Do Not Depart

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Thy Will Be Done

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Letting Go of My Will because God is Caring

My toddler’s favorite word  – or at least his most frequent word – is “No!”.  It’s his response to everything from “stop throwing toys” to “good morning”.  

He is what you might call “willful”. He has in his mind how the day needs to go and how things need to be done. Even though I am older and bigger, he’s pretty sure he’s got it figured out and his way is right. 

The thing is, this baby trusts me implicitly to take care of him. He knows on some fundamental level that I’m in charge and he has nothing to fear. If has a need, it will be met, even if he doesn’t like how I choose to meet it. Still, he fights, sometimes every minute of the day, to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it.


As part of our series on Letting Go, we’re going to look at God’s character as a caring, personally involved God. Because He is invested, not only in the grand scheme but in the nitty-gritty daily bread needs of our lives, we can let go of our willfulness. 

What is MY Will?

My will really is a beautiful gift from a caring Father who invites us to participate in the work He is doing. It is the ability to make choices. In the Reflections Bible Study from The Bible Project, Why God Gave Us Choice, Dr. Carissa Quinn sums it up this way, 

“Humans were designed to rule as God’s partners on the earth…[because] God delights in sharing his good things with humanity. …But trust cannot be forced or coerced and that’s what this tree [of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17)] is about.”

Adam and Eve faced this choice in the garden and it has played out in the lives of every Biblical character down the line from Abraham to Jonah to Peter. We too, must decide, “Are we going to let our sin rule us, or will we rule over our sin? Will we partner with God to bear his image in the world, or will we go it on our own?” Humanity’s Test

Much, much later, in another garden, Jesus would finally be the one to look at the choice and say, “Not my will but yours” (Matthew 26:39)

 

Because He Cares

With this choice before us – do we live by God’s wisdom or our own? – the next logical question is, why choose God’s way? 

In the first installment of our series, Ali reminded us that we can let go of fear and control because God is sovereign. “He has a better way!” and “He is so very worthy of our surrender.”

Knowing He is working all things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28) is more than enough reason to let go of our will. But I love knowing that it’s not just the big picture He’s taking care of. He’s interested in the little details too! 

Christian philosopher, Kierkegaard, wrote in one of his prayers,

“You…are moved in infinite love, by all things. Even that which we human beings call an insignificant trifle, and pass by unmoved, the need of the sparrow, even this moves You; and what we so often scarcely notice, a human sigh, this moves You…”

God’s character is one of caring and involvement. 

  • “Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the does? – Job 39:1
  • Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7
  • Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? – Matthew 6:26
  • How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. – Psalm 139:17-18a
  • “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). – Matthew 1:23 (quoting Isaiah 7:14)

 

Jesus is the Way

Throughout his time on earth, Jesus showed us how to let go of our own will and listen to God. 

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. – John 6:38

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 5:30 

Jesus knew God’s plan was to restore humanity to a right relationship with Him through his sacrificial death (John 10:18).  Still, we see him in the garden, praying, weeping, sweating blood, wrestling with the agony of what he was facing. 

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44)

In this great moment of trial, he was living out exactly what he’d taught, praying to “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), our sovereign, ruler, certainly, but also our caring, loving parent.

To Immanuel, God with us, our Father who knows us personally and intimately we can pray with full confidence,  

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  (Matthew 6:10)

Let Go and Know He is God – Series Intro

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My children have a gift for collecting. Every scrap of paper that’s ever been scribbled on, every rock or leaf they find, every junky toy from a cereal box or fast food restaurant is absolutely precious, as precious as the actual gifts they receive! Because of their penchant for collecting what any other person would obviously deem “trash”, I have to make de-cluttering a regular part of our cleaning routine. 

January, in our modern, Western, American culture, traditionally marks the season of resolutions. As we flip the calendars that mark a new day in a new month of a new year, it’s natural to think back on where we’ve been as well as forward to where we’d like to be. 

Personally, I love the practice of choosing a word for the year, making plans, and challenging my family and myself to move toward growth.

But sometimes I find myself asking the wrong questions. What if, instead of taking stock and thinking about what I can do to improve, I took the time to de-clutter? What if I laid my treasures out before the throne of grace and asked God to show me what’s really trash and ready to be removed? 

 

Be Still

The answer (Spoiler alert!) is in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”. 

The Hebrew word for still is raphah, which means “to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened”. The CSB translates it as, “Stop your fighting…” The word “fight” conjures up an image of clenched fists, arms tightly wrapped around an opponent or weapon, a defensive posture, coiled and ready for an attack. To stop fighting or be still is to raphah. Relax. Let go of that defensive position. Release your opponent, Unclench your fists. Let go. 

