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God’s Sweet Grace

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Read about God's Sweet Grace and get your printable bookmark at www.donotdepart.com

Does anyone remember this children’s song?

 “He’s still working on me,
To make me who I need to be,
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and planets and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be,
‘Cause He’s still working on me.”

That’s a simple, honest song about God’s sweet grace, isn’t it?

In its simplest definition, grace is defined as the undeserved favor of God.

Grace is that God is never finished working on us. It’s only by grace that He doesn’t wring His hands in despair and say in exasperation, “I just give up on this one! There’s way too much work involved here!” Grace is given when we stumble, fall, and fail. Grace is what we see when we look around us at all the rich beauty and deep love that God has given us, when we know we don’t deserve one single lick of it. And it’s by God’s grace that He sent His own Son to take the ultimate punishment for our sin, and to rise again to conquer it, assuring us forgiveness and a spot in Heaven if we believe in Him.

It’s very humbling to know that God loves us so much He’d want to bless us in our most undeserving state. And it’s freeing to know that even when we mess up, God loves us, forgives us, strengthens us, and blesses us.

God’s grace does numerous things for His children. First, when we see how sweet the grace of God is, and how marvelous He is as the giver, grace results in praise (Psa 40:5). Because we are favored and loved even when we don’t deserve it, grace encourages us to dust ourselves off and keep going when we fall or when life gets hard (Phil 3:14). That same grace draws us closer to God as we learn more about our sinfulness contrasted against His holy sovereignty, and prompts us to grow to look a little more like Him (2 Cor 3:18). And also, God’s grace frees us from the power of condemnation (including self-condemnation). (See Psa 19:12,13, and 1 John 3:19-24)

So, if you’re feeling especially blessed by God’s grace today, or feeling burdened and need to be reminded of God’s gentle graces, I have a little something for you. As Patti said in the introductory post this month,”We want to encourage you to abide in God’s Word every day, especially on your busy days. Especially on the days when you are struggling.” So, I’ve made a printable bookmark for you with a collection of verses about God’s grace. You can tuck it into your Bible. Each printable has two bookmarks, so share one with a friend, as you share the sweetness of God’s grace in your own life. Click here to download your bookmark about God’s Sweet Grace.

Grace Bookmark Printable at www.donotdepart.com

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:2)

May we all be filled with the sweet knowledge of His grace as our loving Father patiently continues working on us.

Grace is undeserved favor. Grace is that God is never finished working on us.  #EncouragingWord

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Are you needing a reminder of God’s grace? We have something for you! #EncouragingWord

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Ask for Grace to Do to Others {Matthew 7:12}

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How Do You Want to Be Treated?

When I’m sick, I don’t want people hovering over me. I don’t want to answer phone calls about how I’m doing. I don’t want to report my pain levels every hour to update my condition.

So when others are sick, I assume that’s how they want to be treated too.

But that’s a risky assumption.

In our memory verse for this week, Jesus is telling His followers to treat others like they would want to be treated.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12

We’ve labeled it the Golden Rule. But what exactly does it mean? Was Jesus telling them to do the exact things they’d prefer themselves?

Therefore Is There For…?

Matthew 7:12 begins with “So,” or as other translations put it, “Therefore.”

So let’s take a few steps backwards to see what “therefore” is there for.

In the previous eleven verses we’ve been memorizing, Jesus is explaining how love behaves.

Dallas Willard lays it out like this in his book Divine Conspiracy.

“In the previous verses (1-11) agape love has been concretely illustrated in three ways:

1. Not condemning of blaming those around us (vv. 1-5).
2. Not forcing ‘wonderful things’ upon them (v. 6).
3. Just asking for what we want from them—and from God (vv. 7-11).”

At times, it may feel like a risk to treat others this well.

  • Maybe they’ll take advantage of our goodness.
  • Maybe we don’t know what they really need.
  • Maybe we don’t want to put ourselves in their shoes to find out.

But the more we learn to trust God for what WE need, the more we can learn to give others what THEY need. We’re in the sweet spot. We get our own needs met from God as we meet the needs of others.

Treat Others Well

As we want our own needs to be met, let’s meet the needs of others. It might not look exactly the same from person to person. While I prefer a hands-off approach to caring for me when I’m sick, someone else might prefer the exact opposite. If I’m to fulfill the Golden Rule, I give them what THEY need, because I would want them to give me what I need when it’s my turn.

Lean on grace to do it. It’s the only way we can succeed. Without the love of God operating in us, this summation of God’s law is too hard for us.

When we ask God for grace and love for others, He won’t give us the equivalent of stones or serpents (Matthew 7:9-10). He’ll give us what we need so we can pass grace along to the next person.

Let’s continue asking God for courage and compassion to live out the Golden Rule to treat others as well as we would want to be treated, however that looks.

As we trust God to give us what we need, we can give to others what they need. #Matthew7

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The Transforming Power of God’s Grace

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All this month at Do Not Depart we are looking at the history behind our great hymns of faith. In the introduction to this new series I posted the words to John Newton’s beloved hymn, Amazing Grace. Written in 1779, the hymn was originally titled, Faith’s Review and Expectation. It was John Newton’s testimony of the power of God’s grace to transform even the worst of sinners.

Early Years

Born in London on July 24, 1725, John Newton’s mother faithfully trained him in the Lord until her death when John was only six years old. Most of his formative years were spent at sea with his father, a respected sea captain. As he entered adulthood the spiritual influence of his mother faded, and he pursued self-satisfaction. It is at this point where his life begins to mirror that of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

…the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  Luke 15:13

In the pamphlet, Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade (1787), Newton wrote:” My headstrong passions and follies plunged me, in early life, into a succession of difficulties and hardships, which at length, reduced me to seek a refuge among the natives of Africa.”

