Tag: SOAP

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

Treasures

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God/w4d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 49/SOAP: ; Matthew 6:19-21

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

“Material possessions are temporary.” The Psalmist wrote it well in verse ten of chapter forty-nine: “Surely one sees that even wise people die; fools and spiritually insensitive people all pass away and leave their wealth to others.” Jesus also said it well to His audience, when He pointed out to them that earthly treasures will only decay or be stolen or destroyed. We all know it, yet, somehow we all – for the most part, at one time or another – struggle against the reality of the temporary and get caught up with acquiring “earthly treasures.”

Without a doubt Psalm forty-nine, with all of its talk about death and the grave and the loss of everything they’ve worked for or enjoyed can be depressing. However, when we read carefully, we will discover a “BUT GOD” verse. I love the “BUT GOD” verses and moments of life – and there is a powerfully encouraging one found in verse fifteen. Clearly, nothing we have, do or say can keep us from ‘death,’ not even wealth, fame, or wisdom – BUT GOD will rescue His people from the power of death! For this one thing we know is true – Christ Arose!

We may not mean for our hearts to be so caught up with treasures – but as a collector of a variety of things, I am well acquainted with the realities and dangers of treasures and the focus of the heart. I am constantly learning and seeking to practice the wisdom of setting my heart and mind on God, for I know Scripture teaches that doing so brings peace, joy, strength, wisdom, guidance and so much more to our lives on earth. I am also reminded by today’s passage that there is a heavenly treasure trove of rewards we receive when we live well for God, which should be our ultimate priority. While we know that there will be rewards in Heaven, we are not told exactly what these rewards will be. However, we can and should assume that any gift we receive from God will be far greater than any earthly treasure we might attain in this life.

Christ’s point is not that Christians cannot have wealth, or they should not own anything. Rather, He means that we can only have one ultimate priority (Matthew 6:24), which should be God.

Bibleref.com / Matthew 6:21
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

I believe the key to applying this truth is the focus of our heart and mind. When our focus and goal in life is anything other than God’s will and glory we’ve got it wrong and it will not end well, for as Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Bibleref.com commentary on verse twenty of chapter six, asks and answers this question: How did Jesus mean for His followers to store up rewards for themselves in heaven?

  • “Christ has spoken a few times in the Sermon on the Mount of acts God will reward. These have included being persecuted for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11–12); giving to the needy in secret (Matthew 6:4), praying in secret (Matthew 6:6) and fasting without calling attention to oneself (Matthew 6:18). In short, God rewards His people when they lead lives of sincere devotion and worship to Him.” Bibleref.com

To help us even further, Paul’s words to the Colossians, specifically in chapter three, seems to be the perfect application as to where our hearts and minds should be focused as well as what it looks like to lead lives of sincere devotion and worship to God. I encourage you to read through it several times and then mark it in your Bible and even print it to keep with you or put where you will see/read it often. Remember, we must be intentional in living the Christian life – it doesn’t just happen.

Living the New Life

3 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, help us to seek first the things that matter to You – the treasures of Heaven and not of earth. Fill our minds and hearts with the things of Christ like love, joy, and peace and the message of His Gospel that brings salvation to all who believe. Help us to live well as representatives of our Lord, Jesus Christ – giving thanks to You always. We cannot do this well if we are living for self or earthly treasures so align our desires with Yours Father, help our ultimate priority to be to know You and make You known – and to please You in all we do and say. In this we will give You thanks – in Jesus’ name – amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

<a href="http://”>How Can We Store Up Treasures in Heaven?

Attitudes Toward Wealth

For more insight on today’s Scriptures read the LoveGodGreatly Blog Post

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

The Blessing of Repentance

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based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Psalm 32 / SOAP: verse 5

Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD.” And then You forgave my sins. (Selah)

Psalm 32:5 NET

Refusal to confess sins creates physical problems but, as David teaches us here in Psalm 32, confession (repentance) brings the blessings of forgiveness and joyful deliverance!

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋

Today’s devotion by the LGG Team is a wonderful capstone for the week we have spent looking at and making repentance part of our observance and/or study of Lent.

“This week, we’ve studied repentance. Repentance is a key component of our faith. In the season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the saving work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, repentance is one way we turn our hearts to Him.

In Psalm 32, David expresses the way repentance and confession of sin brought him true joy and peace. He writes how, when he refused to confess his sin, he experienced great pain. The weight of his sin tormented him, nearly destroying him, and even affecting his physical health.”

Living the Journey (Application)

David’s example sets the stage for a wonderful application – as the LGG team member writes:

“Once David confessed his sin, he recognized and accepted God’s incredible forgiveness. He no longer suffered pain but experienced great peace and joy. When he trusted God to forgive him. God’s faithfulness overwhelmed him.

