Tag: SOAP

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

Changed From The Inside Out

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click on any of the images for a larger view –

I don’t always read the devos from the LGG Journals – and never before I do my own journaling because I don’t want their take on the Word to influence what God might want to show me. However, as I was looking over my soap journal for today, an entry I made days ago, I was curious to see if they included any thoughts about – “apart from Him I can do nothing”, and boy did they! While this first one wasn’t the first one I read – it seems to highlight this week’s theme, “Created for Community With God”.

“The fruitfulness of our lives is a direct result of our connection to Jesus, not anything we can do. The love that we show to others, the joy we experience, the peace in our hearts, and the kindness that we share, it is all because of what God is doing in our lives, and He deserves the credit.“

Not Made To Be Alone, an LGG Study – p42
Nuggets of Gold

The following are more quotes from the LGG devotional for day 3, week 1 of Not Made To Be Alone. I encourage you to read these slowly and then read them again. May the truth of them penetrate and influence our minds and hearts as we proceed not only through this study but through life and living in community with God and others

“Community is not one-sided. … God is with us, not because He is obligated to do so as our Creator, but because He loves us.”

Ok, so this next one is my favorite and may become my new tag-line on my blog page as it highlights the reason I chose the name of the blog –

*** “When we live in community with God, we are changed from the inside out.”

This last one is some wonderful and encouraging advice – that I pray the Spirit will help us to recall every day. Check out what happens when we remain with Him and depend on Him –> out of a close relationship with Him flows life. 🦋

“As long as we remain in Christ, we will bear much fruit. We must choose, each day, to remain with Him and depend on Him. And when we do, He is there for us. We choose, through [love and obedience], to grow close to Him, and out of that relationship flows life. Being in community with God helps us rely less on ourselves and more on Him.”

Journal Entries/thoughts From ME

It’s Wednesday – don’t forget to check out https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/ for today’s blog post

This song was shared by a Journey Through the Word group member yesterday – seemed fitting for today’s post as well – may it lead you to worship and seek and reciprocate God’s abiding presence –

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

He Created Them

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

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

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

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

In His Image

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

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

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

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

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

  • We embrace it, allowing ourselves – even applying ourselves to experience and understand love, truth, and beauty in the relationships, and various places and positions God has placed us in.
  • And, we bear His image, living as His representatives here on earth. Perhaps this is best explained by what Paul told the Colossians – “.whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,…” He had just explained what this looked like – namely, ”
    • “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Response to God’s Word

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

Memos

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

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

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

Not Made To Be Alone

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A Love God Greatly Study

Introduction

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

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

Week 1 Memory Verse: You can do this!
Week 1 Challenge: Enhance your study this week –
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time

Bringing Peace into a Difficult Situation

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This morning’s devo is borrowed from a Love in Faith publication. What an inspiration Abigail is for me. She had to have been nervous – even frantic – and upset at the danger her husband was in. Yet, she acted methodically, quickly, wisely, and seemingly calmly. And, as the devotional and the Scripture point out – she brought peace to an otherwise hopeless and what could have been a horrific situation. Only God could have cultivated such a response – both from Abigail and from David and the servant who warned her of the situation.

May God guard our responses today. May He help us to approach each situation with humility, seeking a peaceful outcome for both sides. In Jesus’ name, Amen ~

Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace, I have heard your words and granted your request.” ~

1 Samuel 25:35

[borrowed from “On Finding Peace”, a Love in Faith devotional ~ p17]

Abigail was tending to her home when one of her servants came to warn her. He explained that David and his men had spent months protecting her husband’s sheep and looking out for their shepherds.

“But when David sent a message, asking for food and water for his men, your husband would have none of it. Now, David is headed this way and he looks very angry. All of us will perish for your husband’s insult.”

Abigail quickly mobilized her household. She send food ahead to David and met him on the path up to her house. Quickly, she explained that she had not seen the men and begged his forgiveness.

Rather than respond by showing power or anger, Abigail came humbly. She brought peace into a difficult situation and saved her entire household by doing so.

The next time you’re tempted to respond to someone harshly, remember Abigail. With a soft answer and a kind spirit, she turned away David’s wrath.

