Ali Shaw, Author at Do Not Depart

Reflecting God’s Nature Through Pure Words

July 9, 2020 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

This month on the blog we’re looking at how we are made in God’s image and reflect His nature; this post is specifically about how pure words can reflect the Lord.

As Jaime pointed out in the series intro, we are created in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-27) As a result— only because of how God created us and not because of anything we have earned— we bear His image.

We don’t have to try to bear His image, we just do. In the words of John Piper,

The imago Dei [image of God] is not a quality possessed by man; it is a condition in which man lives, a condition of confrontation established and maintained by the Creator. … The imago Dei is that in man which constitutes him as him-whom-God-loves. (Emphasis, mine.)

Because we are “him-whom-God-loves” we reflect that position to the world around us.

But not only does mankind reflect God’s image because of how we were created, Believers can reflect Him to a dark world around us by letting His light shine within us. Through the Spirit of God indwelling us, we also can bear (or reflect) Him.

As a collective group, mankind speaks because we were generally created with that ability. We use words, because it reflects the image of our speaking Creator.

Careful and considerate words shine God’s light and reflect His nature to those around us.

Careful and considerate words shine God’s light and reflect His nature to those around us. #InHisImage

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Fixing Impure Words – It’s More than Behavior Control

So, how do we get words that show the world that we bear His image? When we don’t speak kindly or lovingly should we simply try to control our behavior?

No. Behavior control only puts a bandaid on the outside. It doesn’t fix the root of the issue— our hearts.

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)

Do you see what Jesus said above? “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Let that sink in for a moment.

Boil Water Notice

When I turn on my kitchen tap, water flows. If the source of the water is pure, the water flowing out of the tap will be pure.

Have you ever had a “boil water notice” in your city? It happened recently in my area. Something had contaminated the water and made it unsafe for human consumption. Because the water was contaminated at the source, the water flowing into the taps of homes around the city was dangerous.

Once the root of the problem was solved, the water was made pure again.

That’s a little like our words. 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!

What Do Pure Words Look Like?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what a good attitude and what pure words really look like. We recognize them when we see them– and we definitely notice when we don’t see them!

But if we analyze specifically what the characteristics are of God-reflecting words, I believe it could be summed up this way: the fruit of the Spirit.

Pure words that honor God and reflect His nature look like He looks. Words like that are life giving, because He is life giving. They build up, because He builds up. They are compassionate, because He is compassionate.

In short, pure words are the result of having the Spirit dwelling in our hearts, so they look like Him.

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)

Words that reflect God’s image are words of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Because we belong to Christ, we have crucified our flesh and the Spirit of God lives in us.

Where Does Contamination Lie?

It’s easy for any of us (even Believers) to catch an impure word coming from our mouths. Just like we need to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), we need to evaluate our words often. Usually this evaluation isn’t a formal process (though it certainly can be)— we can usually recognize right away when a word slips out that isn’t in line with the Holy Spirit, right?!

Using the water analogy again, if we think of words as water flowing from our hearts, we have to look to our hearts to see where the “contamination” lies. Ultimately, impurity is not of God, right? (That’s easy enough to figure out.) But again, if we analyze it specifically, what might we come up with?

Maybe this…

Selfish words spoken to others are likely rooted from a lack of love for others. Angry words yelled in a house might be due to a lack of joy, peace, or patience with others. Cruelly opinionated words typed over social media might be a result of pride or a lack of kindness or goodness. Fearful, fretful words might be caused by a lack of faithfulness. Heated words of frustration could simply be a lack of gentleness or self-control.

These are only guesses, but you get the idea.

What to Do?

How do we make a practical application of all of this? After all, since we were made in God’s image, and since we don’t always use words that bring Him glory, what can anyone really do to help our words reflect God to those around us?

I mean, if we can’t just pop a bandaid on the problem and control our behavior, what can we truly do to make things better?

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8 a)

The answer is found in Jesus. Truly! Having Jesus’ Holy Spirit in our hearts gives us good fruit and that is what will change the quality of our words.

You see, when we “quench not the Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) we willingly partner with God and thereby shine His light. Our words can then bring Him glory!

If we want to reflect God’s nature through our words, we can ask the Lord for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 5:18-20) He will empower us to speak with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Though we will never be perfect, and this life is a learning-journey, we can ask for fruit. He is good and faithful and will give the Spirit to those who ask! (Matthew 7:7-11)

In Him,
Ali

If we want to reflect God’s nature through our words, we can ask the Lord for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. He will empower us to speak with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and…

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Stand on the Rock

June 9, 2020 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

Todays post, “Stand on the Rock” focuses on Edward Mote’s beautiful hymn, My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (often called, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.)

This year has been quite tumultuous for most people. We’ve been confronted with a huge amount of suffering, fear, loss, insecurity, injustice, anger, and heartache in the last several months. When things seem to improve a little, another wave comes along. It can feel like almost minute to minute, the ground shifts from under our feet.

It’s easy to see it all and wonder, “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?”

There’s a hymn that reminds me that no matter how the sands of the world shift, I stand on the Rock.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand.

A Wise Builder

Edward Mote penned those words in his hymn, ”My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” well over 100 years ago. His words serve as a beautiful illustration of Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49).

A foolish builder might approach the water’s edge and think the close proximity to life-giving water is good enough. But sadly, that puts a foolish builder on the unstable, sandy shore. When the rains come, his house floods, sands shift, and the house collapses. The foolish builder in the parable represents someone who appears to come to Jesus but never does what He commands.