The verse goes on to say, “…know I am God.” Because He is God, because of His character, who He has proven to be time and again, we can let go, trusting that he will be working on our behalf. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (v. 1). He is involved and immovable (v. 6). A warrior. A peacemaker. Our fortress (v.11). Selah!

And Let Go

As we enter the first month of the new year, we’re going to look at the idea of Letting Go. What trash are we holding on to, and more importantly, what is it about God that allows us to let go freely?

His Word Proves True

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Christmas is the only time of year I fancy myself a baker. Almost any other time of year I can acknowledge my own limitations and go with the store-bought goodies. But something about the holiday season calls me to the kitchen to try my hand at homemade treats. 

Baking is an interesting challenge, equal parts art, and science. Bread, in particular, fascinates me. When done well, there are few accomplishments as satisfying and delicious as a well-baked bread. However, it can be a huge disappointment if even one small element goes wrong. The most accomplished bakers are brought to their knees by the difficulty of baking a perfect loaf. I’ve watched a lot of the Great British Baking Show, so I know what I’m talking about! 

 

I used to think it all came down to the yeast.  A tiny bit of yeast used properly and the dough will double in size. Yeast has to be kneaded; coaxed through and broken down so it will work through the dough. 

Yeast makes for an interesting little metaphor. It is used throughout Scripture as a picture of how quickly and thoroughly influence – good or bad – can spread. Jesus taught his disciples that the kingdom of heaven was like leaven (yeast) hidden (or mixed) into three measures of flour (Matthew 13:33) but he also warned them about the “leaven of the Pharisees”: 

“How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:11-12

 

“This Bread Will Change Your Life”, She Said

A few years ago I found a recipe for Stir and Pour Bread. It was so simple, the blogger’s three-year-old could make it. I watched him do it on the video. Amazing! I gave it a try and managed to make, not one – not two – but three loaves of bread! Each one was perfect and delicious. Sweet success! 

But what about the kneading and the yeast? What about the spiritual analogy?? 

I don’t know exactly why the Stir and Pour bread works so well. But I know bread, once it’s mixed with the yeast, needs time.  That’s the trick. Leaving it alone in the proving drawer for the right amount of time. Unlike other recipes that can be tweaked along the way, once the bread is in the drawer, it’s done. There is nothing you can do to fix it. It either rises correctly or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t rise… well, I suppose there’s always next year!

Give It Time

This has been a long year of waiting.  In chapter 18, verse 30, the Psalmist writes “This God — his way is perfect.  The word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” 

Like bread in a proving drawer (or sitting on the shelf of your counter, like in my house) God’s Word is actively working, even in moments of stillness, to bring about his perfect purpose. 

Like bread in a proving drawer, God’s Word is always actively working, even in moments of stillness, to bring about his perfect purpose. #ChristmasTeaClick To Tweet

Christmas is a time when we remember God as the Keeper of Promises. From the very beginning when Adam and Eve disobeyed, bringing sin into the world, God had a plan for redemption and restoration. As He cursed them, He spoke of the rescue plan that was already in motion. “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15) 

 

But it was thousands of years before this prophecy came true! The people of Israel had to be born, formed into a nation, given a homeland, go through the trials of having a king, and the whole cycle of provision, disobedience, discipline, obedience, and rescue, over and over again. At every step, God reminded them that a permanent solution was coming. His promise would not fail. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon[fn] his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

 

Then for hundreds of years, the people of Israel waited for the Messiah in silence. No more prophecies came until at last, a barren, elderly couple and a young, unmarried woman, heard good news from an angel. Jesus was born and God’s Word proved true. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” Romans 16:20

 

Simple Stir and Pour Bread

Here is the recipe I use to bake bread (it’s from The Heavenly Homemaker) Whether you’re an awesome baker or a mess in the kitchen like me, I hope your baked goods remind you that God keeps His promises! 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole wheat flour (I use freshly ground hard white wheat)
  • 2 teaspoons active rise yeast
  • 2 Tablespoons sucanat or sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 cups warm water

Instructions

  1. Stir all ingredients together.
  2. Cover and allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Pour contents into a well-buttered cake pan or 1 well-buttered 9″ loaf pan.
  4. Bake in a 425° oven for 20-25 minutes (cake pan) or in a 350° oven for 45-60 minutes (loaf pan) or until evenly browned.

Notes – If you have egg or dairy allergies, skip the egg and cream and you’ll still turn out a great bread.

We Can Because He Did

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All this month we’re studying Colossians 3:1-17 in a series called Renewed: Putting on the New Self. Today we continue by looking at verses 5 – 7:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.”

