Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

You are here: Home / Archives for Lisa Burgess

Is Your God Worth Sharing?

by 2 Comments

is-your-god-worth-sharing

  • Do you think God is cruel?
  • Do you think He doesn’t care about the details of your life?
  • Do you think He plays favorites, loving some people more than others?

Bad News or Good News?

If (or when) we think cynical thoughts about God, we don’t want to share Him with others. Why would we?

That kind of God is bad news, not good news.

But if we believe God is always good (Psalm 34:8), always compassionate (Lamentations 3:22), always loving (1 John 4:16), we want to talk more about Him (Psalm 145:4).

Even to people who haven’t yet encountered Him.

What we think about God matters. We’re talking about it here all month because theology is not just theoretical; it’s practical.

What You Think About God

As we look today at how our theology affects our encounters with unbelievers, we have to first ask ourselves some hard questions.

  • What are my deepest feelings about who God is (not just my “Christianese” answer)?
  • Why do I believe that about Him?
  • Could I be wrong about what I think?
  • How can I learn more accurate information about God?
  • How have my personal encounters with God influenced my thinking?
  • Do I want to tell others about this God? Why or why not?

The more we know the true God, the more we know pure love.

Share with Others

And the more we know love, the more it spills out of us and onto others.

  • We praise God in front of others.
  • We love others because He loves them.
  • We work in our circles to help others.
  • We share our God-stories with others.

So our relationships improve. Our lives become more meaningful. Our faith increases in strength.

Knowing God matters. Not just for our own souls. But also in how we interact with others.

Let’s know God as accurately as we can. Let’s worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Then we’ll believe He’s worthy of sharing.

Is your God worthy of sharing? Why it matters. #TheologyForWomen

Click To Tweet

Have you read J. I. Packer’s classic book, Knowing God?

What prevents you from sharing God with others? What helps you? Let’s talk in the comments.

Related Reading:

why-sound-theology-matters-for-every-woman

Get Your Hopes Up – Gifts in Your Future

by 22 Comments

get-your-hopes-up

You likely had a schedule for this week, a to-do list (if only in your mind) that you wanted to check off. How is it going so far?

We are lousy predictors of what’s next.

Five years ago (five months, five days), could you have predicted the events happening in our country today? In your church? Even in your family?

Unexpected > Expected

We can plan and prepare, but life is often more unexpected than expected. The unknown is out of our control. We don’t have the foresight or ability to stockpile enough resources in advance to prepare for every possible scenario.

We’re sometimes afraid to get our hopes up.

So how do we deal with this?

We place our hope in God’s future grace.

“Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 23:18

Gifts Ahead

Thankfully, God does know our future (Jeremiah 29:11). And because He is good, He has good plans in place for what’s next (Isaiah 46:4). Even when bad things happen alongside them.

The Lord goes before us and plants good gifts in our future. He has more than enough resources and power to line it up and give it to us at just the right time.

  1. The Gift of Today

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:33-34

Once we believe in God’s provisions for tomorrow, we can better enjoy today. We can stay present, right here and now, knowing that God will handle our future. Does that mean we don’t plan for tomorrow? No. We still look ahead and prepare, but we don’t have to obsess about it and live in the future. We can live in the day.

  1. The Gift of Giving

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6

Once we trust that God will replenish our manna each day, we no longer have to hoard. We’re free to fully use today’s gifts today, knowing that tomorrow we’ll be given a fresh supply. Not wasting or misallocating our resources, but confidently using them in discerning ways. We are more free to meet others’ needs when we’re less consumed with getting our own needs met. Trust God to finish what He’s started in you.

  1. The Gift of Peace

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:21-23

When we worry about the unknown, we produce anxiety not only for ourselves, but also for those around us. Isn’t it more restful instead to hope in God’s future provisions? He promises peace to those who rest in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Hoping in His future grace is a vehicle for us to receive that peace in our lives.

God at Every Turn

Each of our lives is a path. Like Billy’s path in Bil Keane’s Family Circle, it’s not a straight line. We can’t predict each step and twist along the way.

family-circus-billy_bil-keane
illustrated by Bil Keane

But what we can predict is this: God will show up at every turn.