 

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

 

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

 

A Life of Sin

Like the Prodigal Son, John suffered the consequences of sin. Attached to the sea, between 1742-1748 he spent time on a merchant ship, was pressed into service for the Royal Navy, and eventually worked on slave ships. He was not well liked, even among the worst of the worst. Physical and emotional anguish plagued his life during this time.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!”  Luke 15:17

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

 

Transformed by Grace

Just like the Prodigal Son had an epiphany while eating with pigs, it took a near tragedy at sea to turn John Newton toward God. May 10, 1748 is the day marked as the beginning of John Newton’s conversion. I appreciate his honesty when he said, “I cannot consider myself to have been a believer in the full sense of the word, until a considerable time afterwards.” He did not completely leave the slave trade until 1755.  During the seven-year span between his salvation and leaving the slave trade, the Holy Spirit worked in his life to produce a powerful preacher of the Gospel and abolitionist.

…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

 

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.

 

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

 

Proclaiming Grace

In the years after 1755, Newton became an Anglican minister and working with Methodist, Baptist and Independent ministers and preachers to promote the Gospel. He discipled a young William Wilberforce who would later lead the abolitionist cause in Great Britain. As an abolitionist he wrote,

I hope it will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.

—John Newton, Thoughts Upon The African Slave Trade, 1787

In the latter years of his life he was a prolific hymn writer, producing over two hundred hymns. Of course, his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, chronicles his life and the power of God’s grace to transform the most hardened sinner.

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.  Luke 15:24.

 

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, Who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

Listen to Amazing Grace.

Our Sins, God’s Grace – Series Wrap Up

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Our Sins, God's Grace... read more about sins Believers can struggle with and the grace of God at DoNotDepart.com
This whole month here at DND we’ve looked at sin and we hope you aren’t walking away feeling down.

We focused on some disheartening things like:

  • Anger.  Do you give vent to your anger? I did. But God convicted me and revealed a solution: Him! He forgives, helps, and strengthens us to do better.
  • Adultery.  Kelli shares her story with us about how it feels to be “that” Christian– the one who’s been divorced and remarried. She reminds us that when Jesus forgives, our sin is forgiven completely.
  • Worry.  How can we silence it? Lisa gave us 3 words to help quiet our worry and reminds us of the benefits of intentional prayer.
  • Unbelief.  Caroline showed us how unbelief comes from lack of faith and trust. But when we reconnect with God, He graciously fill us with wholeness that strengthens our faith.
  • Pride.  Patti reminded us that pride puffs us up like inflatable beach toys… filled with nothing. But God’s grace pricks our balloon hearts.

We hope that you walk away marveling at the sweet grace of God that convicts us, leads us to repentance, and covers that sin completely.

We started the series off with a verse from Proverbs. Let’s finish with it, too. Read it slowly and let it sink in deep. Let it remind you of how blessed you are because of Christ’s gift of blood that washes away all your sin.

 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2

Rest in His grace, friends. …His grace to convict, help us avoid sin, His Word that arms us to fight, and the precious Sacrifice of His Son. All grace…

#OurSinsGod’sGrace… series re-cap at DoNotDepart. Anger, Adultery, Worry, Unbelief, and Pride.

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Our Sins, God’s Grace

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Our Sins, God's Grace... read more about sins Believers can struggle with and the grace of God at DoNotDepart.com
Oh, sin.

It’s a debbie-downer to the Christian life, isn’t it? We’d rather talk about grace, love, and joyful things.

Rightly so. Grace and love are what Christianity are founded upon.

But we also need to remember sin. It’s why Jesus came to us in the first place. It’s by His death and the shedding of His blood that the ugly stain of sin is washed away.

The Bible mentions sins more times that I can find a record for. If you do some searching, you may find (like I did) estimates that “sin” is mentioned from 700 to 1000 in God’s word.

But these estimates are off and here’s why:

  • In the Old Testament alone, the top two Hebrew words used for sin exist 966 times. And there are eight different Hebrew words that depict sin.
  • In the New Testament, about 12 different words for sin exist and are used many hundreds of times.

So the estimates are off because not every word that means sin is translated specifically as “sin.” Sometimes the Hebrew and Greek words used are put into English as “transgress”, “err”, “go astray”, “wicked”, and so on. That’s why is’t hard to get an accurate count.

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2

But why is looking at sin so important? I mean, after all, don’t we want to focus on grace?

Indubitably! But since sin is obviously an important issue to God, we’ll be addressing it here at DoNotDepart. It’s important for children of God to be aware of what the Bible has to say about sin because when we know, we can:

  1.  avoid it
  2.  repent when we do it
  3. seek forgiveness
  4. better realize all our precious Savior has done… and how great His love for us is!

Please join us this month as we look at sin from a Biblical perspective. We’ll talk about some common sins many Believers struggle with or have encountered, the remedy for sin, the sweet grace that covers it, and the encouragement and hope the Bible offers us in regards to it.

Ali

What does the Bible tell us about sin and grace? A new series at DoNotDepart. #OurSinsGodsGrace

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Charis, the Greek Word for Grace

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{Later this month we’ll be offering you a beautiful set of Key Greek Words of the New Testament flashcards that you can print to help you remember all we’ve studied together.}

Charis, the Greek Word for Grace - Read more at DoNotDepart.com

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17)

“All fulness dwells in him [Jesus], from which alone fallen sinners have, and shall receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful, and happy. Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received even grace, a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us.” (Matthew Henry)

 

Grace upon grace. Sweet Grace!

As Believers, we often hear of grace being defined as “God’s favor.” This definition certainly isn’t wrong, but there’s much more to grace than simply that.

Did you catch that one little phrase of Matthew Henry’s above? “Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace.”

