Lisa Burgess, Author at Do Not Depart

New Bible Memory Challenge Coming Soon – Will You Join In?

March 12, 2018 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Get ready.

Start praying.

Consider if you’d like to memorize a new portion of scripture with us soon.

We’re working diligently behind the scenes to get resources ready for you. We want to help by making it as easy as possible to pick up a set of words from the Bible and transfer them off the page, into your head, and down to your heart.

One week from today on March 19 we’ll give you all the details. We’ll have a registration page for you to sign up. When you do, we’ll email you a package of resources. You can choose which ones you want to download and print.

Why do we do this? Because we know the difference it can make when we memorize scripture. It makes us more aware of God’s presence around us and in us. It changes us. What a valuable way to spend our time.

Finish enjoying your time these next few weeks of Lent with our #40DaysWithJesus series, reading through the gospels of Mark and John.

Then the day after Easter, April 2, be ready to take a new journey with us and with Jesus through more red-letter words.

Will you pray about this? Next week we’ll open registration for a new #BibleMemoryChallenge! #HideHisWord

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When in Doubt, Focus on Jesus – Mark 8-9, John 7

March 6, 2018 by Lisa Burgess 28 Comments

What do you do with the holes in your faith (and we all have them)? Read these passages with us during Lent: Mark 8, Mark 9, John 7. See what Jesus says about doubts.

When You Doubt

Nobody has perfect faith. We all have doubts sometimes.

Our doubts can come when:

We’re faced with a difficult decision and we’re not getting a clear answer from God.
Or when we are in a season of suffering and we don’t feel God’s “comfort that only He can give.”
Or when the doctrine we used to believe just doesn’t make sense anymore.

When Jesus walked among men in the flesh, they had doubts, too. He was turning their world upside down. Everything they once knew was being flipped inside out.

How did Jesus handle their doubts? How does He handle our doubts?

Mark 8 – See, Hear, Remember Jesus

Jesus multiplied food again. He was concerned about those who had come a long way to hear Him. He didn’t want them to go home hungry. So He blessed what they had, turning it into more than enough for everyone to be satisfied.

But the miracle wasn’t enough for some. It didn’t satisfy their hunger for signs.

The Pharisees wanted more (Mark 8:11). Another sign. Another sign.

It was enough to make Jesus “sigh deeply in His spirit” (Mark 8:12). He didn’t give them a sign.

Later, the disciples were arguing among themselves about their own lack of bread.

Jesus overheard and was discouraged by their lack of understanding. He said, “Don’t you see the point of all this? Don’t you get it at all?” (Mark 8:17)

He then reminded them they had eyes to see. They had ears to hear. Why weren’t they remembering?

He wanted them to see Him. To hear Him. To remember what He had done.

Mark 9 – Take Doubts to Jesus

This chapter reveals Jesus in a new form, transfigured in a burst of light right before the eyes of Peter, James, and John (Mark 9:2).

They didn’t know what to say. And as we are prone to do when we’re left speechless, Peter blurted out something anyway. Anything. The wrong thing.

“Why don’t we build three shelters? One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah?” (Mark 9:5)

God redirected him directly to Jesus.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)

Look only to Jesus.

Later, a man from the crowd brought his writhing son to Jesus. “Your disciples can’t heal him. If you can, help us.”

Jesus noted the doubt. “If I can?” (Mark 9:23)

The man acknowledged his own doubts. “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Jesus had mercy. He healed the boy. Surely the father’s unbelief shrunk measurably.

Later the disciples went with Jesus through Galilee. He told them He was be killed and would rise again in three days.

But they couldn’t grasp it (Mark 9:32). Instead of asking Jesus their questions, they kept their doubts underground.

John 7 – Reboot Your Thoughts

When Jesus went privately to Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews couldn’t find Him. Their pride and fear kept them from speaking publicly about Him. Yet around the middle of the Feast when Jesus did choose to appear and teach, the Jews were even more confused.