At first glance, this looks like a pretty straightforward checklist for Christian living. “Put to death” is strong language. It means not simply suppressing or controlling but to wipe out, completely. If you’ve ever dealt with sin in your life, tried to eradicate a bad habit, kick an addiction, or live up to the law (James 2:10), you know these three verses sum up exactly how much we need a savior!

From the Beginning

Earlier in Colossians 1, Paul wrote that everything was created through and for Jesus (Col 1:15-16), and it was good (Genesis 1:31). Sin came into the world, marring that goodness, and the earthly desires of humanity took precedence in the heart of humankind, separating us from God (Romans 5:14 and 6:23).

Sin’s desires are the opposite of the abundant life we long for and sin leads to death (Romans 6:21).

the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

We cannot master the sin nature on our own. But Jesus did conquer it. He put to death the earthly desires freeing us from their grip.

“For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 6:10-12)

 

Jesus Paid It All…

“On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”

The Greek word for “wrath” is “orge” which means “anger expressed in punishment.” Romans says the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and when Jesus died on the cross, he paid that debt.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” John 3:36

Like what Ali said in her post, A Life Hidden in Christ,  “when God looks at me, He sees Jesus in my heart.” Our sin is covered by his blood and the wrath of God is satisfied.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:4-6

 

We can because He did…

“In these you too once walked, when you were living in them”

As believers, we are no longer slaves to sin but free to live according to the Spirit, the way Jesus did. We can choose life because Jesus chose death. He didn’t wait until our act was cleaned up.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)

Bible scholars Jameson, Fausset & Brown wrote, “Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian’s rule” Because Jesus was put to death, we can live in freedom, reconciled to God. Because He conquered the grave, we live renewed.

 

Scribbles & Doodles & Reading Aloud

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Making Time to Study the Word

 

Life often moves at a breakneck pace. Whatever season you’re in, I imagine you’ve got a lot on your plate, calling for your attention. 

I am in a season of raising children (toddlers, teens, and a few in between!) and developing my career. The latter, I am grateful to admit, calls for some pretty dedicated time to study the Bible. But in this season of busyness (which is not so different from other seasons of busyness) I find I must make time to cultivate my relationship with Jesus. Like every other important relationship in life, I have to be intentional about how I spend my time and carve out opportunities to enjoy and engage with the One who is my Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. Thankfully, unlike other relationships, He is willing to meet me where I am. 

Here are three things I’m doing to make time and space in my heart and mind.

Scribbles

My first step when I approach a text, either for personal study or professional, is to read it with fresh eyes and rapid log, aka Scribble, my initial thoughts, questions, and impressions. Rapid log is a term from the Bullet Journal tradition. It means jotting down your thoughts, bullet-point style, as it occurs to you. 

This initial step serves to clear my mind of any assumptions or associations I have. I stress that it is an initial first step because it is essential to go back through those notes and seek out the truth about what those stories mean. As Ali mentioned in her post, sometimes all we have is a few moments to jot down our thoughts, but someday we will get the time to dig deeper. 

My scribbles are a way to engage with the text with an open heart. Sometimes I will paraphrase what I’ve read, to see if I’m understanding it. Sometimes I will write down the exact Scripture, and occasionally I will…

Doodle!

When it comes to art, I’ve always been better with words and speech. My ability to communicate visually is somewhat lacking. I can sketch a pretty decent snail when called upon to do so, but even that is hit and miss. 

Yet my hands love to be busy, especially when I’m listening to a sermon or podcast, or even going back over my scribbled notes.  I find my pen working over the letters, making shapes, and sketches of things that are standing out to me. 

What surprised me one day was realizing that what appeared to be mindless doodling was actually helping me remember and connect to what I was studying! The doodles help me to slow down and sit in the words. 

Like scribbling, doodling it is only a piece of Bible study, incomplete on its own, but part of a rich, intentional, process of growing closer to the Lord.  

Reading Aloud

Finally, another way I like to engage with the text is by reading it out loud.  I do this in my room or at the table while my children are eating breakfast. Sometimes they listen, sometimes they don’t, but I speak the words anyway.  

In this text from Deuteronomy, the Lord instructs future kings to engage with Scripture by writing and reading it:

“When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes.” Deuteronomy 17:18-19

The Hebrew word for “read” (here and in many other verses) is “qara” (pronounced car-uh). It means “to call out, summon, invite, name, utter aloud”. It’s a hugely different picture than what I usually have in my mind when I think of reading, which is what I have always done when I want to be alone! 

Like scribbling and doodling, reading the words out loud helps me to slow down and take them in, allowing me to engage fully with whatever it is the Holy Spirit is teaching me. 