  • When we deserve punishment, instead, God gives mercy.
  • When we cannot do it alone, God gives help.
  • When we lack in wisdom, God gives wise guidance.
  • When we suffer, God gives various types of healing.
  • When we are unloveable, God loves us to the utmost.
  • When we continually sin and fail, God gives forgiveness.
  • When we need strength, God gives perseverance.

Grace upon grace.

The Greek word used in the Bible for grace is charis. This word is rich and meaningful. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to wrap my head around all that grace entails. It helps to discover the various aspects of grace that the Greek word implies.

Strong’s Concordance lists the definition of charis as: (a) grace, as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, (b) favor, (c) gratitude, thanks, (d) a favor, kindness.

HELPS Word-studies gives added insight when it explains that the word charis has the added implication of “leaning towards.”  God leans toward us (even if we’re leaning away) freely extending Himself to meet us where we are and with what we need.

No matter our pain, our mess, or our stubbornness, in charis-grace, God reaches out favorably to extend Himself.

And I love this explanation I came across in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

  • charis is “used of ‘the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues’”

When you feel strengthened to increase in faith or something in your heart has been kindled to practice your faith, that’s also a result of grace!

Seriously rich, isn’t it?

A few years ago, I went through some serious health problems and felt God’s grace in my life deeper than I ever had before. He reached out to me in my despair over the situation, lifted me up and strengthened me, brought me through, fed me truth, showed me deep love, and healed my spirit.

His touch of grace in my life, His bending toward me favorably with His help and strengthening power, was absolutely incomprehensible!

God lovingly did that for me and He’ll do it for you.

May your life be touched with the richness of His charis… His grace upon grace!

Here are two beautiful verses to remind you of God’s wonderful grace:

“…he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:5-6

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

How has God showed you His grace lately? I’d love for you to share in the comments…

Charis, the Greek Word for Grace… learn what the original language implies. #NTGreekWords

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11)

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Earlier this week, Lindsey shared how God’s law refreshes us, gives us wisdom, gives joy, and shines the path.

Whenever I consider the God-creation relationship, I usually think of a parent-child relationship. Though an earthly parent-child relationship obviously cannot fully represent the God-creation one, it’s a close relative I can wrap my brain around to attempt to understand and grow from.

Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11) - DoNotDepart.com
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Reverent Following

Why do we give our children rules? To protect. To guide. To scaffold learning. Because we love.

Though we definitely fail and are never perfect examples, typically our rules are not because we want to harm our children or degrade our children. They come from pure hearts, even though broken ones.

But God’s rules? Totally pure. And perfect.

So when Psalm 19:9 says:

“The fear of the Lord is pure, 
enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

We know that God’s heart is pure, His decrees strong and righteous.

And pure “fear” (reverence) of Him? Enduring and life-giving.

We want our own children to obey our rules to stay safe and learn, but also learn to freely choose wisely. God gives us that same choice. He allows us to choose, and reverence of Him helps us choose wisely.

Psalm 19:10 continues to explain the beauty of God’s rules and decrees:

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

Like parents, God knows His rules are sweet and valuable to a child’s growth and safety.

And like children, we fail to see that sometimes.

But, thankfully, God gives us the availability of a constant reminder through His word, like Psalm 19:11:

By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”

Looking Back

David wrote Psalm 19 in hindsight. He likely experienced how reverently following God’s decrees brought good and regularly received warnings (reminders) of keeping His decrees.

But, that “sweeter than honey” part? Imagine that.

Harmful, degrading, restricting rules taste bitter.

But God’s life-giving, coming-from-love rules are sweet, sweeter… the sweetest.

As Lindsey also mentioned:

“Rules without love leads to legalism, but rules with love lead to life.”

God is love (1 John 4:16), and He gives reminders of sweet life through His decrees and His word.

How do rules and grace work together in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bible Study for this Week:

  1. Find three “decrees” in other places of the Bible and write those down.
  2. Reflect on how you can follow these decrees reverently and with love. What could that look like for you and your family today?
  3. How do you avoid legalism in your life? I struggle with this as I personally lean towards legalism at times, particularly against myself, and have to remind myself constantly of grace. (Which is probably why grace is so beautiful and heart-changing to me.) Share your ideas on keeping our minds on grace in the comments.
  4. Write (or sing or dance or draw) out praise to God for His sweeter-than-honey decrees today.
Can rules be grace-filled and placed by love? Psalm 19:9-11 has something to say about that:

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet #BeautifulWordPerfectWord:

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Songs Revealing Beauty and Grace Out of Brokenness

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I sometimes get lost in my brokenness.

I focus too deeply on my problems. Sit too long on my mistakes. Refuse grace-given love too frequently.

I’m broken and don’t deserve love, but that’s the point of grace.

Songs that Reveal Beauty and Grace in Brokenness {DoNotDepart.com}

Depths of Music

As much as I love words (and, like Ali, I really do), music (and dance) can express depths where words sometimes cannot breach.

When you think of brokenness and grace, you might think of the song “Amazing Grace”:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost,

But now am found.

Was blind but now I see.

John Newton, the author of this song, saw numerous trial and tribulations, many at his own doing. Even after a breakthrough moment for him during a literal storm, his faith grew gradually into a healed and powerful force.

The song “I Saw the Light” brings more, well, light to brokenness:

Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.

I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.

This song, originally by Hank Williams in 1948, has been covered numerous times. I love this version from David Crowder Band. As soon as I sing or hear this song, I remember that I’m not stuck in my past mistakes.

I sang those two to my children as babies when they cried and I was weary. Soothing balms to our souls.

I also replay “I Am New,” a contemporary song from Jason Gray, when I need yet another reminder:

Now I won’t deny
The worst you could say about me
But I’m not defined
By mistakes that I’ve made
Because God says of me

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I’m dearly loved
I am new

Do you need to hear that again like I do?

