Greatly Blessed: Dwelling With God

May 5, 2020 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

We’re doing a Bible study of Psalm 84 this month called Greatly Blessed: Dwelling With God. When we dwell with God, we are blessed. What might all of this look like? Especially in trying times? Join us to find out!

We all know that every life has seasons of joy and gladness. But there are also seasons of pain, suffering, and trials.

Where Do We Go When Troubles Come?

That’s a big, but important question. And interestingly, our reactions to crises, regardless of type, reveal much about our theology.

I believe our trials have a unique opportunity to shape us into Christlikeness. As Jesus suffered for us, He kept joy set before Him. This is how He endured the cross! (Hebrews 12:2) The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and by dwelling with Him, we are made strong and joyful.

“While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.” -Timothy Keller

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” – A.W. Tozer

A solid theology always serves us well in life, but especially keeps us anchored to Jesus when the storms of life rock our boats.

The Bible Instructs Us!

God has not left us to wander through trials alone– the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, dwells in our hearts to strengthen and guide us. God has also left us the incredible gift of His holy Word for our encouragement and instruction.

By drawing near to God over the pages of His Word, our faith can mature, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

It’s no secret that when we dwell with God, we are blessed. But why? How? And what might all of this look like? Especially in trying times?

All this month on the blog we’ll be looking at Psalm 84. This beautiful Psalm serves as an excellent reminder that those who dwell with God are blessed! We’ll examine it closely, aiming to answer some questions and make practical application as we dwell with God together.

Join us!

Blessings in Christ,
Ali

A Song for When You’re Sinking

April 24, 2014 by Lindsey 5 Comments

Don’t you just love Peter?

I think one of the main reasons we like him so much is because we can relate to him so easily.

One moment, he’s willing to die for Jesus. The next, he’s running scared. One minute, he’s recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God, the next he’s vying for first place in the kingdom. He’s human…just like us.

Faithful one moment, scared the next.

For example, in Matthew 14, when he saw Jesus walking on water, he courageously decided to get out of the boat and join Jesus in the waves. This was one of Peter’s finest moments.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long: “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30).

When Peter had his eyes on Jesus, he could literally walk on water. But when he took his eyes off his Savior, he began to sink.

Hillsong UNITED sings a popular song based on this Biblical story. The song is called Oceans (Where Feet May Fail). You can listen to the entire song here.

My favorite line from this song might not be the one you would expect. It’s only said one time, but it’s nonetheless powerful: “You’ve never failed and you won’t start now.”

It’s so easy in the midst of a storm to think God is failing us. If He were really here with me, this wouldn’t be happening. If He really loved me like His Word says He does, He wouldn’t allow this into my life.

But God WILL NOT fail us. He never has. He never will.

When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God.

Just as Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, we too can sink when we focus on our circumstances instead of on our God.

When I was going through four consecutive miscarriages, this song reminded me of God’s faithfulness. God had never failed before…and he won’t start now.

Cling to that truth today.

If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it.

What other songs have encouraged you through difficult times?

Tweetables:

“When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.

If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.

Nameless Women in the Gospels

October 3, 2013 by Kathy Howard 5 Comments

We’ve read their stories many times. Their pain and grief jump off the pages of God’s Word. Their desperate need and raw emotion still flow down through the centuries. But the Gospel writers left out one detail. We don’t know their names.

Everywhere Jesus went He met need with power and compassion. The Gospels tell countless stories of healing, deliverance, provision, and freedom.

Sometimes Jesus met the needs of a multitude, like when he multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 plus hungry people. Sometimes Jesus met the need of a group. For instance, He provided wine for a wedding feast and calmed the dangerous storm on the Sea of Galilee to save the twelve.

But most often, Jesus met the need of the one. Up close, personal, intimate. Sometimes the name of the one is included in the story and sometimes it is not.

Throughout October here at Do Not Depart, we will be exploring the nameless women Jesus encountered. Unnamed by the Gospel writers, these women were valuable to Jesus. In compassion and power, He reached out and met their need.

And He knew their names.

Do you ever feel “unnamed?” Just one insignificant person lost in an endless stream of needy people? Jesus knows your name. He knows your need. His power and compassion are sufficient for you today.

