Lisa Burgess, Author at Do Not Depart

Learn the posture – Psalm 27:8 {Memory verse}

January 12, 2015 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

David heard the Lord. Then he responded promptly and fully. How did he manage that?

He knew where the Lord was.

Putting together these first eight verses of Psalm 27, we can see David was drawn to the Lord’s light and strength. He allowed the Lord to protect him as he gazed upon the Lord with his full attention.

Can we do the same?

As you read our memory verse this week, do more than learn the words; learn the posture. Look face to face upon the Lord with all your heart.

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Psalm 27:8

Do more than learn the words; learn the posture. Psalm 27:8 has it. #HideHisWord

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Can you hold steady? A true story of Harriet Tubman

January 8, 2015 by Lisa Burgess 19 Comments

You know Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), a freed African-American slave who became the most famous “conductor” of the Underground Railroad.

But do you know the source of her strength? And how it can help you, too, in 2015?

When Harriet was a slave in 1849, an abolitionist friend slipped her a piece of paper. It had two names on it. She traveled to meet the first one on foot, who helped load her into the back of a wagon that took her to the second name for her journey to deliverance.

From there, she depended on more names, more safe houses, more of the grace of God, until she finally reached Philadelphia and freedom.

How? By holding steady on to the Lord.

Each scary step could have shaken her resolve to push through, and instead sent her back to slavery. But instead she leaned on God’s strength and His provisions to walk one more brave step after another.

This was her daily prayer. . .

“Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to you, and you’ve got to see us through.”

The odds were stacked against her—she was black; she was female; she was a slave. But she knew the deliverance stories from the Old Testament, and she knew she, too, could have the victory if she persevered.

Not just for herself, but also for others. She wouldn’t leave her family or friends behind. Once she tasted freedom, she went back to guide others also to freedom.

“I was a stranger in a strange land. [M]y father, my mother, my brothers, and sisters, and friends were [in Maryland]. But I was free, and they should be free.”

In all, she’s credited with rescuing around three hundred enslaved people through the Underground Railroad, and inspiring uncountably more–both then AND now.

What about us?
What have we survived?
Who can we go back for that needs a rescue?

Can we also be tour guides through the chaos to the other side of freedom?

Only if we hold steady on to the Lord.

Think about it. If you’ve been set free from a bad habit, from a prejudice, from a bad relationship or job or religious system that has enslaved you, will you go back for others?

Pray the same prayer Harriet prayed, “Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to you, and you’ve got to see us through.”

By leaning into God and following Him one brave step at a time, we also can become freedom conductors in 2015, just like Harriet Tubman was in the 1800s.

Our victories aren’t only for us. They’re to help others find victory also.

Let’s do this. Let’s hold steady on to the Lord.

We want to hear your stories in the comments. Who has come back for you? Who could use your help this year?

Your victory isn’t just for you. Help somebody else be victorious too.

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This is what Harriet Tubman prayed. You can too. #GodlyWomen

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Ask out loud – Psalm 27:7 {Memory verse}

January 5, 2015 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
Psalm 27:7

We often pray silently in our heads. But sometimes, particularly when we’re most aware of our needs, our cries need to come down from our heads and pass boldly through our mouths.

David was not reluctant to cry aloud to the Lord, asking him for mercy and attention. We can do the same.

Try praying aloud to God now through these thoughts from Psalm 27:7 and Hebrews 4:16:

Dear Lord,
Please listen to these words I’m saying out loud. I’m coming to your throne to receive your mercy and your grace. I know You will answer me and help every time I need You.

Silently or out loud, we can always ask for divine favor.

Be like David. Try this short prayer out loud. Psalm 27:7 #HideHisWord

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Things to do in victory – Psalm 27:6 {Memory verse}

December 29, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

We can rest assured the Lord won’t leave us unprotected. He wants us to have victory not only for our good, but also so we’ll offer Him praise when the battle is won.

As we memorize or meditate on Psalm 27:6 this week, let’s not just read it, but do it:

Offer sacrifices with shouts of joy!
Sing!
Make melody to the Lord!

