Tag: salvation

Posted in Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Encouraging Words of Hope

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based on the LGG Study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w4d1 / Image by LGG

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 / SOAP: verse 16-18

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Observations and Applications of the Journey

I read and took this passage in as though it was my first time reading it. When in reality, I have read it and studied it and heard it taught many times; however, not with the same interest and understanding I found today. If you, or other you know, have any questions, concerns or possible misconceptions about the end times, then this is a great and helpful passage about what will happen when Christ returns to earth. My now colorful journal page from all of the highlights and markings and column notes is a story and a commentary in itself. I love when the Holy Spirit leads and prompts and excites my study time. I honestly felt as though I was a student of Paul, listening to his passion for the truth that he so urgently wanted his audience to hear and understand – and encourage others with.

This portion of Paul’s letter to the church (ie believers) at Thessalonica, as Bibleref.com explains, was meant to encourage those with concerns and misconceptions about the end times and what will happen when Christ returns to earth. For instance, he knew that some were (or at the very least – may have been concerned about those believers who had already died). He wanted them to understand that He wasn’t encouraging them to not grieve but rather to grieve with hope.

It also comforts our hearts, as some of us find ourselves grieving the passing of a loved one who was a believer in Christ. We cling to the promise that we will one day be reunited with them again. Our grieving isn’t forever’ it’s only temporary.

ComeLordJesusCome, p122

The HOPE he was talking about was no small thing. It is the same hope that we have as we wait for Christ to return – the HOPE of all who “are in Christ” – being caught up together – to meet the Lord in the air, and be with Him forever! Whoo! If that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will.

This incredible promise of Christ’s return helps us persevere in the trials we experience while we patiently long for His imminent return.

ComeLordJesusCome, p122

Today’s journey in Revelation, points us to the same conclusion of the entirety of the NT and for that matter of the Bible – we must encourage others with the TRUTH and HOPE of God’s Word. Today’s message from Paul is to encourage those in Christ that He is coming again and we will not only be taken up to be with Him, but we will be gathered together with those believers who have gone before us. – *While Paul’s is specifically writing this letter to believers, we must not neglect to reach the lost with the truth that they too can share in this hope by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ before He comes. 1

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, as Paul encouraged the members of the church in Thessalonica in his day, help me/us to encourage those where we live and work or communicate with through social media. May we be faithful to speak the truth that Jesus is coming again. Thank You for the reminder that when He does return, our momentary struggles will end. Thank you for all that we have to look forward to, as Your children – but let us not forget the fate of those who do not know You. Help us be active and bold in making You and Your promises known. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

The More We Know: Scripture hunts of the Journey

Bibleref.com has much to offer in clarifying some of the verses, such as those who are asleep and those who alive in Christ.

Raptured

The difference between the second coming and the rapture

A Loud Command

Caught up together

Eternal Joy and Pleasure

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

His Reward

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based on the LGG Study – Come, Lord Jesus, Come / w2d4

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-13

Look! I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done! I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last , the beginning and the end!

True confessions … I am not one that has ever been comfortable with the topic of rewards in or for the Christian life, Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus speaks of the rewards, and I do consider them an exciting part of what is to come, and let’s face it I would much rather be given His reward than the punishment unbelievers will face; however, I believe we must be careful to not focus on the reward and lose sight of the One who is bringing the reward with Him. Perhaps my aversion to the thought of earning rewards stems from my overly competitive personality. Board games, card games, sporting events, and nearly anything else that can be turned into a competition bring out the competitor in me … or at least it used to. At some point in the past several years (actually much further back than that), I realized just how obnoxious my overzealousness to win was – actually, I believe it was God who pointed it out to me, and He’s been working on me ever since. But, just in case you see me in overdrive in one of the aforementioned situations – please remember – God’s not finished with me yet. 😊💜

My point of sharing this less-than-flattering part of my testimony was simply meant to be a segue into the Love God Greatly devotion for today. However, when I read the Devo (after writing the segue), It let me know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like to talk about the idea of being rewarded for our good works/faithfulness. The devotion also helped me realize there might be more reason for my reluctance to dwell on the rewards to come. They suggest that because “we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.” I don’t know that this truly applies to me as much as my competitive nature, but I do hope you’ll keep reading to see and be as encouraged as I was.

