Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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We do not love the word of God as we ought.

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Why aren’t we seeing more people come to Christ?

Why do our churches have a hard time meeting budget?

Why do we still have racial divisions?

Why do we have such a high level of poverty in our communities?

Why are so many students graduating, never to return to church?

Why do we have so many Christian families falling apart?

Why do our churches look the same now as it did a year ago?

Why am I not experiencing the fruitful and abundant Christian life?

The answer to each of these questions is the same:

We do not love the word of God as we ought.


About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

This is a powerful, anointed sermon on Hebrews 5: 11-14 about our failure to love the word of God and how it effects our days. This teaching is the heartbeat of Do Not Depart.

Click this link to open the sermon.

Here are our highlights of the sermon, with the times you can find them:

Hebrews 5:11-14 gives us 3 Accusations and a Test.

Accusation #1: You have become dull of hearing. (05:13-16:50)

Accusation #2: You should be teachers by now. (16:51-22:39)

Accusation #3: You are unskilled in the word. (22:40-28:30)

The Test: You are mature if you KNOW and DO the word of God. (28:31-34:45)

The answers to our questions. (34:46-41:59)

I hope you can find some time this week to listen to this sermon. If you can’t find 40 minutes to listen to it all at once, take a section a day. Each section is  just 10-15 minutes each. I know you will be blessed!

Oh, the sermon is by my husband!

The Breath of God

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Have you noticed how many times in scripture God’s power is revealed through Him speaking? He spoke the universe into place. He breathed life into man. He stilled the storm with the command of His voice.

Just last week I was thinking of doing a study on how often God uses his breath to accomplish His will. Sunday night my husband preached a message on exactly this topic. We had not talked about it at all. I thought it was pretty fun that we had the same thing on our hearts!

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Psalm 33:6

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Here is the outline from my hubbie’s talk:

The Breath of God…

…then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

The Spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.

…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

The word breath is translated from the Greek word pnuema. The cool thing?  The word spirit is also translated from pneuma. The Spirit of God is the breath of God in us.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.

And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse…

I hope you can get a moment soon to take a better look at each of these verses. It is amazing to see the thread of God’s action through the breath of His mouth.

God’s breath is powerful. Imagine what would happen if He ever lifted His finger?

Have you noticed this theme of God’s breath in scripture? Which of these actions of God most strike you with awe?

Philippians :: Summer Study Link-Up

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Well, its the week for link-ups around here! If you participated in the Philippians study this summer, even if you are not quite finished with it, we would LOVE to hear about what you’ve learned from the study of this great book. Let’s give God the glory for His work in our hearts this summer!

Just write up a post about your experience, and link it up back here! We can’t wait to read your posts, and hear about all the Lord has revealed to you through His word. (Feel free to link-up any of the posts you have written this summer about the Bible study!) If you don’t have a blog or time for a post, just leave a comment at the end of this post.

There is a new Bible study in the works, coming in September. It will be in conjuction with Inspired to Action’s Maximize Your Mornings fall challenge. Be sure to subscribe, if you haven’t already, so you don’t miss a thing!)


A challenge, a link-up and a giveaway!

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I shared last week about my struggle of connecting what I know to what I feel and as I wait for this dark cloud to dissipate. His word gives me hope. I have found particular comfort from the Lord through Psalm 143 and feel a leading to hide these truths in my heart.

A Challenge

I would love for you to join me in the challenge to memorize Psalm 143 in the month of August, 2011! Jumping in with others is a great source of accountability and encouragement to me. So, help a girl out?

I plan to take it at a pace of four verses a week This will take three weeks, leaving some time at the end of the month to solidify it all (and a buffer in case I get behind!) If you choose to join in the challenge, you are welcome to go at any pace you would like.

There are three tools which were invaluable to me when I memorized Philippians:

So, I’ve recorded Psalm 143. I really wanted a recording with the verse numbers stated. This will help tremendously when I want to reference the verse later on. (Please be kind…I am not a professional recording artist!) You are welcome to use these recordings for your personal memorization efforts. Just click on the link to play them. To download them, right click the file and save it to your computer.

