Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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How do you end the Lord’s Prayer? {Memory Classics}

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This week we’re memorizing (or refreshing) the last verses of the Lord’s Prayer.

12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:12-13 (KJV)

Depending on which gospel account or which translation you’re reading, there are two different endings to the Lord’s Prayer.

Luke stops with, “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4 KJV). But Matthew’s account sometimes includes one more sentence: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13 KJV).

Because many scholars say the last sentence is not included in the oldest and best manuscripts of the book of Matthew, it’s often not considered authentic. My personal favorite translation—English Standard Version—doesn’t include it at all in Matthew 6:13.

So what do we do with it?

Some just omit the last sentence when they recite the Lord’s Prayer; others continue to say it.

I personally include it because it is valid truth I want to affirm—His IS the kingdom and the power and the glory forever!—and whether or not Jesus spoke those actual words to His disciples, I can mean them when I pray. But if others choose not to, I understand that as well.

What about you? How did you first learn the Lord’s Prayer?
Do you include the last sentence?
What words or phrases stand out to you as personally meaningful in this prayer?

Please share your thoughts below and with our Facebook group.

When you need to decide: Five scriptures to help

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How many decisions do you make in a day?

You can breeze through many on autopilot.
But occasionally one will paralyze you.

When you get stuck—you want to make the God-honoring choice but you don’t know which it is!—what do you do next?

Let these five principles from scripture help:

1. Tune out distractions and tune in God

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130

First turn down the noise—social media, TV, busyness—that may be drowning out a clearer answer to your prayers. Then press in hard to hear God.

If your hearing has gone bad from poor spiritual habits, build those back up. Search the scriptures for godly principles that apply to your dilemma. Look for God’s character in the stories you read and see how you can best mirror His character with the choice you need to make.

2. Seek godly counsel from others

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20

Look to see who God has already placed in your life you can consult. Who among your spiritual friends has walked this path? Is there a mature Christian in your family who can advise you? Are there experts in the field—in person, in print—that you’ve yet to meet who can give you additional information?

Notice threads of similar advice and principles you may have overlooked in your initial thinking.

3. Narrow down your choices

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

Now lay out your options, crossing off ones least likely to honor God, and circling ones most likely to bring Him glory.

Humbly confront your motives: do certain choices appeal more to YOU than to Him (James 4:3)? Eliminate options more about saving face and keeping control than about pleasing the Father.

If certain choices are time-contingent, and the pace seems out of God’s timing—either too rushed or too prolonged—discard those as well. While waiting on the Lord may be difficult (Psalm 27:14), He can build up your strength during the wait (Isaiah 40:31).

4. Do something

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22

On  the other hand, if you’re only waiting because you’re too scared to act, set fear aside and step out in faith (Joshua 1:9).

If you’ve sought God through prayer, Bible study, godly counsel, and time, stop delaying the decision and just make it! Trust that God is true to His word—you ask in faith for wisdom; He generously supplies it (James 1:5-6).

5. Give thanks for the results He’ll bring

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7

Instead of second-guessing the decision you’ve now made, give thanks for it. Look forward to how God will bless it. Believe He will work good out of your choice (Romans 8:28). Rest in the peace He’s sending to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

As you enhance your spiritual sensitivity to God’s guidance, making decisions still won’t always come easily, but you can grow in your confidence that the Lord is leading you.

He will bless your obedience as you strive to honor Him with your choices.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Do you have a hard decision you’re trying to make right now?
What helps you decide when you don’t know what to do?
Are there special scriptures you turn to? Please share!

revised from the archives

3 things to do with the Lord’s Prayer {Memory Classics}

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This week we’re memorizing (or refreshing) the first three verses of Jesus’s words commonly referred to as The Lord’s Prayer.

Can you spit out these words without even thinking?

9  …Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11  Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:9-11 (KJV)

Sometimes Bible verses become so familiar that we tune them out even as we’re repeating them.

But Jesus never wasted words. They each were purposed. He knew what attitudes needed cultivating.

Let’s not waste His words either.

Here are three things we can do with these inspired words during and after we pray them:

  1. Remember God is holy
    Recognize God for who He is and acknowledge that often.
  2. Want what He wants
    Remind yourself multiple times a day that His will is always best.
  3. Trust him for today’s needs
    The more you depend on Him, the less you’ll demand from others or from circumstances.

Take a minute and say the prayer now, aloud if necessary, and really mean what you’re saying. Then let’s meet again next week to talk about the remainder of the prayer (Matthew 6:12-13).

What lesson do you need most from this prayer this week? Which of the three things comes easiest to you? Hardest?

Please share your reflections below on these verses and join in the conversation with our Facebook group.

Whose plans? Jeremiah 29:11 {Memory Classics}

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Although this was written thousands of years ago to encourage the Israelites that their captivity in Babylon wouldn’t last forever, it can still encourage us just as much today.

We, too, can live in great confidence knowing that our current dilemmas will eventually resolve, that our ailing bodies will one day be pain-free and whole, and that we don’t have to know all the details now because we know the One who is going to make it happen!

If you haven’t already hidden this verse in your heart, we invite you to do so this week, joining others who’ve committed to learning powerful scriptures this summer.

We want to hear your stories about trusting God’s plans. Please share below your thoughts and experiences with the truths of Jeremiah 29:11. Also visit our Facebook page for more on this verse.

Have your plans ever failed only to discover God’s plans were even better?

What hopes for the future are you trusting God for now? We’ll join you in prayer.

A Light in the Shadows – Psalm 23 {Memory Classics}

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(Affiliate links present below. See the end of the post for full details.)

We all have walks through shadows.

Maybe you’re walking through one now.

If so, let the rich imagery of Psalm 23:4-6 remind you that a courageous companion walks beside you. He lays out a plentiful spread before you to keep you nourished, and allows you to dwell in His overflowing mercy every single day.

In the dark times, His presence can lighten your shadows because He journeys through difficult seasons right beside you.

If you’re memorizing these familiar but powerful Bible verses with us this summer, may you be blessed this week as you embed this beautiful psalm over and over into your soul for those valley moments now (or later), thanking your Good Shepherd that you never have to walk alone.

4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23:4-6 (KJV)

What memories do you have of Psalm 23? Has there been a season it helped you? Is there someone you could send it to or pray it for this week? Please share in the comments below and/or in our conversation on our Hide His Word Facebook page.

 

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Having trouble finding time for Scripture memory or other Bible study? We get that. It can be tough to fit in “quiet time” amidst all our responsibilities. This week’s Bundle of the Week might be helpful to you. (Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting this site!)

BundleoftheWeek.com, 5 eBooks for $7.40!
These ebooks all focus on giving you practical and doable tips for time management for you and your family. With 5 ebooks for $7.40, this bundle saves you nearly 60% off the cost of buying each ebook individually. You can use these time management strategies for incorporate Scripture memory, among other “need-to-dos” and “want-to-dos!” Our favorite part of these books? The authors know you don’t need to be perfect. These ebooks just encourage you to use what time God gives you effectively.

Check out the Bundle of the Week here. This ebook bundle is only available from today until Monday, June 24th at 8am EST. Grab your copy before then.

Disclosure: Affiliate links for the “Bundle of the Week” are present. If you click on those links and then purchase the item, we will receive a small commission. Regardless, we only share products we personally support, love, and think you would benefit from, too. Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry!

Remembering on the road: Memory verses for trips (and free printable)

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Before you hit the road this summer, take these easy steps to make your trip more meaningful.

Through the intentional use of memory verses, you can discover God’s love in new ways everywhere you go.

Memory Verses for Trips

1. Choose the right verse

Set yourself up for success—pick an easy one. Either concentrate on one you’re already learning, or pick a fresh one specifically for your trip [see suggestions here]. A mission trip might need a different scripture than a visit to Grandma’s.

The family might learn one verse together, or each member learn a separate verse.

2. Gather your supplies

Write out your verse on sticky notes ahead of time to place on the hotel fridge or the ice chest in your tent. Bring a pack of 4×6 cards and markers for your kids (and you!) to write out the verse or sketch a picture of it during travel time. Consider bringing a simple rewards chart with stickers for once-a-day (or every other day?) recitations.

3. Get creative

Take one picture a day where you see this verse in action—maybe in a colorful wildflower or a child’s toe dipping in the ocean. Collect physical mementos that remind you of the verse. Draw a picture; write a song; compose a poem.

Proactively make tangible connections between the truths in the verse and the God all around you.

4. Share it with others

If you stay plugged in on your trip, post a picture to Instagram or Facebook with your memory verse as text or with a link to the reference on Bible Gateway. Send a postcard about it to friends back home.

As you seek opportunities to share the words you’re learning, you’ll stay more aware of them yourself.

5. Collect in an album

Back home, gather your photos and 4×6 cards in a small album as a reminder of God’s faithfulness on your trip. Or turn your Instagram pictures into picture magnets.

Having visible reminders of the relationships you made between the written word and the Living Word will cement your memories even deeper in your heart.

Most of all, keep it delightful. Training ourselves to clearly see God’s beauty everywhere should be an exciting adventure, not a guilt-ridden drudgery. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it. Maybe you won’t totally memorize your verse word-perfect; that’s okay. Bask in God’s truths through new experiences, new people, and new memories.

Because every trip is far better when God travels with us!

 

Resources

Memory-Verses-for-Trips_donotdepart

FREE PRINTABLES:

Have you ever memorized on the road?
What theme scripture might describe your summer?
Is there a verse you’re learning right now?

Please share in the comments.

Bible Study Tools for Truth While You TRAVEL Holy habits || www.donotdepart.com

UnPsalm 23: What not to tell yourself {Memory Classics}

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What if instead of this:

1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

David had said this instead:

1  No one can help me; I’ll never have enough, never be enough.

2  I work and grow tired and am oh, so weary, but still I can’t stop. I can’t slow down.

3  My soul is in chaos. I’m lost with no map, no clue where I am, no purpose to move forward.
Unpsalm 23:1-3 (LiesVersion)

When you are tired or confused or afraid, what words do you say to yourself?

We’re filling our minds this summer with godly words as we memorize these classics. Please share in the comments which words of Psalm 23:1-3 mean the most to you. Also join our daily conversation on Facebook.

What’s the most famous Bible verse? {Memory Classics}

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Each Monday this summer we’ll be highlighting our weekly verse from Hiding Classics in My Heart. Please join the conversation in the comments about what these verses mean to YOU.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16  (KJV)
{June 3 – June 9}

Of all Bible verses, John 3:16 tops the list of most read. (See list of Top 100 here.) It also shows up on almost every list of important verses to memorize.

And for good reason. It sums up who we are (the beloved), who God is (the ultimate Giver and Lover), what He did (sacrificed His Son), and why He did it (out of love for our lives).

It’s no wonder this is one of our favorite scriptures. If you haven’t already memorized it, what better time than now?

And if you do already know it, use it this week to meditate on how greatly you’re loved by God!

Do you already know John 3:16? When did you first learn it? What does it mean to you now? Please leave a comment below. Also join our daily conversation on Facebook.

Have you memorized these?

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Do you have favorite go-to Bible verses that personally help you through tough times? Or ones that help word your praise in good times?

We have special verses as a community, too. At funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc., we often are called upon to quote in unison such passages as Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer.

If you have never memorized these—or need to see them anew with fresh eyes!—please join our easy summer memory challenge, Hiding Classics in My Heart, beginning Monday, June 3, for 12 weeks.

Go here to register and to download the verses and the schedule. More FAQs are here. This challenge is great for the whole family!

