Cheli Sigler, Author at Do Not Depart

Cheli Sigler lives life and pursues her God-given purpose of teaching from her home base in sunny Orlando, FL. Cheli and Matt, her husband of 20+ years, are blessed with two teenage daughters. She has experience as a professional educator and as children’s ministry team leader, trainer and writer. Currently, Cheli equips missionary kids for the mission field as a volunteer at Wycliffe Bible Translators, teaches a third grade Sunday School class, is a contributing writer for DoNotDepart.com and participates in Hello Mornings as a group leader, mentor, and writer. Inviting people to sharpen their minds and soften their hearts for God’s purpose and the world, Cheli shares ideas and resources on her blog, Sharpen to Soften, at https://chelisigler.wordpress.com

About Cheli Sigler

Cheli Sigler is a teacher through and through. She pursues her God-given purpose from her home base in sunny Orlando, FL alongside her husband, Matt, and their two daughters. Cheli is a part-time teacher at a Christian school, equips missionary kids for the mission field as a volunteer at Wycliffe Bible Translators, and serves Hello Mornings as a group leader mentor and writer. Inviting people to sharpen their minds and soften their hearts for God’s purpose and the world, Cheli shares ideas and resources on her blog, Sharpen to Soften. Connect with Cheli on Twitter as @CheliSigler or on Instagram as @chelidee.

Unwrapping Christmas: Series Recap

December 30, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Throughout December, inspired by the unwrapping of Christmas gifts on Christmas morning, our contributors unwrapped gifts we have from being united with Christ. Yes, we have spiritual gifts, but in this series, we focused on the numerous “spiritual blessings” Paul writes about in Ephesians.

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

If you missed one or all our posts in December, this post provides access to all our #UnwrappingChristmas posts. Let the unwrapping commence!

Hope

Ali unwraps the gift of hope in her post, The Gift of Hope. She leads us through a thorough look at what hope is and isn’t, focusing us on the object and result of our hope in God. Challenging us to see the depth of hope she writes, “…a true, biblical hope keeps in mind that God knows best. Even when God chooses differently than what we’d like …. A hopeful heart is a submissive heart.”

Strength

Jaime shares about the gift of strength in her post, The Gift of Strength. Recounting her own struggle to balance the joy of Christmas and the busyness the season brings; she unwraps the beauty of the strength we have in the Lord. These words of Jaime’s came at just the right time for me, “It is not the ability to do everything perfectly on our own, but an invitation to rest in His power, which shines through our weakness like the lights on a Christmas tree.”

Redemption

Sabrina unpacks of the gift of redemption in her post, The Gift of Redemption. She explains, redemption is “The one that makes all of the other gifts make sense…. Because you can’t be perfect, you can’t be enough, you can’t earn all of the other gifts God wants to give you, you must first accept this one.” From there she reminds us that God’s provision of redemption is necessary, costly, and free.

Jesus Holds ALL Things Together

Long inspired by Colossians 1:17, I unwrap the gift that Jesus holds ALL things together for those who trust Him, in a post titled Unwrapping Christmas: Jesus Holds ALL Things Together. Peeling back the wrapping, I explore how redemption, restoration, and sanctification provide context for understanding how Christ holds all things together. In conclusion I shared what the gift of Colossians 1:17 means for Believers.

The gift of Christ’s presence with us always, no matter the circumstances.
Jesus gifts us with His acquaintance with ALL our sorrows and difficulties.
The gift is resourceful. He uses everything in our lives to point us and others to Him.
This gift guarantees GOD’s desired outcome.

Adoption

From her adoptive parent lens, Kristee unwraps the gift of our adoption in God’s family in the post, Forever. Exploring the historical and spiritual meaning of adoption, she explains, “Paul wanted his readers to understand the completely new position they were in as God’s children, no longer linked to their former ways of life. The debt of their sin was gone. They had new responsibilities as children of the King and were ‘co-heirs with Christ.’ Romans 8:17.” She goes on to remind us that our adoption is FOREVER. Thanks be to God!

Peace

Lastly, Jennifer shares the gift of God’s peace in her post, The Gift of Peace. She walks us through a personal experience in unwrapping the meaning of “peace that passes understanding.” She reminds us that perfect peace is nestled in God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love. She concludes, “the gift of peace is a deeply abiding peace – peace with God, peace within myself, and peace with others – that can be experienced even in the context of external turmoil.”

Unwrap Jesus’ Gifts Everyday

Although Christmas comes one time a year, these gifts of Jesus that we have shared with you are available everyday without fail. We pray you will unwrap them with the dawning of each new day. May these gifts encourage and strengthen you as we welcome 2022.

May the gifts we have in Christ encourage and strengthen you as we welcome 2022.