Psalm 143:1-4

Psalm 143:5-8

Psalm 143:9-12

I also made up this wallpaper for my computer. Every time I see it I am reminded to review the verses; and it is pretty! (This was a picture from our mission trip to Haiti.) You are welcome to use this wall paper for your own computer, just click on the picture and right-click to save the image.

Here are the “first letters”. I like to print them up and put them in the shower (in a ziploc baggie!) You can read more about how the “first letters” work here.

My letter cards from Philippians

Here are more tips and suggestions for the journey:

A Giveaway

Angie over at Crossway books has agreed to provide a copy of My ABC Bible Verses. We have this book, and love it. My sweet Anna memorizing her first verses using this book. She recited them here (SO cute.) To enter to win your own copy of this book, all you have to do is leave a comment. For extra entries you can do any number of the following:

  • Link-up a post
  • Tweet about this giveaway
  • Like this post on Facebook (use the “Like” button, its easy!)
  • Subscribe to Do Not Depart
  • Like Do Not Depart on Facebook

Be sure to leave a comment for each action you take, to receive the extra entry. The Giveaway will end Friday night at 11pm EST. Giveaway is closed.

 

Coming in September…

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Lara and I are incredibly excited to have a title and a cover for our new e-book! We plan to have it ready to launch in September. (A big shout out to my brother-in-law, Clark who designed the cover for us!)

You can read more about the e-book here. We have a some flair you can use, if you feel like spreading the word.

We pray it will be used for His glory!

Philippians :: Week 11 :: Contentment in All Things

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I’m going to perform a brain surgery today. Tomorrow I am going to climb Mt. Everest. After that, I’m going to fly a 747.

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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, right?

In case you missed the sarcasm: No, this blog has not been hacked.

What Paul really meant.

While I don’t think most of us would ever go this far in “claiming” this verse, I do think it is easy to misunderstand Paul’s heart behind penning these words.

We must pay attention to the context of this verse.

Paul is thanking the Philippian church for their partnership with him. They had been sending him financing for his ministry and gifts to encourage him personally. But he wants them to know that, thought he is thankful for them, he doesn’t need them. He needs Christ.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:11-13

Paul is trying to communicate that, though he has enjoyed their partnership, he doesn’t need their gifts. When Paul stated that he can do all things through him who strengthens, he meant that he has learned the secret to enduring all things: contentment.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

So, before we sport our coffee mugs and bumper stickers with this overly-used-out-of-context verse, let us be sure that we really mean what we are shouting off the rooftops. I can do all things through him who strengthens me is a declaration that Jesus is enough. If my husband loses his job, Jesus is enough. If my child walks away from the Lord, Jesus is enough. When my soul is in turmoil, Jesus is enough.

How has the Lord strengthened you as you strive to find contentment in all things?

There is SO MUCH MORE in this great set of verses. What did the Lord reveal to you through your study of Philippians 4:10-23?

An Announcement:

 To wrap up our time together, next Friday we will have a linky open! We would LOVE to hear about how the Lord has used this study in your life. So, get your posts ready and head back here to share your heart with us.


Phillippians :: Week 9:: Pressing On in HIS Plans

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I hope you all have been enjoying this Philippians Bible study! I know I have; I’ve especially loved hearing from all of you. If you haven’t been, be sure to check the comments after a few days- the discussion has been great!

We are in for a treat today, through another guest post. This week’s study is by Caroline.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

Paul continues in this journey of life, this race of fighting the good fight. He has not yet obtained the full resurrection, perfection, or received all of the gifts of complete salvation that he previously listed in verses 10 and 11 – those of which we cannot attain by our own works at any rate. But, he strains, pursues, aches to continue running towards Christ, the giver of perfection and salvation.

Paul demonstrates an essential act of living in faith. Our goals must not be our own, but instead, Christ’s goals. Paul presses on “to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (verse 12). The ESV says so beautifully, “I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

Christ has called us, made us His own, and taken hold of us. All to live for Him, His glory, and to spread His love. Such beautiful, comforting love!

In verses 13 and 14, Paul leaves what is in the past as settled and behind him to forge on through the present toward the everlasting goal of life in Christ. This truth hits me every time I read it. I harp on the past, I struggle with it, I kick myself for failures and mistakes. But Paul says here to move past it. Let the past be in the past and strive on to what Christ has in store for us – in Him.