We start at Point A. God is there. We unexpectedly go next to Point K. God has already been there, too, going before us, planting gifts along the roadside for us to pick up once we arrive. Maybe a new friend or a different job opportunity or a deeper spiritual insight.

These gifts of grace will help us get through the bad stuff, the hard stuff, and even the pleasant surprises.

We can’t know what each gift will be, or how it will be wrapped, or what time it will arrive. But we can know it will be good. It will be grace. It will be God.

Count on it. Get your hopes up. There are good gifts in your future.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalm 23:6

Get Your Hopes Up – There Are Good Gifts in Your Future. #hope

Click To Tweet

What concerns you most about the future? What brings you peace about it? Please share in the comments.

Want to read more?

Download a free PDF of “Hope in Future Grace” scriptures

hope-in-future-grace-pdf-sm

4 Things to Pray About Politics, No Matter What

by 21 Comments

  • Have you been irritated by bickering on Facebook during this election cycle?
  • Have you fallen into personal arguments with family or friends over politics?
  • Have you fretted over what will happen if a particular candidate wins or loses?

This month at the blog we’re looking at our hurting world. And how we can pray for it.

This includes praying for our political system. But what are we to pray?

4 Things to Pray About Politics

Stirred Up

We’ve either experienced it and/or seen it more the past few months: fear, cynicism, anger, and worries.

  • If Candidate A wins, what will happen to national security?
  • If Candidate B wins, will moral character go out the window?
  • If I vote for a third party, will it be wasted?
  • Should I even vote at all?

What is God thinking and what does He expect us to do?

Don’t Trust in Horses

Our problem isn’t new. Because all our leaders are human, all our past and current leaders have been flawed. And will be flawed in the future. That’s a given.

When we place complete trust in any person, we show we’re flawed, too.

Listen to what King David said (a great leader to the Hebrew people, albeit also flawed), thousands of years ago.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Or as The Message puts it:

“See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for GOD our God” (Psalm 20:7, The Message).

When we trust too much in democracy or a better candidate or any political party, we too are polishing chariots and grooming horses.

So how can we trust in God instead in real-life ways?

4 Things to Pray

Here are 4 things to pray about during this political season. It is possible to stay spiritually hopeful through this election cycle. No matter what.

  1. Fear→BELIEF

Lord,
When we feel in danger, remind us You are in control. When we are insecure, be our strong refuge. Even when we feel defeated, we know You’ve already won the victory. No matter what.

  1. Cynicism→ACTION

Lord,
We’re often tempted to give up. We become distrustful of politicians and become negative about others’ motives and words. But You tell us to not grow weary. Let us remain hopeful and actively influential. First in our families, our neighborhoods, and our cities. Then in our states, nations, and world. No matter what.

  1. Anger→SERVICE

Lord,
Where prejudice exists—whether in us or in others—send us in with love. Show us opportunities to serve those who think differently than us. Help us lend a hand. Listen to learn. Meet real needs. We’ll never change anyone with angry lectures. But we can love people with Your gifts of grace. No matter what.

  1. Worry→REST

Lord,
Renew our minds to dwell on You in this day, not on potential troubles in the future. You have the past, present, and future in Your hands. Your help is here. Your help is now. We can rest in peace. No matter what.

Keep Love First

Politics has its place. Be informed. Stay engaged. But the place of politics isn’t first.

The greatest command is still this:

Love God, love others.

  • If we lose our races, and also lose our faith, which loss is the greatest?
  • If we win our elections, but lose our friendships, what have we gained?

True peace is only found in the eternal kingdom of God. No vote can abolish our fellowship with Him. No political party can strip away His love. No local councilman nor President of a country can overrule our capacity to love others.

Under God’s reign, we remain forever secure, ever hopeful, and lavishly loved by Christ.

No matter what.

The fruit of silence is prayer-Mother-Teresa

Want more? 

Are you struggling with politics more than normal this year?

Is there a scripture that keeps you focused on Christ? Please share in the comments.