How do you engage with Scripture? #SnapshotsofBibleStudyClick To Tweet

I love the Word of God. I love learning the history and culture of the people in the ancient world. I love digging into the language and discovering how God is timeless and unchangeable. Mostly, I love that He chooses to engage with us, where and when we are if only we will take the time to engage with Him. 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Are you willing to give one of these tricks a try? Here is a Three Ways to Engage Printable to help you incorporate scribbling, doodling, or reading aloud into your time with the Word. Share your experience with us in the comments or on the Facebook Community Page!

Life Long Learners: A New Series

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As a brand new homeschool mom (about five years ago) I devoured blogs and emails that shared personal snapshots describing how other home school’s operated. My favorite question for other homeschoolers was some version of “what does this look life for you?”

As I examined all the varied approaches, I grew to appreciate how vastly creative God is, providing so uniquely for each of us and allowing us our own opportunities to uniquely glorify Him.

Our experiences were often very different, but in sharing our stories, I found solidarity, inspiration, and connections to more resources than I could access on my own. I was not alone in my struggles! Veteran homeschool moms had lots of tips, tricks, and hacks about how to do things. Newer moms had fresh ideas and passion. Though I spent hours and hours researching different curriculums and methods, nothing was nearly as helpful as hearing the firsthand experience of those surrounding me in the trenches of parenting and schooling. Our kids varied in age. One person’s ideal day was another person’s worst nightmare. But in our goal for educating our children, we grew into a united community. We became the iron, sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17).

Bible study is so important. It’s how God reveals Himself to us (John 1:1-5). But it can be intimidating too. I’ve been studying the Bible for most of my life and still feel like I’m only scratching the surface. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” 

This month on the blog we’re going to give you a peek behind the curtain of our processes. We’ll share our favorite resources for Bible study and how we use them. We’ll give you a glimpse of what it looks like to take a topic or a Scripture and turn it into a devotional.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10

I hope you will find encouragement, inspiration, and resources for your own times of study!

Be sure to share what you’re loving and learning with the Do Not Depart Facebook Community!

Sent with the Cross

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All this month on the blog we’re exploring what missional living looks like for us individually. As Cheli reminded us in the series introduction, “missional living” means “following Jesus and doing what he calls us to do”.  Which leads us to the question, what does it look like to follow Jesus?  

The Cross is Our Example 

Typically when I think about being sent or living on mission, and what God uses to equip us, my first thought is the armor laid out in Ephesians 6:11-18. These tools – a sword of truth, a shield of faith, shoes made up of the gospel of peace -make sense and certainly have their use in how we carry out our calling.

Yet, when Jesus calls the people, he says,

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)  

 

The cross? Really? The cross was an instrument of death and those being executed were forced to carry it to the place they were to die. It was an excruciating experience as those condemned faced a long, difficult walk through ridicule and shame.  Now it is a symbol of God’s love, representing our atonement. In it, we see a symbol of the forgiveness of sin so we can stand before Him, justified. 

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God,” – 1 Corinthians 1:18  

It is exactly this upside-down idea that characterizes the Kingdom of God A kingdom where the poor are blessed (Matthew 5:3), greatness is achieved through servitude (Mark 10:43-45), and life is found through death (Luke 9:24).

Jesus’ death on the cross gave us more than freedom from sin. In His obedience, He set an example for us to follow. In taking up our cross, we can make missional living a reality.

Jesus said, 'Take up your cross and follow me.' #MissionalLivingClick To Tweet

What Missional Living Looks Like

Jesus shows us that missional living is humble, valuing others over yourself. It recognizes that if Christ, the king of the universe, can lower himself to be human and to be executed by humans, we too can get on our knees to reach those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2: 5-8

It is sacrificial, not only considering others as worthy but giving up your interests in favor of others. Putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own. 

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

It is marked by grace and peace, the fruit of our redemption. A missional life seeks reconciliation. 

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” – Ephesians 2:13 – 16

The cross is the ultimate expression of love and therefore the chief characteristic of a missional life.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

When we take up our cross we are dying to ourself, leaving room for Jesus to reign.  

Hope in God’s Good Purpose

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I had a really clear picture of what this year was going to look like. Projects were lined up. Wheels were in motion. My long held dream of working as a director was coming true.

Then everything shut down.

Rehearsals were cancelled. Shows postponed. We held our breath waiting for normal to return. I cried with my children over our broken dreams. We prayed and talked about God and how He is good. About how he brings good from the bad and beauty from ashes. How He is our rock, the anchor holding us fast through the storms of life. Things started to open up again. We made some plans. Then everything shut down again and our dreams were dashed a second time. 

