Ali Shaw, Author at Do Not Depart

About Ali Shaw

Ali Shaw can’t believe how blessed her life is! Wife of 20+ years. Momma to three daughters (two that she’s still homeschooling). She serves on the HelloMornings Leadership Team… and is just in awe that God will use a regular girl like her! Woven with practical insight, her writing lovingly encourages other women to seek God daily through the reading and study of His Word. She’s learning to serve her Precious Lord more and more, day by day. She blogs at Heartfelt Reflections. Read more posts by Ali

Let Your Light Shine

February 10, 2022 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

When I was a kid, my family lived about a year without electricity, in a remote area of Colorado. We had no neighbors for miles. No electricity was even available to us at our little corner of the world, because no poles or cables even came close to our property. That meant no street lights (had there even been a street), and no city lights in the distance. When it got dark, it was dark! Old fashioned oil lamps lit our living room and bedrooms as dusk arrived. A little light expelled a lot of darkness.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His followers that they were the light of the world. Since we are also His followers, those words apply to us, too:

14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jesus calls His followers a light and then compares us to a lamp. That simple statement tells us a lot!

A Lamp Held High

In Jesus’ day, the Roman Empire was nearing its peak. So the lamp we should imagine was likely much improved from the small, flattened, bowl-like “lamp” of King David’s time, 1,000 years before. The lamp Jesus referred to was likely a bit more like what we’d typically imagine – a lamp with a longer handle and small spout, with the flame arising from the top. However, this lamp was still pretty small and needed to be elevated so that its light could be cast farther.

Even if Jesus’ listeners had the smaller, older style of lamp, this same principle is true. To be effective, someone must place the lamp on a stand, not under a basket! Because the flame was so small and many baskets in Jesus’ day were large and tightly woven, placing a basket on top was nonsensical; it would completely extinguish the light!

Though we are “the light of the world” we are also like that little lamp. A lamp that hasn’t been lit has no light to shed of its own accord. No, we are like an unlit lamp until we receive the true light into our hearts. Another flame, or Light, has to come along and light us: Jesus.

Then we can shine brightly in the darkness.

…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… (Philippians 2:15)

A City on a Hill

Let’s think for a minute about the imagery used in these verses.

It may seem obvious, but Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on a… well… a little mountain or hill. When He mentioned the words, “city on a hill,” they could easily imagine a city right there in one of the hills around them, all lit up in the dark of night, a beacon of safety and protection. A city that couldn’t be hidden.

What a reminder that we, too, aren’t hidden. If we are true Christ followers, then we shine His light from within us, through our actions (our “good works” in verse 16), for the world to see.

Look what Barnes’ Notes on the Bible has to say about the “city on a hill”:

“Perhaps Jesus pointed to such a city, and told his disciples that they were like it. Their actions could not be hid. The eyes of the world were upon them. They must be seen; and as this was the case, they ought to be holy, harmless, and undefiled.”

Light in the Darkness

Today, a church (the Church of the Beatitudes) marks the spot where we believe Jesus gave this sermon. It’s on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Interestingly, that area is known for its black basalt. The homes built in that area in Jesus’ day were made of the black rock. If the home even had any windows, they were typically very small. I’m sure you can imagine the importance of light in such a setting! And wouldn’t even the smallest of flames contrast greatly against such a dismal environment?

I’m sure that Jesus’ original listeners understood it firsthand: the light seems to shine brighter when the night is so dark.

Jesus Is the True Light

The only way we can shine Jesus’ light is to first have His light within us. Like the lamp that needs another flame to light it, we need Jesus.

4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. …9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:4-5, 9-13)

12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

Because Jesus is fully God, we know that He is light, because the Bible tells us that God is light. It isn’t part of who He is, or something that He has, but it’s His very essence.

God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

It’s only once we’ve experienced Jesus, the light of life, that we can then shine His light.

We Share and Reflect His Light

So, what does it mean to “shine?”

According to John 5:16 (found above), we shine by letting others see the “good works” that result from having Jesus in our lives. Other parts of the Bible might call this fruit. When we have Jesus’ Holy Spirit within us, there will be a result: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (The list in Galatians 5:22-23 is not exhaustive, but indicative of the result of the Holy Spirit in a Believer’s life.)

When others see this light from our “lamp”, they, too, can give glory to the Father!

As Christians, it is our job to shine in the darkness. It is our privilege, honor, and responsibility to be Christ’s representatives, His ambassadors, in this dark, spiritually starved world. And the most beautiful part of that is that we don’t have to shine alone! We have the Spirit’s help and the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Like Paul did in the Book of Acts, we share the Gospel, shining God’s light to others to:

…open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. (Acts 26:18)

Interesting Facts about Light

Did you know that a wave of light never stops going? I recently learned that even a tiny lightwave will continue shining forever. Forever! It never fades or burns out. Apparently, the only way to get it to stop it from traveling is to block it or absorb it (like with a shadow). I’m not super sciency, so the fact that light travels forever surprised me!

I also learned that a single candle flame on a dark night can be seen by the naked eye for over a mile and half. Binoculars make it visible for over 10 miles.

These simple facts illustrate this: Jesus’ light will never stop. He will always be the true light of life. Because God is light, and in Him is no darkness. And when He puts His light in me, my little candle can shine brightly in my dark little corner, bringing glory to the Father.

Until He calls me home to Him.

How are you shining His light in your dark corner? Let’s shine brightly and give Him all the glory!

Blessings,

Ali

Jesus is the Way

January 11, 2022 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog, we are examining the names of Jesus, and this month we start with “the Way.”

When my daughters were old enough to hold the chunky shapes in their chubby fists, the shape sorter toy came out of the toy bin and we’d play with it together. To get the square into the bucket, we’d carefully turn the shape in just the right way so that it would fit through the corresponding square-shaped hole. The star went through the star-shaped hole; the circle went through the circle-shaped hole, and so on. As my toddler daughters tried to put a star into the square, they found that it didn’t work. It wasn’t the right way to play with this toy.

We live in an age where many ways seem right— a “you do it your way, I’ll do it mine” mentality. And while that might be ok (even healthy) in some scenarios, there is one area where this way of thinking just doesn’t work.

Jesus is the Way

There is a way, and His name is Jesus. Let’s look at John 14:6 and talk about it a bit together.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In this short verse, Jesus is making a very big claim. He is saying that there is only one way to get to God, and He is it!

But what does that really mean?

Please forgive my imperfect analogy, but it’s a little like my shape sorter. There is only one right shape that can fit through its matching hole. When the shape and hole don’t match, the toy doesn’t work. (I know, I know– technically, it won’t work if you try to put the correct piece in sideways or off-center and so forth, but we’ll ignore that. Let’s just focus on needing the right piece.)

In our case, there is only one right “hole” to get to God. It’s a Jesus-shaped hole. So, we must be shaped like Him in order to pass through. How can this happen? Well, since Jesus is the Way, we must come to Jesus in saving faith. Then we get the Holy Spirit. The Spirit in us (“Jesus in our hearts”) matches the Jesus-shaped hole, so we can then go right on through to the Father’s presence.

It’s so simple!

And yet, it’s beautifully rich. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son (John 3:16) to save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:21, John 10:9) All we must do is confess His Lordship and believe in Him. (Romans 10:9) He then washes us clean (1 John 1:7, Hebrews 10:10). That’s all it takes to get the Jesus-shape in order to “fit into the hole” (have access to God). Then we can have a relationship with God the Father. And with that relationship comes eternal salvation! But not only that– there is also fruit of the Spirit, companionship with God and others, grace, peace, guidance, strength, and more.

This Way is a Relief

Toddlers often struggle when they play with a shape sorter by themselves. Getting the right shape and then fitting it in correctly can be a struggle. This reminds me a little of how it looks when we humans try to save ourselves on our own power.

We can look at the world around us to see how humans have tried either to get to God apart from Christ or tried to work their own salvation.

Money, power, fame, security, and health aren’t evil, but if we are relying on them to be our salvation they will fail us every time. If we put them before God, they become our idols. We’ll never be satisfied and we’ll never feel secure enough. There’s always something to work toward and the bar usually winds up raising just a little higher. (After all, for just one example, how much money is really enough?) These things just aren’t the Way.

There is great relief in trusting Jesus! Rather than struggling to make our own way, like struggling to fit a star into a square-shaped hole, we can rest in Jesus. He is the perfect sacrifice to open the door to God the Father. He has already done everything that needed to be done to fulfill God’s requirements. All we must do is come to Him in childlike faith, yoking ourselves to Him.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Praise God for sending His Son, Jesus, to be the Way! I pray we all rest in His easy yoke today.

In Christ, the very precious Way,
Ali

The Gift of Hope

December 9, 2021 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

(This post about the Gift of Hope is the second in our new series on Unwrapping Christmas: Gifts From Jesus.)

Hope. It’s a word we often see at Christmastime on decorations, ornaments, and in Christmas cards. We hear it in Christmas songs and hymns. And this Christmas– almost two years into this new life with Covid— it stands out as a special, treasured, and even coveted promise of God.

We hope. And we long for hope.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…. (Ephesians 1:3)

Like this verse mentions, and Cheli said in the introduction to this series, Jesus has given us innumerable blessings. One of those blessings is hope.

Let’s unwrap that.

What Is Hope?