Mote’s words emphasize Jesus’ teachings that a wise builder hopes in and follows Jesus. As saved Christians, we’ve all chosen the solid Rock. Digging deep into the high Rock of Jesus gives us stability! Through the constant, steady nature of God, we can find hope when our world shifts. All of God’s promises are true, His commands are good, and His ways are best. Always!

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49)

It is only through Christ that we will ever find true healing, stability, peace, and hope. Jesus alone offers us security. This security dwells within a Believer’s heart now, and will come to complete fruition in eternity.

How Did Mote Know?

Edward Mote grew up as a non-Believer. Because his parents were busy managing a pub, he entertained himself by playing in the streets of London. He is reported to have said,

“So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.”

But by the grace of God, Mote heard a sermon preached and gave his life to Jesus. He even entered the ministry in his 50’s and served for almost 30 years, in addition to writing 100’s of hymns.

Yes, he personally knew what it was like to live a life without the hope of Christ. And I’m sure he saw many people turn to “sandy soil” rather than digging deep and settling on the Solid Rock.

Here are more lyrics to this beautiful hymn that express the hope we have in a “stormy” and unstable world:

When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When Darkness Veils His Lovely Face

As I said earlier, there is so much in our world that we could allow to “veil Jesus’ face.” Yet, we must remember, His grace is unchanging and He is our anchor. Christ’s blood supports, cleanses, and redeems us.

When everything around us seems to give way, we must continually look to Him and be rooted in Him. Then we can remain standing… on the Solid Rock!

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore… (Ephesians 6:13, 14a)

How have you been reminded of the strength and stability of the Rock lately? Let us know in the comments.

In Christ, our Solid Rock,
Ali

When the ground shifts under your feet, you might ask “What security do I really have? Where do I stand?” Let’s look to the hymn My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less to see that we stand on the Solid Rock. #HIStoriesBehindTheHymn

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Greatly Blessed… Psalm 84 – Series Wrap Up

May 28, 2020 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month, we’ve studied Psalm 84 in our series called “Greatly Blessed.” This post is the conclusion and series wrap up.

Psalm 84 is beautiful, isn’t it? Just now, I’m looking in my Bible and treasuring the words on the page.

As we’ve seen this month, the Sons of Korah, the doorkeepers who penned this psalm, go on to sing about why God’s dwelling place is a blessing. We learn of the joy, strength, attention, satisfaction, protection, honor, and blessing that the Lord pours out on those who trust in Him.

Like I stated HERE, in the introduction to this series, it’s no secret that when we dwell with God, we are blessed. And all this month, we’ve looked at some of the answers to why that is.

Reviewing Psalm 84:1-11

We looked at verses 1-2, to examine the intense longing expressed to meet with God in public worship and with public worshippers. I reminded us that though we don’t have to be in church to experience God’s presence, God created us for community. Worshipping God with our Christian family is part of God’s good plan for us.

In our study of verses 3-4, we discovered that the altar of God is approachable. Like the birds in these verses, we can draw near to God, ever singing His praise. Jaime wrote, “There is an instinctual need in our soul to worship and be near the Lord. Doing so is like coming home, finding a place of rest and sanctuary. When we are at rest, content in His presence, we are blessed and free to sing like the birds.”

In verses 5-7, we learned what Psalm 84 teaches about staying strong when we feel “stuck in the middle.” Lisa gave us three ways to stay strong and reminded us, that “we can trust we’re on the right road to victory if we’re walking with God. Let’s keep seeing God both along the way and at the end of the road.”

We examined verses 8-9 and found a “pilgrim’s prayer.” Cheli told us, “A pilgrim’s song, Psalm 84, is sung by one attuned to God’s Word as he journeys closer and closer to the heart of God. The journey of the psalmist is joyful, even amidst dangers and difficulties. …Taking courage from faith and buoyed by our hope in Christ, may we be steadfast pilgrims until at last we are at rest in Him.”

Jennifer invited us to look intently at verses 10-11. She shared, “A single day in His presence is better than any number of years apart from Him. As we experience God’s goodness and grow in the knowledge that His presence is better than anywhere else, we will keep as close to Him as a well-loved puppy. …To work and serve at the threshold of God’s dwelling far surpasses life lived in comfortable luxury inside a place where He is not.”

Psalm 84:12

Look with me again at the first verse of this psalm. Then let’s look at the final verse together.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” – Psalm 84:1

“O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!” – Psalm 84:12

Sisters, our God loves us immensely! Dwelling with Him, in His presence, cannot be matched. Like the final verse of this psalm says, drawing near to God in trust is indeed a blessing!

How is trusting God a blessing? Like I mentioned above, this Psalm shows us that the Lord gives joy, strength, attention, satisfaction, protection, and honor to those who trust in Him. This simple formula yields an undeserved result: as we trust, He blesses! (To learn more about the blessings of trusting God, read Proverbs 3.)

Did you make new discoveries this month? How has Psalm 84 touched your heart? Share with us in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Blessings,
Ali

Greatly Blessed: Dwelling with God, Psalm 84 Bible study series wrap-up. #GreatlyBlessed #Psalm84

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Psalm 84 – Longing for the Courts of the Lord

May 8, 2020 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

Longing for the Courts of the Lord: this is the first post in our study of Psalm 84 called, Greatly Blessed: Dwelling With God.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t been to church in weeks and weeks (because of the coronavirus restrictions)… but I look at the words in Psalm 84 with a new insight.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs for, yes faints for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2)

Psalm 84 is a beautiful psalm, indeed! It was written by (or maybe for) the Sons of Korah. They had several menial jobs of temple service, but were also doorkeepers in the house of God (as we’ll discover later in this very psalm). Because they were constantly in the presence of God, they were filled with great joy– even while doing the mundane daily tasks their jobs required.

