Good morning, friends! What a blessing to gather, share hearts, and dive into God’s Word together. These Fridays are informal—come and go as needed, chime in or just listen. We’re building community around life, Scripture, and our Savior.
This week (2/6/26), conversations highlighted everyday miracles (like divine protection that could have changed a life forever) and the awe of recognizing God’s intimate care. What if we chose to believe miracles happen daily? They do—and acknowledging them deepens our relationship with Him.
The Old Testament Laws: Building Appreciation for Jesus’ Fulfillment
I’ve been journeying through the Old Testament canonically (law, history, poetry, prophets—not strictly chronological). Leviticus blew me away: so many laws (around 613-650 total in the Torah) made people unclean in countless ways—daily life was full of rituals for cleansing. No one could keep them perfectly; sin was constant.
The scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16) stands out: sins placed on a goat sent into the wilderness, carrying them away. (That’s the origin of “scapegoat.”) Yet today, we don’t live under that burden. Jesus fulfilled it all—one Man sealed the deal. We confess, receive forgiveness (as far as the east is from the west—they never meet), and climb back into the Father’s lap. No more constant uncleanness.
Reading these laws brings fresh awe: God endured thousands of years of humanity’s striving, pointing everything toward Christ. If you haven’t spent time in Exodus, Leviticus, or Deuteronomy, I encourage it—listen while reading along. It shifts perspective from “that’s outdated” to profound gratitude for grace.
Building Pillars: Unshakable Beliefs That Anchor Us
What governs your life? What core beliefs are unshakable—no one can take them away? These “pillars” guide us through anxiety, uncertainty, or trials.
Some shared (and mine):
- All things work together for good (Romans 8:28 TPT): “We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan… for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his design and purpose.” When anxiety rises, shoulders tense—I pause, remind myself: God’s got this. Everything works out. (My 12-year-old even echoes it: “Mom, God’s got it!”)
- Goodness and mercy chase me (Psalm 23:6): “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Even amid enemies, God prepares a table, anoints us—goodness pursues us relentlessly.
- God is for me (Romans 8:31 implied): If God is for us, who can be against us? Nothing stands in the way.
- I have more than enough—God always provides, often abundantly.
- Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5 TPT): “If anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom, and he will give it. He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you… but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.”
- God hears and heals—He’s not aloof; He’s always near.
- Marriage is between a man and a woman—God’s unchanging design.
- Slow to anger, quick to patience—children teach this beautifully.
These aren’t just nice thoughts—they’re scriptural anchors. When confusion hits (God is not the author of confusion—1 Corinthians 14:33), we ask Him directly. Peace comes—not the world’s fleeting version, but Christ’s enduring peace (John 14:27). The world seeks one-world peace; it won’t happen until He returns. But we can have inner peace now.
Paul’s Words on Our Secure Inheritance (Ephesians 1:10-14 TPT)
We continued in Ephesians 1, focusing on verses 10-14 (TPT):
10 And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ. 11 Through our union with Christ we too have been claimed by God as his own inheritance. Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart. 12 God’s purpose was that we Jews, who were the first to long for the messianic hope, would be the first to believe in the Anointed One and bring great praise and glory to God! 13 And because of him, when you who are not Jews heard the revelation of truth, you believed in the wonderful news of salvation. Now you have been stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. 14 He is given to us like an engagement ring, as the first installment of what’s coming! He is our hope-promise of a future inheritance which seals us until we have all of redemption’s promises and experience complete freedom—all for the supreme glory and honor of God!
Key truths:
- God claims us as His inheritance—destined before birth to fulfill His plan.
- Jews first hoped for the Messiah; Gentiles believed through the gospel.
- The Holy Spirit seals us—like an engagement ring or down payment—guaranteeing full redemption and freedom.
This shifts everything: If our inheritance is secure and eternal (not fading like worldly wealth), what changes daily? Less striving, more worship. No guilt/shame haunting us—we’re free. Less judgment (flesh loves “us vs. them” and self-righteousness); more grace.
When flesh offers judgment (e.g., “Why no socks on that child?”), use it as a flag: Pause. Why the opinion? Maybe I don’t know the full story. Pivot to grace—extend what God gives me.
Key Takeaways: Living from These Pillars
- Build your pillars—Add scriptural truths to your foundation (Christ as cornerstone). When trials hit, lean on them.
- Embrace inheritance—Secure in Christ means freedom from shame, striving, or fear. Walk confidently: If God is for us…
- Counter lies—Flesh/enemy whispers insecurity; Scripture counters with truth (e.g., sealed by the Spirit).
- Praise in everyday moments—Work, parenting, friendships—bring glory to God, not self.
- Effort integrates truth—Reading isn’t enough; discuss, apply, form habits (like prayer over Google).
Sisters, this life is supernatural. Add pillars from Ephesians—believe them deeply. What shifted for you? What pillar resonates most? Share below—I’d love to pray with you.
Until next time (Ephesians 1:15+ ahead!), walking in His purpose and peace. 💕
Come join us for Friday Bible Study or Saturday Book Club, we’d love to have you!
