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Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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Bible Study eBook Bundle Special

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Not only do we share lots of bible study resources here at Do Not Depart, we also love finding new resources ourselves! The Bundle of the Week site shares specific ebook bundles each week. (One week was a homeschooling bundle; another week was a gluten-free cookbook bundle. They offer lots of great themes!)

BundleoftheWeek.com, 5 eBooks for $7.40!

This week’s bundle is all about bible study tools! It features [amazon_link id=”B005LKBRHY” target=”_blank” ]Savoring Living Water[/amazon_link] by our founder, Katie Orr, and former writer, Lara Williams. (Lara just launched a book, by the way. It’s a powerful story titled [amazon_link id=”1781911282″ target=”_blank” ]To Walk or Stay[/amazon_link]. Check that resource out, too.) Katie’s [amazon_link id=”B007J5M3Q8″ target=”_blank” ]Focused15 bible study method[/amazon_link] featuring 1 Corinthians 13 is also included. Three more bible study ebooks are included by some fantastic bloggers, including Amy Bayliss, Tracie Stier-Johnson, and Laura Krokos. See a description of each ebook here.

That’s 5 bible study ebooks for only $7.40! A fantastic deal. Plus, if you purchase this ebook bundle through our link, you are supporting the Do Not Depart ministry–at no extra cost to you. {Thank you!}

This deal is only available until 8am EST on Monday, April 1st, so check it out!

If you’d like to share about this week’s ebook bundle, you can post an update to your Facebook page like this one:

“5 great bible study books for only $7.40 this week! Ebooks by Katie Orr and Lara Williams, Amy Bayliss, Tracie Stier-Johnson, and Laura Krokos: http://bit.ly/107Zkpe”

Or a tweet like this one:

“Want some awesome bible study resources? 5 ebooks for only $7.40 this week! Find out more here: http://bit.ly/107Zkpe”

What are some of your favorite bible study ebooks?

Passion Week Scripture Reading List

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The week before Easter (Passion Week) begins this coming Sunday, March 24th. What better way to prepare for Easter than reading and reflecting on His Word, right?

Below is a sample Passion Week Scripture Reading List you can use. Each day includes a main Scripture reading, plus additional verses for further study as you are able. Some of the extra verses are the same events recorded in a different gospel, and some are different verses with more thoughts on the Easter events.

Day 1 (Palm Sunday): Read Matthew 21:1-11.

(for more reading: Luke 19:29-44 Mark 11:1-11, John 12:12-50)

Day 2: Read Matthew 21:12-20 and John 12:1-14.

(for more reading: Mark 11:11-33)

Day 3: Read Matthew 21:20-27.

(for more reading: Matthew 21:28-23:39, Mark 11:20-12:44)

Day 4: Read Luke 22:1-6 and Mark 14:1-11.

(for more reading: Matthew 24-25, Matthew 26:17-30)

Day 5 (Last Supper): Read John 19:1-16 and Isaiah 54:7.

(for more reading: Luke 22:7-52, John 13-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Mark 14:12-72)

Day 6 (Good Friday): Read Mark 14:53-15:41, Isaiah 53:5-6, and 1 Peter 1:18-21.

(for more reading: Luke 22:47-53, Luke 23:39-43, John 19:1-37)

Day 7: Read John 19:38-42 and Romans 6:22-23.

(for more reading: Mark 15:42-47, Matthew 27:57-66)

Day 8 (The Resurrection): Read Mark 16:1-7 and Matthew 28:1-20.

(for more reading: John 20:1-21:31, Acts 1:9)

If you would like a printable version of this reading plan, click this link to download a printable copy for free! (Easter Passion Week Scripture Reading List)

Easter Passion Week Scripture Reading List at Do Not Depart
Click here to download the full PDF version of this free printable.