Have a different response to politics. “4 Things to Pray, No Matter What” #PrayersForAHurtingWorld

Click To Tweet

Prayers for a Hurting World month-long series at DoNotDepart.com includes printable prayer cards

You’ve Been Called – Light Up as a Priest

by 32 Comments

When times seem darkest, your light—however small or dim—shines brightest.

We’ve been asked to arrive at church on Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. for a final practice of our worship songs. It means I set my alarm a little earlier than I’d like. But when I arrive at 8, it seems they’re not ready for us.

Should I just sleep later and arrive later, despite the request? I’ve been considering it. Until last Sunday . . . .

When times seek darkest light shines brightest

Priestly Duties

Sometimes we look around us and see a mess. Fighting in the streets. Mud-throwing from political candidates. Hatred on social media.

Is there any point in trying to make a difference? Or should we all just sleep in?

I wonder how the high priest felt back in the old days. Twice every day—every single day, rain or shine—he had to enter the tabernacle and light the candles in the holy place (Exodus 30:7-8). Who would even notice? Could he slide by and just do it once a day if he was sick or tired or busy?

He had other duties, too. Important ones, like offering sacrifices for the people’s sins. Offering gifts to God on their behalf. Remaining ritually clean beyond anything required by other people.

Yet the sincerest of the priests did it. Why? Because he was called by God to do it. And he took that call seriously.

Called, Not Self-Appointed

As we continue our study in Hebrews 4:14-5:14 this month, we come across these two verses:

“Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
Hebrews 5:3-4

We read that the high priest (beginning with Aaron) was invited by name, by God, to lead the people to God Himself.

He had holy garments put on him, was anointed, and consecrated so he could serve the Lord as a priest (Exodus 40:13).

What an honor! In times of trouble and confusion, he was to be a light for the people, shining the presence of God.

Me, Too?

But it gets crazier . . . These also are messy days of trouble and confusion. Who is God calling to shine His presence into the dark places now?

You and me!

We are priests, too.

  • A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
  • Children of light (Ephesians 5:8)
  • City on a hill (Matthew 5:14)

As believers in Jesus we have been washed with water, clothed with righteousness, anointed with Jesus’s blood, and set apart for His work so we can serve Him as a priest.

What are our opportunities? Like the priests of old, we are:

  • To shine brightly (Matthew 5:16),
  • To offer thanks to God for the good gifts He’s given (Hebrews 13:15),
  • To point others to Jesus (Ephesians 3:9), the Highest Priest of all (Hebrews 7:27), who heals our pains and washes our sins.

Is becoming a priest an honor we bestow on ourselves? No. We have been invited to wear the Name, not self-appointed. We’ve been called by God to love our family, our friends, even our enemies. Not through our goodness, but through His grace.

We have been strategically positioned to answer the world’s call for help.

When our lights shine, those around us can see clearer themselves, can feel more hopeful about their own lives, and can live more purposeful lives for the glory of the Father.

Priesthood of Honor

Being a priest isn’t always easy. Such as getting up earlier when we’re asked to.

I was reminded last Sunday that arriving at 8 a.m. was about more than singing practice. It was about being a true priest. Arriving early in the sanctuary, we could straighten up the chairs, clean paper off the floor, walk the aisles and pray for souls that would soon be seated there.

We were to prepare the place where God’s people would be gathering.

Be a priest. It’s an honor. And a responsibility.

But we’ve been chosen. Let’s light up and go do it.

To Do This Week

  1. Read by candlelight.
    Light a candle to remember to shine as you read Hebrews 4:14-5:14.
  2. Write it out.
    If you’re writing the text by hand this month (see Ali’s suggestion), add in Hebrews 5:3-4.
  3. Three Dark/Three Light.
    Write down 3 dark places in your sphere of influence. Pray about 3 or more things you can do this week to bring the light of Jesus to those dark places. Write them brightly on top of and around the dark places.
    be-a-priest
  4. Advance it.
    Spread hope in your conversations and be a light in your actions this week!
  5. More priestly material?
    Check out this chart, “Old Testament Priests & Priesthood.”