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Did you learn something or think a new thought because of something you read in this series? If so, please leave a comment below. We love to hear from you.

Unwrapping Christmas: Jesus Holds All Things Together

December 21, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Thank you for joining us this month as we unwrap gifts Jesus gives us because we are in relationship with Him. Yes, there are spiritual gifts, but this month we are talking about some of the innumerable spiritual blessings that are ours in Him.

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

Today, I want to focus on a gift found in Colossians 1:17: “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus holds ALL things together! Profound, I am still uncovering the depth of this truth. “ALL” and “things” are big and vague words. If we venture a little further, the text sheds light on these words. Verses 19 and 20 say, “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” I love the way The Message sheds light on these verses:

…all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. —Colossians 1:19-20 (MSG)

No matter our circumstances— good, bad, and/or ugly, if we are “in Christ” we can count on Him to hold us together. But what does that really mean, and how does He do it? So far, I have thought of three ways he holds everything together: redemption, restoration, and sanctification.

Redemption

When we trust Jesus as our Savior and Lord, he redeems us. He paid the penalty for our sin, freeing us from a life enslaved to sin and destined for eternal death. Titus 2:14 says Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” He buys us back to make us His people. He can hold together those who submit to Him.

Restoration

Once we’re saved the Holy Spirit goes to work to restore the beliefs, values, relationships, and actions marred by sin. First, our relationship with God is restored, and then other areas of brokenness receive the loving care of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “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.” Our restoration is personal and is attended to by the author of salvation Himself. Jesus holds together those He has restored.

Sanctification

Never ceasing, the Holy Spirit continues to refine us into Christ likeness until we see Jesus face to face. Sanctification is the process purification. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23, clearly sanctification is a process that will one day be complete: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Furthering our understanding of this work of the Holy Spirit, Philippians 1:6 encourages us with this: “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Sanctification is the work of God. Our job is to yield to Him so He can work. Jesus holds together those He is sanctifying,

This truth is a gift— Jesus holds ALL things together.

What this Gift Is Not

It isn’t magic. I can’t repeat it as a mantra and expect a miracle.
This gift isn’t a fairytale. Jesus is at work in the lives of those who love Him. It is real life.
It doesn’t guarantee OUR desired outcomes.

What this Gift Is

The gift of Christ’s presence with us always, no matter the circumstances.
Jesus gifts us with His acquaintance with ALL our sorrows and difficulties.
The gift is resourceful. He uses everything in our lives to point us and others to Him.
This gift guarantees GOD’s desired outcome.

Unwrap Your Gifts From Jesus

Anticipating Christmas, it is my prayer that you will unwrap the gifts Christ gives you, explore them, and live them. May you experience Jesus holding ALL things together in your life.

No matter our circumstances— good, bad, and/or ugly, if we are “in Christ” we can count on Him to hold us together. #UnwrappingChristmas

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Unwrapping Christmas: Gifts from Jesus

December 7, 2021 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

Have you missed us? Like many of you, a worldwide pandemic has changed the lives of our contributors to DoNotDepart.com. Good change, difficult change, getting adjusted to “the new normal” change have impacted each of us. As a result, we found it difficult to bring you regularly scheduled posts about God’s Word in the month of November.

With the onset of Advent we are invigorated to bring you posts that celebrate Christ and the gifts He gives. We look forward to spending each Tuesday and Thursday encouraging you with the gifts we have in Christ Jesus. Each post will be an unwrapping of sorts.

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

Named Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), our posts will search out the ennumerable blessings we have through Christ Jesus. We want to celebrate all of the gifts He gives.

Join us throughout December. Leave comments at the end of each post to share with us the gifts you are unwrapping from Jesus this year.

Blessings,

Cheli

Join us as we celebrate all of the gifts Jesus gives. #UnwrappingChristmas

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Series Repost: Great is the Lord– Psalm 145

November 21, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

We hope you’ll join us throughout the rest of November for a repost of the series, Great Is the Lord, where we’ll study Psalm 145, a psalm of praise, together.

I wish I could say that I love fall and winter. But, I really don’t. Truth be told, I kinda like fall, but I know it’s ushering in winter. And winter and I? Well, we have a struggle.

Normally I’m an optimistic thinker. But because I don’ t care for fall and winter, my optimism tends to fall short these days. So, my oldest daughter reminds me often try to look for the good things in these seasons I don’t like… and hold onto them.

There are a few things about fall that I do like. I love donning jeans and boots, kicking the fallen leaves, the nip in the air when the sun is still warm on my face, and snuggling up to read or crochet on a chilly evening. But Thanksgiving is what gives me the most joy!