Join us through this series. Allow Jesus’ encounters with the “nameless” ones of the Gospels to encourage your heart today.

Have you ever felt “nameless?” How can recognizing that Jesus knows your name and need encourage you today?

It’s our pleasure to serve & follow Jesus

April 16, 2013 by Julie 4 Comments

Where I live, the temperature crept up into the flip flop zone today, and the sky was the color blue that makes you want to stand on top of a hill and spin around. You know what I mean, don’t you? Apparently, this clear, sunny, warm day also made everyone crave Chick-fil-a. Our double drive-thru lines stretched out to the street as cars full of people dangled their hands out of their windows. The employees were not rattled by the masses or the lunchtime challenge. No, if you’re going to work at Chick-fil-a, you have to be ready to answer every customer with a genuine “My pleasure.” Becoming an employee comes with certain expectations.

If anyone serves Jesus, you have to follow him. Becoming a disciple comes with certain expectations.

The Ultimate Servant

Just after announcing that the time had finally come for the Son of Man to be glorified, Jesus explained that when “a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,” it is able to bear a harvest. Knowing that he was about to sacrifice his life on the cross in order to offer the gift of eternal life, Jesus directed his words to those who would serve him and follow him. Instead of recruiting disciples with promises of an easy journey with guaranteed low pain and high prosperity, Jesus told the truth. He was going to be the ultimate servant by surrendering his life for others, and those who want to serve him will be called to do the same.

The Following Servant

To serve Christ the Lord is to be ready to answer every lost person with a genuine desire to sacrifice self as a follower of Christ. It may mean you forego a pleasure in order to make room for someone else. It may mean you give up your own recognition to defer to another person. It may mean you risk your reputation by claiming to know Christ Jesus. It may mean you surrender your life to a government that demands you renounce your faith. It may mean you run into a smoke filled Boston sidewalk just moments after a bombing to carry a victim to safety, because that’s what Jesus did for us in the conflict of eternity.

The Servant’s Truth

It’s unthinkable that we would serve Jesus and not follow him in a daily life of surrender. To be his servant is to be his follower. Modern church culture often sells a watered down version to entice would-be recruits to an easy grace, but Jesus tells it like it really is. Grace came with a high price, and to follow in the steps of the One who paid it, we must also live a life of surrender. For the genuine servant of Christ, it is possible to do the hard work, even the sacrificial work, of following because, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

The Servant’s Promise

The Chick-fil-a job application promises a positive work environment, competitive pay, training, flexible hours, and even fun employee outings. They’re looking for “friendly, enthusiastic people who enjoy serving customers.” That’s awesome if you’re Chick-fil-a, but Jesus asks for more and promises more.

If you serve him, you have to follow him daily, everywhere, even to the hard places.
You have to surrender everything, but you gain everything.
He promised, “If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him,” (John 12:26b).

Jesus glorified his Father by surrendering his life, and he invites us to do the same. “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).

To serve Jesus is to surrender your own agenda and follow him, and as you do, it will be his divine pleasure to welcome you to a present peace with him now and a perfect future with him for eternity.

Has God ever asked you to make a sacrifice as His servant/follower?
What scripture gives you confidence that God will enable you to do the hard things?

Faithful in community

February 7, 2013 by Julie 5 Comments

The believers were scattered and facing persecution when James wrote to them to encourage them in their trials. They struggled to have joy, well aware of their need for wisdom in the difficult things of life. Have you ever been alone in the midst of trying times? Trials are hard enough, but facing them without community is harder.

Accept His community challenge

The message of the book of Hebrew resonates with the echo of encouragement to be full off faith in trials. Tucked inside the tenth chapter of the book, God reveals a key choice that may determine how steadfast we are as individuals. Choose to regularly assemble in one place with others who follow Him. He challenges us to practice this habit in order to be faithful in hard times.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Accept the community urgency

As followers of God recognize the Day of His return coming closer, they will face hardships that tempt them to move from hope to hopeless. Just identifying themselves as a member of His Body may come with a price tag, and they may give us coming together. Some Christ followers will drift away from a culture of love and doing kingdom things. More than ever, God wants the community of faith to gather together to encourage each other to be firm in their faith. By gathering together as His people, we remember who we are in Christ, who God is, why we have power instead of fear, and how light overcomes darkness.

