Tag: Trials

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119

GOD’S WORD – OUR LIGHT WHEN LIFE IS DARK…

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A Response to Week Four’s Reading of Psalm 119-73-96 / from the LGG Study or Psalm 119

God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.

Jen Thorn/from the LGG Team

Today’s devotional is borrowed from the LGG online devo by Jen Thorn – may it richly bless you as she points us to the treasure we have been given in God’s Word –

Love God Greatly

I know all of us have had days, weeks, and months of hardship. I am talking about days when it is hard to focus on a task because of worry, and nights that rob us of sleep. Sometimes, these hard times seem to drag on and on. After some weeks we feel emotionally worn out, like we can’t possibly handle one more thing.

We read about such a time in the life of our Psalmist in verses 81-88. Spurgeon calls this section the midnight of the Psalm. It is dark and bleak, and yet “stars shine out.”

This poor Psalmist is in a bad way. There are people after him who want to ruin him (vs. 61), others mock him (vs. 51), and they are speaking lies about him (vs. 69). He even feels like his physical life is very much in danger (vs. 87).

We all have a breaking point and the Psalmist feels that he is reaching his. He comes to a point in his trials and sufferings where he is not sure he can handle one more thing (vs.83).

“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke…”

When wineskins were left in a smoky area, they turned dark with soot and became dry and wrinkled. This is how the Psalmist felt. He was worn out, lined with worry, marked with sadness, frustration, and probably fear.

But as Spurgeon said, this dark and bleak time also had stars.  His faith continued on. He continued to cling with all his might to the word of God, knowing that at some point, night would turn to day.

This is what trials should to do us. They should push us more deeply into God’s word and therefore more tightly into the arms of God. The hardest days can’t tear true believers away from their God.

Verse 89 begins the dawning of a new day and renewed hope for the author:

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”

When the Psalmist is thrown around by all of his troubles, he makes sure to find his footing on the solid rock of God’s word. It is unmovable, secure and steady. This must be our footing as well. When we stand on this rock, we will find strength to fight temptation and bear affliction, power to obey, and resolve to stand firm.

How is it possible for God’s word to do all of this for us? This word is the same word which spoke everything into existence (vs.91) and which sustains the earth today (Heb 1:3). And not just the earth, but us as well. This word is filled with power because it took on flesh and became a man (John 1).

The reason we can live through the toughest days is because we have been given new life through Christ and the Spirit has taken up residence in our hearts. We do not fight alone. We do not walk through hard days alone. We do not cry alone.

Love God Greatly

Can you imagine what it would be like if we did not have God’s word? We would not know true wisdom, we would not have a place to find real comfort or joy, we would not know God, and we would not have salvation.

God’s word truly is a treasure that is more valuable than the most outrageous amount of earthly riches (vs. 72). I pray that, like the Psalmist, God’s word would also become our most prized possession… something we could never live without.

Looking To Jesus,

jen-sig
Posted in Bible study

GOD’S WORD, OUR COMFORT…

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by Jen Thorn | LGG Post of Jun 28, 2015 |

Welcome to week 3 of our Psalm 119 study!

What do you run to for comfort?

For me it is people.  If I am sad or scared or worried or discouraged I go to my husband or friends.

But people are not the only source of comfort, right? Some seek comfort in their money, retail therapy, food, work, or sleep. Others try to escape through fiction books or movies. And sadly, some pick really dangerous ways of coping by using  drugs and alcohol.

There is nothing wrong with seeking comfort from others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us that we are to encourage each other. It is also fine to watch a funny movie to make us laugh when we are feeling a bit down. But we can’t rely on earthly things to bring real lasting comfort.

Once the friends leave or the movie is over we are right back in the midst of our suffering. Earthly things can only comfort us in part, but the Psalmist tells us that there is a place we can go to find real lasting comfort.

Each eight verse section in Psalm 119 has a theme, and today Psalm 119:49-56 deals with God’s word as our comforter. Verse 50, in particular, is a key verse for us:

This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.

If we accept them by faith then these words become personal. These words are not from some God, but from our God. They are words to us from our Father and from our Redeemer. We belong to him, and he cares for us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction ~ 2 Cor. 1:3-4

God’s word can give us peace while we are in the midst of a wild storm. It can bring comfort while we are afraid, tired, and worn out. We can have hope that he will see us through to the other side.