Yes, I love gathering together with my family, lingering over a good meal, laughing, talking, and playing games well into the evening. It’s a true joy and gift!

But even more poignant than that is the time spent in gratitude, both with family and just quietly, between God and I. Usually, for days before and after the holiday, I’m in a “thankfulness mode”— thanking God deeply for all that He’s given. Intentionally looking back over the year and counting blessings has a way of highlighting how very awesome God is and just how indebted to Him I am.

Gratitude puts everything in proper perspective!

Keep reading this post by clicking the link below.

Great Is the Lord – Psalm 145

Memories From Sharing God’s Word

October 14, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

A songwriter in the late 1990s wrote of the people we will see in Heaven because we or they took time to minister to the sick, serve in a soup kitchen, or teach a children’s Sunday School class. It is a poignant song for me because of the people I remember as I listen. My love for God and His Word is the result of people who gave their time and talent to teach me God’s truth. I look forward to exploring a lesson I learned forty years ago as we continue our #LeadMeToJesus series.

A Discipleship Class

Just ahead of Easter, several of my 4^th grade friends and I took part in a class designed to teach the basics of Christian faith and salvation. I remember well what I learned in that class, and I responded in faith and was baptized. In that class we learned big concepts, daunting to any ten-year-old. Consider Romans 3:22b-25:

…For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

Instead of dragging us through a long dictionary definition of the word justified, Mrs. Kuester gave us a simple phrase, unlocking the meaning of the word in a memorable way.

A Simple Phrase

Whenever I read or hear the word justified, it transports me to that 1980 something classroom. Though a memory, I clearly hear and see Mrs. Kuester explain justification to squirrely 4^th graders. She said,

“Justified means “just—as—if—I’d never sinned.”

A wise teacher and a simple phrase turned an out-of-reach concept into an easily accessible one. The beauty is that I have never forgotten it, and it blesses me each time I to share it with children. Teaching this to current 4^th graders, one little girl said, “Wow!” because the meaning was unlocked.

The Impact

As members of God’s family and Christ’s body our words and witness to each other are weighty. A small word or deed motivated by love for God can be a long-held and cherished memory for another. What helped my 4^th grade self understand the riches of God’s grace, has since been handed down to two more generations.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

May the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always until the day of Christ’s return.

Question

Is there a phrase or a simple message that someone taught you that continues to encourage you in your faith? If so, share it with me in the comments.

A small word or deed motivated by love for God can be a long-held and cherished memory for another. #LeadMeToJesus

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Gospel Trailblazers: Series Wrap Up

September 30, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

All month long our contributors have written about the lives of Christian missionaries who followed Christ’s call to share the Gospel with the world. Stewards of God’s grace, pioneer missionaries spearheaded, lead the way, launched, explored, and blazed new trails for the Gospel. If you missed a post, don’t worry. This post contains links to all of the contributions to our #GospelTrailblazers series.

#GospelTrailblazers Posts

David Brainerd: Serving While Suffering

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

Counting the Cost: Jim and Elisabeth Elliot

Jaime Hilton shared Jim and Elisabeth Elliot’s legacy: “Elisabeth’s forgiveness and acceptance of the people who had killed her husband was a living example of God’s unconditional love which opened the door for these previously unreached people to know Jesus Christ.”

Love for the Lost: Samuel & Amy Zwemer

Samuel and Amy Zwemer were among the first to share the Gospel with the Muslim world. Sarah Gogerty wrote, “Because the Zwemers camped at the foot of the cross, they continually saw their need for and the glory of the Savior. I think it was this humble, worshipful posture that sustained them through decades of ministry.”

God Speaks Every Language: William Cameron Townsend

William Cameron Townsend turned from selling Bibles to translating them. Cheli Sigler shared his desire “to show them that God speaks every language.”

180 Degree Repentance: Bartolomé de las Casas

Jennifer Hong brought us the story of Bartolomé de las Casas, slave owner turned protector of the very people he enslaved. Fully repentant he said, “Christ wanted love to be called his single commandment. This we owe to all men. Nobody is excepted.”

The Faithful Example of Gladys Aylward

Kristee Ravan shared the story of Gladys Aylward. Enduring many trials to be faithful to God’s call on her life, “may we remember the example of Gladys, who stayed true to the purpose God had put on her life until the end.”

Live Out Your Calling

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them…. (1 Corinthians 7:17)

Thank you for joining us this month! You might not be a missionary, but it is our prayer that you will be encouraged to live out God’s call on your life.

Read all of the posts from the #GospelTrailblazers series right here.

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God Speaks Every Language: William Cameron Townsend

September 21, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

In lightning speed on a smartphone, multiple English translations of the Bible are at my fingertips. My bookshelves hold at least 3-4 Bibles per person in my household. I grew up singing “The B-I-B-L-E, yes, that’s the book for me” without ever thinking that there were people with no Bible in their mother tongue.

With an obedient heart, a listening ear and servant hands, William Cameron Townsend started a Bible translation movement. A Bible in the mother tongue or “heart language” increases the accessibility to the Gospel for many. A “heart language” is the language in which a person prays, dreams, and thinks.

Understanding Scripture in a language other than the heart language in which we think and experience emotion is “like trying to eat soup with a fork. You can get a little taste, but you cannot get nourished. — William Cameron Townsend

An Obedient Heart

In 1917, while many of his peers were serving in World War 1, Cameron Townsend, followed God’s call to Guatemala. Cam’s mission was to share the Gospel and sell Spanish language Bibles, but he soon discovered that Guatemala was filled with people who did not speak Spanish. Instead, there were many tribal languages, many of which were spoken languages—not written ones. Working with the Cakchiquel tribe, Cam was asked, “Why doesn’t God speak our language?” Piercing Cam’s heart and mind, he sought to show them that God speaks every language.

The greatest missionary is the Bible in the mother tongue. It needs no furlough and is never considered a foreigner. –William Cameron Townsend

A Listening Ear

Listening and adjusting to meet the needs of the Cakchiquel people, Cameron Townsend set out to learn the Cakchiquel language, teach the people how to read and write it, and faithfully translate the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew into Cakchiquel. Did you catch all those steps? This process took ten years. Note that the translation was not from an English or Spanish Bible into Cakchiquel, but from the original Bible languages.

Servant Hands

With the Cakchiquel translation work complete, Cam (affectionately known as “Uncle Cam”) blazed a trail for further Bible translation. In 1934 “Camp Wycliffe,” named for John Wycliffe who translated the Bible into English, was born. This Bible translation training camp gave rise to two organizations at the forefront of Bible translation: Wycliffe Bible Translators and Summer Institute of Linguistics (now SIL International). Today people all around the world have access to the Bible in their “heart language” because of the trailblazing work of Uncle Cam. Meanwhile, 1800 languages await a Bible translation and the joy of knowing God’s Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reading the Scripture in another language is like eating a banana with the skin on. Now the Scripture in my language is satisfying… like a sweet banana. I can’t get enough of it. –a woman from Asia

Pray for Bible Translation

Like the woman in the quote above, many people await to read a Bible that communicates the fullness of God’s Word. Join me in praying for the world to know that God speaks every language.

With an obedient heart, a listening ear and servant hands, William Cameron Townsend blazed a trail, creating a Bible translation movement. #GospelTrailblazers

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Gospel Trailblazers: Pioneer Christian Missionaries

September 7, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Jesus commanded His followers to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Making, baptizing, and teaching disciples as the Gospel is shared (Matthew 28:19-20) completes the Great Commission. Twelve every-day, regular people took up the call in wake of Jesus’ ascension to Heaven, and generations upon generations follow Christ’s command.

Stewards of God’s grace, pioneer missionaries spearheaded, lead the way, launched, explored, and blazed new trails for the Gospel.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Using what God gave them, these faithful men and women are examples for us today. Throughout September, at DoNotDepart.com, we will highlight the lives of these Gospel trailblazers. Join us all month long as we delve into the lives of these Christ following world-changers.

Throughout September, at DoNotDepart.com, we will highlight the lives of Gospel trailblazers. Join us all month long as we delve into the lives of Christ following world-changers. #GospelTrailblazers

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Heaven is Home

August 12, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Today we are continuing our series, #HeartsTowardHome, looking at what the Bible says about Heaven.

Known for her runway model dimensions, her motorcycle, and a sassy mouth, Kim broke the mold for Social Studies teachers. My new colleague and I were worlds-apart-different from each other, but in working together we found common ground. I had a front row seat to watching Kim transform from “Christian in name only” to a mature, sister in Christ.

Life Transformed

Going to church as a child, planted spiritual seeds in Kim. Those seeds started sprouting when she announced her first pregnancy. Suddenly, laser-beam-focused on raising a child with good values, Kim turned to her childhood faith. In time, renewed faith in Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit transformed my friend.

Devastating Diagnosis

Three years ago, and miles apart, I learned of Kim’s cancer diagnosis— aggressive metastatic breast cancer. Tumors riddled her strong, svelte frame. Her body wrecked by cancer, Kim told me, “Cheli, Jesus suffered more to save me than I a suffer from cancer.” Hidden in Christ and completely surrendered, Kim knew what it meant to participate in Christ’s suffering.

…that I may know him [Christ Jesus] and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…. (Philippians 3:10, clarification mine)

Longing for Heaven

A year later, Kim rang the bell after her last chemo treatment. So, with refreshed hope for Kim’s healing, I thanked God with teary-eyed gratitude around the Thanksgiving table. Yet—before the ringing bell diminished, cancer delivered its final blow. Within weeks cancer nearly destroyed her vision and decimated her body. Gifting her family and friends with the last of her energy, she said goodbye. On Christmas Eve, Kim went home to Heaven. In that moment, death gave way to life— eternal life.

Truly, my friend understood the full meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:1-5:

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Though I miss my friend, I rejoice in her new life. Kim put on a new body, fully clothed in Christ. Free from disease and pain, she lives life to the full— forever.

What does 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 say about Heaven? Join us as we continue our #HeartTowardHome series.

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What is God impressing on your heart and mind as you read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5?

Bond-Servants of Christ Jesus

July 20, 2021 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

When I was in high school, it was uncommon and somewhat controversial for men to have pierced ears. I still remember the night a middle-aged man stood before my high school youth group and explained that he pierced his ear for Jesus. Calling us to live lives wholly submitted to the Lord, his earring was a reminder that he was a doulos, “bond-servant” of Jesus. Today, we will delve into the meaning of doulos, what it meant for Paul, and what it tells us about Jesus.

Throughout the #WhoAreYouLord series, we are studying Paul’s greetings in his letters to the churches to better understand who Jesus is. Today’s greeting is found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 1:1, NASB)

Doulos in the Old Testament

Derived from the root word deō, meaning “tie” or “be in bonds,” doulos is translated as “bond-servant.” It describes a situation where the slave/servant yields their will completely to another. The slave’s will is tied to the master’s. Regarding slaves, God commanded the Israelites to free their slaves after six years of service. However, a slave could choose bond-service. God says,

But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever. (Exodus 21:5-6)

It is important to note that becoming a bondservant was voluntary, public, and a life-long commitment. Signaling servant status, the pierced ear was the mark of a doulos. It was a mark of complete obedience to the will of the master. It was not a fashion statement.

Doulos as Demonstrated in Paul’s Life

The slave to master relationship detailed in the Old Testament became a metaphor for whole-hearted obedience to God’s will in the New Testament. Certainly Jesus called men and women to servanthood: “‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23). Paul was chief among those who answered this call.

From the outset of Paul’s conversion experience, he knew that following Jesus was costly. Regardless, Paul committed himself to be a bond-servant of Jesus. With full understanding of doulos and its Old Testament context, Paul’s knowledge of and experiences with Jesus led him to be a slave of Christ.

Truly, Paul gave all he had to serve Jesus. Paul writes, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). No matter what and in response to God’s grace, living life fully subservient to Jesus and His will was Paul’s purpose.

Doulos as Modeled by Jesus

Not only did Jesus call people to surrender their will to God, but He demonstrated how. Jesus shows us how to be a doulos:

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8, NASB)

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords humbled himself in complete service to His Father’s will. Losing position or power was not Christ’s concern. Rather, Jesus forsake everything to fulfill God’s will. Jesus is the ultimate doulos.

#PreachingToMyself

In light of Christ’s love for me and His willing sacrifice, am I willing as Paul did to set aside pride and position to serve God’s will and His alone? What am I holding onto that I need to yield to God? What keeps me from being wholly devoted to God and being a doulos for Him?

Will you join in me in asking these questions?

Jesus forsake everything to fulfill God’s will. Jesus is the ultimate bond-servant. #WhoAreYouLord

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Series Recap: Where Jesus Walked

June 29, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Throughout the month of June the Do Not Depart contributors led readers on a virtual tour of the Holy Land. At each stop we highlighted the places where Jesus walked, talked, and loved. If you missed a post, each heading in this recap provides links to each post in the series.

Bethlehem: The Entrance of the Savior

Kicking off the series, Ali Shaw, took us to Bethlehem. Translated as “House of Bread,” it is no coincidence that God chose this humble town as the place where Jesus, “the Bread of Life,” would enter the world. Ali writes, “Just as God provided manna for the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years, He provides spiritual sustenance for Believers today.Jesus Christ is the true, everlasting Manna from Heaven. He is the eternal provision for our souls… of whom if we “eat” we will never hunger again.”

Jericho: Walking by Faith

Next we traveled to Jericho with Jaime Hilton. She writes, “Sitting in a deep valley between Jerusalem and the Jordan River (just across from where Jesus was baptized), Jericho serves as a gateway to the Promised Land, a place where faith is abundant, and promises are fulfilled.” Jaime highlights the faith of Zaccheus, Bartimaeus, and Rahab; all citizens of Jericho. Certainly no example is more important than Jesus, who by faith, walked through Jericho before giving His life for the salvation of the world.

Cana of Galilee: Steps to Transformation

Journeying on, our next stop was Cana of Galilee led by new contributor (make sure you welcome her!), Sabrina Gogerty. She asserts that Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana shows Jesus’ care in big and small moments alike. Sabrina writes, “Be it water turned into wine, a heart of stone turned to a heart of flesh, the resurrection of Lazarus, or the resurrection of our Savior Himself, Jesus is in the business of making all things new.”

Bethany: The Way of Sacrifice

From Cana we ventured to Bethany with Cheli Sigler. Important to Jesus, Bethany was home to treasured friends. One of these friends, Mary, anoints Jesus with oil. With attention to Mary’s sacrificial gift, Cheli challenges herself and us with the following: “Do I only serve Jesus in socially approved ways? Am I willing to risk my reputation for Christ? What am I holding onto that I need to completely give to Jesus? How do I really feel about dying to self and following Jesus? Am I following Jesus in the way of sacrifice?”

The Jordan River

Moving on from Bethany, our tour continued at the Jordan River with Jennifer Hong. Pointing out the significance of this river throughout Bible history, she writes, “God had demonstrated His faithfulness to the Jews at this very site, establishing the Jordan River as a boundary and a transition into new life.” With this in mind, Jennifer focuses on new life reflected in baptism. She reflects, “In our baptism, we are called to repentance as the Jews were on the banks of the Jordan. In baptism, we become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We begin to live within God’s timing, by His provision, victorious only through obedience and by His hand.”

Jerusalem: Jesus Celebrated Hanukkah?

Next we ventured to Jerusalem led by new contributor (be sure to welcome her!), Kristee Ravan. With Jerusalem as a backdrop, we learn about Hanukkah and Jesus’ connection to this Jewish holiday. Without room here for all of the details, be sure to read the post. Kristee explains that Jesus declared His divine identity during Hanukkah, “At the Feast of Dedication, celebrated to commemorate the defeat of the one who claimed to be “the manifest god,” Jesus openly declared that He is the true Manifest God. He is that eternal light of the world, burning brightly.”

Where Jesus Walked: The Sea of Galilee

Lastly, we visited the Sea of Galilee guided by guest contributor, Aleigh Porter. Galileans, Jesus and many of His disciples crisscrossed the lake while preaching and minstering to surrounding communities. Aleigh recounts the story of the storm-tossed disciples who witnessed Jesus’ mastery of wind and waves. Ultimately, Aleigh concludes, “Our job is to trust him – he is prepared, charting the course, and navigating our boat through the rough waters of life.”

Visit all the stops in our #WhereJesusWalked series from our series recap.

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Thank You for Joining Us!

As our virtual tour of #WhereJesusWalked ends, we thank you for joining us. Our goal was to illumine places Jesus visited while on the earth. Gospel history is not built on pixie dust and fairytales, but on events rooted in reality— real places, real people, and real time.

…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31

Kent, Charles Foster. “Palestine in the time of Jesus, 4 B.C. – 30 A.D.: including the period of Herod, 40 – 4 B.C.” [S.l.: s.n, 1912] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2009579463/>. (Yellow highlights added by blog author.)

Bethany: The Way of Sacrifice

June 15, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Thank you for joining the Do Not Depart contributors for a virtual tour of #WhereJesusWalked. We have visited Bethlehem, Jericho, and Cana of Galilee thus far. We continue our tour in Bethany. Described as a hamlet by some and a small suburb by others, Bethany was a frequent stop for Jesus.

Just outside of the city of Jerusalem, Bethany sits on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives. The two-mile journey to Jerusalem was an uphill jaunt. The proximity to Jerusalem made Bethany a perfect place to escape curious crowds, but more importantly, it was the home of Jesus’ close friends: Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

Between Jesus’ triumphal entry and supper in the Upper Room with the disciples, Jesus spent time in Bethany with His friends at Simon the Leper’s house. Here in a common home with common people, an uncommon disciple demonstrates that following Jesus is the way of sacrifice.

Barrier Breaker

The candles were lit, the food served, and the guests were enjoying a meal with Jesus. Without introduction and without excuse, Mary (John 12:3) enters the room where Jesus was. Interrupting the dinner and against all cultural barriers, she anoints Jesus with expensive oil.

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. Matthew 26:6-7

Giving up propriety and risking humiliation, Mary’s action shakes up the room. Cries of disgust erupt across the room while Jesus honors her heart and motivation. Mary sacrificed any regard for social standing to exalt Jesus.

Afterall, Jesus showed her the way by withstanding rejection, scorn, and derision of men. Even now, He invites sinners into a relationship with Him by faith and by grace ushers them into the presence of God. Jesus’ sacrifice breaches any barriers, making God approachable for all who call on His name.