We are not defined by our mistakes. We are chosen and holy and dearly loved. We are new.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

How These Songs Heal

These songs are just a few of those that both wreck my heart and fill it to overflowing with joy at the same time.

Sometimes a song draws my attention back to renewal when just a thought won’t. Sometimes a song (music and words together) reaches farther into our hearts than words alone. Music combines multiple modes of expression together. Mutliple ways to explore, learn, turn, remember, and praise.

As this article on the significance of the Psalms (and song) from Bible.org states: “The greatest calling of the church and of individual Christians is not to be evangelists or teachers or exhorters or comforters, but worshippers.” Song helps us do just that.

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” – Psalm 108:1-3

Other Songs for Beauty in Brokenness

  • My husband and I are big fans of Switchfoot. Intelligent lyrics with a sincere faith foundation. Take a look at “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine” off the [amazon_link id=”B000CDG5AY” target=”_blank” ]Nothing is Sound album[/amazon_link].
  • Our family loves basically anything from [amazon_link id=”B001MIFVIK” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link]. Every song verses as lyrics, accompanied by varied and interesting music (not at all hokey). I love the song using John 16:33 as lyrics.
  • If you need a song to bounce and sing to, try “Happy Day” from Tim Hughes.
  • If you like learning the history and affects of songs and hymns, take a look at the [amazon_link id=”078523182X” target=”_blank” ]Then Sings My Soul book series[/amazon_link] from Robert Morgan.

Sing praise with me. What are some of your favorite songs to remind you of His grace that covers brokenness?

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Same Thirst, Same Grace

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As we’ve explored these truths about thirsting for God, so far we have identified two:

1.  We were created to thirst for God.

2.  Our thirst can only be quenched from the inside out.

Today, we’re going to look at a familiar story from the Gospels as we discuss the third truth about thirst:

Each of our thirsting is quenched by the same grace.

Before we begin, please take a moment to read John 4:1-43.

Image via www.freebibleillustrations.com

The woman at the well … one of my favorite accounts in all of Scripture.    I absolutely love this passage of Scripture.  There is much rich truth in here about so many different aspects of a believer’s life.  Today, though I want to focus on just a few verses and what we can learn about thirsting for God in them.

First, look again at verse 4.   Jesus had to pass through Samaria, it says.  Like me, you’ve probably heard countless sermons about  how He really didn’t *have* to pass through because the Jews always took the long way around Samaria. But in this one phrase, I have gleaned something so precious – Jesus longs to quench our thirst.   It’s what He left heaven to do.

Next, read over verses 7 through 10.   We don’t normally see Jesus as demanding but He said to this woman, “Give me a drink.”  Why?  Because Jesus longs to help us see our need for Living Water.   The whole conversation was designed to point her to her need for Him.   He does the same thing for us … asks us to do those things we cannot do outside of Him – from loving our enemies to living in the fruit of the Spirit.   Christ continually draws us closer to Him through revealing the depth of our need for Him.

Look again at verses 16 – 26.   This is my favorite part!  Here is where we see the most beautiful picture:   Jesus offers us all the same grace!   Yes, this woman had been married to five men and she lived with a man outside of marriage.  But that wasn’t really the point … the point was grace.   She knew her sin just like we know ours.  And undoubtedly she’s had her sin pointed out by others as many of us have.   The beauty of grace is this … is the same no matter what.   Whether we’ve had five husbands or just treated the one we have with contempt … the same grace covers it.   Whether we’ve lived in public sin or gossiped about the sin of others … the same grace covers it.   Whether everyone sees and knows our sin or even if it’s hidden and no one around us is aware … the same grace covers it.   That Living Water is grace!  And grace quenches the thirst!  Always.

Finally, though, let’s look at the end of this story, verses 39-42.   The result of that grace is this:  When Jesus quenches our thirst, we tell others about the Living Water.   Her shame was replaced with joy and she could not wait to tell others.   I wonder about me, about us … we’ve received that same grace, drunk deep from that same Living Water … and yet, how many people are drawn to Christ – believe in Him – because of our testimony?

Perhaps you need to be sharing the sweetness of quenched thirst with someone you know … in fact, I’d imagine, that for many who read this, a name has already popped into you head and heart.   Will you respond?  Will you be obedient?  

 

Give Grace

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Grace … receiving what we do not deserve.

We cling to this verse:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV

Not from ourselves.  Not of ourselves.  Not through ourselves.

We can’t earn grace.  We don’t deserve grace.  It is the gift of God.

But somehow, though we have been given such great grace so freely, we are stingy with it. We demand grace be given according to our need and yet we resist offering that same grace to others.

It happens in churches.  A lot.

The pastor’s sermon isn’t as well delivered as I’d like.

The worship leader doesn’t sing the same words as are on the screen.

The Sunday School teacher is distracted and the lesson isn’t very good.

The nursery worker failed to change the baby’s diaper before I picked her up  so she was wet.  Very wet.

No one spoke to me during the welcome time.

But what if you knew that the pastor had been at the hospital all night comforting parents whose child had been in a car accident and was in a coma.

Or what if you knew the worship leader had received a call early Sunday morning that his best friend’s wife had left him.

What if the Sunday School teacher hadn’t studied because he was laid off last week and was just having a hard time figuring out how to trust God in the midst of his fears about providing for his family.

And what if that nursery worker hadn’t changed your sweet baby’s diaper because she had spent time comforting the child of a visitor who had never been to church before.

What if the people who normally speak to you didn’t because they were checking on a young widow who was back at church for the first time since her husband’s tragic death.

Does that make a difference?

Should it?

Truthfully, not a bit.

Our extension of grace should never be based on our feelings or understanding of a situation.  Instead, we are called to give grace because we have received grace.

