Do Not Depart

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Are Your Shoes On? You Need to Bring This

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You have a word from the Lord: Peace. You’re meant to carry this message of hope to others.

Are you ready to go?

Are Your Shoes On? Carry Peace_pin

Are You a Shoe Girl?

First, she looks for her own shoes. She brings them to me to help her put them on. Then, she looks for my shoes.

I know what that means. She’s preparing to go somewhere. And wants me to go with her.

My granddaughter is not even two yet, but I already know she’s a shoe girl. Glittery shoes. Rain boots. Sandals. It doesn’t matter. She knows they are her ticket to go, go, go. And she wants me to be ready to go, too.

Others need us to be ready to go, too. The world needs something we have.

Are we ready to give it?

As believers, we’ve been given a special gift: peace. We may not always recognize it or appreciate it, but it’s ours.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27

How can we give peace to others? What does that look like?

Put on Your Shoes

The apostle Paul gave a list of spiritual armor to the Ephesians. He wrote that shoes are part of our spiritual armor.

“And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15

I prefer to go barefooted. Maybe I’m lazy. It feels good to not be bound by shoes.

Except when it hurts not to have shoes. Walking on hot pavement. Running on rocky terrain. Going anywhere in public. These all require shoes.

If we’re going to move forward with our message of peace, we need to be ready, to have our shoes on.

Isaiah said this:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.'”
Isaiah 52:7

The Right Shoes

As believers in Jesus, we’ve each been gifted with peace. Not only for ourselves, but to share with others. Peace is a word from the Lord we are to pass around.

Peace includes these refreshing and beautiful truths:

  • God is good;
  • you are loved;
  • you are never alone.

Thanks to Jesus, who is peace Himself, believers are one with God (Ephesians 2:13). And even when we don’t “feel” it, our problems are no longer ours, but His. We still have to stand firm in the battle, but He is already our victory.

And this is a gift we can share with others.

Speak peace:

  • To the suffering.
    Discovering that there is purpose in our suffering, even when we don’t know what that purpose is, brings peace.
  • To those in trials.
    When things are hard, knowing that this, too, will pass, brings peace.
  • To chaos.
    In the midst of confusion, trusting that Someone can and will eventually untangle all the knots, brings peace.

Be a Messenger of Peace

We can’t solve the problems ourselves. But we can cover them with words of peace, with a message of hope, with the gift of presence.

That’s grace. That’s gospel. That’s Jesus.

Peace is God’s gift to the world. Everybody wants it. We have it. Don’t hoard it.

Pray for grace to give peace to others. Even when you feel afraid or unprepared or unskilled to help others with their troubles, remember that your feet are wearing God’s armor. Let His feet be your feet, and go. Let His words be your words.

Let His peace be your peace.

And when we can’t go in person to deliver a message of peace? Go in prayer.

As we give peace to others, we’ll find more of it for ourselves. Jesus said peacemakers are sons of God (Matthew 5:9). Helping others remember where our help comes from, is a sure way to stay connected to that help ourselves.

When my granddaughter brings me my shoes, I say thank you. I want to be ready to go outside with her. I put them on, and off we go.

You can stay ready, too. Put your shoes on. Carry peace with you everywhere you go.

It’s good news that everyone longs to hear.

Are your shoes on? Be ready to carry peace everywhere you go. #ArmorofGod #Ephesians6

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Are you a shoe person? Is it easy or hard for you to recognize the peace of Christ in your own storms? To carry to others in their storms?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

This September we’re looking at what to wear in spiritual battles. See all the posts here on the whole armor of God.

Want more about peace? Read these:

How to Delight in the Lord? Try Scripture Memory

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Want to delight more in the Lord? Try scripture memory! We’re signing up to memorize Psalm 1. Join us.

Delight in Scripture Memory Psalm 1_pin

Delight in the Law of the Lord

If blessings come to those who delight in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1-2), how can we delight in it?

One way is to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2).

But how?

Try scripture memory.

As you practice reciting the verses you’re learning, you are intentionally placing God’s truths in your mind and on your heart.

And when we’re thinking good things about God, we are not allowing our minds to be filled with lies, doubts, bitterness, confusion, judgments, comparisons, etc.