To be clear, our salvation is not a reward. It is a gift, not of works, so that no one can boast (Eph 2:8-9). You can read more about this in The More We Know section below.

Focusing on my future with Jesus helps me endure today.

LGG Journal: Come, Lord Jesus, Come / p 84

INTO THE WORD

In some of our Christian circles, we don’t talk much about this idea of being rewarded for our good works. I think it makes us feel uncomfortable. Since we know we can never earn our salvation, a free gift from God, we tend to get nervous when the topic of rewards is brought up.

But in Revelation 22:12–13, Jesus specifically says that when He returns, He will repay us according to how we lived our lives. What a comfort this promise is for those who have suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. It is encouraging to remember that nothing done for God is ever forgotten or wasted. Jesus sees the sacrifices made. He sees the injustices inflicted on those who have taken a stand in His name. He knows the things that have been taken from His people, and He has not forgotten. Because Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, He has seen it all, beginning and end, and nothing has escaped His notice. He will reward us according to our work.

When Jesus first came to earth, He came as a baby. When Christ comes again, He will come back as the roaring lion, ready to bring judgment upon the earth.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for being holy and good. Thank You for seeing it all. You never miss an injustice or heartbreak. Thank You for never wasting any hurt that I go through. Thank you for always bringing good and purpose out of my pain. Even though I pray my primary motivation for obedience will be my love for You, I thank You for the promise of Your heavenly rewards. I look forward to the day when I can lay them all down at Your holy feet. May I do everything for Your glory. Until the glorious day when I see You face to face, I will continue to pray come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

The More We Know

Rewards for the faithful

The judgment seat of Christ does not determine our salvation; that matter was settled by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24, emphasis added).

More on Rev 22:12

More on Rev 22:13

The Crown of Life

Second Corinthians 5:10 states: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” This is often referred to as the “Bema seat,” and is not the same as the judgment given to those who reject Christ. Unbelievers will be judged at the great white throne and be sentenced to eternal suffering in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

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

Purpose, Purity, and Peace

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-18 and SOAP: verses 14-15

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

Peter’s Final Words

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:11-18 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Be motivated by Peter’s words.

  • strive to be found at peace without spot or blemish
  • don’t just wait for Christ’s return, – actively wait
  • actively work to reflect His love and holiness while you wait – even through the trials of this life
  • don’t forget — Jesus is the key to living a life of godliness
  • Remember and TRUST God’s promise(s), specifically – that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)
QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

How will you actively wait for Jesus, growing in grace and preparing your heart for His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, there are trials all around us, some in our own lives. We see evidence of them in those close to us, and in those we don’t even know within our communities. We see them affecting people around the world through the news or other media – and we call out to You to help Your people wait with hope, an active hope that is faithfully growing and a heart that diligently seeks after You daily. Guard us from forgetting the truths that we have learned through Peter’s letters and help us remember Your call upon our lives to pursue holiness and righteousness – being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us and daily claiming the promise that by Your divine power, You have given us everything we need for living a godly life – even in the midst of trials. Thank You for teaching us the way of TRIUMPH is through You – Father, Son, and Spirit! – Amen

MUSIC FOR THE JOURNEY
THE MORE WE KNOW
Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

The Value of Ancient Words

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w4d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-15 and SOAP: verse 12

Therefore, I intend to remind you constantly of these things even though you know them and are well established in the truth that you now have.