Accept no community substitute

In this day, a scattered community of believers has more ways than ever to overcome isolation. It’s never been easier to network globally, but it’s never been easier to give up “meeting together,” which has the idea of assembling together in one physical place. Technology complements and creates community networks, but it doesn’t take the place of “meeting together.” There’s power in physical presence. We can not experience in reality what we only envision virtually.

Just as God became “God with us,” He urges us to be with each other. He set the precedent of relationship in community. Let’s keep on:

gathering together regularly
in local communities of believers
to spur each other on
to living out our faith
right up until the Day is here!

We will be faithful to the faithful One when we meet together faithfully.

Unshakeable Faith Lesson 7 ~ Faithful in Persecution

November 2, 2012 by Julie 3 Comments

Jesus said that if the world hates Him, the world will hate those who follow Him. Those called by His name should expect persecution. There are some parts of the world where Christians suffer today, but there are other countries where followers of Christ don’t know persecution first hand. Lesson 7 of Unshakeable Faith showed us how those who call themselves by the name of Christ should be ready to share about their hope, fighting back fear of those who oppress them. Today we want to share about women who faced persecution with a strong faith.

If you were unable to see the video click here.

What does the possibility of persecution make you feel? How are you strengthening your faith today so that you are prepared to stand firm in the days ahead?

Let ‘er Rip! Unshakeable Faith lesson Seven

October 29, 2012 by Kathy Howard 3 Comments

This post is the Devotional version of Lesson Seven. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page version) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

Christians around the world are imprisoned, beaten, and even killed because of their faith in Christ. Although the same kind of persecution isn’t prevalent in America, times are changing. Christians have lost favor with popular culture, and the only thing that is not tolerated in our tolerant society is Christianity. How will you respond when persecution hits here at home?

Unshakeable Faith Trait Seven: Prepared to Endure Persecution for the Sake of Christ

Jesus clearly taught Peter and the other apostles they would suffer because they followed Him. Although He warned them to be on guard, He also promised they wouldn’t have to worry about what to say. The Holy Spirit would give them the right words. (See Matthew 10:17-20, Mark 13:9-11.)

Read John 15:18-21. List all the reasons Jesus gives in this passage that explains why the world will persecute His followers.

It is generally accepted that Peter died a martyr’s death under Nero’s persecutions in Rome. But Peter did not let persecution deter him from following Christ. He joyfully endured beatings and imprisonments and continued to spread the Gospel message.

While trials are common to all humans, only Christians will experience persecution because of their faith in Christ. This kind of suffering is a direct result of obedience to God.

Read 1 Peter 3:13-17. List all the instructions Peter gives about how a Christian should prepare for and respond to persecution.

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. Write a summary of the attitudes and actions we should have regarding Christian persecution.

Times are changing quickly. Christians in the United States may well begin to suffer persecution for the name of Christ. Ask God to prepare your heart and mind for the possibility. The Bible promises that when we do suffer we will know Christ more fully and more intimately. Do you desire to know Christ more fully?

Let’s Talk. How do you feel about the possibility of facing persecution? Are you prepared? Are you prepared for persecution?

Spring Cleaning – Unshakeable Faith Lesson Six

October 22, 2012 by Kathy Howard 3 Comments

This post is the Devotional version of Lesson Six. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page version) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

When my children misbehaved, they often avoided me to try to keep me from discovering they had disobeyed. There have been seasons when I avoided God for the same reason. I failed to spend time with Him because I didn’t want to “hear about” the attitude or behavior that displeased Him. The result was a lack of fellowship with God and no sense of His presence. Intimacy with God and rebellion can’t coexist.

Unshakeable Faith Trait Six: Pursues Holiness with Eyes Focused on the Father

Peter wrote clearly and passionately about a Christian’s need for holiness. He knew that holiness is necessary for intimacy with God. He heard this truth many times from Jesus Himself.

Read Matthew 5:8 from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. What is a blessing given to the “pure in heart?”

From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught the importance of a “clean” life, one free from corrupt desire and sin. Peter used the adjective “holy” to call believers to this kind of life.

