Loved & Made Worthy

28. Experiencing God, Grace, and Freedom

I’m not sure we’re capable of understanding the depths of God’s grace. No matter how much we learn about Jesus, no matter how much we have forgiven, no matter how much we forgive others. Sure, all of those things give us great perspective and one step closer to grasping the concept of all-consuming grace, but I don’t believe we have the brain space to understand just exactly how gracious God has been with us.
 
And yet, even in our shallow understanding, even in our humanness, God grants us this level of grace that is truly life changing. But not just during the time we spend on this earth, no, this grace echoes into eternity.
 
Let’s talk about it.
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Eph 2:8-9 ESV - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
 
Rom 5:8 ESV - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 
Act 15:11 ESV - But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."
 
1Pe 5:10 ESV - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
 
Rom 6:14 ESV - For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

27. Glorifying God Above All: The Call to Reflect His Majesty

Can you imagine what it was like to be Moses, standing on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God’s glory? Or even Aaron and the Israelites watching as Moses descended from the mountain with his whole face glowing, a reflection of God’s glory.
 
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to see Moses after this encounter and how I would react. Would it be with fear? With awe?
 
The truth is, it doesn’t really matter. But it does make me wonder: do I stand face to face with God’s glory today, in my everyday life, and reflect that back into the world?
 
Or do I try to keep a little of that glory for myself? And because I tend toward people-pleasing, do I glorify others in place of or in addition to God?
 
What about you? How do you handle God’s glory?
 
Some big questions. Let’s talk about it.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Isa 6:3 ESV - And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"
 
Exo 33:18-23 ESV - Moses said, "Please show me your glory." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The LORD.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." And the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen."
 
Exo 34:5-7 ESV - The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation."
 
Psa 19:1 ESV - To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
 
1Co 10:31 ESV - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

26. Rooted in God’s Truth: The Battle Against Lies and Deception

God is true.
 
And his truth is our standard. In a world where lies and deception are prevalent, we have to be rooted in the truth of God's word because the enemy seeks to undermine God's truth at every turn by spreading lies and confusion.
 
In John 8:44, Jesus describes Satan as the father of lies. Satan seeks to deceive us and lead us away from the truth of God's word, and unfortunately he is successful all too often.
 
But not all hope is lost. God gives us tools to fight against it.
 
God's truth is our shield and our protection.
 
Let’s talk about it.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 117:2 - "For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!"
 
John 8:32 - "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
 
John 8:44 - "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
 
John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
 
Ephesians 4:15 - "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
 
1 Timothy 2:13 - "if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."
 
John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
 
1 John 5:20 - "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."

25. Resting in God’s Patience

God is patient.
 
This truth is displayed over and over again throughout the entirety of scripture, but I’m willing to bet you also see this in your lifeIn episode 22 we talked about how God is Love.
 
We know this, we see it all over the bible, but in 1 John 4:8 it says, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
 
So follow this thread with me: God is love. It is a defining factor of who he is.
 
But what if we’re trying to define love? In 1 Corinthians 13 it lists out all the things that love is and is not. In verse 4 it says, “love is patient and kind”
 
So if God is love and love is patient, then it would stand to reason that God is patient.
 
But where does this show up in scripture? And what does that mean for us?
 
Stick around and let’s talk about it.
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
1 John 4:8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
 
1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

24. Engaging in God’s Wisdom

God is wise and grants that wisdom freely. How are you engaging in that wisdom once it’s granted?
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psa 111:10 ESV - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
 
1Co 1:30 ESV - And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
 
Jas 1:5 ESV - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
 
1Ki 4:29-30 ESV - And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.
 
1Ki 11:1-13

23. Transforming Your Life by Trusting in God’s Mercy

God is merciful.
 
This fundamental aspect of His character is expressed through His love and compassion towards humanity. God's mercy is not earned or deserved, but is freely given to those who repent and turn to Him.
 
And for those of us who struggle with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overachieving, the concept of God's mercy can be a really powerful antidote. These tendencies can stem from a desire to earn approval and acceptance, whether it’s from our own selves or from others, but Jesus teaches that God's mercy is not dependent on our performance or accomplishments, but on His grace and love.
 
If we can trust in God's mercy and grace, acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses along the way, and turn to God for forgiveness and guidance, we can find true peace and fulfillment, knowing that our worth and identity are rooted in God's love, rather than our achievements or the opinions of others.
 
