Tag: Truth

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

Live the New Life

Posted on by

based on Love God Greatly’s study, Secure in Christ/w4d4

Read: Ephesians 4:17-24; SOAP: verse 24

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, 21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

Ephesians 4:17-24

After telling the believers in Ephesus to practice, or live out and speak the truth to one another in love, and to use their gifts to build up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:14-16), Paul continues with his instructions/teaching. He insists that they quit living like they did before they came to know God through Christ. He paints a vivid picture of what they used to live like and then strongly encourages them to live like the new person Christ created them to be.

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!🦋

2 Cor 5:17

Paul has been with these believers for nearly three years, so he knows they have been taught the “truth” of Christian living. He knows they understand what it means to follow Jesus. They know that the followers of Jesus are to turn from their selfish ways and take up their cross daily to follow Him. They know they are not to hang on to their old life but to give it up for the new life Christ has called them to. Paul wrote to the church of Rome, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:1-2). Similarly, here, he reminds the Ephesians to be renewed in the spirit of their minds and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image. In other words, they (and thus all believers) are to live and love like Jesus, not the world. Specifically, their lives are to be characterized by righteous and holy living that comes from the truth.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6

Friends, to live this new life as it is meant to be lived, we can not hold on to even a smidgen of our life before Christ. I tried that for years. In one ‘crowd’ I was the new, and in another ‘crowd’ I was the old. Sometimes, it was because I didn’t want to give up some of my old ways of life and/or desires; but other times it was because I didn’t want to be left out, and for a period of time it was because I was angry with God. Thankfully, He did not leave me but pursued me and rescued me from that double life to a life that is fully surrendered to Him. When I think of these scenarios and that season of my life, and how I allowed myself to chase after or get caught up with the ‘little gods’ of my life, I am reminded of some of the words He used to transform me. They were the words of Joshua to the people of God, when he said: “Choose you this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15).

Today’s Reflection

Who have you chosen to serve? The true and living God or the gods…the people…the desires of this world? Does your life look like the new creation Christ created you to be – or the old? Tough questions, but ones worth asking and praying over.

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

Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Proof is in the Living

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus, w4d2

Read James 1:22-25 and SOAP: James 1:22

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

James 1:22-25

Our works do not save us, but they do bear witness to our salvation through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

If you know me or have followed my posts, you most likely know that 2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of my key life verses.

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

The truth of Paul’s words rocked my world many years ago and continues to push me to live as a new creation and not the old. For, as Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus, we have been created in God’s image–in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. What a beautiful reminder of the need and reason for believers to abide in Jesus (the Way, Truth, and Life) – for how can we be like one we do not know or spend time with?

Today’s journal entry in Abiding in Jesus, by Love God Greatly, explains it like this: “When we become Christians, we are given a new nature, a new birth. The Holy Spirit comes to live in us. He is the sap flowing from the vine into the branches, producing a godly character. That is why when we abide in Christ, we will bear fruit.”

James reminds us that becoming a Christian is only the beginning. The real proof of a person having been born again is that he or she will now ‘live out the message.'”

Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy redemption,
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)

Of course, “Living for Jesus” comes with challenges that we all struggle with. As the Love God Greatly entry points out, “The walk of a Christian is not an uninterrupted series of victories over sin. We often stumble and fail. Sometimes it looks like we are going two steps forward and three steps backward. But if we belong to Jesus, we will have victories over sin again and again. We will be different from the way we used to be. We will steadily grow in holiness and godly character. We have a living faith, not a dead, fake one. We are a living branch, abiding in the Vine and producing good fruit. The Father will make sure His children walk in His ways, to prove that we really belong to Him. We know these works do not justify us, but they are the proof of our having been made new in Jesus.”

Friends, my prayer is that God will help us to be more than spectators or listeners of His Word. May we have the courage and faithful commitment to abide in Jesus, the Living Word, and to live it out every day. May we be always mindful that while our works do not save us, they glorify God in Heaven and give evidence that we have been made new through Jesus Christ. To God be all the glory, praise, and honor. Amen and Amen!

The More We Know

If you do not know Jesus, I invite you to read the truths about who He is and what He has done for you.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Fruitful Abiding

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus,w2d2

Read: John 15:5; SOAP: John 15:5

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

John 15:5 NET

If you had to do a double-take to make sure you weren’t rereading the previous post, rest assured, you’re not. It is, however, quite similar. It actually appears that Jesus was recapping His previous statements. Repetition in Scripture is quite common and is meant to get our attention. In verses 1-4 of John 15, Jesus has made numerous references to Himself as the vine and has clarified several times that the disciples are the branches, as well as the role and importance of abiding. Bearing fruit is also mentioned five times, emphasizing the role of the branch. What we see from all the repetition is that Jesus wants His disciples to understand the importance that He and the Father play in the life of a disciple, and to know that while bearing fruit is the goal for every believer, they cannot accomplish this without the Vine and the Gardener.

 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.

John 15:1-5

While some may be overwhelmed at the thought of having to bear “much” fruit, they should find hope and encouragement that they do not have to do it alone. Still others, the “I can do this myself” person, may see it as a personal challenge and plow ahead, determined to get it done, yet find it discouraging when they yield no fruit in their own strength. This is because abiding is the key. As today’s LGG Journal entry points out, we must “remember our role. We are branches, not the Vine. When we’re weak, He is strong, and it’s perfectly okay” (and necessary) “to lean into that truth. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. When we abide in Him, He does the heavy lifting.”

Because I am at a place in my life where the simplest of tasks can, at times, seem overwhelming, knowing that I do not have to “bear much fruit” by myself comes as great encouragement. However, this does not mean I can sit idly by. I must faithfully live in Christ. This means that I must daily depend on Jesus through faith and prayer. When a believer lives like this, they draw nourishment from the Vine and tender care from the Gardener, which produces more and more fruit from the branch.

Friends, may we not strive in our own strength but stay connected to the Vine and yielded to the Gardener, so that we bear much fruit and draw others to Him.

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to produce or make things happen on your own? How might focusing on abiding in Jesus, rather than striving, help you bear fruit in a way that brings peace and joy?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Blessing of Promise and Hope

Posted on by

From the LGG Journal, For Such A Time As This, p148

Read: Esther 6:12-14 and SOAP: Genesis 12:3.

I Will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Genesis 12:3

What joy and encouragement it is to know that we share in God’s blessing of promise and hope that He spoke to Abram so long ago. In all the chaos, pain, and suffering of this world may we never lose sight of the One to whom we belong. May we rest in the truth that He is faithful and trustworthy, and that His love never fails. And may we live lives that make these truths known to others – that they may also share in the blessing God spoke to Abraham.

Do you know the God of Abraham? Check out the truths that can make you part of the family of God. It would be my greatest pleasure to introduce you to Him. Click on the link below.
https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Truth & Love Go Hand-in-Hand

Posted on by

From the Journal of: For Such A Time As This / w4d4, p131

READ: Esther 6:1-6 and SOAP: Proverbs 16:13

The king is pleased with words from righteous lips;
    he loves those who speak honestly.

Proverbs 16:13
The More We Know

What does it mean to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Wisdom

How We Live …

Posted on by

Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

Therefore, consider carefully how you live – not as unwise but as wise – Ephesians 5:15

Read: Esther 2:1-4 and SOAP: Ephesians 5:15

“For Such A Time As This,” as we will see throughout our journey, applies to Esther in her day and—as we have seen this week—we can learn much from the truths that surround her story. Of course, not in the sense that we live in palaces filled with riches to display or have week-long ‘banquets’ celebrating our wealth and power—but surely we live in a world filled with distractions of other varieties, wrong responses, demanding our own way, and the temptation to follow the world’s ways rather than God’s. Which is why today’s SOAP passage points us to the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:15.

We must carefully consider how we live. Specifically, we are to live as wise and not unwise. This lesson is important and one that will play out throughout the rest of our journey. The question is, how do we do live as wise and not unwise? Today’s journal entry1 has a wonderful answer … May we take it to heart and daily seek God’s help to walk wisely in such a time as this.

  1. LGG Journal, For Such A ime As This, p57 ↩︎
Posted in Bible study, For Such A Time As This, From the Insideout, LGG Study

The Blessing of Godly Counsel

Posted on by
Read: Esther 1:13-18 and SOAP: Proverbs 14:8

Today’s portion of our journey has been a sweet reminder to be thankful for the wise and godly counsel God has provided for me throughout my life. From parents to grandparents, to Pastors, teachers, and Christian friends, the blessing of godly wisdom/counsel has been readily available. I have sought it often and treasure it greatly. Sadly, this was not the case with King Ahasuerus (or Xerxes, as he was otherwise known). Xerxes had many advisers, but none who would lead him with godly wisdom. Because they were worldly, they imparted worldly wisdom to the king, “which led him down a path of confusion and poor decisions.”1

Even with Godly counsel at my disposal, it is easy to succumb to or even listen to the “voices that are loudest or most convenient. Social media, self-help books, or even well-meaning friends can quickly become our go-to sources for advice.2” However, Scripture tells us to seek God’s will in all we do, not to depend on our own understanding, but let Him show us which way to go. As Proverbs 14:8 points out, to do it any other way is the foolishness of fools. Godly wisdom is rooted in His Word, and His Word will never lead us wrong or fail us.

Who we choose to walk alongside us in these moments makes all the difference. Are we surrounding ourselves with people who point us back to God’s truth! Are they speaking God’s truth into our situations or adding more confusion?

For Such a Time As This, Journal, p49

I ache for those who do not know God and those who have no true concern for His opinion. How sad and dangerous it is for those who do not know what it is like to have faith and confidence in Him and His wisdom and truth. Their concern is with the earthly kingdom and what will please or displease others, or what will get them where they want to go, rather than with what is good and right to do and what leads them where God wants them to go. May we be ready disciples of the Word – ready with an answer for the hope that is in us, ready to point others to God’s truth, which is light and life and peace.

Note: There is more than poor counsel and sorrow in today’s passage. For while we do not see/read His name on the pages of the book of Esther, God was working all things together for the good of His people. Keep your eyes open and jot down glimpses you catch of Him throughout the journey. Training ourselves to do this can make such a difference in our own lives when we are struggling to see or sense His presence. – How have you seen Him working in your life? Do you see Him today?

Prayer

Father, teach us and help us to seek Your wisdom above all when troubles come our way. Thank You for the people You have surrounded me with throughout my life – who belong to You, love You, and have imparted wisdom and counsel from Your Word. Help me to do the same for others – In Jesus’ Name – Amen.

  1. For Such a Time As This Journal, p49 ↩︎
  2. For Such a Time As This Journal, p49 ↩︎
The More We Know

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

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

Nineveh~vs~Tarshish

Posted on by
Read: Jonah 1:1-3 (SOAP: 1:3)

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.”

3 But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

Jonah 1:1-3
God’s Plan ~vs~ Jonah’s Plan

My journal entry today consisted of two columns on either side of the page, which contained the passage for today’s journey. One column included God’s plan, the other Jonah’s. When I finished the plans mapped out from the Scripture, I connected them with the words: Nineveh-vs-Tarshish. However, I could have easily written God’s plan vs Jonah’s or God’s plan vs man’s … or, for that matter, God’s plans vs mine. Regardless of the tagline we give today’s study, it is a clear reminder that we have a choice to make –> follow ‘our’ will/plan or align ‘our’ will/plan with God’s and faithfully follow where He leads/sends.

God’s Plan

  • God sent a very specific message to Jonah
  • The message included:
    • a time frame: immediately
    • a location/people
    • a cause/purpose
      • God noticed their wickedness
      • to announce judgment

Jonah 1:1-2

Jonah’s Plan

  • Jonah’s plan was to escape God’s commission of Him for Nineveh
    • he immediately headed to Tarshish
    • by way of Joppa and a merchant ship
    • he paid to get far away from the LORD

Jonah 1:3

God’s Call of His People

Throughout the Bible, we read of God calling His people to places or tasks or simply to trust Him. God called… Noah to build an ark1, Abraham to leave all he knew and father a great nation2, Moses to lead His people out of bondage3, Joshua to bring down the walls of Jericho4, and He called Hosea to “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her.5..”. The list of what God has called/led/sent His people to do goes on and on, but the greatest example of difficult and seemingly impossible callings/plans is the one God gave Jesus, His only begotten son, who was sent6 to save His people from their sins. God didn’t send Him in a hero’s cape or kingly crown, but as a baby born of a virgin. God sent Jesus to take on flesh, experience threats, troubles, and temptations of this world, teach, preach, heal and die on a cross for the sins of the world and rise again the third day – crushing the enemy! It was just as God had announced in the Garden (Genesis 3:15)7.

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 3:15
The Importance of God’s Callings

It isn’t my point to contrast or compare these callings, but to help us remember the many callings of God throughout the Scriptures and see their importance. Jonah’s story is one of these and is equally a great example of the lengths to which He will go to pursue His people, reach them with the message of repentance, and save them from their sins.

More than a Whale

On our journey this week, we will follow Jonah from Tarshish to Nineveh. We will see that Jonah’s story is more than that of a whale. It is the saga of disobedience and revival. It is a beautiful picture of how our personal revival isn’t just about or for us but rather how God will be glorified and use our obedience to revive others from death to life.

Disobedience and revival are the key themes in this book. Jonah’s experience in the belly of the whale provides him with a unique opportunity to seek a unique deliverance, as he repents during this equally unique retreat. His initial disobedience leads not only to his personal revival, but to that of the Ninevites as well. Many classify the revival which Jonah brings to Nineveh as one of the greatest evangelistic efforts of all time.

gotquestions.org
What is God Calling You to Do?

Friends, God still calls His people to serve Him and share Him today. Do you know what He wants you to do? Are you doing it? Whether it is to serve as a greeter, a nursery worker, a teacher, preacher, musician/singer, encourager, accountant, or doctor… He has called all of His children8 to love Him, love others as Jesus loved us, and go and make disciples9.

Want to know why we should pay attention to God’s calling on our lives? Visit the links below and dig deeper into the purpose and importance of God’s commissioning of His people.

Prayer

Father God, Thank You for the story of Jonah and for the reminder that we are to be prepared with a faithful yes – regardless of what You call us to do or where You commission us to go. Help us to not run away from You but towards You, knowing that You will lead us, help us, and strengthen us for the tasks and trusting that You will be glorified in our obedience. As we continue throughout the week, may all those whose eyes fall upon this page be led to a personal revival and used to revive those around them with the truth of Your Word, love, and promises. – In Jesus’ Name ~ Amen!

The More We Know

For more insight into today’s journey, read Love God Greatly’s blog post

Posted in 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 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

15 and 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.

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

Fruit of the Light

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w4d2

Scripture For the Journey
Read: Galatians 5:22-26; Ephesians 5:8-9/SOAP: Gal 5:22-23;Eph 5:9

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.


Galatians 5:22-26

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5:8-9
Observations of the Journey

There are some Scriptures that are familiar to most believers – and I would venture to say that the passage about the fruit of the Spirit is familiar to most who are reading this post. If it isn’t, I will be so bold to say that it should be. Why? Because the truth represented in these verses can make a difference in how we are known. – Are we seen as Christ’s followers or as those who follow the ways of the world – or- perhaps, even worse selection – are we seen as a little of both?

Consider these words of Jesus to the church of Laodicea and decide which testimony would be the worst one. Jesus said, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” 1 In today’s passage from Ephesians 5:8-9, Paul explains it like this to the believers in Ephesus: “You were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. So, live like children of light- for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”

The contrast between dark and light goes all the way back to Genesis and is used to compare evil and good. Our journey today reveals that “the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” When we are living by the Spirit, our lives will reflect the glory of God rather than the evil of the world and our old nature. Paul makes it very clear that when we choose the way of the world and give free rein to our old sinful nature, it doesn’t end well. –  

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,2 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,3 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.4“
Galatians 5:19-21

None of these sins should describe the ongoing lifestyle of one who is free and forgiven in Christ and powered by the Holy Spirit.

Bibleref.com/Galatians 5:20

I shared a post on Sunday (on my Facebook page) that included a glance at the week ahead and a challenge concerning your/our testimonies. The jest of the post was the role our testimonies play, why they’re essential to our faith, and how it’s helpful to write them down. In the post, I shared a short and not-so-short example as well as prompts to help you with yours. If you haven’t seen the post – I encourage you to take a look at it later and find some time in the week ahead to jot down yours. .

Application: Living out the Journey

Today’s journey has reminded me that part of my testimony includes keeping one foot in the ‘church’ and one foot in the ‘world.’ – I became very good at it. I say this not with pride but as a reminder to everyone reading this post: It is up to us how we live. We can choose to walk faithfully in the light, or we can choose to tiptoe in the light and dabble in the darkness. However, I’m can tell you from experience that this is a very dangerous way to walk. It damages not only our testimony but likely will cause others to stumble or question the validity of our faith and/or the importance of our God and His ways. – “Worse still, the cause of Christ will be damaged as unbelievers scoff and sneer at us and blaspheme His name.”5

Friends, if we are living like children of the light, we will not be lukewarm. We will shine brightly with the “Light of Jesus,” we will be seen flowing with the “fruit of His Spirit,” who lives in us and empowers us to thrive in the ways of God, ways that reveal His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Don’t be fooled; without His power and direction and a commitment to live by the Spirit, we will readily yield to our old sinful nature and appear as though we are still in ‘darkness.’ When this happens, “the Christian life turns into a destructive and self-serving religious existence.” This is why we must learn how to ‘live by the Spirit.’ It is without question an essential part/requirement of a firm foundation.

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for saving me out of the darkness into glorious Light. Thank You for pursuing me in the wilderness and pulling me from the pit of destruction. Thank You for changing me from the inside out and teaching me to trust that You are working all things together (the past, present, and future) together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose! Thank You for the reminder not only of the importance of being a faithful follower of Christ – but, as Paul said, of keeping in step with the Spirit. Show us how to stay in step and help us practice it well – so that our lives do not turn into destructive and self-serving religious existences – but instead, may they flourish by Your Spirit’s power and be beautiful testimonies of Your Presence in us. This is my hope and plea in Jesus’ Name – Amen!

Worship Response to the Journey

I’m sure there are so many other songs that could be sung in response to today’s journey, but this is the one that kept flowing through my mind – though I really thought it was “testimony,” and not “sanctuary” – actually both work in connection to our passages from yesterday and today.

The More We Know