What an example for us!

When we live in the presence of God, we can have joy… always.

Do We Have to Be in Church to Be in God’s Presence?

The answer is no. Because Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to indwell Believers’ hearts, we Christians always have the presence of the Lord with us. The gift of God’s presence is available to any who believe in Jesus. And He will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) What joy!

Like the Sons of Korah, we too can identify with the words of this psalm from the perspective of always being in God’s presence.

But lately, as our community has faced so many restrictions in order to prevent virus spread, I identify in a new way– a true longing to be back in the “courts of the Lord.”

Courts of the Lord

The courts of God were important because this was the place worshippers could encounter God. No wonder they longed to be there!

But also…. of these “courts,” Barnes’ Notes on the Bible says:

The word used here refers to the different areas around the tabernacle or temple, within which many of the services of public worship were conducted, and which were frequented by different classes of persons.

In other words, an intense longing is expressed to meet with God in public worship and with public worshippers.

I’m feeling that longing! Are you?

I truly look forward to the day when “my heart and flesh sing for joy” with my Christian family “to the living God.” (Verse 2)

Until that day comes, I am happy to get the great privilege of worshipping alongside my fellow church-goers over the great gift called “the internet!” I thank God for this gift of technology that helps keep us connected. But at the same time, I look forward to the day when I can worship in person with the family of God.

Questions for Reflection:
1. How is God referred to in verses 1 and 2? What does that teach you?
2. Read Psalm 24:7-10. God is King of Kings and a battle winner. He is the Lord of Hosts. How does this relate to Psalm 84:1-2? Your current situation?
3. Do you long for the “courts of the Lord?” Praise God for this longing! Praise Him for His continual presence.
4. Read James 4:8. Seek to draw nearer to God today.

Are you “longing for the courts of the Lord?” Does something else stand out to you in this passage? Share your thoughts in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Blessings!
Ali

What does Psalm 84 say about longing for public worship with public worshippers? #LongingForTheCourts #Psalm84

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Greatly Blessed: Dwelling With God

May 5, 2020 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

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

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

Where Do We Go When Troubles Come?

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

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

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

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

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

The Bible Instructs Us!

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

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

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

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

Join us!

Blessings in Christ,
Ali

Fearful? Anxious? Leap Into the Word!

April 9, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

(This post, Leap Into the Word, is the first in our series, Take Heart: Responding to Trouble in the World, where we examine how we, as the hands and feet of Jesus, can respond to the fear, anxiety, and trouble the world is facing.)

My two year old grandson, Tripp, stood on top of his tall toy box and yelled, “Ready, Grammie?” In wild excitement, he leapt off the edge. He sailed through the air and plopped into my arms. It took a lot of courage for him to make that jump. He had faith that I would catch him, and I did.

The whole world right now is a little like a slow-motion-version of my grandson sailing through the air. But instead of wild excitement, there’s waiting, watching, suffering, confusion, loss, separation, and fear. We’re living in uncertain times and, sisters, we need courageous faith.

Jaime poses an excellent question in the intro to this series, “How can we, as the hands and feet of Jesus, respond to the fear, anxiety, and trouble the world is facing?”

One way is to leap into God’s Word. As we do, we can learn from the heroes of the faith and be encouraged by God’s might and power.

Courageous Faith

When the soldiers of King Saul’s army were afraid of Goliath, the giant enemy, David came and said, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26) David was courageous! He boldly told Saul, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) Yes, David was courageous— because he had great faith in God.

David leapt into action, full of courage and faith, right into God’s will. You and I may feel like we can’t be as courageous as that. Honestly? If we tried to defeat our enemies (suffering, confusion, loss, fears, and so on) all on our own, we’d be like the fear filled soldiers who ran from Goliath. But when our courage is rooted in confidence of God’s ability, it is unshakeable because He is unshakeable!

Grow Your Confidence

So the question is, how do we grow our confidence in God? It’s simple, really. We read His Word. Again, and again. We immerse ourselves in His truths and promises. God tells us that His Word is living and active and that it will accomplish the purposes for which He sends it out. (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11)

We go to God’s Word to learn the truth about who He is and who we are.
Then, we set our minds on “things above.” (Colossians 3:1).
We “trust in the LORD with all [our] heart, and do not lean on [our] own understanding. In all [our] ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight [our] paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)
And we think of “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, … right… pure… lovely… admirable… excellent… and praiseworthy.” (Philippians 4:8)
God’s Word tells us that He will “keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you [God], because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
From our position of peace, we can then replace fear and anxiety with gratitude and thanksgiving.
We can “Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:4b-5)
And, like Peter, if we find ourselves looking at the wind and waves around us, we instead cry out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30)

More Good News

Here’s even more good news to focus on!

God can work with a faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. He can also help our faith grow! (Read Matthew 17:20)
David ultimately points us not to ourselves and our abilities, but to the true champion, Jesus Christ. Yes, it is He who has defeated our greatest enemy, Satan. Though Satan comes to do things like rob us of joy, paralyze us with fear, and destroy our peace and trust, Jesus has come so that we might have abundant life in Him— regardless of our circumstances. (See John 10:10)
Because of Jesus, we can have internal peace, eternal security, and hope during this peace-robbing, uncertain, and hopeless time! He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

It’s true that we may not know what will happen next, but God does. Nothing can surprise the One who holds the future. And we can have confident faith in this: the victorious Father is always there, with strong, loving arms, ready to “catch” His children when we move toward Him in faith.