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16. Peter’s call to holy living begins with a “therefore” in verse 13. Look back at 1 Peter 1:3-4. What is the wonderful truth that deserves our response of a holy life?

How does Peter describe a holy life in verses 13-14?

I don’t want to be far from God when tough times hit. I want to be close enough to God to feel His strong arms around me. What about you? If there is something in your life that’s gotten between you and your Savior, don’t wait another day without going to Him in repentance.

As we strive to live a holy life that is pleasing to God, our intimacy with Him will deepen. We will understand Him better and more fully sense His presence. We will continue to face trials as long as we live in this earthly body. But if we pursue holiness, we will not fall when adversity strikes. We will be unshakeable!

In what ways can a deeper experience with God and a more intimate understanding of Him bless our life and help us in times of trials?

A Mom’s Testimony to Life by the Spirit

October 19, 2012 by Kathy Howard Leave a Comment

This real-life story is an excerpt from “Unshakeable Faith: 8 Traits for Rock-Solid Living.” It demonstrates this week’s faith trait: Lives by the Power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. You can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

How does a mom keep going when she knows she could lose her son any moment? Wende’s answer comes without hesitation. “I couldn’t have done this for five minutes without God.”

Ethan was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition when he was just ten years old. Arterio-venous Malformation (AVM), an abnormal formation of blood vessels in the brain, can cause seizures, hemorrhages, and strokes. Larger AVMs, like Ethan’s, results in progressive neurological deterioration. And a ruptured aneurysm is a daily possibility.

Wende smiles when she describes Ethan’s early childhood years. He was in the gifted program at school, could beat his dad at Chess, and loved to write and garden. Ethan was a beautiful and happy child with a contagious grin.

There was no hint of a problem until ten-year old Ethan’s hands started shaking. It took eight months and several doctors before they received the AVM diagnosis. Shortly after that Ethan suffered a stroke.

The stroke left Ethan with some physical challenges but it did not weaken his spirit or his faith in God. He never asked “Why me?” Instead Ethan firmly believed that God wanted to use his illness for a specific purpose.

Wende agrees completely. “I’ve seen God use Ethan to change people’s lives. They’ve caught his joy. He loved people just the way they are. The way he lived taught people not to get caught up in things that don’t really matter.”

But how did Ethan’s mom cope? Wende remembers a specific moment just days after the diagnosis. “I was washed by an overwhelming sense of God’s peace and I felt God whisper, ‘I’ve got this.’ And I believed Him.”

The Holy Spirit continued to pour peace into Wende’s life. “Those moments were a rest from all the things I had to deal with, so I could keep going.”

Wende experienced the Holy Spirit working in other ways as well. Joy when she was grieving. Strength when she felt weak. The constant awareness of God’s presence and love. And the physical support of God’s people.

After nine years of battling AVM, Ethan went home to heaven. Today, the day after Ethan’s memorial service – Wende is choosing to cling to the peace God continues to provide.

A Mighty Wind – Unshakeable Faith Five

October 15, 2012 by Kathy Howard 3 Comments

This post is the Devotional version of the study intro. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page version) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

Like the wind, we can’t see the Holy Spirit, but we can feel His power and see the effects. If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells inside you. His powerful presence is a gift from the Father. The Spirit equips and enables us to live the life God has purposed for us. And that includes standing firm through the storms of life.

Unshakeable Faith Trait Five: Living by the Power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit

On the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter fell to temptation. He couldn’t stand firm in his own strength. He needed the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would come. Ten days after Jesus’ ascension the promise was fulfilled!

Read Acts 2:1-8. How is the Holy Spirit’s arrival described in verses 2-3? How did He demonstrate His power in the believers?

Read Acts 2:14, 36-41. What difference do you see in Peter compared to the night Jesus was arrested?

Before the Holy Spirit came, Peter was willing in spirit, but weak in his flesh. He deserted and denied Jesus. Fifty days later Peter stood in front of a crowd of thousands and boldly proclaimed Jesus. He called the people to repentance. The Holy Spirit had transformed Simon the fisherman into Peter the rock!

Weak Peter learned that the Spirit of Jesus within him was strong. And he did not fail to teach others what he had learned.