“How does he know so much when he has never studied?” (John 7:15)

Jesus answered that His teachings were from God. He told them to use their heads to believe correctly, to make “right judgments.” (John 7:24)

Later when Jesus taught more—“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37—they became divided on who He really was.

Some believed He had to be the Messiah. But others kept doubting, believing their own interpretations of scripture instead of the one right in front of their eyes.

Their old beliefs wouldn’t budge, despite new evidence mounting in front of them: “No prophet comes from Galilee.” (John 7:52)

And with that, they went home, missing out on the amazing Son of God in their midst.

Do This When Doubting

We can doubt, too. Can Jesus really live up to the hype? Is it okay to admit doubt and ask questions? Is there ever a time to change our minds about what we believe?

What can we do when we doubt?

See. Hear. Remember Jesus. Yes, Jesus has and does live up to the hype.
Ask questions. Jesus already knows our doubts anyway. Keep searching.
Upgrade our beliefs. When we’re wrong, let’s not be afraid to admit it. Believe better thoughts.

Nobody starts out with mature faith. It’s a growing process for all of us. And when we doubt, we need to look directly at Jesus again and again. Watch Him. Talk to Him. Believe Him.

Doubts aren’t always signaling weakness. Sometimes they’re forecasting growth.

When in doubt, focus on Jesus.

Doubts don’t mean you’re weak. They may signal you’re about to grow. ‘When in Doubt, Focus on Jesus’

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Are you reading along with us for Lent? Do you ever struggle with doubts? Are you slow or quick to change your mind? Please share in the comments.

Free Giveaway for Bible Study Resources!

March 3, 2018 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Would you like to win a bundle of free Bible study resources?

Enter now to win this stack of goodies. Open now through Monday, March 5th.

Includes a beautiful journaling Bible, 6 books and Bible studies, Bible highlighters, pens, Scripture memory cards, and more.

This giveaway is sponsored by the new upcoming online Bible conference, Enjoy the Word, from Katie Orr and Jami Balmet. Details to come soon!

Enter now for your chance to win.

Want a great bundle of FREE Bible study resources? Enter this giveaway today to win! #freegiveaway

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What Have You Seen? {Lent Readings – John 1, Mark 1}

February 16, 2018 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

As you read John 1:19-51 and Mark 1 from our daily Lent plan, ask yourself: What have I seen of Jesus? Where do I go to be with Him?

John 1:19-51 See for Yourself

As we continue in John 1, we find John the Baptist being questioned: Who are you (John 1:22)? John said he was the one pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:23, 29).

Who are we? Certainly not John the Baptist.

But do we have a similar mission?

Maybe you don’t have your own faith all figured out. You think you can’t tell people about Jesus until you know more answers, until you can prove your beliefs.

But John didn’t have all the answers.
Neither did Andrew when he told his brother Peter about Jesus (John 1:41).
Philip couldn’t fully explain Jesus either, yet he told Nathanael to “Come and see” (John 1:46).

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
John 1:46

What they knew was what they had seen.

What have we seen?

We can rest in our partial knowledge of a full God, even as we seek Him more. Let’s invite others to just “Come and see” for themselves, too.

As we point the way to Jesus, He will show them who He truly is.

Mark 1 – Find Your Place

After Jesus was baptized (Mark 1:9-13), He went into the desert for forty days. This week begins our own forty-day journey with Jesus, immersing ourselves in His presence through these scriptures and by His Spirit in our lives.

In these first paragraphs of Mark, recorded either by John Mark (a companion of Peter) or anonymously, we read of Jesus’s compassionate acts of healing. Again and again, over and over.

Jesus drove out an evil spirit.
He healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
He cured various diseases from many in town.
He cleansed a man of leprosy.

Jesus saw people’s needs. He spoke to them and touched them and made them better.

But Jesus did something else, too. Something we also can do.

Jesus found a place.

Early in the morning (actually very early in the morning), Jesus walked away. He found a place He could be alone. And there He talked to God.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35

Maybe very early isn’t best for us. But at some point during each day, can we, too, find a place? Can we walk away, be alone, and talk with God?