God, please guard my responses today. Help me to approach each situation with humility, seeking a peaceful outcome for both sides. In Jesus’ name, Amen ~

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Difference Faith Makes

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Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-23:56; SOAP / Luke 23:41-43

41 And we rightly so, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:41-43 NET

Oh how I hope you read the full passage for today. I don’t want you to miss what a heart wrenching but beautiful scene Luke paints with his words about the journey to the cross, the agony of Christ on the cross, and the love of Christ from the cross. Surely, no greater love has ever been shown than that of God, the Father and the Son! Nor has there been a truer confession than the criminal made when he announced that he is worthy of the death he is facing for the wrong he has done. Sweeter still, is the acknowledgement of the ‘righteousness’ of Jesus, in that, “He has done nothing wrong,” Likewise, perhaps, no greater encouragement for us than Jesus’s words to the criminal, when even in His anguish, yes – even then, Jesus acknowledges the criminal’s faith and promises the man eternal life with Him that very day.

Response to God’s Word
Application

This Scripture is a reminder to believers and unbelievers alike of how they should acknowledge their sin, acknowledge Jesus’ rightness and authority, and either pray for salvation or thank Him and trust Him for the salvation that is already yours by faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Father thank You for loving the world so much, me included, that You gave your one and only ‘begotten sin” to save us from our sins. Jesus, thank You for bearing the punishment I deserved – You could have called 10 thousand angels for help! – You could have come down from the cross by Your power and might, ! But instead, You – who has done nothing wrong – hung there in my place! – My Jesus, I love You – and I know Thou art mine.”

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Inside Scoop

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Scripture Reading: Luke 22:1-38; SOAP / Luke 22:31-32

31 “Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31-32 NET

Have you ever been talking to someone, trying to make them aware of a dangerous situation and they just won’t listen? This seems to be the situation in today’s focus text, at least by the opening line. Jesus, speaking to Simon (Peter), uses his name twice, “Simon, Simon”, urging him to pay attention. Then Jesus gives Simon the inside scoop, “Satan has demanded to sift you and the other disciples like wheat.” In other words, he wants to shake up their faith, to test it, with the hope – actually the confidence that Simon and the others will fail the test. Don’t miss the next line though, it’s the best part of the whole passage and the best encouragement for Jesus’s disciples today!

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:32
The Best Prayer Warrior

Can you imagine a better prayer warrior on your side than Jesus, the Son of God? He’s not only specific with what He’s praying but he also speaks words of encouragement, that though Peter will fall, he will also “turn back to following Christ and will be used to strengthen the other disciples to stand firm in their faith. It has been my experience that we often grow the strongest and most merciful through the trials we walk through in this life. So, I imagine that Peter not only strengthened the disciples after Jesus’ departure but that he also showed them much mercy for any failures. May we do the same for each other.

Response to God’s Word

Father, You teach us so much through Your Word. We may be bothered by Peter’s fall but how encouraging it is to know that he doesn’t stay down but indeed turns back and strengthens the ‘brothers’. Help us to listen to and respond to Your warnings .. to be alert to the schemes of the devil! Help us NOT so confident in self that we forego leaning on You. When we fall – for we all do – help us to stand back up and turn back to Your ways – and to encourage others in their walk of faith, and show mercy to others when they fall as You have shown mercy to us. Thank You that Jesus prays for us! What encouragement this is for our day to day living – Yes and Amen in Jesus’ name!

Want More?

Visit LoveGodGreatly.com for the today’s blog post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Because of My Name

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Scripture Reading: Luke 19:45-21:38; SOAP / Luke 21:17-19

17 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. 18 Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Luke 21:17-19 NET

Jesus is speaking to His disciples in this passage, both then and now. He is preparing them for what is to come – yet again making the point that –

  • following Him comes at a cost
  • following Him will be challenging
  • following Him may cost us our life (such as Jim Elliott and others) but can not rob us of eternal life – that which really matters
  • enduring trials and testings, hatred, ridicule, and even danger will bring us to a place where, as James wrote, “we are perfect and complete not needing anything.”