Let’s be courageous and faithful, sisters. May we all leap into the Word and land in His loving arms today!

How has the Word encouraged you lately? Tell us in the comments or in our Facebook group.

In Christ,
Ali

Fearful? Anxious? Leap Into the Word! Land in His loving arms. #TakeHeart

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Small Acts of Humble Service

March 5, 2020 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

Today’s post about Small Acts of Humble Service is first in our series, Missions: Participating in the Great Commission Right Where We Are.

When I was young, missions work intrigued me! My Bible class teacher told me first hand stories of his work with people in the Amazonian jungle. The tales ignited a desire in me to go and serve. The idea of traveling to unknown lands and taking Christ’s love to people who lived an entirely different life than I did sounded like so much fun! In my limited understanding, I knew that it must be hard, but I still sugar coated it in my mind.

Fast forward… To this day, I’ve never had the honor of going overseas on a mission trip. But over the years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving God locally, right where I’ve lived. These experiences have taught me that yes, it’s amazing and exciting to share God’s love, but it often doesn’t look anything like I’d dreamed.

I love the story of Jesus’ washing His disciples feet. In this two-fold action, He shares with us lessons on forgiveness and humble service.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John 13:3-5)

I love this explanation in Cheli’s introduction to our series: “Some organizations… create pathways to the gospel through caring provision and relationship building.”

Her words perfectly describe a ministry to hurting girls that I was blessed to help.

I was excited at the prospect of being able to serve in any capacity.

So, I went. And all day long, I stood, measured, and cut shelf liner to line the cupboards. Why? Because that was the task they needed someone to do.

That’s it.

It really isn’t much of a story at all, is it? But that’s the point.

This “non-story” was such a beautiful experience that writing about it right now makes me want to cry.

I was humbled to be in God’s presence, serving His daughters. And I realized then that service might look like a dirty foot in the face.

Or, it might look like snipping some shelf liner.

Jesus taught us that service is for the humble, those willing to give what they can and do as He does. So that day, I did what I could to help young ladies get back on their feet. I provided a small, menial task so that others in the ministry would be free to focus intently on doing the work of healing, teaching, and ministering.

So… I cut shelf liner.

Service and missions don’t necessarily mean Amazonian jungles (although they may) or traveling to unknown lands (although they may).

Sometimes service is “small” and local. But truly, no offering is too small for God to use. God can and will use our efforts for His glory and to the benefit of His kingdom!

How is He calling you to serve today?

Ali

Sometimes service is “small” and local. But truly, no offering is too small for God to use. #Missions

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The God Who Equips

February 6, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

This post about The God Who Equips reminds us that God gives us the ability to do His will and is the first in our series on Benedictions. Our benevolent Father will not ask anything of us that He will not help us do.

My toddler grandson “climbed” a tree yesterday. He ran to the large elm in my yard and mimicked a climbing motion. Standing on tippy toes, he lifted one hand over the other with a look of concentration on his brow. His chubby little hands barely touched the rough bark and his feet never even left the ground. In a quiet, slow and serious voice he said, “Climb like Gecko.” (That’s his favorite character from a cartoon he likes.)

Then he said, excitedly, “I doin’ it! I doin’ it!”

Watching him pretend to climb that big tree melted this Grammie’s heart!

He likes to climb. Occasionally I’ll help him up the low crepe myrtle and show him just where to put his feet and hands. I’ll give him a boost when he needs it and keep my hands over his to strengthen his grip. I’m right there to catch him if he falls. Without help? He can’t climb a tree.

But with my help, he can climb. If I support his weight and give him strength, guidance, and wisdom, he’s able. He climbs because I’m able.

In the introduction to this series, Jennifer told us that benedictions “voice agreement with the blessings God has in store for us, and they are a rich resource for praying for people.”

What are Blessings?

In the New Testament, “blessings” refer to favor that God grants His children. In fact, the Greek word makarios (used 50 times in the New Testament and sprinkled throughout the Beatitudes) means “become long, large” and refers to God extending Himself to us. When God extends Himself to His children, favor is demonstrated.

To be blessed or to give blessings means that one encounters God’s favor and experiences the person of God Himself.

I love the words in these two benedictions that speak blessing over God’s people:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

What beautiful words of encouragement! What great truths to remember! These very same benedictions offered by Paul in 2 Thessalonians and by the unknown author of Hebrews can edify us today.

God extends Himself to His children in order to equip us and make us strong. Oh, how truly, how blessed are we who hears these words and believes them!

Just Who is This God?

Who do the authors of these benedictions call on to bless the reader?

That’s an easy question to answer! God.

And when we look intently into those verses we see these truths about Him. Our God is:

The God of peace.
Powerful.
Our Shepherd.
A covenant keeper.
The God who equips.
The giver of good gifts.
The worker of hearts.
Deserving of eternal glory.
Loving toward His children.
The comforter.
A hope and grace giver.
The establisher of hearts.

What a list! Read over that a few times and I can guarantee you’ll feel blessed as you learn of the grace and love He extends to you.

A Tad More About the God of Peace

Eiréné is the Greek word translated “peace” in Hebrews 13:20. It’s the equivalent of the Hebrew, Old Testament word Shalom.

As the God of peace, our God is intrinsically peaceful. He also grants His children peace and desires for us to be peaceful with one another.

Our peace-filled hearts are a witness of God’s work and love in and among the Church!

I think that in part, His peace better helps us to shine His light and share His love. His peace enables us to act on that peace in a world that certainly isn’t peaceful.

When I am at peace with God, I’m equipped to be at peace with others.