 

More Easter Study Resources

Want more readings for Easter? Check out some of these books and devotionals:

  • “Lent for Everyone” reading plan ” by N.T. Wright on the YouVersion app. This plan is 53 days long, but you can either catch up or read the Passion week sections and devotions. You’ll still gain much from reading! (There’s also a [amazon_link id=”0664238955″ target=”_blank” ]book form[/amazon_link].)
  • [amazon_link id=”1481909681″ target=”_blank” ]Holey, Wholly, Holy[/amazon_link] by Kris Camealy (Find more information here and on Amazon)
  • [amazon_link id=”0814633110″ target=”_blank” ]Not By Bread Alone: Reflections for Lent[/amazon_link] by Bishop Robert Morneau
  • [amazon_link id=”B0056A8WNQ” target=”_blank” ]24 Hours that Changed the World[/amazon_link] by Adam Hamilton
  • An Easter Devotional from Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience
  • Bible Gateway’s Reading Plan for Lent and Easter
  • [amazon_link id=”1414335814″ target=”_blank” ]Devotions for Lent[/amazon_link]
  • Lenten Lights readings from Desiring God (John Piper). These devotions can be read each Sunday of Lent or the 8 days prior to and including Easter Sunday.
  • Take a look at this amazing Passion Week Timeline at Bible Gateway.
  • If you’re looking for family devotions, check out [amazon_link id=”B007OC5QOM” target=”_blank” ]Find More Jesus[/amazon_link] by Katie Orr and see this round-up of family-focused Easter activities.

 

What verses stick in your heart around Easter? What are your favorite resources to study the Passion Week events? Share your favorites in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this ministry!

When You Can’t Find Community

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You’ve just moved to a new town, and you’re encountering obstacles to finding a new church community for your family.

Or perhaps you have a child with special needs, and you need a church equipped with resources or communities specifically organized to provide support.

Or medical issues are preventing you from attending group events.

Maybe you’ve even endured troublesome circumstances in the past with communities gone wrong, and you desperately need to find a healthy community.

Whatever might have happened, you’re having trouble finding community. What do you do now?When You Can't Find Community via Do Not Depart

What To Do When Finding Community is Tough

  • Stay faithful. Finding a solid community is hard. Keep searching, keep believing. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
  • Search for online communities. While online community cannot completely take the place of face-to-face fellowship, online groups are amazing when they boost, encourage, and teach.
    -Online communities we recommend: HelloMornings, (in)courage, SheReadsTruth, the Hide His Word Facebook group, and any of your favorite blogs!
  • Seek community organically. Community in general has surprised me with its growing importance and reliability. But, I have found myself attempting to create bonds where there isn’t a realistic opportunity, especially in mentoring. I’m still learning best options here, but sometimes I find I need to release strict expectations and take some risks in joining or contributing to new communities. A small step keeps me moving forward into deeper community.
  • Read. Read His Word, and read godly books and articles. Reading broadens my perspectives and knowledge base, like community can. Even better after you read: find someone to discuss what you’ve read together.
  • Pray. When I’m struggling to connect, I remind myself to pray. Pray for the right space for me and for me to offer the right contributions. Pray for the members of my community and for us to love and uplift one another (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Prayer causes internal reflection and I feel myself centering focus back on God when I’m lonely or feel excluded.
  • Hold on to hope. If you’ve searched for weeks, months, years for a welcoming community, you might feel discouraged. Grab that hope God gives and cling to it. Community is worth it (Hebrews 10:23-25).
  • Seek Him. Even when community isn’t readily available, we can always commune with God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

 

Have you ever been through a time when you weren’t part of a community or couldn’t be part of one? What did you do to find community? Your stories can help encourage others here.

Staying in the Word

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My children pick up books throughout our days together and bring them to me to read or “read” themselves. Yesterday morning, I even found my older child “reading” to my younger one on the floor for the first time! Melts my momma heart.

