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New Bible Memory Challenge! Psalm 27

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Are you ready to dive into a new Bible chapter memory challenge? Together let’s learn Psalm 27, a beautiful (and short) chapter about the Lord as our light and salvation!

Register here this Monday, November 3, to get the FAQs email sent directly to your inbox, along with links to all the resources and extra memory tips, sent every two or three weeks throughout the challenge.

We’ll officially begin memorizing the following Monday, November 10. We’ll go slow–one verse per week—taking breaks during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and finish in February. See full schedule here.

If you’re on Facebook, you can join our group now. We stay actively engaged and encourage each other there. You can also sign up for our Scripture Typer group to practice the scriptures on your computer or smartphone.

Will you help us spread the word on your blogs and social media? [Button here or right click on image below and “save as”.]

“Want to learn Ps 27? Pray now; register Nov 3; memorize Nov 10. Together it’s easier! http://wp.me/p1Su7F-385 #HideHisWord”
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Share your questions, comments, and excitement in the comments!

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Why you should care if Jesus is the Son of God

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Here we looked at Jesus being fully human. And why that matters to us.

But what about Jesus being fully divine? Does it make a difference if He also is or isn’t a God? Would that affect our everyday lives?

Yes, it makes a difference, and yes, it greatly affects us!

Because. . .

  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—we don’t have to obey Him.
    We could ignore His commandment about loving the Father and loving everybody we know. Um, can you imagine the implications in our relationships if we all lost our motivation to love and resorted to self-centeredness instead?
    (See John 15:9-12; Mark 12:29-31; 1John 5:1-2)
  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—our past shame still binds us.
    With no perfect sacrifice for our past sins, there would be no permanent forgiveness, no grace. Without a Savior to clean us up, we’d have to carry our dirty baggage around with us from birth past death.
    (See Hebrews 1:3; 1John 4:14)
  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—then this life is our only hope.
    Our promise of eternal life would be over if the Way is closed. A bright future forever in heaven would be hopeless.
    (See John 5:24,39-40; 1John 5:11-12; John 14:6)
  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—so much for our royal lineage.
    With Jesus not our brother, we’d be just another face in the crowd, made only in the DNA of our earthly parents, not in the image of a holy Creator.
    (See John 1:1-3; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 1:2; Colossians 1:15-16)
  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—we’re on our own.
    That would mean God couldn’t be trusted and the Spirit never came. We would have no higher power to help us. God wouldn’t live in us, nor we in Him.
    (See John 10:33-38; 1John 5:20; Luke 10:22-23; John 15:26)
  • If Jesus is NOT the Son of God—there goes our community.
    If Christ isn’t worthy of worship, there would be no Christianity. With no mutual blood of Jesus between us, we’d lose our family ties we now have with those in the church (there would be no church).
    (See Colossians 1:18-20; Ephesians 2:12-14)

But since Jesus IS the Son of God . . . we can love beyond ourselves. We start each day with new mercies. We’re assured we’ll live forever. We are a royal priesthood. We are divinely-empowered. We’re included among the bride of Christ. We’re redeemed, delivered, free!

Everything is different for us since Jesus is divine. Awakened to a higher purpose, we have a fuller joy now and a kingdom home with God forever.
(See John 10:28-30; 1John 4:15-17)

Believing in Jesus as my Lord and my God matters to me, both now and later. You, too?

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29

Question:
How has knowing Jesus as the Son of God changed your life? What’s a favorite scripture of yours about Jesus? Let’s talk in the comments.

Is Jesus divine or not? Why it matters here and now

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Tell others – John 15:27 {Memory verse}

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This is our last week of memorizing John 15! Thanks to all who have read along with us, whether you were memorizing or not. It’s easier to do this together than alone.

How blessed we are that we, too, can bear witness about Jesus. Even if we haven’t been with Him from the beginning, He’s been with us. Let’s tell others that good news this week!