2 Peter 1:12 NET

Since I often feel like a broken record—sharing the same message over and over again—I find this verse quite encouraging. We are never so well versed in the Scriptures/Truth of God that we should cease to be reminded of them, nor should we stop reminding others of them. God’s Word is vital to our walk of faith—not just for salvation but for day-to-day living. God made this clear from the Old Testament to the New. We are to talk of them when we rise up and when we lie down; we are to teach them to our children, Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19. The author of Hebrews tells us to encourage one another daily … and to stir one another up to love and good deeds (Heb 3:13; 10:24-25); and the writer of Proverbs 4:20-24 placed great value on the Word, saying – “My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight,
guard them within your heart for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body.” Jesus Himself spoke of the value of the Word in the fourth chapter of Mark.1

Don’t be afraid to use God’s Word, both in your own life and in the lives of others – even if, like Peter -and myself – the message is repetitive.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Talk of God’s Word when you rise up and when you lie down ( Deut 6:7)

Tell/teach them to your children (Deut 11:19)

Use them to encourage and to stir others up (Heb 3:13 and 10:25)

Go and make disciples (Mk 16:15)

Feed the sheep (Jn 21:17) – this was Peter’s primary goal – not to criticize but to encourage.

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

What foundational truth has impacted your life the most? How can you pass it on to the next generation?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Your Word, oh God, is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is life to us who are being saved by it. Let us be faithful to read it, to study it, and to repeat it to others – both to the perishing and those who know it well. Help us to encourage one another daily with it and to remember that it is good to use it as the light it is meant to be, whether for ourselves or for those around us. Surely, it is by Your Word that we will experience triumph over our trials. For this, we praise you and say amen – in Jesus’ name.

Music for the Journey
THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

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

Where’s the Milk?

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w2d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3/ SOAP: 1 Peter 2:1-2

So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

1 Peter 2:1-2

Having just instructed the people to love others and cling to the word that had been proclaimed to them, Peter dives right in with a direct instruction, a first step so to speak, to believers to get rid of things that don’t belong in their lives. As a follower of Christ, Peter has learned and, at times, struggled with these things. He knew that loving others and following Christ meant there was no room for selfish intent, ways, or focus. Each of the five things that Peter says to get rid of “represent a choice to focus on my benefit over and above the interest of someone else.”1 Focusing on self – does not and cannot promote love for each other or obedience to God, nor will it allow us to digest the pure, spiritual milk that Peter says we should crave.

Remember, Peter just reminded the believers that they were ‘born again’—or ‘new creations’, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. As such, we are like newborn babies who crave, or yearn for, milk. The nourishment from the milk causes them to grow strong and healthy. Peter says this happens for believers through “pure spiritual milk.” This ‘milk’, which is the undiluted, uncontaminated Word of God, will help us grow strong and healthy in our faith and relationship with God— just like newborn babies grow close to the one(s) who feed and care for them.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

1 Peter 2:1 NLT

The term “Get rid of” (1) is a very common statement in the New Testament and critical to the life of a Christ follower. Here, Peter names five things to get rid of, five things that work against them: living a holy life, loving others, and all other instructions they had been given. Why? Because anything that causes our focus to be on self diverts our loyalty away from God and His ways. Here Peter includes:

  • all evil (or malice) – a wicked ill-will, hoping for another person to be harmed.
  • all deceit – intentional dishonesty
  • hypocrisy – another form of falseness, holding others to standards we don’t live up to for the sake of pride.
  • all envy which has been called “resentful discontent,” – focusing our angst on someone who has what we crave.
  • all slander – using false or misleading words to harm another’s reputation.

The next step of Peter’s instructions includes:

  • a call to yearn for the “pure spiritual milk,” which is the undiluted, uncontaminated Word of God,
    • We must intentionally seek out pure spiritual milk and set dates/times with God to dwell with Him and drink in the spiritual nourishment He alone can provide.
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father God, help us to get rid of all evil, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander so that we might live the holy lives You have called us to, setting our focus on You and loving others as Christ has loved us. Help, even cause us – to yearn for and immerse ourselves in Your Word, the pure spiritual milk that Peter spoke of, for by it we will grow in wisdom and truth and the roots of our faith will grow deeper and stronger against the winds of temptation and troubles in this world. – In Jesus’ name – Amen

Question for the Journey

Do you hunger for God’s Word as nourishment for your soul? What steps can you take this week to deepen your appetite for its rich and sustaining truths?