Maybe our place is a bathroom closet.
An office with closed doors.
Or just a chair at the kitchen table.

Wherever our place, light up there. Time with God is fuel for the fire. It ignites a heart of compassion. It keeps the flames burning for the actions that come before and follow after.

We can’t do everything Jesus did. But we can do some things.

Finding a place—this we can do.

‘Come and see’ – What have you seen of Jesus? Everybody can tell something. #40DaysWithJesus

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Have you found your place? Let it fuel your heart of compassion. Read with us for #40DaysWithJesus

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Do you have a place you go to pray? Where are you sitting as you read our daily passages? Please share in the comments.

For more discussion, join in with our DoNotDepart Facebook community.

Catch up on all our articles here on our reading passages for Lent.

Four Life Lessons for Kids of All Ages: Proverbs 20-23

January 23, 2018 by Lisa Burgess 24 Comments

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs so his son could hear good teachings. But it’s not just for Solomon’s kids.

Like most wise sayings, the sayings in Proverbs are as applicable for 2018 as they were for 1000 BC. They apply to our children as much as they did for Solomon’s.

And this wisdom is not just for kids. It is for God’s children of all ages, including us.

As we dive into Proverbs 20-23 this week, pick out a few themes that resonate with you. Here are four themes I’ve chosen. They weave in and out of the whole book, but in particular these four chapters.

1. Follow good advice

We often tell our children, “Don’t just follow your peer’s advice; listen to those who are older and wiser!” So it should be with us, too.

“Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war.”
Proverbs 20:18 (CEV)

We also saw this in Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Are you making a decision? Forming plans? Weighing options? Don’t just use your own judgment. Follow Solomon’s advice and seek out many trusted advisers.

2. Avoid faulty shortcuts

A parent can usually tell when their child has taken a shortcut to finish a job: the dishes aren’t really clean, the bed isn’t completely made, the elbows are still dirty.

As adults, we’re also prone to taking shortcuts. And while some shortcuts are healthy and wholesome, others can lead us into shortened blessings as well.

We hear advice several times in Proverbs 21 to be diligent and patient, not lazy and hasty.

“If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.”
Proverbs 21:5 (CEV)

Even though it takes longer and might be harder, do the right thing the right way. It will be worth it in the long run.

3. Help the poor

Proud is the parent who sees their child share with a friend. We want our kids to be generous with what they have. But are we setting the example for them?

If there’s a message that God stresses over and over in both the Old Testament and the New, it is to love other people. Give to the poor. Take care of the needy.

Here is it in Proverbs 22.

“Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.”
Proverbs 22:9 (MSG)

Solomon also reminds us in chapter 22 that the Lord is the maker of both the rich and poor person (v 2). He says that oppressing the poor to increase our own wealth leads to poverty (v 16) and that exploiting the poor will lead to our own plunder (v 23).

Who do we see that are poor (it doesn’t have to be financially) and how are we being generous with our blessings?

4. Know your limits

“Don’t bite off more than you can chew” is a modern-day proverb we may have heard as kids. And that we say to ourselves even as adults. We all have limits and those boundaries need to be respected.

Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!”
Proverbs 23:4 (MSG)

Our desire for more, more, more can lead to disaster, both monetarily, physically, and spiritually. Living within proper boundaries isn’t always easy. We’re naturally drawn to desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride in possessions (1 John 2:16).

But these things of the world will all pass away. Whoever does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).

By having the wisdom to use restraint with our desires, we can live a more abundant life both now and later.

Perhaps we didn’t really learn everything we need to know in kindergarten, but we probably learned more than enough to lead a godly life.

The key is to live it out with God’s help. The next time we are tempted to give advice to youngsters, let’s follow it first ourselves.

Are you putting these 4 life lessons into practice? Proverbs is for all of us.

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Which of these four lessons do you need the most this week (follow good advice; avoid shortcuts; help the poor; know boundaries)? Please share in the comments.