It’s pretty easy to motivate them to cuddle and read together. (I pray, pray, pray this easy motivation remains and grows for a long time.) We enjoy quality time when we do so, they learn (hey, I still learn from their books, too), and we’re spending time wisely.

Experts say kids learn to love reading when families read together and when they see their parents reading for fun on their own. Just witnessing me reading encourages my kids to continue reading.

Staying in the Word - why and how to read bible from Do Not Depart

I want them to observe me captivated and changed from reading God’s Word and eager to pick up the Bible like (or more than) I am any other of my favorite reads.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” (Joshua 1:8 – NIV)

Do Not Depart is founded upon the above verse. We need to stay in His Word, for doing so brings drastic results on our hearts and perspectives. Why, specifically?

Why We Read the Bible

  • Like Ann Voskamp said, “We read the Bible to really live…” God’s Word is living, and I only continue to see that truth more and more as years progress.
  • He formed us by His words (Genesis 1:26). It seems His words hold mighty power and importance.
  • His Word encourages community (Hebrews 10:24-25), discussion, and growth.
  • Reading the Word spurs action (James 1:22). His Words and the words of those who followed Him inspire us and draw us closer to the heart of God through revealing His active love.
  • His Word offers wisdom (James 3:17-18).
  • God’s Word is trustworthy, alive, and powerful.
  • Christ is the Word become flesh (John 1:14). A pretty good reason to linger in His Word, eh?

How to Stay in His Word

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 is one of my go-to verses on the “how” part of staying in His Word. Talk about the verses, see the verses, read the verses, act on the verses.

As any discipline does, it takes training to making reading the Bible a habit.

Read and think every day. If it’s one book, one chapter, or one verse—just read. And pray for an open heart to His Word for you that day. Whenever I approach Bible reading time with a prayer and willingness, I see so much more of what He wants me to see.

A Few More Resources to Help You Stay in the Word

So, go ahead. Cuddle up with your bible. And see what amazing love you find from lingering in His Word.

Why do you read God’s Word? What are your favorite tips for staying in His Word? We love hearing from you.

Accountability for Growth {A Note about HelloMornings}

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We’re discussing the spiritual disciplines this month here at Do Not Depart. Since the word “discipline” means “to train,” we know growing in these areas takes work and practice!

Finding Quiet Time with HelloMornings

In your search for quiet time and study time, do you ever wish you had someone to help encourage you to get up a bit earlier in the mornings, stay focused just a few minutes longer, or set that new goal?

Maximize Your Mornings - HelloMornings

HelloMornings might a good resource to help you! The challenge uses accountability groups to check-in and encourage one another via social media. (What is HelloMornings? Read more here!)

Interested in joining other like-minded believers working to begin the day focused on God?

Head over to the HelloMornings website to register for the new challenge (starting today!): http://www.hellomornings.org/register/

This session runs January 28th-April 26th (13 weeks). The HelloMornings group offers a study each session, and this time it’s Abounding Hope (a Quench Bible study on hope amidst any circumstance – written by Lara Williams and our own Katie Orr!). Abounding Hope ebook

Registration for this winter’s challenge is open for one week only: January 16th-23rd. Register today!

What have you found helps you begin your day focused on God? If you’ve participated in previous HelloMornings challenges, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

Happy New Year and Thank You!

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We’ve wrapped up 2012 and already begun a new year. Our newest Hide His Word challenge registration is underway. Next week, we’ll introduce a new topic for this month.New Year post recap from Do Not Depart plus more resources

Posts from 2012

Until then, we’d like to share with you some of our most popular posts from 2012 (and welcome our new readers!):

  1. Bible Notebook: Sermon Note Sheet for Children – A free printable to help focus children’s attention during a sermon and part our month-long tutorial on creating your own Bible Notebook.
  2. How to Make a Bible Notebook – The post that started it all. (And actually from 2011, but it inspired the set of tutorials written this year.)
  3. Top Ten Android Apps for Spiritual Growth
  4. There’s an iPhone counterpart post, too.
  5. The Run to Him study guide, which led the Run to Him series.