Years ago, I did a study on the English word hope. I found that some researchers say, etymologically speaking, that the word is closely tied to the word “hop.” The idea is that hope makes one lean forward expectantly, moving forward with a leap of certain belief, toward something positive and wonderful. Hope. Hop. As a visual person who loves words, this image made total sense to me. I never saw the word hope the same way!

Look closely at the idea of what hope entails:

It is expectant
It moves forward
It takes leaps (a mark of trust)
With certainty
With belief (both from the head and the heart)
Toward something positive and wonderful (God)

Easton’s Bible Dictionary expounds on hope, saying: “Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity.”

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

I love the words above from Easton. He refers to the three Christian virtues mentioned in the verse from 1 Corinthians – faith, hope, and love. These three are so fundamental to Christianity, that if you stripped them away what’s left would be unrecognizable. After all, what on earth would our religion (our relationship with Christ) look like if we didn’t have hope? Hope is tied so closely to faith, I might propose that if you loosened the knot of hope, the string of faith would unravel.

Have you seen someone lose all hope? And then lose their faith? (Of course, one could argue that they might not have had true saving faith in the first place, but that is another discussion.)

Hope is crucial to a forward movement. Without it, we would spiritually stall and wither.

There’s something beautiful about hope; like faith and love, hope can grow. As we use it, practice it, rely on God through it, it strengthens and develops. (Because He works that growth in us!)

How Is Hope “Spiritual?”

Though it isn’t listed as a “spiritual gift,” hope is indeed a gift that is given to us by God. We were “saved in hope:”

²³Not only this, but we ourselves also, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves while we await eagerly our adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴For in hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵But if we hope for what we do not see, we await it eagerly with patient endurance. (Romans 8:23-25)

And God Himself is the God of hope:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

We have the power to hope when there seems to be no hope. Through this miraculous gift of hope, God gives us comfort. Hope is founded on truth and gives us confidence – because it affirms what we know in our heads and enables us to feel that knowledge in our hearts.

When I was in labor with my youngest child, I was told to walk for one hour. And so I did. My contractions became increasingly powerful but the hour wasn’t up, so I kept walking. When labor grew so intense that I could barely continue, I forced myself to think “One foot in front of the other… one foot in front of the other…” And somehow, I kept moving.

This experience reminds me a bit of the way hope works. When life is at its hardest, hope propels us forward in faith as we remind ourselves that God is safe to hope in. Then, He helps us to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

3 And not only this, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces patient endurance, 4 and patient endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3–5)

What Hope Isn’t

Biblical hope isn’t merely a wish. We definitely can misuse the word. As in, “Mommy, I hope I get a pony for Christmas!” But that is the expression of a wish, and that isn’t what hope is. Instead, hope is planted in what’s real and true. (A’hem… Jesus.)

Hope also isn’t a simplistic, unrealistic frivolity that doesn’t take things seriously. No, hope can see exactly how bad the finances are, how serious the health issue, how dangerous the condition, how daunting the task, how impossible the circumstances… and yet still believe and trust in the God who can handle it all.

Hope doesn’t put faith in the things of this world. Hope knows that what’s most important is the unseen God who is working for His glory and our eternal good. Hope looks far forward, past the diagnosis, through the crisis, over the mess, and beyond the fear.

Hope doesn’t go it alone. If all this hope sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is… almost. We can only have hope because of Christ. And as Believers, we have Christ’s Holy Spirit in our hearts. That means He’s with us. We aren’t alone– and He can enable us to hope when hope seems impossible! (See? That hope really is too good, but it’s true.)

Who is the Object of our Hope?

I’ve hinted at this throughout, but true hope isn’t necessarily something we can have apart from God.

As Christians, we place our hope for salvation in Jesus Christ alone. (Remember, we hope confidently, being completely assured of our salvation– as I’ve explained above, this is more than a wish or an uncertainty!)

Yes, we hope in our mighty and loving God for our deliverance, future, provision, and care.

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” (Romans 8:24)

What’s the Result of Hope?

Hope increases and sustains our faith. As we are sustained in our faith through hope, we continue to look for God’s activity. As we look, we find. And when we see Him working in our lives (or in the lives of those we love and pray for), our faith is strengthened. That makes us hope more! It becomes a cycle with a snowball effect— round and round, growing and growing.

Seeing God at work makes us confident we will see Him work again. We see evidence that He is trustworthy which increases our hope of His work in the future. This matures our faith.

Hope Trusts, Regardless

But what about when we hope for something that doesn’t happen? Or when the prayers don’t get answered in the way we want? What about when we hope for a healing, provision, job, reconciliation, or what have you, and it just doesn’t come?

Hope trusts God, regardless. And that’s when things get hard. Or actually, maybe a better way to look at it would be this: that’s when it gets simple. (Admittedly that doesn’t mean it’s easy.)

Sometimes it’s hard to hope in God– when things don’t go like we planned, or like we wanted. But the simple thing to do is to trust God anyway. Hope is realistic, remember? That means that a true, biblical hope keeps in mind that God knows best. Even when God chooses differently than what we’d like. (If you struggle with this, read Job chapters 39-42. It’ll help your perspective.)

In other words? A hopeful heart is a submissive heart.

Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, the ones who hope for his loyal love. (Psalm 147:11)

Reflecting on Hope

As you reflect on this year, or even the past couple of years, what would you say God has taught you about hope? Has He given you special opportunities to practice it? To rely on Him through it? Thank Him for that.

As we spend the rest of the month focusing on Christmas, I challenge you to remember the fullness of the hope that came those two-thousand years ago. Each time you see a nativity, let it be a reminder to stop and praise God for His innumerable blessings! Praise God for sending His Son, Jesus— the gift of hope to the world!

Merry Christmas,

Ali

David Brainerd: Serving While Suffering

September 9, 2021 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

David Brainerd intrigued me from the get go.

I learned about this young missionary from the 1700’s around ten years ago, while I was doing some research for a Bible study I was writing. I discovered that he suffered greatly from depression and physical illness, yet he continued in faithful service to the Lord, blazing trails as he took the gospel to the lost.

Knowing of his intense suffering, specifically with a mental health struggle common to modern times, made me view him as ultra-relatable.

God Can…

I’ve read about missionaries who had adventures in the jungles and encounters with people who welcomed them lovingly. I’d also heard about spiritual oppression that ended with a powerful testimony to God’s victory. (…You know, the types of stories that make little kids want to go out and be missionaries, too!)

These stories are exciting and powerful — and I’m so thankful for them and for God’s mighty activity of spreading the gospel. But they aren’t the only type of missionary stories that exist.

David Brainerd’s story, on the other hand, is the type that makes my heart weep with compassion, sympathy, and empathy.

God can use anyone. He can use someone who suffers intensely from mental health struggles. He can use someone with physical illness (or multiple physical illnesses.) Not only can He, but He does!

Praise God! When we hand our lives to Him, for His purposes, He will use us. And sometimes that means that we serve exactly how we are, and right where we are.

For reasons I could never guess, God didn’t heal Brainerd. He used him in spite of his mental and physical health. And Brainerd? He just kept plodding along faithfully. He pursued the Savior and shared Him with others, blazing trails (both figuratively and literally) all while obeying God’s call on His life.

His Story

So just who is this man of whom John Wesley said, “Let every preacher read carefully The Life of David Brainerd.” (Referencing a book about him.)

David Brainerd lived in Connecticut in the early 1700’s. He heard “God’s call” as a young man and so he went to Yale in order to receive the credentials that were necessary at the time to become a minister. All the while he attended school, he was very ill with a disease (likely tuberculosis).

Just two short years into his education, he criticized both his tutor for a lack of grace and the Rector for administering fines to “over-zealous” students. The result? Yale expelled him.

This crushed Brianerd! At this time and place in history, he couldn’t preach without a degree. But he didn’t allow this to stop him from obeying God’s call on his life. David continued on, remaining faithful in obedience and devout in prayer. He continued to look for an avenue in which He could obey the Lord’s call to service.

“Here I am, Lord, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom.” – A prayer from David Brainerd

What a lesson for us! When God calls, we should obey – despite the obstacles.

David Brainerd decided to pursue missions, where he would not need a degree. Interestingly, the Honorable Society of Scotland hired the American man from Connecticut and ordained him to be a missionary.

His health was such a factor, they hired him to stay put. He stayed in the northeast and became a missionary to the American Indians right there in that region. He worked tirelessly, traveling by horseback during the day, camping at night, and sharing the gospel everywhere he went.

God answered his prayer.

Once, while traveling for missions, he was caught in a horrible storm. He plodded along in the cold wind and rain, having no food and no shelter. He would likely have died, except that God provided a hollow tree and later, food– by means of a little squirrel who dropped nuts at the tree’s entrance.

It’s absolutely incredible isn’t it? God’s faithfulness is so beautiful!

Jonathan Edwards, the famed preacher of the Great Awakening, took an interest in David Brainerd and invited him into his home many times, especially in his final months. As he became more and more ill, probably as a result of his tireless service, he resided there.

Edward’s 17 year old daughter, Jerusha, was very touched by Brainerd’s love for God and passion to follow Him. It is reported that the two fell in love. She became Brainerd’s caretaker until he died at just 29 years old. (Jerusha herself became ill, possibly from caring for David, and died just four months later. Her father had her buried beside him.)