Our series so far:

Wisdom Is Calling You – Proverbs Eight and Nine

January 9, 2018 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Are you hearing invitations from Wisdom through Proverbs 8 and 9?

The book of Proverbs is in the Poetry division of the Old Testament. But it is also part of the wisdom literature. It covers many topics and applies to all of us in many stages of life.

Read Proverbs 8 and 9 and see which nuggets of wisdom are meant for your life this week.

Proverbs Chapter 8

Now understanding releases her voice.
Wisdom cries out, that all men may rejoice.
Wisdom and prudence are better than gold.
Knowledge, herself, has a value untold.
– Alvy E. Ford
The Bible in Verse: A Bird’s-Eye View of Scripture as Observed through the Eyes of a Poet

I sometimes wish that lady Wisdom really was a person walking down my street (Proverbs 8:2), tapping me on the shoulder, handing out specific truths to each person she meets.

But instead, while He does still speak, God wants us to intentionally seek out His wise voice to hear Him from among the noise around us. He wants us receive the armloads of life (Proverbs 8:21) that He gives us each day. And when we do, we also receive His good pleasure (Proverbs 8:35).

Does a particular word or verse stand out to you in chapter 8? Look it up in the original Hebrew or read a commentary for more context on your verse.

This verse encourages me to wait daily on God.

“Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.”
Proverbs 8:34

Proverbs Chapter 9

Wisdom has builded; her table is spread;
Here may the simple turn in and be fed.
Clamorous woman is wicked and vain;
Here may the simple turn in and be slain.
– Alvy E. Ford

It sounds like an easy choice, yes? Choose life or choose death (Deuteronomy 30:19).

But the self-discipline to exercise wisdom doesn’t always come easily to us.

So let’s use Solomon’s words and God’s truths in Proverbs 9 as reminders that choosing blessing over curse every day is worth our efforts.

Is there a verse in this chapter that you’d like to meditate on? To memorize?

My choice is likely one of yours too:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9:10

Keep reading one chapter of Proverbs a day for our 1 for 31 Bible Challenge. It’s a wise choice to make.

Whose voice of Wisdom are you listening to this week? Read a chapter a day in Proverbs. #31DaysInProverbs

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What’s your favorite verse from Proverbs 8 or 9? Please share your thoughts in the comments here. Also join our community Facebook group. We’re keeping up daily conversations there.

Our series so far:

Practical Warnings – Proverbs Six and Seven

January 8, 2018 by Lisa Burgess 3 Comments

What can we learn from chapters 6 and 7 of Proverbs?

Should we loan money to others?
Is napping all day worth it?
What are the 7 things that God hates?
Was my parents’ advice right?

The answer key is in Proverbs 6 and 7, more chapters written by King Solomon in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs Chapter 6

If you have foolishly signed for a friend,
Pay off his debt, that the matter may end.
Theft, upon payment, may rightly be cleared;
But, an adulterer always is smeared.
– Alvy E. Ford
The Bible in Verse: A Bird’s-Eye View of Scripture as Observed through the Eyes of a Poet

As you read the collection of wise sayings in this chapter, zone in on one or two that speak to your current situation.

If you need encouragement against laziness, start at Proverbs 6:6.
If you need to know what repulses God, start at Proverbs 6:16.
If you wonder about your parents’ teachings, start at Proverbs 6:20.
If you’re tempted to cheat on your partner, start at Proverbs 6:25.

Which verse stands out to you? Write it down or print it out. Try memorizing it this week.

Here is one of my favorites about good teachings.

“When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
Proverbs 6:22

Proverbs Chapter 7

Comes a young man who is empty of head:
There, is enticed by adultery’s bed;
There, for one evening he enters to dwell;
There, he is snared by the forces of hell.
– Alvy E. Ford

Have you noticed how often Solomon emphasizes staying faithful to your spouse? It’s a lot. He obviously struggled with it himself. In the end, his multiple wives led him away from God to worship idols (1 Kings 11:1-13). Juggling 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines might do that.