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight please read today’s LGG Blog @ lovegodgreatly.com

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

Tetelestai

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: John 18:1-19:42 /  SOAP: John 19:30

When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

Jesus knew the hour had come and what must be done so He called out, “I am thirsty.” Then after receiving the “sour wine” He announced: “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and died.

The fact that Jesus is said to “give up his spirit” is significant. Matthew and Luke make similar observations (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46). From a physical standpoint, Jesus’ body has suffered fatal injury. And yet, His death is entirely an act of His own will. That included His willingness to be born into human form (John 1:14), to submit to God’s will (Matthew 26:39), and to allow His own arrest and execution (Philippians 2:8). Whether literally, or as a statement of agreement, Scripture clarifies that Jesus is “giving up” His life to God the Father—it is not being stripped away from Him by force (John 10:17–18).

bibleref.com / John 19:30b

This portion of the crucifixion always makes me think of the song that proclaims that Jesus could have called ten-thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free. It is such a poignant reminder of the power He yielded on that cross, giving Himself over to death on a cross and to separation from the Father. Yes, He could have called ten-thousand angels to free Him from that cross, but He didn’t. In love and obedience and complete sacrifice He surrendered to the Father’s will and gave His life so that whosoever believes in Him would receive eternal life. Yes, Jesus could have called the angels but instead He suffered on the cross for our sins and paid the debt that only He could pay. He did what He knew must be done – and, then – in respect, “He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Rest in the completed work of Jesus1.

John presents Jesus’ declaration here using the Greek word tetelestai. Archaeologists have found this word inscribed on records to indicate debts which have been paid, or obligations which have been met. That which Jesus was sent to accomplish—an atonement for sin on behalf of mankind (2 Corinthians 5:21)—is entirely and fully completed in this moment: “It is finished.” No further work needs to be done, nor can it be done (Titus 3:5). There is no room for other actions, rituals, sacraments, sacrifices, or payments to accomplish salvation (1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 10:12–14).

bibleref.com / John 19:30

Follow Jesus’ example and live yielded and surrendered to the will of God.2

2(I realize that this reference is not from our reading today; however, if Jesus had not surrendered to the Father’s will we would not know the blessing of His words: “Tetelestai!” – “It is finished,”

Going a little farther, Jesus threw himself down with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 

Matthew 26:39 NET

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank You for the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Thank You that no one took His life from Him but that He gave up His life for our sin-debt, a debt He did not owe but that could only be paid with His blood. How blessed we are to be loved by You, Father and Son and to be filled with Your Spirit! Help us to live as Jesus did, surrendered to Your will, not afraid to pray for an unwanted ‘cup’ to pass from us but given to loving You and others more than ourselves – even enough to pray and live out the example of Christ – “not my will but Yours be done.” Help us to live and to rest in the completed work of Christ on the cross. – Help us to remember that we do not have to work for the victory because through Christ’s finished work on the cross the victory is ours! – Hallelujah! and Amen – in Jesus’ Name!

THE MORE WE KNOW

What was finished at the cross?

For more insight be sure and read today’s LGG Blog Post

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

Not Shrinking Back

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w6d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44 / SOAP: Luke 19:38 

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Luke 19:38 NET

Jesus has been preparing His disciples for this moment and all that will follow – (death, resurrection, His ascension, and the great commission) throughout His ministry, and even though He has now reached the road leading up to the Mount of Olives Jesus does not shrink back. He presses on and engages the disciples in what’s next, namely securing the colt on which He would make His triumphal entry.