Serving While Suffering

Look at this excerpt from his diary:

“Thursday, April 7. Appeared to myself exceeding (sic) ignorant, weak, helpless, unworthy, and altogether unequal to my work. It seemed to me I should never do any service or have any success among the Indians. My soul was weary of my life; I longed for deaths beyond measure. When I thought of any godly soul departed, my soul was ready to envy him his privilege, thinking, `Oh, when will my turn come! must it be years first!’” (David Brainerd)

When I imagine Brainerd, depressed, sick, and weary, plodding along in the cold wind and rain with no food or shelter in sight, I think of “serving, while suffering.”

His story seems so relatable, doesn’t it?

That could be any of us, plodding along in service, despite how we feel. That could be you, wanting desperately to follow God’s call but seeing every obstacle pop up right in front of you, time and again. It could be her who wanted the education, but couldn’t get it. …Or me, feeling unworthy and unequal to my work.

It could be any of us, not understanding why God doesn’t heal, and then longing for death.

Friends, life is hard and sometimes ugly, but God can use us despite all that.

Obedience At All Costs

Brainerd’s story reminds me to obey, no matter what, and let God’s work be done. I’m not sure of all the souls that came to know Jesus because of Brainerd, but his work was considered by many to be successful. Yet, his story doesn’t have what most would call a “happy ending,” which maybe gives a lasting impression of his intense daily battle with depression and illness.

Though I would love to paint a beautiful and happy ending onto the story of his life, I think doing so would miss the point. Brainerd’s life was a portrait of obedience at all costs.

And that, my friends, is what serving Jesus is all about. It’s about going all in. It’s about submitting your whole life and will to His Lordship. (And yes, I know that’s easier said than done.)

May the Savior use us all… and help us to serve Him wholeheartedly. In spite of any suffering we may experience, may we be found serving while suffering. May we blaze trails and share Jesus — even if God calls us to share Him exactly how we are and right where we are.

I leave you with this passage from 2 Corinthians that comes to mind when I think of David Brainerd:

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Read more about David Brainerd here, in this biography written by Jonathan Edwards.

Blessings and prayers for faithful service to the Lord,
Ali

A Place Prepared

August 5, 2021 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

This is the first in our new series, “Hearts Toward Heaven,” a contemplation on the hope of Heaven and what we know from Scripture about eternity in unity with our Lord.

The Appeals of Heaven

Heaven has always had so many appeals to me! …An eternity with Jesus, experiencing perfection, sinlessness, freedom from struggle, ultimate peace, and harmony.

But after the stillbirth of my third born daughter, my heart longed for heaven in brand new ways. It wasn’t as though the same things didn’t appeal to me, it was that I was looking at them from a different vantage point. From the new position, it was as if I could see more.

Instead of heaven feeling like something that was “over there” and “someday,” I saw it as something I had a personal stake in. Like part of my heart was there now.

I considered things about heaven that I would have never considered before facing such a major loss. Maybe you have experienced the same because you have loved ones there as well?

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

The verses above brought me so much comfort during my time of grief. To say my heart was troubled was an understatement. Shattered, broken, or ripped out would have been a better description. But as I read the passage above, Jesus’ words were like a sweet, soothing balm.

They still are.

Jesus promises a place with Him in eternity. And like King David (in the Old Testament) said of his child who passed away, “I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23, NLT) So I know that Jesus’ promise of eternity is for those who believe in Him (me), yet also for my baby daughter who never had the opportunity to believe.

A Place Prepared: Not Yet… and Now

Because Jesus died for our sins and then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, he makes “a place” for us. (John 14:2) It was this action that guarantees that any who believe in Him are promised eternal life. Ultimately, the place He makes isn’t just heaven (although that is part of it), but it’s also the “place” of restored and reconciled relationship with God. It’s Jesus (the Way) Himself. (John 14:6) (Read more about this HERE at the Gospel Coalition.)

The beauty of Jesus being the Way to that place is that we get a deposit on heaven right now in this life through the indwelling of Jesus’ Holy Spirit.

Yes, being reunited with loved ones who have already passed on to be with Jesus is a huge appeal of heaven. (The reality of this truth is intensely joyous for me!) But having Jesus now — in this life — gives great comfort and hope! It points our hearts toward heaven where we will experience Him completely unhindered by the enemy, the world, and the flesh… for all eternity!

There’s promise for the “not yet” and for the “now.”

How beautiful!

How does this passage point your heart toward heaven? Share in the comments.

Jesus prepares a place for us. How does that point our hearts toward heaven? What does it mean for the “not yet” and the “now?” #HeartsTowardHeaven

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Ali

Bethlehem: The Entrance of the Savior

June 3, 2021 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

In today’s blog post, we’ll take a look at the little town of Bethlehem in our series, Where Jesus Walked.

Bethlehem, the Little Town

Around 2,000 years ago, a tiny, somewhat insignificant town welcomed the birth of the precious baby that would change the world forever. Jesus Christ was born in the quiet town of Bethlehem (which means “house of bread”). Bethlehem was (and is) located on the outskirts of Jerusalem in Judea.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (Luke 2:4-6)

Prior to the birth of Christ, Bethlehem only had one real claim to fame. The New Testament passage above tells us that it was the “city of David.” If we trace the genealogy of the famous Old Testament King David, as Luke and Matthew do in the New Testament, we find that David was the great-grandson of the Moabitess, Ruth, and her second husband, Boaz.

Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem… Ruth 4:11

King David was living in Bethlehem when Samuel came to anoint the young shepherd boy to be the next king after Saul.

So, as tiny as it was, it became important since it was King David’s hometown. (We see the same thing happen today with small towns that yield celebrities who “put the town on the map.”)

Bethlehem became even more significant when Joseph and a (likely) very pregnant Mary traveled there to be listed on the Roman census report. Mary’s baby, Jesus, was born after their arrival and was was laid in the ever-famous manger because there was no room in the inn.

A Picture of Bethlehem

Bethlehem. Can you imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of the ancient little town? Dirt roads (and dirty feet), braying donkeys, bleating sheep, smelly animal odors, laughing, working families, and playing children. Real life.

I think a little of the quiet country community where my parents live— a community with no real “town.” It boasts of a small general store (yes, those do still exist), a post office, a gas station on the highway, and a little restaurant. That’s about all.

The people in my parents’ town are hard-working land owners — some with cattle or sheep. And most must travel to the nearby larger towns or to the city for work and necessities. It’s the way of life.

I imagine Bethlehem was similar.

At the time when Jesus was born, it is estimated by some that the population was likely to be around 1,000 people or less, though the town may have had an influx of people at the time of the nativity, due to the census being taken. Today, there are about 28,000 residents in this town

Bethlehem is situated high in the Judean Hills, almost 100 feet above Jerusalem, the town now would experienced hot summers and cool winter just as it did in Jesus’ day. It lies about 6 miles south of Jerusalem. Six miles isn’t far in a car but on foot at an average pace it can take about 2 hours to walk 6 miles.

This distance and separation is likely one that Jesus’ family felt as they passed Jerusalem to reach Bethlehem before He was born. (Jesus Himself likely felt the separation during the times He spent in Jerusalem. I wonder if He had family in the little village that He visited or often thought of. But I’m getting ahead of myself…)

How Long Was Jesus in Bethlehem?

Our series is titled Where Jesus Walked. The focus is the locations where Jesus made an impact on the world through His physical presence and ministry. But there’s a hint of irony here; we don’t know how much “walking” Jesus actually did in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem may very well be the first place Jesus ever set His feet to the ground, learning to toddle and walk. But because of its importance in Jesus’ birth (and therefore life and ministry), we’d be wrong to exclude it from our series.

By using the Massacre of the Innocents (see Matthew 2:16-18) as a way to gauge the passing of time, we can safely assume that Jesus must have been younger than about two years old when Joseph was warned in a dream to escape to Egypt. Jesus’ little family then fled to save our Savior’s life. (Matthew 2:13-15)

The Bible gives no indication that Jesus ever returned to Bethlehem after His birth. He may have, but if He did it is not recorded. We have no stories of famous sermons given in Bethlehem nor words recorded from encounters with the people who lived there.

Nothing.

Yet, this “house of bread” was the location God chose to send us the very Bread of Life.

Bethlehem: An expression of Christ’s Love

In two main ways, I think of Bethlehem as an expression of Christ’s love. First, it’s important for us to recognize that though He could have chosen a bustling city or the wealthiest trading town, He chose a poor, quiet village where shepherds watched flocks and grain was harvested.

This serves as a reminder that God sees and cares about what the world might deem insignificant or unimportant. No place nor person escapes His notice and love!

But not only does Bethlehem remind us that God loves even the insignificant or unimportant, we see that God loves the entire world. God Himself, in the second person of the Trinity (Jesus Christ), entered the world with the purpose of taking mankind’s sin upon Himself– to be the ultimate sacrifice! God welcomes into His family (and promises heaven to) any who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

How is Bethlehem an expression of Christ’s love? How does it demonstrate the fact that God provides? Come check it out on DoNotDepart.com #WhereJesusWalked

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Providing Bread for the Whole World

Patti wrote about Bethlehem and said, “The Hebrew for Bethlehem is two words – beth (house of) and lehem (bread.) Thus Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread.’ Jesus was born in the ‘house of bread’ – how fitting that He called Himself the bread of life!”