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Psalm 27:6

The Lord won’t leave you unprotected (Psa 27:6). #MemoryVerse #HideHisWord

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Review Psalm 27:1-5 {Memory Verse}

December 22, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

For our memorizers of Psalm 27, we’re taking a break from learning anything new this week.

Review Psalm 27:1-5 and thank the Lord for His provision of light and salvation through the birth of His Son!

Join us again Monday, December 29, to learn Psalm 27:6.

Is God your go-to place? – Psalm 27:5 {Memory verse}

December 15, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 4 Comments

When things get too hectic, where do you go? Do you have a special getaway place to de-stress?

David trusted God to be his go-to place. And so can we.

When we feel exposed to the bitter winds of life, God throws a blanket over us. When we’re turned around with nowhere to run, He takes us in as family into His own dwelling. He raises us up so high that we’re out of reach of our enemies. No wonder David wanted to stay in the Lord’s presence all the days of his life (Psalm 27:4).

Use these assurances from God when you need to unwind this week from a hectic Christmas season.

Whether you’re memorizing with us or just reading along, may you find rest in the God you see in Psalm 27; He’s the same God today.

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:5

When things get hectic, where do you go? See David’s place Psalm 27:5 #HideHisWord

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No voice like yours: An uncommon gift

December 11, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 25 Comments

The gift of “Voice” is not trending on this year’s Hottest Holiday Gifts list (well, unless you count My Friend Cayla, who uses speech-to-text software).

But consider this: Isn’t your voice one of the most sacred gifts you can offer?

Just ask Zechariah. When the angel Gabriel materialized in the temple, announcing that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a child (at last!), Zechariah answered back with discouraging words. Luke 1:5-20

So for the next nine months, he was unable to speak at all. And how much he had to tell!

Not until the baby was born and Zechariah scribbled to his community, “His name is John,” was his tongue untied. Now his words were of praise to God and confidence in all God had done and was going to do. Luke 1:63-64

You can use your voice the same way this Christmas.

But you can’t wrap it inside a Christmas box and tie it with a bow.
So how can you give your voice?

Through your in-person conversations
Through your emails
Through your Christmas cards
Through your social media updates
Through your songs
Through your blog posts
Through your Facebook comments
Through your phone calls

Like Zechariah, use your voice to give hope to those needing deliverance, to assure others of God’s faithfulness, to relay how God has worked in your circumstances, to promise that God gives mercy, and to remind that He transforms the unrighteous into His righteousness. Luke 1:67-79

Your spiritual voiceprint is as unique as your physical fingerprint. You have an exclusive perspective, a different angle, another tongue to add to the celestial choir singing of God’s love.

No other voice can substitute for yours, nor yours for another.

God used His voice to call the universe into existence. He sent Christ into our world as the Word. Now He continues to send His love into the world through your voice and words.

So designate your voice to be a divine gift this Christmas.
Entrust it as a beloved present from God through you to others.

Consider the following questions for these last two weeks before Christmas.

[print here]

What’s the most unusual gift you are giving this Christmas? Please share in the comments.

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Free printable as you prepare for Christmas: My voice is a divine gift. #UncommonGifts

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Ask Him one thing – Psalm 27:4 {Memory verse}

December 8, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

If there is one thing you ask most of the Lord, what is it? Is it just to be in His presence?

In writing Psalm 27, David’s one request was to remain with the Lord continuously. Do we ask the same? We will if we realize that in His presence there is beauty, light, courage, safety, and confidence.

Are you memorizing or meditating on Psalm 27 with us? This week we’re learning and pondering verse 4.

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

What 1 thing do you ask most of the Lord? Is it David’s answer? #HideHisWord

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Memorizing Scripture Link-up

December 3, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

It’s time to link-up! Please add your blog posts below about memorizing Bible verses in general (what works and what doesn’t) and/or what you’re learning from memorizing Psalm 27.

Add as many links as you’d like, regardless of whether you’re memorizing anything now or not.

Please visit other links to give encouragement as you’re able.

If you haven’t already joined in to memorize Psalm 27, there’s still time for you to jump in. We are going slow and we’d love your company. Details here.