    Old Testament Priests
    Barnes Bible Charts
You’ve been called. Light up. Be a priest. #Hebrews5 #JesusAsHighPriest

Click To Tweet

Do you feel like a priest? Where do you see hopelessness? Where would you most like to shine a light?  Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Jesus as High Priests - new series on Hebrews 4:14-5:14

3 Words to Silence Your Worries

by 36 Comments

Worried-3-Words-to-Say

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)

[Please note: This post is only about garden-variety worrying, not mental anxiety due to biological or other causes. See “Where Is God in Mental Illness” for the latter.]

What’s Worrying You Today?

  • Will violence break out where I am or where my loved ones are?
  • If our car breaks down again, how will we pay for it?
  • Why does my daughter keep getting headaches?
  • Will I ever find the right spouse/friend/church/____?
  • What am I supposed to do with my life?
  • Am I a lousy parent after what I said this morning?

And this classic one:

  • Why can’t I stop worrying?

Unfortunately, many of us worry too much. I know I do. Despite that Jesus said don’t do it:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?'”
Matthew 6:31 (NIV)

What’s Wrong with Worrying?

Worrying is painful. It steals our joy. It hurts those around us. It wastes our energy. It leads us to doubt God’s goodness.

So why do we worry? Perhaps because we think if we catch the bad thing in time, we can prevent it from happening. As if our worrying can stop it before it’s too late.

But of course our worrying does not solve problems. It just creates new ones. It divides our minds, births discontentment, and prevents us from thinking about things that would be beneficial.

The word “anxious” in the Greek, merimnao, comes from merizo, “to divide,” and nous, “the mind.”

Worrying = a divided mind

Worrying pulls us in many directions instead of keeping us focused and together.

3 Words to Quiet Worry

So what can we do about worrying? Self-discipline doesn’t work. Denying problems exists doesn’t work. Entertaining it away doesn’t work. Trying to control the circumstance or person doesn’t work.

Instead, the next time your mind is distracted with worry, try using these three words as you pray to silence your mind’s chatter.

1. Jesus

There is power in the name of Jesus. Focus on Him (Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 3:1). Call on His peace. Say and believe His words, not your own.

If you’ve been memorizing Matthew 6 with us the past few months, think about this: every minute you spent focusing on Jesus’s words was one minute you didn’t spend worrying about your own troubles. It’s not vain repetition to say over and over, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” It’s wise. He’s listening and answering, even if you’re unaware of how.

2. Here

Many of our worries come from things that might happen “over there,” not what’s actually happening “right here.” Draw your attention away from “what if” and instead accept “what is” actually happening, even if it’s hard stuff. Look for how God is working in it. Count the blessings you can see (Isaiah 12:4-5). Choose gratitude for what you find and let the peace of Christ displace the worrying (Colossians 3:15).

Use Philippians 4:8 as a guide to help you see what is right here to be grateful for. And to help you respond to what is right here instead of simply worrying about something somewhere else.

3. Now

Correct the time-shift problem: get out of the future and come back to the present. God has fresh supplies of grace for us every single day (Lamentations 3:23), but He only gives them to us one day at a time. In this day, open your hand to receive this day’s grace instead of reaching out for tomorrow’s grace, too. Now is the when of God’s presence.

Our beliefs that future outcomes will be bad is the root of much of our anxiety. But if we can return back to now, seeing that God is always with us in this very moment, we can better trust He’ll be equally faithful in the days to come. [Read A Daily Dose to Overcome Anxiety.]

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

Benefits of Jesus—Here—Now

Saying these three words to ourselves when we worry, “Jesus, Here, Now,” is not a magic mantra to stop our worrying. But it can be an exercise of intentional prayer to bring us back to this moment of grace and find hope again. We can think more clearly, more positively, and be more available to others.

God promises us a mind of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Not fear. Not confusion. Not worries.

I’m still learning how to accept this gift of peace in the moment. I’m not there yet. I’m still not totally comfortable with uncertainty.

But I continue to reach for contentment with today’s grace instead of worrying about its potential lack in the future. And I am making progress.

May we all encourage each other to accept God’s grace in the name of Jesus, in this here, right now.

Jesus. Here. Now.