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

God Provides. Just as God provided manna for the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years, He provides spiritual sustenance for Believers today. Jesus Christ is the true, everlasting Manna from Heaven. He is the eternal provision for our souls… of whom if we “eat” we will never hunger again.

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” (John 6:32)

As I wrote here about the manna and quail and how God Provides, “Ultimately, God provides Himself. And that, my friend, is our greatest need!”

Historicity

Cheli told us in the intro to this series, “The Gospel accounts are rooted in reality— real places, real people, and real time. The New Testament chronicles His [Jesus’] movement and provides details reinforced by archaeology. Ours is not a flimsy faith based on half-truths and fables; Christian faith is bolstered by its historicity.”

Parts of the earth itself cradled the (physical) feet of our Savior. What love! Jesus left His home in heaven to come into this world to die for us. His grace and mercy are unfathomable. Aren’t you thankful?!

What stands out to you most about Bethlehem as the entrance point of the Savior? Share your thoughts here in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Blessings!
Ali

Beautiful Psalms – Psalm 121

May 19, 2021 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

For the remainder of this month, we will be doing a short series on Beautiful Psalms. We’ll share some of our favorites with you and how God has used them to teach or encourage us over the years. In today’s post, we remember that Psalm 121 reminds us of God’s love and watchful care. We pray you’ll be blessed by this series.

Growing up, one of my favorite movies was The Sound of Music. From the time I was a very little girl, I was intrigued by the storyline and loved the fun, lively songs. While the reason for Maria’s dilemma about whether to stay with the Von Trapp family or head back to the abbey where she’d been raised was over my head, I found myself drawn in when she (in desperation) discussed her worries with the calm and wise Mother Abbess.

There was something about the abbess’s quiet and firm personal faith that gave me hope for Maria and hope for a good resolution to the story. I didn’t realize until my early teen years that Mother Abbess was alluding to Psalm 121 when she reminded Maria to lift up her eyes to the hills… to where her help comes from. (And of course, a fitting song followed!)

Something about those words gave me great hope and, as years passed, I grew to love them even more. They give so much encouragement! The word of the Lord is powerful, even when quoted indirectly as a line in a movie.

About 15 years ago, my daughters and I set out to memorize all of Psalm 121. Planting the words firmly in my heart and mind have served me well. When I’ve struggled physically, emotionally, or spiritually, they have soothed me and reminded me that God is my protector and strength.

(A few years ago, right here on DoNotDepart, we had a memory challenge based on this Psalm. Did you memorize Psalm 121 with us?)

Overview of Psalm 121

Psalm 121 is a “Song of Ascents.” Worshipers coming to the Temple would sing this psalm together as they climbed the hills to reach Jerusalem. This psalm’s origination is interesting because, like Lisa stated here, “We don’t know who wrote this Psalm, when, or on what occasion. But we can understand why: To build confidence in the Lord’s care.”

Psalm 121:1-2

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

In these first two verses, the psalmist encourages others to remember that help comes from the Lord. The original reciters of this psalm looked up on their journey, toward the hills of Jerusalem, and remembered God’s presence in the Temple. Similarly, we can look to God’s beautiful creation and remember our Helper is a powerful Creator! Since He created heaven and earth, He can easily take care of me.

Psalm 121:3-4

3 He will not let your foot be moved;

he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:3-4)

Not only does God take care of us, but He is always on duty. I love the reminder that He never “slumbers nor sleeps.” Though I don’t always see Him working, and perhaps I don’t always feel His presence, He is protecting me. (Yes, I have been through both of those situations.) These two verses have given me great comfort in times of grief, worry, and fear.

Instead of relying on feelings or even by my interpretation of my experiences, I can trust in this truth: God will not let me be moved. He keeps me from “slipping and falling” spiritually. (Of course, this doesn’t rule out my need to be obedient. It means that He is ever faithful to watch over me!)

Psalm 121:5-6

5The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

6The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night. (Psalm 121:5-6)

The original pilgrims heading toward Jerusalem would have encountered the heat and sun of the Middle East, yet God Himself is their shade. As a Central Texas girl, the analogy of dangerous heat and sun is something I can understand. A hot, sunny day can go from beautiful to dangerous in a matter of minutes, in certain situations.

What a beautiful reminder that when our Christian walk gets tough (as inevitably happens) God provides us with rest in His shade. That promise in verse 5 reminds me of the safe, green pastures of Psalm 23:2 and the shadow of the Almighty in Psalm 91:1. God gives us rest and keeps us safe from hurt. Instead of being struck down by the heat of the sun’s powerful rays, we are promised a reprieve. And no matter how scary the night may seem (literally or metaphorically), God will protect us then, too!

Psalm 121:7-8

7The LORD will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

8The LORD will keep

your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121:7-8)

These verses give so much hope! Not only does the Lord watch and protect us now as we travel our pilgrim roads (life), He will keep us safe in the future– for our entire lives.

“When we go out in youth to begin life, and come in at the end to die, we shall experience the same keeping. Our exits and our entrances are under one protection.” (Charles H. Spurgeon)

The original audience likely would have understood the “going out” and “coming in” to refer to their entrance into and exit out of Jerusalem, but they are also symbolic of all the goings on in a person’s whole life, and even of life itself.

Yes, every time we come and go (in other words, every time we do anything) we can be confident that God is with us. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a Believer’s seal, reminding us of this truth. Like little children learn in Sunday School, we can know God is always with us because Jesus lives in our hearts!

Look to the Hills, or to the…

Many of us will likely never go to Jerusalem. But we don’t have to be on a pilgrimage, looking to those hilltops in order to praise along with the psalmist.

No, we can praise God as we lift up our eyes to other hills or to the brilliant stars, mackerel clouds, budding flowers, trilling songbirds, and… you get the picture! His creation reminds us that He is powerful. He will take care of us, protect us, and always be with us!

Has this Psalm ever encouraged you? Or has looking toward God’s creation reminded you about His faithful protection? Please share with us in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Be blessed in all your goings out and your comings in!

We can look to God’s beautiful creation and remember our Helper is a powerful! He is an ever-faithful protector. #BeautifulPsalms #Psalm121

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In Him,

Ali

What Did You Say? Using Kind Words in the Home

February 4, 2021 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

In today’s post, we will be examining the importance of Using Kind Words in the Home. #WordsOfLife

What Did You Say?

I remember thinking that my mother had eyes on the back of her head and sensitive ears that could almost pick up my thoughts!

When I became a mother, I inherited those things, as most moms do.

That’s why my young daughters and I often sang a particular Bible verse. (I would create a simple tune to help our memory verses “stick” a little better.) Knowing (and applying) this verse was so important! The version of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we learned was worded this way:

“Be kind to one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

I explained to my girls that this meant using kind and helpful words (accompanied by a kind and helpful attitude). It meant encouraging and supporting one another, being helpful, showing respect, and graciously offering words of honesty paired with love.

Over my many years as a mother and wife, I’ve learned about the peace, encouragement, and harmony that can result in a home from words offered in love and given at the right time.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Be Kind

We probably all know others who have been carefully instructed in what to say. You know, people who use manners, say “please” and “thank you,” and apologize at the right time. But when people do those things and you know fully well that they don’t mean it, a bad taste gets left in your mouth. We crave honesty with kindness!

The Bible tells us to be kind, but it also tells us that what comes out of us comes from within us.

The source of our words is our heart. (I wrote about this last summer in this post.)

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. (Matthew 12:33–35)

When the source (our hearts) is pure, the outcome (our words) will be pure. The reverse is also true. If the source is impure, the outcome will be, too. Fix the source, fix the problem!

Yes, our words come from our hearts, so if we see a problem, we must fix the source. We must work on our heart-attitude and our relationship with God. We can do this by confession, prayer, asking for God’s direct help, asking a trusted mentor for tips or advice, and watching our “input” (meaning, what we fill our minds with.)

I’ve heard it said that “words” and “swords” have the exact same letters and that words can be swords if we aren’t careful. Unfortunately, words can be powerful weapons that hurt others and destroy relationships. In families, unkind words can cause depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, anger, disrespect, bitterness, broken relationships, and more.

That’s all really heavy stuff! But it serves as a reminder of the weight and importance of watching our “output.” (Notice: When we watch our “input” it helps with our “output.”)

Build Each Other Up

The verse in Thessalonians tells us to “be kind” and “build each other up.” But on a practical level, what does that look like and how do we do it?

Like I stated in this post, kind and pure words:

…are the result of having the Spirit dwelling in our hearts, so they look like Him [God].

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24)

Yes, kind and pure words are words that reflect God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… You get the idea. And we women need to use them, model them, teach them, and encourage their use within our homes. Even when it’s hard. (Especially when it’s hard?) Even when the other person doesn’t seem to deserve it. (Because who really does?) And even when we’re tired, grumpy, and overworked. (Because, don’t our families need our constant love and faithfulness?)

After all, rather than using words that destroy and tear down, a wise woman uses words that build others up.

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1, NLT)

When our words are kind and encouraging, we show ourselves safe and trustworthy. Our spouse, children, and loved ones know that they can come to us openly and honestly. We prove ourselves a reliable and solid “rock.”

Neither we, nor our families, will speak kindly all the time, but it is something we can strive for. We can allow God to set the bar high (because He has) and we can be gracious with ourselves and our families as we aim for that bar.

