“No sooner was the wound given than the remedy was provided and revealed.”
– Matthew Henry
My salvation story is not a classic case of “I was blind, but now I see.” I’ve seen those stories up close, watched Jesus pull His children from the darkest pit into eternal light. My own experience has been less like night and day and more like a steady, slow tug on a long, sure rope. Less drama, but equal parts amazing grace.
Even still, my journey to Jesus began the moment I realized I was lost. I was young, but not too young to recognize the void inside. I was small, but not too small to respond when the preacher said Jesus could fill it. My journey began at the first realization of my need, a need that goes back to the Garden. It is a need connected by an invisible thread to the first Adam and the first Eve, the first time we, the created ones, looked at the Creator and His infinite goodness and said, “Nope, it’s not enough. I want more.”
As is the way of sin, more became less. Like a mirage, it beckons us, and together, generation after generation, we find the serpent’s promise is an empty one. Yet there they stood and here we stand— naked, guilty, ashamed, afraid— hiding from the One whose loving hands formed us.
Friends, this betrayal is one we cannot fix. The puzzle of sin and the separation from our Maker is not one we can solve. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable,” Paul says to the church at Corinth. We cannot be with God in this condition.
He loves us, oh, how He loves us.
And He is holy, oh, so holy.
And as long as we, His beloved, are wearing a cloak of fig leaves and sin, we cannot be in His presence.
“For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” – 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, ESV
We must put on immortality.
But we cannot do that.
I cannot do that.
Only Jesus.
God knew this. He knew we needed the Second Adam—He knew we needed a Savior. “The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven… Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:47, 49, ESV)
Do you hear that glorious promise? God’s words in the Garden that day were not about revenge on the serpent who deceived His sons and daughters. It was a promise of the Second Adam, the One who would take on humanity (“I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers”), suffer and die (“you will strike his heel”), and deliver death its fatal blow (“he will crush your head”). (Genesis 3:5)
God’s promise in the Garden was our redemption through Jesus Christ. It is better than a do-over, more merciful than a second chance. In fact, it is not our doing at all. Jesus is the Second Adam who does what we ought to have done, then invites us to partake in the blessings of His obedience. There in the Garden, the Father commits the perfect life of His Son to the recovery of our freedom, the covering of all our shame, and the defeat of fear and death.
It is not within my power to “put on immortality” so that I might enter the presence of the holy, living God. I have no way to get back the freedom lost in the Garden that day or to loosen the shackles I tighten with each act of defiance against the One who loves me. Oh, but Jesus, He is the Way. He is the Life. And He invites us to Himself, every one.
“So now we pause. Still. Ponder. Hush. Wait. Each day of Advent, He gives you the gift of time, so you have time to be still and wait. Wait for the coming of the God in the manger who makes Himself bread for us near starved. For the Savior in swaddlings who makes Himself the robe of righteousness for us worn out. For Jesus, who makes precisely what none of us can but all of us want: Christmas.”
– Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift
For an added layer of worship during this sweet season of adoration and expectation, we’ve created a Spotify playlist for Advent 2014! You can find the complete SheReadsTruth | O Come Let Us Adore Him playlist at this link, or listen to today’s track on the player below. Enjoy!
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271 thoughts on "The First Promise of the Messiah"
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Thank you for such an amazing reminder of how great and wonderful Jesus is.
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Your mother is in my prayers❤️
This is amazing! Thank you!
Such a great reminder that despite our hopes and our fears God loved us from the start even though we were sinners. Today was a hard day but I know my gods love is so vast and I will not be afraid. I must not forget he is so deserving of our devotion, trust and love. These commitments we must hold ourselves accountable through prayer.
I can’t express how timely this devotion was. God is always on time with the hope and TRUTH we need. I pray I be in a state of mind and have a heart humble enough to hear it
This is amazing! Thank you!
I am new here and actually coming back to God and his good word. With the passing of several dear people in the past couple of years I have found myself needing His love more than ever. Today’s word has brought some light into my life in ways I cannot explain. I hope yall have a blessed day!!
I pray that I will let God fill me up. I pray I won’t look to earthly things for comfort but to HIM.
Love this
Wow, I’ll be praying! You’re mom is so inspiring! God is with you no matter what, listen to a song called steady my heart by Kari jobe it always helps me when I’m feeling down … I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but God knows what you’re going through – and even when it doesn’t feel like he’s there, HE IS! And you can run to him in your time of need and he will wrap you in his love! Ask him to cover you with his love- mean it… And he’ll come. He always does. He NEVER fails. Just know someone in this world loves you, ME ! I love you. And I hope things will get better for you XXX Savey
Good evening God’s beautiful people!
I’m still trying to figure this site out myself, it is intriguing to say the least & I am now finding it quite useful & aiding me greatly in the direction for deeper understanding of Gods word & DAILY devotions
This is my first time also to read – She Reads. And I loved it! It really spoke to my heart.
Hello, today is my first reading on SRT. I’m not sure how it works but I need this accountability. My husband has been laid I up in bed dealing with depression due to his diagnosis (pancreatic cancer) I can’t seem to do anything right for him seems everything I do for him is not helping. After crying out to God for His guidance I feel this us what I need. Sink my head into Zhis truths. I’m glad to have read today’s Word.
Praise be to God!!! Such a beautiful passage
Your mother is in my prayers!
My mother is suffering from esophagitis that has progressed into something worse, she is a constant inspiration in her devotion to God and it kills me to see her in pain, I just joined this group and I feel hopelessly lost right now but please keep prayers in your hearts for Connie Johnson
Your sweet mother is in my prayers, too ❤️{& let me tell you this community is a strong one & a great place to be during this difficult time-ask me how I know!} ❤️❤️❤️
My mother is suffering from esophagitis that has progressed into something worse, she is a constant inspiration in her devotion to God and it kills me to see her in pain, I just joined this group and I feel hopelessly lost right now but please keep prayers in your hearts for Connie Johnson
I’m just now joining also, it’s never too late to anticipate the coming of Our Savior!
Great devotion! I just joined and I’m very excited to read and catch up on these empowering and uplifting devotions.
Wow, what a GREAT GOD!
Can I just say AMEN! What an amazing devotion that was. I’m behind, but looking forward to the joy this study will bring!
Sarah, I\’m so glad you joined us today! We love having you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Plz pray for a good dr report tomorrow
Great encouragement and hope through a tough time of grieving
Believing God will give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning , the garment of praise for the spirit of happiness.