Try these 3 words to silence your worries. #OurSinsGodsGrace

Click To Tweet

Do you struggle with worry, too? Which word stands out most to you: Jesus, Here, or Now? Please share in the comments.

Our Sins, God's Grace

Related:

Enough Grace for Today – Memorizing Matthew 6:33-34

by 1 Comment

matthew-6-33-34-esv

Our time together in Matthew 6 is coming to an end. Thanks to all who participated, who prayed, who read Jesus’s words with us each week.

This final week of memorization concludes with an important and beautiful message from Jesus:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV)

As we strive to put God’s will above all else, isn’t it good to know we can trust Him to take care of our needs? He promises to place alongside us every necessity to accomplish His purpose in our lives.

So today let’s thank Him for enough grace for this day. And let’s wait without anxiety to uncover tomorrow’s grace when tomorrow gets here.

One day at a time.

We pray you’ve been blessed through our months together in Matthew 6. May these words from the Word continue to resonate in you and through you in the months and years to come!

Trust God for today’s supply of grace. Memorize #Matthew6 v33-34 #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

Please share your final thoughts on Matthew 6 in the comments.

Memorizing-Matthew-6

What Not to Say When Anxious – Memorizing Matthew 6:31-32

by Leave a Comment

matthew-6-31-32-esv

When you’re anxious, what do you say?

  • “What if this happens?”
  • “What if that doesn’t happen?”
  • “What will so-and-so think?”

I’ve said variations of all those. I’ve also said these three classics that Jesus specifically said not to say:

Matthew 6:31
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying,

  • ‘What shall we eat?’ or
  • ‘What shall we drink?’ or
  • ‘What shall we wear?’

Matthew 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

I don’t believe Jesus was saying don’t think about what you’re going to prepare for tonight’s dinner or what you’ll wear to your niece’s wedding. Planning is one thing, a good thing.

But worrying is another matter altogether.

It’s the worrying that Jesus wants to remove from our lives.

His antidote?

Prioritize. God first, everything else underneath.

In this week’s (Matthew 6:31-32) and next week’s (Matthew 6:33-34) memory verses, we see that Jesus says seek God first, above all else, and the smaller things will work out as God sees fit.

Perhaps it’s easier said than done for those of us naturally prone to worry. But that’s all the more reason to be glad Jesus was talking to us.

He always knows what to say.

What Not to Say When Anxious. Memorize #Matthew6 v31-32 #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

How do you battle anxiety? Do you have a favorite Bible verse you say to yourself? Please share in the comments.

Memorizing-Matthew-6

Who Wants to Be Poor?

by 24 Comments

Where-is-God-in-poverty

Who wants to be poor?

It’s not something we aim for. Poverty is unappealing. We’d rather run away from it than run towards it.

Even though Jesus did say:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3

We typically want more (of whatever), not less.

What Do You Need?

I sat in a metal chair underneath a tent last Saturday morning for Outdoor Church. It’s a once-a-month service for the homeless and poor in our community, followed by a free meal. One of my friends, Brenda, sat beside me.

We were worshiping along with the church who had volunteered to lead that day. Brenda was rubbing her leg as we sang.

She had had a rough night of pain. Actually a rough year. A rough life.

She’s been disabled for awhile. Money is scarce. Her medical needs go unmet if insurance won’t cover them. Her vehicle barely works. Her housing is minimally sufficient.

Yet after the first song, Brenda leaned over, smiled, and whispered in my ear: “I’m so glad I came today. I really needed to be here.”

Where Is God in Poverty?

We’re asking on the blog all month, “Where is God?” I often wonder where is God in poverty. I see people weekly who are poor in finances, poor in physical and/or mental health, poor in support networks.

Where is God in poverty?
I saw on Saturday.

In Brenda’s poverty, she saw God.
In our wealth, we often miss Him.

Jerry Bridges says in [amazon_link id=”1631466232″ target=”_blank” ]The Blessing of Humility[/amazon_link],

“People who are poor in spirit see themselves as utterly dependent on God and His grace in their lives. They recognize that they are dependent on God even for life and breath (Acts 17:25).”

Embrace Poverty?

We each are poor in some areas.