Posts from Around the Web

We love what so many other online communities are doing to provide faith-building encouragement. A few (of the many) spectacular reads:

Looking for some more resources? Follow Do Not Depart on Pinterest! And, we always love connecting with you on Facebook and Twitter.

Our team would also like to express a big THANK YOU! to all of our readers. You all contribute so much to this community (it wouldn’t be a community without you!), and we love growing and abiding in faith with you.

Happy New Year!

What resources did you come across this year? Please share in the comments! We love reading other great articles. Also, feel free to tell us how we can serve you this upcoming year here at Do Not Depart. 

Sharing the Word Through Service

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I love words, and words carry power.

But action itself speaks, meets needs, and shares God’s love (and, yes, His Word in action) in affective ways.

With less than a week until Christmas, we might be tempted to say, “I didn’t serve as much or as well as I wanted this season. And now it’s too late.”Sharing the Word through Service - Ideas from Do Not Depart

It’s not too late! Below are several ideas you can implement this week to share God’s love and His word through serving others. Build these activities into family time, and worship through serving others with His heart.

Sharing the Word with Action

Here are a few ways we can serve people now and share God’s love through action:

  • One of our team writers, Teri Lynne, shares 10 Ways to Help in Your Community on her personal blog. These ideas require little planning and most can be implemented in an afternoon.
  • Grab a few friends and/or family members and go caroling in a neighborhood. When you carol, choose songs spreading the joy of the season. Sing one or two, wish the neighbors a “Merry Christmas,” and then move on to the next house! It’s a non-pushy, fun way to spread word of His birth.
  • Set up Christmas lights between two trees or in your yard simply forming the word “peace,” “joy,” or “love.”
  • Prioritize your emphasis on the season and intentionally renew your focus on Him daily, inwardly and as an outward example. Christmas is not about a certain number of gifts or how busy we can be, but is about celebrating His birth, presences, and grace. (Verses that help me when I begin to feel stressed: Luke 2:10, Luke 10:41-42, and Ephesians 2:8-9.)
  • Make homemade gifts with your kids with the Word included, like these chalk pastel paintings, this “Joy” word sign, this Christmas carol plaque, or this verse-a-day gift.
  • Lead a group of (willing) neighborhood kids or a church preschool class in nativity-focused games and activities, like this Find and Fill Nativity Lesson.
  • If it’s cold enough if your area, make a few of these beautiful ice ornaments and include wooden letters spelling out “joy” or “peace.”
  • Stick these tags on your gifts and give away the bookmarks!
  • Donate to worth-while and Christ-focused causes.

A few ideas you can jump in on now and save for next year:

“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 1:14

 

How are you and your family sharing God’s Word through service this season (and throughout the year)? What’s one way you include His Word in your gifts or actions? Share in the comments below.

Thankful for Today

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Each day is a gift.

We know this, right? But how often do we have to remind ourselves when we’re exhausted, weary, feeling beaten, or stressed?

Some days are tougher than others, and some days reach the “toughest” category. Can we be thankful even in the middle of those days?

Switching to Gratitude

Thankful for Today - baby foot, musical instrument, books, pajamas - all part of a normal day
Parts of our normal day – music, books, laundry, sweet feet, and aiming for gratitude.

I’ve often experienced the effects of switching my mindset to one of gratitude for that day, that moment.

I might feel frustrated with my lack of sleep or overloaded with “to-dos” and “want-to-dos.” My shoulders hunch with the burden of frustration with myself, my stomach churns nervously, and my heart quickens at the mere thought of failing my children or my husband or, worse, my God.

In these moments, when I shift to a focus on gratitude, the response is drastic.

My shoulders soften, my stomach eases, and my heart calms.

Gratitude changes my psychological and physiological responses. The effect is measurable. (As Ann Voskamp has said on her blog, research and science only support scriptural truth.) Being thankful for today in turn keeps me in the current moment and better able to see the joy He has placed right in front of me.

Even in the middle of my son’s hospital stays, I can find something to be thankful for each day.

What’s In A Day

What if you’re experiencing terrifying circumstances or depressed thoughts or general weariness? How can you see gratitude in those moments?

No matter what today brings, I try to remember:

  • God is here (Psalm 118:7) and active (Psalm 118:15-16).
  • God created today (Genesis 1:3-5).
  • God protects and is trustworthy (Psalm 118:8).
  • God saves (Psalm 118:21).
  • God loves—forever! Look back at how Psalm 118 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”

His love endures forever.

Stop and Praise

When I’m feeling foul, sometimes I need to go through the physical act of thankfulness to pull me out of a deepening pit. As soon as I realize I’m about to bark about a disturbance, if I pause and speak two or three things I thank God for out loud, I begin to feel those relieving effects.

Gratitude inspires praise. Praise focuses beyond me.

“The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)

And what else were we made for than to see Him, receive Him, praise Him, and share His love?

 

How are you thankful for today? Let’s encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13) in the comments!

Meeting Needs – Unshakeable Faith Week 8

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The apostle Peter boldly tells us the power and importance of fellowship among believers and then extending love into the community beyond.

Unshakeable Faith trait eight: Connected to a local church body with love and service

How can we serve our communities?

What do we do if we don’t know what needs exist?

Meeting Needs – Unshakeable Faith Week 8 at Do Not Depart

(If you are unable to see this video, click here.)

 

Especially considering the last quote read in the video, how can you look to Christ today and, in doing so, deepen unity in fellowship? Let us know in the comments!

I Am Adopted: Chosen and Loved

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Sometimes I need to read, read, and re-read Scripture to even begin to grasp its meaning.

Ephesians 1:3-6 fit in to that category.

It can be helpful to take verses packed with extraordinary impact line by line to see what truths they explain.

Chosen and Loved

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

[amazon_link id=”1598562754″ target=”_blank” ]Matthew Henry’s Commentary[/amazon_link] says, “Spiritual blessings are the best blessings with which God blesses us.” This adoption blesses. He blesses us, and so we are to bless Him with praise, obedience, and love.

Ephesians 1:4 – “…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love…”

God chose us before the foundation of world. Does that baffle anyone else’s mind? He chose us. Us. You. Me. Them. Not only did He choose – in love – but He chose us for the purpose of becoming holy before Himchosen and loved - sun tree pond

I love how [amazon_link id=”1598562754″ target=”_blank” ]Matthew Henry’s Commentary[/amazon_link] explains this original choosing: “…not because he foresaw they would be holy, but because he determined to make them so. All who are chosen to happiness as the end are chosen to holiness as the means. Their sanctification, as well as their salvation, is the result of the counsels of divine love.”

Our adoption results from God, and happiness abounds from that holy adoption.

Ephesians 1:5 – “…he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…”

We fulfill His purposes in part because we are His adopted. Since it is by God’s infallible will, this adoption is not at all a mistake. He chose us for a purpose.

Ephesians 1:6 – “…to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”

We are adopted in grace. Undeserved, unmerited, amazing grace. I shake my head in awe as I ponder this love. We are chosen by grace, and so we praise.

Gifts of Adoption

A loving, responsible adoptive family offers a home, safety, provision, and love. What do we receive in our adoption from God?

  • Redemption through His blood (Ephesians 1:7)
  • Forgiveness of our trespasses (Ephesians 1:7)
  • Grace lavished upon us (Ephesians 1:7-8)
  • A plan set forth in Christ to unite all things to Him (Ephesians 1:9-10)

We are chosen, adopted. We are loved. And He offers us this life to praise Him for it and share that love with others.

 

What is your response from knowing you are specifically and purposefully chosen?

Bible Notebook: Sermon and Seminar Notes

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I love attending seminars and conferences with new-to-me speakers almost as much as I love listening to my fellowship’s regular speakers share.

Enthusiasm, passion, and encouragement cascade out of verbal speech. Listening to wise words motivates and heartens us. As much as I feel empowered from a sermon or conference session, I inevitably forget those amazing quotes—occasionally by the time I return home that evening!

As a visual learner, I sometimes follow and retain more information through written words.

This month on Do Not Depart, we’re sharing Bible Notebook components and tools. Check out the original post on creating your own Bible notebook here.

In an effort to organize our notes, I created this “sermon and seminar notes” printable. (To download this free printable, click here, right-click on the image, then choose “Save As…” to save the file on your computer.)printable notes sheet for sermons and seminar sessions

When I listen to a sermon or attend a conference, particular lines or verbiage spark thoughts on application in my own life or in ways to help others around me. I write down observations on theology, highlighted Scriptures, application ideas (especially regarding challenges and convictions), and areas I’d like to study or pray about further.

Right now, I categorize my notes according to which fellowship or conference attended—and usually chronologically. I may begin to organize these sheets based on topic or Scripture reference. What do you think?

 

Do you organize your Bible studies and sermon/seminar notes in a notebook? We’d love to hear how you note what you’ve learned in a sermon!

His Word When We Wait

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We all wait for something.

We wait for phone calls. We wait for friends. We wait for jobs, for answers, for hope fulfilled.

Sometimes we wait years for an answer to a prayer or a new path to take. Sometimes waiting might mean only a few hours for test results, but it’s a life-halting wait.

In my family’s own (current) waiting, waiting for so long without foreseeable results causes me to feel helpless. Helpless and unable to affect a situation positively. How do we endure this waiting?

God speaks to this struggle, too. He shares in His Word wisdom on waiting.

What To Do While We Wait

  • Watch for wisdom while we wait: “Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
  • Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” – Proverbs 8:33-34
  • Wait on God, even when trouble presses in: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!” – Psalm 37:7
  • “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
  • Wait, knowing God will answer, even if it’s not in the way we may have thought: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” – Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
  • “But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.” – Psalm 38:15
  • Even while we wait, rejoice in our loving God: “…yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” – Habakkuk 3:18 (Read Habakkuk 3:16-19)
  • “…live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope…” – Titus 2:12b-13a (Read Titus 2:11-14. Read also Jude 1:20-21.)

Why to Trust While We Wait

  • Christ suffered for us all, and offers salvation which we can look forward to during our waiting: “…so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” – Hebrews 9:28
  • “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” – James 5:7-8

 

What verses encourage you while you wait for needs or answers? How do you use God’s Word to help others in their wait-filled struggles?

Names of God: Jehovah Shammah

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“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – Psalm 46:11

Kathy opened this month’s study sharing the power and meaning behind names, especially as we study God’s names.

An article on Bible.org on the names of God states: “…giving glory to God is tied in with the knowledge of God (revelation of God), and knowing God personally (response to God).”

Giving glory is a reaction. God created us to glorify Him, and we eagerly do so because, as we get to know Him, we see His active nature, His compassion, and His love.

A God of Many Names

In our lives, we may receive many descriptive adjectives to our character. You might be calm, patient, and compassion. A friend might have a fierce, devoted personality. A coworker may be considered energetic, contemplative, or deliberate.

The Old and New Testaments describe our God as compassionate, loving, fatherly, strong, all-knowing, and more. He is a God of salvation, of justice, and of mercy.

Photo Credit

As we grow in our knowledge of Him and our experience in faith with Him, we see how active and present God is in our lives.

A Present God

As much as we know God’s interest in our lives, some days we just feel alone. Unattended. Forgotten.

When I plummet into days like these, God presents me with a reminder of a perhaps lesser-known one of His names – Jehovah Shammah, meaning “He is There.”

“Jehovah Shammah” only appears once in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel 48:35, the Israelites are building the new Jerusalem, which God instructs will be named “Jehovah Shammah.” The city itself reminds the people that God is present.

He was present in the past, leading the Israelites through generations of slavery, wandering, and growth. He was present in the specific plans His people carried out as they rebuilt Jerusalem. He is present now, as He guides us through living out His love. He offers His presence through us, acting through our hearts and delivering eternal hope.

This verse in Ezekiel ends the book, and what a way to end a book! The last note we read here proclaims “from that time on” God’s ever presence. He is always with us.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says:

“…it is true of every good Christian; he dwells in God, and God in him; whatever soul has in it a living principle of grace, it may be truly said, The Lord is There.”

If, during my struggles and my worries, I stop and consider how God is with me, how much will that change my perspective? I can give those worries away when I remember He guides, protects, and journeys with me.

From now until forever, God is there.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” – Revelation 21:3

May we live certain He is with us!

 

How have you experienced God’s presence? What verses remind you He is always there?

Love Like Him – Love is Patient Because Jesus Suffered Long for Me

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Jesus suffered long for us. Hebrews 12:1-3 shows us such.

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” – Hebrews 12:1b-3 (emphasis added)

He endured during His life, with trials and temptations of every kind (Hebrews 4:15). He endured during His death – for us. For our salvation, for our hearts, for our inclusion as God’s children.

Photo credit

He asks us to suffer long for others.

What does Suffering Long Look Like?

First Thessalonians 5:14 says:

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

That additional use of “brothers” (or “brothers and sisters,” if you read the NIV translation) indicates Paul was including all believers within the Thessalonian church, not just the leaders he referenced in the previous two verses.

We are all called to be patient and long-suffering, as Christ was and is.

What does patience look like towards others?

  • “Admonish the idle” – Patience includes redirection. Sometimes we need direction. And we need patience during that time of redirection. Or patience and long-suffering includes faithfully readdressing an issue to help someone’s heart.
  • “Encourage the fainthearted” – When someone experiences sadness for an extended period of time, reacting patiently can be difficult, but we are called to encourage and love.
  • “Help the weak” – Suffer along side someone who has endured trials and affliction.
  • “Be patient with [everyone]” – Christ showed patience with all types of people. As can we, through His strength.

In all of this patient living, we seek to serve. Serving, by nature, calls for patience, endurance, and selfless action. Christ served regardless of if He was served in return.

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Remembering the Goal

We do grow weary. But, when we do, we can remember His life, His heart, His strength, His patience, and endure longer. Let us run this race together with patience and love for each other – all for and because of Him.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

What truths, promises, and commands did you discover during this week’s #LoveLikeHim reading? What patient love captured your heart this week?

Looking Closely: Outlining Sentences

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A Note from Caroline: This post is a repost of one of my favorite study tools from Scripture Dig (before the merger with Do Not Depart). In this post, Kristi explained the benefits of taking note of context around a verse along with mechanically outlining sentences within a passage to further understand overall meanings. (The ladies at Scripture Dig were studying Ephesians at the time.) Breaking sentences down like the example given below causes me to look closely at each God-given phrase within His Word. So much truth rests within each verse! I pray this repost will give you another useful tool for your bible study time.

Today, we’re going to focus in on one portion of his prayers for the Ephesian believers, listening at the door of his prayer closet and fixing our attention on Ephesians 1:19-20.

…and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe,according to the working ofhis great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right handin the heavenly places…

Now, as we study through this epistle (or letter), it is very important that we:

  1. Keep Paul’s statements in context – look at the verses before this short section. Paul is recounting how he constantly thanks God for these believers in Jesus, and prays that God would give them wisdom and deepen their understanding of Him.
  2. Understand what he is really saying. It’s easy to get lost in the many connecting phrases in Paul’s infamously long sentences! We need to look closely at what his main points are. One method of study that is always very helpful for me is a mechanical outline – spacing the phrases to show the  logical flow of thought. Like this:

 

From doing this, we see that Paul’s main request in this portion of the prayer he prays for these believers is – that they may know on a deep level

  • the hope God has called us to,
  • the glorious inheritance He has given us,
  • and the greatness of His power in our lives.