Pray for my oldest daughter. In need of salvation.
Praying for your daughter now! There is nothing God cannot do and no one is ever too far gone!
Perfect timing for the season and the celebration of him who saved us and gave everything for his love of us! Amen!
Praying my daughter will come to know Jesus as her personal Savior! Please pray with me. What a wonderful time of celebration.
Love it!l
Feeling so humbled and feeling like passages like this time and time again help us find Gods love and even when we feel lost we know that he is there to help us find our way
Yes. Good way to start off the day!!
This is a great way to learn about God!!
Love this!!!
Exactly what I needed to read this morning . Funny how these things work out!
Isn\’t his timing always amazing, Madison? I\’m so thankful you were encouraged today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So beautiful too.
God is Amazing
Starting a little bit late but this message was right on time. thank you!
God is so good
Wow! What a great perspective I have never seen!
Thank you for this
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
Praise God for His goodness!!
What a generous a loving God we serve…
His presences is our presents
To me the joy of innocence restored stands out. Even after the knowledge of everything good and evil Jesus is able to cover us with HIS righteousness and obedience. THANK YOU!
I was just in a very tough place and this immediately brought about calmness. So grateful for what Jesus does.
Love reading this comment. I love how The Lord provides us with over whelming peace. “Be still before The Lord and wait patiently for Him”
This is beautiful. A friend just recommended this app to me and I’m so grateful. My heart is so full of thankfulness today! We serve an amazing gracious God!
Wow. My heart is so full this morning. What a gracious God we serve…..
‘Invites us to take part in the blessings of His obedience’ … If that doesn’t make you bow in adoration & humility … loving this …
Amen!
AMEN!
My heart swells at the reading of this devotion and scripture. I am so grateful for this time to truly join with our brothers and sisters of old and tap into the great anticipation they had in the coming of our Saviour. The word, Saviour, alone takes on a fresh new meaning as I lean into this Advent season. I am overwhelmed by God’s grace and love!!!!!
I loved this and helped remind me what we are celebrating this month
This was beautiful! A great passage that reminds us how truly important it is for us to actually invite Him in this season.
P.s. What are your thought on the NIV translation? I’ve found it to omit important words.
I just recently accepted the Lord into my life. I always believed in him but I was never devoted. I had a void as well and I had no clue how to fill it. God was the answer. He has helped me overcome so much in just a few months. Thank you Lord for all you do. ❤️
God is good!
We cannot fix the betrayal of sin and the nasty separation it causes between ourselves and God. However, he loves us so much despite our never ending junk that He gave, He gifted us with a loving savior and healer. Thanks be to God!
In a complete puddle of tears. Jesus is amazing. I have no adequate words!
Me, too!!! This devotion was beautiful.
Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
Amen, Amanda!! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Gods's beautiful promise. SAVIOR.
Everytime I’d read Genesis chapter 3 I would always get a bit frustrated, because what would stand out to me a lot was the sin of Adam & Eve and how because of that choice we as men and women suffer so much consequence of sin. Today I see that my eyes were only looking at the scripture in a very legalistic kind of way. All I thought about was … Myself.. And the fact women would ultimately want to control a man but he would rule over her.
Lately I’ve been listening to this sermon series by Matt Chandler called A Beautiful Design and it has brought out so much beauty in the calling of a woman that it’s encouraged me even as I serve my husband as a wife. I see that yes there is that wanting of control… But God’s unending grace and love fades away the selfish yearning. All that to say that when I finally looked at Genesis 3:15 and read what he says to the serpent, it overcomes every consequence of sin that I struggle with and we struggle with. God showed so much grace and redemption in this passage yet all I saw was a mere visual of the consequence because that’s all I wanted to see.
So convicting! But I’m encouraged because of His promise. Because of His love. Because although we would be bruised some at the end Jesus wins.
I noted during the reading, “How do we transform from a living soul to becoming a life-giving spirit?” Jesus gave life in each moment, even until the end when he gave his life for us. My prayer is that I too, give life to those around me. May I be more than just a living soul.
Genesis 3:15
What an amazing example that being a Christian isn't religion but a relationship with a Father/Maker who loves us endlessly. There was no revenge but only redemption through Jesus in the Garden of Eden. We are living the life He should have lived as He died the life we should have died. Revelation tonight.
One of my most frequent sins is not trusting Him with everything…or really much of anything. The part of the study that said our need for Him began in the garden when the first humans decided “Nope. It’s not enough. I want more.” reminds me that every time I feel a need to control or over analyze or get frustrated when a detail is ignored, I’m not trusting him. I’m saying his plans aren’t enough for me. I’m saying what God has had planned since the beginning isn’t right, comfortable or what I need/want. How arrogant! I’m on a trust journey right now – it’s not easy, but reminding myself that this -the want for more and the need for control- was the basis of the very first sin will help when I need to remind myself to back off and let it go. He is, and always has been, in control.
Wow Rachael! This is so powerful! I so easily do the same thing! I have been so hurt by earthly hurt I forget how much bigger my heavenly God is! If I could just trust Him! He is the one in control!
That’s exactly how I feel! I get so wrapped up in how people or Churches and especially those who claim to be Jesus-followers (all earthly) have hurt me and then angry or place that hurt on God because he didn’t prevent it, and make the assumption that I just need to do it on my own without realizing that’s just pushing me farther away :(
I remember the first time I read a quote from Ghandi that said “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
It reminds me to keep Jesus front-of-mind. If I hurt Jesus, He doesn’t walk away. He loves me the same. And if someone else hurts Him, he doesn’t blame that on me. How did Jesus react to those who hurt Him? In love. He did not become jaded and give up because there were hard times where humanity was untrustworthy. That really speaks to my heart. I have a long way to go – healing the old wounds, and learning (again) to lean on Him and rest in His mercy and love when I feel hurt or lost. It’s not easy!!