Now Joseph had a dream…

Joseph was the 11th and favorite son of Jacob (whom God named Israel). Genesis 37 tells us that Joseph tattled on his brothers and that his father gave him a robe of many colors, a very costly gift. Neither even endeared Joseph to his older brothers. In fact, verse 4 says, “they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.” 

In this context, Joseph has his first dream. 

“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, ‘Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.’ His brothers said to him, ‘Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?’ So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.” (Genesis 37:5-8)

I can’t help but notice, Joseph shares his dream, but it is his brothers who do the interpreting. 

The Bible doesn’t tell us at this point if Joseph knows what his dream is about, but it’s not hard to imagine what a 17 year old shepherd might expect his life to look like. His family is wealthy, and though by birth order he is next to last, perhaps he will take his father’s place as head of the family some day. Not a bad future to look forward to. 

His brothers had a different idea. They threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery. What was going through that young boy’s mind as he made the long journey from his home to Egypt? Did he watch his dreams fade away with the landscape and grieve over what would have been? Could he hope in the future he’d been promised when his present looked so bleak? 

Interpretations Belong to God

In chapter 39, the Bible picks up Joseph’s story again. He is a slave in the household of Potiphar, an important government official, and he is doing very well. 

“The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.” (Genesis 39:2)

A few years have gone by and the young shepherd enjoys the trust and favor of his boss. Here we get a glimpse of Joseph growing in maturity as a man of integrity and faith.  The lady of the house tempts him, but Joseph resists, both out of respect for the man who has been kind to him and honoring the God of his people. Potiphar’s wife accuses him and he is thrown in prison, but again, God is with him.

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. (v. 21)

After a time, two of Pharaoh’s officials are thrown into prison with Joseph and each have troubling dreams. 

At this point in his life, Joseph could not be further from the dreams he had as a boy. There might have been a chance to return home, as a successful, favored servant of an important government official. But not now. Not from prison. But Joseph is not bitter or broken. He recognizes God as the author and interpreter of dreams. “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” (Genesis 40:8)

He has learned that though his own dreams have not yet come to fruition, God has never left him. 

Joseph remembers the dream

Years pass. Joseph is eventually remembered by the cupbearer, and is given an opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, which is a warning of the famine coming to the land. Pharaoh elevates him to governor and gives him a wife because he sees that Joseph is filled with the Spirit of God (Genesis 41:37).  Joseph sets to work again, storing up grain, planning for the future. He gives his two sons Hebrew names, showing that he has not forgotten God or his people. 

The famine reaches Canaan and Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain. As they kneel before the great leader, second only to Pharaoh, unrecognizable from the brother they sold into slavery so many years ago, Joseph remembers his dream (Genesis 42:9). 

I doubt very much that 17 year old Joseph knew all along that he was going to rise to power in Egypt. There must have been moments along the way where he wondered what it was all about it. But over the course of his life, the many ups and downs, from the pit in Canaan to the palace in Egypt, Joseph learned to trust in God, not the dream. 

God’s Good Purpose

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today’.” Genesis 50:19-20

Summer is in full swing but fall is quickly approaching. Our community is opening slowly, and like Joseph, we are looking forward with hope. Not in the dreams God has placed on our hearts, but in God himself, who never leaves us.  

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

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In His Image: Series Wrap Up

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All month on the blog we’ve been looking at the nature of God as it is reflected in humans. We reflect Him, not because of anything we do, but because it is how He made us. 

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:10

Ali reminded us that “Careful and considerate words shine God’s light and reflect His nature to those around us.” in her post about Pure Words

We considered God’s nature as an Artist and what it means to be His masterpiece 

Lisa shared how we get a picture of God’s unconditional love through the love we share in families. 

We are imprinted with a heart for justice , because God is just. He is the standard we measure the world against. 

Even in our rhythms of rest we are reflecting who He is, glorifying Him as we “become more familiar with who He is and His love for us.” 

 

In this world where unrest, disagreement, injustice, and injury are so prevalent, may we look upon our neighbors, co-workers, community members, leaders, and families as reflections of God. May we love them, not because they are or are not deserving of that love, but because they bear His image and He is worthy.

Reflecting God in the Art of Everyday

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“As I listen to the silence, I learn that my feelings about art and my feelings about the Creator of the Universe are inseparable.”~ Madeline L’Engle

It was the summer of 1996. I was in middle school, attending camp with my youth group in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. To say that it’s beautiful is an understatement. My time at that camp remains one of the most formative times of my faith. Those “mountain top experiences” set the stage for deep growth in my relationship with Christ. Surrounded by the majesty of creation I learned how to be still and worship. 