David also encourages God’s people to pray and repent while they can still do so. Because of Jesus, all our sins are forgiven and paid for if we have placed our faith in Him. So our lives no longer need to be tormented by the weight and destruction of sin. When we turn back to God and seek His forgiveness, we find life, peace, and joy.”

Repentance is not a one-time action but a discipline and a posture of our hearts. The more we recognize the freedom and blessings that come from repentance, the quicker we are to repent when we make mistakes.

LGG Team/ LENT Journal w3d4
Prayer for the Journey

“May we be followers of Jesus who continually humble ourselves before Him in repentance and live in the freedom and joy that comes from His forgiveness.” – Amen!

The More We Know

What does Psalm chapter 32 mean?

For more insight check out today’s LGG BLOG post

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

Be The Difference

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based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10 / SOAP: verse 7

I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

Luke 15:7

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him.

Luke 15:1 NLT

Whew! What an opening line to a wonderful portion of Luke’s story. Jesus wasn’t having to go to the people, they were coming to Him and as Luke reveals here, even the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear Jesus. This didn’t settle well with the Pharisees and experts of the law though because it meant Jesus was welcoming them, agreeing not only to spend time talking to them but to eat with them – which was a sign of friendship. They complained and Jesus used the complaint as another teachable moment. He used two parables, stories/examples that were relevant to the day and helpful in making the point that He was needed by the ‘sinner’ more than the ‘righteous ones’. After all, He came to seek and save the lost, (Luke 19:10).

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

Luke 5:31-32 NLT

Jesus’ response to the complaint made by the Pharisees came in the form of parables. The first parable was about a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep who had foolishly strayed off the path. The second story was about a woman who searched desperately for one coin that was lost when she still had the other nine – the point Jesus was making was that His greater concern was for those who needed Him, whether they had foolishly strayed off the path or didn’t even realize they were lost. The end result is that both the sheep and the coin were looked for and when found there was great rejoicing.

Living the Journey

Just as Jesus left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep and just as the woman shown a light into the dark room to find the missing coin we should likewise give careful attention to the lost and let our light shine into the darkness around us. When we live and love like Jesus we will be the difference He calls us to be and the world around us will be changed.

Even if there is only one who is lost, we are to seek them out – we are to be the light that helps them find their way; and we are to rejoice over them when they are found.

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋
Prayer for the Journey

Father, please help my attitude to be like Jesus’ attitude and not that of the Pharisees. Let me not only see the lost around me but seek them out and respond to them with Jesus’ loving concern and compassion. Let me not be caught up with the complaints of those around me or ever consider myself better than those who are lost or have wandered away. Help me to remember, “but by Your grace there I would be also.” – In Jesus’ Name I pray – Amen!

The More We Know

The Parables Explained

Why Jesus Feasted With a Group of Cultural Outcasts

Righteous versus sinners

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

Sin’s Requirement

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:38; and SOAP: 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 NET

Sin requires something of us, and according to God’s word in Roman’s 6:23, that requirement is death. However, great provision was made through Jesus Christ and we are given a second option – which is a commitment to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. That faith, according to Jesus’ teaching demands that we turn from our selfish (sinful) ways, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Or, as it is written in 2 Chronicles, “If my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.“

I love words, and I love running across words I’m not familiar with – like “repudiate,” which we find in the NET version of 2 Chronicles 7:14. The meaning of repudiate is to refuse to have anything to do with, to refuse to be associated with, or to divorce or separate from formally. In other words – naming the name of God, choosing to place our faith in Christ requires us to divorce ourselves from sinful practices and instead seek to please God and call out to Him. In return, God promises to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin requires something of us – either death or a commitment to God.

Me, from the Insideout –
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Before writing the beloved promise of forgiveness that we find in 1 John 1:9, John penned the words: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8) Clearly, if our desire is to live (abide) in Christ, who is the Truth, then we must own up to our sins, confessing them before God who is faithful to not only forgive us but to cleanse us from all of our “all unrighteousness.” The promises don’t stop there though, remember He also promises to help us stay faithful by giving us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3-4) and to show us the way of escape when we are tempted to return to our old ways (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Cor 10:12-13 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, turning from sin and living righteously – denying ourselves our selfish, sinful desires and following Jesus does not come naturally to us – but You knew this and provided a Way where there was no way. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have received all the precious promises of Your Word, promises that guarantee us forgiveness and enable us to share in His divine nature and escape not only the world’s corruption but the wages of our sins – which are death. Father help us to ‘repudiate’ our sinful practices and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life whom You have provided so that we might receive the free gift of Your grace, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. – And Father, if anyone is reading this today who does not belong to You – may their heart and mind be opened to the Word of Your Gospel – which has the power to save and to forever change their life! – In the most holy and powerful name and blood of Jesus I pray – trusting and believing –

Amen and Amen!