Doesn’t that sound delightful?

Give your brain and heart a break. Join us as we commit to memorize Psalm 1 from mid-September through October.

We’ll help you. We have a packet of resources ready for you.

Let’s do this together. Over 100 have already signed up. You can be next.

Get details and sign up here.

Give your mind a break. Think good thoughts about God by memorizing #Psalm1 with us. Sign up now.

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Sign Up Now – Discover How to Memorize Psalm 1 in Community

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  • We’ve set the schedule.
  • We’ve prepared the resources.
  • We’re calling the community.

All YOU need to do is sign up and meditate on the Word. [UPDATE: Registration now closed.]

register here

Discover How to Memorize Psalm 1 in Community_pin

Memorize Psalm 1

Join us as we learn 1 verse a week for 6 weeks, delighting in the law of the Lord. We’ll learn Psalm 1:1 the week of September 23, then proceed through the rest of September and end in October.

This short chapter is perfect for first-time memorizers.

Read the whole chapter here.

But if you’re already learned it? This would be great review. Use it to study. Read cross-reference passages. Or be an online mentor. You can help others learning it for the first time.

If you use Facebook, please join our Hide His Word Facebook group. Here you’ll find memorizing tips, extra inspiration and accountability with like-minded believers to help you stay on track.

See the full schedule here.

Psalm-1-Schedule_th

3 Things Happen When You Sign Up

1 – You’ll receive an email with instructions and a private link to a full packet of resources you can download and print to help you memorize each verse.

2 – Beginning September 23 and each Monday throughout the challenge, you’ll get a short email in your inbox reminding you of the week’s verse and some memorizing tips.

3 – Blessings! The Psalmist tells us that those who meditate on God’s law will be blessed. We can’t foresee how God will move in your life during these six weeks, but we know He will.

Click here to download this button for your blog or social media.

I-am-memorizing-Psalm-1_thumb

Don’t Miss Out!

Plant yourself along streams of water as we memorize together.

Sign up today and begin this journey with us!

register here

Sign up and get your free packet to memorize #Psalm 1. It’s our Fall ’19 Bible Memory Challenge – 6 verses/6 weeks. #HideHisWord

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I signed up to memorize #Psalm1 for 6 weeks! Will you join me? #HideHisWord

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Free Packet of Resources – Memorize Psalm 1

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Psalm-1 button

Click the memory packet below in your preferred translation and download.

Print any or all of the pages in your PDF packet to help you memorize Psalm 1.

For further instructions on how to use each item, check your FAQ email that you received after registering for the Psalm 1 memory challenge. Or ask a question in the comments here or in our Hide His Word Facebook group. We’re here to help!

Each packet contains:

  • 1 page full text
  • Schedule bookmark
  • Daily checklist
  • 3×5 text cards
  • First-letters page
  • Journal pages

The more you prepare now, the greater your chances of success later.

ESV Packet

Psalm 1 Packet ESV_th

KJV Packet

Psalm 1 Packet KJV

NIV Packet

Psalm 1 Packet NIV

NKJV Packet

Psalm 1 Packet NKJV

For extra community, join our Hide His Word Facebook group.

Post pictures on Instagram with #Psalm1 and #HideHisWord. Share tweets using #Psalm1 and #HideHisWord.

Here’s a button for your blog or social media. Click on it to download, then use however you’re like.

I-am-memorizing-Psalm-1_thumb

Any questions, problems, comments? Let us know in the comments.

 

New Bible Memory Challenge – Coming Soon!

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Bible memory tease

It’s coming…

We’re getting ready for our next Bible memory challenge!

Whether you are a seasoned memorizer or this will be your first time, this challenge will be easy but beneficial. We’ll provide resources, support, and reminders so you can succeed.

Watch for more details here on September 9.

 

Bible Study Notebook: Original Language Word Study Sheet

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Get your next free printable today to build your Bible notebook. It’s easier than you think to study Hebrew and Greek words. This sheet will help.

Original Word Study Sheet_pin

Deeper Meanings

“Think differently.”