But even one stray affair also breaks hearts. Read Proverbs 7 to avoid being seduced.

Is there one verse that stands out to you from chapter 7? Any verse you’d like to memorize?

I choose this one.

“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend.”
Proverbs 7:4

Come back tomorrow for Proverbs 8 and 9.

Do you hear these warnings? Read Proverbs 6 and 7 with us. #31DaysInProverbs

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What’s your favorite verse from Proverbs 6 or 7? Please share your thoughts in the comments here. Also join our community Facebook group. We’re keeping up daily conversations there.

Our series so far:

Want to Be Present? Plug in with Prayer!

December 15, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 8 Comments

Offer your presence through prayer. You’ll connect more with others and plug in to God’s presence, too.

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:11

Under the Surface

We walked together past the tables of free food, putting this or that in her cart, depending on what she needed. Small talk. Smiles. Casual friendship.

Until the car. We loaded her groceries in the trunk and I asked Betty how I could pray for her. This is the moment it usually happens. This is when people get real. Get personal. Get serious.

Tears bubbled up in Betty’s eyes. And she told me about her daughter. She was back on the streets. Betty didn’t know where. Her heart was breaking. She wanted prayers.

What do we want God to do? This question connects us to each other.

Whose Face Pops Up?

As we each prepare for Christmas, ironically we can get disconnected from God, from each other. The distractions, the lack of time, the lack of energy can break the very bonds that we want to strengthen.

There’s not enough, we think.

But those very cords—the fraying ones with tattered ends that don’t seem enough—are often the ones God uses to draw us in closer. Because of our needs, we pull together.

Close your eyes. Does a face pop up in your mind’s vision? A name? Can you see the image of God stamped on this person, looking back at you?

When the grungy shepherds first came upon baby Jesus’s face that night long ago, did they see God in His tiny eyes? When they praised God for this miracle, did they feel empowered? (Read Luke 2:8-20)

To reconnect with others and with God this Christmas, let’s look for Jesus in every set of eyes we meet. His presence is everywhere we are.

Really see others these next few weeks. Listen to them. Talk with them. And when you can, ask what they need prayers for. When you find out their God-needs, you’ll often find God Himself rising up in you to connect with them.

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18

When we plug in more fully with others, we become more present to the power of God ourselves. The portion of God in them combines with the portion of God in us. His glory is reflected brighter through our unity. (Read John 17:21-23)

In His Presence

After Betty and I prayed together that Saturday morning, we were bonded. Even though I haven’t seen her again, I think about her. And I think about her daughter.

I watch in my circles of ministry for a daughter who is distressed and who has a mom named Betty.

We never know how or when God will place people in our paths when we are praying for them.

Just as His presence is ever with us, He can put us in the presence of other people when we least expect it.

Use this guide to record whose presence you see this week. Write down names and scriptures as they come to mind. Pray for God’s presence to be visible in their lives as He is in yours.

Additionally, you can print and give away these scriptures from our “A Verse a Day–Personalized Gift Version” article. Tuck these verses inside Christmas cards or on coffee counters or in waiting rooms to remind others that God has come.

And to remind others that God is still here. His presence is always a present.

“Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18 (CEV)

Whose face is popping up in your mind? Do you know what to pray for them? Please share in the comments.

Want more presence this Christmas? Give your presence through prayer and receive God’s presence. #ChristmasPresence

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Life, Length, and Land – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:20

December 4, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Learn these three sets of threes this week. God wants to bless you through them.

Memorize this week

“Loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 30:20 (ESV)

1 – Love, Obey, Hold

We made it! This is the last verse in our memory challenge. Here are our memory tips for Deuteronomy 30:20.

Remember 3 sets of 3s.

The verse begins with a set of 3 verbs: Loving, Obeying, and Holding.

“LOVING the Lord your God, OBEYING his voice and HOLDING fast to him,”

(For me, I envision it beginning as LOV—LOVING, OBEYING his VOICE….)