More About the God Who Equips

My little grandson wanted to climb my elm tree so badly. He was convinced that he could do it on his own, even though I know he doesn’t have the ability.

Both of the benedictions above brought my sweet, climbing boy to mind.

Those words written so long ago are a fresh reminder that God equips us– here and now.

As God’s little girl, but on my own, I don’t have the ability to do lots of things. He calls me to do many beautiful and wonderful things (like loving my neighbor and bearing fruit for His glory) and my heart longs to obey! Yet, without His help, I’d just be going through the motions, like my toddler grandbaby, thinking, “I’m doing it!”

Until God supports me and directs me– until He equips me — I can’t do His will. On the other hand, with God’s help “through Jesus,” I am able. (Hebrews 13:21) I don’t need to struggle and strive to do His will on my own apart from Jesus. (I’d never succeed anyway!)

Equipped for What?

Sisters, God gives us the ability to do His will. The passages above point out that it’s literally through His ability that we are equipped for good works that please Him at all. That’s why the book of Revelation shows worshippers taking off their crowns and laying them at His feet. Everything we’ve been given is His anyway. (Revelation 4:10) And that’s why the increase of the talents given to the men in Matthew 25:14-30 was returned to their master. The talents were the master’s in the first place.

Any good we can do is by His ability.

It’s through Jesus in our hearts (the Holy Spirit) and by walking in that Spirit, that we do His will and yield the results of a Spirit-led life displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

He equips us. It’s a fact. And because of that, we can be Christlike.

Our benevolent Father will not ask anything of us that He will not help us do.

Let’s voice agreement with God and pray these beautiful words over our loved ones.

Blessings,

Ali

How do these benedictions bless you? Who can you say them to and pass that blessing on?

Intentional Spiritual Growth: Series Wrap Up

January 30, 2020 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog we’ve looked at setting goals and making plans for Intentional Spiritual Growth. Here’s the series wrap up.

In our series intro post, I explained that growth happens best when it’s fostered. And, “once we identify areas where we’d like to see growth, we can set big-picture goals and create specific objectives to reach them. Intentionality is key. When we give ourselves direction (centered on God’s Word), set mile markers, and work with concrete goals, it will only help us hit our mark. Creating actionable steps to follow will move us forward.”

I’m a true believer in setting goals and taking realistic baby steps (and sure— giants leaps if it’s possible) to reach them. Those baby steps are “actionable plans.” When we set out to grow and create an achievable roadmap to get us where we want to go, it’s likely we’ll see a productive result.

Growth will happen.

It’s probably evident from those last few paragraphs that I like goal setting and planning. Though I love to plan and dream and create systems and set the bar high (and I know God created me that way for His purpose), the Lord also reminds me of the importance of keeping things simple.

So here’s a simple (ha!) mini-post on that:

Keep It Simple

Yes, I have a tendency to be thorough and systematic. I love plans and following checklists (which means checklists need to be created, right?). While there is nothing wrong with this, I can sometimes overcomplicate things. Then? God brings people and situations into my life to remind me that the answer isn’t always a complicated one.

Keeping things simple reminds me that God is in control. When I weed through the fluff I tend to create, I get down to the things that matter most. When I dig down into the core of things, God brings to mind words like trust and rest and seek.

In regards to keeping things simple, one of my favorite reminders from God’s Word is this:

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”– Psalm 131:1-2

Here are some questions I’ve used to help me evaluate things: Am I keeping things simple so that I can see, hear, and experience God’s work in my life? Or am I overcomplicating things and crowding out His voice? Am I occupying myself with… well, myself? Am I trusting Him and His abilities? Am I seeking His will above my own?

When I live a simple life of trust, I can grow better. God is so faithful to remind me often that He is abundantly worthy of all my trust! I am so in awe of Him.

Intentional Spiritual Growth: Setting Goals and Making Plans

January 7, 2020 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

Are you setting goals, making plans, and being intentional about your spiritual growth in the new year? Here’s some encouragement!

Whether you are a resolution maker, a goal setter, a one-word focuser, or a go-with the flow personality, you know that growth happens best when it’s fostered.

Last spring, I planted a tropical plant in my central Texas backyard. After I planted it, I learned that I should have planted it in a container. (I truly don’t have a green thumb!) The beautiful red blossoms that it proudly boasted when I bought it soon shriveled and died. No more gorgeous crimson ever appeared. Pooh! And our mild, temperate winter was much too cold for it. It completely died within about six months.

I hadn’t done the right things to foster it’s growth. After all, flowers do best in the right environment.

Spiritual Growth

Humans are similar. If we want to grow, we must do things to encourage it. When we are intentional, growth will result.

Like our bodies, our spirits can grow. With the right care, attention, and “feeding,” growth will result!

Spiritual growth is really just this: The fruit of the Spirit is evidenced in our lives.

Like Patti wrote HERE recently, “As we cling to Jesus Christ, our heavenly gardener, He will bring this fruit to maturity in our lives!”

Our part is to intentionally abide in the vine and respond obediently to the vinedresser— agreeing with the Holy Spirit who is working in our hearts. (John 15:1)

The Practical Side of Spiritual Growth

So, on a practical level, how can we be intentional?

Once we identify areas where we’d like to see growth, we can set big-picture goals and create specific objectives to reach them. Intentionality is key.

Did you hear that part? Let me say it again: We must be intentional.

When we give ourselves direction (centered on God’s Word), set mile markers, and work with concrete goals, it will only help us hit our mark.

Creating actionable steps to follow will move us forward.

If we want to get from our present location to the destination in mind, we must forecast our thinking: Where do we want to end up? What’s the best route to take?