Be confident in Him – Psalm 27:3 {Memory verse}

December 1, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Regardless of what faces you this week, at your core you need not be frightened. God has this. He has you. Your confidence can stand strong because He is strong.

We’re memorizing Psalm 27:3 this week. Will you join us?

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
Psalm 27:3

This Wednesday, will you join our link-up? Write a blog post about scripture memorization and/or Psalm 27, then link it here December 3.

Whatever comes this week, at your core you needn’t be frightened. #HideHisWord #MemoryVerse

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A visual look at Psalm 27:1-2 {Memory verse}

November 24, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

We’re taking a break this week from learning any new memory verses so we can concentrate more on giving thanks for God, family, and friends.

We’ll return on Monday, December 1, to begin learning Psalm 27:3.

Mark your calendars for next Wednesday, December 3. It’s our Winter Link-Up! Get your blog posts written about memorizing scripture–any angle you’d like to talk about–to share with others.

We offer you today these beautiful pictures, originally posted in our Hide His Word Facebook group, of the two verses we’ve already hidden in our hearts.Thanks for sharing: Amy B, Brooke E, Dianna M, Jody C, SaConda L, Susan M, Susan T, and Theresa.

It’s not too late for you to sign up and join us as we memorize all 14 verses of Psalm 27.

Share with your friends on Twitter:

Beautiful images here of Psalm 27:1-2 & reasons to thank the Lord. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-3a2 #HideHisWord @DoNotDepart
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What stands out to you in these two verses that you are most thankful for? Please leave us a comment.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.

Haters can’t touch this – Psalm 27:2 {Memory verse}

November 17, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

As the saying goes, haters are gonna hate. Our enemies want us to fall.

However, most of us don’t see “evildoers” coming full-force at us. Or “adversaries and foes” wanting to “eat our flesh.”

Instead, maybe they appear this way:

What spoils a good day for you?
What tempts you to have a bad attitude?
What causes you pain?
What crowds out the good?

Whatever form these vandals take in your life, remember that they are the ones weakened by their efforts. They can’t stay on their feet when you are standing in your safe place with the lights turned on (Psalm 27:1).

This week we’re learning Psalm 27:2. And even though each verse in Psalm 27 is beautiful enough to stand alone, find connections between all the verses as you learn them, seeing how one verse leads into the next. The beauty of memorizing a whole chapter, one verse at a time, is the space and time it gives the Lord to weave all the verses together for you.

When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
Psalm 27:2

What is one “enemy” you expect to come against you this week?
How are you preparing to stand against it? Please share.

Haters gonna hate. But haters won’t win. I’m memorizing Ps 27:2. #HideHisWord

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Why are you still here? (Psalm 118:15-18)

November 13, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 33 Comments

I should be at a birthday party today. Happy 21st!

Instead, I’ll be at the cemetery.

If my daughter Kali had lived past her first day, 21 years ago today, and the day after that, and the day after that, I’d have been more eager to live those days, too.

But instead, when she died on Day 1, November 13, after being born several weeks premature and in poor health, a part of me wanted to die as well.

Don’t we all die a thousand little deaths in the course of a lifetime? Don’t we all collect bruises on our soul?

The author of Psalm 118 certainly had his own little deaths. He knew about prisons and enemies and destruction. He (and the Hebrew people collectively) had been pushed hard.

But at this point he had not been handed all the way over to death (Psalm 118:18).

Others had. Why not him? Why not me? Why not you? Why not yet?

It took me awhile to understand why I was still living without my baby to care for. Resurrection is sometimes instantaneous, but sometimes one slow Spirit-breath at a time.

For me, it was one small (but big) thing at a time—a meal brought to our house as I recovered from the C-section, a sympathy card delivered in the mailbox, a flower left on Kali’s grave. And one person at a time—with a gentle hug, a conversation including Kali by name, a knowing look.

Each thing reminded me I had reason to still be here. I had a husband who loved me (and was grieving too), a 4-yr-old daughter who needed her mommy, and a God determined for me to know joy again.

It is for the living we stay. For the loving. For the Lord.

If you are here reading this—as I am still here writing it—the Lord still has purpose for you here, too.