Read 2 Peter 1:3-4. According to verse 3, what has “His divine power” (the Holy Spirit) given us?

When God asks us to serve Him, the Holy Spirit equips us for the task. When God allows trials in our lives, the Spirit gives us the strength to endure. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power within us!

Peter recognized that God, through His Spirit, gives believers everything we need to live the life God wants us to live. Whatever our circumstances, physical weaknesses, limited material resources, or emotional needs, God will supply. The Holy Spirit even gives us everything we need to escape our selfish, evil desires and act like Jesus.

In what current life situations do you need a fresh encounter with the Spirit of God? It might be a trial, temptation, or a call to an overwhelming task.

Stay Alert! – Unshakeable Faith Week 4

October 12, 2012 by Lisa Burgess 18 Comments

What are your valuables? How do you protect them?

How do you protect your most precious treasure—your relationship with God—against temptations to destroy it?

Jesus told Peter to “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38).

In what practical ways can we do that?

[Click here if you can’t see the video above]

What is one of your weak spots? How do you guard against it? Please share.

Don’t Forget to Lock Up! – Unshakeable Faith lesson 4

October 8, 2012 by Kathy Howard 4 Comments

Most of us naturally protect our physical property and the people in our care. We lock doors, screen babysitters, and back up important files on our computers. But how well do we protect ourselves from temptation?

The trials of life can tempt us to be less than completely obedient to God. Sometimes we don’t trust Him enough to follow Him down a hard path. Sometimes we give up on God too quickly and hastily act in our own strength.

Unshakeable Faith Trait Four:

Determined to Stay Alert and Guard Against Temptation

On the night Jesus was betrayed, He warned Peter and the other disciples about the upcoming trial and the temptation it would bring to deny Him. Of course our friend Peter emphatically insisted he would die first! But once again, Peter learned a lesson through the pain of failure.

Read Mark 14:32-41. What did Jesus ask Peter, James, and John to do in verse 38?

To “watch” means to refrain from sleep, keep an alert mind, and be aware of threatening dangers. If the disciples had combined a watchful attitude with prayer, perhaps they could have resisted the temptation to run when Jesus was arrested.

Peter intended to stand by Jesus even if it meant death. But when the testing came, Peter ran. So often we want to obey God, but when tough times come we run.

Peter may have fallen to temptation, but he learned from his failure. In turn, he wanted others to learn from his experience.

Read 1 Peter 5:6-9. Peter gives us four exhortations or “strong recommendations” for action when facing trials and temptations. Each verse begins with one. List them below.

Peter reminds us how much God cares for us in every situation. What might we be tempted to do if we doubt this?

In the NIV, 1 Peter 5:8 reads “Be self-controlled and alert.” That word alert is the same Greek word translated as watch in Mark 14. Peter was listening!

We do not have to yield to temptation. God always provides a way for us to choose obedience (1 Cor 10:13). We don’t sin by enduring trials and facing temptation, but we do sin when we reject God’s way and choose our own.

Where are you weak and susceptible to temptation? What are some specific ways you can guard yourself against these weaknesses?

Unshakeable Faith Week 2 ~ Living with confidence

September 28, 2012 by Julie 4 Comments

How would you describe your daily life right now? Do you have confidence to face the hard things and trials, or do you feel like the trouble could sweep you away?

In our study this week we asked, “Does the identity of Jesus truly matter in the midst of this, our daily lives?”

However we describe our days, let’s be confident in our all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign God!

What do you know about Jesus that makes a difference in your life today?

Unshakeable Faith Testimony ~ Week 1

September 14, 2012 by Julie 8 Comments

On the journey from a shaky to an unshakeable faith, it can be really hard to “count it all joy,” and in the midst of a trial, a “little while” can seem like a long time. Ground Zero in your trial may feel like the loneliest place you’ve ever been, with few rays of sunlight. In those moments, we may lift our eyes heavenward and wonder if God sees us and our pain, if He’s working, and if the disappointment covering us as we tremble in front of that roadblock could possibly be used for good.

As we shore up the foundations of our faith during these weeks together, our team invites you to sit down with us on Fridays as we share first-hand experiences of watching God use trials to strengthen our faith and that of women where we live.