Amen!! I so easily do the exact same thing! Especially with wounds that have not yet beeen completely healed! I harbor them on God, like how can I trust you God when I have been so hurt in the past? He brings me back to the things of this world has hurt me but He never has! It can be so easy to judge others as Christians because we know what is right, that however does not always wan we act and do what is right! I have been so convicted to wake up every morning and just pray to be more like Jesus! Pray to be slow to anger and steadfast in love! It’s a battle everyday but one I am willing to face with God on my side! Thanks for the sweet encouragement
I couldn’t have said it better myself! I read this entire comment, nodding my head the whole way through. Trust and giving up control are hard for me and you’re right, it’s my own arrogance that gets in the way of releasing it all to Him. Just the other day I was in the car with my husband, he was driving, and drifting a teeny tiny bit in the lane. My frustration rose and I asked him Was it windy? Were the tires low? Or was he just not paying attention and making me car sick. All the while I knew I was already assuming option 3. He replied so calmly, honey. I don’t always drive your car and it takes a little getting used to. You need to trust that I know what makes you car sick and I’m trying my hardest not to do that. WHAM. It hit me like a ton of bricks – he was SO right!!! I did need to trust him. My assumptions should be of trust, not of doubt. Granted, I am 8 1/2 months pregnant and a bit… Short tempered some days, but this is something I continue to struggle with. Trust.
Love that. All of it. Control is the hardest thing to give up…and probably the greatest figment of my imagination because we all know I actually control very little.
This has been eye-opening. I just really started digging into scripture a few months back so I’m just learning more and more. Thank you for helping me grow closer to Him and learn His scripture.
I am so moved by the image of God walking in the garden. I enjoy thinking of Him walking with me everywhere, and He does!
Sometimes I find believing so hard to do. Especially when people I love die. How can there be so much pain in a world and why doesn’t God just stop all the hurt? While people I know grow closer to him through their suffering and praise him that my sweet friend is now in heaven, I feel hurt and don’t know what to do. Why does God let people who love him with all their heart and follow him with all their life die? They don’t deserve that. I feel so lost
Naomi, my heart breaks for your loss. I know a lot of times people with good intentions try to fill the hurting void with words and say it’s going to be alright or its a part of His prefect plan, and that really does not help at all. What I can say is I too have lost a friend who loved the Lord passionately and was far too young to leave the earth. But I know more than anything she loved the Lord and I’m sure she is so glad to be with Him now. Some things in life do not make sense, but I know God provides a glimmer of light in all situations, even in the bleakest of moments. I’ve had to look really hard sometimes but God brings hope even to the darkest corners of life. It’s a tough process. Im learning it alongwith of you:)
Naomi, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could walk you through your confusion, but I can’t. Although I am a Christ follower, there are many things I cannot explain because they are out of my understanding as well. Not fully understanding God and His reasons and ways can be frustrating. But why are we to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of understanding? This, I think, is where faith comes in. Not proof or answers, just faith. Isaiah 55:9 says, “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” God does not owe us the luxury of a life without pain and hardship. He never promised that. What He did promise is that He will answer if you call to Him, and He will be faithful to His word. I hope this study brings you closer to your Maker, as I am hoping the same for me!
I’m praying for you Naomi. I hope you continue to seek the Lord in this time of mourning and confusion. If your friend knew Jesus as her savior then she is with him now and probably never would want to be in this world of suffering again anyways. The beauty of Jesus is that he died so we don’t have to. Although your friend is physically dead, she is now alive to the fullest. Sorry that we can’t know all the answers. I understand how frustrating it is. You are on the right track Naomi!
Does thinking in a hard copy?? Want to buy!
I find myself feeling the same way Crystal! I’ve long loved God, and believed in him, but the relationship has been so hard for me to keep up in the midst of “life.” My biggest prayer is that I would get back that spark, that fire for Him. He deserves nothing less. I know the only way to do that is to be in his word; to make time for him before anything else. Thankful for this study that allows me to do that.
Feeling so expectant this Advent season! Waiting can be beautiful! I feel that so poignantly right now, as I count down the days to my wedding in a few months. Waiting = growing.
Only through Jesus we come to you God. Hear my prayer restore my husband & son to your side. In Jesus name I pray.
He is mighty to save. Joining with you in prayer for your family and my own.
Praying for you to know no more shame in your relationship with the Lord. You’re right, Crystal. He loves you & He rejoices over you with singing and He will quiet those voices in your head saying you’ve been gone too long. (Zeph. 3:17) I’m glad you’re seeking Him again. Welcome home, sister!!!
I’ve just joined SRT. My relationship with god (or lack of) has been so heavy on my heart lately. I acknowledge the distance between God and I but find no motivation to pursue Christ. Living in a new city with no family or friends makes it easier to bask in loneliness and self pity than to lean on him and find friendship with Christ. This study just reminds me that in my sin and outright rebellion God is still pursuing me. And the only way I can respond is to pursue him back. Please pray for me. That I may find friendship with The Lord again. That I may dwell in his presence and celebrate his love for me
Praying for you this morning Crystal.
There’s no time like the present! God is drawing you and that is just awesome! I have been there. New city,
I’m right there with you Crystal … thinking. Weighing the options. But feel so strongly pulled towards Christ the last couple days/weeks after a long long absence.
Praying for God to fill you to overflowing! I am going through the same thing being in a new town. He is enough and He loves us! He has redeemed you and called you by name. You are HIS.
I’ve found myself in a similar situation having recently switched jobs and I know the answer to my loneliness and sadness is to pursue God but I still struggle to find the motivation. May God bless you and give you peace in this time.
It’s funny, maybe not coincidence either, but I too just joined. I’m trying real hard to peruse a relationship with Christ, after rebelling myself. I have the same feelings as you do. I’ve felt alone and lost. Tho I am surrounded by family I feel so distant and apart from them and God. I’ve realized that I can’t stop trying to do things on my own. But rather let God help me. I’ll think of you and pray you find that deeper relationship as I try to seek it as well. :)
I am left reading this with my heart at peace.
I read this Sunday night then heard the 1 Cor. 15 passage repeated again this morning at my grandfather’s eulogy. I do not believe in coincidences so clearly I must listen up!
Thank you so much. I love this app!
Help me Lord to wait & let JESUS put on the immortality
I am struggling with waiting right now! Funny how we are in a season of waiting collectively!
So beautiful. I love this app so very much and am so thankful for it! What an amazing ministry!
I have just recently made a decision to personally know Christ and build a relationship through Him. My lovely roommate told me about this blog, and I am so happy to have found a positive community centered around God. My journey may be just beginning, but I already love the positivity He brings into my life. Thank you for this blog!
So happy to hear stories like yours on this app! :)
Praying for you Taylor!!! That Jesus would draw you nearer to Himself every day, that you would grow in knowledge of Him and love for Him. He loves you so!!