Our behaviors follow when our thoughts change. “To think differently” is the literal meaning of the word “repent” [metanoeo] in the New Testament.

Did you know that?

Or this one? “To kiss the hand (like a dog licking his master’s hand)” is the definition of “worship” [proskuneo]. Think how loyal your family pet is to you. How much joy do we express when we’re near our Master?

We can learn the meanings underneath the words we read in our Bibles. It helps us think differently, worship more, and grow a deeper faith.

Use Hebrew and Greek

While it’s definitely NOT essential to know the original Biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek to understand God’s grace, it can be helpful to look up words in the original languages when we want to learn more.

It can take less than 5 minutes to enrich your study of God’s truths.

And, more importantly, it can enhance your awareness of God’s love for you and increase your love for Him.

It doesn’t have to be all Greek to you.

It’s easy! Download this free study sheet. Then use it to study your own list of interesting words.

How to Study Original Words

1. Type in the word or verse you want to study.

Here are some online references that are easy to use.

2. Write down the Strong’s number.

Old Testament words will begin with #H for Hebrew. New Testament words will begin with #G for Greek.

3. Fill in the blanks of the study sheet.

Write down as much or as little as you’d like: original root word, its derivations, definition, and any extra verses that interest you.

4. File in your Bible notebook.

It’s helpful to three-hole-punch your study sheet (along with extras). Keep them all together in one place in your Bible notebook.

You don’t have to delve into grammar, pronunciations, tenses, alphabets, etc. (Unless you want to! If you do, there are many resources online, in bookstores, and possibly your local church.)

An Example

To study “worship” in John 4:24, I used this online interlinear Bible at Bible Hub. I typed in the verse.

Interlinear Bible_Bible Hub_John 4-24

 

Then I clicked on the Greek word for worship, #G4352.

I filled out my worksheet.

repent-worship-word-studies

Want more ideas to study?

Check out these series previously posted at Do Not Depart:

Your Original Word Study Sheets

Click here to download your own Original Word Study Sheets. You can study two words per page. Print as many pages as you’d like to put in your Bible notebook.

Get ALL the free Bible Notebook pages here. More are being added all month of August.

Original Word Study Sheet

Want an easy way to learn Greek/Hebrew root words? Free printable and links to resources. Enhance your study! #BuildingABibleNotebook

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Do you like studying root words? Tell us your favorite resources, along with any questions or extra tips, in the comments below.

Run to Second – You’re Safe

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I’d never make it in the big leagues. I have zero skills as a a baseball player.

But I also have this weakness: I’d be too scared to leave first base to steal second.

Baseball players have to be able to take chances. In pitching, batting, fielding. And as I read Hebrews 10:8-10, I’m reminded that they also have to be brave to leave first to run to second.

Just ask Rickey Henderson.

Go from First to Second

When First Things Aren’t Enough

Rickey Henderson is considered one of the most exciting players in baseball (he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009).

And it’s not because he played it safe.

What did Rickey do that we can learn from?

First, let’s look at our next three verses in our study of Hebrews 10, #OnceForAll.

8  When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law),
9  then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.
10  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:8-10

Here we see that the first things—sacrifices and offerings—weren’t enough to make us holy.

It took the second thing—Jesus—to close the deal. “He does away with the first in order to establish the second” (Hebrews 10:9).

Take Your Foot Off First

But it’s not always easy to give up the first things, the things we know, the things we’re comfortable with.

  • We feel safe surrounded by the things we already grasp.
  • We find refuge in following set rules.
  • We are satisfied knowing what to believe without knowing how to apply it.

Why would we discard our security blanket to run to higher ground?

Because until we take our foot off first, we’ll never run to second.

That’s what Rickey Henderson did so well. He currently holds the record for most stolen bases and runs in Major League Baseball. He was successful in stealing bases exactly 1,406 times in his career, earning the nickname the “Man of Steal.”

Rickey Henderson

But there is always a risk. A player who tries to steal a base can be picked off or thrown out. Then instead of putting your team in scoring position, you hurt them by adding another out.

Yet to make no progression forward hurts the team even more.