2- Life, Length, Land

We have affection for, listen to, and cling to our Father.

Why?

Remember this set of 3’s: Life, Length, and Land.

“for he is your LIFE and LENGTH of days, that you may dwell in the LAND”

These were blessings not only to the Israelites back then, but they are blessings to us today. While we don’t necessarily live in the physical land of Israel, nor do we escape death or live to be 120, we do receive gifts of an abundant life, an eternal life, and life in the Kingdom of God now.

3 – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

The verse ends with three fathers of the faith.

“that the LORD swore to your fathers, to ABRAHAM, to ISAAC, and to JACOB, to give them.”

God gave to them. God gives to us. He is a good, good Father.

Thank you for reading, learning, and loving God with us these past 10 weeks and 10 verses in Deuteronomy. We pray that these truths you implanted in your heart will grow and bless you in your relationship with the Lord and with others for many months and years to come.

Study Guide

Download this week’s study guide here: “We Choose So That We May Live”

We have affection for, listen to, and cling to our Father. Memorize #Deuteronomy30 v20 #HideHisWord

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Watch Your Decision – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:19

November 27, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

You’ll have many choices this week. Watch the decisions you make. Let Moses’s voice help you choose wisely.

Memorize This Week

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”
Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)

Witness It

We are about to finishing memorizing Deuteronomy 30:11-20. This week we learn Deuteronomy 30:19.

Two things Moses does here: He calls and he sets.

“I CALL . . . , that I HAVE SET before you . . .”

The witness to this? Heaven and earth.

“. . . HEAVEN and EARTH to witness against you today . . .”

This is the third time we memorize “heaven” (twice in verse 12), and the first time for “earth” (although we learn “land” three times, v16, 18, 20).

Remember Heaven is “to be lofty” and Earth is “to be firm.” We need our eyes looking upward as well as our feet on the ground to make our best choices.

Heaven – H8064, shamayim: to be lofty
Earth – H776, erets: to be firm, the earth, land

The Choice?

Moses set choices before the Israelites. We have the same choices today.

In verse 15, the pairing was worded as similar/similar (life and good) and opposite/opposite (death and evil). But here the choices are situated as similar/opposite (life and death) versus similar/opposite (blessing and curse).

Because Moses has called and set this before them, he tells his listeners to do something: CHOOSE.

“Therefore CHOOSE life. . .”

Choose what? Life.

Why? So that they AND their offspring would live.

“. . . that you and your offspring may live,”

May we do likewise!

We’ll see the conclusion of this sentence next week in the conclusion of our memory challenge, Deuteronomy 30:20.

Be a witness this week to your own choices. Use Moses’s voice to help you choose God. God is life.

Study Guide

Download this week’s study guide here: “The Witness of Our Choice – Study Guide”

The choice couldn’t be clearer. What will you decide? #Deuteronomy30 v19 #HideHisWord

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Please share your thoughts here.

Review Week – Memorizing Deuteronomy 30:11-20

November 20, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Pick out a favorite verse from Deuteronomy 30:11-20 to pray about this week. No new verse to memorize.

No New Verse

This week is our scheduled break week for memorization as we each prepare for Thanksgiving with family and friends.

However, if you’d like to stay in your routine, use this week to review, catch up on previous verses, or even look ahead to the final two verses.

Pray a Verse

See all the verses below. Or look at the graphic for all the verses we’ve learned so far and the last two verses. (Click on the image to see a larger version.) Do you have a favorite verse?

Pick a verse that most applies to you this week, and pray over it, asking God to make its truth evident in your own life.

May God continue to bless you as you choose life through His Word.

Deuteronomy 30:11 For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’
14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
15 See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.
16 If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.
17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,
20 loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Bad Consequences – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:18

November 13, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Today’s declaration has consequences. Memorize Deuteronomy 30:18 with us this week.

Learn This Week

“I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.”
Deuteronomy 30:18 (ESV)

Memory Tips

Notice that Moses doesn’t simply “say” this; he “declares” it. He is announcing something important. As you practice reciting it, you can declare it, too.

