The Word of GOd – Me From the Inside Out

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

The Sufficiency of Scripture

Posted on February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 by

based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w5d5

Scripture: Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-15 and James 1:21-25 / SOAP 2 Timothy 3:15 and James 1:21

¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21

I grew up in a home where the Word was read, studied, and talked about, and we were taught to live it out. My dad and mom encouraged, equipped, and empowered us to know and follow Jesus So, it’s hard for me to imagine that not everyone’s home life was like this. Thinking about the reality of it always brings a deeper, fuller appreciation for the upbringing I had. Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t perfect – we all made our ‘mistakes,’ – but it was one of faith and family. So, as I read today’s passage on Timothy, my heart was moved by Paul’s reminder that “From infancy you have known the holy writings…” and filled with gratitude that my dad and mom faithfully took us to church where the Word – “which is able to save souls,” as James wrote – was read and taught and then incorporated into our daily lives.

So, I had two other paragraphs written but then read today’s journal entry and decided to leave the first and share what I believe is the best follow-up to the memory God prodded in my mind – and a beautiful lesson on the sufficiency of the Word of God. – I pray it is a blessing and one that you will share as God leads. 🦋

Observation and Application of the Journey

Into The Text and a prayer/by Love God Greatly

From a young age, we understand the importance of having a loving mentor. For Timothy, this mentor was the Bible, taught to him by his mother and grandmother. Through Timothy’s example, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, we see how the Scriptures can lead us to salvation, help us walk in faithfulness, and shape our faith.

The Bible is the living and active Word of God that provides wisdom and direction for every aspect of our lives. James 1:21 reminds us that when received with humility, the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and save our souls. It’s not just about reading the words but allowing God’s Word to take root in our hearts and change us from within.

The Bible serves as a mirror in our daily lives, highlighting areas where we need His grace. It’s through engaging with Scripture that we understand God’s character, His promises, and His instructions for living a life that honors Him.

The Bible is our steadfast anchor when we face life’s challenges and uncertainties. It offers comfort in times of sorrow, wisdom in moments of confusion, and strength when we feel weak. The Bible reminds us of God’s unchanging love and His faithful presence in our lives. As we immerse ourselves in the Word, we find that it equips, encourages, and transforms us, helping us grow and live out our faith boldly.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for the completeness of your Word. Help me to depend entirely on the Bible for guidance, wisdom, and truth. Let your Word dwell abundantly in my heart, shaping me to be more like you. May I walk with confidence and peace, knowing that your Word provides everything I need for life and godliness. In your name, Amen.

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

The Value of God’s Word

Posted on October 5, 2024October 5, 2024 by

based on the LGG Study, Living Faithful in a Faithless Land / w1d5

Scripture: The Roadmap for our Journey / Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:1-15 / SOAP: Deut 6: 6-9

These words¹ I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, ⁷and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up. ⁸You should tie them as a reminder on your forearm and fasten them as symbols on your forehead. ⁹Inscribe them on the doorframes of your houses and gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NET

Paul wrote to Timothy that the Word of God is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. The author of Hebrews wrote, “The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” And Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit, whom the Father would send in Jesus’ name, would teach the disciples all things and remind them of everything Jesus had said to them to them.² Obviously, God considers His Word to be of great value and purpose. And, as we see through today’s passages, we should also value It. We are wise when we take to heart the words of David, who, in an effort to not sin against God, stored up God’s Word in his heart.

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
¹⁰With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
¹¹I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:9-11. ESV

God’s Word is so valuable and such an important part of our faith that It is to be on our minds when we wake up and when we lie down. We are not only to know His Word, but we are to teach It to our children and talk about it throughout the day. Paul wrote that we should let God’s Word dwell in us richly.³ David wrote that he had hidden It in His heart so that he might not sin against God.⁴ The Psalmist also said that God’s Word was a lamp to guide his feet and a light for his path.⁵ Paul also taught that the Word of God is to be used daily as armor so that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.⁶

Look again at today’s passage: “(These words) I am commanding you today [must be kept in mind.]”

Friends, I realize that even the thought of “memorizing” Scripture tends to strike fear in the heart or mind and/or elicit an “I can’t” response, but that doesn’t change the fact that God initiated and even insisted on His people keeping His Word, specifically the commandments He gave through Mosses, in their minds. Why? Because He knew they would need it to be strong and faithful in the land where He was sending them. Take heart, though, and remember that when God tells us to do something, He equips us to do it. Consider again the words of Jesus, who, before leaving His disciples, comforted them with these words, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.”