“The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. – Nahum 1:5

I remember spending one of the morning quiet times outside under a tree, awestruck by the serenity of the lake, when a tiny ant caught my eye. Something about the smallness of the ant struck me. The mountain in its grandeur; the ant in its ordinary simplicity; both spoke volumes about the One who Created them. 

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:19-20

Meeting God as Creator, an artist, helped me understand myself and how I could live a life that brings glory to God. 

What does it mean that God is an artist? 

A basic but useful definition for art is a skill, craft, or craftsmanship. An artist is one skilled in a particular task or occupation. Throughout history artists are responsible for making the things that tell our story. Artists communicate what happened, how we feel about what is happening, and what we hope will happen. 

God made everything from nothing and everything He made is both purposeful and beautiful.  He tells us our story. (Psalm 19:1)

At the end of each day of creation, God reflected on what He had made and declared that it was “good” (Genesis 1:4). When mankind grew more corrupt, He felt grief and regret. He experiences the journey and feels alongside us (Genesis 6:6).

Though we did nothing to deserve it, He made a way for us to be restored to Him, fulfilling the ultimate hope for our future (John 3:16-17). 

What does it mean to bear God’s image as an Artist? 

We may not all be professionals, painting, sculpting or singing for a living, but we are made in the image of a creator so we are always making something. We make order from chaos by living intentionally and setting goals. We cultivate our homes and relationships. We balance checkbooks, make discoveries, sing in the shower, and tell each other our stories, remembering, laughing, and crying together.

Because we carry His image as artists 

  • We craft our lives with excellence “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
  • We think and reflect on the things we see and interact with. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
  • We communicate who He is by telling our story “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

In many small ways, we are all artists. Like Adam naming the animals, we participate with God in the continuous work of creation, declaring that He is good.

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In His Image: Series Intro

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When I look in the mirror, I see a girl with dark hair, grayer than I might like, and dark brown eyes behind a pair of simple, but hopefully stylish, glasses. I see beige, middle aged skin wearing more wrinkles than it used to. Some are from laughter, and some from worry. I see my Grandmother’s nose. My daughter’s chin. I am a unique composite of genetic traits from several families. My children carry these traits on as well, combining them with their father’s family genes. 

I see other things in this reflection.  Scars.  Imperfections. Things under the surface. My reflection tells the story of who I am. At least, it starts the story. 

Back in the beginning, when God was creating the world, Genesis 1:27 tells us, 

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

 

Throughout the Psalms and Isaiah, poets build on this idea of image, explaining that we are created for His glory, to reflect Him to the world. 

  • I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14
  • everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” – Isaiah 43:7

The Hebrew word for image is teselem, which means “resemblance” or a “representative figure”. In much the same way I can look at my reflection and see the resemblance of my family or the effects of my life, we can look at human nature and see a representation of God’s character. Things in us that point to Him. The start of the story. 

“God created us in his image so that we would display or reflect or communicate who he is, how great he is, and what he is like.” (John Piper) 

 

This month on the blog we’ll be studying and exploring what it means to be created in the image of God.

What is it in our nature that uniquely reflects who God is? #InHisImageClick To Tweet

The world is often an angry and divisive place. Tensions are high and enemies are everywhere. We can see our fellow humans as opposition or we can see them as mirror images reflecting aspects of God. 

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Simple Truth in a Simple Tune

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Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the brokenness and pain I see in the world. 

“Why should I feel discouraged? 

Why should the shadows come?”

I’m not even talking about personal troubles. I am often overwhelmed by the state of our world, the rampant injustice and the capability we have for cruelty. 

“Why does my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?”

This sweet, simple song has often given a perfect voice to my heart’s cry! 

 

His Eye Is On the Sparrow has been sung at many of my big life milestones, from graduations to funerals. Yet it always serves to remind me that God is there, caring for me in the small moments of life as well. 

A Simple Story

His Eye is On the Sparrow was penned in 1905 by Civilla D. Martin, with music composed by Charles H. Gabriel, one of several collaborations between them. 

Martin occasionally travelled with her  Baptist minister husband, Walter, which was how they encountered the Doolittles, a couple whom they described as “true saints”. Mr. Doolittle was in a wheelchair and Mrs. Doolittle was bedridden, yet their life was full of joy, kindness, and peace. Enough to make the Martins wonder. 

When asked how she could live in such terrible circumstances with so much hope, she answered, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

 

A Simple Illustration

Jesus used the little birds to illustrate the vastness of God’s love, provision, and attention to the smallest details of our lives. 