THE MORE WE KNow

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

Forgiveness’ cleansing power!

For more insight on today’s passage – visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

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

A Plea of Repentance

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 51; SOAP: verses 1-2

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love.
Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts.
2 Wash away my wrongdoing.
Cleanse me of my sin

Psalm 51:1-2 NET

What a beautiful prayer and example of repentance! It is a prayer of David, following his affair with Bathsheba, after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. David was clearly undone before God. As we saw with Esther in the previous post – sometimes (if not often) we need people in our lives that will speak the truth to us – even if it is about a sin in our life. I believe God used Nathan’s bold obedience to confront David to change the trajectory of David’s life. I have learned from personal experience that God can and will use David’s prayer to change the path we are on as well. For surely you have found, as I have, that we don’t always see sin for what it is and even when we do we find it hard to turn away from and/or never confess before God the guilt and shame we are under.

For I am aware of my rebellious acts;
I am forever conscious of my sin.
4 Against you—you above all—I have sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
So you are just when you confront me;
you are right when you condemn me.
5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,
a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.
6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man;

Psalm 51: 3-6 NET

David was made aware of his rebellious acts and became conscious of his sin. He knew that he had sinned against God and that God was right to confront and condemn him for his behavior. He knew what God desired of him was a heart of integrity, not the sexual transgressions and lies and murder1 for which he was guilty. David understood that God would be well within His rights to reject him or even to take His Holy Spirit from him but he cried out for God’s mercy and prayed that God would create a pure heart and renew a right spirit within him and that he might be sustained by the desire to obey. David also committed to then teach other sinners God’s merciful ways so that they would turn to God as David had.

Create for me a pure heart, O God.
Renew a resolute spirit within me.
11 Do not reject me.
Do not take your holy Spirit away from me.
12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance.
Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey.
13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,
and sinners will turn to you.

Psalm 51:10-13 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

The end result David was looking for, which should always be the point of our repentance – was being restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus died for it and we should strive for it – by living as God has called us to live and repenting when we fall short. As David pointed out, God does not want us to offer Him burnt sacrifices or great offerings while our hearts are still far from Him. This is why Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites and quoting from Isaiah, said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me” (Matthew 15:7–9).

2“Today, some believers try to erase their guilt over sins by increasing their offerings, or helping in the nursery, or cleaning the church, or observing optional traditions such as Lent, or a number of other good works. But these “sacrifices” can never substitute for a heart that loves and obeys the Lord. Nor can those efforts outweigh the offense our sin causes to a perfectly good and holy God.”

Bibleref.com / Psalm 51:16
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Holy is Your name! We are a blessed people to know You as our God and be invited, through the blood of Christ, to boldly approach Your throne – but God forbid that we only approach it for our needs and desires and earthly sorrows. Let us learn from David and from the teaching of the New Testament saints that we must be in the habit of confessing our sins before You, in repentance seeking Your merciful and graciously promised forgiveness. For when we continually fail in repentance we place a wedge between us and You – and though we may go through all the right motions of church and prayer and devotions – when we continually fail in repentance we will wallow in our sin and be hypocrites like the Pharisees, a people who worship You in vain, honoring You with our lips, when in reality our hearts are far from you – O God forbid that this be true of us and where it is – speak truth into our lives and lead us, as You led David, to full and beautiful repentance.

THE MORE We Know

1“Rescue me from the guilt of murder – “

Be sure and visit lovegodgreatly.com for more insight

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

You Made Me Bold

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

The Spirit

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

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

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

2 Corinthians 4:17

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

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

Luke 3:21-22

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

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

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

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

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

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

THE MORE WE KNOW

Jesus came to set us free spiritually. 

The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses

The Lord is a Spirit

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

Seeking Godly Wisdom

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

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel 1:11-13 NLT

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

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

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

Gotquestions.org / Godly Wisdom
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

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

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

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT
THE MORE WE KNOW

1What is Godly Wisdom?

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

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

The Scriptures

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THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

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

Romans 15:4 NLT

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

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

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

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

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

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

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

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

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

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

THE MORE WE KNOW

Keep In Step With the Spirit

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

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

We Need A War Room

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

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)

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

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

Matthew 6:6 NLT

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

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

Matthew 6:5 NLT

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

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

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

John 10:10 NLT
Living the Journey (Application)

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

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

Acts 1: 4-5 and 8 NLT

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

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

Galatians 5:22-26 NLT
Prayer for the Journey

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

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

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

1Keep in Step With The Spirit

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

Do you have a war room?