How do we keep God’s Word in our Mind?

God equips us with the Holy Spirit to help us remember what we need to know and do or not do
Moses gave us some helpful ideas for using visual reminders/prompters of the Word
- though our visuals might be note cards and post-its, … the idea is to keep His Word present
- He also instructed them to make a habit of talking about God and His Word throughout the day.
We are blessed in the 21st century with technology that allows us to have God’s Word at our fingertips –
- meaning we can read/re-read it more frequently, which helps us keep His Word in our minds
- We can listen to it as we drive or walk/run …

So don’t be thrown by the thought of memorizing—while it is a good and profitable thing to do, it is not the only way to keep God’s Word alive and active in our minds and lives. If you want to try to memorize, start with Jesus’ summary of the law and prophets, what He considered to be the greatest of the commandments: “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’e 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Friends, if we live this out in our everyday lives, we will be found living faithful in a faithless land.

In response to a question from one of the experts of the Law,
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’e 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’f 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40. NLT

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, I confess the difficulty of living faithfully in this world. Be it temptations or simply the easier way, following You can be costly and sometimes scary. However, You have shown me that it is by far the best way. Help me to stay in Your Word and presence daily so that I remember and follow the desires of Your heart and Your teachings rather than my own desires and understanding. May I be careful not to forget that it was You who delivered me from slavery to sin. May I not go after the gods of this land but honor and serve You alone. Thank You for Your Spirit, who keeps Your Word before me. Help me stay alert to His promptings, faithfully hide Your Word in my heart, and faithfully follow hard after You all the days of my life. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray – Amen

The More We Know about the Journey

Many Jews have taken the concept of putting God’s laws on doors, hands, and head literally, yet the emphasis in these passages is on the importance of the Law. The Law of the Lord is perfect, according to Psalm 19:7. Psalm 1 emphasizes the importance of meditating upon God’s Word both day and night. We should never forget it; it should be a part of our daily lives. The Word belongs in our hearts, not just on our foreheads. gotquestions.org

The law that God had given to Israel in written form was flawless. As such, it can revive the soul. It gives life to those who heed it and revival when the human spirit is downcast.
gotquestions.org

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Joy in His Commands

Posted on July 3, 2024July 3, 2024 by

Scripture: Psalm 119:137-144

I grew up in a home where going to church was a Wednesday and Sunday habit, prayers were prayed, and God’s Word was taught and instilled in us. I am forever grateful for this part of my childhood. The foundations that were laid are priceless and counted as a treasured gift from the Lord. However, as I was reading this passage today – the thought hit me again of how easy it is to become so familiar with the Word and even with God through the eyes of others that we can find ourselves caught up in a religion rather than a relationship with God. We wake up one day to find ourselves living off of the beliefs and the truths we’ve heard preached, only to realize that they lack the joy and substance that come from a life spent with God.

Don’t get me wrong, it is a great gift to grow up in a godly home and to be familiar with God and His Word from infancy, and to place your faith in Him at a young age – but at some point, we must make it our own faith and build on the knowledge we have been given by searching out the Scriptures as the Bereans¹ did and by building a relationship with God through Christ that leaves us able to say of our God the same beautiful truths that the Psalmist declared – by belief and experience – he knew and trusted God and found his joy in God’s commands – so much so that he became filled with indignation when others, namely his enemies, disregarded God’s Word.

Read the passage again, noting all of the declarations the Psalmist makes about the Lord. He sees God as righteous and His regulations as fair. He proclaims God’s laws to be perfect and completely trustworthy. He reveals that his love for God’s promises is based on the fact that they have been thoroughly tested, most likely throughout the course of his own life. He doesn’t just assess the Word of God but makes particular note of the indignation he feels because his enemies have disregarded God’s Word. My favorite acknowledgment and assessment comes in verse 143, when he talks of the joy he finds in God’s commands – even when the stresses and pressures of his life weigh him down.