But if poverty of any sort awakens our desire for God, maybe we shouldn’t fear it so much.

Maybe we should embrace our poverty, our dependence. After all, aware of it or not, we are . . .

  • Dependent on God,
  • Dependent on His resources, and
  • Dependent on His grace.

And in our desperate dependence, like Brenda who was desperate to get to Outdoor Church, we, too, will find what only God can provide.

Maybe it won’t be wealth as we typically define it: bigger bank accounts or physical healings or changes in circumstances.

These Riches

But it can be increased riches in the midst of the poverty, in the form of greater hope and lasting contentment and deeper faith.

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”
James 2:5

So instead of clinging to our scarcity mindsets (“What if there’s not enough to go around???”), may we learn to trust in our God of abundance (yes, He came to give us THAT kind of life, John 10:10).

Among the poorest of the poor on Saturday, God was here:

  • In the impromptu sing-along of “Amazing Grace” among the broken in the crowd (i.e., all of us),
  • In the free grilled hamburgers and take-home plates that filled empty stomachs, and
  • In the attention and the hugs and the face-to-face individual conversations.

Jesus wasn’t scared of poverty. He used it to make us rich.

May we go and do likewise.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9

Are you afraid of being poor? #WhereIsGod in poverty?

Click To Tweet

Look at these 8 types of poverty identified by Potter’s House, a ministry I visited in Guatemala who work among their poorest of the poor. Which type of poverty do you see most often? Which do you personally identify with? Please share your thoughts on poverty in the comments.

8-types-of-poverty-Potters-House-Guatemala

How Much Are You Worth to God? – Memorizing Matthew 6:30

by 2 Comments

matthew-6-30-esv

Is this really worth it?

Sometimes we question if something is worth our energy, attention, money, if it won’t be here long. For example, I have a limit on how much I’ll spend for a meal, food that will be eaten in 30 minutes or less and then gone forever. It’s just not worth my money.

But God’s limits?

There is nothing too small nor too expensive for His concern.

If He cares even for the wildflowers that appear only for a day or two, then disappear forever, wouldn’t He care about providing us with the provisions we need—creatures created in His very image?

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 6:30

How far will God go? As far as necessary!

Be mindful this week as we meditate on Matthew 6:30 that God is in the details of not only the beautiful spring flowers that pop up for a season, but even more so in the details of our own lives. We are worth it to Him!

How much are we worth to God? Memorize #Matthew6 v30 #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

Memorizing-Matthew-6

Learn from a Flower – Memorizing Matthew 6:28-29

by 2 Comments

matthew-6-28-29-esv

More important verses from Matthew 6! Memorize these with us this week.

28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Matthew 6 (ESV)

Most of us probably aren’t too anxious about having clothes to wear to cover our bodies. Our clothing problems are typically about quantity and style and cost.

But back in Jesus’s day, the average citizen didn’t have a closet full of clothes to choose from each morning. Many of them had legitimate concerns about what they would put on.

How much less should we be concerned about clothing! 

As we notice the flowering trees and bushes and plants this week, think twice about what you’re worrying about. Maybe you’re not anxious about clothes; perhaps it’s finances or decisions or health issues.

Whatever is causing you to have a divided mind, hand it over to the Lord as often as you see His colorful provisions in nature.

Let the colorful blooms remind you to trust His grace as sufficient.

Let the flowers teach you. Memorize #Matthew6 v28-29 #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

Memorizing-Matthew-6

Share A Bird Photo as You Memorize Matthew 6:26-27

by Leave a Comment

Attention Matthew 6 Memorizers:

This is the next-to-last week before our last scheduled one-week break. So spend time this week with Jesus’s words below and we’ll see you back to learn new words in two weeks! (Then only four weeks left.)

Now with this week’s verses . . . 

Matthew-6-26-67

Look Up!

See any birds today?

We often fail to notice them as they fly by, minding their own business as we mind ours.

But Jesus used them as an important example of how to live without worries. God takes care of them regardless of their inabilities to do much for themselves.

How much more so will He do for us?

Bird Photo Challenge

Please take a photo of birds you see this week (or dig one off your phone from the past) and share with us on Instagram @DoNotDepart using the hashtag #Matthew6 and with our Hide His Word Facebook group.