While we call it a triumphal entry it is worth noting that Jesus does not enter as a conquering hero who has come to save the day but rather as the humble Savior and Son of God that He knew He was. He did not make arrangements for a great or impressive horse but rather a donkey, a colt that had never been ridden.

Our focus verse (38) is one of the most well known verses from this passage and the start of what would be a celebration by a great crowd of Jesus’ disciples. For the sake of his audience, Luke keeps his account of the event short but Matthew reveals the fuller picture and, I dare say, the version most of us are familiar with: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Mark and John share a quote similar to Matthew’s version, but as Bibleref.com points out, “Likely, different people are shouting different things, including praising God for the miracles they have seen Jesus perform,” as Luke indicates in chapter nineteen, verse thirty-seven, “but,” continues bibleref.com, “the gist is the same: Yahweh’s chosen king, in the line of David, is coming to take His rightful throne in Jerusalem.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Remember we are disciples of Christ and we are called to engage in the ‘great commission.”

Draw people’s attention to the Son of David – with a loud Hosanna or an invitation to church for Easter Sunday.

Press on through this week with eyes and thoughts on the cross and on the One who willingly lay down His life for His sheep.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, as we, the disciples of Christ, enter this week leading up to Easter, a week referred to by many as holy, may we prepare not only our own hearts but may we make known the “Son of David”, whether with loud shouts of “Hosanna!” or simple invitations to our Easter services. May we not hesitate to engage ourselves with the work of the cross for the sake of the lost. May we remember that those who do not know our Savior will face a horrible eternity after death and may this inspire us to follow the example of Jesus and not shrink back or be silent in moving forward to the scene of the cross, the mourning of His death, and the rejoicing in His resurrection and ascension – without which there is no hope. – Father, this Easter may many hear and believe and along with us shout Hosanna to the Son of David!- Amen and Amen in Jesus’ Holy Name – Blessing and honor and glory be Yours both now and evermore 💜🦋

THE MORE WE KNOW

The Importance of the Pharisees Response (vs 39)

For more insight – please be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post

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

Do You Believe This?

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w5d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: John 11:1-44 / SOAP: verses 25-27

esus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

27 She replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world.”

John 11:25-27

“Faith is the victory that overcomes the world.” This line of an old hymn came to my mind as I read and reread this passage. The world we live in brings physical death to everyone at some point. We cannot escape it this side of heaven for we live in a fallen world. Lazarus had become sick (3) and, as Jesus said, had “fallen asleep.”(11) – Jesus also said He was going to awaken Lazarus – and awaken him He did! – Four days he had lay dead in the grave but when Jesus called to Lazarus, His friend, he arose and walked out of the grave! (11, 17, and 44)

Jesus uses this death and life situation to introduce or identify Himself as “The resurrection and the life.” According to gotquestions.org, “When Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He was claiming to be the source of both. There is no resurrection apart from Christ, and there is no eternal life apart from Christ. Beyond that, Jesus was also making a statement concerning His divine nature. He does more than give life; He is life, and therefore death has no ultimate power over Him. Jesus confers this spiritual life on those who believe in Him, so that they share His triumph over death (1 John 5:11-12). Believers in Jesus Christ will experience resurrection because, having the life Jesus gives, it is impossible for death to defeat them (1 Corinthians 15:53-57).”

Note that this life and power to defeat death does not belong to everyone but to those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Todays focus passage and the verses leading up to them reveal Martha’s deep faith in Jesus.

In verse 21-24, Martha professes her deep faith in the power of Jesus. Then Jesus proclaims Himself to be the resurrection and the life – a statement that is wonderfully explained by gotquestions.org:

Jesus’ statement that He is the resurrection and the life provides a godly perspective on several spiritual matters. Martha believed that the resurrection is an event; Jesus showed her (and us) that the resurrection is a Person. Martha’s knowledge of eternal life was an abstract idea; Jesus proved that knowledge of eternal life is a personal relationship. Martha thought victory over death was a future expectation; Jesus corrects her, showing that victory is a present reality.

gotquestions.org / I Am the resurrection and the life

Following this “I Am” statement to Martha, Jesus asks her a crucial question concerning her faith, saying – “Do you believe this?”