O Lord, you are righteous,
    and your regulations are fair.
¹³⁸Your laws are perfect
    and completely trustworthy.
¹³⁹I am overwhelmed with indignation,
    for my enemies have disregarded your words.
¹⁴⁰Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
    that is why I love them so much.
¹⁴¹I am insignificant and despised,
    but I don’t forget your commandments.
¹⁴²Your justice is eternal,
    and your instructions are perfectly true.
¹⁴³As pressure and stress bear down on me,
    I find joy in your commands.
¹⁴⁴Your laws are always right;
    help me to understand them so I may live.
Psalm 119:1137-144 NLT

Living Out the Journey (personal application)

How about you? How would you describe God and His Word (laws, commands, instructions, regulations)? Do you see them as fallible, fair, righteous, perfect, and trustworthy? Or do you doubt and question them? Are they so precious to you that you are offended or riled up when others disregard them? Do you strive to understand them, remember them, and live them out – or are they just in one ear and out the other until the next time? Have you experienced God’s peace and the joy that comes from His commands, even when life is pressing in on you? – I’m not trying to weigh you down with questions, but rather just simply hoping to share with you the encouragement that God pressed on me as I read the words of the Psalmist. – Know who God is, find delight in His Word, and if you don’t know or see God as the Psalmist described Him – search the Word – ask God for the understanding of who He is and the truths of His Word. Seek Him with all of your heart, and I promise you – He will be found –

The More We Know

You will find me when you seek me … While these prophecies and promises are specifically related to the people of Judah and Israel, the principle that God will draw near to those who draw near to Him is a universal truth (James 4:8a). But we have to draw near to God on His own terms—with clean hands and purified hearts (James 4:8b) that only God can provide by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). While Jeremiah’s letter recorded the words of God for the exiled people of Judah, readers today can benefit from recognizing that the same God who said, “You will find me when you seek me with all your heart,” has also told us that we can draw near to Him and He will draw near to us (James 4:8) and that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
gotquestions.org/Jer 29:13

Seek and you will find… The heart of Jesus’ point is that God is listening, paying attention to His people, and ready to give them good gifts. What a remarkable truth! The God of all creation cares so deeply about His children that He hears them when they pray. Even better: He answers. This also speaks to those with doubts and questions about faith. Those who lack faith, but pursue truth, will find it in Christ (Mark 9:24; John 14:6).
Bibleref.com/Matthew 7:7

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

Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Psalm 119, Quiet Time

Delighting in the Word

Posted on June 3, 2024June 3, 2024 by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Psalm 119, Seeking Him With All Our Heart/ w2d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 119:33-35/ SOAP 33-35

Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,
so that I might observe it continually.
³⁴Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.
³⁵Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.
Psalm 119:33-35

We are dependent on God to teach us His Word and give us an understanding of it. When He does, and He will, we are to respond accordingly. Like the Psalmist, we are to put into practice what God teaches us with all of our being. To do any less will rob us of the promised joy that comes from following God’s instructions,

If we are to experience the happiness found in following God’s commands, we must depend on His guidance and discipline.

Living the Journey(Application)

Don’t be afraid to ask God for help. Be bold and specific with your needs and requests. This is not only what He desires from us but it is also cathartic for us.

Learn God’s decrees
- don’t just read them – seek to learn them
- don’t just seek to understand them – put them into practice
- depend on God for everything –

Prayer for the Journey

Father, we pray as the Psalmist did – that you will teach us, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes so that we might observe it continually.Give us understanding so that we might observe your law, and keep it with all our hearts.Guide us in the path of your commands, for we delight to walk in it. 0h Yes – Father, and amen-

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How do we delight in God’s Word?

THE MORE WE KNOW

Delighting in the Law of the Lord

Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Pursuit of His Presence

Posted on July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 by

TODAY’S VERSE: PSALM 42:1

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
Psalm 42:1

Chances are if I proclaimed to a crowd of believers – “God is Good” – the crowd would respond: “All the time!” – And to this I would respond with another – “God is Good”. Active followers of Jesus understand that God is good. We have tasted His goodness and seen it, and because of that we long for it, we search for it, we pursue it – even as a deer searches for water. He is our refuge, our source of strength, and refreshment when the way seems long and our minds and bodies grow weary. When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer. We can find no true hope or quenching of our soul except in God.

There are many ways we can seek Him, watching for His goodness and spending time in prayer are among my favorite ways – but oh how I love to sit with Him in His Word. For it is more than a book with words on a page – it is truly a living and active way to connect with Him. To sit in His presence fills me with joy and peace and leaves me wanting more. I pray it is the same for you. If not, or if you would like to know more about spending time with God – reach out to me in the comment section or via the email in my bio.