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.” Luke 12:6

Over and over throughout Scripture, God is painted as the caregiver of creation (Job 38:41). The Perfect Provider (Psalm 104:11). The Satisfaction our souls long for (Psalm 145:6).  

The Simple Truth

When storms rage in our backyard, my tenderhearted son asks me, “What about the birds?” I comfort him with the reminder, “Who takes care of the birds?”

  • God, who is love.
  • God, who is good.
  • God, who cares what happens to the sparrows. 

When storms rage in my heart, I can rest knowing that the God who cares about the sparrows, cares even more for me. 

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

 

“When Jesus is my portion

A constant friend is he

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know he watches me”

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Blessed Like the Birds (Psalm 84)

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One of my favorite parts of the morning routine is opening the window shades to look out over our backyard. From the patio to the tree line we host a breakfast buffet for a variety of woodland creatures including rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Many, many birds. 

I have come to love watching them interact with our small patch of the world. Rain or shine, every season of the year, the little birds in our yard are well cared for.  

In this second installment of our Greatly Blessed: Dwelling with God Bible study series, we’re looking at verses 3 and 4 of Psalm 84. 

“Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young, at your altars,

O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! – Selah”

Psalm 84:3-4

Picture of Birds

Birds are cheeky little creatures. Spirited. Remarkably resilient given their vulnerability to the elements. Jesus used birds as an illustration, showing God as a caring Father and provider. 

  •  “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” – Matthew 6:26
  • “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

The birds sing praises to the Lord, their creator and provider. It is as natural to them as breathing. 

  • “Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.”  – Psalm 104:12

 

An Approachable Altar

The altar was a flat surface in the courtyard of the temple, used to hold the sacrifices people offered to atone for their sin. It represents a place of consecration. The bridge  between God and man. Altars memorialized God’s great deeds and represented times He came near. 

Something about the sparrows nesting near the altar makes this holy space approachable. It is a place of safety and comfort, where even birds can hatch their young without fear. 

The altar is approachable! Come near to God. Blessed are those who dwell in His house, ever singing His praise! #Psalm84 Click To Tweet

As Natural As Nature 

A number of sources I came across in my research indicated that it might be better to read the phrase, “Even the sparrow finds a home,” as, “Even as…”  The poet is making a comparison by saying, “As a little bird seeks after a home, so do I seek/long/desire to be near your altar” 

This idea reminds me of Psalm 42:1, 

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” 

There is an instinctual need in our soul to worship and be near the Lord. Doing so is like coming home, finding a place of rest and sanctuary. When we are at rest, content in His presence, we are blessed and free to sing like the birds. 

 

Verse 4 ends with “Selah”, a word of uncertain meaning that denotes a time of quiet meditation. Or as Charles Spurgeon puts it, 

“In such an occupation as this we might be content to remain for ever. It is worth while to pause and meditate upon the prospect of dwelling with God and praising him throughout eternity.”

Take Heart: Series Wrap Up

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I spent some time last week in Genesis 6, 7 and 8 – the story of Noah and the flood. A couple of things stood out to me in a new way since being stuck at home for the last few weeks.

Genesis 7:4, “Seven days from now I will make it rain…” God sent Noah and and his family to the ark a whole week before the flood began!

Genesis 7:12, “…rain fell on the earth 40 days and 40 nights…” That’s just about six weeks of a raging storm.

Genesis 7:24, “And the water surged on the earth 150 days.” The storm had ended, the trouble passed, but the effects remained in place for awhile.

Take Heart

All this month on the blog we’ve been looking at practical ways to live and love through the trouble we face in the world. There is a light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel as states are beginning to open back up, flatten the curve, and otherwise return to normal operations.

But whether it’s this or something else, trouble is one thing we can always expect. Jesus promised it, as certainly as he promised us peace and courage to see that trouble through.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

 

Ali reminded us to Leap into the Word, to grow our confidence in an unshakeable God. David faced Goliath without fear because he’d spent enough time with God to know His character. His courage came from understanding that God is trustworthy and good. Ultimately it wasn’t up to David to defeat Goliath. “Though Satan comes to do things like rob us of joy, paralyze us with fear, and destroy our peace and trust, Jesus has come so that we might have abundant life in Him— regardless of our circumstances. (See John 10:10)”

 

God “knows how to turn hopeless scenarios into extraordinary miracles. And as God did in the past, He can also do today,” He uses us to Reach One At A Time. The needs are overwhelming, but Lisa shared the example of Jesus going broad – reaching out to people as he encountered them, and deep – investing in and developing the relationships among those closest to him because “the more we connect with our community now, the stronger our relationships will be when we come out of quarantine.”