In other words, as Luke writes here, as we endure the troubles and hardships of this life we will “gain our lives – that is eternal life, which explains the statement “not a hair of our head will perish. This basically means that while we may perish at the hand of evil doers – but ultimately giving up our life for His sake – we will save it — for we are eternally secure in Christ.

The Reality of His Words

As I sat wondering how in the world to apply Christ’ statement and the reality that we, as His disciples/followers, are going to be hated because of His Name these four thoughts came to mind:

  • “Be prepared” [1 Peter 5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.]
    • Peter wrote his first letter to God’s chosen people who were living as foreigners in the five Roman provinces of Asia Minor- an area currently found in northern Turkey
    • This is quite applicable to believers today as we too find ourselves much like those Peter wrote to, “aliens and strangers in a foreign culture.”
  • “Forewarned is forearmed” [Ephesians 6:10-18 – …  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. …Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.]
    • Apparently, this 3-word phrase, “forewarned is forearmed”, is a saying that must have been in the recesses of my mind because as I started to think of all the implications of Jesus’ statement to the disciples, it was one of the four thoughts I had. Looking it up I found it, not only out their in cyber world, but defined as though it were written as a commentary on this verse – check it out:
      • “prior knowledge of possible dangers or problems that gives one a tactical advantage” – surely this is what Christ intended as He spoke with the disciples about what they would face in the coming days.
  • “Be Still” [Psalm 46:10-11 – Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.]
    • I don’t know about you, but if I am going to have to know someone hates me and that my life is in jeopardy – I need to remember that God, The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is with me. This alone, will help me to ‘be still’.
  • “Trust in the Lord” [Proverbs 3:5 –Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.]
    • No one wants to be hated or disliked. When we are It’s so tempting to do what we know will please others in order to get them to like us – but we must above all else stay the course of following Jesus and not lean toward what we know or think will make us blend in or be more liked by ‘the world’ but instead – we must see the Lord in all we do and allow Him to guide our choices and path.

Though Peter’s Christian readers may have been scattered, in part, by religious persecution, his use of the word “exile” points to one of the main ideas of this letter: that believers no longer call this time and place home. Our citizenship is in heaven; we represent our true king and country while living as aliens and strangers in a foreign culture.

Bibleref.com
Response to the Word
Prayer

Father, there are so many applications I could have written down but as I began to write, Your Spirit – reminded me of your Words and of a “saying” I didn’t even know was a saying – but it’s meaning so applicable to today’s lesson from Your Word. Thank You for all of the ways Jesus prepared us for what is ahead of his disciples. Help us to follow on – not turning away when others hate or mock or accuse us because of your name. help us to remember that if we try to hang on to our life we will lose it but if we give up our life for Your sake we will find it. Help us to daily put on the Your armor and to have the attitude of Jesus – who laid down his life for ours, so that we might live! This is my prayer – in Jesus’ name – Amen and Amen!

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

He Comes In the Name of the Lord!

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

The Triumphal Entry

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem has been played out on television, in churches, on flannel graph boards, and in our minds over and over – especially during the season of Easter celebration. It is the scene that is before us today and, most likely, fresh in our minds from last week’s “Passion” celebrations. Jesus, sitting on the robes of His disciples as He rides on the back of a donkey near the path down the Mount of Olives – when the crowd begins to say, in a loud voice:

“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 knew what was coming, His death on the cross was imminent, nevertheless, He entered the city on His own volition. This in itself is a beautiful part of the story. Yet, I cannot help but imagine the beauty of the crowd of disciples welcoming Jesus, their voices raised in one accord – in total agreement and declaration that Jesus was who He said He was and that He had come by the power and authority of God.

Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” was not originally part of the passage the disciples quoted from Psalm 118:26. I could not really find out a definitive answer as to why they added this to their prayer of praise; however, Ray Stedman addresses the issue with these insightful words, “as the disciples come over the hill they feel singularly moved by the Holy Spirit to begin to praise God for the mighty works he has done in this nation, which they have seen at the hand of Jesus, and to bless God and cry out, ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.’ The hour called for that kind of proclamation. As Jesus makes very clear, it was necessary to do this, otherwise, the stones would have cried out.”