May your soul long for God and pursue Him all the days of your life. For there is no hope or quenching of our soul except in God –
Me – from the InsideOut🦋

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'

Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, LGG Study, Quiet Time

But, At Your Word I Will …

Posted on March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 by

Inspired by: LGG’s / He Sees, He Knows, He Cares / w2d2

Scripture Reading: Luke 4:31-5;11; SOAP / Luke 5:8-11

⁸But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”⁹For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, ¹⁰and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!”¹¹So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:8-11 NET

Oh, how I hope you read the full passage today (and everyday) as each day has so much to offer. For as Paul wrote, “All Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness; so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” But honestly, outside of that truth – I hope you read it just because it is interesting and full of insight, intrigue, hope, and so much more. Like today’s story about Jesus and the demons knowing His name …

Our focus passage today picks up sometime after Jesus’ encounter with the demons. The crowds were growing in size and pressing Jesus for more of the miracles they had seen or heard about. However, He kept moving on, telling the people He had to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns, reminding them it was what He was sent to do. On one occasion when the crowd was pressing around Him to hear what He was teaching, He got into a boat by the lake, He “put out a little way from the shore, and taught the crowds from the boat. Luke writes that when Jesus finished speaking, he said to Simon Peter, the boat’s owner – “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon explained that they had already done that, they had worked hard and had caught nothing, “But”, Simon said, “at Your word I will lower the nets.” You probably know the rest of the story, how that when he did as Jesus said they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. So, Simon enlisted their partners to help and still there were so many fish that their boats were about to sink. Simon was moved beyond words and fell down before Jesus, which is where our focus verse comes in today. Read it again –

“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”⁹For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, ¹⁰and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!”¹¹So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.“

THE POWERFUL EFFECTS OF OBEDIENCE

It’s not always easy doing what Jesus asks of us or going where He sends us. Fear and uncomfortableness, tiredness and lack of understanding can be some of the mitigating circumstances that cause us to hold back. No doubt, this is how Simon Peter was feeling when Jesus told him to – “put out into the deep water and lower [his] nets for a catch.” Despite how Simon felt about it, he submitted to Jesus’ request and did just as He was told. And, because he did, his life was changed – as he not only realized the greatness of Jesus but, in comparison, the greatness of his own sin. Realizing the depth of His sin, he told Jesus, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Simon’s reaction is, no doubt, a beautiful picture of what happens when we truly see ourselves in the light of who Jesus really is. However, we must not miss that Simon Peter wasn’t the only one impressed and drawn to Jesus that day, for we read in verse 11, that “all who were with Him left everything to follow [Jesus].” I believe this is important, as it teaches us that our obedience to even the silliest and seemingly unnecessary tasks can have a huge and lasting impact that we may never realize this side of heaven.

But, Simon Peter said, at Your word I will lower the nets.
Luke 5:11 NET

The Recap

I see at least three things about obedience that we can learn from Simon Peter’s statement. First of all, obeying a request or a command that we do not understand, such as lowering nets again after you’ve already had them lowered and caught nothing, reveals our trust and/or respect for the one we obey. Not only that, but our obedience can lead to a broken and contrite heart, which can lead to a right relationship with Jesus, which leads to worship, and possibly to others seeing, knowing, and following Jesus.

Response to the Word of God

Father, let the greatness of Jesus wash over me every day. In the light of who He is, may the depth of my sin and unworthiness move my heart to yield in confession and to worship You – Holy three in one! Help me to faithfully encourage and invite others to share in what You’ve done and who You are! Let nothing Lord, absolutely NOTHING – stand in the way of You! In the great and mighty name of Jesus, I pray – Amen!

Worship in Song

Have you decided to follow Jesus today? I would love to know and rejoice with you.

Would you like to know more about following Jesus? I would love to share more of the good news and help you understand what it’s all about. Visit Know These Truths [link below] for more details –

If you answered yes to either question please leave a comment here or email me, m.black@lmbc.org – i would love to send you a small gift in celebration or in answer to your questions.

KNOW THESE TRUTHS

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Jesus Our Everything: Week 2, day 3

Posted on October 7, 2020October 7, 2020 by

Question of the Day: Why can we approach the Throne of Grace with confidence?

Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16 (S.O.A.P. Hebrews 4:15-16)

Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.^[a]

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