Today I want to share the story of a U-turn, a desperate prayer, and God’s amazing provision in the middle of one woman’s trial. None of it was by chance; it was all part of His perfect plan to give a group of woman Unshakeable Faith.

How is God strengthening YOUR faith this week?

“Unshakeable Faith” Introduction

September 10, 2012 by Kathy Howard 30 Comments

Our fall Bible study starts today! It’s not too late to jump in with us. This post is the Devotional version of the study intro. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page introduction lesson) of today’s lesson in a PDF. There is not a corresponding intro lesson in the book.

Christians Do Have Trials

Many Christian women I love and admire have faced or are facing significant trials like life-threatening illness, divorce, death of a child, and financial hardship. These kinds of situations would knock many people flat. But these women are standing firm on their faith in God. They’ve discovered that God works in the middle of it all for His glory. They are standing on the truth of His Word in the midst of the storm.

It’s vital for us to know what the Bible says about why God allows trials in our lives and how He uses them. Otherwise, we might be thrown off course by false teaching that claims Christians who obey God and have enough faith will experience only prosperity.

What Does the Bible Say About Trials?

Read the following passages and record what the Bible does teach about trials in the lives of believers?

John 16:33
John 15:18-20
2 Timothy 3:12
James 1:2
1 Peter 1:6

Scripture makes it clear that believers will face trials and difficulties. However, as we continue to faithfully follow God, those trials are never wasted. He uses them to refine our faith, shape our character, work out His purposes, and bring glory to Himself. And yes, God does care about every aspect of our physical well-being. But He cares even more about our eternal well-being.

Are You Ready?

Are you ready for the inevitable trials of life? You can have a faith that will stand rock-solid whatever comes your way. Over the next eight weeks we will discover eight faith traits God instilled in Peter to grow his faith from shaky to unshakeable! Our goal for this study is to allow God to do in our lives what He did in Peter’s. Are you ready?

Group discussion: What trials and difficulties have you encountered that have threatened to shake your faith in Christ? Can you see how God was working in them?

This post is the Devotional version of the study intro. You can also access the Quick Study (2 page introduction lesson) of today’s lesson in a PDF. If you want to do the Full Study you can purchase the book on Amazon or CBD.

You’re Invited to Join Us in “Unshakeable Faith”

August 22, 2012 by Kathy Howard

We women are usually prepared for anything. We carry snacks for hunger pangs and tiny sewing kits for loose buttons. We have dozens of hamburger recipes to carry us through the end of the month when money is tight. But is our faith prepared for hard times? Will it stand firm when the trials of life inevitably come or will it be shaken? We can have an unshakeable faith that will weather any storm!

Online study starting September 10

Please join us as we study “Unshakeable Faith: 8 Traits for Rock-Solid Living” right here at Do Not Depart beginning Monday, September 10.^th I am honored to share this 8-week Bible study with you! “Unshakeable Faith” explores 8 key “faith traits” found in the life of Peter. We will see how God used Peter’s relationship with Jesus to transform his weak, fragile faith – that once denied Jesus – into a faith that stood firm even in the face of death.

Three options/One Community

Doing this study online allows for some great flexibility. You will have the option of participating at three different levels designed to meet the time constraints of busy women.

Devotional – The Monday posts will share some brief insight about that week’s faith trait, give a Scripture to read, and ask a couple of questions for reflection. You will be able to read this in a few minutes.
Quick Study – For those women who have a bit more time, the Monday posts will include a link to a 2-page lesson to download and complete. The quick study covers that week’s topic a bit more thoroughly and gives more Scripture to read and questions to answer.
Full Study – For those who would like to do the full study, you can purchase the book and work through it as we cover the traits here online.

Of course we want all of you to interact with us here at Do Not Depart. We will begin discussion with Monday’s post and continue it through the week. On Fridays, one of the DND team members will post a story or vlog corresponding with that week’s faith trait.

Enter to Win!

We will kick-off the study Monday, September 10^th with an introductory lesson on what the Bible says about trials in Christians’ lives. But before then, we want to give away several copies of “Unshakeable Faith!” Entries will close Monday, August 27 and winners will be announced Wednesday, August 29. You can enter up to three times: GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED