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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

Set Apart by the Lord of the Sabbath

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Christmas Day, Valentine’s Day, Veteran’s Day—you’ve heard of them. Do you know about National Pie Day (January 23) or International Talk Like a Pirate Day? People create “holidays” to celebrate who we are, what we value, and shared customs or interests. Very few of these special days dotting the calendar are true “holy days.” Today we will look at how God designed the Sabbath as a holy day to remind us of our identity in Him.

The Sabbath Command

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” —Exodus 20:8

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines holy as “set apart to a sacred use.” God expands on His purpose in creating the Sabbath in Exodus 31:13:

“You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.”

Like the word holy, the word sanctify means to “set apart.” In studying the Sabbath, we see that God sets Believers apart as created, saved and sanctified.

Created to Imitate the Creator

In the beginning, God spoke everything into being, except for Adam and Eve. He formed man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:27). Like our Creator, we work. We take charge and manage creation, using our God given talents and abilities to fashion a life lived in cooperation with God and as worship to God. Paul addresses our God given work ethic:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. —Colossians 3:23-24

We not only imitate God’s work ethic, but we honor His command to rest: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:11). We rest because God rested. He gives us the Sabbath for our health and well-being. God calls us to rest from our work and enjoy Him and His creation. The Sabbath reminds us of our created identity and that we are set apart to imitate Him.

Saved to be God’s People

Since humanity’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden, God has been the Rescuer of His people. Each rescue pointed to the time when Jesus, “once for all,” saved all those who have and will believe (Romans 6:10). God set apart the Sabbath day from all the other days of the week, so we would remember that He is the God who saves:

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. —Deuteronomy 5:15

Shedding additional light on God’s purpose for the Sabbath, an article on the Sabbath from JewsforJesus.org states, “God’s intention in giving the Sabbath was for Israel to be a microcosm of redeemed humanity, a community beginning to live out the ‘rest’ of a people in intimate fellowship with Him, despite their continued struggle with sin.” God not only saved the Israelites from slavery, but He rescues us from sin and saves us from death, so we can be His people.

Scripture About Our Rescue From Sin and Death

Rescue From Sin: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-4).

Safe From Death: “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:10-11).

God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to be a nation set apart for the Lord. He provided the perfect sacrifice for sin, Jesus, so we could be in relationship with Him as His people. He conquered death, so His people can dwell with Him forever. The Sabbath is sanctified from all other days to remember God’s saving work.

Sanctified for the Kingdom of God

The Sabbath and it’s keeping was a covenant between God and His people: “. . . this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you” (Exodus 31:13). God set aside a day for His people to find renewal as they sought His call and purpose.

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” — Deuteronomy 7:6

The nation of Israel was created to be an instrument through which God would bring salvation to the world. God called and re-called them to a life sanctified to God through the Sabbath.

Likewise, the Holy Spirit teaches, trains, and convicts us of sin, so we can do what God has planned for us since the beginning (Ephesians 2:10). To this end, we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Sanctified by the Sprit and The Word, God’s people are called to join God in building His kingdom. The Sabbath points to our identity as sanctified. Becoming more like Jesus, we are His ambassadors to the nations.

In Conclusion

No matter your practice of Sabbath, God has given it to us as a reminder of who we are in Him. He has provided the Sabbath to set us apart as created, saved and sanctified. May God bless you as you live out your identity in Him.

Faith Forward: The Shield of FAITH

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Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

What does it look like to “put on the whole armor of God?” How do I put this in terms I can understand and practice? I wrestled with these thoughts as I prepared to write today’s post on the “shield of faith,” and then while perusing my Facebook feed I found an answer.

Eighth grader, Bella, was bullied by a fellow student at her middle school for being different. Kaitlin, Bella’s older sister, created a way to defend and support her sister while confronting the bullying behavior with kindness and courage. Kaitlin designed a t-shirt, like a shield of faith; for Bella, herself, and a few friends to wear to school. The t-shirt promises, “You will never walk alone.”

Learn more about Bella’s story here.

Can you imagine how Bella felt going to school with the promise of not being alone emblazoned across her t-shirt? Even more, how loved and supported she felt to see others wearing the same message? God promises Believers that we “will never walk alone” throughout scripture. When we move forward, trusting this promise, we do so in confidence that God goes before us.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… (Ephesians 6:16)

Shields in New Testament Times

The Greek word for shield in Ephesians 6:16 is thyreos (scutum in Latin). Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this type of shield as “large, oblong, and four-cornered.” This shield would nearly cover a soldier from head to toe. [See picture below.] Studying further, I found this description:

By Photo credit: Yale University Art Gallery

Such a shield was not just defensive but could also be used to push opponents. When fighting as a group, a phalanx of soldiers could position their shields so as to form an enclosure around themselves, called a testudo (“tortoise”). [See picture below.] This was especially helpful to protect against arrows launched from the walls of cities they were attacking. Shields, often made of wood and then covered in hide, when wet, could extinguish flaming arrows. (GotQuestions.org)

By CristianChirita (talk · contribs) (Own work), CC BY-SA 3.0

From this we can see why the apostle Paul used a shield of the thyreos / scutum style as a metaphor for faith and spiritual armor. Faith…

1. defends. (Exodus 15:2, NIV)
2. defeats the enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:24-25)
3. strengthens when joined with others. (Ephesians 4:11-15)
4. quenches the condemning fire of the enemies’ arrows. (Romans 8:1)

The Shield of Faith

For Believers, faith as discussed in Ephesians 6:16 is the belief and trust that He who purchased our pardon, conquered sin, and vanquished death is with us, defending us, and leading us. It is the confidence, whether defending against a spiritual attack or moving into enemy territory, that Christ goes before us and has already claimed the victory. Faith moves forward; it does not retreat.

Fiery Arrows

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Ever since mankind’s fall in Genesis 3, Satan flings everything he can at Believers to cause doubt and destruction. He especially loves it when his accusations lead to condemnation. Satan loves defeat. Are you facing troubling circumstances? Do you struggle with negative thoughts? Does anxiety get the best of you? Are you overwhelmed by Satan’s lies? Faith is the answer, but it is not “pixie dust.” Faith takes our eyes off the fiery arrows and focuses them on Jesus. Staying focused on Him and His promises, the searing arrows of Satan are extinguished.

Faith in Action

As I thought about the shield of faith and what it looks like to suit up and use it, I thought of three faithful sayings in scripture.

1. Obey God’s Word: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

2. Go when God calls: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8)

3. Rely on Christ’s strength: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

When I yield my heart and mind to Christ in faith, I see Him work in me, and it spurs me on to the next step of faith. God is faithful to grow what I give Him in faith.

You Will Never Walk Alone

Kaitlin designed a t-shirt that she thought a few people would wear. She thought a few people would join her in supporting her sister. It turns out that 125 students, family and friends wore the t-shirt to support Bella. Faith smothered the scorching words of a bully. In this world darkness abounds, and Satan works to have his way. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Walk forward in faith. With Jesus, you will never walk alone.

‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)

Printable Resources for Prayer Life

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Continuing to build a Bible study notebook this month at Do Not Depart, today we will add printable resources for your prayer life.

Prayer is a conduit for better Bible study. Seeking the Lord in prayer prior to studying The Word tunes my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit, creates God-focus, and prepares me to receive and apply God’s message.

Seeking the Lord in prayer prior to studying The Word tunes my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit, creates God-focus, and prepares me to receive and apply God’s message. @DoNotDepart #BuildingaBibleNotebook

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Model prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer, serve as prayer tutors, keeping me on track and mindful of the Lord’s will while I pray. As a young Christian I was often frustrated during prayer because I struggled with distraction. Since then, I have been introduced to the ACTS prayer model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication), and it has transformed my prayer life. The ACTS model helps me feel close to God and effective in praying for others.

 

Adoration

I start my prayer by saying, “God, you are….” Adoration is worship. It is affirming who God is. Spend a few moments completing that sentence with as many names and attributes for God as you can or can allot time. Need help getting started? Check out these verses:

  • 2 Samuel 22:32-34
  • Isaiah 9:6
  • Revelation 4:8

Confession

This is where I tell God, “I’m sorry.” As much as God hates our sin, He loves it when we turn to Him, acknowledge our sin, and ask for forgiveness. Here are some verses to encourage you as you confess your sin:

  • Proverbs 28:13
  • James 5:16
  • 1 John 1:9

Thanksgiving

When confession is done and God’s forgiveness begins to wash over me, thanksgiving flows: “Thank you, God, for ….” There are so many things for which to thankful. Let them flow with abandon. Need some help with the words? Try these verses of thanksgiving:

  • Psalm 9:1
  • Psalm 107:1
  • Philippians 4:6-7

Supplication

Now it is time to lay before the Lord personal requests and intercessory prayer: “God, please….” The Greek word for “supplication” is deēsis, meaning “a request.” The Bible teaches us to take our requests to the Lord. Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are all welcome; there’s nothing God can’t handle. Here are some helpful scriptures:

  • Matthew 6:11
  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • Ephesians 6:18

Free Printables

Download this free ACTS Prayer Journal Page, make several copies, and put it in your notebook. I find that I pray as I write. The writing is another way I stay on track and focused. There is no one way or perfect way to pray, but I have found this model to be meaningful and effective.

Do you have a favorite prayer model or a story how one transformed your prayer life? Tell me about it in the comments. Need a place just for prayer requests? Download this free Prayer Journal Page.

Mission Complete; Proceed to Launch

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This past weekend central Florida buzzed with excitement as the world celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. Three men catapulted into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and on July 20, 1969, two of them walked on the moon. The mission was a success! Previous missions and countless people made this moment possible by plotting the course and paving the way. Apollo 11 was just one of several missions in the ongoing work of NASA. As we have not reached the limits of the universe, NASA’s work is never done.

With all things NASA surrounding me this past weekend, I could not get the words “mission” and “launch” out of my head. Today we are continuing our Once For All series by looking at Hebrews 10:11-14. Unlike any mission undertaken on earth, Jesus perfectly completed His mission, and launched those who believe into ongoing life with Him.

Mission Complete

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. (Hebrews 10: 11-13)

Among the furnishings in the Tabernacle, there were no chairs. Under no circumstance did the priests have time to sit; their work under the covenant of the law was never done. Only a perfect High Priest, the Lamb of God— only Jesus— could offer a sacrifice that effectively and completely removed sin. Having completed his salvific mission, Jesus did what no earthly priest could do— He “sat down.”

Having completed his salvific mission, Jesus did what no earthly priest could do— He “sat down.” #OnceForAllClick To Tweet

An “eDevotion” from GrowingChristians.org unpacks the finished work of Christ as threefold. The perfect sacrifice, Jesus completely absorbed God’s wrath that is our due (1 John 4:10); fully paid the ransom to buy us back from sin (Ephesians 1:7), and forever closed the gap between God and man (2 Corinthians 5:18). With the words, “It is finished…” (John 19:30), Jesus closed out His mission; He fulfilled His purpose.

Nineteenth century preacher and contemporary of Charles Spurgeon, Octavius Winslow, said it beautifully,

He had finished all the ancient types, predictions, and shadows; he tore the veil in twain and opened the bright pathway for the sinner to retrace his steps back to paradise, back to God, and once more feel the warm embrace of his Father’s forgiving love.

Proceed to Launch

Jesus removed all the barriers to God, making new life with God available to those who believe (Galatians 2:20). He sits next to the Father, interceding for us, ready for us to launch into life with Him (Romans 8:34). Hebrews 10:14 speaks our future with God:

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Whereas, Christ’s work is done; the Holy Spirit’s job has just begun. Jesus has set believers free from the wrath, penalty, and separation of sin; so, we can be sanctified, become like Him (Romans 8:29). The phrase, “are being sanctified,” indicates action that is happening now and into the future until it’s culmination in Heaven. The Holy Spirit moves and works in us to this end.

We cooperate with the Spirit in sanctification because God’s love compels us, and faith propels us.

We cooperate with the Spirit in sanctification because God’s love compels us, and faith propels us. #OnceForAllClick To TweetThe apostle Paul prays a prayer for the Ephesians that combines these two elements. With this prayer Paul launches believers further toward the life God has prepared for us. May this prayer be yours today:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:17b-21, NIV)

Thank you, Jesus for being our Great High Priest who offered the only sacrifice that would forever take away sin and make the way for eternal life with God!

The Marriage Metaphor: God’s Invitation to Spiritual Intimacy

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And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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 21:2-3)

These verses of scripture beautifully capture the purpose behind God’s use of the marriage metaphor throughout scripture. He created us to be in relationship with Him where He is the only one who matters, and we reflect His glory. While earthbound, God invites us to experience spiritual intimacy with Him, knowing it is only an inkling of our relationship with Him in Heaven.

Created for Spiritual Intimacy with God

God designed Christian marriage to be a true, exclusive, and protective relationship between a man and a woman. When these characteristics are in place, love and intimacy can grow, God’s plan can be realized. Even better, these attributes are available to us in God without fail. It is in the context of these characteristics that our relationship with God deepens. Because God is true, we can trust every word (Psalm 119:160). God is exclusive; we do not fear being abandoned (Deuteronomy 31:8). God protects me; we are always safe in God’s care (Psalm 91:4). God has established the perfect environment for a close, intimate relationship with Him to grow.

Experience Spiritual Intimacy with God

In order to experience spiritual intimacy with God we increase our proximity to Him, believe, and obey. Distance threatens relationships. God wants us close. Drawing near to God, gets us a front-row-seat to everything He is doing in our lives. The psalmist wrote, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds” (Psalm 73:28). Of course, we have no relationship with God unless we believe that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Having believed, the storehouses of God’s spiritual blessings are available to us. There is so much to explore! As we mature in faith, God makes clear the path to greater intimacy with Him is through obedience.

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. (John 14:21)

We obey God in the environment of trust, safety, and love He has created, and the more we obey the more we understand about God, the more we trust Him, the more we love Him.

Spiritual Intimacy is the Work of God in Our Lives

The deepening of our relationship with God is a mystery— so hard to put into words, but as I am trained by obedience, I see more and more the work of God in my life. In a deepening, more intimate relationship with God, I am consumed, yielded and transformed. Some of the most beautiful times in my life are times when I am alone with the Lord. I have often repeated in prayer the words of the psalmist, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you” (Psalm 63:3). Let’s look at more of Psalm 63. Overwhelmed and consumed by God’s love, words of devotion pour from the psalmist…

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:2-8)

As God continues to give me more of Himself, I want to yield more of myself to Him. I want His ways to be my ways. I want His will to become my own. I want these words of the apostle Paul to be my own, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. . .” (Philippians 3:8). In the end, my relationship with God in Christ, leaves me transformed. We can’t be in a relationship with God and not be changed. In an intimate relationship with God, He is shaping us more and more into the likeness of His son, Jesus.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)

Pursue Spiritual Intimacy with God

God is so good to invite us and make a way to be in relationship with Him despite our sin! Right now He is preparing us now for our spiritual future— the day when we see Him face-to-face. The relationship we have with God now, will be eclipsed by everything we will experience in Heaven. Until then, may Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3, be your prayer as well.

I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit – not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength – that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. (Ephesians 3:16-20, MSG)

 

The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-control

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Selfies, self-help, and self-consciousness are all the rage today. Pervasive is the phrase, “What’s in it for me?” Contrary to our culture’s obsession with the gratification of self, is another “self” word. Self-control. In a world that sees self-control as shackles, God’s purpose for self-control is life-giving freedom.

All this month at Do Not Depart we’ve been focused on the Fruit of the Spirit, and now we’ve come to the last one.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Definition

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines “self-control” (temperance, moderation, self-restraint are synonyms) as “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially sensual appetites.” This definition makes me think of “will power” and “self-denial,” and I know that left to control myself, I fail miserably. We can’t keep our desires and passions in check on our own. That’s why God gave us Jesus, and why it takes the Holy Spirit working in our lives to create self-control.

Self-Control Comes by the Holy Spirit

Having been saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, who alone conquered sin and death; we have the Holy Spirit living in us to form us in the likeness of Christ. God doesn’t ask us to try to be like Jesus in our own power or striving, He gives us the Holy Spirit, the Helper.

. . .that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being. . . . (Ephesians 3:16)

The Holy Spirit is our power source. He alone equips us with what we need to exercise self-control. The benefits, or fruit, of Spirit-directed self-control are many. Let’s look at a few.

Self-Control Defends and Protects

Equipped by the Holy Spirit, self-control defends and protects us. Proverbs says a person without self-control is “. . .like a city broken into without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Our lives can be wrecked by poor judgment and choices. Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health are at risk of being compromised when we yield to our own desires instead of God’s. Self-control creates a fortress against the bombarding messages of self-gratification. Temperance in opinions, speech and habits keeps us from over-stepping boundaries meant to protect others and foster healthy relationships.

Self-Control Leads to Life

A life of self-control in accordance with the Holy Spirit yields life-giving freedom. Before our new lives in Christ, we were “slaves to sin” (Romans 6:20), but now under the Spirit’s direction we are free to experience life as God intends:

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:22, NIV)

Free from sin and death and free to experience all the riches of God’s grace and glory, this is real life:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4, NLT)

The world sees self-control as inhibiting freedom, but in Christ it leads to true freedom and abundant life. Known for their self-control, the apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonian Christians:

One final word, friends. We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance. You know the guidelines we laid out for you from the Master Jesus. God wants you to live a pure life. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, MSG)

As Christians, we need to embrace self-control with joy, because although difficult, it brings life. When people see the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in us, when they see us living our “real lives” to the fullest, they will see Jesus.

Fruit for Thought

As you go through your day, ask God to increase your self-control. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to yield to the Spirit’s will. Be willing to live under the Holy Spirit’s direction with joy, so that others will be see it and be drawn to Jesus.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

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Faithfulness. So many examples of faithfulness come to mind: Lydia the piano teacher, Dan the choir director, Marty the Bible Quiz Team leader, Fran the 4-H leader, and Margaret the church librarian. I could fill pages with names of the faithful people in my life. Each one in his or her own way, encouraging my faithfulness.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Definition

“Faithfulness” comes from the Greek word pistis, meaning “conviction of truth.” Webster’s 1828 Online Dictionary defines “faithfulness” as “truth; veracity; as the faithfulness of God.” A thoughtful definition from the writers at GotQuestions.org gives good insight into this Fruit of the Spirit:

Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God—His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the result of the Spirit working in us.
—“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org

As I synthesize these definitions for myself, faithfulness, as a Fruit of the Spirit, is found in someone who steadfastly holds to the truth about God and acts on it, always pointing others to the same truth.

God is Faithful

Faithfulness is a core characteristic of God; His words are true, and He keeps His promises. He is completely trustworthy.

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

God’s faithfulness, His truthfulness and reliability, protect and defend His children.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4, NIV)

He continues to defend and protect, even though we fail.

. . .if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

Faithfulness Comes by the Holy Spirit

God’s level of faithfulness is out of reach for us, and there is no amount of striving by which we become more faithful. We do not come to saving faith in Christ on our own understanding. Romans 10:17 says, “. . .faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” When we hear The Word, it is the Holy Spirit who enables our faith: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. . .” (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit is God; He is always pointing us to truth: salvation, God’s Word, repentance, and right living (to name a few). The GotQuestions.org team says,

The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God. The Spirit makes us faithful.
— “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org

Any faithfulness seen in me, is by the work and power of the Holy Spirit, who graciously points me toward deeper truth and conviction.

Faithfulness Leaves a Legacy

The Holy Spirit uses faithful people to encourage and guide others in faith. Throughout God’s Word we see this. The list is long of people who established and grew legacies of faith to the benefit of future generations. Hebrews 11 is a whole chapter devoted to the legacy of faithful people. These Old Testament people believed God, and taking Him at His word they obeyed. Look at what un-named men and women of faith did:

Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:35b-38)

Wow! Faithful men and women hold to the truth no matter the circumstances. I am glad the Bible shares these stories of faith, but I am also thankful for the faithful men and women, who are part of my faith story. Especially important are my parents, whose legacy of faith now continues in the lives of my children.

In writing on this topic, I can’t help but think of Steve Green’s song, Find Us Faithful. I have posted it below. Take a moment to listen, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall the “great cloud of witnesses” who have faithfully pointed you to God’s truth. (Hebrews 12:1)

Fruit for Thought

As you go through your day, ask God to increase your faithfulness. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to trust God more, and give thanks for those who have taught and spurred you on in the faith.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

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Good. Goodness. These simple words are used frequently in the English language, many times overused. I admit that I wasn’t exactly excited about writing on goodness today. In the list of fruit of the Spirit, it’s not one given much consideration. So, I did some study, and I am excited to share my new understanding of this fruit of the Spirit.

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Definition

In the article, “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness?” from GotQuestions.org, goodness is a quality of God “that relates directly to morality.” When people say, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good;” it is an affirmation of God’s character.

The Greek word for “goodness” is agathosune, meaning “uprightness of heart and life.” Goodness is a virtue, but the article points out, the merit of goodness is “the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.” God wants His goodness to be born in us, so others might see and experience Him.

God is Good.

God is upright in all His ways. Along with the other fruit of the Spirit, it is the core of who He is.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)

In Psalm 34:8, we are challenged in our relationship to God to experience God’s goodness: “. . . taste and see that the Lord is good!” What’s more, Psalm 31:19 tells us that God’s goodness is vast and plentiful. There is an unending supply.

Here’s a song to encourage you in God’s goodness:

 

Goodness Comes by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture makes clear that humanity is not good apart from God.
as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one. . . (Romans 3:10)

The apostle Paul knew the struggle of the sinful nature, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18).

BUT, the good news is that in Christ we are new creations, and by His Spirit working in us, the goodness of God is at work in our lives. Keeping “in step with the Spirit” allows God’s core values to be at work in us, transforming us into the image of His Son. A children’s storybook on the Fruit of the Spirit winsomely teaches that if you see me doing something good, by the power of the Holy Spirit, “that’s Jesus in me.”

Goodness is for Others

As the GotQuestions.org article shared, the goodness people see in me (the fruit of God’s work in me), is for the benefit of others.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Furthermore, when people see the Fruit of the Spirit in your life, they get to see and experience who God is. People can’t see or touch God, but they can have a tangible experience with Him as you bear His fruit in your life.

Fruit for Thought

As you go through your day, ask God to increase goodness in you. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to do good, and give thanks for the goodness done to you.

40 Days with The Storyteller: Lent Recap

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Thank you for joining the DoNotDepart Team during the season of Lent as we explored Christ’s parables and illustrations.

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:
“I will open my mouth in parables;
I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” Matthew 13:35

We enjoyed lingering over and discussing Jesus’ words with you in our Facebook community group. Lent and Easter 2019 have passed, but God’s Word and Hs resurrection power continue to work in our lives. Here’s a recap of our Lenten study.

40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent (Luke 5:33-38): We began with an introduction to Lent, the reading plan, and DoNotDepart resources. Ali looked at how Jesus fulfilled the law and makes all things new.

Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent. (Matthew 5:13-15, Luke 6:46-49, Luke 7:36-47): Jamie asked us to consider how Christians can be influencers in a sin-sick world, to dig deep into faith for a sure foundation, and live with gratitude for redeeming grace.

Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings} (Luke 12:15-21, Luke 12:35-40, Luke 12:41-48): Lisa encouraged us to make more room for God, make margin in our lives so we can max out on the gifts He gives us, and to the gifts God gives us to bless others.

Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 13:6-9, Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23, Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43): Cheli shared that those who live in the Kingdom of Heaven repent, allow God’s Word to transform them, and persevere in hope.

Parables of the Kingdom {40 Days With the Storyteller} (Mark 4:26-29, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50, 51-52): Patti reminded us that God’s Kingdom is capable of growing within us, a place where a little faith can be mighty, that the riches of the kingdom are found in God Himself, and a place where God’s Word continually yields new treasure.

Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness (John 10:1-18, Luke 17:7-10, Matthew 18:23-25, Luke 10:29-42): Ali challenged us to “choose best” based on God’s priorities: love, mercy, service and forgiveness.

How Do We Respond to the Heart of God? (Luke 11:5-10, Luke 14:7-14, 15-24, Luke 15:8-10): Jamie caused us to consider responding to the heart of God by extending help even when it’s inconvenient, exercising humility, accepting Christ’s invitation, and rejoicing when the lost are found.

Is There Grace in Accounting? (Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:11-19): Lisa pointed out in three parables “how God tilts grace in our favor.” We come up short, and He gives an overflow of grace.

Lessons on Grace and Mercy (Luke 15:20-32, Luke 16:1-13, 19-31): Cheli reflected on God’s desire to restore and extend mercy and challenged us to consider if our values match God’s values.

Our Gracious God Hears (Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 18:9-14) From this series of parables, Patti reminded us that our sovereign God hears our prayers when life is unfair, to pray with persistence because God is trustworthy, and to bring Him every request, no matter how humble, because He cares for us.

How He Loves Us: God Pursues the Undeserving (Luke 19:12-26, Matthew 21:28-32, 33-46): Ali encouraged us to make use of what God has given, that God wants our yielded heart more than outward obedience, and that despite being rejected by mankind, He pursued the cross to make us His own.

Take Care: the danger of indifference (Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:31-40, Matthew 24:32-34): Jamie urged us to honor our Bridegroom, Jesus; to beware of apathy towards those in need, and to trust God because all of nature takes its cue from Him.

When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God (Matthew 24:36-44, 45-51, Matthew 25:1-13): Lisa called us to trust God because He is always with us and He always shows up on time. She added, “we walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.”

Recap of the 2019 Lenten Reading Plan, #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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We hope you will continue to engage in God’s Word and in discussion with us through your comments here and in our community Facebook page through the rest of the year.

 

Lessons on Grace and Mercy

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Over the next three days we will be reading successive passages from Luke 15 and 16 where Jesus shares a parable about God’s grace, illustrates God’s mercy, and challenges us to show mercy to others.

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Day 26: Grace Restores

Read Luke 15:20-32.

The Prodigal Son claimed his inheritance, left his father, and squandered everything. His wealth, status, and pride— gone. Lost but not abandoned, the prodigal turned toward home.

. . .But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Catching sight of his son, the father drops everything and runs to him. What a picture! A picture of God, the Father, running toward us with the riches of His grace given to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. Ephesians 2:5 states it this way: “. . .even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. . .” (clarification mine).

God’s grace saves AND restores. The robe, the feast, the relationship with the father— everything was restored, and the prodigal was made whole. Christ’s work on the cross makes us whole too:

. . .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 1:20, MSG)

As you reflect on this passage today, thank God for His grace and restoration in your life.

 

Day 27: God is Merciful

Read Luke 16:1-13.

In today’s passage we find Jesus addressing His disciples with a parable. The “manager” in the parable represents the disciples and those of us who are disciples today. The “rich man,” the business owner in the story, is God. The manager was accused of bad stewardship of the business; his job is threatened. Under attack, he goes to work, trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Although his solution is problematic, it works to the benefit of the owner, and instead of disdain and disapproval, the owner bestows a commendation— mercy instead of consequence.

As we pursue God’s will, serve Him, and others; we’re going to mess up or be misunderstood. We can’t escape imperfections and failures, but we can trust God because He knows our hearts and motives.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3)

God supports and defends those who put their trust in Him. It is His nature to extend mercy to those who love Him and do His will.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

In response to God’s mercy, let’s approach Him with reverence and humility, and give Him our repentance, gratitude and faithfulness.

 

Day 28: Be Merciful

Read Luke 16:19-31.

Today, in an illustration about a rich man who neglects the needs of a poor man, Lazarus (meaning whom God helps); we are challenged to consider whether our values match God’s values. Following yesterday’s parable about God’s mercy, I believe this passage calls us to be merciful.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

The rich man faces torment in Hades as a result of his merciless treatment of Lazarus. The rich man is without excuse because the Law and Prophets make explicit God’s desires (Luke 16:29). In the case of mercy, God’s expectation is clear:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)

Today’s passage challenges me to show mercy, so that others may be blessed and experience this attribute of God. With mercy I choose to respond to rather than react when something doesn’t go my way. Mercy gives up the spotlight, so someone else can shine. Because of mercy I serve rather than seek to be served.

. . . In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

How can you show mercy to your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors?

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? Please share in the comments.

How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

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Self-righteousness, shallow understanding, sinful abandon— common among sin-sick humanity; detested by God.  In a series of parables, Jesus, the Master Storyteller, equates these characteristics with fruitless trees, barren soil, and weeds. Over the next three days, Jesus will teach us field-tested lessons about bearing fruit, cultivating fertile soil, and preparing for harvest as participants in the kingdom of heaven.

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Day 8: Repent

Read Luke 13:6-9.

Frustrated with Israel’s pursuit of fruitless, works-based religion, Jesus tells a parable about the need for repentance. The fig tree in the story represents Israel. God, the vineyard owner, is ready to cut down the tree and be done with them. Out of His lovingkindness and because there is no guarantee of tomorrow for humanity, Jesus, the gardener, asks the Father for more time to bring the wayward people to repentance.

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Bible commentator, David Guzik, writes, “We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.” Repentance, turning away from sin to run toward God and His purpose, leads us into the arms of the Savior. Jesus greets us with grace and clothes us in His righteousness. Repentance yields a manifest Christ-life. For a moment, put yourself in place of the tree in this parable. Is there any fruit? What do you need to turn to God for today? Don’t wait for tomorrow.

 

Day 9: Receive the Word

Read Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

Soil conditions are the focus of The Parable of the Sower, our reading today. Good soil, in the kingdom of heaven, is found in a Believer who submits to the working of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in his/her life. In this good soil, God’s Word grows deep roots, and produces much fruit. Taking nineteenth century preacher, Charles Spurgeon’s suggestion that every Christian needs a soil test, here is a brief soil assessment based on David Guzik’s commentary on this parable:

1. Is there room in our lives for God’s Word? If not, Satan is more than glad to keep us out of God’s Word.
2. Do we approach the Word with eagerness, only to become indifferent? It is possible for God’s Word to get established with little understanding and faith, but eventually the lack of depth will cause it to wilt away.
3. Do we try to engage in the Word while being distracted by worldly pursuits? Jesus makes it clear we can’t do both; we can’t be fruitful for God while trying to please the flesh.
4. Is your pursuit of God’s will and purpose in accordance with His Word evident in your life? If so, you have good soil for faith to grow deep and take root.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . . (Colossians 3:16a)

In this season of spiritual reflection, may you honor God by allowing His Word to inhabit every area of your life.

 

Day 10: Persevere in Hope

Read Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43.

Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3) Eternity begins when we say “yes” to God and our Savior, Jesus. This being true, Believers participate in the kingdom of heaven while on earth. In today’s parable the children of God (wheat) live alongside the sons darkness (weeds) until Christ returns for His Church.

Knowing this, how should we live? In writing to the Ephesians, Paul answers,

. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). . . . (Ephesians 5:8-9)

In our struggle with the world, we must continue in good works motivated by love and prompted by faith, tether ourselves to God’s Word, and persevere because our hope is in the Lord. Take confidence in this: God will administer justice to those who belong to darkness, He will harvest His own, and “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? Please share in the comments.

As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Deeper Still— With Jesus

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The shallows of the Sea of Galilee made for unsuccessful fishing, so Jesus instructed His disciples, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4, NIV). In the same way, Jesus always leads me to deeper knowledge, deeper commitment, deeper faith— deeper water.

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Know the Son; Know the Father

In the first chapter of the Book of John, the Gospel writer proclaims:

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:18, NIV)

In order to know God well I need Jesus to guide me. He discloses God’s heart to me. Each attribute of God presents a deep theological truth with radical and practical implications. As my faith matures, I want this practical theology to envelop my life.

Follow the Son; Experience the Father

Jesus asks me to follow Him into deep places, so I can experience God’s active engagement and presence. God wants to go deep and rid me of my sin. The closer I follow Jesus, the more sin I see. My frailty and brokenness in the light of God’s holiness and forgiveness compels me to repent and hastens my maturity in Christ (1 John 1:9).

Also necessary for spiritual maturity is practice. As an athlete must undergo conditioning to get to the next level in a sport, practicing spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, Bible reading/study, fasting, etc.) gets me ready to plumb the depths of my faith. I follow Jesus’ model of these disciplines, and discover more about God.

Even as spiritual disciplines help me follow Jesus, I see greater growth when I am faced with difficult circumstances. Trials and hardships force me to trust God and yield control to Him. As I mature in Christ, I start to uncover the meaning of these verses:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

Because I know Jesus, I trust God will meet me, support me, and work His will in me no matter the trials that come. I know this deep place isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s for those who believe.

Bear Witness to the Son; Make Known the Father

As Jesus takes me out to deep water, I am asked to bear witness to His light and love as I encounter and engage the world. Jesus said, “. . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. . .” (John 14:9, NIV) In order for others to see God, they first have to see Jesus in me. As I mature in Christ, living like Him takes on new challenges. I am working to love the unlovely (the people who get “under my skin” or goad me), give sacrificially, forgive when it’s difficult, and obey when the cost is high.

Furthermore, when I have the attitude and posture of a servant, people see the God who serves:

. . . he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:7)

As I mature in Christ, I look to serve by creating more critical conversations— listening more and talking less, so the world knows God listens. So, the world knows God does not have tribes, I am developing friendships outside my Christian circles. I seek to love people the way Jesus would, so the world knows God is compassionate.

It is my prayer that you will “put out into deep water” as you seek to know God, experience God and make Him known. I leave you with this prayer from Ephesians 3:17-19:

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. (MSG)

Community Conversation

What does “going deep” with Jesus look like to you? In what ways does it deepen your understanding of God and life application?

Faith that Cultivates

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I come from a long line of farmers on my father’s side, yet I lack the green-thumb-gene in my DNA. Despite trying over and over, I cannot get houseplants to grow, except for orchids. Currently, I am exceeding expectations as my orchids have all the signs of life. Hope abounds as new buds signal the promise of blossoms.

This month at Do Not Depart we are looking at the transforming power of Jesus in New Testament people. Today’s encouragement comes from Lois and Eunice. We read about theses ladies by name in 2 Timothy 1:5:

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

It is likely that Lois, Eunice and young Timothy heard the Good News during Paul’s first missionary journey. We know from Acts 16:1 that Eunice’s Jewish faith created an opening for the Gospel. So, when Paul returns to Lystra, he meets a family of committed disciples. God used Lois and Eunice like master gardeners in Timothy’s life. They provided the right growing conditions for Timothy to develop into a person God used to transform and multiply the church.

New Creations Create Conditions for Faith to Take Root

Good soil is necessary to create strong roots in a plant. Lois and Eunice cultivated an environment where Timothy’s faith could take root in the fertile soil of love, faith and truth.  Paul recalls this fact when he reminds Timothy,

. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15, NIV)

And so, Lois and Eunice prepared Timothy for a life a faith anchored to God’s Word. Who are the new Christians in your life? What can you do to enrich the environment in which their faith is forming? I encourage you to engage them in Bible-centered conversations.

New Creations Foster Spiritual Growth through Discipleship

Needing more than good soil, plants need water to grow. Like water to a plant, Christians need the counsel of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit and training in righteousness to become Christlike. Fostered under Lois and Eunice, Timothy grows in faith and knowledge of God, becoming an example for others. Acknowledging Timothy’s faithfulness, fellow believers encourage Paul to make Timothy a ministry partner (Acts 16:2). Paul affirms Timothy’s discipleship, writing,

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. (2 Timothy 3:14, NLT)

“Trust those who taught you.” Wow! What an affirmation of Lois and Eunice’s work in in Timothy’s life. Their transformed lives are evidenced in Timothy’s life and faith. Who do you know who needs someone to guide them into a deeper relationship with Christ? Is there someone in you family who needs you to disciple them? Make yourself available to the Holy Spirit to be used to train others in the faith.

New Creations Encourage Each Other to Follow the Holy Spirit’s Lead

As important as soil and water are to plants, sunlight is equally important. Sunlight gives plants the energy needed to make food and grow, just as the Holy Spirit empowers believers to accomplish God’s purpose. Paul wrote to Timothy,

. . .I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. . . . (2 Timothy 1:6)

I believe Lois and Eunice added their, “Amen” to Paul’s encouragement. I imagine they cheered as Timothy joined Paul on the mission field (Acts 16:3). He was ready for the next step— relying wholly on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. God blessed Timothy’s obedience: “the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers” (Acts 16:5). Who needs your support and inspiration to follow the Holy Spirit’s call? A note of encouragement or a phone call, may be just what he/she needs to take the next step of faith.

Take Heart

Are your garden gloves ready? If you are a new creation in Jesus, God is ready to use you to nurture faith, disciple believers, and spur on others as they follow God’s call.

Seek, Find, and Remind

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If you’re reading this now, it’s amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, and you’re desperate for “less stress and more Jesus.” My guess is that you want the special people in your life to experience this also, and you’re the one they count on to lead the way. The countdown to Christmas is on, and you might think it’s too late— you’ll just wait until next year. My friend, it is never too late to add “more Jesus,” and I have prepared a simple tool you can start using today.

Like the Magi who followed a star to find the one “who has been born king of the Jews,”let Christmas and its trimmings help you seek, find and remind you of God’s perfect gift—Jesus.”

Seek

“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him,” the Magi proclaimed to Herod (Matthew 2:3). The signs and symbols of Christmas are everywhere. Leave the stress behind; allow what is already in place to point you to Jesus throughout the rest of the Christmas season.

Find

Once you have found the Lord in, amongst and throughout your Christmas experience, enjoy His presence.  Follow the example of the Wise Men, who, “…going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11). Go one step further and invite others to experience His presence and worship Him with you.

Remind

Finally, let your Christmas traditions be tangible reminders to you, your children (of all ages), and your friends of Jesus, God’s good, gracious, and perfect gift. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to wear physical reminders of His Word:

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:8-9

Let Christmas trees and candy canes serve as reminders of God’s love. Enjoy the season! I don’t know about you, but I can never have enough reminders— my heart requires instruction again and again.

Seek, Find, & Remind Activity (Free Resource)

To assist you in focusing on Jesus this Christmas, I have created a “Seek-n-Find” of sorts, called “Seek, Find, & Remind.” All ages will enjoy looking for each of the items on the list, reading how each points to Jesus, and being reminded of God’s great love.

Click the green background version of the activity to download to your favorite device. It makes a great wallpaper for your phone! Scroll down and click the white background version if you prefer to print the activity.

 

Community Conversation

What Advent or Christmas traditions draw you closer to Christ?

What simple ideas help you keep your sanity at Christmas and add “more Jesus?”

If you download one or both of the versions of Seek, Find, & Remind, would you please let me know in the comments? I would love your feedback.

 

 

 

The Eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous

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As noted by previous authors in this series on Psalm 34, David wrote the psalm after He escaped the Philistine king, Achish, at Gath. The events leading up to David’s escape are detailed in 1 Samuel 21. Reading these events adds meaning and understanding to David’s outpouring of thanksgiving in this Psalm 34.

As Chapter 21 opens, David is in the House of the Lord seeking provision and protection from King Saul. In an act of self-preservation, David lies to the priest concerning the reason for his visit. From there, he flees to Gath seeking protection and anonymity from Israel’s enemy— the Philistines. There, in front of the Philistine king, David feigns humiliating madness, and escapes with his life.

Although we weren’t “on the run,” like David, I see aspects of his story reflected in my family’s experience with unemployment and financial hardship. I am reminded in Psalm 34:15-18 of God’s grace and mercy as He listens, defends, delivers, and saves His children.

My family’s story begins in December 2009; the housing bubble burst, and my husband, who worked for a large, mid-western homebuilder, brought home a pink slip— just in time for Christmas.

God sees and listens.

Looming bills, a mortgage, and Christmas gifts became mountainous hurdles, without a paycheck.  For the sake of our young girls, we made the most of the “extended vacation,” but late at night, we prayed and cried out to God for help.

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are attentive to their cry… Psalm 34:15

Seeing David in his time of need, God provided David with sustenance and a powerful weapon for personal protection through Ahimeleck, the priest in the House of the Lord.  When we needed it most, God provided consulting jobs for my husband and increased sales from my work-from-home business. I even secured additional employment that relieved our strained budget through Spring.

God defends.

Along with financial stress, negative thoughts plagued my husband as his unemployment stretched longer. Where David faced an opposing king and army in Gath, my husband faced tough adversaries named Grief, Inadequacy, and Depression.

A steady stream of negative reinforcement fought hard against him.

“You should have saved more.”
“Didn’t you see it coming?”
“You are a bad money manager.”

In the face of self-condemnation, God’s Word provided a sure defense:

…but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,

to blot out their name from the earth. Psalm 34:16

Buoyed by Scripture, the Holy Spirit strengthened our spiritual muscles; teaming together, our marriage strengthened, and the smallest of provisions prompted thanksgiving. God provided friends who encouraged and prayed for us. At times, weary from the struggle, God’s presence offered comfort and hope.

God delivers.

Although it took six months to find a new job, we had four weeks to pack up our house, say goodbye to friends, and hug our extended family before moving more than a thousand miles from home and family to southern California. I can testify to God’s promise in Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

In this verse, the Hebrew word for “delivers” means “to snatch from trouble.” Between David’s quick thinking and God’s rescue, David averted trouble in Gath. Similarly, a new job and a cross-country move delivered us from our immediate financial woes.

God saves.

Just as David’s self-reliance and poor choices prompted David’s circumstances in 1 Samuel 21, our family’s period of unemployment revealed poor stewardship of our resources. Answering prayers about living closer to family, God moved us to Florida, where we could work through lingering financial issues in a supportive environment.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The Hebrew word for “saves” in Psalm 34:18 means “to set free.” Financial brokenness was God’s opportunity to free us from enslaving attitudes and choices. Furthermore, God drew near as we openly wept over our disobedience, and refreshed us with forgiveness and love when we relinquished our will for His.

Study and Reflect

  1. Read 1 Samuel 21. Outline the chapter.
  2. Find a trusted commentary and dig deeper in 1 Samuel 21 and Psalm 34. Blue Letter Bible offers great resources.
  3. Have you experienced God’s listening, defending, delivering and saving? Journal about it or write your experiences on note cards to keep handy when you need a reminder of God’s care for you.

What do you love most about the verses in this passage? Tell us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Community on Facebook.

The Eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous. A Study of Psalm 34: 15-18. #Psalm34TasteAndSee

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