“I DECLARE . . .”

Again, it’s “today.” This is the fourth of five times in this section of scripture that Moses points out “today.”

“. . . to you TODAY, . . .”

Sometimes it’s easy to confuse “will” and “shall” when we’re learning a verse. The meaning is the same, but in this verse we see “shall” twice (except in NIV).

“. . . that you SHALL surely perish. You SHALL . . . “

A thought is repeated within this verse, using different words: perishing and not living long.

“. . . NOT LIVE LONG . . . “

And again, “land” is mentioned (as in verse 16), both entering and possessing.

“. . . in the LAND that you are going over the Jordan to ENTER and POSSESS.”

Next Week: Break

For Thanksgiving week, we’ll take a break from adding any new verses.

Study Guide

Use our accompanying study guide for this verse to think more about its meaning and its application in your own life: “I Declare – Study Guide for Deuteronomy 30:18”

Today’s declaration has consequences. Memorize #Deuteronomy30 v18 with us. #HideHisWord

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I Declare – Study Guide for Deuteronomy 30:18

November 10, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Moses is making a declaration in Deuteronomy 30:18. Use this study guide to examine how this applies to your life.

“I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.”
Deuteronomy 30:18

Download the study guide as a PDF here: Study Guide Deuteronomy 30:18

Deuteronomy 30:18

“I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess.”

1. I Declare

If X happens, then I will do Y.

If/then planning is a surprisingly motivating strategy. This is the second time in our verses that Moses used it. What was the “if” part of this setup (v17)? What is the “then” result in v18? What if/then scenario are you currently experiencing in your own life? What would you like to change?

2. Today

This is the fourth of five times we’ll memorize “today” in this section of verses. List the things Moses did “today” in:

Deuteronomy 30:11
Deuteronomy 30:15
Deuteronomy 30:16
Deuteronomy 30:18
Deuteronomy 30:19

Read other verses when no waiting was required. What is happening in these “today’s”?

Luke 19:9
Luke 23:43
Hebrews 3:13
Hebrews 13:8

3. Perish

Look up “perish” (H6 – abad) in Blue Letter Bible or another Hebrew lexicon. What does it mean?

Who else is declared to perish in the Old Testament?

Psalm 1:6
Psalm 9:5
Psalm 73:27
Proverbs 21:28

What do we learn in the New Testament about how God views perishing?

Matthew 18:14
John 3:16
John 10:28
2 Peter 3:9

4. Enter and Possess

What is the difference between entering a land and possessing a land? The Israelites were promised both for obedience. What is the equivalent of our inheritance today?

Romans 8:16-17
Colossians 1:12-14
Ephesians 1:11
1 Peter 1:3-4

5. Not Live Long

Adam and Eve were also told they would surely die if they disobeyed (Genesis 2:17). But they continued to “live” afterwards. What did God mean? What did Moses mean in Deuteronomy 30:18 that the Israelites would not live long in the land? Have you wandered in and out of the land that God set up for you to enter and possess? Where are you living today?

Click on the image below for a downloadable PDF.
Study Guide Deuteronomy 30:18

Use this Study Guide for #Deuteronomy30 v18 to apply to your life today. #HideHisWord

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For memorization help, we gather at the Hide His Word Facebook group.

For more in-depth discussion on the study, share at the Do Not Depart Community Facebook group.

See the whole series here.

As the Heart Turns – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:17

November 6, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

The direction your heart turns can make a big difference. Memorize Deuteronomy 30:17 with us this week to see how the sequence works.

Memorize this week

“But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,”
Deuteronomy 30:17 (ESV)

The Sequence

First, the choice was set up (Deuteronomy 30:15).

Life or death

Then, we heard the good news (Deuteronomy 30:16).

If obey, then blessed

Now, the other shoe begins to drop (Deuteronomy 30:17).

But if you don’t

Next week we’ll learn the conclusion of that statement (Deuteronomy 30:18).