This journey, though, as Paul reminds us, hold struggles and obstacles. It will not be free of opposition. Paul tearfully writes to the Philippians in verse 18 that “many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Paul then gives us characteristics to watch out for, perhaps not just in those who live as enemies, but in ourselves, as well. Verse 19 says of this opposition: “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” This destruction is the opposite of life in Christ and His grace-filled salvation.

Yet I find myself focusing, worrying, about earthly things too often. I worry about the past. I fear the future. I stumble over my selfishness, pride, and mistakes. But Christ offers renewal to His purposes when I lay all my plans before Him in trust and reliance. He lavishes forgiveness, redemption, and citizenship in heaven through faith. Again, as God’s children, we press on to His purposes in Christ, not our own.

What are these purposes of Christ?

  • We know that they are heavenward (verse 14).
  • We know that His plans are greater than our plans.
  • Christ will transform us to be like Him (verse 21).

What do we do while we are learning?

  • We do not forget the past, but leave it behind us as the past to continue forward.
  • We make His plans our plans (verses 12, 14). Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”
  • We “hold true” (verse 16, ESV) and “live up to” (verse 16, NIV) the truths we can comprehend now.
  • We both follow the examples Christ and other Christians have modeled for us, as well as set our lives as an example worthy to follow because it is based on and flows from Christ’s abundant love (verse 17).
  • Keep our minds and hearts on Him, rather than on earthly things (verse 19).

As Paul begins the next chapter, he summarizes that all these truths and words we’ve been reading are “how [we] should stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1).

What captured your heart as you read Philippians 3:12-21 this week? What truths did God impress on you?



Caroline is a wife, mother of a beautiful and charming toddler son, avid reader, and writer. She writes about living this grace-given faith authentically, family, and books at her personal blog (Under God’s Mighty Hand) and can be found on Twitter.

 

Hiding His Word Link-up

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Are you memorizing scripture?

Have you written a post this past month about your progress?

Have you shared any tips which we can all benefit from?

Now’s the time to link them up! Just leave the link to your post in the linky below. If you leave a link, be sure to visit at least a few of the other links and leave a comment of encouragement to the others memorizing scripture alongside of you! If you want to use a button in your post you can grab it from the flair page.

I saw this is the #HideHisWord Twitter stream this week, and thought it was fun to know! Here is more from the #HideHisWord Twitter stream. If you haven’t checked it out yet, we would love for you to join us!


Philippians :: Week 7 :: An Ordinary Guy

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Today’s post is a guest post by Rusheika. I have loved getting to know Rusheika in the #HideHisWord stream, as we have been memorizing Philippians together. I appreciate her love for the Word of God. Enjoy!

Are you ever tempted to put certain people of the Bible on a pedestal and think that you could never be like them? You may think,  “Well of course Paul can “give thanks continually”… he’s Paul, an apostle, he wrote half the New Testament…!” So God gives us another example to follow. Timothy, others focused, Christ- centered. You may say, “But he was mentored by Paul, a gifted man who had a praying mother.  He has 2 books of the Bible named after him! He has a lot going for him.” God keeps going…Epaphroditus.  “Epaphro WHO?  Never heard of him…!”

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me. Phil 2: 25, 29-30

This is the only book in the Bible that we read about Epaphroditus.  There is nothing to suggest that he was anything more than an ordinary guy.  Nothing that states that he held any office in the church, no other ministry was spoken of.  We don’t know his back-story. BUT Paul calls him a brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier. A messenger. A minister.  One who almost died doing the work of Christ!

What can we learn from this ordinary person doing extraordinary things? Paul considered him:

Brother

His name, loved by Aphrodite (the goddess of love and sexuality) suggests that he was Greek.  He was probably a native of Philippi.  Paul therefore was not referring to him as a relative or even a fellow Jew.  He was esteeming him as a member of the body of Christ.  In spite of their differences they were part of one family… the family of God.  The same family WE are a part of when we accept Christ -no matter our nationality, our back-story, who the world says we are, we are in God’s family!

Fellow Worker

The Greek word is sunergos from sun meaning closely identified together, and ergos- to work.  It is doubtful that Paul would have considered Epaphroditus a fellow worker if Epaphroditus wasn’t working whole-heartedly, if he was not fully committed to the work God had for him.  He was working with Paul, side by side, in one spirit.  Can the same be said of me?  Am I labouring with my fellow brothers in unity, fully committed to the work of Christ?

Fellow Soldier

In whatever capacity Epaphroditus served with Paul, there was a battle.  He was a fighter, a warrior; he almost gave his life for the cause of Christ. Do you see yourself as a soldier?  We are in a battle, it gets hot, and it gets rough.  Are you prepared to fight?

Messenger

He went on behalf of the Philippians carrying a gift for Paul. Philippians 4:18 gives us the sense that it was a generous gift. Epaphroditus was trustworthy. The church relied him to be their messenger, to represent them.  Are you reliable? Can you be trusted?  Do you represent your church well?  Do you represent the body of Christ well?

Minister

He didn’t just make his delivery and leave.  He was sent to minister to Paul’s needs.  He left his own life, his comforts, to minister to someone under house arrest.  The word in the Greek is leitourgos and it carries the sense of priestly service, or service given to others at one’s own expense.  Epaphroditus was willing to minister to the needs of Paul even at the expense of his own life.  His actions were sacrificial and he showed immense humility.  As you minister to others are you concerned about what it costs you?

I have been challenged this week to be selfless in serving others, to fight hard and to be trustworthy in the roles God has given me.

What about you? How does Epaphroditus’ life challenge you?

 

Rusheika is married to Joseph and a homeschooling mom to three boys and one girl. She seeks to be intentional in her walk with Christ and encourage others to do the same.  She shares her journey at Hide and Seek.

 

Thank you, Rusheika!

Top Ten Tips for Getting Up Early

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I am heading to Haiti tomorrow! I thought this would be a great time to dig up some tips from the archives.

Here are a few tips that this night owl has found helpful on the road to becoming an early bird.

1. Remember that when God sees you He sees Christ’s perfect obedience.

Christ has already been perfectly obedient for us. God is not looking at you, going “Why can’t you get up earlier?” He is not disappointed when you wake up late. He is greatly glorified in our obedience, but He still uses our stumbles, too! (This is a great point to consider, especially during tough seasons like the sleeplessness of having a newborn.)

2. Focus on your evening routine first.

Trying to get up early will be killer, if you do not go to bed earlier. This is the first battle. Win it, before you try to tackle getting up super-early.

3. Set an alarm for bedtime.

My phone goes off at 9:30 every night with the caption: “Head to bed!” This is a reminder for me to start wrapping up whatever I am working on, and start getting ready for bed. If I take its heed I am in bed, lights out, by 10pm.

4. Take small, manageable steps.

My first morning goal (while I was working on my evening routine) was to get up just 15 minutes before the kids. Six months later, I was consistently up an hour and a half before them. To get there, every once in a while I backed up my time 5-15 minutes (I also took advantage of the “falling back” time change for a big jump). Change takes time!

5. Sit up as soon as your alarm goes off, put your feet on the floor, and start walking.

This really works. I am a complete zombie for that first minute, but the biggest victory is getting out of bed! I have come to realize that whether it is 5:30am or 8:30am it is just as hard to get out of bed. If I can get vertical and moving, the rest follows.

6. Tell others of your attempts to rise early to meet with the Lord.

It is much easier to give up, if no one knows what you are trying to do. Ask some trusted friends to pray on your behalf. Who knows? They may want to join in the early morning fun!

7. Manage your expectations.

There WILL be days you hit snooze. You WILL mess up a stay up way too late. The unexpected comes and takes the wind out of your sails. When this happens instead of wasting energy on feeling defeated, be thankful for the extra sleep and start over the next day. Persevere! His mercies are new EVERY morning.

8. Find verses to help you fight for the goal.

Keep them up around the house, in places that will encourage you. Make them your prayers! Here are a few favorites of mine.

9. Surround yourself with others who are striving for the same thing.

This is why I love Twitter; Twiccountability. If you are not up for tweeting, find a friend or two who are trying for the same thing. Text each other in the morning, just to say good morning! If you are on Twitter, or interested in it, you can find a Twitter tutorial here.

10. Invest in tools that will help you succeed.

The first few months I was working on getting up, my kids would wake up early, too! This was incredibly frustrating, and really defeated much of the purpose of getting up. Someone had suggested a special alarm clock to help keep my kids in bed while I was getting up. Being a bit on the frugal side, my first thought was, “no way I am going to spend $30 on a dumb clock!” But after a few more weeks of frustration, and failed attempts to keep my early riser in bed, I decided it would be a good investment. The kids were very excited about it, and I was shocked at how well it has worked! $30 well spent.

What tips for getting up early do you have to share?

Linking up with Amanda:
Top Ten {Tuesday}

Philippians :: Week 5 :: Looking at Y.O.U.

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{Today’s post is a guest post from Kelly!}

Paul was not a teacher that candy-coated the truth. He spoke truth for what it is. He wasn’t trying to win your heart or get you to like him, he was trying to point you to Jesus:

“Be like-minded. Look out for others’ interests.”

“Respect others; regard them better than you.”

“Be obedient, even die.”

“Every person glorify the Father.”

An “others-focused” theme is present here, because that is God’s heart. In other words, I’m going to turn my attention from me to you. In Philippians 2:2 and 2:5 the word mind is the Greek phroneō which means to have understanding, be wise, to feel and to think. So when I’m responding to you, then I need to apply wisdom in my response. When I think the word YOU, I’m going to think Yielded to Others with Understanding.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 NKJV

What God desires us to do, He did first as the example for us. Jesus became obedient to the point of death. So should we, because it’s not about us. It’s about others. When this humble obedience is brought forth in us, God is glorified and His name is exalted.

“Christianity summed up in one word would be “servant.” Paul would say “slave.” ~ Nelson Searcy

As Christians, we do not think, respond, or feel the way we want, but the way God wants because we are His. We are to die to self and be yielded to others with understanding. God’s heart is unity. It’s much easier to walk in one accord if we live our lives with the attitude of esteeming others better than we are. It’s much easier to avoid strife if we are responding to others with a humble heart. It’s also sometimes easier said than done.

3 Areas to be Yielded to Others with Understanding:

*Interests

We naturally look out for our own interests, but if we are looking out for others’ interests we are going to receive the comfort and fellowship of the Spirit. Showing them this kind of love doesn’t mean we are being nosy, but that our response is with sympathy. A mindset of being considerate in regard to the people we live and work with should be ours.

“Daddy’s sick, so we’re going to be quiet and then bring him breakfast in bed.”

“Jane and I both like coffee at work. There’s one cup left; it’s hers.”

*Opinions

Being like-minded doesn’t mean we change our views to cater to a differing opinion, but that our opinions should line up with scripture. We can’t choose only the portions of the Bible that we like because we belong to God. If all our opinions line up with scripture, then unity will be much easier to attain.

*Beliefs

The area of what we believe is one that needs a true balance of a biblical mindset. When we talk to others we need to be careful that we aren’t unfeeling.

In light of being yielded to others with understanding, consider the following questions:

  • How are you to respond when you encounter someone who doesn’t agree with you?
  • How can you be in unity with someone when their beliefs don’t agree with yours?

 

Kelly married her high school sweetheart and homeschools her two boys.

She writes at kellysinging.com to help others walk the road of bearing good fruit.

 

 

{Katie here: Thanks to Kelly for sharing her heart with us! Now, what about you? What did YOU learn this week in your study of Philippians? I have been enjoying the discussion each week, and I look forward to your thoughts this week!}

Finding Living Water

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There is no other way to describe it. I thirst. And in my thirst, I have wasted time searching this world for something to ease the dry. But my thirst goes deep, past the physical, into realms undefinable with mere words.

I entertain the deep down longing for more. More peace. More joy. More life. Then I look to a man or a dream or my closet, desperate for the need to be met. And even after I have some filling—even after the man loves me reckless or the dream takes shape in my now—I awake with the thirst. Again.

I could have been that woman at the Samaritan well, filling her thirst with things of this world. Things that leave us parched. But He graciously gave me a drink of His “living water” and I’ve never been the same.

Over the last few months Lara and I have together been dreaming, planning, praying and writing. The Lord has set our hearts towards putting together a book which will help you in your relationship with Him. Specifically, guidance in how to study the Bible on your own. Our hope and prayer is that through these words you will encounter God in a deeper way as you learn to experience Him through His word.

Photo Credit

This book will be available, as an e-book, early this fall. We are incredibly excited about it!

As we continue to put together this e-book, it would be helpful to us to get your input! If you have a moment, will you fill out this quick 1-minute survey? After you fill out the form, please leave us a comment to let us know that you took the survey. If you fill out this form by the end of today, you will be entered to win one of 10 free, pre-released copies of the e-book!

Thank you, friends!

Philippians :: Week 3 :: Paul’s Desire

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Paul’s Overriding Desire

In this week’s passage of our Philippians Study, we get a snapshot of Paul’s desires. There is a conflict waging inside his soul. He wants to be with Christ, “for that is far better” (1:23) He longs for Christ and to be rid of his aching, imprisoned body. Later in Philippians we see this longing more clearly: “we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (3:20-21).

Yet he knows that staying on this earth “means fruitful labor” (1:22) and “is more necessary” (1:24) for the sake of the Philippians’ progress in the faith.

But there is yet another desire. An overriding desire: The glory of Christ.

More of Paul’s Desire, and a Study Tip!

This is not the first time we have seen this in the book of Philippians. When I am studying a passage and I start to think there might be a theme present, I will try to take some time to go back and dig a little bit. So, let’s do some digging! Let’s take a look back over the verses we have studied so far, and re-read them, specifically looking for Paul’s desire for the glory of Christ. Here is what I found:

  • Philippians 1:9-11: “And it is my prayer that…to the glory and praise of God”
  • Philippians 1:12-18: “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice” (his perspective about being imprisoned)
  • Philippians 1:20: “it is my eager expectation and hope that…Christ will be honored in my body”
  • Philippians 1:23: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ” (Paul’s desire in death)
  • Philippians 1:26: “so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus” (Paul’s desire in life)

This is all just in the first 26 verses of the book! I know that we will continue to see more of this theme; Paul’s desire for the glory of Christ.

Making Application

I just love the wording of Philippians 1:26:

…so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

I pray that my children and husband would have ample cause to glory in Christ because of my presence in their life. I hope that my friends, neighbors and anyone else I encounter can see Christ in me and can praise God for the joy of Christ brought to them through me.

I fear that more often there is little that is praise-worthy in my life, little that gives God glory. But by God’s grace I will press on, even in my failures, because even when I have completely messed up God can be glorified!

What about you? What did you see this week in Philippians? Do you have any questions? Any thing you want to share about what the Lord has shown you in His word?

Hiding His Word Linky and a Testimonial!

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It’s the first Wednesday of the month and time for the Hide His Word link-up. If you have written a post about scripture memory, come and link it up at the end of this great guest post from Kristi!

Testimonial: Essentials of Philippians

Two thousand eleven was going to be my year. I picked out my word…BRAVE. This would be the year I was going to make an impact…on my faith, my health, my family, and my home.

Only a few months into 2011 I got some news that my dad was sick. All my bravery went out the window. The wind got knocked out of my sails and I found myself struggling to go through my day. Everything I had been working so hard on was slipping out of my grasp. My weight loss plateau’d, my house became a mess, my attitude changed, as I spread myself way too thin traveling to my dad’s house every day-off.

Now I wouldn’t have had it any other way…I was so thankful to be able to spend time with my dad when he needed me. But emotionally and spiritually I was spent.  I was wrapping up my Bible in 90 Days challenge and was eager to continue to a spiritual walk of sorts (even though I was confused and tired). I had seen Katie tweet about Hiding His Word and I realized it was just what I needed.

You see, my depression was creeping back.  My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.  I was working full time and balancing being a mom to 3 little boys and a wife to my husband. I couldn’t handle the way my thoughts were taking me captive and decided I needed to take my thoughts captive instead. So on March 20, 2011 I decided to start memorizing the Essentials of Philippians as laid out on Do Not Depart.

Can I just say I love this challenge?  I downloaded the songs that Katie recommended. At work when I would start to get anxious I would put whatever verse I was learning on repeat and felt His peace wash over me. This was my lifeline during the drives to my dad’s house.

I’ve only memorized 5 sections of verses, but I feel solid in what I know of those verses.  I have the first letters hanging in my shower to review, I listen to the songs, I have Jason test me.  As I fall asleep I meditate on these words, and again, when I wake up they are the first things on which I think.

The Hide His Word challenge has encouraged me in so many ways. I’m deeper in His Word and encouraged by it. I sometimes still struggle with my thoughts, but before they go very far I reign them back in…”I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12

I received the call that he wasn’t doing well and that we were getting close to the end. Many tears fell as I held my dad’s hand, telling him how much I loved him and hearing him say the same thing to me. That entire day, the verses in the first chapter of Philippians “played on repeat” in my head. Any time my thoughts would go astray, I could cling to my verses in order to find my strength. And as my dad took his last breath…”For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

In the days that followed as we prepared for his memorial and even in the days since his funeral, I continue to cling to the words I have memorized in Philippians.  I’m eager to move forward to Chapter 2 as I find my footing in this new normal. No matter your season of life, no matter what lies ahead of you, memorizing God’s Word and hiding it in your heart will make all the difference.

MommaKristi

 

Kristi is a believer in Jesus, wife to her best friend, and mom to three amazing little boys.  She blogs at www.mommakristi.com and is just trying to be the woman God wants her to be.

 

Hiding His Word Link-up

Calling all posts about Scripture memory! Its time to link them up! Share what God is teaching you or tools and tips that have been helpful in your journey!

 

Top Ten Application Tips

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Studying God’s word means nothing if it doesn’t affect our days. Here are some helpful tips, as we focus on what to do as a result of what the Lord is teaching us through His Word.

1. Consider this: You already know more than you can ever obey.

Too often we can find ourselves looking for the “next best Bible Study” to revive our spiritual life. Instead of trying to find something to “fix” you, look and listen to what you have already been taught. Oftentimes God is wooing us to apply something, through a few different people and places but we can be too busy or too stubborn to hear what He is saying. Obey what you already know and you will see life change.

2. Focus on one thing at a time.

Focusing on too many things is a sure way to fail. We can only do a few things well. Prayerfully search for what God wants you to focus on, pick one and move forward.

3. Give yourself time…

Monthly focuses work for me. If I move on to the next thing too quickly, I find myself quickly losing ground I made in the last thing I was working on. Establishing new habits and breaking the old ones take time.

4. …and grace.

Discouragement brings us to a halt in our efforts to apply scripture to our lives. You will fail. I will fail. By God’s grace we can get back up and try again.

5. Take baby steps.

The steps we take towards change must be specific and realistic. Take small, intentional steps towards what God is calling you to.

6. Make a plan, and share it.

Whether it be in a journal, with a friend or spouse, on Facebook, Twitter, or all of the above! Share what God is leading you towards. This helps bring clarity as you process it with others, as well as brings solidarity to your plans. Of course, sharing your plan is also a great source of accountability.

7. Surround yourself with others who are heading in the same direction.

My favorite thing about Twitter is the community that I have found from others who are working on the same thing I am. #HelloMornings has been fuel to my efforts in getting up early to meet with the Lord. #HideHisWord is a great source of encouragement and accountability from others who are memorizing scripture. Of course, you can do this without Twitter. Find two or three others who will commit to praying for you, and invite them to join in on what God has challenged you to.

8. OBEDIENCE is the key.

Regardless of our well-laid plans we must pay attention to the Lord’s leading. He may later lead us to stop, be still, or focus on something else well before we feel like we are “ready” to move on. If our efforts are not out of obedience, then it is impossible to apply scripture to our lives in a way that will bring life change.

9. Pay attention to what is driving your efforts.

Are you driven primarily out of your own strength, or out of an overflow of all the Lord is doing in you through His great grace?

10. Remember who is ultimately the One who brings change.

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:3
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
I am sure of this that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 1:6;2:13
God started the work in you. God is working in you. God will complete this work in you.
Linking up!

Top Ten {Tuesday}

and Thought Provoking Thursday

This is an edited repost from the Do Not Depart archives.

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