Selfless Servant

Mary could have kept the oil for a future occasion. Instead, knowing the surpassing greatness of Jesus, she used the oil to serve Him. A less humble heart would have reserved the oil, but Mary gave it all away.

Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3

In a posture of humility, Mary bows before Jesus. Even more, she uncovered her hair and used it to cover Jesus’ feet in oil. Mary’s position before Jesus proves her understanding that following Jesus required service and sacrifice.

Afterall, Jesus’ life on earth was marked by sacrifice. Beginning with His incarnation:

…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:6-7

Soon after His annointing by Mary of Bethany, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to show them “the full extent of his love” (John 13:1). Selfless servanthood is the way of Jesus, the way of sacrifice.

In Bethany at a common home with common people, an uncommon disciple demonstrates that following Jesus is the way of sacrifice. #WhereJesusWalked

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Devoted Disciple

Although some in the room decried the wasting of such costly fragrance, Jesus saw it as pure devotion and worship. Like the widow who gave all she had (Luke 21:1-4), Mary of Bethany gave every drop of this precious possession in an act of worship.

“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. Matthew 26:10-12

Mary knew Jesus was going to die, and she honored His sacrifice by preparing His body in an act of worship. Mary loved Jesus with her whole heart. She risked her reputation, she lowered her position, and she poured out all her possession to worship and adore Jesus. I think the apostle Paul would agree that Mary’s adoration of Jesus is an example of true worship.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

The way of Jesus is the way of sacrifice. Jesus warned His disciples that following Him would be costly. Philippians 2: 8 describes Jesus as “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Today Jesus calls us to sacrificial obedience. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

Reflection

The account of Mary of Bethany challenges me to reflect on the following. Do I only serve Jesus in socially approved ways? Am I willing to risk my reputation for Christ? What am I holding onto that I need to completely give to Jesus? How do I really feel about dying to self and following Jesus? Am I following Jesus in the way of sacrifice?

The answers to these questions are imperfect. I “fall short” too often. Yet, I am confident that the Holy Spirit’s persistent work will yield more understanding and better following as I continue in my Christian life.

How are you challenged by Mary of Bethany’s example? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Join us as we visit Bethany as part of our #WhereJesusWalked series.

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New Series: Where Jesus Walked

June 1, 2021 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

It’s June, and a new month means a new series at DoNotDepart.com. Also new this month, we are glad to announce the addition of new contributors: Sabrina Gogerty and Kristee Ravan. A guest contributor, Alison Porter, will join us also. Be sure to welcome these ladies to the blog when you see their posts later this month.

For many, summer is a great time for a road trip, so why not take a virtual tour of the Holy Land together? Throughout June we will delve into the culture, geography, and history of places in Palestine where Jesus walked, talked, and loved.

Jesus Walked

If Jesus had a step counter, he would have earned the “globetrotter award.” According to estimates, Jesus traveled over 21,000 miles while on earth—enough to circumnavigate the globe. The Gospel accounts are rooted in reality— real places, real people, and real time. The New Testament chronicles His movement and provides details reinforced by archaeology. Ours is not a flimsy faith based on half-truths and fables; Christian faith is bolstered by its historicity.

Jesus Talked

Everywhere He went the Gospels record Jesus’ words. For students of God’s Word, it is important to look at these words in context. Not just studying the rhetorical context, but the cultural context as well. Whether talking to Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, or Zacchaeus, it is important to study not only Jesus’ words, but the place where He was speaking. Throughout this series, if there is a significant connection between the geographical setting and Jesus’s words, we will highlight it.

…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:31.

Jesus Loved

Furthermore, as Jesus traveled some 3,000+ miles during His ministry, He demonstrated His love for people. Confronting sin, healing the sick, standing up for the downtrodden, Jesus modeled love in action. Understanding the setting is a key to understanding the Kingdom purpose of Jesus’ miracles and personal encounters. We hope to illumine the richness of the scripture as we delve into the importance of place in the life and ministry of Jesus.

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25

The Gospel accounts are rooted in reality— real places, real people, and real time….Christian faith is bolstered by its historicity. #WhereJesusWalked

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We look forward to “traveling” the Holy Land with you throughout the month of June as we explore Where Jesus Walked.

Psalm 51: Confession, Repentance, and Restoration

May 21, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

No matter how safely I drive my car, when I see a law enforcement vehicle, I panic. The fear of breaking the law scares me. This automatic reaction prompts me to consider how I think of God and His response to my sin. Do I see God as a traffic cop or as gracious and merciful Father (Exodus 34:6)?