The beginning of a new year is a great time to think through our current spiritual condition and look for areas where we’d like to grow!

I pray that you’ll join us this month as we, your DoNotDepart team, look at some areas we feel like God has challenged us to grow.

The series will officially start next Tuesday, January 14th. (I usually post the Thursday following a series introduction but I’ll be prepping for speaking engagement. Pray for me?) Between now and the series start, you can be praying, asking God to show you how to be intentional about your own spiritual growth.

Blessings and Happy New Year!

In Him,

Ali

Are you setting goals, making plans, and being intentional about your spiritual growth in the new year? Here’s some encouragement! A monthlong series at DoNotDepart. #SpiritualGrowth

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Symbols of Christmas: Series Wrap Up

December 26, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog, we’ve been looking into the Symbols of Christmas to see how they point our hearts toward biblical truths. Here’s our monthlong series wrap up.

I tend to be a visual person. I’ve learned to use visual tactics to help me remember important things. I have to use my planner to write things down so I can see them later and remember. If something important is coming up, I may even place a sticky note right on top of keyboard! I write things on my bathroom mirror and have learned to set things in my line of sight .

All these visuals remind me of things that are important.

The Symbols of Christmas are similar. They are physical reminders of what Christmas is about! As we see or hear them, they can spur our spirits to draw near our Lord in worship.

My heart longs to be so spiritual that I would never need a physical reminder. But quite honestly, that won’t happen until heaven. In the meantime, I can take joy knowing that God put me in a world that declares His glory and continually points me to Him. He puts reminders for me literally everywhere.

Yes, sisters, He doesn’t leave us without reminders!

Posts in Our Series

In The True Light of Christmas, I shared that “Thinking of how Jesus came to shine into our dark world makes it obvious why candles are Symbols of Christmas. Quite simply, they are light shining in the darkness. Candles point our hearts to the greater Light who came to illume our paths. Yes, He is ‘the way, the truth, and the life.’ (John 14:6 )”

Jaime told us in The Candy Cane: A Symbol of Christmas, “…the candy cane reminds us what kind of savior God sent to save the world. He did not come as the king or the warrior, with power and majesty like everyone expected. He came as the shepherd, to lay down his life for us, his sheep (John 10:11 ).

Lisa reminded us in her post, Be an Angel – Spread Good News…, “One way to put Jesus back into Christmas is to put joy back into Christmas. It starts with us. Good news still needs to be proclaimed.” Similar to the angels of the Bible, we can be messengers, too, and share the good news!

Cheli wrote about how Christmas Holly is a Reminder of God’s Perfect Gift. “Among the types of Christmas greenery, Christmas holly takes on special meaning, reminding Believers of Jesus’ sacrifice– God’s perfect gift.” Each part of the holly plant serves as a special reminder of Jesus!

Our newest writer, Jennifer Hong, encouraged us to look to Christmas Carols for Joyous Truths and Adoration. The distractions of the season are loud! She says, “In the midst of busy days, hymns and songs of worship are my year-round tool of choice for taking captive my anxious thoughts and focusing my heart on that which is lovely (2 Corinthians 10:5 , Philippians 4:8 ). Christmas carols do the same, declaring truth and inviting us into wonder and adoration.”

Thankful

We are so thankful for you! We appreciate you coming along on this journey of looking at the Symbols of Christmas with us. If our posts encouraged or challenged you, please let us know in the comments or over in our Facebook group.

Many blessings in Christ,
Ali

Symbols of Christmas monthlong series wrap up @DoNotDepart #SymbolsOfChristmas

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Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2019 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

Merry Christmas from your DoNotDepart Team.

The long-awaited Savior has come. What a joyous gift! Absolutely, ’tis the season to be jolly.

We pray that you and yours have a truly wonderful and very merry Christmas.

Be blessed now and always by the presence of our Immanuel— God with us.

From your DoNotDepart.com Team,
Ali, Cheli, Jaime, Jennifer, Lisa, and Patti

The True Light of Christmas

December 5, 2019 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

This post is part of our series, The Symbols of Christmas, and focuses on Jesus, the True Light of Christmas.

Jesus Is the True Light

One tiny flame can do so much to dispel the darkness.

When I was a kid, my family lived for a short while without the modern luxury of electricity. Each night, as the darkness closed in around us we’d light lamps to see by. What a huge difference it made! That little glow chased away the shadows and made me feel safe and secure.

I love these beautiful words about the True Light from the Book of John,

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:9-14)

And of Jesus, John says in just a few verses prior,

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

Yes, Jesus is the True Light! He is one person of our triune God and so there is absolutely no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5), nor can the darkness overcome Him (John 1:5).

While the lighting of the Temple was still fresh on the crowds’ minds (an act that symbolized God’s shekinah glory indwelling the Temple and performed during the Feast of Tabernacles), Jesus called Himself the “Light of the World” and said that those who follow Him “will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (See John 8:12) (On God’s shekinah glory, see this article.)

Yes, through these words, Jesus claimed Godship! He was announcing that He contained God’s full glory. God’s shekinah glory was present in the Temple again.

Christmas Candles

Thinking of how Jesus came to shine into our dark world makes it obvious why candles are Symbols of Christmas. Quite simply, they are light shining in the darkness.

Candles point our hearts to the greater Light who came to illume our paths. Yes, He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

Without His illumination, we would walk in darkness and stumble on the paths of life. Without His light of life, we’d be spiritually dead in a valley of dry bones.