Oh how he loves us. Enough to make a promise in the midst of our failure, our sin. A promise of a Savior to come. Beautiful.
I have just found out about SRT and I could not feel more blessed! A community of Christian women is just what I need in this season! Happy Advent, ladies. I look forward to doing this study with you!
Welcome to our community, friend! We are so happy to have you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
You make my heart happy, friend.
Thank you God, that in the midst of noise and chaos your peace is louder and perfectly complete. Thank you for the gift of your Word that ushers in your presence. You are all that I need. Bless your name today and forever.
I am truly blown away. I've been reading the blog for a few weeks and decided to check out the website and found this study! I have wanted to dig deeper and I know this is where God has lead me to do just that!
I thank God for you, and will pray for His continued work through you!
So thankful for our Second Adam. Jesus. He came to do what we ought to have done. What a precious gift we anxiously await.
My Daddy went “Home” with Jesus just in time for a real thanksgiving. He was 96 years old. He & my mom were married 73 years 10 months. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12. Redemption & being changed from perishable to imperishable became real to me when my Daddy took his last breath here & entered the presence of the Lord God at that very moment. Praise the Father for His mercy & Grace to have a plan for redemption even before the first Adam sinned.
Hallelujah What a Savior! The Lord is my salvation, my strength & light in this dark world. Thank you for leading SRT women to be still before You & wait for you. In Jesus name. Amen
Thankful that Christ did everything that was necessary to save me! If it was left up to me, I would be deep trouble. Thankful that God saved me over 2000 years ago on the cross and every day he saves me from myself when he reminds me to live is Christ and to die is gain! Each day when I am reminded that this is not my life, but Christ’s life it gives me such a comfort and assurance that my God is and will use me to further his kingdom! I trust him for my salvation and I trust him for strength each an every day! I’ve learned to rely on his strength in the good and bad times! Being in constant communication with the Lord, helps keep my mindset on eternal things! And when I start drifting, I’m reminded no no no Jesus is better! He is enough to satisfy the desires in my heart! He is more than enough! I love how God’s promise of redemption through Christ is spoken about all over the OT and the NT! Thankful to be a chosen child of God! He is my righteousness! What a privilege we have to get to be a part of making Jesus known in this fallen world we live in! Jesus is still good! He is still in full control!!
After only have being saved a short time ago, and deciding to live my life with The Lord, I’ve come to know that no one loves me greater. What a beautiful way to begin this Christmas season…
So excited for you, LeAnna! Welcome to the family & may the Lord bless you richly as you enjoy His presence through this Christmas season!
What a beautiful way to begin this morning. Remembering His promise, His saving grace. Lord, teach us all, as a community, to focus on You and the true meaning of Christmas. Not the sales, not the gifts, not the clothes, not the decorations… Lord You! You are good, You are holy, You are love. Father, teach us.
Amen! Amen! Jesus is the reason for this season and every season!!
“It is better than a do-over, more merciful than a second chance. In fact, it is not our doing at all.”
Wow so true! I’ve never even had that realization before. All we have to do is accept the gift of grace.
I found it fascinating that God’s first question was “Who told you that you were naked?” His first reaction was one of heartbreak was over innocence lost and the impending separation that was about to come. His reaction was not one of condemnation. And it was one of anger towards whoever was responsible for manipulating His words and leading His children astray.
His second question was “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” I love how God never accuses. He never says, “You disobeyed me!” or “You doubted me!” or “You are making excuses.” (Even though they did.) He simply asked, “Did you do what I asked you not to do?” and let his children speak for themselves.
The only person God spoke to directly after Adam & Eve each gave their answers was the serpent, who was also the only one He cursed and cast judgement upon. The text never mentioned the serpent responding to God.
It is so inspiring to take a look at the very first sin, and see how God responded. So many of us have this idea of God’s reaction to our sin in our heads, as an accusing and condemning God. But He is truly none of those things to His children. Reading about His response to the first sin helps make how he feels about us, even at our worst, so clear. And it is beautiful.
“We must put on immortality. But we cannot do that. I cannot do that. Only Jesus.”
So well said. Can you imagine what it was like to be waiting on Jesus?
Only Jesus! Only Jesus could save us! Only he could purchase our salvation! To pay for all of our sins and to live the perfect life in our place! Thank you Jesus!
Excited to be apart of this devotion! Couldn’t of been a better time than now to start this! #needed
Beautiful. It’s not my job to clothe myself in immortality. It’s JESUS.
Reading this one with my husband too! In a season of struggle and wandering. Expectant for my eyes to be opened as we walk through this study together. Thankful for this community.
I’m very excited to be joining you ladies on this journey. I’m praying that The Lord open my eyes and my heart and help me to refocus on the really important stuff this season.
I am so excited to read this devotional for Advent! My husband is reading with me this time too! I pray this brings us closer together and closer to God!
From dust we came, but praise to the Creator who breathes new life in to us and transforms that dust to blood and bone and newness.
I’m really going to try and stick with this plan. It’s been another crazy year, and I need this so much.
I’m away from home this December for the first time so I’m very excited to have found this study group. Excited to grow closer to our Lord with you ladies.
Advent…my favorite time of year!
This year my family is facing a lot of “death” and the holiday season is no exception. It’s not physical death we are facing but death to a lot of traditions and securities that have been in place for years and generations. Although it is sad to see things change and even mourn the loss of some of the very very special traditions, I am overwhelmed with peace knowing that Jesus overcame the death of this world and that there is so much more purpose for our lives than to stay an wallow in tradition. I mourn the loss of these special times but I am looking forward to how God changes our family and leads us forward.
It will be hard, and it’s ok to mourn. Just remember where your joy comes from!
Elizabeth,
That is so beautiful and encouraging. I’m facing a physical death but with that a lot was lost, similar to you. Not just the person but security, traditions, environment, being whole and together…just a lot. Your words have shifted my perspective to a more positive one. God is SO GOOD!
Thank you!
Yay for the beginning of advent! I'm committing to do this study every day leading up to Christmas! So excited as this will be the first one I've done after seeing countless posts about She Reads Truth on my instagram timeline :)
So glad you’re here!