King David, “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), confronted with his grievous sin, turned toward God instead of hiding from Him. I learn from David that the best place for me when I sin is in God’s presence. A child of God, His gracious and merciful heart welcomes my confession of sin and repentance.

Confession

As I mature in faith, I recognize more and more my need for daily confession.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
²Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

³For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
⁴Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
⁵Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
⁶Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 51: 1-6

Repentance

Once offered, confession leads to repentance, a turning away from sin and towards God.

⁷Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
⁹Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
¹⁰Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right^[b] spirit within me.
¹¹Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹²Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:7-12

Restoration

Having confessed and repented of my sin, God faithfully forgives and cleanses me from unrighteousness. He readies me again to do His will.

¹³Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
¹⁴Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
¹⁵O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
¹⁶For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
¹⁷The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

¹⁸Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
¹⁹then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar. Psalm 51:13-19

Blessed are the Forgiven

Until Jesus returns, I will practice running to God with my sin. He is ready and waiting to forgive and restore me.

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:7-8

God is a gracious and merciful Father who is ready to forgive and restore me. #Psalm51 #BeautifulPsalms

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Connected to The Vine

April 20, 2021 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

I am the last person you want to ask for gardening advice. I descend from a long line of farmers, but you would never know it. Quite by accident, my only successes are with orchids and a bromeliad.

Throughout the Bible plant metaphors are used. Green and growing equals spiritual flourishing. Withering and rot equals spiritual decay. Today we will continue our #MetaphoricallySpeaking series by exploring the metaphor of the vine and the branches in John 15.

The Vine is the Life Source

Feet washed, bread broken, and a cup shared, Jesus and His disciples soon depart the Upper Room for the Garden of Gethsemane. Throughout His ministry the disciples have grown and flourished in Christ’s physical presence. Now it is time for them to live by faith. Jesus teaches them how to live and grow in His physical absence. This lesson is important for disciples in this present age as well. First, Jesus says,

I am the true vine… (John 15:1)

As a vine is central to the life of the plant, Jesus is our life source. John 1:4 states that Jesus IS life. The Message puts it this way:

Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. (Colossians 3:4, MSG)

Like the vine delivers sap, the vital nutrients, to the rest of the plant giving it vitality and vigor, Jesus delivers everything we need for spiritual growth and maturity.

The Branches and the Vine

Having established that He is The Vine, Jesus teaches that all who believe are the branches. The branches grow out from the vine, brimming with leaves, flowers and fruit. Healthy branches are a symbol of a believer’s spiritual growth. This spiritual growth happens because it is connected to the vine– to Jesus.

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. (John 15:5)

The fruit of our lives, the products of a life transformed by Jesus, are possible because we commit to an ongoing relationship with Him. How do we do this? We abide in Christ through His Word, in prayer, and obedience to His will.

The fruit of a Christian life is the result of active participation in the life of Christ by faith. The branches bear or support the fruit; they do not make it. Jesus makes this clear in the last half of John 15:5, saying, “apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus’ work in the life of a believer produces fruit.

Troubled Times, Even More Abiding

My heart is troubled and overwhelmed by much of what I see going on in the world. Part of me wants to rush to action, and the other part is unsure of what “action” looks like. Meditating on being connected to Christ and abiding in Him, I am encouraged. My job is to remain in Christ, focused on Him and His ways. Connected to Jesus, He will prepare me with the right response at the right time for His purpose.

With my poor record in growing plants, I am glad that the spiritual fruit in my life is not dependent on my work. Thanks be to God for providing a true vine in Christ. Connected and abiding in Him, He provides everything needed to bear fruit in my life.

For Further Study

The metaphor of the vine and branches is significant throughout the Bible. There is no way one blog post can do it justice. To further your study, consider the following:

Look up Psalm 80. Investigate what the vine represents in the Psalm.
Read John 15: 1-11. How does Jesus give new meaning to the metaphor of the vine?
Read John 15:1, and explore what a vinedresser does. What is God the Father’s role in the relationship between The Vine and the branches?

Like the vine delivers sap, the vital nutrients, to the rest of the plant giving it vitality and vigor, Jesus delivers everything we need for spiritual growth and maturity. #MetaphoricallySpeaking

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“So That the World May Know:” Series Re-Cap

March 30, 2021 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Throughout this month we prayed for the nations to Jesus and salvation that comes through Him alone. Inspired by Jesus’ prayer in John 17:23, we lifted prayer requests to the Father.

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:23)

Series Re-Cap

Led by our contributors, we have prayed for seven nations. Below, you will find a link to each post, in case you missed one or would like to read it again.

Pray for Papua New Guinea

Praying for Hungary

Pray for the Children of El Salvador

Pray for the Nations: The Solomon Islands

Praying for Nigeria

Pray for Bolivia

Pray for Cambodia