After presenting Himself as the resurrection and the life, and clarifying that “the one who believes in Him will live even if he dies,” Jesus asks Martha a crucial question concerning her faith, saying – “Do you believe this?”(John 11:26). This time Martha responds with a statement of faith in who Jesus is, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who was to come into the world” (verse 27).

I look at this and I can’t help but think how Jesus could have gone straight to the grave yet he addresses Martha’s pain first and does this by reminding her, not of what He could do but of who He was. He wanted her (and us) to understand that the resurrection is not an abstract idea but a Person and the catalyst of eternal life through a personal relationship with Him. For Martha, “victory over death was a future expectation,” as she stated in verse 24 – saying, “I know that he will come back to life again in the resurrection at the last day.” However, Jesus wanted her to see that “victory is a present reality” – when we believe in the one who is: “The Resurrection and the Life.”

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

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

Believe, not just in the power of Jesus, but in who Jesus is – “the Christ, the Son of God who comes into the world to seek and save the lost – in order that all who believe will have eternal life through Him

Make Christ known to those around you – be bold and faithful to share who He is and to ask the crucial question of faith – “Do you believe?”

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, may Martha’s faith be an inspiration that leads us to affirm our faith in You and in Your Son – both in His power and in who He is. May we, like Christ, identify and share Him as “the resurrection and the life,” clarifying that whoever believes in Him will live, even if he dies,” Then, Spirit – give us boldness to ask the crucial question of faith that Jesus asked Martha – “Do You believe this?”

THE MORE WE KNOW

“This sickness will not lead to death.”

For it is by grace that we have been saved through FAITH: Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:15-16; Acts 16:31; and Rom 10:9-10

For more insight read today’s blog post

If you (or someone you know) do not know Jesus or you have questions about what it means to believe in Jesus and be saved – I invite you to read “Know These Truths.” You will find answers and hope and the opportunity to have eternal life!

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

Repentance Leads to …

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

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

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

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

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


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


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


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


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


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

Posted in Bible study, Christmas, From the Insideout, God is good, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

On the First Day of Christmas

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Introduction

Originally posted December 26, 2020

“Adornaments” It started as something I did with my children when they were growing up. The “adornaments” reading and ornament were a way to help them/us focus on the true meaning of Christmas amidst all the presents and lights of the seasons. Thirty plus years later and it is still a treasured part of our Christmas. For us, it has evolved through the years – from the 12 days leading up to Christmas to the 12 days after Christmas – leading to the Epiphany [əˈpifənē]1

  • 1The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12) and the celebration commemorating the Epiphany on January 6.

My hope is that by sharing these 12 adornaments over the next 12 days – together we can enter the new year with a fresh awareness of JESUS beyond the manger. Each day we will be focusing on a different name of Christ leading us to understand – or perhaps just reminding us – who He is and why we should truly adore Him not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

Me – from the Insideout 💕

Day 1: Scripture – Matthew 1:23; Name of Jesus – Immanuel; Ornament – Baby in a manger

On this first day of Christmas I remember God, my One True Love, from the depth of His goodness gave to me a Savior – who is Jesus Christ the Lord! Born as a baby in a manger – God in the flesh – He came to save His people from their sins.

21 And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”

Matthew 1:21-23

John 3:16 proclaims the reason for this gift was because – God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Why such a lavish gift? Because God loves with an amazingly lavish love! He knew we were sinners, unable to keep the law, unable to save ourselves, and by His standards deserving of death. Yet, as with Barabbas we were set FREE and Christ was sent to the cross – crucified for the sins of the world – making a way for sinners to have a relationship and everlasting life with God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

1 John 4:9-10