God knew this, He knew we needed a second Adam- a savior. I love that truth. That from the very beginning of day God knew we needed a second Adam. He knew you and he knew me and he knew we couldn’t get back to immortality he knew our souls needed saving. Thank you, Oh God, for know us and for providing our savior. Thank you, Jesus, for filling those shoes, the ones we could never fill
I love the truth as well Clare. It is such an amazing concept that he knew us so well and provided us with a Savior that restores our relationship with Him. Thank you Lord.
Search my heart O Lord and dim the meaningless ‘things’ of this season, but help me to focus on your Son and His great love for me.
Yes! Amen! Lord, set our hearts on you each morning and continuously throughout the day back on to you!
Lighting the Hope candle tonight, pondering on the risk of hope. Can I release my grip on my plans and open my hands embrace the scandalous goodness and grace of God? It feels too easy and unbelievably hard at the same time.
What a great start to advent!
I’m so looking forward to this study with this community. I struggle with trying to focus my mind on His words, His reason and to quiet all the nonsense surrounding me that can at times feel crushingly important, even though I know it’s not. This season is the perfect time to refocus & center myself on how good He is and how grateful I am. Cannot wait.
We read a portion of the 1 Corinthians passage during church today. As we are grieving the loss of our pastor, I am so thankful that we can hold onto the hope that God is victorious over death.
Verse 51 and 52 stood out to me – "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."
Love studying and being reminded of the link between the first and second Adam. This study is so beautiful and doable and precious. The music and art aspects are just gifts in of themselves. Thank you for putting this together and making it such a treasure for a busy, single mama.
My hope during this Advent that I rest in Him. Take the time to make things lovely as an offering to him for his gracious giving and provision over me and my precious children.
Waiting has never been easy for me, quieting my mind, my worries, my wants, the ticking clock telling me I don’t have time…but this season I’m making it a priority, to sit and be still with God, to listen and absorb what he has for me. I am still overwhelmed when I think of the priceless gift of salvation, and the unending grace He has for us. Thank you God for your love, and thank you for SRT and the ability to connect with other warrior women!
I just signed on to SRT and I’m really eager to jump right in w this community of Christian women…I’ve been a Christian for 40 years, been a missionary in Mexico for 27 years and in this past month God has given me such a hunger for his word!!! This is going to be GREAT! WOMENS bible study in my own language w other women from all over the globe every single day
Wow! So glad you are here with us. Welcome!
And I am new to SRT, too! And so richly blessed already.
Welcome! Glad you joined us!
God called “where are you? ” He has always been in pursuit of relationship with sinful man… With me. So hard to fathom that. I love Him because He loved me first.
“I have no way to get back the freedom lost in the Garden that day or to loosen the shackles I tighten with each act of defiance against the One who loves me.” I am so aware of my defiance. Like a child I know when I am being wrong. I try but am not capable of being sinless. But He forgives. Always. He loves in a way we can only imagine this side of heaven. Father forgive me for my petulance. Let me turn to you, my only hope. Let me wait. And be still. Anticipating your birth as my savior. I love you Lord Jesus….. Amen
My husband preached today about waiting. To be honest I wasn’t really listening. But God my attention during this devotion. There is so much I need Jesus to come and take out of my life. But instead of focusing on me…I’m going to wait. Wait and be still. Wait on Him.
Absolutely beautiful. Never before have I understood this passage so clearly. In a culture where it’s easy to focus on so much futility and fear, this SRT community is such a blessing!! I am new here, and I’m daily lifting up the men and women behind this ministry – may you be encouraged to keep speaking Truth!
Welcome! I’m so glad you are here with us. :)
So glad I decided to start reading. This is such a powerful reminder. I’m new to reading the bible and looking forward to more for the next 28 days. :)
What a beautiful reminder of our need and God’s grace. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to refocus during the upcoming season. Thank you!
I am personally already feeling the pressure of the holiday season. Especially with social media, I compare our family’s activities and celebrations to other families. In the midst of this I felt the need to intentionally focus on Advent this year. To stop and breathe and embrace the truth that there are things Jesus does for me that I CANNOT do for myself. Oh how I need Him. Oh how I love Him. Oh how I want to be like Him.
I live in Asia, and while they are catching on to some festive things about Xmas, it’s a very different “feel” over here. But what a delight to, even without the red and green and sparkle of “the Christmas season” experience the anticipation and longing and wonder and joy of Advent. I’m so excited to do with together with you all!
How special to remember that my savior. OUR savior. Was promised as soon as the sting of death was created to save us and take us home
The very minute the wound was created– the very minute we saw our naked selves and felt shame– God already had the Cure in hand, the grace to free us from our shame. His name is Jesus.
Then why is it that I cling to legalism, instead of running to the arms of Christ? Because it's easier to follow a set of rules, a schedule, a timeframe, a list. It's easier to follow and practice what I know (and can somewhat control) instead of trying to obey Jesus, trying to follow Love (whom no one could ever even try to fathom, much less predict or control). Because sometimes, Love is messy. Love is humble. Love involves getting our hands and hearts dirty. But legalism, no matter how clean my manicured hands may look, cannot wash the blood of Christ– the blood that fell onto me as I nailed Him to that cross with my sin and shame– from them. Nothing and nobody but Christ can save me from myself. No amount of doing better, writing more, or trying harder (or less) will change His great love for me, will change what He did forever on that tree.
Jesus, I need you. You see me, just as you saw me in the beginning, shrouded in sin and shame, and in tenderness, you bought me. You, baby Jesus, humiliated yourself by becoming man, being my righteousness when I was a helpless, harassed sheep. Now, you beckon me to follow you– to OBEY you, rather than to merely sacrifice– and I pray You'd give me the courage, the love, the truth, the grace– to take you up on that invitation. For I know that you beckon me to partake of everything I never earned. I pray I'd humbly receive it, loving you because You loved me first. Jesus, I pray You'd change me. Remove the scared, legalistic heart and replace it with a heart of boldness and love. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
Be blessed, sisters. You are all so very, very loved. I praise God for all of your comments, and Jesus is definitely speaking through all of you. I pray He'd continually show us His face as we journey together this Advent season. Jesus, show us Your face, so that we can be more and more conformed to it. Let Your joy, love, peace, and grace fall upon all of us, Lord Jesus. Amen!
Your sister in Christ,
–AnnaLee
So beautiful, and perfectly echoes what my heart can never put into words. Thank you!
Thank you, sister! It's all the Lord. :)
He knew from the start that we’d need something bigger than a second chance– we needed a Redeemer to make something glorious out of our sinful mess. God is good! He knows us! And He pursues us even when we hide!
