear in his declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes (note: not behaves) will be saved. We’re forgiven and made right before God – not because we obey or behave according to His Word – but simply because we have placed our faith in His Son. Hallelujah! – For the record, if salvation were granted according to our goodness, there would be no salvation – for as Paul wrote: “There is no one good – not even one!”3

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

(Romans 5:8)
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your invitation for us to place our faith in Jesus. Help us to live out the call of Christ and make Him and His ways the most important priority of our lives. May we live and love like Him, and may we be found serving and honoring You by laying down our earthly desires for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You for revealing the truth and Your love for me. May my love for You be seen in my faith and obedience – Amen!

But either Christ is our most important priority, above even our lives, or we’re putting something above God in our hearts

Bibleref.com/Luke 9:23
The More We Know
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Salvation: God’s Gift of Grace

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w4d3

Scripture and Observation of the Journey
Read: Ephesians 2:4-10;Titus 2:11/SOAP: Ephesians.2:8-9 and Titus 2:11

Warning: What you are about to read may be very familiar- please use caution when you are reading. Do not allow your mind to only ‘hear’ “blah, blah, blah, …” Ask God to give you a clear mind and heart to hear it as though for the first time – and with fresh and clear understanding and appreciation.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Ephesians 2:8-9

 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Titus 2:11

Friends, according to Scripture, we were once dead because of our disobedience and our many sins. We used to live in sin just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God (I love the “but God” statements of the Bible) is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he called us out from the grave of sin and shame and placed us in Christ Jesus and put His Spirit in us. He rescued us from the death we deserved and gave us His gift of salvation, rich and free!

Application: Living out the Journey

Salvation is not by works of the past, nor the present, nor the future. It is simply and yet profoundly a gift of God’s marvelous grace. His is a grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, a grace that was poured out on Calvary’s mountain where Jesus was crucified and His blood was spilt. His is a grace that changed everything – setting prisoners free from chains of sin and death – replacing them with life and peace and hope in the promise of forgiveness and eternity with Him! This marvelous grace of our loving Lord opened salvation’s door not just to the Jew but to Gentiles and all who would call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ1.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt

Marvelous Grace

Friends, Grace is a gift, the greatest and most powerfully loving gift we will ever receive. It is a gift to cherish and a gift to share. It is a free gift that can never be lost or taken away, and it is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only are we made right with God (saved/justified) by grace, but we are sanctified (made more like Christ) by grace, and one day, by God’s grace, we will appear with Christ in glory.2

To grow in grace is to mature as a Christian. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), and we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. We know that grace is a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God’s grace that justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually glorifies us in heaven. The sanctification process, becoming more like Christ, is synonymous with growing in grace.

gotquestions.org

Peter wrote that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,3 which does not mean that we gain more grace from God but instead that we mature as Christians. Simply put, this means “training ourselves in godliness, which Paul told Timothy is much better than physical training – because it promises benefits in this life and in the life to come4.

So, how can we train for godliness and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

It should be noted: “To grow in grace does not mean gaining more grace from God. God’s grace never increases; it is infinite, it cannot be more, and according to the nature of God, it could never be less.”

gotquestions.org.

We grow in grace by a number of Spiritual disciplines, including:

  • Meditating on and Reading God’s Word – letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16)
    • to grow in grace is to grow in our understanding of what Jesus did and to grow in our appreciation of the grace we have been given.
    • The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.
  • Being devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2) and keeping alert in it… knowing that our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:7-8)
  • Walking/keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).
  • Abiding in/spending time with Christ (John 15:4-8).

The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done, and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.

gotquestions.org

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your grace, the gift of Your Son who brought salvation to all people. By Your grace, Christ justifies us and sanctifies us – and He will one day return, and by His grace we will share in His glory! Help us to grow daily in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to live out the blessings of Your grace -by showing love, grace, and mercy to all. Help us to do and to say what pleases You – obeying You – not as though we need to win or keep our salvation but simply to please You. For – hallelujah! Our salvation is a gift that can never be earned, lost, or taken away! Oh, how sweet is the reality of this amazing grace! – Amen!