And we can thank God for sending the Spirit who guides and helps us! He is faithful!

Share in the comments how God has reminded you about the importance of kind words.

Using Kind Words in the Home. It’s important! When we use kind words, we reflect God’s love. #WordsOfLife

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Don’t Be Afraid: Let Go of Control (And Surrender to God)

January 7, 2021 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

What does it say about God’s nature that we should Let Go of Control and Surrender to God? How is control tied to fear? We’ll examine both of those questions in this post— the first in our series, Let Go and Know He is God.

We Aren’t in Control Anyway

God has shown me over and over again in my life that I am not really in control.

Twenty-twenty has been no exception. (Can I get an amen?)

I’m a “gracious” and relaxed Type-A personality. I like to do things right (whatever that means) and I tend to be a perfectionist. That said, I don’t hold others to that same standard. I’m flexible, gracious, and forgiving with others but sometimes struggle to be this way with myself.

In this post about fear and God’s protection, I describe myself this way:

I’m a so-called “creature of habit” and I’m most comfortable being comfortable. I like knowing what to expect and don’t typically care for change. And when things inevitably do change, it makes me feel a little (or a lot) insecure.

You see, I am not a controlling person, but I like to have a measure of control. Make sense? Control means feeling secure, because I know what to expect. Control means that I never have to step outside of my comfort zone. Ever.

And even if I needed to do something that wasn’t routine or normal for me, having control would mean that I’d be completely prepared to do that.

But that’s not real life. And that’s not what God has asked of me. It’s not what He asks of any of us.

Yes, God has shown me repeatedly that I’m not in control. I think He does this for many reasons, but mostly I think it’s to remind me that He’s in charge. Not me. (And to remind me of that is a good and loving thing for Him to do!)

Do we have some measure of control? Of course! After all, self-control is one aspect of the Spirit’s fruit. But ultimately? We aren’t the ones running the show.

And that’s a good thing!

So Why Do We Want Control?

The answer to that question is multifold and probably different for every person. But I’d bet that many of us want control because of the same reasons I hit on above.

Now, I’m not digging super deep into the Biblical doctrine of mankind here, but on a superficial level, control makes most of us feel secure. Control can be rooted in fear, pride, and self-reliance. Whatever the root, the absence of control leaves most of us feeling insecure and afraid.

And fear*? Well, that’s a powerful thing! It keeps us paralyzed and immobile. It keeps us from boldly stepping out of our comfort zones and into God’s best plans for us. (*I’m not talking about rational fears like being afraid to walk out in front of a moving bus. I’m referring to what the Bible calls the “spirit of fear” in 2 Timothy 1:7.)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Yep, we humans tend to want stability, and we often look to ourselves to get it — thinking that if we control everything “just so” we can build security for ourselves.

Surrender to God’s Control

Mankind strives to gain control for ourselves, but God has a better way! Rather than continually learning the hard way that we aren’t in control, God has given us the opportunity to surrender to His control and the unique spiritual stability that only He can give. Isn’t that amazing?

This type of surrender is an act and display of our faith in God. But what does this opportunity-of-surrender that He gives us say about Him? What does it say about His divine nature?

We can surrender to the Lord because He is sovereign. As followers of Christ we get the privilege of stepping out in faith (even if and when it’s difficult) and growing stronger because He is sovereign and in control.

We can safely trust in the fact that He works behind the scenes on behalf of His children, working all things together for our eternal, spiritual good, and for His ultimate glory.

Mankind strives to gain control for ourselves, but God has a better way! God has given us the opportunity to surrender to His control and the unique spiritual stability that only He can give. #LetGoAndKnow

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What is God’s Sovereignty?

God’s sovereignty is the fact that He is in control. Whatever He wills, He brings about.

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10)

I wrote these words in this post about Hoping in God’s Sovereignty:

The easiest way to define God’s sovereignty is that, ultimately, He is in charge. He has the right to do whatever He decides is best, and He has the power to accomplish His will.

Knowing that He is always good, and that He is love, helps us see that whatever He decides is best is best— for our eternal good and for His glory. And even when things are hard (or even terrible), knowing that we are in good, loving, and capable hands brings comfort. Even in the most dire situations, and even when our limited human perspective just can’t see it, God is working His good and perfect plan!

Twenty-twenty has been incredibly difficult for so many of us. Some of us have experienced illness, loss, strife, suffering, financial hardship, and the death of loved ones.

But sisters in Christ, it’s right, wise, and obedient for us to submit to His sovereignty and trust in His ability to work all things together for good. (Romans 8:28) There is nothing too big for our God to handle. He is so very worthy of our surrender!

Submitting to God and surrendering to His control brings us to the safest and most peace-giving place to be!

“God can do more with my surrender than I can do with my control.” – Stephen Heleman

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8 a)

God is sovereign! He is so very worthy of our surrender. We can submit to His sovereignty and trust in His ability to work all things together for good. #LetGoAndKnow

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Do you need to let go of control? He is sovereign and completely worthy of our faith and trust! Let’s take a step of faith today and surrender to God.

Blessings in Christ,
Ali

Shortbread, Family, and Identity in Christ

December 3, 2020 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

Throughout the month of December, we are hosting a virtual Christmas Tea, and in this post I share about Shortbread, Family, and Identity in Christ.

My Christmastime memories often are tied to sweet creations with my mother. Growing up, I loved baking with mom!

One of my favorite things to do was to bake cookies. Measuring ingredients, creaming butter, mixing dough– I loved it all!

It was a happy and joyful time filled with love and laughter, and delicious smells emanating from the oven.

As most kids do, I thoroughly enjoyed every cookie that we made, but I definitely had my favorite, and it’s still one of my favorites today. I love the simple, golden, buttery taste of shortbread.

Family Identity

My ancestry is a bit of a “Heinz 57” mix, and one part of that mix is Scottish. As mom and I baked shortbread she would often tell me that it was no wonder I liked it so much, since the shortbread and I were both Scottish!

As a child, I found her little joke intriguing. Could I really like something just because my ancestors liked it, and because I was somehow connected to them? And though I didn’t have words for it then as a small child, it made me feel like I belonged. I felt connected with a long family line that went way before me, full of people I would never get to know.

Yet we had something in common… a love for this little golden treat!

And when I grew up, I passed down the recipe to my children and used the same simple opportunity of Christmastime baking to teach my girls (without them even realizing they were being taught) that love, joy, and togetherness is a privilege that can flow from one’s identity.

Identity in Christ

Simple traditions, like baking Shortbread cookies, can express and remind us of our identity in Christ.

Just as a little Christmas-cookie baking could teach me about my familial identity, spending time with the Lord teaches me about my identity in Christ. Though I will never get to meet most of my siblings in the family of God, I know that we are united together.

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.

And this is why Jesus came, isn’t it? He came to offer eternal life and complete reconciliation with God to those who believe; He came to welcome any who would receive Him into His family. We belong with Christ; we are His children.

Resting in this truth (resting in Him) gives us peace that passes understanding. Cheli said in the intro post to this series, “It is my prayer that you will know the hope, peace, joy, and love of God throughout the Christmas season.”

It feels pretty delicious to belong and to know who you are. It brings us hope, peace, joy, and love!

Sottish Shortbread Recipe

If you would like to make Scottish Shortbread that tastes like what I grew up eating, here is my recipe:

1 Stick of butter, plus 3 Tablespoons (room temperature)
½ cup of powdered sugar
1 ½ cups plus 2 Tablespoons of flour
Pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Cream the butter and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until it’s fluffy.
Sift the flour and salt into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
Press the dough into a 9 inch pie pan and prick the surface with a fork. Score it into 16 or 20 wedges (as if you were slicing pieces of pie), cutting only halfway through the dough.
Bake for about 50 minutes, or until it is firm in the center and golden on the edges.
Cool in the pan, then flip out onto a cutting board and slice through the score marks to serve.

What simple traditions do you do with your family that express or remind you of your identity in Christ?

Share with us in the comments.

Simple traditions, like baking Shortbread cookies, can express and remind us of our identity in Christ. Read more on the blog. #JesusChristEmmanuel #ChristmasTea

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May you be blessed sweetly as you draw near Christ and focus on your identity in Him.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Ali

Renewed: Wrap Up of Colossians 3:1-17 Bible Study

November 26, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

This post is the wrap up for our monthlong, online Bible study focusing on Colossians 3:1-17 called, Renewed: Putting on the New Self.

Have you enjoyed our Bible study this month? We’ve focused on what is some have called the “guidelines for holy living” found in Colossians 3:1-17. Like I mentioned in the introductory post to this series, “This passage is a rich description of what the ‘risen life’ looks like— a life of union with Christ. This sort of Christian living is the kind that puts away earthly things in favor of heavenly ones.”

Posts in This Study:

Introduction and Verses 1-2:

In our first post, I looked at verses 1 and 2 and what it means to seek Christ and set our minds on things above, “not on the things of the earth. This type of shift in our mindset will most certainly renew us. Our Savior is so very worthy of being the center of our attention!” Let’s seek (actively look for and pursue) knowing Christ more intimately.

Verses 3-4:

How can you live a renewed life today? What does it mean to put away earthly things to live for Christ, your life? In this post, I closely examine verses 3-4 and look at what it means to put on the new self and look to the Savior as the example of how to live, serve, and love others. Instead of following any teaching that goes against what Jesus taught, we follow Christ and exalt Him as our living Teacher of truth.