Shining and Sharing the Light

Have you ever heard the old children’s hymn, Jesus Bids Us Shine? The lyrics to the first stanza read:

Jesus bids us shine,

With a clear, pure light,

Like a little candle burning in the night;

In this world of darkness,

we must shine,

You in your small corner,

And I in mine.

These lyrics bring to mind our church’s candlelight Christmas service. What starts as one single flame on a tapered candle spreads one by one as the light is shared until the whole congregation is bathed in beautiful candle light.

Jesus does “bid us shine!” He tells us in the Great Commission to go and share Him, making disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) The Word also talks about how we should “shine like stars.” (See Philippians 2:15 and this series.)

A candlelight service is a beautiful depiction of how it would look if we could physically see the Gospel illuminating hearts as individuals give their lives to Him! Wouldn’t that be incredible?

As Christmas draws near, I pray that each time we see a candle, we’ll remember the True Light who loves us so dearly and commands that we share Him with the bleak world around us.

May each of us go out and shine brightly with the light of Christ!

Christmas candles point our hearts to the greater Light! #SymbolsOfChristmas

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In Him,
Ali

Symbols of Christmas – Series Intro

December 3, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

This month on the blog, we’ll be looking at the symbols of Christmas and how they remind us about Biblical truths.

I’m not one for winter weather, yet there is so much to love about this time of year! As Christmas draws nearer, I see reminders of God’s love everywhere.

My heart is filled with joy, hope, and even nostalgia when I see the traditional Christmas motifs of stars, wreaths, candles, angels, and so on. God often pricks my heart at the sight of an item and then points me to Him.

Symbols of Christmas

The symbols are all around! I see a star on a Christmas card and think of the star that led the way to the babe in a manger. An angel tree-topper makes me wonder what the herald angels sounded like. The candle on my mantle makes my heart bow in worship to the True Light for Everyone! (John 1:9)

Yes, I know. Christmas has been highly commercialized, but I believe that even though the world may not care to admit it, the holiday (holy-day) still centers largely on Him. The emblems that symbolism Christmas testify to that. And after all, those of us who are Believers know that Jesus’ birth is the true “reason for the season.” Praise God!

So all this month here on the blog, we’ll look at various things that serve as Symbols of Christmas and we’ll discuss why we find them particularly meaningful. We’ll also look to see what they can remind us about Biblical truths.

We hope you’ll join us! And we hope that as you’re out doing your shopping, or in decorating, or traveling to visit with loved ones, you’ll see these physical reminders and your spirit will draw near our Lord in worship.

What is your favorite “symbol” of Christmas? Why? And what Biblical truth does it remind you of?

Share with us in the comments or in our Facebook Group!

Looking forward with you to the sweetness of Christmas and the beautiful reminders of God’s love,
Ali

#SymbolsOfChristmas. What Biblical truths do they remind you of? Monthlong series at DoNotDepart.com

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Great is the Lord – Series Wrap Up

November 26, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

Today’s post covers the last verse of Psalm 145 and is our series wrap up for our study, Great Is the Lord.

My youngest child is still in the process of learning what to say and what not to say. We discuss questions like, “What words build others up? What’s necessary to say? What might sound like complaining? Am I praising and glorifying God with my mouth?”

She makes the job easy on me because she’s a sensitive, caring girl. After all, good words come out easiest when the heart and mouth agree.

I love the last verse in Psalm 145:

My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)

The eloquent words of praise in Psalm 145 came from David, a “man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22)

Because his heart was in the right place, his words flowed suit. (Matthew 12:34)

“My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD…” When our hearts are in the right place, our words will follow suit. #GreatIsTheLord #Psalm145

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We Can “Speak the Praise of the Lord”

My goal is to agree with David and make sure my mouth speaks God’s praise! I will join with “all flesh” and “bless His holy name forever and ever.”

As Thanksgiving approaches and I gather with family and friends to count my blessings, I know I’ll have the perfect opportunity to praise God’s holy name with a heart full of gratitude.

And I pray this: after the dinner is over, the dishes are washed, the family drives away, and life goes back to “normal,” I’ll continue to praise Him… come what may.

Series Wrap Up: How We Can Continue to Focus on His Greatness

Yes, I desire to Praise Him, Daily and Forever. When I create a daily habit of praise, praising God for eternity will take care of itself. Consistency in time spent praising God may not win me an award, but it is sure to be rewarding!

Like Jaime wrote about in her post. Great is the Lord from Generation to Generation, I will tell the next generation whom I worship and why! “Holidays are a time when families gather to pass on stories and traditions about who we are, why we are here, and most importantly, who we worship.”

I’ll try to be like Lisa, who reminded us to look for the goodness of God so that we can share it with others. In Is God Good to YOU? Lisa said, “Be intentional. Look closer. Pay attention to the good things that God is doing in our lives.We can’t share about God’s goodness if we don’t see it.” (I love how her post gave us three ways to find the good in God!)

I plan to focus on the fact that the is No Greater Kingdom than the kingdom of God! Like Cheli said in her post, No Greater Kingdom, “There is no other God like our God. His kingdom is everlasting, faithful, grace-giving, and abounding in blessings. The qualities of the kingdom originate with the King. Great is the Lord! May our praise and gratitude magnify Him and His kingdom.”

I’ll also remember that the Lord is Near, like Jennifer reminded us. She said, “God is responsive. He hears His people’s cries and responds to their needs. This is His righteousness and kindness in action. Psalm 145 is David’s great expression of praise, extolling who God is and what He has done. The Lord is near. Let’s lift our voices in praise.”

Will you be remembering and focusing on those things with me? I pray that as God moves in our hearts to respond to His greatness, a powerful praise will result that changes lives: ours and others— all for His glory!