If even the birds don’t look worried with all the obstacles facing them, we, too, can live freer of anxiety under God’s protective care.

Share a bird photo! Learn to let go of worries. Memorize #Matthew6 v26-27 #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

What’s your favorite bird to watch?

Tag us on Instagram @DoNotDepart, #Matthew6 or post in our Hide His Word Facebook group. We want to see how God inspires you to “Look at the birds of the air.”

Memorizing-Matthew-6

Are You Into Greek “Life”? It’s Not What You Think

by 25 Comments

Greek-life-is-not-what-you-think-zoe

What Is Greek Life Anyway?

Maybe you or your children have been in a sorority or fraternity. Or maybe you despise them. We all have images of “Greek life”—some good, some bad—from friends’ stories or Animal House or personal experiences.

We understand they are intended for community spirit, for belonging, for identity and friendship and support. [Why do fraternities and sororities use Greek letters anyway? Learn here.]

But there’s a completely different—and much better—Greek life that we learn from Jesus.

Three Greek Lives

If you’re breathing, you have life. Your dog breathes. Your oak tree breathes. We count them all as alive.

But actually three different Greek words are used in the New Testament for “life.” Two of these types of lives everyone has from birth.

But the third type? It is radically different from them all.

Greek-words-for-life_bios_psuche_zoe

 

1. Bios = Life

Remember biology class? The study of living organisms. Our word “biology” comes from this Greek work bios. It is the least used word for “life” in the New Testament (11 times) and is often translated as other words.

bios [bee’-os] – life; (1) present state of existence, (2) the means of livelihood. Strong’s G979

Bios is our biological life and the things that sustain our life (our livelihood). We need it, we use it, but we can’t depend on it.

Look at these messages about bios:

  • “. . . lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
    1 Timothy 2:2
  • “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits [affairs of this life], since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
    2 Timothy 2:4
  • “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
    1 John 2:16
  • “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
    1 John 3:17

Message about bios: Live by it, but not for it.

2. Psuche = Life

Think now about psychology, the study of the mind and behaviors.

Psuche is the second most used word in the New Testament for life, translated in the KJV as “soul(s)” 58 times, and as “life (lives)” 41 times.

psuche [psoo-khay’] – life; (1) the breath of life, (2) the soul, seat of the feelings, desires, affections. Strong’s G5590

Psuche is the seat of our personality. The way we respond to circumstances reveals our psuches.

When Jesus died, He not only gave up his body, bios life, He also gave up His soul, psuche life.

Read these scriptures with psuche:

  • “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
    Matthew 11:29
  • “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
    Matthew 6:25
  • “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course. . . . .”
    Acts 20:24
  • “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
    1 John 3:16

Message about psuche: Live through it, but lay it down.

While we all are born with bios and psuche, and we need them to live, this next “life” below is totally different. . . .

3. Zoe = Life

Zoe is the most used word for “life” in the New Testament (134 times), translated only as “life” every time. The apostle John used it more times in his gospel than Matthew, Mark, and Luke combined.

zoe [dzo-ay’] – life. Strong’s G2222

We’re not born with zoe. It’s only given as a special gift from God to His believers, for now and for eternity.

Zoe is the divine life in us, the transformation of our spirit from dead to alive. It is life as God has it and life as He intends us to abundantly have.

See if you notice how different “life” is in these scriptures with zoe:

  • “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.”
    John 5:26
  • “. . . I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
    John 10:10
  • “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
    John 17:3
  • “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
    1 John 5:12

It’s been said that psuche is the living being, but zoe is the life of that being.

Message about zoe: Live in it, in Jesus.

Zoe Is Powerful

Zoe life is what makes believers different from the inside out. It’s more than what we do or think; it is who we are in the deepest places, a beloved child of God.

Bios and psuche life can swing between bad and good all our lives—we have sick days and healthy days; we have joys and disappointments. Life has hurts and can be confusing.

But zoe life is what we have underneath it all, even when we can’t feel the peace or see the healing. Zoe is our permanent placement in the very palm of God’s hand, alive forever, safe in Jesus.