As maturing believers in Christ, we have to be willing to move on to the better thing, to Jesus himself, instead of clinging to baby steps we might have learned as a child or when we were brand new to the faith. Not that those principles were wrong, but they were only milk. Jesus is solid food (Hebrews 5:13-14).

The grand scope of the Bible shows us the progression forward, as we read in Hebrews 10. The old covenant was the first step in God saving His people.

But the new covenant, the offering of Jesus, was the permanent order. This is the once-for-all place we want to be. It was his plan all along, as Jaime writes here.

3 Ways to Move to Second Things

How can we grow from first things to second things?

1. Learn from the first thing to propel you to the second.

When a baseball player makes it to first base, he doesn’t relax and take a seat. He stays engaged. He’s alert to the next person at bat, to the next pitch, to the base coach. He doesn’t want to stay at first; he wants to progress to second.

We, too, can learn from first things, without staying there. For example, the Old Testament scriptures are here for our learning. We can use them to increase our fuller understanding of God’s plan for salvation, and to better appreciate the completion of the plan in Jesus Christ.

2. Start with behaviors but grow into love.

Young children in Little League baseball and softball first learn the basics: how to hit, where to run, how to catch. But learning the rules is only part of the game. The truly passionate baseball players, the ones that stay with the game for years to come, fall in love with it.

When we first came to know Christ, maybe we were similar to the Little League players. We valued obedience to the rules above all. We checked the boxes of Bible reading, church attendance, financial offerings. But as we grew in faith, our motives grew beyond mere obedience into a genuine love for God.

Love is what keeps us engaged in the game for eternity.

3. Use your skills but don’t depend solely on them.

While the best baseball players need to be coordinated, quick, and aggressive, they also have to rely on the help of others to be truly successful. Each player need constructive feedback from their coaches, coordination from managers, advice from other players.

As children of God, we’ve each been gifted with a set of skills, too. They may serve us well and help us honor God. But our success doesn’t depend on what we do alone; we need our community to keep us straight.

And our ultimate deliverance comes solely from Jesus. Once we willingly give up our survival instinct for self-preservation, we see we’re safest when we throw ourselves into the arms of Jesus.

Make It Home

It happened in the fourth inning on May 1, 1991. The Oakland Athletics were playing the New York Yankees at the Oakland Coliseum.

Rickey Henderson of the A’s got on first base, then advanced to second on a single. To progress to the next base, he didn’t wait for a hit. He sped off second and stole third, breaking Lou Brock’s old record of 938 stolen bases.

He pulled the base itself out of the ground, lifted it above his head in celebration, and waved to the crowd as he received a standing ovation.

Rickey Henderson becomes stolen base king

[watch it here]

Rickey didn’t just play baseball. He loved baseball. It was in his blood.

As we step off first base to run to second, let’s do so knowing that once we get there, we’re now home-free. No more base running is necessary. Christ has done it once for all.

Christ’s blood is now in ours.

Welcome to the big leagues. You’re safe here.

You’ve made it home.

Don’t stay on first base. Run to second. There is more there. Hebrews 10:8-10 #OnceForall

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Are you a risk-taker? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Do You Live Up to Your Name?

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When I dreamed of marrying Jeff, I practiced writing what my new name would look like: Mrs. Lisa Burgess. When a bride takes on her husband’s name, it’s symbolic of a oneness like no other.

What about when the church, the bride of Christ, takes on His name?

Are we wearing His name well?

Church Living Up to Name_pin

What’s in a Name?

We were on our way to Paris last Friday. I’d looked up attractions. The Eiffel Tower was listed as a “must-see.”

We pulled up around noon. And there it was. The Eiffel Tower. With the red cowboy hat on top. Just as promised on the Roadside America webpage.

It was what I expected. We were in Texas, after all. Paris, Texas. Of course it had an Eiffel Tower.

Just like someone named Joy is usually full of joy. And someone named Grace is graceful. Faith is faithful.

And Christians? Aren’t we to be full of Christ?

The Name Christian

Don’t take a poll. You’ll be disappointed. Our ratings as Christians are poor. For too long we’ve been a bad taste in the mouth of the world. Many may like our Christ, but not everybody likes His followers.