How are you remembering that Great Is the Lord?

Tell us in the comments or over in our Facebook community.

Blessings to you and yours, this Thanksgiving and always!
Ali

Great Is the Lord: Psalm 145, Bible Study Wrap Up. Remember God’s greatness this Thanksgiving and always. #GreatIsTheLord

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Praising God, Daily and Forever

November 7, 2019 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

Today’s post, Praising God, Daily and Forever, is the first post in our series Great Is the Lord, a study of Psalm 145.

When my children were little, I remember often using the word “forever.”

I thought I’d be changing diapers forever. I thought I’d be stepping on Legos forever. And I thought I’d said goodbye forever to a good night’s sleep.

Because I did those things daily, I thought they were eternal. But really? They were just seasons. At that time, my habit was to change diapers, clean up toys, and wake up in the middle of the night if my kiddos need me. Though I was tired, and life as a young mom required that I develop a new type of personal discipline, being a mother to my little ones was a true joy, even though it was challenging.

In Psalm 145, David writes about a daily spiritual habit that he commits to doing forever: Praising God.

Praise is a form of worship and so that makes it a spiritual discipline. Through it, we draw nearer to God and grow in grace and knowledge. The result is enjoying God.

Extol Our God and King

In Psalm 145, verse 1, David tells the Lord that he “extol you, my God and King.”

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1

Like I mentioned in the introduction to this series, David uses many synonyms for praise throughout this psalm. “Extol” is one of them. Being a word girl, I decided to look into the etymology of this word to learn the specifics about it. It comes from Latin and means “to raise outward, upward.” It’s very similar to the word “exalt,” except that exalting can be done without praise. (An example of that is in this sentence: “The person was exalted into a higher level of leadership.”) Extolling, though, can’t be done without praise.

David tells God that he will bless God’s name and extol Him forever, or forever lift Him in praise, outward and upward. Isn’t that beautiful?

Bless God Every Day, for Forever

Before David can worry about forever, he tells God that he will bless Him every day.

“Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:2

When my children were small, I mistakenly thought what I was doing had no end. I knew that a string of todays is what builds a forever. Of course, my situation did end, though, because things changed. My kids grew up.

But David promises God that he will forever continue the spiritual discipline of worship; he commits to a daily practice of praise. Like what I realized, David found that a string of todays is what builds a forever! And David’s situation wouldn’t have to end. David understood that what he committed to doing every day on earth would continue into eternity!

A string of todays is what builds a forever. Praise God daily, forever, just like King David did. #Psalm145 #GreatIsTheLord

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When I faithfully praise God each day, then praising Him forever will take care of itself. And I’m more likely to stand steadfast when trials come. (On standing steadfast during trials, see: James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 16:8, Matthew 7:24-25)

Have you heard of Carl Ripkin, Jr? I’m not much into sports, but I recently heard about him on the radio. Apparently, he played a lot of baseball! He continually showed up to each of his scheduled baseball games. That consistency? It won him slot as record holder of the most consecutive baseball games ever played.

Consistency in time spent praising God may not win you an award, but it is sure to be rewarding!

Great Is the Lord

Verse three of Psalm 145 tells us exactly why David feels the way he does about praising God. Essentially, it’s because God is so very worthy.

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3

That word, “unsearchable,” means that though we could try to search God’s greatness, we’d never discover it all! It’s too big for us to fathom. Matter of fact, that’s how the NIV translates it: “…his greatness no one can fathom.” The NLT even says that “no one can measure” it. How awesome is He!

God tells us to “be still and know” that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Quieting our minds, stilling our hearts, and focusing on the beautiful fact of His immeasurable greatness can lead us to a sweet place of holy, heartfelt worship.

Sisters, He is truly great, indeed! What a reason to praise Him daily, forever!

Consistency in time spent praising God may not win you an award, but it is sure to be rewarding! #GreatIsTheLord #Psalm145

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Questions for Study and Reflection:

1. What can you do today to bless and extol God?

2. How does remembering that “forever” is built of “todays” enhance your view of this day’s importance?

3. Have you stopped to dwell on God’s greatness? Here are some verses that may help you do that: Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalm 95:1-7, John 3:16, John 16:33, Romans 8:38-39, Hebrews 1:1-9

4. Praising God grows our gratitude. Gratitude is expressed in praise. How can you show public praise and thanksgiving to God this holiday season?

Feel free to share your thoughts on this post here in the comments or over in our Facebook group.

Blessings, Ali

« Previous Page

Fixing Impure Words – It’s More than Behavior Control

Boil Water Notice

What Do Pure Words Look Like?

Where Does Contamination Lie?

What to Do?

A Wise Builder

How Did Mote Know?

When Darkness Veils His Lovely Face

Reviewing Psalm 84:1-11

Psalm 84:12

Do We Have to Be in Church to Be in God’s Presence?

Courts of the Lord

Where Do We Go When Troubles Come?

The Bible Instructs Us!

Courageous Faith

Grow Your Confidence

More Good News

What are Blessings?

Just Who is This God?

A Tad More About the God of Peace

More About the God Who Equips

Equipped for What?

Keep It Simple

Other Posts in Our Series

Spiritual Growth

The Practical Side of Spiritual Growth

Posts in Our Series

Thankful

Jesus Is the True Light

Christmas Candles

Shining and Sharing the Light

Symbols of Christmas

We Can “Speak the Praise of the Lord”

Series Wrap Up: How We Can Continue to Focus on His Greatness

Extol Our God and King

Bless God Every Day, for Forever

Great Is the Lord

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