But . . . but

As you memorize verse 17 this week, remember there are 2 “but”s:

But if

and

But are

It’s also helpful to notice the subjects of the three phrases in this verse.

Your heart
You
[You]

Then learn the three verb phrases.

Turns away
Will not hear
Are drawn away

Finally, put it all together:

“But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,”

Only 3 to Go

Verse 17 is a short verse, especially compared to last week’s verse 16. Continue working on both and reviewing all the verses you’ve learned so far. After this week, we only have three verses left to learn.

Whether you have memorized all the verses or are only reading along, we pray that you are being blessed by your time with God through these words.

Download this week’s study guide here: “If Your Heart Turns Away”

As the Heart Turns – Memorize #Deuteronomy30 v17 #HideHisWord

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If You – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:16

October 30, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

If you learn this verse, then you will be blessed. It’s long. But it’s worth it.

Memorize this week

“If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”
Deuteronomy 30:16 (ESV)

If . . . Then

If you panic, by seeing how many words are in this verse, by thinking you’ll never memorize it, by questioning why you’re doing this anyway, then you will get discouraged and stop trying and eventually quit.

But that is the opposite of this verse.

Instead of being a negative if/then statement, Deuteronomy 30:16 is a positive if/then statement.

Deuteronomy 30:16 assures us that God is active, that God is good, and that God wants to bless us.

Despite its length and wordiness, we CAN memorize even this verse. Don’t worry about getting it word-perfect this week. The details will come in time as you add on the remaining 4 verses in upcoming weeks (yes, that’s all we have left!).

For now, learn it enough to be life-giving, not life-draining.

Deuteronomy 30:15 set up the choice for us (choose life and good or death and evil). Deuteronomy 30:16 now begins explaining the answers.

Let’s break it down. By chunking it, we can do this.

Think in 3’s.

1. If

For the IF section, there are 3 “by”s. They explain how to obey.

“If you obey…, by loving…, by walking…, and by keeping…”

by loving
by walking
by keeping

Under the last one, “keeping,” there are 3 things:

“…and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules…”

his commandments
his statues
his rules

2. Then

For the THEN section, see 3 good results of obedience:

“…then you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you…”
Deuteronomy 30:16 (ESV)

live
multiply
bless

Under the last one, “bless,” there are 3 phrases:

“…will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.”

in the land
you are entering
take possession of it

3. “The LORD your God”

Also, you’ll see “the LORD your God” 3 times.

“…obey the commandments of the LORD your God…, loving the LORD your God, …and the LORD your God will bless you…”

the commandments of “the LORD your God”
by loving “the LORD your God”
and “the LORD your God” will bless

If seeing these chunks helps you, use them. If not, use what works best for you.

God Will Bless You

Lastly, whether you memorize any of these words or not, remember this:

God doesn’t promise us a problem-free life if we follow Him, but He does promise us a blessed one.

Our blessings may differ in details, but we can trust they are for our good and His glory.

Download this week’s study guide here

If you memorize #Deuteronomy 30 v16, then you will be blessed. #HideHisWord

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Here Are Your Options – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:15

October 23, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

We have options. Do they get any plainer than this?

Memorize This Week

“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil.”
Deuteronomy 30:15 (ESV)

The Choice Is Yours

See? We are doing this. We made a choice and we are memorizing Deuteronomy 30:11-20, one verse at a time.

This week we have another simple verse. (But be forewarned—next week is a long verse. Read ahead if you can!)

Moses lays down the ultimate invitation here.

This is it; this is the life-changing choice.

He first sets up two good options (life and good). Then two bad options (death and evil). Later in verse 19 we’ll see they’re phrased as good/bad (life and death) and good/bad (blessing and curse) instead of good/good and bad/bad in verse 15.

So as you memorize verse 15 this week, look for the areas in your life where you can “see” the choices you have to make. Make them visible as you recite this verse.

We’ll learn the consequences of these choices in upcoming verses.

Download this week’s study guide.