Verses 5-7:

Jaime says, “These three verses sum up exactly how much we need a savior! We cannot master the sin nature on our own. But Jesus did conquer it. He put to death the earthly desires freeing us from their grip. And because Jesus was put to death, we can live in freedom, reconciled to God. Because He conquered the grave, we live renewed.”

Verses 8-10:

Lisa tells us that verses 8-9 remind us not to “dress” in the outdated “clothes” of who we were before Christ. Instead, we should “put on the new self.” (Colossians 3:10) This wardrobe works because these new clothes are Christ Himself. And He’s already perfect. We are renewed because of who Jesus is, not because of who we are. We’ve been given a wardrobe update. Let’s put it on and wear it well. It fits us perfectly.

Verses 11-13:

Cheli shows us how these verses give a detailed description of what being clothed in Christ looks like. “Regular rhythms of prayer, scripture study, and Bible memorization direct our hearts and minds to conform to Christ. With our new clothes we can “be Christ” to the world. Being clothed in Christ renews our identity, character, and action. We can set our hearts on Christ by seeking unity in the body of Christ, putting on His righteousness, and forgiving others as He has graciously forgiven us.”

Verses 14-15:

Jennifer shares, “I am amazed to see what is packed into these two little verses: Put on love. Be ruled by peace. By contentedly thankful. Wow. That can certainly transform our home. But how? Our hearts grow in love, peace, and gratitude when our eyes lift from our present circumstances up to worship our Lord and delight in the things of God.”

Verses 16-17:

Kelli reminds us that we can’t live a “renewed life” in our own power; it must a result of the Holy Spirit! If we try to be good on our own “our goodness will run out. We’d find our old ways creeping back in — anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language (v 8) just to name a few. As we live our renewed lives may we never forget to hold fast to Christ! How does this look? 1) by letting the word of Christ dwell in us and 2) doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

We are so glad that you came along with us on our study of Colossians 3:1-17. We pray that it blessed you.

Don’t miss the wrap up of our monthlong, online Bible study focusing on Colossians 3:1-17. #Renewed

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Happy Thanksgiving!

We also want to take a minute to let you know that when we’re counting our blessings this Thanksgiving, we count you among them. We appreciate our readers, and are blessed when you comment, message us, share our materials, and exalt the Savior along side us. To God be all the glory!

May you and yours have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! May you rejoice in gratitude that you can live life Renewed in Christ.

In Him,
Ali

A Life Hidden in Christ: Colossians 3:3-4

November 5, 2020 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

In today’s post, the second part of our study Renewed: Putting on the New Self, we look at Colossians 3:3-4 and discuss A Life Hidden in Christ.

Let’s look together at the verses we’ll be studying in this post.

3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

For You Have Died…

When we become Believers in Jesus Christ, something amazing happens! Our dead spirits are quickened to new life in Him, and our sinful old flesh dies as it is crucified with Christ.

It’s pretty amazing when you think about it; it almost makes my head spin. People without Jesus walk around feeling so alive, but they are dead of spirit. And people with Jesus feel so alive and renewed spiritually (and rightly so, because we are!), but they “have died.” (Colossians 3:3)

What does it mean that we “have died?” This section of Colossians connects to some previous verses where Paul was explaining things to the Believers in Colossae. In Colossians 2:20 we read,

“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you… [do these things…]” (Colossians 2:20)

Going back a bit further, we see this,

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human traditions, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

When we look at all of this together, we see that Paul was explaining to the church at Colossae that when they became Christians, they died to “elemental spirits of the world,” who are spirits whose teaching goes against Christ. Their teaching is empty and deceitful and is passed down through humans, but ultimately comes from Satan.

We have died to that teaching! We’ve also died to following ourselves. (See below.) We follow Christ and exalt Him as our living Teacher of truth.

“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)

Your Life Is Hidden With Christ

I love the reminder that when God looks at me, He sees Jesus in my heart. It’s such an elementary principle that even young children can understand. And it’s so precious!

It’s simple to understand, but it’s a theologically deep truth. Because Christ is in me, and I am in His hands, my life is “hidden” in Him.

It reminds me of when my daughters were little. Outside on a bright sunny day, they would hide their shadows in mine. They all but disappeared, but of course, we both knew they were still standing their on the sidewalk with me; they were just hidden.

This is a bit how it is with Christ. Of course, as His saved children, we are always “in Him.” But we also know that we should seek to stay right there in His shadow! That is a beautiful and wise place to be! When we step outside of His will, it never fares well for us.

As we study this entire passage (vv. 1-17) God will show us some specifics of what being hidden with Christ looks like on a practical level. As I stated in the introduction to this series,

“This particular portion of Scripture has been called “guidelines for holy living.” But we must be careful not to read it as simply a list of rules to follow. There are directives to obey, yes, but the focus is Christ! We tend to want to make passages like this about us, don’t we? It’s good to remember that the aim of a holy life is to glorify Jesus.”

Christ, Who Is Your Life

What does Paul mean when he says, “When Christ, who is your life…?” I think the Book of John gives us insight.

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…’” (John 11:25)

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)

Yes, Christ is our life! Whether we live and act like it, or we don’t, it remains true. This truth should result in the worshipful obedience of holy living (as we’ll see farther along in the passage.)

When He Appears…

Christ is coming back! He will return and rule His kingdom for 1,000 years (see Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelations 19 and 20). The doctrine of future things is very complex and I feel like I know so little. But this I know for certain: He will return.

And when He does, it will be a powerful and glorious event!

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)

And what a privilege and honor for us to be allowed to appear with Him in glory! Wow!

What a process of renewal it is and will be, isn’t it? From death to life to glory? God is incredible and He loves us so much.

He is worth living for. Let’s live renewed today!

What do you need to do or what do you need to pray in response to today’s Bible study? What is God laying on your heart?

Jesus is worth living for! What can we learn from Colossians 3:3-4 about a godly life and living #Renewed ?

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Be blessed as you put away earthly things to live for Christ, your life, today. Put on the new self and look to the Savior as the example of how to live, serve, and love others.

Hidden in Christ,
Ali

Renewed: Putting on the New Self (A Study on Colossians 3:1-17)

November 3, 2020 by Ali Shaw 4 Comments

All this month on the blog, we’ll be doing an online Bible study focusing on Colossians 3:1-17 called, Renewed: Putting on the New Self. In this post we’ll discuss Colossians 3, verses 1 and 2.

Why Study Colossians 3:1-17?

This passage is a rich description of what the “risen life” looks like— a life of union with Christ. This sort of Christian living is the kind that puts away earthly things in favor of heavenly ones. Rather than seeking and pursuing the old way of life (before a saving faith in Jesus), its goal is to live as someone renewed. That is, putting on the new self and looking to the Savior as the example of how to live, serve, and love others.

This particular portion of Scripture has been called “guidelines for holy living.” But we must be careful not to read it as simply a list of rules to follow. There are directives to obey, yes, but the focus is Christ! We tend to want to make passages like this about us, don’t we? It’s good to remember that the aim of a holy life is to glorify Jesus.

As we study, let’s remember to invite the Holy Spirit in to do His work of guiding, counseling, and pruning us for the glory of Christ. May we draw near God and be filled with the fruit of His Spirit!

Now let’s start the study by looking closely at verses 1 and 2.

Seek the Things…

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite games was Hide and Seek. I didn’t really like to be “it,” though. I always preferred hiding! I loved finding a tiny little space, wedging myself in, and staying as still as I could be. I was the kind of kid that hid so well I often couldn’t be found.

But I didn’t like seeking very much. It was harder work and less exciting. It seemed like a chore. And you earned being “it” by losing– by being found when you were the one hiding. What fun is that? And for me, matters only got worse when I couldn’t find the people I sought. That was always a bummer of defeat.

But not all seeking is a boring, defeating chore!

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)

What we seek matters! In the verse above, we are told to seek heavenly things, where Christ Himself is. Paul wrote these words to the church at Colossae to remind them that as children of God, as Believers in Jesus Christ, they are to seek (actively look for and pursue) knowing Christ more intimately. (Wow!)

These words are for us, too. What a beautiful and rewarding thing to seek!

Set Your Minds…

Not only are we told to seek the things above, but we’re told to set our minds on the things above.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

I love how this verse has a contrast. I know it’s for greater emphasis. We’re told to set our minds on heavenly, spiritual things not on something else. I’m sure you see what it is.

Exactly. We are not to set our minds on the things of the earth.

I may be the only one, but it seems easy to read the first part of that verse and say, “Ok! Got it! ‘Set my mind on things above.’ I’ll work on that!” But without hearing the last part of the verse I might not stop and analyze (you know, do a heart check), “Wait, not on earthly things? Uh-oh, am I doing that? Oh, boy… I sure am.”

Reminders

It’s that reminder of what not to do that makes the passage hit home for me. It helps me see and remember a few things:

I need Christ’s help to seek Him and set my mind on Him.
The things of this world really try to catch my attention. (Sometimes the world – and what’s happening in it – seems like the most important thing, but it isn’t!)
This world is only temporary. I shouldn’t put my faith or hope in it!
I am a citizen of heaven, therefore Christ is my ultimate focus.
I am told to seek Him and set my mind on Him because He knows this is best. He promises He can be found when I pursue Him. (Matthew 7:7)

This world will disappoint us. There will be strife, pain, suffering, turmoil— you name it. That sounds so depressing, doesn’t it? But Jesus is the good news!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

What a promise! Let’s seek Him and set our minds on things above, not on the things of the earth. This type of shift in our mindset will most certainly renew us. Our Savior is so very worthy of being the center of our attention!