Romans 15 tells us that “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

The best comfort we find in Scripture is that Christ died for us.  It puts everything else into perspective. We have something far better waiting for us. These hard times – while they are difficult – will only last for awhile.

God’s word has the ability to give us life in the midst of any circumstance… life that is made up of hope, joy, praise and strength.

Looking To Jesus,

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

A Powerful Testimony

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Not Just a Story

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w5d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter1:16-18 and SOAP: verse 18

For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return of our Lord Jesus Christ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.”  18When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the Love God Greatly journal entry, p 158/Trials over Triumphs

When Peter speaks here of the transfiguration of Jesus, it’s not some second-hand account. He was there. He witnessed the majestic white robes and heard God’s voice (Matthew 17:1-13). It’s a firsthand account from someone who was included in this heavenly encounter. When Peter shares his memories of being with Jesus during that miraculous transfiguration, it’s as if he’s inviting us to sit down with him and hear a personal story. In those days, stories were heartbeats passed from one believer to another, and Peter’s close relationship with Jesus placed him in a unique position of trust. As he talks about the transfiguration, it’s not just for historical record. It’s an intimate reminder of Jesus’ divine nature, shared with the warmth of a dear friend recalling a cherished memory. Peter’s eyewitness testimony, which has been written down and recorded for the generations of Christians who followed him, is a heartfelt embrace, reassuring us of the deep truths we hold dear in our faith.

Why would Peter include this event in his letter? Because the transfiguration wasn’t just a miraculous display of Jesus’ glory, it was a testament to core doctrines of our Christian faith. First, it affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. If any Christian teacher denies the deity of Jesus, then that teacher is a false teacher.


Furthermore, this event gives weight to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. The cross wasn’t just a historical event. It was the manifestation of love in its purest form, Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins.


The transfiguration also showcased a glimpse of God’s magnificent kingdom. It was a foretaste of what awaits us – a beautiful and real kingdom built on love, grace, and eternal glory.


Lastly, intertwined in this heavenly event lies the lesson of suffering and glory. Just as Jesus went through immense suffering only to be glorified later, we will also face trials in our lives. But remember not to fear. On the other side of those trials awaits unimaginable glory.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

What have you seen Jesus do for you or watched Him do in the lives of others? What should you do with the story? Whether it’s something you experienced or something you witnessed, it is your testimony, and it is meant to be shared. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

Thoughts to consider: What might happen if you share it? What if you don’t share it? Why haven’t you shared it? How might you share it? – Pray for God to help you answer these questions and to direct you in ways and opportunities to share the story.

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

As you reflect on Peter’s intimate account of the transfiguration, how does his firsthand experience deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jesus and the reality of heaven?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY


Dear Lord Jesus, as we reflect on the transfiguration, may Peter’s testimony not only affirm our faith but also draw us closer to You, revealing the depth of Your love and Your awesome majesty. Strengthen our resolve to walk faithfully with You every day. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

More insight on 2 Peter 1:18

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

A Heavenly Perspective

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d4

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6; SOAP: 1 Peter 4:5-6

They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.

1 Peter 4:5-6 NET

From the journal of Love God Greatly, Trials over Triumphs / p106

There is a profound reality that we, often conveniently, keep in the back of our minds: one day, we will all stand before the throne of God. That moment will be the most significant in our existence – a divine appointment where all people will be judged. For believers, this will be a time when we will be viewed, not by our sins, but through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the faith and forgiveness we have found in Him (Romans 8:1). We will also receive the rewards for a life lived in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). For unbelievers, it is a sobering reality of facing punishment for rejecting the free gift of salvation in Jesus.

Imagine standing there, in the presence of God, giving an account for every word, every action, and every thought of our lives. Peter’s words are not meant to paralyze us with fear but to ignite a holy urgency within us. He urges us to live our lives with a heavenly perspective, knowing that our time here is but a breath in light of eternity. We are to steward this life – every second of it – as a precious gift, intentionally living in ways that are honoring to God.

So, how are we spending our days? Are we investing in what is eternal – loving others, deepening our relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Gospel – or are we getting sidetracked by this world’s fleeting comforts and pursuits?

Peter emphasizes why the Gospel is preached. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering the promise of eternal life – a life with God and untouched by sickness, pain, or sin (John 17:3; Revelation 21:4). This message is the treasure we hold in our hearts and the very message the world desperately needs to hear.

Sweet friends, Jesus is returning, but His second coming will be vastly different from His first. He will not return as a helpless infant; He will come as a righteous Judge. In light of this impending reality, now is the critical time for us to share the Gospel – far and wide – with the precious days we have been given.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Invest in what is eternal:

  • loving others
  • deepening our relationship with Jesus
  • sharing the Gospel
  • live by God’s standards
  • turn away from the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.

This is not simply a list of sins to avoid but a list of addictions that entangle those who live for comfort and pleasure. Those who live for the will of God (like Christ)—with a willingness to experience physical suffering to accomplish it—set the course of their lives in a different direction.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 4:3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can we shift our daily perspective to be more in line with eternity? What steps can you take to live a life that faithfully stewards the time you’ve been given in light of the coming judgment?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the life You have given me. Help me to live it with a constant awareness of eternity. Give me the strength and grace to live a life that is pleasing to You. Prepare my heart for that day when I will stand before You and give an account for my life. Let my life be an offering of love and gratitude to You—Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

1And yet, God is paying attention. Pleasure-seekers will stand before God and “give account” of their lives at the final judgment. God—More insight on 1 Peter 4:5

2More insight on 1 Peter 4:6

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

Be Ready With an Answer

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-22 and SOAP: verses 15-16

 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

1 Peter 3:15-16 NET

Just prior to this passage, Peter wrote these words:  “But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.” – “But,” he goes on to say, “set Christ apart as Lord in your heart …” Peter understood the surprising ease of being terrified and/or shaken, he also knew the importance of being ready with an answer for the hope that believers possess through/in Christ. Peter had learned and was passing on to other believers the need to be intentional in their relationship with Christ and the role He played in their lives. Peter wanted them to understand the relationship is meant to be personal; it is multifaceted – for when we know Christ as our Savior – we also know Him as friend, brother, Redeemer, teacher, and as Peter suggests – “Lord”. On top of that, it is an ongoing, neverending, ever-evolving (deepening and root-growing) relationship in the good and in the difficult seasons of life – which, I imagine, is why Peter instructs us to “always be ready to give an answer for the hope we possess.”

Don’t miss the phrase at the end of verse fifteen, “the hope you possess.” What a hidden gem this is! A treasure that should stir hope in every believer, the reminder that Christ lives in us! Or, as the NET translation so beautifully puts it: “the hope you possess.” – We are assured of this throughout the Scriptures but one of my favorite references to this truth is found in 1 John 3:24, where we read:

Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

1 John 3:24 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Set Christ apart (in your heart) as Lord—that is, intentionally make Him more important than anything or anyone else in your life. Be ready with an answer for the hope His Lordship brings to your life. Have a good attitude when presenting your answer, being careful that it doesn’t come across as smug or defensive but rather points others to Christ and quiets not only the accuser but also their accusations. – Suffering comes into everyone’s life, whether we are believers or not, however, when we have intentionally placed Christ on the throne of our heart when the crises come – be it a cancer diagnosis, marital problems, financial struggles, family feuds, aging parents, death, household disasters or other catastrophes – they may disrupt our lives and bring much sorrow but they will not – and cannot destroy us when we have set Christ apart as Lord of our life!

When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent. So, Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: “How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?”

Bibleref.com1

Believe it or not – while setting apart Christ apart as Lord is important, being ready with an answer for the hope that is within us is also vital – since we have been called to not only know Christ but to make Him known. This is why Peter encourages us to be ready with an answer for the Hope that is within us. Hope that allows us to stand strong in the storms of life is meant to be shared- it is meant to change not just our lives but to impact the lives of those around us. Consider these words of encouragement from today’s LGG Journal entry:

When we walk through life with Christ enthroned in our hearts, our reactions to crises — like a destroyed home — become opportunities for testimonies. They make people stop and wonder, and that wonder cracks open the door for us to point them to Jesus our everlasting hope.”

Love God Greatly Journal Enthr / w3d3
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you prepare your heart today so that your hope in Christ shines through in times of crisis?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father make us instruments of Your love and peace. Let us neither murmur nor complain when troubles are near but let us keep Jesus firmly established on the throne of our heart so that our struggles become opportunities for testimonies. May they be testimonies that make people stop and wonder, and may that wonder crack open the door for us to point others to Jesus, our everlasting hope. When the opportunity arises, let us speak of You with gentleness, love, and respect. Father, You are my true hope and comfort, and I want others to know this peace that You so freely give to all who trust in You – all who fix their eyes and thoughts on You. – Amen! (borrowed in part from the “Triumph and Trials, journal – p102

THE MORE WE KNOW

For more insight be sure to visit Lovegodgreatly.com for today’s blog post

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

Where’s the Milk?

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

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

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

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

1 Peter 2:1-2

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

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

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

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

1 Peter 2:1 NLT

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

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

The next step of Peter’s instructions includes:

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

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

Question for the Journey

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

THE MORE WE KNOW

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

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

God Provided for our Triumph

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter1:22-25 / SOAP: 1 Peter 1:24-25

22 You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 23 You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.  24 For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the grass; the grass withers and the flower falls off, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

1 Peter 1:22-25

Before making observations on verses 24 and 25, it is interesting and helpful to examine verses 22 and 23. Bibleref.com

Peter says, we should go for it with everything we’ve got. We should abandon our own “evil desires” and work hard at loving each other, instead. The word translated as “earnestly” or “deeply” in this verse—ektenĹŤs in Greek—means “at full stretch” or “in an all-out manner, with an intense strain.” Just as an athletics coach might tell a player to “leave it all on the field,” Peter tells us to completely exhaust all of our resources in a single-hearted effort to give love to each other.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 1:22

I particularly love v23, which talks of our new birth. Peter emphasizes an important truth that when we place our faith in Jesus we are born again – born to a new life in Christ – but not by a seed that eventually dies but rather by an “undying seed, through God’s undying word,” as Bibleref.com explains. The undying word is also known as the Gospel, which is the truth and message of Jesus Christ. “It is the message from God that He will forgive our sins and make us spiritually alive forever in Christ.” (all quotes from bibleref.com/1 Peter 1:23)

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the flesh, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NET

Verse twenty-four and twenty-five are first found in Isaiah 40:6-8 and quoted here by Peter.

As I read these verses, two things stood out to me. The first was that the mortal, perishable body decays through the years and eventually succumbs to physical death. This is a harsh reality for sure, but the second thing that grabbed my attention trumped the harsh reality with the glorious hope and joy in knowing that, as believers, we will live forever through the precious blood of Jesus – by which, as Peter said, we are made new. Paul explained it like this in 1 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if anyone is in Christ the new has come, the old has gone, the new is here.”

Humans are like grass that withers and flowers that fade. Whatever glory we possess is soon gone, but if our foundation is based on the solid rock of God’s unfailing Word, our future is eternally secure .

Gotquestions.org /(Matthew 7:24–27)
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • believe the Gospel message, which is the Word of God
  • obey God’s Word – obedience is a key factor in the life of a believer
  • stand firm on the Word of God – of course, this means you need to know it and remember it
  • love others as Christ loves us is one of the most important commands we have been given
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, thank You for redeeming us through the blood of Jesus! Through Him, the living Word, You have ensured our triumph—over trials and sins and all of life! Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we have hope; through His Spirit, we have power; and through Your Word, which has been proclaimed, we have the promise of eternal life! We are not invincible in and of ourselves, but through FAITH in Jesus—His Spirit in us—and God’s Word before us, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. We are new creations in Christ Jesus and the lives we now live in the flesh, we live by faith in Your Son who loved us and gave Himself for us – so that we might have eternal life! For this, we give You, the God of mercy and grace, the praise and glory due to Your name – Amen!

THE MORE WE KNOW

What does 1 Peter 1:22 mean?

In his letter, Peter has described what our lives were like before we trusted in Christ for our salvation by God’s grace. We lived in ignorance, driven along our empty, futile way by our selfish passions or evil desires. We served ourselves, to our own destruction, and could do nothing else. All of that changed when God saved us. He declared our lives worthy of the blood of His Son. He rescued us from emptiness and set us apart for one thing: His purposes. Then, Peter wrote, God commanded us to “be holy,” to stop living for self and to be fully available to Him.

Now Peter writes that our obedience to the truth has a purifying effect on our souls. It’s not that we make ourselves clean from sin by our obedience. God has declared us clean from sin through the blood of Jesus, His death in our place. Rather, it’s that when we obey, we are not sinning! We are living the pure, holy lives God intends for His people. When we obey Him, we stop being double-minded, torn between our selfishness and fulfilling His will for us. Setting our desires aside allows us to give ourselves over fully to loving each other—without being half-hearted or false.