Then return here each Monday throughout the summer to share how it’s going and what you’re learning.

If you write a post about scripture memorization on your own blog, please add it to our Spring Link-Up here. We’ll have a new link-up go live on Wednesday, June 5.

Questions? Comments?

Resources – Memory Classics for the Summer

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Join us to jog your memory on familiar but important passages of the Christian faith. For weekly accountability, join our Facebook group.

A full-text printout is here in the most familiar version for each scripture, but memorize in whatever version YOU prefer.

MEMORY CLASSICS SCHEDULE [click here for printable schedule]

Week 1, Jun 3-Jun 9, John 3:16
Week 2, Jun 10-Jun 16, Psalm 23:1-3
Week 3, Jun 17-Jun 23, Psalm 23:4-6
Week 4, Jun 24-Jun 30, Jeremiah 29:11
Week 5, Jul 1-Jul 7, Matthew 6:9-11
Week 6, Jul 8-Jul 14, Matthew 6:12-13
Week 7, Jul 15-Jul 21, Romans 8:28
Week 8, Jul 22-Jul 28, Ephesian 2:8-9
Week 9, Jul 29-Aug 4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Week 10, Aug 5-Aug 11, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Week 11, Aug 12-Aug 18, Proverbs 3:5-6
Week 12, Aug 19-Aug 25, Philippians 4:13

TWEET OR FACEBOOK THIS

I’m memorizing classic Bible verses this summer! Join me: http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2qQ #HideHisWord

If you have or write a new post on your own blog about memorizing scripture, please link up here this month, or return June 5 for our Summer Link-Up.

Are you in? Tell us in the comments.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Almost-Grown: How to Keep the Faith

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Maybe your child is about to graduate. Or already away at college or on their own.

Or maybe you just want to get ready now for what’s to come later.

“Let the children come” (Matthew 19:14) isn’t just for your little ones. Help your children of all ages continue coming to the Lord.

How can you assist their transition from pizza party youth groups to an authentic working faith of their own?

Not by old strategies. What worked at nine won’t work when they’re nineteen. You no longer choose their bedtime Bible stories. You can’t drag them to Sunday school each week. No more gold stars for Bible chapters read.

So what can you do to help your older children stay in the Word?

HERE ARE 8 GUIDELINES:

1. Emphasize the Living Word (John 1:1)
Remember the goal isn’t to keep your child in the Bible; it’s for your child to abide in Jesus. Your kids may know the stories about Him; now help them discover how they fit into His story. Talk with them about how God is working in them and their circumstances. Bridge the written words in the Bible to the Living Word in their lives.

2. Invite them deeper into your world
When they’re home for a weekend, invite them to go with you to your adult spiritual gatherings. Suggest more mature Christians books for them to read. Share new things you are learning in scripture and get their opinions on it.

3. Go with them into their world
If they have their own church home, visit with them when invited. Look for positives there, withholding criticisms on non-essential differences. If they’re experimenting with gatherings different than your own or drawing opposing conclusions, discuss your views honestly, but don’t argue or dictate what they should believe.

4. Give them growing room
But what if they’ve left behind all things spiritual? Practice grace. Don’t show shock or fear if they open up to you about their doubts or new worldviews. You’re in relationship for the long haul—keep the communication lines open. Pray, influence when you can, and show them unconditional love (even if that means tough love for a season). Remain hopeful in the God who can transform.

5. Let them teach you
This can be a time of growth for you, too. Show excitement as they share what they’re learning, and incorporate that into your own spiritual walk. Be open about your doubts and be willing to change your beliefs if you’re wrong. Allow them to question your traditions, mindful to keep the dialogue respectful in both directions.

6. Keep up on current events
Stay abreast of hot issues relevant to your children and their friends, such as gay marriage, immigration reform, abortion. Pay attention to what interests them and others in their peer group. Equip yourself for godly and intelligent conversations about cultural changes.