Response of Worship to the Journey
The More We Know

For More Insight on the Journey, read today’s LGG Blog

If you don’t know Jesus or want to know more about Him, I invite you to read Know These Truths, a message of answers and hope –

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

No One Righteous

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d3

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 3:9-23 / SOAP: 10-12

As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.”

Romans 3:10-12

Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. Romans 3:9

In order to understand the question that is asked in verse nine and subsequently answered by Paul in the rest of the chapter, it is helpful to look back to the preceding verses, in this case, to chapter two of Romans. It is here that Paul points out that in and of itself, being a Jew was not a get-out-of-jail-free card. There were certainly benefits that came with being a Jew,1 but like all other people on the earth, they had inherited the sinfulness of the first man/Adam – and would, like all others, answer to God’s judgment for their sins.

The Jews, while chosen by God, were not to believe they were better than the Gentiles, and the Gentiles were not to think they were lesser than the Jews – for as Paul points out, none of them – “not even one” was righteous. The depravity of man stretches across every race on the earth, and as Paul writes in verses 20 and 22: “No one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law.” Instead, Paul makes it clear that “… the righteousness of God comes only through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to those who believe.”

Living it out (Application from the Journey)

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved2 – is the most significant takeaway from this passage. However, second to it – in my estimation and understanding both personally and from Scripture. – is that all of us, Jew or Gentile … barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free are sinners in need of a savior and utterly dependent on the mercy and grace of God for salvation.3

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 (who have believed).

Colossians 3:11 NLT/emphasis mine
Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, as sinners, condemned unclean, we are all utterly dependent on Your mercy and grace. I rejoice in knowing that You are a gracious and merciful God. I praise You for the Savior, Your Son whom You sent, to make a way where there was no way – opening the door of salvation not only to Your chosen people of Israel but to the Gentiles and all who by faith believe in Jesus Christ! In Him, I am made new, a new creation – the old has gone, the new is here, and in Him, I am free from the law of sin and death – no longer condemned but declared righteous before You in Him – by His blood! Indeed, we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but by faith – we take hold of eternal life, a free gift You have offered to all who believe! Hallelujah and amen!

The More We Know
The LGG Blog Post
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, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land, Quiet Time

Created With a Purpose

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land / w6d5

Scripture: God’s Road Map for Our Journey / Ephesians 2:1-10 (8-10)

For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.

Ephesians 2:8-10
Observations and Applications

Much like the confession of the Israelites that we read in our previous day’s journey, what Paul writes in Ephesians chapter two reminds us that, like Israel, the Ephesians and believers throughout the ages—including us—have sinned against God. Paul’s list is explicit – and points to the beautiful truth that God’s grace is greater than all our sin.

  • We were dead in our sins. (1)
  • We were under Satan’s rule. (2-3)
  • BUT GOD… being rich in mercy, love, and grace...(4-5)
  • raised us up to demonstrate the boundless and free measure of grace in Christ (6-7)
  • By this grace, we are saved (through faith), which is a gift of God (8)
  • It is a free gift, not related to or requiring any work so that no one can boast (9)
  • We are God’s creation – created with a purpose – in Christ – to do good works, which God prepared for us to do (10)

Take hope in these words from the LGG Journal entry today:

In our study of the book of Daniel, we first saw that God fulfilled His words to remove the people of Judah from their land if they didn’t return to Him. The people had become prideful and were convinced that God would never remove them from Jerusalem. Yet, what they had not thought possible became true.

The people of Judah were taken to Babylon, a place famous for evil and sin. The 70 years of exile were tough for the people of God. Yet, while God humbled them, he also transformed and restored them.

As God provided for the people of Judah, He has provided in incredible ways for believers. God has given us the gift of faith. We can’t boast as we didn’t earn it and don’t deserve it. There is no place for pride. God has a plan and a purpose for our lives; therefore, we should listen and obey Him.

You can be sure that you are exactly where God wants you to be. Even if, like Daniel, you may be somewhere you wouldn’t have chosen to be, know that God is at work. He is interested in your character and how you choose to live in all circumstances.