So, Peter says, we should go for it with everything we’ve got. We should abandon our own “evil desires” and work hard at loving each other, instead. The word translated as “earnestly” or “deeply” in this verse—ektenĹŤs in Greek—means “at full stretch” or “in an all-out manner, with an intense strain.” Just as an athletics coach might tell a player to “leave it all on the field,” Peter tells us to completely exhaust all of our resources in a single-hearted effort to give love to each other.

Bibleref.com/1 Peter 1:22

Don’t forget to check out lovegodgreatly.com for more insight

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

Faith and Trials

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Trials and Triumphs / w1d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-12 / SOAP: 1 Peter 1:7

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:7

When I read this passage, I often think of James’ words when he encouraged his audience to consider their troubles an opportunity for great joy. He reminded them that when their faith was tested, as followers of Christ, their endurance would have a chance to grow, and that when the believer’s endurance was fully developed, they would be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Both James and Peter teach us not to run from our trials but to embrace them, remembering and believing that God will use them to refine us, strengthen our faith, and perfect it, ultimately leading to His glory and honor. The Apostle Paul said it like this: “And when Christ who is your life is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory.”

While we wait on our inheritance, Scripture and Peter clearly teach us that we “may have to suffer for a short time in various trials.” The patriarchs and prophets, as well as God’s people throughout the Old Testament and Jesus’s disciples, were not immune to trials; even Jesus Himself suffered trials and had His faith tested by Satan in the wilderness.1  However, Jesus kept His focus on the Father and boldly answered each temptation with the Word of God – and He walked out of the wilderness victorious over the temptation!

Now Peter reveals that these trials which cause us grief have a point. They exist for a reason. For the Christian believer, suffering always serves a purpose (Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2–4). Peter describes the benefit of these trials, which distress us but don’t prevent us from rejoicing: they test, purify, and prove our faith. When trials come, the believer makes a choice to continue to trust God, in and through the trial. God continues to provide. Our faith grows stronger.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 1:7
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We can learn much from those who have gone before us, and who better to learn from than Jesus Himself? Frustrations, troubling situations, and every temptation that comes our way can either push us away from God or draw us closer to Him. If we focus on the trial, whatever it may be, we will surely fall. Yet, if we learn from Christ and focus on God, remembering and using His Word and promises to combat the trial, we too will be victorious – our faith strengthened and God glorified!

Copy David’s example in Psalm 119:11 and Hide God’s Word in your heart (or on your phone or notecards) so that you might not sin against Him. The Word of God—and He walked out of the wilderness victorious over the temptation!

Prayer for the Journey

Father, any given day can bring trials that range from small to seemingly impossible. Help us remember that as Your children, we are equipped by Your Spirit and Your Word and our Faith in Jesus Christ to overcome all the trials we face in this life. Thank You that, according to Your Word, every victory over our trials strengthens our faith for the next trial and ultimately brings glory to Your name, glory – glory that Peter and James say our faith allows us to both give and receive when Jesus is revealed! Help us heed James’s words and count our troubles as an opportunity for great joy. Help us remember that we can only do this when we keep our eyes fixed on You and Your promises, which are all yes and amen in Jesus! – Teach us to not only rejoice in the troubles that come but to watch expectantly for the triumph and rejoice and give glory to Your name when it comes! – In the mighty name of Jesus and the power of the Spirit, we boldly pray – amen and amen!

Peter says that our faith provides an opportunity to participate in giving and receiving praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. When Christ returns and all come to understand the truth, He will receive honor as the true Lord and King, and our faith in Him will be fully vindicated.

Bibleref.com / 1 Peter 1:7
Music for the Journey

An old but wonderful song – one of my favorites back in the day. I encourage you to read the words then listen and soak them in until they become the prayer of your day. – No matter what we may lose, may we always choose God’s refining fiređź’ś

The Refiner’s Fire

There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flame
And all who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze, and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by their sufferings
On the anvil of His will

Chorus:
The Refiner’s fire
Has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s fire

I’m learning now to trust His touch
To crave the fire’s embrace
For though my past with sin was etched
His mercies did erase
Each time His purging cleanses deeper
I’m not sure that I’ll survive
Yet the strength in growing weaker
Keeps my hungry soul alive

Chorus

THE MORE WE KNOW

1 Peter 1:7 explained

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Quiet Time

The Eternal Thread

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I love all of Paul’s writings, but boy, this one gets me every time! His questions make us think and his answers are riveting illustrations of the matchless love of God that is ours through Christ Jesus. Read the questions and soak in the answers and I believe there will be a resounding hallelujah when you reach the climatic end.

