Ali Shaw, Author at Do Not Depart

Who Am I? Exploring Our Identity in Christ – Series Wrap Up

October 30, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog we’ve been digging into God’s Word to explore our identity in Christ in order to answer the question, “Who am I?” We’ve looked to passages in Scripture that address this question, to see what God says and why it matters. Here’s our series wrap up.

Like I said in the introduction to this series,

Our identity in Christ truly affects everything. …Daily life is shaded a different hue when viewed through the lenses of our identity in Jesus Christ!

What We Talked About

I wrote to remind us that Being God’s Child Gives a Different View. I said, “We learn better than to look to this world for hope or fulfillment – instead, we know to look to God. We view trials, tests, difficulties of life differently… hardships are a fact of life in a fallen world; we experience them with a loving Father beside us, helping us and guiding us through. Trials can wean us from love for this world and ready us for an eternity with God in heaven!” God secures our eternity by His gift: Jesus!

Jaime wrote that our Identity in Christ is Fruitful. She mentioned that sometimes she gets caught in the “comparison game.” (Don’t we all?) She wrote, “When I start playing the comparison game, it’s helpful to remember who I am in Christ and what he’s called me to do.” What a great reminder! Jaime further explains that though we all go through seasons of feeling unfruitful, “…even when it’s quiet in my world and it doesn’t seem like I’m doing anything, I can rest in knowing that I am a branch, connected to Christ, and fruit will come.”

Do You Know Enough Already? Lisa tells us, “Knowledge can be power. But when we think we don’t know enough to be a “good” Christian? Or we don’t know enough to deserve God’s love? Or to share His good news with others? We’re misguided. We do know enough already. It’s not just our own knowledge that gets us out of tight spots or into healthy places. It’s the Lord’s knowledge through us.” She reminds us that we already know enough to be used by God and we can rest from striving to know it all. How wonderful!

Cheli Sigler joined us on the blog with a guest post called, My Identity in Christ is Real. Cheli encouraged us by the fact that Jesus calls us to more than a “basic” Christian life; He calls us to REAL life in Christ! She wrote, “From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His plan, and, all along the way, invites me to partake in every aspect of Christ’s life— His REAL life.” She then gave us four ways we can participate in Christ’s life in our here and now and ways we can show others what real life in Christ looks like.

A Little Summary

Because our identity is in Christ, we view life differently because we’re His kids, remind ourselves that we are a vine in His branch, that we already know enough to be used by God, and that God has invited us to live our whole life authentically!

Our Identity in Christ is who we are.

Like Cheli said, let’s ‘live-out-loud a life that is deeply and robustly authentic— REAL.”

All for God’s glory,

Ali

Who Am I? Exploring Our Identity in Christ – Series Wrap Up

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Being God’s Child Gives a Different View

October 11, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

In today’s post we’ll be looking at what it means to be a child of God and a fellow heir with Christ.

As a child in Sunday school, one of the first things I remember learning was that I was a child of God. I have sweet memories of the way that knowledge made me feel.

A mighty God who created the whole universe loved me? The One who created the sky, the birds and trees, and everything I could see was my Heavenly Father?

It was a pretty incredible realization. And it still is!

We know that God has only one begotten son, Jesus. Hence when a person becomes a Christian, God adopts them into His family (Galatians 4:4-5). We then become the Father’s child and a co-heir with Jesus, joining Christ in receiving all that has been promised as His inheritance. (Galatians 4:7)

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:17)

Being God’s Child

It can sometimes be difficult for people who didn’t have a good childhood or relationship with their earthly father to be comfortable with being a “child” of God. Maybe you’re in that position. Perhaps this part of your spiritual identity is hard to enjoy.

Or maybe, like me, the being God’s child is accompanied by sweet memories of feeling loved in your growing up years.

Either way, I promise this: being a child of God carries much promise, joy, and hope. It is a beautiful thing!

Regardless of earthly familial relationships, this heavenly bond is an example of what a good parent and child relationship should be.

In God’s perfect fathering we see that our Good Father:

Loves us! (John 3:16)
Seeks us out. (Luke 19:10)
Accepts us. (Romans 10:9-13)
Disciplines us when we need correction. (Hebrews 12:6)
Guides us. (Proverbs 3:6)
Matures us to be more like Jesus. (Ehpesians 4:13-15)

Being God’s Child Changes Our View

Having a loving Father as our authority reminds us to obey. Today looks different when we remember that we’re accountable to God for our actions.

We learn better than to look to this world for hope or fulfillment – instead, we know to look to God.

We can be encouraged to take care of ourselves since we know we are valued because our Father says we are! (Ephesians 2:20). loved by my Father.

We view trials, tests, difficulties of life differently because we can know they are not because we have an unloving, cruel God. Instead, hardships are a fact of life in a fallen world; we experience them with a loving Father beside us, helping us and guiding us through. Trials can wean us from love for this world and ready us for an eternity with God in heaven!

Being co-heirs with Christ offers us the hope a rich, spiritual inheritance and the hope of heaven. Our eternity is secured by God’s gift: Jesus!

How does being God’s child change your view today? Do you have any memories or stories about being God’s child? Share your thoughts on this post in the comments.

Ali

On the blog today: What does it mean to be a child of God? How does it change our view? #WhoAmI #IdentityInChrist

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Who Am I? Exploring Our Identity in Christ

October 9, 2018 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

All this month on the blog we’ll be digging into God’s Word, exploring our identity in Christ, to answer the question, “Who am I?” What passages in Scripture address this question? What does God say about our identity? And why does it matter?

What Does God’s Word Say?

The Bible has a lot to say about who we are!

We’re a beautiful creation of God (Ephesians 2:10), adopted as His child (Romans 8:15), a temple in which He dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19), and citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20). And those are just a few of the facets of our identity found in God’s Word.