Ask God to lead you to the good works He has planned for you. Look for the new opportunities God is now leading you into.

God is at work. His plans and purposes will be fulfilled throughout every season of your life. He can be trusted with your today, your tomorrow, and your eternal home. You are saved by His wonderful grace! Your future is sure. So go and live transformed by God’s amazing love, which saves even people like us!

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for saving us by Your grace and not according to our works. You have created us on purpose and for a purpose; help us fulfill that purpose to Your glory. Thank You to Your Spirit, who empowers us to do the good works that we were created to do. Thank You that we are no longer under Satan’s authority, no longer dead in our sins – and that we never have to worry about losing our salvation! What a joy to know that it is a free gift from You that no one can take away! Rejoicing in the power and depth of Your grace – in Jesus’ name and Your glory!💜

The More We Know

Don’t miss the last LGG Post of the study –

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land, Quiet Time

Positioned by God

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based on the LGG Study, Living by Faith in a Faithless Land / w2d5

Scripture: Our Road Map for the Journey / Daniel 2:36-49 (SOAP verse 44)

In the days of those kings the God of heaven will raise up an everlasting kingdom that will not be destroyed and a kingdom that will not be left to another people. It will break in pieces and bring about the demise of all these kingdoms. But it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44

Observation and Application of the Journey

Daniel’s godly disposition, one of faith, faithfulness, and dependence on God, positioned him in the center of God’s will—the place of God’s purpose —to give Daniel and the others with him hope and a future. 🦋

Both the king’s dream and its interpretation were revealed as he had demanded. The interpretation did not entirely favor the king and his kingdom. While King Nebuchadnezzar could feel good about the fact that he was the head of all the earthly kingdoms represented in his dream, he was also delivered the news that “the God of heaven will raise up an everlasting kingdom that will not be destroyed… It will break in pieces and bring about the demise of all these kingdoms. But it will stand forever.” Yet, even at this news, rather than becoming angry, the king showed his gratefulness to Daniel – he gave credit to Daniel’s God – elevating Him above all gods and kings

Not only did the king elevate Daniel’s God above all gods and kings, but because Daniel had courageously used the gift of vision and insight that God had given him, he allowed Daniel and his friends to live,  “and he elevated Daniel to a high position and bestowed on him many marvelous gifts. He granted him authority over the entire province of Babylon and made him the main prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the administration of the province of Babylon. Daniel himself served in the king’s court.1

All earthly kings and kingdoms will be brought down by God’s kingdom, which will stand forever!

While the King showed his gratefulness to Daniel – he gave credit to Daniel’s God – elevating Him above all gods and kings.

God had given Daniel and his friends gifts2, and because they used them well,3 the King saw God for who He was, and the four young men were positioned where God wanted them to be. Friends, when we choose to obey God rather than men and when we use the gifts He has given us, we, too, will find ourselves in the center of His will.

When they had brought them, they stood them before the council, and the high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name. Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood on us!”  But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 5:27-32. NET / KJV
Reflection on the Journey

When I look back over the course of my life, I can see so many ways God protected me because of where He had positioned me. One example that quickly comes to mind is when, for a myriad of reasons, at 29 years of age, I left the Baptist church I had grown up in, literally from the cradle, and began attending a Reformed Presbyterian Church. Through a series of events that included my parent’s Pastor, the death of my grandfather, the birth of my first daughter, and other underlying issues, God led me away from where I was comfortable to the place where He wanted me to be. Ten years later, nearly to the day, my daughter became sick, and because I had followed God out of one door and into another very unfamiliar door, not only was my life transformed by the teaching of God’s grace, but I had been positioned over the ten years in friendships and a school and a community of believers that God alone could have orchestrated and used to save my daughter’s life. He has continued to lead me through the 35 years that have followed, positioning and repositioning me through the years – some harder than others, but I can look and see and say through it all, my God has been in control.