Zoe is . . .

  • Peace deeper than pain
  • Vision through the veils
  • Joy in the jarrings
  • Purpose beyond predicaments

Unlike human fraternities and sororities, zoe Greek life connects us to a divine community, with dues already paid, where we’re given a royal identity, and friendship with God forever.

That’s the kind of Greek life I’m into.

Into Greek life? It’s not what you think. Resource Page here. #NTGreekWords

Click To Tweet

Do you have a favorite Greek word? Did you already know about zoe? Please share your Greek life experiences in the comments.

Want more clickable resources? Download Greek Life Resources for additional study.

Greek-Life-Resources-thumb

Read all our posts this month on New Testament Greek words here.

This month we'll be studying key Greek words of the New Testament. Join us at DoNotDepart.com

Heart Choices – Memorizing Matthew 6:24-25

by 2 Comments

Matthew-6-24-25

Jesus has been giving us many dichotomies in Matthew 6 so far:

  • do things for show OR for God in private (vs 1-18)
  • have treasures on earth OR treasures in heaven (vs 19-21)
  • see through healthy eyes and light OR bad eyes and darkness (vs 22-23)

In this week’s verses, He adds two more pairs:

  • be a slave to God OR to wealth (vs 24)
  • be anxious over food and clothing OR have peace about life

Inside Out Choices

We don’t often think of these as choices. I don’t think I’m consciously choosing to worry, for example, but I hear Jesus inviting me through these verses (and the ones that follow) to consider it deeper.

We all go through similar outward motions, but what is motivating us on the inside?

As we memorize this week, let’s ask God to reveal to us which master we are choosing to serve: our own needs for security and admiration and control, or God’s will for forgiveness and gratitude and righteousness?

Who will you serve today? We’re memorizing #Matthew6 v24-25 this week. #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

Which opposites in Matthew 6 have caused you to pause and reflect? Please share any thoughts in the comments.

Memorizing-Matthew-6

Keep the Light Bright – Memorizing Matthew 6:22-23

by 2 Comments

Matthew-6-22-23

Do you have perfect vision?

The past few years I’ve had to use reading glasses to see up close. Without them, I can barely read—unless the lighting is very good. With bright light my vision is clearer and I see more focused.

Jesus was telling his followers and us in Matthew 6:22-23 (our memory verses for this week) that light is critical to vision. With healthy views, we can see clearer and stay more focused.

As you meditate on these verses this week, look for light sources around you to remind you of the Light source within you. Keep Him shining brightly.

Keep the Light bright. Memorize #Matthew6 v22-23 with us. #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

How do you keep your eyes healthy, physically and spiritually? Please share in the comments.

Memorizing-Matthew-6

You Are Rich – Memorize Matthew 6:19-21 with Us

by 4 Comments

Matthew-6-19-21

We are rich.

In one sense or another, we all have wealth. What do we count as our treasures?

As we read Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:19-21 this week, let us ponder:

  • What do I value the most?
  • What brings me the most satisfaction?
  • What would I most hate to lose?

Then may we reflect on if our treasures are mostly comforts in this life or are of value forever.

Jesus wasn’t opposed to pleasure now, but He was encouraging the highest pleasure found in God, both now and later.

We’ll continue to see this over the next three weeks as we memorize these six verses, Matthew 6:19-24, on “treasuring.” We hope you’ll stay with us.

What would you most hate to lose? Memorize #Matthew6 v19-21 with us. #HideHisWord

Click To Tweet

What are your richest treasures? Please share in the comments.

Memorizing-Matthew-6

It’s our break – Memorizing Matthew 6

by 4 Comments

This week is one of two scheduled breaks as we memorize Matthew 6. Use it to catch up, to review previous verses (see all our posts here), or just to rest.

But whether or not you’ve been memorizing with us so far, we invite you to begin anew next week with us as we meditate on the wonderful 4th and 5th sections of Matthew 6: treasuring (Matthew 6:19-24) and trusting (Matthew 6:25-34).

Breakdown-Matthew-6

 

Find Us on Facebook


Recent Posts

Archives