What a beautiful way to begin advent than at the literal beginning. Thank you, your devotionals rejuvenate me!
The Christmas Story starts in Genesis. I love it. I need that reminder of the weight of the gift of Christ. To appreciate the full beauty of Advent, I need to remember WHY. Why I so desperately needed rescue to come. So good! Looking forward to this study!
I am grateful for the focus on the beginning – on Adam and Eve and sin and the need for a Savior. The longing of the heart that has passed through centuries as we live in a world with sin. Thank you for starting here. I'm so looking forward to each day of this study.
I’m very thankful that I stumbled across SheReadsTruth in my Instagram application, and especially the day this study begins!!! I can’t wait for my SRT alarm clock reminder to go off at 6:30 tomorrow morning so I can read the next devotional (which getting up is usually a struggle for me). Thankful for SRT. :-)
I too stumbled across SRT, just in time!
What a beautiful gift! Our God’s love for us is absolutely breathtaking. So very thankful for this gift, His son, to save us from our mistakes. How awesome! So thankful for this study, and so very excited! God bless!
It began in the garden. Our church puts on an amazing Christmas show that draws tens of thousands of people each year to see it (www.awaitedshow.com). A few years ago they added a Garden of Eden scene. At first, I didn't understand why they'd do that in a Christmas show, but it makes so much sense. Mankind's separation from God started in that garden. And in that garden, God knew He would eventually need to send His Son as a Savior. So when we think about the Christmas story, it doesn't start with an immaculate conception. It starts in the beginning, with temptation and a fall and a need for redemption- redemption that comes generations later in a dirty stable through an innocent baby. And despite its ugly beginnings it is such a beautiful story.
That looks like an AMAZING show! We do a live nativity drive through that I think really is wonderful, but certainly isn’t anywhere near this scale.
thank you so much for this
Lord God, please I pray that you would make Jesus real and true in my heart and head this season. Thank you so much for this app and its thoughtful readings. Give me strength and discipline through the Spirit to keep reading, keep seeking you, and keep my eyes on you. I’m sorry I’ve been distracted by other things! I’m sorry it’s so easy for me to go through my days without spending any time with you at all! Please Lord, help me to change in this season. Teach me to seek and savor time with you.
It’s so comforting to know that I am not alone when it comes to distractions and feeling like I dont make enough time for our God. I also pray for the strength to keep me in this devotion. Oh, hoe He deserves our time! Lord, keep us all focused on you, seeking you and seeking spiritual knowledge!
Thank you Lord for giving ideas, gifts and talents to the SRT team to give so many women such a beautiful resource to draw closer to you this Advent season. May the scripture readings, devotionals, recipes, comments, images and music all glorify your name and remind our hearts that it is ONLY in Jesus we can truly find peace and rest in the midst of a distracting, materialistic and busy holiday culture. May Christmas be all about remembering and celebrating your love for us. Amen.
Jesus truly is the reason for the season. But not only that, He is the reason for our waiting, our place in eternity. I am asking God to reveal to me the ways that the enemy tries to deceive me like Eve was in the Garden.
Our Holy Father,
Help us to really slow down, to 'be still and know' during this season! So many other things fight for our focus and energy, give all of us the discipline and the longing to spend precious time with you each day. Prepare our hearts to know the depth and meaning behind Christmas. All we need is you.
All our hearts, Your Daughters
I’m still absorbing this one.
I grew up in a catholic home, with very little Jesus at Christmas and a whole lot of Santa. I’ve been saved for over ten years and this will be my first true time of study, meditation and preparation for the celebration of my Kings birth. I’m so thankful, excited and hungry for this time of waiting. Thanks for a great springboard into this time. It feels like I’m the kid sitting in front of my loving Father as He watches me slowly and carefully unwrap this beautiful gift of knowing Him deeper. I absolutely love it.
I have a similar background! It’s so easy to fall into old habits and just forget what this season is supposed to be about. I’m eager to see how the tools at SRT can help me keep my eyes fixed on Christ this advent!!
Oh, sister! I grew up in a Baptist home and it was so similar! (I’m now married to a Catholic, BTW.) It’s been the last few years that have been vastly changing how we ‘do’ Christmas. This year is the first one that I’m ecstatic to celebrate Advent, and not the standard Holly Jolly window dressing. Blessings to you! So glad you are here with me.
Loving this study already. I’ve entered what I would consider a challenging season of my life as a new mom and have been praying for strength, guidance and trust to follow the path He is leading me on and willingly go to where He wants me to be. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Such a powerful and comforting reminder.
"My own experience has been less like night and day and more like a steady, slow tug on a long, sure rope. Less drama, but equal parts amazing grace." Yes, this, only the long, sure rope did reach into a very dark night. So thankful for the invitation that He gives.
Beautiful. Such a gift to be able to walk through advent with your wonderful resource! XO
For the first time in a while, I’m not really feeling Christmas this year-at least not in the frills and presents and music way. I thought I’d capitalize on that and do this study to press further into the “Jesus side” of Christmas (ridiculous because it should be all about Him anyway) .. I’m so thankful for this and for Advent. Jesus has come, He is coming, and oh how I want that to be the first thing on my mind every day and every hour. Jesus, even if I never enjoy Jingle Bells again, may I always find this season wonderful and beautiful because of You. Thank you for loving me in all my brokenness. Thank you for giving me hope.
Girl, me too. I’m not sure why, but Christmas hasn’t felt “Christmasy” for me in a couple of years and it was so nice to be reminded that even when you don’t have all the joys of the Holiday season, you have the biggest, brightest Joy always.
Great first post of the study. I’m so excited and thankful to be here with all you ladies learning and sharing with each other. Have a blessed day
This study has certainly started off with a bang! The whole time reading it, I could feel the Holy Spirit nudging me and challenging me to pay attention to every word…every promise. I’m so excited for this study and all God has planned to teach us through the next few weeks! Merry Christmas season, sisters! :)
Thankful that The Lord provided the remedy immediately. What love. May I choose to not say to my Creator anymore “you are not enough. I want more.” He is all I need and loves far deeper than I can comprehend. LOVING this study already. Blessings!
Our preacher was just speaking of this in service today! Amazing how our Lord works in many ways with the same message through different sources!
It blows my mind that God had a plan even before sin entered the scene! Praise him!
I love this!