 

Jennifer’s post, Never Alone, reminded us that “the presence of Christ brings peace”. Matthew’s gospel begins (Matthew 1;23) and ends (Matthew 28:20) with the assurance that Jesus is God with us.

 

Cheli helped us grapple with grief by defining what it means to lament. (Seasons of Lament: Embracing Grief and Hope) “A lament gives us space to mourn, encourages us to reach up and out and spurs us towards steps of faith.”

 

We shared prayers, Psalms, songs, stories, and past posts in hopes of providing something tangible for our community to use through this time of crisis.

God Remembers

Genesis 8:1, “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.”

Noah and his family spent a long time sheltering in place, waiting for the storm to pass, and the waters to subside. But they were never alone, never forgotten, never out of reach. That is the message we need to hold on to and share with the suffering. Pain, trials, challenges, and difficulties are inevitable. We will have trouble. But Jesus has overcome the world.

#takeheart Jesus has overcome the trouble in the world - John 16:33Click To Tweet

Tools to Take Heart

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

 Here are some posts we’ve shared in the past to help you take heart and remember He has overcome the world.

 

Fear

Ways to Move Past Fear and Learn to Love

Helping Children Who Fear – 5 Bible Based Tips

Surrendering Our Fears

When You Feel Afraid, God is Your Strength

 

Anxiety

A Daily Dose to Overcome Anxiety

Less Google, More God

Growing Faith in Uncertainty

What Not To Say When Anxious

 

God’s Promises

May the God of Hope Fill You

Lord of the Sabbath Series

The Armor of God Series

 

These are just a snippet of the tools available at DoNotDepart.com where we hope you will find Encouragement to Abide!

 

Three Ways to Pray While Waiting

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This last weekend we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Romans 6:9

My children are at a tender age of early understanding so we spent the week, Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, lighting candles, reading, and remembering the stories of Holy Week, leading up to the crucifixion. Good Friday was a beautiful celebration, full of meaningful conversations. Our homebound Sunday service was simple, but rich and bright. But Saturday, the day between death and life, felt strangely quiet, almost out of place, with nothing to really do. 

What happened on the day Jesus was dead in the tomb? 

 

Josh Martin, author of Saturday Nothing, writes,

“It was the most agonizing day in human history. Picture hundreds of men and women lying in bed battling tears, staring at their ceiling, wishing the day before was all a bad dream. … Fog filled the air and the heart. The pain felt personal, even more than it should. ” 

I can almost imagine the overwhelming sense of confusion accompanying the grief of losing their beloved leader, teacher, and friend to a Roman cross. What would happen next? Where would they go? It was a Sabbath. There was simply nothing to do but wait.

Take Heart with 3 Ways to Pray

This month on the blog we are exploring ways we can respond to the trouble and suffering in the world, specifically as it relates to the current crisis of Covid19. What can we do while we’re stuck at home with nothing to really do but wait? 

Scripture teaches us that God is patient and that his patience has a purpose. 

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,  not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 

While He is capable of working things instantly He chooses instead to use time, giving us the opportunity to partner with Him.

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

He works within us, transforming our hearts to be more like His.

As we shelter at home, waiting for life to get back to normal, we have a chance to check our hearts and align ourselves with the work God is doing. #takeheartClick To Tweet

 

Pray Humbly

Since the first time the snake whispered doubt in Eve’s ear, we humans have felt that we can make the best choices for ourselves. We think we know good from evil, right from wrong, but the Bible says we are like grass that is here for just a short time (Isaiah 40:7, 1 Peter 1:24). We don’t know what is best for ourselves, let alone what is right for the whole world. So we pray with humility, putting God in His proper place as King of the Universe and remembering that we are only exalted by His mercy. 

 

“O LORD, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!” Psalm 39:4

 

Pray with Trust

As we remind ourselves of our place in the world, we can rest in the knowledge that God is good, He knows our needs, and he wants to provide for us. He is trustworthy.

“For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’” Luke 12:30-32

 

Pray Simply

Jesus taught his disciples to pray like children speaking to their Father who loves them. It’s not about putting on a big show or using fancy words. It’s not even about knowing what to ask for because He already knows what we need (Matthew 6:8).  Instead, our prayers should be about positioning our hearts to see what He sees, and to want what He wants. 

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

 

Whether we want it or not, we are in a season of waiting.

“After Jesus defeated death and left the tomb, the first thing He did was visit His followers. He found them together in an upper room…they gathered, prayed, and hoped recklessly.” (Saturday Nothing)

We may not be able to gather, but we can pray and hope recklessly. It might look like nothing to us, but God is always working in the waiting.

God is working in the waiting. Pray humbly, simply, and trust. #takeheartClick To Tweet   

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