If we can trust in God’s mercy, we can begin to heal the broken parts that tell us we need to make everyone happy and be perfect and better … If we can trust in God’s mercy, we begin to see our lives transform.
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Rom 5:8 NIV - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 
Jer 29:11 NIV - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
2Ti 1:7 NIV - For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
 
Phl 4:6-7 NIV - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
Gen 1:27 NIV - So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
 
Rom 8:38-39 NIV - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
1Jo 3:1 NIV - See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
 
Eph 2:8-9 NIV - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.
 
Pro 19:21 NIV - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
 
2Co 12:9 NIV - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
 
Col 1:9-10 NIV - For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

22. Good Enough for God: Finding Peace in God’s Love Instead of Performance

God is love. This is one of the most profound and significant descriptions of God in the bible.
Love is not just something that God does, but it is who he is. It is the very essence of his character.
In 1 John 4:8, we’re told, “anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
When we experience love, we experience God.
But perhaps the most difficult thing about this is that, this love is not based on our performance or good deeds. It is unconditional and freely given.
And I know, for the people-pleasers and perfectionists listening, this does not compute. We work so hard to hear the “good job”, to earn the pat on the back, the recognition, the love.
But that’s not how God operates.
Settle in, friend, and let’s talk about it.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 
1Jo 4:8 ESV - Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
 
Luk 10:38-42 ESV - Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
 
Mat 5:45 ESV - so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
 
Jhn 3:16 ESV - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
 
Rom 5:8 ESV - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 
Rom 8:38-39 ESV - For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Jer 29:11 ESV - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
 
1Jo 4:19 ESV - We love because he first loved us.
 
Psa 34:18 ESV - The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
 
2Co 5:14-15 ESV - For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
 
Matthew 23
Exodus 3-14
1 Kings 17
2 Kings 5

21. Embracing God’s Justice: Letting Go of Perfectionism and People-Pleasing

God is just. He is fair and impartial, bringing justice into a world of chaos and sin. He upholds what is right … and expects us to do the same.
 
In this episode, we will take a look at what it means for God to be just, how that is portrayed in the Bible, and how it affects us as his children.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Deu 10:17 ESV - For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
 
Rom 10:12 ESV - For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
 
Psa 145:17 ESV - The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
 
Deu 32:4 ESV - "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
 
Rom 6:23 ESV - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Rom 1:18 ESV - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
 
1Jo 1:9 ESV - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Psa 103:8 ESV - The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
 
Jhn 3:16 ESV - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
 
Rom 3:23-25 ESV - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
 
Eph 2:8-9 ESV - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
 
Mic 6:8 ESV - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

20. Relying on an Unchanging God in an Ever-Changing World

The doctrine of immutability is the belief that God is eternal, infinite, and unchanging in every way. This means that God is not subject to change, growth, or decay, and that his nature and character are the same now as they have always been and will always be.
 
God is immutable. But what does it mean for Christians to rely on an unchanging God in an ever-changing world?
 
Listen in to find out!
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mal 3:6 ESV - "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
 
Heb 13:8 ESV - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
 
Psa 46:1-2 ESV - To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
 
Pro 3:5-6 ESV - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
 
1Th 5:17 ESV - pray without ceasing,
 
Pro 3:6 ESV - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
 
Isa 41:10 ESV - fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
 
1Th 5:11 ESV - Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
 
Gal 6:2 ESV - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
 
1Co 1:9 ESV - God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Psa 136:1 ESV - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
 
Gal 5:13 ESV - For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
 
Gal 6:10 ESV - So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

19. Living in Light of God’s Faithfulness

God is faithful.
 
This faithfulness is so deeply a part of God’s character that everything he does is a reflection of it. What we believe about God’s faithfulness has a profound impact on the way we think, feel, and act, and if we take God at his word, this belief in his faithfulness is a source of hope, strength, and encouragement. It’s something that we can rely on and trust in, no matter what we are facing.
 
In this episode, we’re going to explore passages that speak to God's faithfulness, and consider what that faithfulness means for us. We will also look at practical strategies for cultivating trust in God's faithfulness in our daily lives, and we will offer encouragement and hope to those who may be struggling to trust in His love and goodness.
 
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good New Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Lam 3:22-23 ESV - The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
 
Psa 89:1 ESV - A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.