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-39

Verse thirty-five popped up in an email devo that I received today. Oh, how I love the timing and the compassion of our God. Regardless of what I am facing in this life, now or in the days to come, nothing – not the hardship that comes with my mom’s dementia, or fears that come with the pressing decisions or the unknown trouble that may ensue – nor anything else in all of life can separate me from the love of Christ! What a promise of hope and strength! It is a wonderful thing to be reminded that the presence of trouble and hardship in our lives does not diminish His love in any way – nor does it indicate that God has forgotten us. For, as Paul writes: “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.”

I am His and He is mine – forever and always. Knowing that God’s love runs so deep that He gave His only Son is my strength and hope in these challenging days of dementia and decisions – were it not for His love and faithfulness my perspective would be one of doom and gloom – instead it is one of hope and confidence that come from believing – and having experienced the truth that “nothing – absolutely nothing – is too difficult for God; and perhaps even better is the knowledge that nothing and no one can separate me from Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior and His enduring love

The following is the devotion that was shared by Ourdailyverse.com on 2/8/24

In the fabric of our lives, each thread represents a moment, a choice, a trial, or a triumph. At first glance, some threads may seem frayed or out of place, especially when we encounter hardships that test our faith and resolve. Romans 8:35 challenges us to see our lives not as isolated threads but as part of a magnificent tapestry woven by God’s hand, where His love is the thread that binds everything together in perfect harmony.

-This verse asks a profound question that invites us to consider the strength and resilience of our faith. It reminds us that nothing absolutely nothing in this world – can sever the threads of God’s love for us. These threads are not visible to the eye but felt deeply in the heart, especially in moments when we feel most vulnerable.

Let’s take a moment today to appreciate the intricate weaving of our lives, recognizing that each experience, no matter how difficult, is held firmly in place by the grace of God. His love for us is the eternal thread that not only connects our moments but gives them meaning and purpose.

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

Building Your Endurance

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based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope / w5d1

Today’s Scripture: James 1:2-8, 12 / SOAP: 1:2-4

My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. 

James 1:2-4

Observations

My mom, who is in a rehab facility, wants to come home so much. Sadly, she has to stay so she can get daily therapy in order to become strong enough to stand and walk on her own when we aren’t with her. We’ve been having a lot of conversations about this lately, so while I was reading today’s passage, I was reminded that this same principle applies to our spiritual lives. You see, we can work out every day to build up our physical strength and endurance, but if we don’t use the muscles we’ve worked out we will never progress. The same is true spiritually. If we are not spending daily time in God’s Word and putting into practice what we read, we will become spiritually weak and unable to “endure” when troubles come our way. However, when the trials come and we continue to follow Jesus’ way – our roots grow deeper in Jesus’ strength and godly character, and we become more sure-footed with every trial. When our roots are planted deep in Him and our way of thinking is ‘trained’ or focused on Him – we will stand firm in our faith and live a life that truly reflects Him and deters the enemy.

Trials not only reveal the genuineness of our faith, they strengthen our faith.

Application

We can learn much from James’ opening remarks here, in verse two. We are encouraged to consider our trials or troubles nothing but joy. This type of consideration will require us to retrain our thinking, our outlook, and perspective. Paul made similar statements through out his writings and included the “how-to” instructions. One of my favorites is Philippians 4:6-8, where we read:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:6-8

With a diet, when the end of the day comes you either feel good/stronger if you stayed on track, or weak and frustrated, if you didn’t. It seems, as I read James 1:12, that in essence James is saying something similar; like, ‘when the “end of the day comes” we will rejoice if we have done well – reaping the benefits of His promises; and borrowing from Matthew 25:21, perhaps the blessing of hearing God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

Prayer, in response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit who not only teaches us from it but reminds us of all that Christ said. Thank You for the strength that this builds in us and the power it has to enable us to stand firm in the troubles that come our way. Thank You for the reminder that our trials are meant to make us stronger. Help us to endure each trial with patience and the intention of glorifying You by keeping our eyes on the goal of being perfect and complete, not lacking in anything. – In Jesus’ Name, amen

From the Word to Worship, through song

Through it all – I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus – I’ve learned to trust in God! Through it all – I’ve learned to depend upon Hs Word …

Going Deeper

The Testing Of Your Faith

Today’s LGG Blog