Response to God’s Word
Application

While we may not see Christ coming down the streets where we live – we can still be resolved to declare Him King of our lives and sent by God – so that others may know Him like we do.

Prayer

Father, Blessed is King Jesus – who came in Your name! Under Your power and authority He came, so that through His blood, there might be peace between You and man.

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” (Colossians 1:21).

 “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son” (Romans 5:10, NLT).

Jesus came, by Your authority – driven by Your love and power to seek and save the lost – so that, as He taught the disciples, You might be glorified in Heaven!

God exalted him [Jesus] to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:9-11

[Jesus said,] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” — John 15:5,8

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.— Psalm 8:1

Want More?

Visit LoveGodGreatly.com for their latest blog and updates on the up-coming study.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Only One Turned Back

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Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 17:1-19; SOAP / Luke 17:17-19

Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to turn back and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to the man, “Get up and go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

Luke 17:17-19 NET

Have you ever prayed fervently for something or even quickly called out in the midst of a trial for something – and then seen the answer You cried out for but realized later that you never even stopped to tell God thank you? We don’t mean to ignore or make light of what He’s done but we get caught up with life, sometimes so much so that, occasionally, as the Samaritan seems to do in our story today, we don’t even realize our prayer has been answered. Read the story again, verses 11-19.

  • Ten men with leprosy met Jesus as He was entering a village.
  • Standing at a distance, they called out to Jesus for mercy .
  • Jesus saw them and said to them “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” 
    • And as they went along, they were cleansed.
      • note: not just one but all ten were cleansed
  • Only one of the ten, saw he was healed and turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He fell with his face to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.(Now he was a Samaritan.) He didn’t just run back and thank Jesus and go on his way, instead he worshiped Jesus and gave Him thanks.
  • Not only did Jesus heal the Samaritan physically, but now, seeing his faith – Jesus indicates a spiritual healing as well by saying, “Your faith has made you well.”

Whether we are seeing Jesus for the first time or whether we have known Him all of our lives, we must give God the praise He is due. To do this we means paying attention. When we ask God for something or to do something – and when we see that He has done that which we have asked – we should take time to stop and acknowledge His work/answer. I believe, by Jesus’ response, to do otherwise is to notably offensive to God/Jesus.

Faith is the Victory

To acknowledge what God has done is to speak our faith to Him. It is to say more than thank you – it is to acknowledge our faith/belief in what He has done and to acknowledge that He has heard us.

Response to God’s Word

Father. You are worthy of our praise, worthy of worship!Help us to never be so busy or caught up with ourselves or the world around us that we fail to turn or look up and worship You for what You’ve done. May we always acknowledge the gifts and healing from Your hands – not just to You but to others that they might know Your power, Your goodness, and your mercy.

Want More?

Check out today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Gospel

The One

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Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-16:31; SOAP / Luke 15:4-7

“Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it?5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 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 15:4-7 NET
Ouch!

I don’t know about you but when I read today’s verses, especially the focus passage, there was much conviction and it left me realizing how very important this question is for Jesus’ followers.

“Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it?

Luke 15:4

We have been commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples – to share Jesus and His Gospel message with the world – continuing His mission to “seek and save the lost”. To be clear we can not save the lost, only Christ can do that. However, we can till the ground, plant the seed, and water it so that it can take root and grow. We can study to know His word so that we are ready with and an answer for the hope that is within us, ready and useable to lead the lost to Jesus. We can pray boldly and wait expectantly, to rejoice with every lost person who repents.

Jesus and all of heaven rejoice over every lost person who repents. As His followers, we know what it was like to be lost, and we know the true joy of being found. May we continue to follow Him, especially as we seek the lost. Only Jesus can save, but we can rejoice over every sinner who is found.

LGG Team Member / w5d2 journal devo, P168
Response to God’s Word

Father, how very convicted I am after reading this passage and realizing how very little I actually look for one that is lost. I pray for those who are but I fear I’m too often preoccupied to leave the “99”. Forgive me and help me to be more observant and purposefully diligent to seek the lost and share with them Your Son and the salvation He came to bring. – Amen, in and for the name of Jesus –

Moved to Worship