I so look forward to this plan! A reminder of God’s promises is just what I need
I just want to thank You Father God for the precious gift Your Son. As I start this new Bible Study I just ask that You help me grow closer and closer to You. In Jesus Name amen
This year seems busier than ever as I’m in school and working and the kids all have their activities yet I seem the calmest. I just pray my kids can hear God this season. Thanks for this. Just found the app via Shauna Niequist.
How humbling it is to read of Jesus as the second Adam. I wish I had eloquent, beautiful words that would do this justice, but I don’t. I simply want to fall to the ground in worship and humility and glorify our God who loves us so very much. To be so treasured and cherished, that at the moment sin entered- God offered His redemptive plan. That His son would enter this earth to live a life of sacrifice for our redemption. It is too much and overwhelms the core of my being. How holy He is- how utterly holy and just and worthy of all worship and praise. I am humbled and thankful- shaken to my core with gratitude and love.
Such a great reminder to set in place Him in this season as my priority. He invites me into time with Him…to feast on Him instead of food…to adorn myself with Him instead of stuff. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy and peace.
My heart awaits in anticipation as God promises to reveal himself, I have been struggling to just rest in His presence but this comforted me in knowing that God is still there through every step of the way. So thankful to know Christ intimately and fully!
This part got me… “Friends, this betrayal is one we cannot fix. The puzzle of sin and the separation from our Maker is not one we can solve. ” …. So many times we g t hung up on “why this?” “Why that?” The simple answer is that we are sinful humans. That’s very difficult to just accept but super thankful that I have a savior that I can trust even when I’m surrounded by sin.
Better than the refresh on my computer screen, to bathe in this truth every morning is a blessing!
Jesus is so gracious and forgiving. He is reminding me today how much I need him and I can’t do-basically anything, on my own. I. Need. Jesus. Desperately. Thank you Jesus for loving us so deeply!!
He always has a plan
I love hearing Handel's Messiah and I can never read this scripture without "The Trumpet Shall Sound" running in my mind. :) For anyone interested, here's a YouTube link http://youtu.be/0_Us_E551Z4
"The trumpet shall sound…..and the dead shall be raised….the dead shall be raised incorruptible!…..and we shall be changed!"
Today might be the first time I have thought of the “curse” in the garden as the promise to save us. God’s words in the garden was a demonstration of faithfulness to all yet to come. Thankful for this study and for this season upon us all!!
I really needed this today. So bad.
Exactly what my heart needed!
So grateful for the Gospel in the midst of the curse!!! What a Savior!
In preparation for Christmas I’ve signed off Facebook. It’s become a habit to check it first thing and often throughout the day. Praying I can replace that with something that deserves a place in my mind and heart…Immanuel!!
Praise Jesus, my King ❤️
Looking forward to diving in and studying the word this Advent Season (something I always say I’m going to do and rarely do). This time, I really need it! I need God! I need His light to shine through me. To be a better wife, friend. I need to remember the LOVE He has for us. I pray God opens my eyes and heart this holiday season (and beyond).
Beautiful- and feeling so thankful for Jesus
Thank you for this wonderful message. That journey of you being saved made me reminisce mine. It is indeed wonderful to have been saved and this season would help us remind all of His goodness.
“There in the garden, the Father commits the perfect life of his Son for the recovery of our freedom, the covering of all our shame,and the defeat of fear and death.” Wow!! Thank you,thank you,thank you Lord.
I was nearly in tears after reading that part! PRAISE GOD!
this part spoke to my soul too sister! beautiful
“Jesus is the Second Adam who does what we ought to have done, then invites us to partake in the blessings of His obedience.”
During a season where hospitality can be demanding this section spoke to me. I envision Christ’s table and all who gathered there, welcomed with open arms. If Christ can invite us to partake in the blessings of his obedience in such a monumental way than surely we can open our hearts, set a table, light a candle and use this season to share with people what it is like to sit at His table.
Thank you Jesus for leading me to this group of wonderful women. I’m so excited every morning to wake up and read these great studies,,, I’m learning so much and passing it on. Enjoy your day gals.
“Generation after generation, we find the serpent’s promise is an empty one.”
Isn't it just beautiful, the magnitude of God's grace, mercy, and truth, even when we do believe the enemy's lies? Christ always wins. "God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant." (Romans 5:20, NIV)
Generation after generation, His grace has been, is, and always will be sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9)! That little babe in the manger is the victorious one, the one who crushed satan under our feet (Romans 16:20)! Praise God for this!! Amen!
That is called the protoevangelium and it is the first time we hear the Gospel all the way back in Genesis! So cool!
I remember when I first learned about this! I was blown away that God would offer His rescue plan so right away! What love!!!
Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust so we will bear the image of the man of heaven. Wow. In awe.
We're moving from Thanksgiving into Advent, from giving thanks to turning our hearts toward the place in time when we received the gift we should be most thankful for. I'm so thankful that Jesus Christ came into this broken humanity, so that many years later I could receive His gift of wholeness. "O, Come Let Us Adore Him"
Yes!! Amen!!
My favorite is that Jesus did what we ought to do and then invites us to partake in the blessings of HIS obedience! So thankful for the way The Lord used this to speak to my heart today about the weight of my sins even the small ones and the victory over them HE has because of Jesus!
This has brought back even more the true meaning of Christmas to me! Excited to spend this Christmas as a true savior of the Lord Jesus Christ!
I meant with Jesus Christ as my one true savior! Thought it correctly and wrote it all wrong. Haha
My story was much the same, no big world witnessing change more of an acknowledgement of a deep void and Christ slowly sanctifying me and filling that void. Sometimes I wish for a more life altering story instead of my stumbling path in which I still try to fill that void with earthly things. But it is my story and has its purpose. I can look back and see the Lord wooing me for years, nudging me towards the only one who can satisfy. May I see your face this Christmas my Savior, may I know the depths of your sacrifice and feel the weight of sin lift away as I bask in your unfailing love!
Beautiful, Chelsea! "Sometimes I wish for a more life altering story instead of my stumbling path in which I still try to fill that void with earthly things. But it is my story and has its purpose." My walk with the Lord is much the same; there have been pits of darkness, for sure, but more than anything, I've always had Christ apart of my life in one way or another. Jesus, I pray I'd stop trying to fill this void with other things– things like other people, events, and legalism– when only YOU can satisfy me, Lord. Change these parts of all of us as we look more at Your glorious, glorious face. Amen!