And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
John 15:27

We too can bear witness about Jesus. John 15:27 #MemoryVerse #HideHisWord

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Help is on the way – John 15:25-26 {Memory verse}

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Help is always on the way. And He is full of truth about Jesus.

25  But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: “They hated me without a cause.”
26  But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
John 15:25-26

We’re memorizing these verses this week of September 22 – September 28. Will you join us?

Help is on the way, full of truth about Jesus. John 15:25-26 #HideHisWord

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Once we see – John 15:23-24 {Memory verse}

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Even though Jesus personified Love, He wasn’t always loved in return. Not then, not now.

23  Whoever hates me hates my Father also.
24  If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. John 15:23-24

Once we’ve seen Him and His works, the choice to love or hate rests with us. Let’s choose wisely as we memorize and meditate on these words this week of September 15 – September 21.

Once you’ve seen, choose wisely. John 15:23-24 #MemoryVerse #HideHisWord

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6 Love Notes from Scripture to Print and Share

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Where were you thirteen years ago on 9/11?

I was at Domino’s Pizza on a field trip with my daughters. As the children were making their own pizzas, we moms noticed the workers flocking to the kitchen, gathering around a small TV. They were in shock. Shortly we were, too.

And we all wanted to be with those we loved.

Remember the great displays of love and faith that followed, passing through families, our nation, and around the world?

Let’s not wait on a huge tragedy to prompt us to love. All of us need a little extra love on a daily basis to get through even the small bumps of life.

We’ve created 6 Love Notes from scripture for you to print and share with someone this week. Cut them out, sign your name, then pack one in a lunch bag, tuck in a sock drawer, mail in a card, click a pic to Instagram, or Facebook one to a friend.

Here are some suggestions on who to send them to and why.

  1. Someone who has forgiven you or who longs for your forgiveness
    1 Peter 4:8
  2. Someone who needs your support or who is supporting you through a hard season
    Proverbs 17:17
  3. Someone you need to thank for how they’ve loved you
    1 John 3:18
  4. Someone whose service to others needs a pat on the back
    Hebrews 10:24
  5. Someone you’re trying to love better and honor more
    Romans 12:10
  6. Someone who is working hard to love their enemies
    Matthew 5:44

Remember that YOU count as that “someone” as well. If you need to be reminded of that word from the Lord, put the love note in a place you can see often.

We learn about love in the scriptures so we can experience love in real life.

The more we believe and receive God’s love for ourselves, the more we can spread it to others. Ready . . . set . . . love!

Download and print:

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Where were you on 9/11?
Who did you need to talk to first?
Is there someone you can spread love to this week with a love note?
We’d love to hear in the comments.

Free printable! 6 Love Notes from scripture to spread God’s love. #EncouragingWord

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We learn about love in the scriptures so we can experience love in real life. Printable Love Notes

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Knowing Jesus matters – John 15:21-22 {Memory verse}

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Knowing Jesus or not does make a difference–in ways we can understand and often in ways we can’t. And when we do know Him, we can rest assured we are in good company, regardless of what happens from those who do not know Him.

21  But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
22  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
John 15:21-22

Whether you’re memorizing with us or just reading along each week, these are two verses to be praying over this week of September 8 – September 14.

Knowing Jesus makes a difference. Memorize John 15:21-22 with us this week. #HideHisWord

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If they did it to Jesus – John 15:20 {Memory verse}

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As the world treated Jesus back then, so it will treat His followers now.

Remember the word that I said to you: “A servant is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
John 15:20

Think about this verse daily August 25 – August 31. See how it plays out in your own life. If you’d like to share, we’d love to hear what you think.

A hard verse but one Jesus told His followers. Memorize John 15:20 with us. #HideHisWord

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Chosen out of the world – John 15:19 {Memory verse}

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Jesus had enemies when He was here in the flesh. Now that He lives in us, He still has enemies here. But take heart: we’ve been chosen to rise above, just as He did.

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 15:19

We invite you to memorize this verse with us this week, August 18 – August 24. Leave a comment here with your thoughts and visit our Facebook group for more conversation.

Live above the world; Jesus chose you for that. John 15:19 #HideHisWord

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You are God’s good china

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You’re encouraged often to be pure. To abstain from this. To avoid that. You know what not to do. And rightly so.

But why? What’s the point of maintaining purity? Is it only about what you don’t do? What about what you should do? And what happens when you’re already impure?

PURITY’S PURPOSE: TO LOVE

Purity’s purpose, like all else Jesus taught, is so you can love others more and reflect the glory of God (1 Timothy 1:5).

We’ve been reading over and over in John 15 (and memorizing) where Jesus clearly states His intentions for all: Love one another (John 15:12).

  • He’s declared you clean for that reason (John 15:3).
  • He abides in you for that reason (John 15:5).
  • He laid down His very life for that reason (John 15:13).

So you can love. Out of a pure heart can come pure love. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Once you’ve seen Him, you can show Him to others.

He wants to use you around His table to love another.

You are God’s good china.

BUT IF YOU’RE DIRTY

If you, like each of us, have dirt on your plate (Proverbs 20:9), know this: You’re still a valuable dish!

No one is pure by his own doing; you are only pure because God says so.

Don’t stay hidden on a shelf behind cabinet doors because you think you’re too stained. Maybe you think you lack energy or beauty or skills to love others the way God wants you to. You’ve got a damaged past that brings consequences. And hidden temptations even now that are hard to beat. Welcome to humanity. Everybody lacks. Too tired tonight, too mad tomorrow, too insecure right now to send out a party invitation.

Does that mean you give up altogether on purity? Certainly not. Don’t sin more so grace can abound more (Romans 6:1). Keep doing the dishes and wiping off the table.

But rest in knowing that even though God sees the inside of your cup as well as the outside, He still chooses you anyway (John 15:16). He loves you anyway. He will love through you anyway.

SERVE UP GRACE

Jesus—grace personified—did maintain a completely pure life so that through His purity, you are clean. Abide in His love to more purely love others (1 Peter 1:22).

You keep throwing the party; trust God to multiply the fish and loaves. As He loves you as you are, learn to love others as they are.

So set the table and invite another to gather around. Let go of any shame over your broken pieces and let God use you to nourish another. A nicked plate can still serve great food. Something greater, higher, bigger.

It’s not about the dishes anyway. It’s about the fellowship around the table. Jesus is the host, the bread, and the wine.

It’s a serving of grace; is there anything sweeter or purer?
Grace, dished out even on chipped china, is an irresistible meal.

You are God’s good china. Set the table and throw a party.

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Grace, dished out even on chipped china, is an irresistible meal.

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Do you allow your past to prevent you from loving in the present?
Who needs you today to serve a meal of grace?
Please share in the comments.

Purity for Today's Christian Woman

Love one another – John 15:17-18 {Memory verse}

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What is important to Jesus? That we love one another. Over and over we read it in His words. As we memorize John 15, we see it again in this weeks’ verses, as well as a foreshadowing of why we’ll need that love.

17  These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
18  If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
John 15:17-18

What does Jesus want us to do? Love one another. #HideHisWord

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He picks you! John 15:16 {Memory verse}

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Remember school days when sports team captains would choose, one by one, the members they wanted on their team? It was agonizing waiting for your name to be called. Or thrilling if it was called early.

Fast forward to now–Jesus calls your name first! He has the perfect position for you to play in your life.  Rest in that calling, knowing you can bear fruit that will stay because the Father will equip you with the skills you need.

Stay near these words of Jesus’ this week, and watch how they’ll lift up your heart. 

 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16

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He calls you friend – John 15:15 {Memory verse}

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He calls us friends. Can this even be true? Yes, by the grace of God! Express your amazement straight to Him as you dwell on these words. . . .