7. Be their encourager
Don’t nag. Don’t lay guilt trips. Don’t transfer your anxieties onto them. Instead, remind them of God’s promises from His Word and offer prayers of encouragement. Send scriptures of hope in a card or a text. Point out how you see God as present and active in whatever they’re going through.

8. Release them (again) to God
Even if you gave them to God when they were tiny, you’ll find that you again want to hold tightly after they leave your nest. But remember God has more power, wisdom, and love to guide them in His steps than you do. Trust in His grace, not your parenting. He’ll be glorified when you depend more on Him than your own schemes of child protection.

BENEFITS

As your children grow and struggle and eventually make their faith their own (we all pray!), your faith will continue to grow as well. Lean harder than ever on the God of grace. And as you get closer to Him, you’ll learn more how to love your child even better in this next phase of life.

What a great reward to have your son or daughter become a very special brother or sister in Christ, a true soul friend!

Let The Children Come - DoNotDepart.com Please also read Teri Lynne’s 5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word.

What advice would you give parents of college-age children? What’s a struggle you’re having or anticipating for that age? What helped (or hindered!) your faith after you turned 18? Please leave us your thoughts below.

Your Moment of Surrender – 5 Little Things to Give Up

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I dream that in a moment of dramatic testing, I’d make the big sacrifice. You know the one—gun to the head, demanding me to deny Jesus, my very life at stake. And I boldly proclaim, “Jesus forever!”, giving up my earthly life.

Yet I can’t give up my place in line at Walmart?

Do you also experience these smaller tugs of war to die to self and live for Christ? Afraid that if you loosen your grip, the situation will spin out of control or a treasure will slip through your fingers? I want to hand over all my concerns and plans to the Lord, but I don’t do it as fully as I’d like.

So how do we learn to let go of our will and grab hold of God’s?

HOW DID JESUS DO IT?

In coming to earth—trading in the Taj Mahal for a shack—Jesus turned Himself inside out, laying down all the privileges of royalty, living in the skin of a servant instead.

Who, though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:6-7

How could He? Because He wanted to please the Father more than He wanted to please Himself (Luke 22:42). And because He understood the joy to come would exceed the cost of the moment (Hebrews 12:2).

So He surrendered to the moment (Luke 23:46).

YOUR MOMENT OF SURRENDER

Which moment is your grand moment of surrender? This one.

Maybe you’re not asked in this moment to physically die for the cause, but you are daily called to numerous symbolic deaths. Consider these five practices to help surrender a little thing today.

5 LITTLE THINGS TO GIVE UP

1. Give up the last word
In that discussion with your man or a co-worker, eliminate a few of your own words and instead listen to more of theirs. Giving up your demand to be understood and have the last word makes a difference in the climate of your home or office. Jesus was amazing at this (Mark 15:3-5).

2. Give up your place in line
That harried mom with the whiny toddler? Let her cut in line at the grocery store. Or make room for that speeding maniac to merge in front of you in traffic. By surrendering your place in line—literally and figuratively—you practice putting others before yourself, exactly what God did for you (Romans 8:32).

3. Give up doing it alone
Winning the prize for “Ms. Independent” isn’t a trophy you want. Practice humility by accepting help from others and learn selflessness by giving help to others. Even Jesus did nothing by Himself (John 5:19).

4. Give up a dollar
If your finances allow, add an extra dollar above your normal tip to the waitress. Or toss some cash to the guy collecting money for a good cause outside the mall. Small sacrifices are big practices for storing less treasure here and releasing more into the Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-21).

5. Give up the clear answer
Sometimes we hesitate and wait for overwhelming confirmation and safety before we’ll step out in faith. And while Jesus says count the cost, he also says follow him (Matthew 8:22). Peter didn’t have time to analyze the water temperature and buoyancy levels before he walked on the water to Jesus. Surrender your desire for perfect clarity and instead depend more on God’s grace.

LITTLE IS BIG

Every surrender is an offering to God that can bring Him glory, no matter its size. And maybe the little things are really big after all. Because when we surrender to Jesus, we lose nothing of value, but we gain an eternity of joy. Surrender

What “little things” are hard for you to surrender on a daily basis? What helps you give them up? Do you have a favorite scripture about surrendering? Please leave a comment below.

Hiding His Word in My Heart {Spring Link-Up}

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Please link your blog post(s) or leave a comment below about any scripture you’ve been memorizing or helping your children memorize.

Suggested topics:

  • The main reason I memorize scripture
  • Scriptures I want my kids to memorize
  • I’d memorize more if only . . .
  • My favorite memory verse
  • What I’m learning from memorizing Psalm 71

After you link, please visit other posts as your time allows. Thanks!

 


Get Ready: Spring Link-Up for Hiding His Word, April 3

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Our Spring Link-Up for Hiding His Word in My Heart will be this Wednesday, April 3.

Please share a blog post or comment that day about anything related to scripture memory. Write something new or search your blog for any and all posts on memorization since our last link-up in February.

Suggested topics:

  • The main reason I memorize scripture
  • Scriptures I want my kids to memorize
  • I’d memorize more if only . . .
  • My favorite memory verse
  • What I’m learning from memorizing Psalm 71

 

Touch the dead. I dare you.

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Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25

I went to my great-uncle’s funeral last month. During the visitation period, I saw his young granddaughter suddenly rush in, touch the casket, then run away.

Her mom immediately demanded an explanation. The daughter replied she had been dared to do it. Her cousins challenged and she accepted.

Can we take a dare and touch the dead, too?

Yes, if we’ve been touched by Jesus first. Because when Jesus touches the dead, the dead come to life. Only the living can touch the dead.

During these remaining weeks leading to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, may we who’ve been brought back to life commit to touching others who haven’t been. While we can’t wake the dead—only God can do that—we can love them in ways that attract them to Jesus.

How? What can the living do that the dead cannot? How can those resurrected into light shine brightest to those in the darkness?

Here are six ways you can touch the dead.

1. Tell of your own resurrection
Only those who’ve died to self and now live in Christ can witness to what that feels like. New life is great news. The best news. Be a living testimony to Jesus’s resurrection by telling of your own (Romans 8:11).

2. Give grace generously
Grace is not natural. The only way to give it abundantly is if you’ve received it abundantly (John 1:16). As a child of God, you have (1 Peter 4:10). Wake up to your reality and bestow it on those who’ve not seen it. May it inspire them to seek its Source.

3. Forgive as you’ve been forgiven
Being born again gave you a fresh start. Your sins, debts, offenses against God were totally forgiven. If you likewise forgive others the debts they owe you (Matthew 6:12), you witness to a living power greater than yourself (Ephesians 4:32). Who doesn’t want to be forgiven?

4. Love in unexplainable ways
You’ve been loved back to life; now let it overflow onto others. Demonstrate the love of God that is more penetrating, more abundant, more lasting than anything you could conjure up on your own (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

5. Be last in a “me-first” world
If you put others before yourself (Philippians 2:3-4), they’ll know something is different inside you. Only those who’ve experienced death and then life anew can consistently be selfless in a self-centered world. Put those around you first to point to Jesus’s humility and ultimate exaltation.

6. Treat everyone with respect
The dead aren’t accustomed to being treated well. Show them differently (Romans 12:16). Remind them of their specialness—they are made in God’s image!—by honoring them as such.

There are plenty of walking dead around us. What they need—and we all need—are more Spirit-revived people who breathe life everywhere they go, reflecting the heartbeat of Jesus. Let’s live like the resurrected people we are.

Touch the dead today.
You’ve been brought back to life to do it.
I double-dog dare you.

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
1 John 3:14a

What else can the living do that the dead cannot? Do you have a favorite scripture about life? How are you preparing for Easter?

Resurrection Series on www.donotdepart.com

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