–AnnaLee
Thank you God for this day to grow closer to you.
I love the way you paired these 2 pieces of Scripture together. How powerful! To read of the fall and the promise that we will "bear the image of Heaven", really strikes a chord in me. I see a lot of myself in the story of the Fall- wanting what I shouldn't, blaming others for my sin, listening to advice from others, etc. But I get to find salvation in Jesus. He will help to transform my heart while I'm here on Earth and one day I will bear HIS image. Powerful devotion this morning. I am looking forward to the rest go this study.
Honestly without words this morning. Our Savior is beyond amazing and we can never repay Him. Let us get as close as we can to repay Him by dedicating our lives to Him.
Good Morning! Happy Advent Ladies. Have a blessed week. ♡
I went to church for 54 of my 58 years. My mom died and I no longer felt like going to church. I would pray, but not like I used to. When my family or I was in trouble, I would pray, but the good days, I would not connect as much.
I was shocked when my 27 year old daughter asked if she could give the Advent 2014 program and do it with her (she is backpacking through South America for 90 days), I was shocked. I perceived one of my failures as a mother was that she was not connected to God on a daily basis. This weight was lifted and I was over joyed.
We begin Advent together reading the word of God, and I am blessed.
God is so good! That is uplifting to hear.
I love the meatiness of these devotionals. I love how we get into the Word, no sugar coating; “this is where we need to start.”
1 Cor 15:51 is the theme of my parenting: “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.”
Right? These devotionals pack a humbling punch, for sure. Jesus, continue to humble us with Your love, grace, and goodness throughout this Advent season.
–AnnaLee
Lord, you are so good to us. Without you we would be lost forever in our sin. We would have no hope. Help me to take this hope to others, for we have such a great hope in Jesus!
Time and time again, The Lord has used these studies to speak much needed encouragement into my life at very pivotal moments. I am grateful for this ministry and all they do to keep the daughters of God in His living word.
It’s humbling to know that we are not enough. That only God can give us all we need. I pray that God will give me that knowledge and more as we head into this sacred season of waiting (and with its many admittedly fun secular elements, too). Thanks be to God.
"That only God can give us what we need." Jesus, continue to humble us with this knowledge, and help us to run to You– not things, actions, other people, places, etc.– for what only You can provide. We praise You for that, Lord Jesus. Amen.
–AnnaLee
was anyone else expecting to begin with Mary and the angel and the announcement of her carrying Jesus?
but this would miss the entire reason for His birth
He came because of a problem. my problem. our problem. the sin problem.
"Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day,
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray,
O tidings of comfort and joy! Comfort and joy! O tidings of comfort and joy!"
o how I have been astray. how great is my need for a Savior.
praise Him that we can now know His comfort and His joy because of His incredible plan to solve my greatest need.
thank you Father.
I’m so grateful that we’re “beginning at the beginning” in this study!
me too!! :)
Beautiful message, Kendall. My prayer during this Advent season, and always, is to seek and find comfort in Him; the only one who can truly provide it. I look forward to embarking on this journey with all of you, my sisters.
Mmmm Kendall, so true! Love that our Savior came so that we could be made completely clean! Looked at not just as if we had never sinned, but just as if we had always obeyed!
Yes, I expected something very different and I’m glad this took us to the real beginning. Thank you, Jesus, for your gift of ETERNAL LIFE!!! And thank you that it begins now! May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!
Amen Kendall. We've got to start at the beginning– at the problem of sin– for us to truly appreciate that Jesus is the absolute answer. Jesus, let me (all of us!) come running to Your arms, knowing that only being in You can save us from ourselves. Cover us with the shadow of Your wings, and show us just how near You are to all of us. Praise You, Lord Jesus!
–AnnaLee
He is faithful to provide what we need, I needed this to refocus my vision on more of Him!
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!!
Nothing says sharing the good news like the realization that nothing we say or do can ever be good enough. But that’s okay! That is the scandal of grace, and what makes the season of advent so amazing. I look forward to completing this plan with you, sisters in Christ!
so true
Amen to that, Sarah! We can do nothing to make Him love us more or less! Let that truth permeate in our hearts and minds over the next season!
–AnnaLee
Yes! So many need to be reminded of this. He loves us just as we are, flaws and all.
Hurrah for central time getting me in on this an hour early ;) so looking forward to the rest of this. Glorious.
Isn't it great? I'm so excited for this next season of devotionals! Praise God!!
–AnnaLee
I’ve only been a believer for a fairly short time (4 years) but as I grow in the knowledge of the Lord I realize that this season is not about the stuff. It is about His presence and how he was born to save us from sin and death. I pray everyday to look more and more like Christ and I’m looking forward to this study with you, sisters.
Ashley, I have been a believer for more than 20 years and this promise still knocks me off my feet. Welcome to the table! Let us grow in him together!!
amen
amen!
Ashley, I've been a believer pretty much my entire life, but because of realizing that Christmas is about Christ and how He humbled Himself so much so as to be a baby in a manger– all because of His great love for us– I pray that even now, that lesson would continue to humble me. Sin is right there, but there is always more grace and mercy for us in Christ Jesus, as promised in the very beginning! Praise Him for that, sister!! Amen!
–AnnaLee
We are all sinners. I pray that You, Jesus, will open my eyes and heart to You only. Shine through me! Help me to be an image of You! Oh how great You are. I am so undeserving. Looking forward to my first study with the women of SRT. So happy to have stumbled across this study group! God is GOOD! He knew exactly what I was looking for!
Geez Alyssa, I could have written your same words. I pray everyday that The Lord lets me be an image of him and that I shine for him. Also how he opened the door for me to find this study. Prayers for you my dear. Enjoy your day.
He’s a forgiving God and I am so grateful for that. So many times I fall short. I am so grateful for his promise of eternal life! Prayers to you!
Amen, Alyssa. Jesus, shine through all of us! Empty us of ourselves and fill us full of Your goodness, Your mercy, Your grace, and Your love! As we read through this series, Lord Jesus, show us how we can better live for You as we are conformed to Your image by Your Holy Spirit. Isn't God good? To always forgive us, to love us as He does, and to make us to grow through His grace? Jesus, be glorified in our lives! Amen!
–AnnaLee
Ooooh the beauty of that promise. Goosebumps. The beauty of time spent waiting. Looking forward to studying His word alongside you all!!