Even if you’ve come to the very rim of death, or are in crisis of a little death even today, know He’s kept you from falling over the edge for now, for a reason.

You still have . . .

living to do
love to give
praise to proclaim

God can empower a thousand little resurrections over your thousand little deaths.

So even though I am sad today (for me) that Kali is not here in the flesh, I can proclaim with confidence along with the psalmist in Psalm 118: “The Lord is powerful!” (Psalm 118:15 CEV) I have lived to tell what the Lord has done. And ultimately it is always good.

You can do the same.

Because the Lord is powerful, you are loved by Him today.
Because the Lord is powerful, you can love someone else today.
Because the Lord is powerful, you can say so!

In honor of Kali’s resurrection on the other side, I’ve memorized Psalm 118:15-18 this week and hope to recite it with triumph over her grave later today.

May you find your own special ways this week to sing songs of triumph about the Lord’s purpose in your life. “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” (Psalm 118:16). That’s your shout. That’s your victory.

15 From the tents of God’s people come shouts of victory: “The LORD is powerful!
16 With his mighty arm the LORD wins victories! The LORD is powerful!”
17 And so my life is safe, and I will live to tell what the LORD has done.
18 He punished me terribly, but he did not let death lay its hands on me.
Psalm 118 (CEV)

Question:
Who could use your love today? How can you applaud God? We’d love to hear in the comments.

“Why are you still here? To be loved, to love, to praise. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-39A #Psalm118 @DoNotDepart”
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“You have lived to tell what the Lord has done. How will you? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-39A #Psalm118 @DoNotDepart”
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Turn on the light – Psalm 27:1 {Memory verse}

November 10, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Sometimes I’m still scared of the dark, no matter how old I get. When I hear a strange sound at night or lose my bearings or just need to navigate to the bathroom, I want the lights on.

I’m the same way in life. When storm clouds gather, I want the Lord to shine His light through the chaos and illuminate the path in front of me.

As we begin Psalm 27 today—whether you’re memorizing or just reading along—ask the Lord to brighten up the dark spaces around you that have been lurking in the shadows too long. Let His love lead you through enemy territory in full sunlight.

Because don’t we all feel safer when the sun/Son comes up?

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

It’s not too late to register to join us! Get the details here.

We’re turning on the light by memorizing Psalm 27:1 this week. Join us! #HideHisWord

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Have you registered for Psalm 27?

November 7, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

You’re not too late to join in as we memorize Psalm 27!

If you’ve never memorized with us before, this is a great chapter to begin with. We’ll learn one verse per week, beginning this Monday, November 10, with breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Register today and print any free resources you’d like.

We trust that God will reveal fresh insights and give renewed strength as we set our minds and energy to seal the 14 verses of Psalm 27 into our hearts.

And even if you choose not to memorize, please follow along as we look at each verse, and be in prayer for those who will be attempting this challenge. Thank you!

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14

Questions? Ask here.

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“It’s not too late! Register today to memorize Psalm 27 http://wp.me/p1Su7F-397 @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”

Registration/resources to memorize Psalm 27

November 3, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 11 Comments

We can do this–memorize Psalm 27!

This short but full chapter is a great one to put in our hearts and minds, to remind ourselves often that we can live confidently, not fearful of outward circumstances or enemies. We can know the Lord will be gracious to us when we seek His face.

Mindful of the busy holiday seasons ahead, we’ll concentrate on only one verse per week, taking off for the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. See the full schedule here.

When you register, you will receive an email reminder every two to three weeks with the next verses and bonus memory tips and links.

For extra community, join our Facebook group. Share tweets using #HideHisWord and practice the verses using Scripture Typer.

RESOURCES

Print these free resources now to get prepared. Resources are in 3 versions! Memorize in any translation you prefer.

Bookmark Schedule
Text Cards
ESV / KJV / NKJV
Text One Page
ESV / KJV / NKJV
First Letters
ESV / KJV / NKJV
Button

If you’re memorizing in NIV, Jody Collins is sharing her great Psalm 27 (NIV) business-sized cards. (If you also have resources you’re willing to share, let us know!)

INVITE OTHERS

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