Friends, this is only one of the ways that God used that one move of agonizing obedience to not only redirect my life but literally save and protect myself and my children in life and from death and other horrible outcomes. It is rarely easy to “follow” where God leads when we can’t see or even imagine the why or the outcome, but when we choose faithful obedience over our comfort or pleasing others, we will find (even when things don’t always have a happy or miraculous ending) that God positions us just where we are meant to be.

Prayer of response to the Journey

Father, how very great and loving You are. Thank You for the reminder of how You have worked in and throughout my life. Thank You for Your hand of mercy and of all-sufficient grace that I have seen through the years of my life. Thank You for being the God above all other gods and for the reminder of how what we choose to do and say can lead others to see Your greatness. Thank You for leading and guiding me and positioning me where You want me to be. Thank You for Your forgiveness when I have gone my own way. Thank You for working all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Thank You for equipping me with Your Spirit and gifts to serve You, and please help me use the gifts of teaching and encouragement for Your glory. Help those reading this post seek and follow You, know the gifts You have given them, and use them faithfully in this faithless land. Continually position us where You want us, where You can use us for Your glory and honor and praise. – In and for the name of Jesus, I pray – Amen! 💜

The More We Know about the Journey

Many scholars have contrasted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 with Daniel’s vision in chapter 7. Both passages reveal the coming world kingdoms, but the symbolism is strikingly different in each. The pagan king sees the kingdoms of this world as a towering work of art, impressive in size, value, and grandeur (albeit with feet of clay). God’s prophet sees the same kingdoms as bizarre, unnatural beasts, terrifying in aspect and behavior. It’s a difference of perspective: where man sees a stately, glittering tribute to himself, God sees a menagerie of aberrations. “Let us not be desirous of vain glory” (Galatians 5:26, KJV). gotquestions.org

For more insight, check out today’s blog post by the LGG team.

For further reading: Luke 1:31-33NET / KJV; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18NET / KJV

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Following Jesus

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Then Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

Jesus outlined it for His disciples and anyone who wanted to follow Him, with this invitation in Luke 9:23 – when He said: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” We know from other places in Scripture that true disciples, faithful followers of Christ, must choose a different path than the world. The world teaches a “me first/self-love first” –>then others … but Jesus taught clearly and unapologetically that the love of God and others is most important.1 He even defined that this love was to mimic the way that He had loved us.2

One of my favorite Phil Wickham songs is The Jesus Way. I listen to it far more than any other song in my playlist and was delighted to find a recording of the story  behind the song recently. As we approach our new journey on Monday, from the book of Daniel, “Living Faithful in a Faithless Land,” this song and the story behind it seem very appropriate to share today. I pray it’s a blessing – 🦋

If you curse me, then I will bless you
If you hurt me, I will forgive
And if you hate me, then I will love you
I choose the Jesus way

If you’re helpless, I will defend you
And if you’re burdened, I’ll share the weight
And if you’re hopeless, then let me show you
There’s hope in the Jesus way

I follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus way

If you strike me, I will embrace you
And if you chain me, I’ll sing His praise
And if you kill me, my home is heaven
For I choose the Jesus way

I follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus way

And I choose surrender
I choose to love
Oh, God my Savior, You’ll always be enough
I choose forgiveness
I choose grace
I choose to worship, no matter what I face

I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way
I choose the Jesus way

I follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus way

I follow Jesus
I follow Jesus
He wore my sin, I’ll gladly wear His name
He is the treasure
He is the answer
Oh, I choose the Jesus way
Oh, I choose the Jesus way

Source: Musixmatch / The Jesus Way lyrics © Be Essential Songs

Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Phil Wickham /

  1. Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NLT ↩︎
  2. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 NLT ↩︎
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, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

The Matchless Power of His Grace!

