Bible Study
Finding your safe place
Refuge of Grace Bible study available in the spring of 2023
With economic upheaval, political division, and social unrest, you seek reassurance. You need to know what you can count on with absolute certainty. God still reigns. This Bible study series secures readers and reminds them of examples throughout the Old and New Testaments of people who experienced victory—not because of their own strength, but because they relied on God.
Click any image to read an excerpt from Tracy L. Smoak's upcoming book with Bold Vision.
Material is copyrighted, but permission to use for educational purposes is granted. Citing Tracy Smoak as the source is appreciated.
No Weapon Forged Against You Will Prevail
The Bible is full of stories of frail people who achieved the impossible, not because they were perfect, but because in weakness, they chose to rely on God.
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 54:17 NIV).
Be Careful Not to Forget the Lord Your God
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Has pride sauntered up to tempt you? God’s bountiful provision becomes a feat you accomplished. Hard work, brains, and ambition equipped you to have everything. After all, you earned that diploma and paycheck. Leaving God out of the equation is easy when you perch on the mountain and view the valley. Be careful not to topple off the heights.
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor” (Proverbs 29:23 NIV).
Call to God and He Will Answer
Image by God’s favor often brings privileges, but not always. Not because God doesn’t care or want to give you the best, but because others want to silence the truth he will speak through you. God wants you to correct wrongs and model obedience to him.
“I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land…They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:18-19 NIV).
Banqueting on Delicious Crumbs
Image by Ever been at a low point and the very people you thought would stand with you turn away in embarrassment? Have there been times when Jesus seems distant and deaf to your pleas? His hearing is just fine; he does care. He might just be testing your level of commitment.
“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Matthew 15:22 NIV).
Expansive Accounting
Image by Cash flow might be as tight as swimming holes for tadpoles in Tucson’s dry season. Rent’s overdue, hospital bills climb, and the bank account balance is skinnier than a paperclip. You wonder how to keep up, but there is a financier who audits and has everything under control.
“Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin.” (Matthew 17:27 NIV).
Shame Shielded by Grace
Image by Wordly media hype about hidden “pleasures” tastes as foul as buzzard bile. The reality of being deceived deflates you, and you simmer in shame and regret.
“Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you” (Psalm 25:20-21 NIV).
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Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™