We hope you’ll join us the rest of the month as we focus on what it means to be Renewed. We’ll set our minds on Christ and look to Him as our example for Christian living, allowing our hearts to overflow with gratitude because of who He is and all He has done.

Join us for #Renewed – a study of Colossians 3:1-17. Let’s set our minds on Christ and look to Him as our example for Christian living.

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How are you setting your mind on Him today?

In Him,
Ali

Finding the (Almost) Perfect Bible Study Spot

October 8, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

This post is intended to help you find the (almost) perfect Bible study spot. It’s the first post in our series, Life-long Learners, where we share glimpses of our processes for studying the word. We hope to offer you encouragement, inspiration, and resources for your own times of study!

I love to read and study God’s Word!

I started reading my Bible when I was very young. I remember reading in my KJV illustrated Bible as early as 5 years old. Of course, I wasn’t really old enough to read most of the words, but I loved opening my full length Bible and hunting down the illustrations of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and Jesus walking on the water. When I was about 8 years old, I’d stay up late, pouring over the pages. In middle school, I would read the Bible aloud to the wall, just because I loved to hear the words out loud. But, it really wasn’t until high school that I began studying.

Over the past almost 30 years, my studying has changed, developed, grown, and changed more. Some of that is just the result of maturing spiritually. Some, though, is simply because different seasons have brought different dynamics and presented various challenges to my studies. All of it has been a journey of walking with the Savior and meeting with Him over the pages of His Word.

As these changes and this growth have taken place, I’ve adjusted the location of my studies. Here are three tips for finding the (almost) perfect spot to do your Bible studies, based on your current season. (“Almost” perfect because we all know that a perfect spot doesn’t exist, this side of heaven!)

Season: The Busy “Snacker”

In this season of life you are tired and on the go! Taking the kids to one event after another, waking to feed that baby in the middle of the night, or maybe headed out the door to care for aging parents. Life is busy and you are hungry! But long hours of time in the Word sounds like a dream too good to be true. Where and how can you have a productive Bible study session?

Spot: When you are in a season that is beyond your control externally, remember, God still wants you to be still and know that He is God. Find a quiet spot if you can (because your life probably isn’t quiet and you’re likely hungry for this). Maybe it’s in your bed in the morning, before your feet ever hit the floor? Because you know once they do they’ll be running non-stop! Or, you may need a portable, on-the-go spot (like your car) where you can have a few minutes of uninterrupted study. Here are some other ideas:

Put a verse on your phone’s lock screen. When you wake up, lay in bed and read it several times. (Lockscreen = less distractions!) Try to memorize it, then look for something to apply (do) and something to pray.
Listen to an audio Bible while you get ready for work. Turn the listening into study by stating out loud what you’ve learned and what passage you listened to.
Study God’s Word by listening to a Bible study podcast or sermon in the car.
At the breakfast table, read a few verses and write down quick questions that you’ll look into “someday” when you have time. (Then, someday, actually look them up.)
On your lunch break, or when the baby naps, read a short Bible passage and look for truths, promises, and commands.
Leave 5 minutes early for work, or plan to be home 5 minutes “late.” Before you get out of the car, spend those 5 minutes studying and praying about a short passage.

Season: Time for Tea

In this season, you have the time to devote to your voracious appetite for Scripture. Maybe you are unmarried, have no kids, or you have kids who are older. You just seem to be in a quiet season and can finally devote larger blocks of time to digging in deep! You are ready to read, absorb, discover, apply, and gain good Bible literacy.

Spot: If you have Time for Tea you might have (finally?) have time to devote to studying God’s Word each day, meet with a small group, do some homework, grab coffee with your Bible study teacher, and hop back into the Word to get some questions answered. (Not all in one day!) A great place for you to do your work is at a table, desk, or spread out on the couch or floor. You’ll likely have your Bible open, need space for your Bible study book, notebook or journal, pens, and coffee. You’ll want room to spread out all your things, write thoughtful responses, and look things up. Comfort is important because you may be here a while, but you’ll also need a functional space. You may even need access to a computer to do light research.

Here are some ideas:

Set up a permanent area where you’ll have space. (This could be a corner or a room or closet)
No space for a permanent area? Set up a portable “office.” Use a bin or basket to store your materials. Tuck them away and bring them out each day.
Look for a quiet spot with no distractions, since you’ll be there a while.
Ask yourself: Do I need music? Do I need a window? Or do these things steal my focus?
Do I need a table top, desk, or lap desk? Do I need a comfy chair and blanket, or do I need to study in a more “academic” environment?
In addition to the above suggestions, don’t forget to think outside the box. A portable “office” can be taken outside, to a coffee shop, and so on. Or, use your nightstand and bed and study when you first wake up or before you go to sleep.

Season: Delighting in Dessert

Are you delighted by the dessert of God’s Word– lingering on the sweetness of the honey-filled Word? You may be interested in theology, context studies, original languages and word studies, intended audience, verse mapping, and more. You may have a whole notebook of things you’ve learned and things you are studying. You likely have multiple reference books, or you have access to study books and resources online.

Spot: If you are “delighting in dessert” you know you need space– and maybe multiple spaces. You may need access to multiple resources and a computer almost every time you sit down so you can do deep research. You’ll need a table top surface to put your reference books, notebooks, and studies on as you work. You may even be prepping for classes that you lead. If your space gets crowded, consider a separate, comfy spot for prayer, away from the “work-zone” of your place of study.

As God has taken you deeper into His Word and you have the time to spend, you’ve likely realized what space is (or spaces are) most comfortable for you. You might have a permanent area or a portable “office.”
You may need an office bookshelf to store reference books and studies.
Ask: Do I need a separate prayer spot, away from my work zone?
Ask: Do I need a separate spot for “my” time with God, away from my work zone? (This is helpful if you are a teacher who finds herself often studying to pour into others. Don’t forget your personal “me time” with God!)

Seasons

These seasons above sound cut and dry. But we all know that real life isn’t like that. Sometimes we find ourselves in a snacking (busier than usual) season but we’re snacking on dessert… or maybe we have time on our hands and yet we aren’t spiritually hungering like we should. Or maybe we look at ourselves and see that we’re a mix of all seasons at the same time. Those sorts of things happen. That’s life!

The seasons also sound like they progress in spiritual maturity. In a way, sure, they can— but not entirely. We all know spiritually mature women with little time, or who get surprised by seasons where external factors press in so hard there is little time to devote to study. Bible study time in and of itself is absolutely not the sole indicator of spiritual depth or maturity.

Seasons change and the question isn’t, “Will I hunger?” The question really is, “What will I do with my hunger? How will I let Jesus satisfy it?”

What season am I in? How does that affect where I’ll do my Bible study? How do I chose the (almost) perfect spot? #LifelongLearners

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Solutions?

As we think creatively, we can come up with solutions for our season and find a good place to study the way He’s leading us.

Over the years, I have studied God’s Word:

On my couch or in a recliner
In a rocking chair holding a baby
In bed
Beside my bed on the floor (I call this the “wake up and roll out” technique. I mastered this at one point because it was my only opportunity!)
At the kitchen table
At a work table
At a desk
At the computer
While getting ready in the morning
On podcasts or audio Bible in the car
At a coffee shop
On the beach
Using my phone
Using a big study Bible
In a hospital
In the floor, sprawled out
Using a whiteboard
With lots of reference books
With no reference books
With worship music playing
With nothing but quiet… because I needed it so badly.

(I only mention this list to give you ideas. I’m sure you could create a similar list!)

It’s interesting to look at this list and remember the season I was in at the time. There’s a lot of places where I remember joys and happiness, and there are others where I recall busy-living, frustrations, sleeplessness, and even some pain. My season definitely affected the location I chose to do my study sessions.

What season are you in? (Or what combination of seasons?) What place can you choose, or what changes do you need to make, in order to continue having a fruitful study time? Do you need to add something? Eliminate something? Think outside the box?

If you’d like to think through the process of finding the (almost) perfect spot, here’s a printable for you:
CLICK HERE: Finding a Bible Study Spot
We hope it helps!

Challenge yourself today. You’ll never regret devoting yourself to the Lord through studying His Word. It is always a fruitful time, regardless of your season.

May you be blessed greatly as you meet with Christ over the pages of His Word!

In Him,
Ali

Sent With Presence and Power

September 3, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

All this month on the blog we’re looking at the concept of Missional Living, and today’s post looks at how we are Sent with the Presence and Power of Jesus to share the Gospel and live as ambassadors for Christ.

Jesus commissioned Believers to “Go therefore…” and make disciples. Why? And how, specifically, can we do this?

Why Are We Sent?

The reason why Jesus sends us is multifold. Finding the answer starts with asking: Who am I?

That question may be easy or hard to answer. Perhaps you’re a woman, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend. (Or a combination of those.) Maybe you’re known for being intellectual, shy, or outgoing. There are many ways of answering that question because we humans are such intricate creatures.

But when we’re answering the “Who am I?” question, we must start at the beginning.