These verses struck me so much when I studied through this passage a few weeks ago. You see, I don’t doubt for a minute that my God is powerful. I sing with my children – “my God is so big, so strong and so mighty there’s nothing my God cannot do!” I believe it with all my heart. I believe that God made this whole beautiful, incredible world. I believe that He is completely sovereign and supreme over everything in the universe. I believe He holds this big world and my little life in His hands.

But… how often do I begin to think, deep down, that my problems and needs are too much for Him? That He cannot redeem the darkest nights of my soul? Wonder if He will be able to transform me – even on my worst days where my old sin nature shines through – into the image of His dear Son?

Notice what this verse says –

The power of His Holy Spirit in my life is the same awesome power that brought Jesus from broken death to glorious life. The power of God in my life is the same power that rolled that stone away and revealed a glorified Jesus walking out of his own grave.

The same power.

Oh, that we would know the hope and glorious inheritance we have in Jesus – and may He cause us to know, really know, that it is His same power that is at work in our lives! Notice Paul didn’t pray that God would give them power – He prayed that they would realize that they already had it in Jesus!

What is heavy on you today, friend? How impossible the problem, how staggering your sin?

May God open the eyes of your heart to see today how big our God really is – and that His power has never changed.

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdomand insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 1:16-20, NLT

 

Have you use mechanical outlining in your bible study before? How do you personally use this tool? Any questions we can help you with as a team?

Here I Raise My Ebenezer: Little Victories in a Big War

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God Hears

When the Israelites pleaded for Samuel’s prayers for salvation from the Philistines, they witnessed God’s mighty hand in its active power (1 Samuel 7:3-14).

“He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.” – 1 Samuel 7:9

The New Bible Commentary reveals the impact of this act:

“In reality it was probably only a minor victory, but it was enough to keep the Philistines out of Israelite territory for some considerable time, and it was the beginning of a period in which Philistine power declined, thanks to the hand of the LORD.” (p. 303, bold emphasis mine)

Later, Samuel placed that stone of help, called Ebenezer, to praise Him for His victory – no matter how small – and to remind the Israelites (and now us) of His deeds.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” – 1 Samuel 7:12

Not Always A Whale-Sized Act

God is active in our lives, and God deserves our praise for His love in action. But not every act is as large as a tumbling Jerusalem wall or divine plans for an ark. The little acts God completes within our bigger battles can mean just as much.

Light shines through the darkness

Samuel set up this memorial Ebenezer stone for what seemed to be a relatively small “win” within the larger view of events. But just because an act is minor doesn’t mean it should lack praise.

Little Victories and Big Praise

In my family’s current circumstances, we’re fighting a huge medical battle against slim odds. But God’s “little” victories boost our morale and remind us He is ever present.

A fantastic nurse giving care. A small check surprising us to support our financial needs. Regular smiles from our boy in spite of suboptimal conditions. All these acts may seem minor, but we experience the fullness these feats emit.

God shows us a small victory when He places the right doctor in our path. He whispers He is here when He puts it on a friend’s heart to email a prayer. He declares His hand in our situation each month we “somehow” are able to pay our bills.

Each step along this incomplete journey is sprinkled with signs of how He has helped (and continues to help) us. And each verse we read, God reminds us we read evidence of a greater victory in the battle He has already won.

I witness these little victories again and again (and again), and it could only be by God that all these things work together and surface. All this good, no matter how big or small, all presents itself thanks to His hand.


Extol His name with me (Psalm 145:3-7); how have you seen His mighty acts in your life?

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