And, this is never more true than in our local faith families.  Jesus spoke to this truth plainly:

“A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35, NIV

Love gives grace … willingly.

We must give grace in our words.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6 NIV

We must give grace to prevent conflict.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  Hebrews 12:15 NIV

We must give grace as we serve.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.   1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Am I saying this will be easy?  Nope!  It won’t.  In fact, giving grace is hard.  Giving grace requires laying down self and giving priority to others.  Giving grace necessitates that we let go of our expectations and focus instead on encouraging others.

But time and again, I have seen this truth:  Grace multiplies!

And so my challenge to you is to give grace in your church.  To the pastors, the leaders, the teachers, the nursery workers, the technical crew, and to the people in the pews.

Time and again, give grace!   Not because “they” deserve it but because you didn’t deserve it either.

Have you seen grace multiplied in your church?  How can you give grace this week?

{I’ve also written on this idea of giving grace relating to online relationships for Gather Inspirit.}

 

The Gift of Redemption

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The hardest thing about the Christmas season, to me, is December 26th—the day after Christmas. Partly, this is because I have young children and post-holiday meltdowns are a real thing; however, as an adult, I also struggle with a somewhat negative rush of feelings. After days and weeks of buildup, it’s suddenly all over, and all we have to look forward to are New Year’s Eve (which, if you have young children, isn’t the most thrilling evening on the calendar) and a drop in temperature.

It reminds me of the times our youth group would travel up to senior high camp at our local church camp. The van ride there was just the beginning of a week of bonding, learning, growing, and making memories and inside jokes. But the ride back was a bittersweet time, the magic of the unique togetherness we had breaking apart as we all contemplated going back to our respective homes, schools, and activities.

When we experience highs in life, whether they are spiritual or emotional, we often want the feeling of that moment to go on and on. But seeking those highs or letting them sustain us apart from God only leaves us empty and searching for the next mountaintop moment.

 

Our Hearts Seek the True Gift

 

On Tuesday, Jaime asked us to imagine opening a present to find we had been given the gift of strength. If you were to walk into a room elegantly but humbly decorated with a sense of the sacred, you might see a tree with gifts crowded underneath until the trunk is no longer visible. Upon further inspection, you see that all the gift tags are quite similar. 

 

 

All are signed “Heavenly Father,” “Emmanuel,” “Lamb of God,” “Comforter,” … “Redeemer.” But they are all addressed to “Believers of every tribe, tongue, and nation.” When you lean in even closer, the light seems to shift, and every tag has your name on it. Some might have your first name or your middle name, others have the name your dad called you when you asked to ride on his shoulders or the nickname your best friend gave you in high school.

As you carefully tear the paper on each package, you realize that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights… (James 1:17a). Gifts like hope and strength. Yes, the Father gives good things (Matthew 7:11), and He even uses the evil of others for good (Genesis 50:20) because He is working all things to make His children more like Christ (Romans 8:29). 

“But, wait!” you cry. “I don’t deserve all of this!”

Exactly.

And that’s when you open the final gift. The one that makes all of the other gifts make sense. Redemption. Because you can’t be perfect, you can’t be enough, you can’t earn all of the other gifts God wants to give you, you must first accept this one.

 

Redemption is Necessary

 

Left to our own devices, not just the day after Christmas but our whole lives are empty and devoid of meaning: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,” (1 Peter 1:18, NIV). Since the fall in the garden, all of Adam’s descendants have inherited a sinful nature, complete with futile thinking and darkened hearts (Romans 1:21).

Not only are we broken inside, but we can’t simply will ourselves to God or godliness. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) This falling short is like the image of an archer drawing back his bow and taking aim; yet, the arrow not only misses the mark but doesn’t even come close to the intended target. The Bible is God’s story, inspired by the Holy Spirit, handed down through the ages to reveal His perfect character, purposes, and plan. But there is also a substory of the generations of man who thought, in their own wisdom and self-righteousness, they could work, will, or wish themselves to acceptance, whether from God, their peers, or themselves.

And each and every generation has, without fail experienced failure, sin, and death.

With the exception of one Man.

“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.” —Romans 3:23-24

 

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. —1 Peter 1:18‭-‬19, NIV

 

Because Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life; because He was and is not merely a good teacher or example but Son of God and Son of Man; because he was tempted in the same ways we are—experiencing hunger, thirst, mockery, and betrayal—and withstood the tests (Hebrews 4:15), He alone can be our Redeemer. He alone can “give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He alone can stand in our place, taking our judgment, shame, and punishment, replacing it with righteousness, freedom, and eternal life.

 

Redemption is Costly

 

“No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—that they should live on forever and not see decay.” (Psalms 49:7-9)

 

Recently, my middle child was talking to a friend who was telling him all about a virtual reality headset he had received as a gift. My son asked, “If you were to combine what you spend on my birthday presents and my Christmas presents, would I be able to get one of those?” Laughing, I replied, “Honey, that would take you six years’ worth of birthdays and Christmases!”

This particular child would have to wait almost his whole lifetime over again to be able to earn this kind of extravagant gift; yet, God’s Word tells us that we could give every breath we might ever take on this earth, and it still wouldn’t be enough to ransom the life of another. Life is precious to God. We are the imageo Deo, the image of God; thus, unlike any of His other creatures, He requires “a reckoning”—a settlement of our account with him, which can only be satisfied one way:

“And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” —Genesis 9:5-6

 

It’s a gruesome and beautiful truth: my life is so precious to God that only the lifeblood of another can atone for it. In the New Testament, we see Jesus fulfilling the roles of all the Old Testament sacrifices meant to atone for the sins of the individual and of Israel.