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Based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w6d2

Scripture: The Roadmap for our Journey

Titus 2:11-15 / SOAP vs 11–13

 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:11-13. NET
Observation and Application of the Journey

Have you ever considered the power of God’s grace? His grace appeared … His grace brought salvation to all people … His grace trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives … and it does all of these things while we wait for the fulfillment of our hope when Christ our great God and Savior appears. The same Savior that John wrote of in John chapter 1:14 – where he wrote: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

 He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good. 15 So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you. Titus 2:14-15. NET

You see Christ gave Himself over to death for us so that we, those who believe in Him, might be set free from the law of sin and death. By His death we have been purified and set apart as a people who belong to Him and are eager to do good. Only the power of Christ’s perfect life and His spotless blood was powerful enough for this type of redemption!

Prayer of response to the Journey

Father, may we never take for granted or forget the cost of our salvation. A salvation born of Your grace so powerful that it conquered the depth and deadliness of our sins, sins that made us Your enemies, condemned unclean! Yet, now we stand before You purified by the blood of Your Son and adopted as Your dearly loved children, joint heirs with Your only begotten Son. May we be quick and faithful to communicate this message to the world around us – the rich and powerful message of the Your grace God – a grace available to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ, the representation of Your grace and the coming fulfillment of our hope. – It is in His name I pray, amen!

Music inspired by the Journey
There is no power greater than the gift of God’s Grace poured out through the blood of Jesus Christ ! ❤️

Do you want to know the power of God’s Grace? Do you want to share in the Hope of Jesus Christ? Please click on Know These Truths and let God transform your life by the power of His Grace!

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
The More We Know; Side Trails of our Journey

Encouragement from the LGG Journal Entry for w6d2, p176

As we wait for this happy fulfillment of our hope in Christ’s glorious return, let’s intentionally live lives that reflect the love we have for God. May our obedience flow from our love for God. Instead of looking at the world with dread, let’s see it as a place of opportunity and share Christ with those who do not know the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). Now is the time to share this amazing gift of hope in Christ with those around us. We don’t have to have all the answers, but we do need a passion to do our part in helping to bring salvation to all people. Make no mistake, you have been born in this exact generation for such a time as this.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, create in me a love and passion for those in this world who are far from You. Help me see them the way You see them, with eyes full of love, grace, and mercy. Use me powerfully now, on this day, to help reflect You to a watching world. Give me opportunities to share with those who are searching for the reason for the hope that I have. Until the day You come back, use me powerfully with the gifts You have given me. As I eagerly wait for Your return, I’ll continue to pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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?

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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, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

As We Wait

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based on the LGG Study: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w4d2

Scripture/Today’s roadmap: Titus 2:11-15 / Soap: verse 13

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say. – Titus 2:11-15. NLT

What a great passage of Scripture to not only study – but to keep in mind as we wait for Jesus’ much anticipated and desired return. Remember, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and ‘training’ in righteousness. So that, the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good deed.” This means that what Paul is teaching to Titus through this letter is also important to us – namely that – as we wait, we are to live as the ‘New Creations’ we have been created to be, and encourage others with the same message.

As we wait … we are to live as the new creations we have been created to be – free, godly, self-controlled, hope-filled, committed/eager to do good; pleasing Him and boldly encouraging others to do the same.

from the Insideout 🦋

According to Ephesians 2;8, we are saved by grace through faith and not by works. So, when we read Paul’s words to Titus, that the grace of God has appeared bring salvation to all people, we understand that “the grace” is referring to Christ. We find validity in this truth, when we remember John’s well known and powerful message, that says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”

At the top of my life-verses list is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which teaches that when anyone comes to Christ through FAITH they become a new creation,🦋 or as I like to say – they are changed from the inside out. Paul says, the old has gone the NEW has come.🦋 I love knowing that God replaced the old sinful nature with a NEW one, through the gift and presence of His Spirt – who fills us up from the inside out – training/teaching and reminding us of all that Jesus taught.1 2 When we live by the Spirit we will begin to act, talk, and think differently. We will look, sound, and react less and less like ourselves and more and more like Jesus; we will remember that the purpose of His death was not for our pleasure but rather to set us free and purify us for Himself; and this, as in all things Christ did, was so that God might be glorified (made-known).

The More We Know: Side-trails of the Journey

Our chief end is to glorify God…

https://www.gotquestions.org/glorify-God.html

What does it mean to glorify God?