Ultimately, God has created us to glorify Him. No matter who we are, we are “purposed” to do His work. One very important part of that work is sharing the gospel with those who don’t know about Jesus. It’s really amazing, isn’t it, that God has designed us to glorify Himself? He will use us the way He’s intricately created us to do what He’s called us to do.

So, part of why we’re sent is because He’s created us to bring Him glory.

Another reason why is because He tells us to go.

I love the short version of the Great Commission in John 20:21. (This is called the Johannine Commission.)

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Jesus makes it really simple there, doesn’t He? He tells us quite plainly that we are sent because He was sent. We get to continue sharing His message.

Most of us are familiar with the longer version of the Great Commission found in Matthew:

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

These instructions have more details. We’re sent to continue sharing His message, and Jesus gives us the instructions on how specifically to do this.

How?

Ultimately the how (as in “the instruction,”) is found above in that Matthew passage.

How do we fulfill the Great Commission? We do it by going, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching them to observe Jesus’ commandments.

But it’s that very last part that tells us more about how. (As in, “How is it even possible!?”)

I imagine myself standing there listening to Jesus. When He gets to the “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” part, I see myself nervously raising my hand about chin high, sorta hoping not to be seen, clearing my voice, ready to ask, “Do you mean me, too, Jesus? Because I’m shy. I get super anxious and sometimes I feel like passing out under pressure. I don’t think I’m enough for this task!”

But before I can speak, I hear Him say, “And behold, I am with you always…”

It’s a bit of a mic drop. My excuses and reasons? They don’t matter a hill-a-beans because: He. Is. With. Me.

And I don’t feel embarrassed about my thoughts; instead, I feel loved. I feel empowered. I feel like maybe I can after all. Because? He’s with me. He who calls, equips.

He will equip me for the specific task He asks of me.

We Each Have a Part

The Lord has given us each a part.

13For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:13-15)

God has a part for each of us to play in sharing the gospel and in living missionally for His Kingdom. The specific ways He sends me might look different from the ways He sends someone else to share Him. But He will use me the way He’s created me and in the way He’s chosen to empower me for the task of bearing witness to His beautiful name.

I get to go, live as an ambassador, love others, and share Jesus with them when and how He asks me to. One way I get to do that is by “proclaiming His excellencies” in my current relationships and as I make new ones.

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

I have so much learning and practicing to do when it comes to being missionally-minded. I am still challenged on a daily basis to live with increasing mission-ality (I think I made that word up), but I aim for obedience and I thank Jesus for stretching me out of my comfort zone for His glory. And the times that I’ve been successfully obedient have made me braver. (That’s growth!)

I’m thankful that He sends me with His presence, and with His power. Look at what Jesus told the disciples when He sent the Holy Spirit to them:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Yes! The very same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples to bear witness to Jesus right there in their city, their area, the neighboring areas, and the ends of the earth has also empowered me.

Friends, we are sent with His presence and His power. How beautiful and encouraging! And, wow! What a privilege!

Things to Think About

Make a plan today to follow Christ outside your comfort zone and share Him with someone.

Think about this statement: “If you don’t participate in sharing the Gospel, God is still going to save people, but you will miss out on being part of God’s good plan.” (S. Heleman)

Does the Great Commission challenge you? Does it pull you from your comfort zone? Thank God that He sends you with His presence and in His power!

In Christ,
Ali

Does the Great Commission challenge you? Does it pull you from your comfort zone? Thank God that He sends you with His presence and in His power! #Sent #MissionalLiving

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Hoping in God’s Sovereignty

August 7, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

What does it mean to be Anchored By Hope because God is Sovereign? This post explores the hope found in the sovereignty of God.

“God Is Sovereign.”

Once, during a moment of very deep personal grief, a friend said those words to me. Tears welled in my eyes, threatening to run, yet again, hot, down my cheeks.

“Yes, God is sovereign,” I echoed.

Those words brought me comfort… but why? Why can God’s sovereignty anchor us in the hope of Christ Jesus?

The easiest way to define God’s sovereignty is that, ultimately, He is in charge. He has the right to do whatever He decides is best, and He has the power to accomplish His will.

Knowing that He is always good, and that He is love, helps us see that whatever He decides is best is best— for our eternal good and for His glory. And even when things are hard (or even terrible), knowing that we are in good, loving, and capable hands brings comfort. Even in the most dire situations, and even when our limited human perspective just can’t see it, God is working His good and perfect plan!

Esther’s Story (In Fast Mode)

There are so many beautiful stories of God’s sovereignty in the Bible. The heroes of the faith all lived out displays of God’s perfect and knowing sovereign love.

But it’s Esther’s story (and the story of her people) that I always think of when I’m reflecting on God’s sovereign nature.

If you’re familiar with the Book of Esther, you remember that Esther was elevated into the position of Queen (but with no real ruling rights) in the Persian Empire, some time after the Jews who’d been held in captivity there were set free to return home. Yet, many stayed behind; Esther and her uncle, Mordecai, did just that.

Long story (very) short, the arrogant, controlling, and temperamental king, Xerxes (under the influence of his evil official, Haman), made an edict to eradicate all the Jews in his empire — which were effectively all the Jews. This would have wiped out the hope of the coming Savior: Jesus Christ! (No Jews, no Mary, no Jospeh, no census, no trip to Bethlehem… you get the idea.)

After fasting, which (Biblically) implies the seeking of God through prayer, Esther courageously approached the king at the risk of her own life.

Esther could have hidden her Jewishness and sided with the Persian world around her. She could have escaped with her life while her people were destroyed. But, she chose her side and then made it known. She identified herself as a child of God and revealed her true Jewish identity to Xerxes.

In nothing short of a miracle, God used an ordinary girl to stand as a mediator for her people… allowing the Jews to live and the true enemy, evil Haman, to be defeated. Because all the Jews were not wiped out, the line of the Savior was protected and Jesus would later be born.

At many points in this story things looked bad. Horrible, actually! For God’s children, there seemed to be absolutely no hope and no escape from the world around them. They were controlled and surrounded by an evil, invincible, dominating power. The Persian kingdom was vain and foolish, and it was incredibly dangerous.

No hope, no escape? Vain? Foolish? Dangerous? Hmmm… those things don’t necessarily sound like only ancient history, do they?

God is Sovereign

Esther’s story is remarkable, not only because she was so brave (which she absolutely was– let me give credit!), but also because of the main character in the story– the One who is never even mentioned in the book: God!

The Book of Esther reveals a powerful, loving God working actively behind the scenes. Yes, Esther was brave, but God’s mighty hand of Providence was orchestrating all the details to save and give victory to His people through her obedience.

Esther’s story serves as a reminder to us, living in the modern world. Our world may be a mess– it may be hard, sad, unjust, confusing, and dangerous– but God is good. And He is working behind the scenes to orchestrate just the right details to give eternal victory to His children.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Our good and loving Father is so patient with us. He wishes for none to perish, but for all to come to know Jesus as Lord. And interestingly, the confusion and pain experienced in this world presents us with a unique opportunity to point others to the hope and victory found in Christ alone.

Just as God worked in Esther’s story to bring about His good and perfect will, He will work in our lives.

The deep and very personal grief we experience? He is sovereign.

Our hurts and pains? He is sovereign.

The uncertainty that makes the way seem impossible? He is sovereign!

There is nothing too big for our God to handle!

Yes, God is sovereign. And because of that, because he is working “all things… together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” we can be anchored by hope! (See Romans 8:28)

How does knowing that He is sovereign give you hope today?

How does the fact that God is Sovereign give us hope and comfort? Just as God worked in Esther’s story to bring about His good and perfect will, He will work in our lives. #AnchoredByHope #HopingInGodsSovereignty

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In Him,
Ali

About Ali Shaw

A Lamp Held High

A City on a Hill

Light in the Darkness

Jesus Is the True Light

We Share and Reflect His Light

Jesus is the Way

This Way is a Relief

What Is Hope?

How Is Hope “Spiritual?”

What Hope Isn’t

Who is the Object of our Hope?

What’s the Result of Hope?

Hope Trusts, Regardless

Reflecting on Hope

God Can…

His Story

Serving While Suffering

Obedience At All Costs

The Appeals of Heaven

A Place Prepared: Not Yet… and Now

Bethlehem, the Little Town

A Picture of Bethlehem

How Long Was Jesus in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem: An expression of Christ’s Love

Providing Bread for the Whole World

Historicity

Overview of Psalm 121

Psalm 121:1-2

Psalm 121:3-4

Psalm 121:5-6

Psalm 121:7-8

Look to the Hills, or to the…

What Did You Say?

Be Kind

Build Each Other Up

We Aren’t in Control Anyway

So Why Do We Want Control?

Surrender to God’s Control

What is God’s Sovereignty?

Family Identity

Identity in Christ

Sottish Shortbread Recipe

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Happy Thanksgiving!

For You Have Died…

Your Life Is Hidden With Christ

Christ, Who Is Your Life

When He Appears…

Why Study Colossians 3:1-17?

Seek the Things…

Set Your Minds…

Reminders

Season: The Busy “Snacker”

Season: Time for Tea

Season: Delighting in Dessert

Seasons

Why Are We Sent?

How?

We Each Have a Part

Things to Think About

“God Is Sovereign.”

Esther’s Story (In Fast Mode)

God is Sovereign

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