 

“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” —Hebrews 2:17, NIV

 

In Hebrews 9, Christ is revealed to be our High Priest but also our perfect sacrifice. What He accomplished on the cross was:

  • once for all, never needing to be repeated, never running out.
  • by means of His own blood.
  • securing our eternal redemption.
  • purifying our consciences from dead works so we can serve the living God.
  • granting us an eternal inheritance.
  • redeeming us from our transgressions, forgiving our sins.

 

“…But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” —Hebrews 9:26b

 

Redemption is Free

 

Christmas can be full of so many expectations from us that we wonder how we can meet them all and still be Christlike. But Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Cease striving, dear brother or sister. Rest in the knowledge of the truth that He has done what was necessary to give you a gift that can never be taken from you. If you have trusted His work on the cross to save you from your sins and that “empty way of life,” then you are redeemed, and you are His.

Jericho: Walking by Faith

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Being an avid fan of early American history, I can remember vividly how I felt when we moved to Lancaster County. Strolling the streets of downtown or driving around the rolling hills and farmlands, I was overwhelmed by a sense of connection to the people from the past who were once walking these same streets, seeing and falling in love with these same views. Though separated by hundreds of years and radically different cultures we are linked by this common place.

When Jesus walked through Israel with his disciples, they were walking over a land rich with the history of Yahweh showing up, over and over again for his people, calling them to righteousness and saving them by his grace. Can you imagine one of those disciples, growing up in Galilee, knowing the stories of Moses and Joshua by heart? Their world is already turned upside down as they travel with Jesus, but imagine them coming to the plains of Jericho, the place where their ancestors first took possession of the land promised to Abraham. I think I would be geeking out a little.

Jericho’s Walls

Jericho is frequently described as an oasis in the desert of the Jordan Valley. It is the lowest city in the world (800 feet below sea level) and one of the oldest continuous settlement from the earliest days of civilization.

The name, Jericho, is from the Canaanite word for “moon” (yareah) or the Hebrew word for “fragrant” (reah). It is thought to be the center of worship for the Canaanite deity of the moon (Yarikh) and also is known the world over for its sweet-smelling dates and balsam. It is often described as the “city of palms” because of its abundant palm trees but most modern readers remember it for the walls.

In Joshua 3-5 we read about the Israelites crossing over the Jordan River (on dry ground!), rededicating themselves to the covenant, and celebrating their first Passover as inhabitants. In chapter 6, they march around the massive walls of the most impressive city without saying a word for seven days. On the seventh day, they marched the approximate mile around seven times. Finally, they blew their shofars and shouted praises to the Lord. Their marching orders were beyond bizarre, but the Israelites responded in faith, and the walls of the fortified city crumbled in defeat.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” (Heb 11:30)

Sitting in a deep valley between Jerusalem and the Jordan River (just across from where Jesus was baptized), Jericho serves as a gateway to the Promised Land, a place where faith is abundant, and promises are fulfilled.

The Jericho Jesus Knew

By New Testament times the city of Jericho had been rebuilt and resettled by the tribe of Benjamin, hosted a school of prophets, and served a place of rest for David’s men and Elisha. Inhabitants from Jericho were included in the exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Attracted to it beauty and strategic location, Herod the Great built his winter palace, making Jericho again an affluent oasis in the desert.

Stories in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke indicate that Jesus entered Jerusalem (for what we now call Holy Week) by way of Jericho.

Though there are only two brief encounters recorded at Jericho during Jesus’ ministry both stories reflect the faith in action first seen by the Israelites taking possession of Canaan.

Not Short on Faith

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” (Luke 19:1-8)

Zacchaeus was a prominent tax collector which likely means he was cheating his neighbors and getting rich off their suffering. We’re also told he was short and curious about Jesus, so he climbed a tree. It never occurred to him that he was the one Jesus was coming to see. But Jesus did see him and called him by name, inviting him to take part in the promise of his forefathers.

He responded in joy, faith, and repentance. “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (vv. 9-10)

 

Blind No More

“On his way out of town, a beggar by the name of Bartimaeus called out to him, persistently begging for mercy. And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.  And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 46-52)

Mark paints a picture of a desperate man, odds stacked against him. He acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah by calling out “Son of David.” Jesus, likewise, acknowledged his faith and told him to go on his way. Bartimeaus chose to follow Jesus from that day forward.

Interestingly, the name Bartimaeus is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “unclean” and is specifically used in reference to Gentiles. It’s a reminder of another Gentile from Jericho who was rewarded for faith in a god she could not see.

 

An Open Heart

Before crossing the Jordan River and taking Jericho by faith, Joshua sent spies to scope out the city. We read in Joshua 2 that they stayed at the home of Rahab the prostitute, who hid them from the king and told them,

“I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:9-11)

She is one of only five women named in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), and remembered in the Hebrews “Hall of Faith”

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” Hebrews 11:31

Examples of faith in Jericho: Rahab hid the spies, Zacchaeus climbed a tree, and Bartimaeus cried out for mercy. Click To Tweet

A Heritage of Faith

Jesus walked a hard road while he was on earth. As he left the lush and fertile Jericho, he faced an uphill climb to Jerusalem where pain, humiliation, betrayal, and death awaited him. Yet he walked in faith, the security of knowing his Father would fulfill his promise to restore the world through his sacrifice.

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

Pray for Bolivia

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Bolivia is our focus today as we pray for the nations to know Jesus. I have never been to Bolivia, let alone South America, but I know a sweet couple whose hearts are with Bolivia and its people. It is their love for this small, landlocked nation that prompted me to write about how we can pray for Bolivia. I asked them how they pray for Bolivia, and what follows is what I learned.

Upon reading my friend’s list of prayer requests for Bolivia, a word kept coming back to me— impoverished. Economic hardship abounds, but a poverty of spirit and discipleship intensifies the difficulty of daily life in Bolivia.

Economic Realities

Despite a wealth of natural resources, especially mining, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America. Being landlocked limits transportation of valuable goods. Increased government takeovers of the means of production and foreign investment have not yielded better returns for the economy. Lost economic opportunity, decreased political freedom, and government corruption weakens the nation. The government in unable to mount an effective Covid 19 response, crippling life for many in Bolivia. Ask God to intervene in these issues and raise up leaders who will seek justice and care for their fellow citizens.

Give us this day our daily bread… —Matthew 6:11

Crushed Spirits

With a lack of employment and a dismal economy, many engage in destructive behaviors to fill the void. Among these, alcoholism is rampant. It is one of Satan’s weapons of choice as it wreaks havoc in relationships, endangers lives and livelihoods, and creates a general malaise and indifference. Additionally, the enemy uses his cunning to confuse people. Many Bolivians go to churches where mixing indigenous religion with Christianity is acceptable. Pray that God will send missionaries and strengthen Believers to combat the schemes of the enemy, so more can know salvation through Christ alone.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….” —John 14:6

Increased Discipleship

Although these difficulties exist, there is good news. There are churches that preach the truth of God’s Word, Bibles in the languages of the region are accessible, and evangelical churches are growing. Yet there is a need for increased discipleship in churches throughout Bolivia. Low literacy impedes discipleship. Pray for teachers to teach people how to read and study the Bible. Ask God to impart to Bolivian Believers a desire for increased biblical knowledge. Pray that increased discipleship will bring increased unity with other Believers. Joined together, Bolivian Christians can bring Gospel life and transformation to their country.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.  —2 Peter 3:18

Bolivia is our focus today as we pray for the nations to know Jesus. #ChristianMissions

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Learn More

To learn more about praying for Bolivia, visit the following websites:

Prayercast– Bolivia

Operation World– Bolivia

Christmas Tea with Do Not Depart: Series Wrap-Up

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Remembering Christmas Teas of the past, the contributors to Do Not Depart endeavored to recreate the ambience and recall memories that make Christmas— Christmas. In this “wrap-up” post you will find links to every post in the series.

Ultimately the goal of the Christmas Tea series was to celebrate Jesus Christ Emmanuel and our life in Him.

JESUS

The ONE who saves us from sin and death.

CHRIST

The Messiah who frees us from every entanglement.

EMMANUEL

God who is “with us” and in us.

Week 1

Kicking off our series, Ali shared how her baking of Scottish shortbread connects her family to her Scottish roots and identity in Shortbread, Family, and Identity in Christ. As comforting as it is to share family identity, Ali writes about the beauty of our shared identity in Christ. She writes, “We have the same joys (the joy of the Lord is our strength) the same love (we love because He first loved us), and we are connected into the ‘togetherness’ that is His body.”

Week 2

Only a baker at Christmastime, Jaime shares her tried-and-true yeast bread recipe. In her post, His Word Proves True, she explains how baking yeast bread is a practice of patience and promise. Pointing us to The Word Made Flesh, she writes, “Like bread in a proving drawer God’s Word is actively working, even in moments of stillness, to bring about his perfect purpose.”

Once a year Lisa pulls out the recipe for Miss Miriam’s Surprise bars. The bars require some extra work, but the delight of the first bite makes it worth it. In her post, Wait for It– Expect a Surprise from Jesus (+a Christmas Recipe), Lisa reminds us that “It’s the same with Jesus. Sometimes we have to wait a little longer than we expect to see what He’s up to. But His gifts are always worth the wait….His surprises are the best kind.”

Week 3

In The Gift of Presence, I reminisce about my friend Luella, her famous yeast roll recipe, and the gift of her presence in my life. My memories of her prompt me to think of Jesus and His presence as “God with us.” Connecting the two thoughts I wrote, “My friendship with Luella proves that when we connect and encourage one another in love we practice the presence of Christ.

If you listen closely, you will hear the music and laughter spilling out of Shootin’ Star Ranch as you read Grace that Jingles. Jennifer’s vivid account of Christmas spent at her grandparents’ home is alive with grace and joy only Jesus can bring. She writes, “…grace given and grace received free us up for joy, and for laughter.” Her Nana’s Spanish Coffee Cake is sure to delight as well.

Week 4

In her post, The Simple Sweetness of Christmas, Kelli reminds us that Christmas does not have to be complicated, hectic, or crazy. We often make it that way to measure up to an idea of Christmas perfection. She shares a simple fudge recipe to point out that the absolute best things can be simple and sweet. Kelli says, “The first Christmas was messy… but it was simple and sweet and perfect as well.”

In her post, Christmas in a Teacup, guest contributor Marilyn Armstrong shares how our gracious God multiplies our giving, expanding the value of our humble gifts. She writes, “Christmas in a teacup is God’s unending story of giving, persevering, sharing, joy, friendship, and so much more continues to be written.”

Week 5

Rounding out our Christmas Tea series, Cheri Novak, guest contributor, encourages us to build community, despite current circumstances. In The Gift of Community she challenges us, “I hope you will join me in identifying new members of your tribe and finding the ones with whom you can share and receive Christ’s love in the new year.”

Although impossible to replicate a Christmas Tea in a virtual setting, it is my hope that our collected recipes, memories, and reflections on God’s Word have blessed you throughout the Christmas season. A verse Marilyn shared, is a perfect closing for this series:

“Gather the goodwill of Christmas.

Tuck it safely inside your heart.

And give it away, one kind moment at a time, throughout the year.”

— Author Unknown

From all of us at DoNotDepart.com, Happy New Year!

The Gift of Presence

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The aromas and flavors of Christmas evoke memories of Christmases past and the people who made them special. This year I remember my friend Luella; her presence in my life was a gift. What do I remember most? Luella consistently pointed people to Christ’s presence— the BEST gift of all.