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:15

We’re only memorizing one verse this week. Will you join us July 28 – August 3 as we rest in these words from Jesus?

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The greatest love – John 15:13-14 {Memory verse}

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The ultimate love is the ultimate sacrifice. 

Rarely are we called to die for our friends, but daily we are called to lay down our phones, lay down our “me” time, lay down our schedules, etc., for our friends.

What will you lay down this week? Whether or not you’re memorizing with us, keep these words of Jesus close to your heart the next few days. His love is the ultimate.

13  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14  You are my friends if you do what I command you.
John 15:13-14

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You’ll be asked to lay down something this week. Will love win? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-30M @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord
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Follow the crowd – Good or bad advice?

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LOST AND ALONE

We were giving away free cotton candy at KidVenture. The children rushed to our booth with expectant smiles.

Except for a 4-year-old blonde-haired boy. His eyes showed fear: he’d lost his mama.

Even though he was surrounded by people, he couldn’t find his people, his mother and his brother. His bravery to climb the jungle gym and even his excitement to eat free candy had disappeared because he felt alone.

But ironically, aren’t we coached to be rugged individualists? Grow up to think for ourselves. Stand apart from the crowd. Go against the tide.

So why do we feel scared when we find ourselves alone?

Maybe because the advice is flawed. Maybe instead of bucking the crowd altogether, we just need to find the right crowd.

BY FAITH, THE PEOPLE . . .

As we walk through Hebrews 11 this month, we’re learning about faith-filled individuals. But were any of them following God totally alone? Or did they have a crowd of others going with them in the same direction? (Gideon had his 300; Barak had Deborah; Jephthah had the Gileadites; Samuel had Eli;…Hebrews 11:32)

Look whose faith is commended in these two verses.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Hebrews 11:29-30 (NIV)

It’s the people. By faith, the people obeyed God together and saw the miracle. The people made it into this Hall of Faith.

All by myself, I assure you I would not have stepped into the Red Sea, with or without the waters parting around me (not even to take a selfie). (Exodus 14:21-22)

Would you have approached the walls of Jericho alone, blowing a trumpet along the way? Probably not! (Joshua 6:3-5)

Well, God didn’t ask them to do it alone either.

But with my people ahead and behind me, my faith might have been strong enough to walk forward on dry ground away from Egypt. And with your people marching with you, you might have spent six days circling the walls of Jericho and on the seventh given the victory cry.

FIND YOUR PEOPLE

“Follow the crowd” is still not blanket advice we give without caveats. But when the crowd is going the same direction you want to go, draft along with them, like a biker in the Tour de France this month. Sing with the choir. Contribute to the small group. Play on the neighborhood ball team.

Draw strength from the faith of others, and pray for theirs in return. Let their bravery awaken your courage, and your compassion stir them to greater service. Find grace through the group and kindness in community.

By belonging to a safe crowd, you can more easily develop into the individual God created you to be, living out your purpose to bring Him glory.

After all, the Father, Son, and Spirit themselves are a community, and we’re made in their image. We’re not made to do life alone.

Back at KidVenture, I asked the lost boy his mother’s name. He didn’t know it. Brother’s name? He wouldn’t say. I began leading him to the front desk but along the way, he suddenly ran to a woman’s leg and held on. He’d found his people and the light returned to his eyes, along with his faith to be brave and strong again.

And so it is with us. Surrounded by the people following Jesus, we can walk together by faith into miracles not experienced alone.

Find your people.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Philippians 3:17

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Follow the crowd. Good or bad advice? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-31i @DoNotDepart #ByFaith
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Walk with others into miracles not experienced alone. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-31i @DoNotDepart #ByFaith
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When have you been braver or done more good with others than if you’d been alone?
Who do you include as “your people”?
Let’s talk in the comments.

By Faith - Hebrews 11 series

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