Are we not living up to our name?

Disciples of Jesus didn’t start out with the name “Christians.” It took awhile. And when they finally were called Christians, was it making fun? Was it a compliment? Was it just a neutral label?

We still don’t know the original intent. It happened in the city of Antioch, the first Gentile church. The grace of God was visible there (Acts 11:22-23). And Luke drops the fact with no explanation: “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).

Only two more times in the New Testament do we see the word Christian:

(1) Acts 26:28 when King Agrippa asks Paul, “You think you can make me a Christian” and
(2) 1 Peter 4:16 when Peter says if anybody suffers as a Christian, don’t be ashamed; glorify God in the name.

Christian means “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.”

But what does it really mean?

Union of Grace

Who can live up to the name of Christ? We know we can’t be perfect like Him.

We’re still learners. That’s what being a disciple means. We don’t have to be defensive when we get things wrong (and we WILL get things wrong). We can agree with others that we need help. Our actions often illustrate our humanity, even though our souls have been sanctified and saved.

But we can show others that when we fall, we get back up because Christ has our back. We’re one. We don’t have to be hard on ourselves because God gives us grace.

Grace makes a beautiful union.

The grace we receive can then be passed on to others when they too fall down. Never withhold grace from those who need it the most. (And those who need it the most may claim they need it the least.)

Wear the Name Proudly

Even though Christians don’t live up to the reputation of our bridegroom, we can still wear the name proudly and point others to Christ.

Love is how others know who we follow (John 13:35). Love will draw others to Him. Not our doctrinal positions. Not our cultural stands. Not our holier-than-thou attitudes.

Don’t let His name go to waste. Be generous with it. Give away all the grace you can. It multiples when you share it.

I took this photo of Jeff in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas. We enjoyed it because we knew this tower wasn’t supposed to be exactly like the real one in Paris.

 

There is only one original.

But seeing the replica increased my desire to see the original.

When others see Christians, may it increase their desire to see Christ.

Does the church give Christ a bad reputation? #TheMarriageMetaphor

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Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Will You Suffer If You Believe? {Memorize Philippians 1:29-30}

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I don’t really like these two verses. Was Paul implying that all who believe will also suffer?

This makes me uncomfortable.

If you believe

Memorize This Week

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:29-30

Philippians 1-29-30-th

[download the verse image]

These Were the Gifts

The Philippians saw Paul and Silas under conflict when they were in Philippi. Read it in Acts 16:19-40. They were dragged to the marketplace, beaten, scourged, put into prison, their feet in stocks.

But the Philippians believed in Jesus anyway. It was “granted” to them (gifted to them).

They were hearing that Paul was still engaged in conflict. He was imprisoned in Rome, on trial for his life.

Paul was now telling the Philippians that they, too, were receiving both these “gifts”:

  • the belief
  • and the suffering.

But not just suffering for the sake of suffering. It was suffering for the sake of Christ.

That’s what makes the difference.

Will We Suffer, Too?

Well, probably yes. Everybody suffers sometimes. And sometimes it’s for what you believe.

Our suffering may not be like Paul’s. But even if it is the same as Paul’s—eventually becoming a martyr for the cause of Christ—it doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. To the contrary. Suffering is an opportunity to cling even more tightly to God.

If God knows about it, we don’t have to be afraid of it.

Paul wasn’t afraid of his sufferings. He didn’t try to wriggle out of them. Rather he embraced them as proof that he was participating with Christ in His mission (Philippians 3:8-10).

If like Paul, and like the Philippians, we have the same type of conflicts, we can also have the same type of joy as we participate with Christ.

To be honest, I’d rather have the joy without the conflict.

But if for the sake of Christ we receive the same favor to both believe and to suffer, may we accept the grace God will give us to get through it.

This is our last week to post about Philippians 1. Thanks to all who have read along with us, whether you were memorizing or not. It’s beneficial to have company along the way; your support is valuable to us.

If you’re gifted with the conflict, you’ll also be graced with the joy. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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When You Have the Advantage {Memorize Philippians 1:28}

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Fear This?

What scares you?

For me, losing someone I love is something I fear.

So when Paul tells this to the Philippians, I cringe:

“Don’t be frightened in anything by your opponents.”

We Have the Advantage

Face It Down

Death feels like an opponent to me. Not my own death, but death of my loved ones.

Yet as believers in Christ, we can trust that even our fiercest opponents, if not already defeated, will one day be destroyed.

When we can face down our fears, even as we’re shaking, it is a sign of victory, of faith, of salvation.

Memorize This Week

And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Philippians 1:28

Philippians 1:28

[download the verse image]

We Are Overcomers

As we memorize Philippians 1:28 this week, let’s remember that we don’t have to flinch in the presence of our adversaries.

We have the advantage. We have hope. We have confidence.

Because we have Christ.

Christ overcome all. And He will overcome all for us, too.

Scared? Remember we have the advantage. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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What Do They Hear About You? {Memorize Philippians 1:27}

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For many, the church has a bad reputation for being divisive. For arguing. For judging.

It’s no wonder that some choose to stay far away from Christianity when they see those negative images of the church.

What can we do about it?

What do they hear Philippians 1_27

My friend’s Sunday school class wanted to counteract that bad reputation. The women and men talked about their dreams for unity in the community. One idea led to another.

They then decided to do something with their ideas. Something big, something that people would hear about.

I heard about it. And I showed up last Wednesday to see it in person.

Memorize This Week

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Philippians 1:27

Philippians 1_27_sm

[download the verse image]

Hear, If Not See

We read in this week’s memory verse that the apostle Paul wanted to show up, too. He wanted to visit his Philippian sisters and brothers. He wanted to see for himself that they were remaining faithful to the cause of Christ, spreading the good news to others.

But he couldn’t go because he was imprisoned in Rome at the time. So he wanted to at least hear about them.

If word could spread in A.D. 62, how much more in 2019?

People are always watching, listening. If not in person, at least digitally.

Even if you’re not on Facebook yourself, your face may pop up there on friends’ pages. Others see you on Instagram. A blog post. A text. An email.

And if it’s bad news? Expect it to spread even quicker than good news.

We quickly hear when Christians are bickering amongst themselves. This was the very thing that Paul was hoping not to hear from the Philippians.

Then or now, it gives God a bad reputation.

Paul’s Good Advice

Paul’s advice to the Philippians in Philippians 1:27 is still good advice for us today. He also gave this advice to the Thessalonians, the Ephesians, and the Romans.

1. Stand firm 

“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15

2. Work together

“[Be] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3

3. Walk in the Spirit

“[So] that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 8:4

Spread Good News

Paul wanted to hear good news about fellow believers. The world needs to hear good news about believers today, too.

  • Good news encourages others to follow God.
  • It makes spiritual mothers and fathers proud.
  • It gives God glory and praise.

The event last Wednesday night I attended was called A Night of Harmony. It was a night to celebrate the work of Christ in their community. It was about praising Jesus, about helping others, about doing love.

I’m glad I wasn’t absent. It was good news. I was glad to hear it.

How can the world hear better things about believers? See 3 ways from #Philippians1. #HideHisWord

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Lost Your Peace? 4 Ways to Find and Enjoy Peace Again

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Have you lost your peace?

While spiritual fruit won’t rot like physical fruit, we miss out on the deliciousness of the fruit of the Spirit if we don’t know how to pick it and eat it.

Here are 4 ways to find and enjoy the sweetness of peace.

We are looking this month at each individual piece of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Peace is here- fruit of the Spirit

The bananas were in a bag, sitting in a corner of the kitchen counter. The grapes were unwashed in the bottom bin of the refrigerator. The oranges were in their mesh bash in another bin, tucked away safe and sound.

I had picked them out. Paid for them. Brought them home.

But I wasn’t eating them.

And what happens to fruit when it sits out, uneaten for weeks? It rots. It’s no longer good to eat.

When We Can’t Find Our Peace

One reason we don’t graze on our fruit is because we get full on other things.

The same happens with our spiritual lives. If we start to feel anxious, we binge on distractions. We tune into Netflix. We chat up a friend. We busy ourselves with work.

Looking outside is easier then digging inside to uncover what God wants us to see.

So our peace goes unnoticed. Jesus isn’t consulted. And our anxiety, while it may hit pause for a minute, is still on.

Another reason we don’t find peace is we misunderstand it.

What is peace anyway? Is it the opposite of worry? Is it the absence of fighting? Is it total serenity with the world?

Peace for a Christian is a person. It’s Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is peace personified.

Jesus told His disciples that His peace is different. It’s more than the calming of nerves; it’s a solid base that emotions can’t disrupt.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27

Don’t Feel Peaceful?

But isn’t peace something we’re supposed to “feel”?

We do “feel” peace at times. (I thank God for those times.) But peace as fruit of the Spirit is deeper than feelings.

  • Peace is an unbreakable bond with God.
  • Peace is rest from earning.
  • Peace is our safe place for the soul, no matter what is stirring above ground.

We don’t have to be calm enough to receive peace. Or wise enough. Or courageous enough. We don’t have to earn peace by being good enough. We just have to trust that peace is there because Jesus said so.

Peace is a grace that redefines who we are. It lives in the centermost places, places where our fickle emotions can’t survive.

How to Find and Enjoy Peace

So how can we enjoy this peace on the inside when life is stressing us on the outside?

1. Let it ripen on its own.

You can’t create fruit. You can only prepare for its growth and then let it ripen.

Similarly, you can’t make yourself feel peace. But you can nurture your faith in Jesus so that peace can ripen in you.

Uncover peace in your soul by releasing outcomes you can’t control. The heavy burdens you carry aren’t yours to drag around. Take a break from single-handedly trying to fix the world’s problems.

Walk with Jesus. His path is a walk of peace. Jesus calls you to rest.

Start noticing peace when striving stops.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

2. Put it in an obvious place.

When I keep my bananas in a dark corner, I forget about them. But when I put them in a bowl on the kitchen table, I see them and eat.

Put reminders around your house that you already have peace. Peace is your DNA; you are a child of Peace. It’s a gift inside you, right here, right now.

Here is a list of verses that Patti shared on peace. Print some. Memorize others. Let them prompt you to remember Jesus, your peace.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3

3. Take it on a picnic.

The easiest way for me to eat fruit is to carry it around with me. To eat an orange, I peel it at home, put it in a baggie, and take it with me for a snack. When I get hungry, and there’s no other food around, I’ll eat the orange.

You can use your peace this way, too. When you’re facing a difficult situation, perhaps full of fear and angst, tap into the foundation of peace you carry around inside you.

Know that beneath your concerns and worries, Jesus has laid a safety net of peace for you. Look fear in the eye and say, “I can do this [scary thing] because no matter what, I have peace underneath it all.”

Let peace satisfy your hunger for security in the midst of unknowns.

You don’t have to believe what you feel. Trust what you know instead. Because Jesus, the overcomer, is in you, peace is in you, too. Don’t wait until your fears disappear before you embrace peace; lean on peace in the midst of worries. Peace is confidence.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

4. Cook it up and share it with others.

My mother-in-law does delicious things with fruit: strawberry pie, banana pudding, peach cobbler. Your fruit of peace is also meant to be shared. When your friends feel anxious, give them some peace.

Share your peace by reminding your friends of Jesus’s promises. Let them know that He will never forsake them. Remind them that God is for them. No one can snatch them out of His strong hand.

The truths that bring you peace are meant to be passed around.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Peace Is Here

Whether or not you are feeling at peace today, thank God anyway that peace has been planted deep inside you. It’s here.

Outer winds may create ripples on the surface, but deep waters stay steady. You are safe. You are loved. You are His.

That’s peace.

Take a bite every day. Savor its sweetness.

Learn how to enjoy the fruit of peace. Take a bite of it. #FruitoftheSpirit

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What steals your peace? Do you have a favorite verse about peace? Please share in the comments.

For a musical taste of peace, enjoy “Peace Be Still” by Lauren Daigle.

Peace Be Still

Binge on Peace here:

 

Why Are You Still Here? {Memorize Philippians 1:25-26}

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Do you feel needed? Do you see the reason why you’re still here?

Look with us this week at why Paul chose to remain in the flesh.