Presence Remembered

Now, a member of the “great cloud of witnesses,” Luella Webb was a fixture in my life from elementary school through my early motherhood. In the community she was an artist, home economist, teacher, and an active member of the Body of Christ. To me she was a spiritual mentor and a friend. Luella is exactly who I think of when I read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3:

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

My home is graced with many evidences of Luella’s presence in my life. The most prized, is a recipe that I make every year during the holidays— Luella Webb’s Ice Box Rolls. Mixing, kneading, and pounding the dough, memories of Luella wash over me. I can hear her voice and imagine her presence in the kitchen as I work. My memory of Luella is testimony to God’s work in her life and in mine.

 

Years of milk and butter stains embedding the recipe is proof this is a treasured memento of Luella Webb’s presence in my life.

Perfect Presence

As sweet as the gift of friendship, sweeter still is Christ’s presence. This gift was promised in Isaiah 7:14, and delivered at Jesus’ birth:

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).  Matthew 1:22-23

Thus, the perfectly sinless Jesus entered our world, fully human and fully divine. His was not an aloof presence, no, Jesus served people, engaged the culture, and made a way for us to enjoy His presence forever.

As Believers in Jesus we experience His presence in our lives for eternity from the moment of our salvation. In fact, God gave us the the Holy Spirit so we can know the indwelling of Christ in our hearts.

… according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… Ephesians 3:16-17

Through the help of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s presence in our hearts grows and grows. As our faith matures, may we know more and more the reality of Emmanuel, “God with us.”

Share Christ’s Presence

My friendship with Luella proves that when we connect and encourage one another in love we practice the presence of Christ. Help others experience the BEST gift of all. Who will you share Christ’s presence with today?

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14). Merry Christmas!

When we connect and encourage one another in love we practice the presence of Christ. #JesusChristEmmanuel

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His Word Proves True

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Christmas is the only time of year I fancy myself a baker. Almost any other time of year I can acknowledge my own limitations and go with the store-bought goodies. But something about the holiday season calls me to the kitchen to try my hand at homemade treats. 

Baking is an interesting challenge, equal parts art, and science. Bread, in particular, fascinates me. When done well, there are few accomplishments as satisfying and delicious as a well-baked bread. However, it can be a huge disappointment if even one small element goes wrong. The most accomplished bakers are brought to their knees by the difficulty of baking a perfect loaf. I’ve watched a lot of the Great British Baking Show, so I know what I’m talking about! 

 

I used to think it all came down to the yeast.  A tiny bit of yeast used properly and the dough will double in size. Yeast has to be kneaded; coaxed through and broken down so it will work through the dough. 

Yeast makes for an interesting little metaphor. It is used throughout Scripture as a picture of how quickly and thoroughly influence – good or bad – can spread. Jesus taught his disciples that the kingdom of heaven was like leaven (yeast) hidden (or mixed) into three measures of flour (Matthew 13:33) but he also warned them about the “leaven of the Pharisees”: 

“How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:11-12

 

“This Bread Will Change Your Life”, She Said

A few years ago I found a recipe for Stir and Pour Bread. It was so simple, the blogger’s three-year-old could make it. I watched him do it on the video. Amazing! I gave it a try and managed to make, not one – not two – but three loaves of bread! Each one was perfect and delicious. Sweet success! 

But what about the kneading and the yeast? What about the spiritual analogy?? 

I don’t know exactly why the Stir and Pour bread works so well. But I know bread, once it’s mixed with the yeast, needs time.  That’s the trick. Leaving it alone in the proving drawer for the right amount of time. Unlike other recipes that can be tweaked along the way, once the bread is in the drawer, it’s done. There is nothing you can do to fix it. It either rises correctly or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t rise… well, I suppose there’s always next year!

Give It Time

This has been a long year of waiting.  In chapter 18, verse 30, the Psalmist writes “This God — his way is perfect.  The word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” 

Like bread in a proving drawer (or sitting on the shelf of your counter, like in my house) God’s Word is actively working, even in moments of stillness, to bring about his perfect purpose. 

Like bread in a proving drawer, God’s Word is always actively working, even in moments of stillness, to bring about his perfect purpose. #ChristmasTeaClick To Tweet

Christmas is a time when we remember God as the Keeper of Promises. From the very beginning when Adam and Eve disobeyed, bringing sin into the world, God had a plan for redemption and restoration. As He cursed them, He spoke of the rescue plan that was already in motion. “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15) 

 

But it was thousands of years before this prophecy came true! The people of Israel had to be born, formed into a nation, given a homeland, go through the trials of having a king, and the whole cycle of provision, disobedience, discipline, obedience, and rescue, over and over again. At every step, God reminded them that a permanent solution was coming. His promise would not fail. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon[fn] his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

 

Then for hundreds of years, the people of Israel waited for the Messiah in silence. No more prophecies came until at last, a barren, elderly couple and a young, unmarried woman, heard good news from an angel. Jesus was born and God’s Word proved true. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” Romans 16:20

 

Simple Stir and Pour Bread

Here is the recipe I use to bake bread (it’s from The Heavenly Homemaker) Whether you’re an awesome baker or a mess in the kitchen like me, I hope your baked goods remind you that God keeps His promises! 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole wheat flour (I use freshly ground hard white wheat)
  • 2 teaspoons active rise yeast
  • 2 Tablespoons sucanat or sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 cups warm water

Instructions

  1. Stir all ingredients together.
  2. Cover and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Pour contents into a well-buttered cake pan or 1 well-buttered 9″ loaf pan.
  4. Bake in a 425° oven for 20-25 minutes (cake pan) or in a 350° oven for 45-60 minutes (loaf pan) or until evenly browned.

Notes – If you have egg or dairy allergies, skip the egg and cream and you’ll still turn out a great bread.

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