The list doesn’t stop there. The Bible has much more to say to us on the topic.

Why Does it Matter?

Our identity in Christ truly affects everything. For example, knowing we’re His creation helps us live in awe of our maker. Living as a child of truth sets us free from the lies of the enemy. We take care of our bodies and honor them when we’re aware of His indwelling presence. And being citizens of Heaven reminds us that this world isn’t our eternal home and that our comfort and fulfillment will never be fully realized here.

Daily life is shaded a different hue when viewed through the lenses of our identity in Jesus Christ!

We hope you’ll join us this month as we look into more at who God tells us we are.

How is your life different today because of who God says you are? Share with us in the comments or in our Facebook group.

Blessings,
Ali

New month-long series on the blog: Who Am I? Exploring our Identity in Christ. What does God’s Word say? Why does it matter? #WhoAmI #IdentityInChrist

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From Death to Life: The Story of Lazarus

September 6, 2018 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

There’s nothing like the way an exciting and emotional story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I think that’s why I love the story of Lazarus. Seeing him pass from death to life is both emotional and thrilling. There’s so much richness in this story and so many lessons to learn.

From Death

Jesus was away with His disciples when Mary and Martha sent Him the message that their brother, His dear friend Lazarus, was ill. I wonder if the sisters questioned why Jesus didn’t come rushing to them.

Instead of returning, Jesus stayed where he was and Lazarus became more ill until he finally died.

Maybe it seemed like Jesus was late.

In my own life, I have wondered where God was or what He was doing when I wanted something done now. His timing is not mine.

But His timing is perfect. My prayer is that I would be open to always knowing that and agreeing with Him about it.

To Life

When Jesus finally does make it to Mary and Martha’s house, Lazarus was dead and buried. Mary, who often gets a bad rap in Luke 10:38-42, rushed outside to greet Jesus and expressed her great faith in His ability to have done something, and to still be able to do something about her loss.

Jesus responds with, “Your brother will rise again.”

What follows is a beautiful demonstration of Mary’s faith and an encouraging affirmation of Jesus’ power.

Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” – John 11:24-27

When we are hurting, it serves us well to communicate with our Savior, express our faith, and listen for affirmations of God’s mighty power!

From Hopeless

There seemed to be no hope. Mary and Martha both responded with faith, but also showed tremendous grief.

There is no greater grief than being parted by death from the ones you love.

Even Jesus felt it. He was “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” (verse 33) and wept when He saw where Lazarus was buried.

Though Jesus was not hopeless, He was wounded in spirit by the pain of loss.

To family and onlookers, though, the whole situation was over. The story was finished. After all, Lazarus was dead.

I’ve been there. Have you? Sometimes, my story or situation seems to “end” and nothing else can be done.

Life is hard. Sometimes, we have to say goodbye, a family crisis occurs, there isn’t enough funds for bills, we get a really bad diagnosis, or worse.

Sometimes God does “end” our story there (meaning that He sometimes allows things in our lives that hurt, though what we see isn’t really the end). Other times, He allows things to be more to our liking, but only if it’s in His best plans.

Either way, He can use it (whatever it is) for our eternal good and for His glory. Sorrow and pain can grow us in ways that good times can’t. And we must remember that with Jesus, all things are possible! Where we see only hurt, He can create beauty.

He is able! Yes, when Jesus commanded dead Lazarus to come out of the grave, He showed us His might and authority.

To Hope

Friends, Jesus is in the business of resurrection. He breathes new life into us, and though our sin technically earns us death (Romans 6:23), His children will live eternally (John 3:16). He also can breathe life into hopeless situations and make a way where there seems to be none.

Our God, who commanded Lazarus to leave the grave behind him, tells dry bones to come alive, parts the waters, gives sight to the blind, and directs the lame to take up their beds and walk.

He can breathe life into you and me and into our most dire circumstances.

Say it with me, slowly: He has might and authority.

The story of Lazarus is a sweet reminder of who Jesus is and the hope that He brings!

He is the resurrection and the life. What a beautiful Savior!

Blessings,
Ali

From Death to Life: The Story of Lazarus. A reminder of who Jesus is and the hope He brings! #BelovedStoriesNT

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Leading Effectively – Series Wrap Up

August 30, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog, we’ve looked at ways we Christian women can lead with purpose and direction. We want to help you lead effectively— this series is filled with how-to’s, help, and encouragement.The following wrap up contains a list of all the posts in this series.

Would you like to see this entire series at a glance? Just click here.

The Leading Effectively Series Posts

Giving from the Overflow: If you’re in Christian ministry, or feel called to it, remember that we should be giving from the overflow. This post offers encouragement to do that and a printable tool to help guide your personal quiet time.

What’s Your Point? 10 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Lead {+ Printable}: When you have something to say, whatever the forum, make your point clear and concise enough to be heard and felt. Lisa shares a printable that will help us do this!

5 Helpful Tools for More Effective Bible Study: If you are in Christian ministry, this post contains some helpful tools to help you more effectively study God’s Word as well as lead others to do the same.

Choosing Your Next Study: With so many (mostly) wonderful choices out there, how do you figure out which material will be the right one for your group? Here are three questions to help you make that decision.

Growing Together: Cultivating Relationships in Women’s Bible Studies: How can you make your group a place where everyone feels welcome and important? How can you cultivate a group culture that encourages vulnerability and real growth? This post has great tips!

We pray our series blesses you as you lead and bless others! May we all lead effectively, for God’s glory!

Blessings,
Ali

Is God calling you to lead? He will equip you to lead effectively! Check out our series on #LeadingEffectively @DoNotDepart.com

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#LeadingEffectively: A Women’s Ministry Series with How-To’s, Help, and Encouragement from @DoNotDepart

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Giving from the Overflow

August 9, 2018 by Ali Shaw 5 Comments

This month we’re doing a series called Leading Effectively. If you’re in Christian ministry, or feel called to it, remember that we should be giving from the overflow. This post offers encouragement to do that and a printable tool to help guide your personal quiet time.

When my daughters were very little girls and I was a busy young momma, I remember noticing for the first time that in order to feed my children well, I also needed to be fed. Some days went by in such a blur I only realized by dinner time that I hadn’t had a chance to sit down and eat a nutritious meal. I had little energy left to to make my family their dinner! I learned an important life lesson: to feed others well, I needed to invest in feeding myself first.

Leading other women is somewhat similar. Before we can spiritually “feed”, or pour into the souls of other women, we need to make sure that our souls are being fed. Then, we can give from our overflow and not be drained.

Abide

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:4-8)

“…you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5b)

Jesus tells us to abide in Him. Through that abiding, we can bear fruit and glorify God. Through relationship with Him, being shepherded by Him, our cup can overflow and we can fulfill what He’s called us to do.

To Feed, You Must Be Fed

Without being renewed and filled by the Lord each day, we will run out of steam when we try to serve or lead others.

Jesus was often alone with God, seeking His presence and will. Through His time in prayer and solitude, Jesus was able to live His life and ministry with passion!

Jesus taught His disciples this same principle. He often drew them away for time alone with Him. This is when He taught them important lessons and prepared them for the things that were to come. Time with Jesus prepared them in their walks.

Time spent listening to the sweet voice of our Lord will develop good listening skills in us and help us to really hear other women.

If Jesus and His disciples needed time alone with God to serve and walk in passion with preparation, so do we.

Expand Your Biblical “Horizons”

Sometimes, when we’re in leadership mode, we need the reminder to read and study things outside of what we’re teaching. Expanding our Biblical horizons now, so to speak, can prepare us later. Being filled with the word results in a powerful overflow!

I’m sometimes surprised when God uses something that I thought I was studying for myself to benefit others. God often does that, though. He glorifies Himself, using what He’s taught us, before others. Studying the Word broadly, outside of the lesson we need to present, can bear beautiful fruit for His Kingdom.

The Bible is so connected. No part is completely separate from another. Personal study broadens both our head and heart knowledge and can be used by God as we lead. Though we can never know it all, nor teach it all, knowing some of its connection from one part to another will serve us well in leadership.

Share From Your Experiences

Time spent drawing near God and being “fed” by Him deepens our relationship with the Lord. While this serves us well personally, it also serves us in leading. It allows us to have a testimony and experience to share.

God calls us to glorify Him. We can do this by letting others know what He’s doing in our lives. Let’s pray that God will open our eyes to seeing His work in our daily life, hobbies, and work. Our experiences are what help us connect with other women. While following a good curriculum is important, leading a great small group isn’t only about books. Women want and need to connect.

Prevent Burnout

Remember how I said “to feed, you must be fed?” And, “Without being renewed and filled by the Lord each day, we will run out of steam when we try to serve or lead others?”

Whether it’s leading women in ministry or giving your all at work and/or home, a life of service can be draining. Giving can feel endless. Serving without renewal is a little like pouring and not refilling a pitcher of water. Without being replenished, the once cold water loses its coolness, then becomes warm, and finally empties. And whether you’re the one pouring or the thirsty one, an empty pitcher is a major problem.

Coming to God through prayer and worship to be refilled prevents burnout. He combats our fears. He speaks truths and promises into our hearts for us to hear above the noise around us. Our souls are revived in His presence!

I’ve watched people try to give and serve with the right motive but from a dry place. The daily grind usually grinds to a stop and what’s left is a hurt person. Drawing deeply, daily, from our well (His name is Jesus), goes a long, long way to preventing this type of burnout.

Our souls need to rest in Him and take His easy yoke. (See Matthew 11:28-30)

Enjoy God

When we seek God and enjoy our time spent with Him we are refilled enough to share from our overflow. Without being filled in the first place, there is no overflow! And that filling? That’s for us. That’s our opportunity to be in God’s presence, to let Him work on us, and to ask Him, “what are you saying to me, Father? How can I best glorify you?”

And He will answer and fill us!

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

I’ve made two worksheets for you. One is a Bible study worksheet to help you “give from your overflow.”

The other is a list of verses for you to meditate on when you need some fresh encouragement from the Word. Enjoy!

How has God reminded you that you need to be refilled? What do you do when you need more of Him before you serve others?

Blessings,
Ali

Before we can spiritually feed others, we need to make sure that our souls are being fed. Read more on the blog. #LeadingEffectively

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Leading Effectively: A Women’s Ministry Guide

August 7, 2018 by Ali Shaw 5 Comments

This month on the blog, we’ll be looking at ways we Christian women can lead with purpose and direction. We’re putting together a series of posts that will serve as a guide to help you lead effectively— filled with how-to’s, help, and encouragement.

Has God called you to lead a bible study or small church group? I’ve felt that calling before and wondered, “Where do I begin? And how can I lead other women effectively?”

When new opportunities to lead arise, the thought of starting up again (especially after a break) can leave us with those same initial questions.

Sometimes when we’re called to lead, we first stop and have a wrestling match with our inadequacies, our inability, desire, and even our schedules. But when God is calling, we ultimately have a choice to answer or ignore. And ignoring God, as we all know, is never a good thing!

And anyway, if He calls us, He will equip us.

So friends, if you know He’s calling you to leadership, follow Him! (And yes, I’m talking to me, too!) I pray our series will serve you on your journey. My teammates and I will provide the basic steps and even some tips we’ve discovered along the way that will help you get started.

If you’re already leading, I pray our series will be a fresh dose of encouragement and perspective.

And if you aren’t sure if He’s calling you to lead, I pray that this series will get you talking to God about His will for you. Though not everyone is called to lead a small group, we’re all called to be a witness and we all have some level of influence.

Knowing that, I think this series will likely encourage all of us– regardless of our leadership roles.

Has God called you to be a leader? Do you have any questions about leadership you hope this series answers? Let us know in the comments.

Blessings,

Ali

Exceptional Christian Books: Series Wrap Up

July 27, 2018 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

We hope we’ve introduced you to some exceptional Christian books this summer! Books that getting us thinking about true, noble, and praiseworthy things are setting our thoughts on the things that matter! Like I said in our series intro: “Bible reading should be a priority. But reading other great books is important to.” We’re inspired to grow as we learn from the authors. “The message within books isn’t bound by time and space. We can learn from writers like Corrie Ten Boom, Saint Augustine, Charles Spurgeon, and other authors who have lived long ago or far away.”

In case you missed a post or would like to share the series, here are links to each post this month:

Hinds’ Feet on High Places

I wrote about Hinds’ Feet on High Places, which is “a sweet, easy read. The allegory traces the spiritual journey of a sweet, lame young woman named Much Afraid, who aproaches the Chief Shepherd for whom she works and expresses the desire to escape her fearful relatives and the ‘Valley of Humiliation.’ She wants to travel to the ‘High Places’ where love and joy abound and desires his deer-like feet that can leap and bound over the mountains.

The Shepherd assures her that by following him, and calling for him anytime she needs him, she can travel to the High Places and gain hind’s feet! We all can follow like that. We all are called by our Good Shepherd to follow. And He will help us! Though we may feel incapable, we are able because He is able in us!

Unoffendable

Lisa shared Unoffendable with us! She says, “When I think of exceptional Christian books, Unoffendable comes to mind. It’s not a huge best-seller or a classic that’s survived through the centuries (it was published in 2015). But it can be a game-changer today for Christian anger. Written by radio personality Brant Hansen (WAY-FM radio anyone?), Unoffendable says that our “righteous anger” has become a big problem.

While there are legitimate reasons to get angry—and yes, we do read about God’s anger at evil—we’re also told to not hold onto it. To not sit with it.
To not sin in it. [Instead] Feel it. Work to correct the injustices underneath it. Then let the anger slide away. Aim for unoffendable instead.”

Searching for Sunday

Jaime told us about her struggle with church and the encouragement she found in Rachel Held Evans’ book, Searching for Sunday. Jaime says, “When it comes down to it, church is not a one size fits all kind of thing. But there is an underlying foundation that can be found at the heart of every community of believers and that is why we keep searching.”

“When my faith had become little more than an abstraction, a set of propositions to be affirmed or denied, the tangible, tactile nature of the sacraments invited me to touch, smell, taste, hear, and see God in the stuff of everyday life again…Christianity isn’t meant to be simply believed, it’s meant to be lived, shared, eaten, spoken, and enacted in the presence of other people.” – Evans

“Evans’ story is honest and unfinished, evidence of an active and growing faith that asks questions and seeks the kingdom of God. The church is not perfect, but it is what Jesus gave us and therefore worth wrestling with.”

The Holy Spirit in You

Alyssa tells us about a book she loves called The Holy Spirit in You, by Derek Prince. “One of the things I love most about this particular book is its simplicity. He clearly explains what we know about the Holy Spirit throughout the Scriptures and how He works in our lives today as Believers. It is just over 100 pages long, so it’s a short read, but it is packed with truth straight from God’s Word.

Diving into who He is, what He has done throughout history, and what He is capable of in the life of a Believer today, this book will challenge you to grow as you learn more about Him.”

We’ve enjoyed sharing books that have inspired, challenged, or otherwise been “signposts” to us, pointing us to God and His truths. We hope you found some books to add to your reading list!.(I know I’m excited to read the books my fellow team writers have shared!)

Although summer is nearing it’s end, we can surely squeeze in few more good reads, right?

Have you read any great Christian books recently? Tell us in the comments or in our Facebook community.

Blessings,

Ali

Much Afraid? Follow the Shepherd to High Places

July 5, 2018 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

I’d heard of the book Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, but I’d never read it until a year or so ago. Interestingly, I began to read it right before a time when the encouragement to follow my Shepherd, unafraid, was especially needed.

I can’t remember how I first heard of the book, but I found it while browsing at second hand book shop and loved the cover, the feel, and smell. Knowing it’s reputation for being an exceptional book, I bought it.

I think it sat on my shelf for a while, but eventually, I got to it. Though it was originally published in 1955, and gathered a little dust while waiting for me to read it, God had the timing planned perfectly.

Book Details

Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a sweet, easy read. The allegory traces the spiritual journey of a sweet, lame young woman named Much Afraid, who aproaches the Chief Shepherd for whom she works and expresses the desire to escape her fearful relatives and the “Valley of Humiliation.” She wants to travel to the “High Places” where love and joy abound and desires his deer-like feet that can leap and bound over the mountains.

The Shepherd assures her that by following him, and calling for him anytime she needs him, she can travel to the High Places and gain hind’s feet!

As she climbs to the High Places, Much Afraid experiences many dangerous things that strengthen her resolve. She finds that as she is strengthened, she is changed. The Shepherd’s love is great and he doesn’t leave her crippled, powerless, or helpless!

We Can Follow Like Much Afraid

I told a bit about how I bought the book. Interestingly, I took my time reading it once I started. I was busy with life and put it to the side for a while. It was during my break from reading the book that I suffered a major knee injury that has taken me a year to heal from.

During my couch-time, I picked the book up again. And the words were just what I needed to read.

I needed to be reminded that in my crippled-ness, I could still follow. I could still have the faith that trusted in my Savior even when the future frightened me. And those fears? I could hand over my fears and trade them for stronger faith!

“In all the world I have no one but you. Help me to follow you, even though it seems impossible. Help me to trust you as much as I long to love you.” – Much Afraid, in Hinds’ Feet on High Places*

“Whenever you are willing to obey me, Much-Afraid, and to follow the path of my choice, you will always be able to hear and recognize my voice, and when you hear it you must always obey. Remember also that it is always safe to obey my voice, even if it seems to call you to paths which look impossible or even crazy.” -Chief Shepherd, in Hinds’ Feet on High Places*

My Shepherd will rush to help me whenever I call on His name. Jesus loves me and no matter what my earthly legs are capable of, my spiritual legs can determine to follow Him no matter what valley He asks me to walk through!

During that trial, I was holding hands with sorrow and suffering, but they could be my friends who pointed the way to Jesus.

We all can follow like that. We all are called by our Good Shepherd to follow. And He will help us! Though we may feel incapable, we are able because He is able in us!

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. Psalm 18:33

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 3:19, KJV

How has God encouraged you to follow? Have you read any great books that have reminded you of His love and help during trials?

Ali
*Quotes from “Hinds’ Feet on High Places.” Hinds’ Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard, Thorndike Press, 2004.

We can all follow like Much Afraid and gain Hinds’ Feet! #HindsFeetOnHighPlaces #ChristianBooks

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We all are called by our Good Shepherd to follow. And He will help us! #ChristianBooks

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Dive Into Exceptional Christian Books this Summer – Books Meant to Inspire

July 3, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

I love to read! Yet like most busy women, I don’t have as much time for reading as I’d like. But summer usually presents me with more opportunities for reading Christian books and working through Bible studies. I can read while we travel, in the early summer mornings, late summer nights, while my kids swim, and so on. Diving into exceptional Christian works is time well invested because these sorts of books can really challenge and inspire us Christian women!

Why should we read books other than the Bible when we want spiritual growth?

God speaks to us through His word! The Bible is certainly the “Book of books” and should always be at the top of our reading lists. Bible reading should be a priority. But reading other great books is important to.

After all, God has blessed some authors with amazing insight and unique talent. When they share their testimony, experiences, and imagination, we’re inspired to grow as we learn from them. The message within books isn’t bound by time and space. We can learn from writers like Corrie Ten Boom, Saint Augustine, Charles Spurgeon, and other authors who have lived long ago or far away.

Books that getting us thinking about true, noble, and praiseworthy things are setting our thoughts on the things that matter!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

We are called to live like Christ. When we do this, we are extending God’s love, compassion, and grace to others. Authors can do this through their written works. Though an author’s earthly words will never be God’s words like the Holy Bible is, their words can be signposts that point us to God. We can feel loved by God and helped by Him when a writer shares their gift with us.

We can use the situations we read about as “what if” scenarios. Like, “what if this happened to me? How would I respond? What if I were this character (for fiction) or what if I were in the author’s shoes (for non-fiction)? What does the Bible say about this situation?” Great books can challenge our thinking!

Exceptional Christian books can inspire us, set our thoughts on what matters, point us to God, and challenge our thinking.

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Being Careful of Theology

The Bible was penned by humans but breathed and inspired by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16), so it is perfect. On the other hand, works by human authors may contain theological errors. Because of this, we must be careful not to accept anything as theologically true without fact checking it against God’s Word.

This isn’t exactly a negative, it’s just another opportunity to grow! Reading, even books outside of the Bible, can be an avenue to learning theological truths when we compare them to Scripture.

Our Series

We hope you’ll join us this month as we, your DoNotDepart team, look into a few books that have inspired, challenged, or otherwise been “signposts” to us, pointing us to God and His truths.

If you are looking for an exceptional book to read this summer, this series may just provide you with a few choices!

I know I’m excited to add some books to my ever-growing list. I hope you’re excited, too!

What great books have you read recently? Why do you enjoy reading quality Christian works?

Blessings,

Ali

Want to Dive Into an Exceptional Christian Book this summer? Join us on the blog for our picks! #ChristianBooks

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Our Feelings Versus God’s Truth – Series Wrap Up

June 29, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month we’ve looked at Our Feelings Versus God’s Truths. In case you missed a post or want to share the whole series with a friend, here’s the month-long series wrap up for you!

But first, have you had a chance this month to reflect on any of our posts or put the Biblical truths we shared with you into practice? If so, tell us in the comments. We love hearing from you!

In the introduction to the series, I said, “we must be grounded in truth or else we’ll be deceived by the lies of the enemy.” Boy, isn’t that true? I know my heart can feel pretty vulnerable to the enemy’s lies sometimes. I’m thankful that God’s word is always a lamp to my feet that illuminates the way and directs me in the path of truth. (Psalm 119:105)

The best part of knowing God’s truths better is that we begin to know Him better! When we look at our situations and circumstances through the lens of God’s Word, things begin to appear different. We learn to trust God more as we become confident in His character and nature.

Series Post Links:

Here are feelings and truths we looked at this month. Each post contains several Bible verses for encouragement:

I wrote about dealing with the feeling of being incapable of doing what God is asking. God asked Moses and Gideon to do some pretty big things, but He was with them, helping them, the whole time. Even though we know of His ability, that head knowledge doesn’t always translate to heart knowledge. I shared a few questions that I ask myself and you can ask yourself when you’re struggling.
Jaime reminded us that even though we sometimes feel we aren’t good enough, God gives us worth! “Some days it feels like every rejection, every failure, every lost job, every bad judgement is stuck on me…” She also said, “When feelings of inadequacy ring in my ears, I can replace them with the truth about God’s unconditional love, remembering that there is nothing I can say or do to make him love me more or less.”
Lisa assured us that when we feel confused, God is not! She gave us three steps to take when we just don’t get it and reminds us to trust in His knowledge. She wrote, “Whether you can see Him or not, God is at work behind the scenes for your good (Romans 8:28). Hold on to His truths. Trust in His knowledge. His understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147:5). And when the time is right, your faith during the night will result in praise during the day.”
Do you ever feel afraid? All of us can answer “yes”, I’m sure. Alyssa tells us that as a child of God, we don’t have to let fear speak into our lives— God is our strength! “Fear tells us that God won’t provide. Fear tells us that we aren’t equipped to handle our struggles. And worst of all… fear tells us that there is a reason to be afraid. But the Bible tells us that we have no reason to fear… When you feel afraid, remember Who you serve. He is your help. He is your strength. And He is your provider.”
Patti pointed out that when we feel unlovable, God loves eternally! Though we may feel unloveable some days, the truth is that God loves us no matter what— forever! She gives us truths to remember and also ideas for what to do when we feel unloveable. She says, “Child of God, you are precious in His sight, and loved beyond measure. Don’t believe your feelings, believe the truth and be set free!”

Our Feelings Versus God’s Truths – month-long series wrap up. Know truth, know God better. Fight the enemy’s lies.

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Final Thoughts

God created us in His image. Part of that means that, like Him, we’ll have emotions. After all, like we talked about during Lent, the Book of John traces Jesus humanity as well as divinity. Jesus wept and even cleared the Temple in His righteous anger. Like our Creator, we, too, feel.

Some of those feelings, of course, are wonderful. They cause us to reach out to others with compassion and tenderness. They help us show love and joy. But when we deal with feelings of inability, worthlessness, confusion, fear, of being unloveable, or other negative things, we need to pause and seek God’s truth.

I pray this series has encouraged you to seek and hold onto the Word of God– especially when your feelings are in opposition to what He says.

Be encouraged, He cares about your every hurt and frustration!

How has God reminded you of His truth lately?

Blessings,
Ali

For When I Feel Incapable: God is Able!

June 7, 2018 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

It happens to all of us at some time or another. God calls us to a task too big for us, or asks us to walk through something really, really hard. We’re left feeling incapable. Inadequate. Sometimes hurt, and totally overwhelmed. When we see no possible way we can do this, it’s a life-changing help to remember that God is able.

Times When We Feel Like We Can’t

“I just can’t do this anymore.”

I hear it occasionally and have said it myself. My mother’s nurturing words come back to the inner child in me,

“Never say you can’t!”

But really, there are times when the task (or calling) is hard.

What’s your hard spot? Are you overworked? Exhausted? Facing another bill with no money to pay it? Lonely? Another health crisis? Single-momming it?

God’s Transforming Power

Sometimes we feel like Much Afraid in Hannah Hurnard’s classic book, Hind’s Feet on High Places. Her shepherd called her to follow Him up the mountain, even with her debilitating limp.

“The Shepherd laughed too. “I love doing preposterous things,” he replied. “Why, I don’t know anything more exhilarating and delightful than turning weakness into strength, and fear into faith, and that which has been marred into perfection. If there is one thing more than another which I should enjoy doing at this moment it is turning a jellyfish into a mountain goat. That is my special work,” he added with the light of a great joy in his face. “Transforming things —to take Much-Afraid, for instance, and to transform her into—“ He broke off and then went on laughingly. “Well, we shall see later on what she finds herself transformed into.”*

Through Jesus’ transforming power, our inadequacies and weaknesses can be turned into strengths.

After all, God told Moses to stop worrying about his speech and just go lead His people. God would do what Moses on his own could not.

But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Exodus 4:10-12

Gideon told God that he was the least of the least, so to speak, yet God told him to go save Israel from the Midianites.

Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” Judges 6:11-16

So Why Don’t We Feel Able?

We know these stories of God equipping who He calls, so why don’t we feel able? Why do we still struggle with inadequacies?

Sometimes our head knowledge doesn’t translate to our hearts.

Here are a few questions that I ask myself when I feel like I can’t do what He’s asking me to do. Identifying why I feel the way I do helps me know how best to address the root of the problem.

Am I struggling with a lack of faith? Do I believe that God has the power to equip me to handle what He’s asking of me? Do I believe in His ability?
Am I listening to my flesh instead of listening to God? Is He trying to get through to me, but I’m wallowing in my feelings and shutting Him out? Perhaps I’m comparing myself with someone I think could do better or remembering past failures.
Is Satan tempting me to place my faith in something/someone else? Do I feel like God can’t handle this (or equip me to handle it), but someone else can? (He does send people to help us, but it’s not because he can’t. Instead, it’s an extension of His ability.)
Am I being distracted from focusing on Jesus (like Peter and the wind and waves. See Matthew 14:22-33) Have I given in to criticism? Have I lost hope? Is someone giving advice that goes against God or His Word?

What can we do?

So what do we do when we feel incapable of living up to the things God is asking of us?

The simplified answer is to pray, read the truth in His Word, and stop looking at the wind and waves around us. When the task or situation before us looks like an insurmountable peak, we need to focus on the loving Shepherd leading the way.

Of course, all of that is easier said than done. But with practice we can become better at it.

We can become women who are like the alabaster jar of Mark 14:3-9. It was broken, but Christ called the result beautiful. Though we may feel broken and incapable, Christ sees our faith, obedience, and praise as a beautiful offering.

What Does God’s Word Say?

Though God often calls us to do things we can’t do on our own, He goes with us and makes us able. God will take our obedience and do His beautiful works through it. Just like in the biblical examples above, if He calls us, His ability will surpass our lack.

Here are some verses to help us when we feel incapable:

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:16

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:6-9

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Ephesians 3:20

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. 2 Cor 9:8

Closing Thoughts

Though we will have trials that sometimes (or often) leave us feeling incapable, Jesus’ brother, James, tells us the reward for remaining steadfast.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Have you ever felt so incapable that you didn’t (or almost didn’t) follow God’s leading?

How might focusing on God’s ability help you when you struggle with feelings of inadequacy?

Here is one last reminder for you: You are able, because He is able in you!

Blessings,

Ali

For When I Feel Incapable: God is Able! Read more on the blog. #FeelingsVersusTruth

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*Quote from “Hinds’ Feet on High Places.” Hinds’ Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard, Thorndike Press, 2004.

Our Feelings Versus God’s Truth – A New Series

June 5, 2018 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

When I was in college, an on-campus ministry gave me a Bible bookmark. The bookmark had two columns. On the left was a list of feelings and on the right was a list of verses. Essentially, it was a list of our feelings versus God’s truth.

“When you’re feeling discouraged, read (these verses) ….

Feeling stressed? Read…

Feeling lonely? Read…”

The list went on.

Our feelings versus God’s truths.

Like then, I still need to be reminded of God’s truths! We all do, right? We need to know His truth like we know our own names. Let’s let it sink in deep so that truth changes us to look more like Jesus.

And like I said here we must be grounded in truth or else we’ll be deceived by the lies of the enemy.

Feelings

The feelings we struggle with can be based on differing circumstances, but discouragement, stress, loneliness, and so on, can come upon us in any stage of life.

A visit to a friend’s immaculate home can leave me feeling like an inadequate housekeeper. I might feel I’m not good enough.
A trip to the gym can leave me feeling like I can’t do what others can. I might feel incapable.
Time spent with sick or aging friends and relatives might leave me feeling like I can’t help the situation. I might feel powerless.

But there is something we can do!

Truth

Dwelling on God’s truths can go a long way to chasing away darkness and, instead, shed His light into our hearts.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Not only can we use God’s truth to help us measure truth in what we see and hear, but we can also use it to lift our spirits when we’re sad, remind us of God’s companionship when we’re lonely, and so on.

And the best part? Knowing God’s truth means we know Him better!

This month on the blog, Our Feelings Versus God’s Truth. Look at life through His Word. Know Him. #FeelingsVersusTruth

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All this month on the blog, we’ll be looking at Our Feelings Versus God’s Truths. We hope you’ll join us in looking at our situations and circumstances through the beauty of His Word, all the while learning more of His character and nature.

How has His truth encouraged you? How have you come to know Him better?
Ali

Seeking God’s Presence – 3 Simple Lessons from Exodus 33

May 24, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

From childhood, I’ve loved the story of the Exodus and how God lead His people from Egypt into the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey, otherwise called the Promised Land. Over the years, Exodus 33 has become especially meaningful as I’ve learned of the importance and reward of obedience, and of seeking God’s presence while following His lead.

This chapter of Exodus brings to mind something that happened when I was a very little girl. Not paying attention, I wandered away from my parents while we were in a large store. All of the sudden I felt very lonely and afraid! The place that had looked safe, inviting, and interesting just moments before instantly became a place of danger and fear.

I didn’t want to make my way to the front of the store all alone, but I did because I desperately wanted to be with my parents. It was only after the store clerk paged my parents, then returned me to them that I felt safe again. I didn’t want to be anywhere where they weren’t.

Exodus 33 is a bit like that. The Israelites spiritually “wandered away” and Moses desperately sought the presence of God for spiritual safety and direction.

It’s in the chapters that come just before that we are told of Moses going up to Mt. Sinai to receive the Law. While he was gone, the Israelites greatly disobeyed and worshipped the famous “golden calf.”

Seeking God's Presence - 3 Simple Lessons from Exodus 33. Read more #BelovedStories at DoNotDepart.com

Moses’ Intercession

Without Moses’ pray of intercession and conversation with God in Exodus 33:12-23, God had decided not to accompany the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. Why? The people had proven themselves stiff-necked and rebellious.

But in verse 13 Moses prays,

“Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” (Exodus 33:13)

Not only did Moses pray, reminding God to consider the Israelites, he prayed asking God to show him His ways.

God will never disappoint us when we ask Him to show us more of Himself so we can understand more about His ways and who He is.

Seeking God’s Presence

Like a lost child would seek the safety and leadership of their parents, Moses sought hard after God.

And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16)

It is God’s presence that made the Israelites distinct from those nations around them. Without God, they were lonely, lost wanderers. With Him, they were following their Mighty Leader in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22 and 33:9).

God will never disappoint us when we ask for His presence. Yes, there may be fear-filled times where we don’t feel like it*, but we can take heart in knowing that Jesus will never leave us! (Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5)

It is God’s presence that makes the journey of life bearable, isn’t it? Our God knows us personally! He knows our names (Exodus 33:17) and cares for our every need. Why would we want to go anywhere without Him?

Experiencing God’s Glory

During Moses’ conversation with God, Moses asks to see God’s glory. I love God’s response:

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ (Exodus 33:19 a)

But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Exodus 33:20)

Can you imagine this scene? It’s amazing! And I love the simplicity of it. Moses asked and God granted.

What if we do the same?

God will never disappoint us when we ask to see His glory and His beauty revealed in Christ Jesus. (Matthew 7:7)

The Bible teaches us that God’s glory is revealed in Christ. Hebrews 1:3 says:

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)

And the beauty is that anyone who seeks Him has access to Him.

We don’t need to wander aimlessly, afraid or lonely. We can pray for God to show us His ways, His presence, and ask to see His glory revealed in Christ! We don’t have to go anywhere without Him.

We just need to ask.

How has God shown His presence lately? Have you asked Him to?

Ali

Seeking God’s Presence? Here are 3 Simple Lessons from Exodus 33 #BelovedStories

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*If you need a reminder that God is with you in dark times, here’s a great article from Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/jesus-will-not-leave-you-alone

New HelloMornings Bible Study, Power for the World

May 3, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, Lisa wrote about the Enjoy the Word conference* and mentioned Kat Lee and her seminar on building the habit of regular Bible study. We here at DoNotDepart are in total agreement with our friend, Kat– regular Bible study is an important, life-giving habit! And HelloMornings has a new Bible study we think you’d be interested in: Power for the World.

Do you know that Kat Lee is the head of the HelloMornings ministry? Your DND team is so fond of HelloMornings! Matter of fact, several of the writers here at DoNotDepart are also on the HelloMornings writing team. And we’ve been working hard over there to produce excellent Bible studies for all women.

HelloMornings and DoNotDepart want women to know: God wants us to know Him, better know ourselves, be spiritually fed, and use our overflow to bless others and point them to Him. Time spent in His Word is the place to go for all of that. Meeting God daily over the pages of the Holy Bible is both personally transformative and soul-satisfying!

Power for the World

The newest study that HelloMornings has released is Power for the World. It’s a six-week study that traces the spread of the Gospel to the nations by looking intently at the first and second missionary journeys of Paul. It highlights history, but also examines what God does (and can do) in the hearts and lives of His people today.

Power for the World is the second of three books in a series titled, Jesus, Light of Nations, a study on the Book of Acts. While this series does have three books (one yet to be released), each book serves as a stand alone study. However, if you’d like to study the entire Book of Acts, all three books must be used.

Does studying the Book of Acts appeal to you? Then check out this link where you can purchase the paperback book on Amazon, and this link where you can purchase a printable PDF of the study directly from the HelloMornings website.

What does the study include?

The HelloMornings Bible studies always include six week’s worth of daily Bible reading assignments for Mondays through Fridays. Each day’s reading is expounded on in a commentary by one of six HelloMornings authors, and includes a Key Verse for you to focus on, write out, or memorize (or all three!). This study features writing by past DND writers, Lindsey Bell and Kathy Howard, and your current DND team writers, Alyssa J Howard and me (Ali Shaw), among other of the HelloMornings Team writers.

After the Bible reading, commentary, and Key Verse, a daily worksheet is included with study prompts and space to journal your thoughts. And true to HelloMornings style, there is also space on the worksheet to focus on your daily and fitness plans.

We’re excited to share this new study with our DoNotDepart audience! We know you’re here for tools and encouragement to abide in God’s Word. And we know you want to dig deep and grow in Him. We pray this is another tool that can help you do just that!

Want to study the Book of Acts? Read about the newest #HelloMornings Bible study at DoNotDepart.com

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(*If you’re interested in the Enjoy the Word conference, but feel it’s too late to join, don’t fret! It actually isn’t too late! You can watch each of the recorded sessions at your convenience. So, you can still purchase tickets and enjoy the sessions when you have time to watch. Head here to find out more: Enjoy the Word Online Conference)

Blessings!
Ali

Beautiful Beatitudes – Series Wrap Up

April 27, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

We hope you’ve enjoyed spending time in The Beatitudes with us this month! Focusing on the blessings that come with believing is a true gift. Remember, The Beatitudes are for each of us. Like I mentioned in the introduction to the series:

“Each beatitude lists a simple promise of blessing and the following result for those who have chosen to answer His call of invitation to enter into His Kingdom. …the more we know of Him, the more blessed we’ll be!”

We looked at several beatitudes this month.

Series Wrap Up

Jaime expounds on the blessing of peace and how true peace comes from belonging to God. God’s peace flows from His character and defines His kingdom and His children! I’m so thankful for the peace that passes all understanding! It’s an incredible blessing offered to us all!

— How can our mourning be blessed? Lisa tells us in her post. I love these lines: “Christ lives in us so Hope lives with us. In our mourning, regardless of its source—whether it’s from a tragedy unfolding in front of us or from a sin we can’t beat down or from someone else’s poor decisions—Hope won’t abandon us.”

— Alyssa looks intently at how hungering for the righteousness of God is a blessing. She reminds us that the way to find righteousness is not through works or deeds, but through Christ! She says, “Those who hunger and thirst for righteous will be satisfied. And the way to seek righteousness is to seek Jesus in faith.”

— What exactly is mercy? Why should we (and how can we) show it? I examine these questions in my post regarding Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the merciful.” As Christians, it’s our duty is to follow in Jesus’ steps and imitate and reflect His nature to those around us. When we obey God’s call to live like His Son, He extends blessings to us.

— Patti reminds us that the pure in heart are blessed indeed! She tells us, “It is only through Jesus that you and I can be cleansed in our innermost being. All our hope is in Him! …When Jesus dwells within us, we see His transforming power, and His beautiful life-giving work. He blesses us by allowing us to participate in that work! Cleansed hearts are hearts that are able to truly love.”

Want to Study More?

If you’d like to study the Beatitudes further, consider these resources:

The Beatitudes by A.W. Pink – This book is very old, but still relevant today. A.W. Pink explains that The Beatitudes shouldn’t be viewed individually, but rather as a whole and as a progression in the life of a maturing Believer.

Heirs of the King: Living the Beatitudes by Warren Wiersbe – Of this book, Amazon says, “This inspiring study of the Beatitudes shows how to reign over ego, power, and appetite. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the believer can live like a king.”

The Beatitudes by Charles H. Spurgeon – Another old book by a trusted author. Spurgeon tells us book that explores The Beatitudes and looks at the ways God blesses us when we come as we are.

Guest Post

Do you know what a “Zacchaeus Moment” is? Kelly R. Baker explains in her guest post. Kelly is a gifted writer and we were excited to have her join us this month. And friends, I don’t think I’ll look at the story of Zacchaeus quite the same way after reading her perspective!

She says, “Do you need a customized moment with Jesus? If you’re desperate for Him, you will pursue plan B like a squirrel looking for the last nut on earth. Sometimes your plan B will be an unconventional one. What figurative tree do you need to climb so you can see Jesus without obstruction?” (Click to read more.)

Again, thanks for joining us for our beatitudes series. What beatitude resonates most with you and why? Share in the comments or in our Facebook community group!

Ali

#BeautifulBeatitudes: Series Wrap Up on the blog. Promises of blessings for all Believers!

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