Why Are You Still Here

Paul Knew Why

When I was a young mother, I pleaded with God: Please let me live long enough to raise my children; they need their mama.

Graciously, He honored that plea. But then I asked Him to let me live long enough to meet my grandchildren; they need a grandmother’s love. He’s answering that one now.

I’m currently asking Him to let me live long enough to see them grow up in Him. That’s still to come.

The apostle Paul had his reasons for wanting to live longer, too. He wanted his presence and faith to bring joy and increased faith to his Philippian brothers and sisters. He knew this; he was aware of it.

Why You?

Who needs you here?

Maybe you feel more needed during some seasons of life compared to other seasons. But whether or not you have people depending on you now in “critical” ways, be confident of this: If you’re still here, you still have purpose in the lives of others.

Be convinced that your work here is valuable. You are valuable. Your intentional presence in the lives of others for the glory of Christ is important.

Like Paul, you also can be a companion alongside others as they grow and trust in God. It helps them; it helps you.

And God is honored.

Memorize This Week

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:25-26

Philippians 1_25-26_th

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We’re in the last few weeks of memorizing Philippians 1 together.

Do you know why you’re still here? Please share in the comments.

Do you know why you’re still here? #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Torn Between Two Choices {Memorize Philippians 1:23-24}

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When have you been torn between two choices?

Once you made up your mind, what was the deciding factor?

Torn Between Two Choices Philippians 1

The apostle Paul was torn between the two ultimate choices of life or death. He was “hard pressed between the two.”

The Greek here is sunechomai, which means to be pressed on or constrained, as in a crowd.

The decision was crushing him from every angle.

Memorize This Week

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
Philippians 1:23-24

Philippians 1_23-24_th

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Choose Mercy

We read of another crushing decision in the Old Testament. King David was asked to pick his punishment after he sinned by numbering the people against the Lord’s will. David was in great distress (2 Samuel 24:12-14). He had three choices: (1) seven years of famine, (2) a three month’s chase by enemies, or (3) three days of an epidemic.

David ultimately chose the last option, disease for three days, for this reason:

Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”
2 Samuel 12:14

Because the Lord’s mercy is great, David trusted Him.

Paul also knew the Lord’s mercy. And because of that knowledge, he longed to be directly with the Lord, the “far better” choice.

But next week we’ll memorize why Paul did NOT choose death, however, and we’ll see how we can frame our own decisions like Paul did.

Paul was torn between life or death. Which did he consider best? #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Whether You Live Or Die {Memorize Philippians 1:21-22}

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When someone we love is sick, we do everything we can to keep them alive. When our efforts fail, we feel pain. Their absence is noticeable. The loss hurts.

But what did the apostle Paul say about living and dying?

Live or die_pin

Memorize This Week

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
Philippians 1:21-22

Philippians 1_21-22_th

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You Don’t Lose

Even as believers, when death strikes its blow, we cringe in pain.

But . . . we also know that death doesn’t get the final word.

Paul knew that. He was so confident in Jesus that he lost any fear of death. He went so far as to say that “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

As we memorize Philippians 1:21-22 this week, may we also grow in our confidence that whether we live or whether we die, we are victorious because we are in Christ. We can’t lose either way. It’s all a win.

Life or death? It’s all a win. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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When You Can’t Trust Time, Trust God

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Are you a clock watcher? Do you keep a constant eye on the calendar to know what’s coming next?

What happens when you can’t trust time?

Join us for Days 38-40 of our Lenten readings.

When you can't trust time

We’re in our last three days of Lent readings. As we prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday, these stories from Jesus can lead us into a deeper level of trust despite the unknown.

When we can’t trust time—and we can’t control it or change it or predict it—we can place our trust in God’s goodness.

1. When You Don’t Know the Time, Stay Awake

Read Matthew 24:36-44 for Thursday, Day 38

We just don’t know when some things will happen. There were “whens” that God didn’t even tell Jesus when He was living in our time zone.

When Jesus was telling His listeners about His future coming in these scriptures, He said that no one knew the hour—or even the day—that it would be; only God knew.

But Jesus didn’t leave them (or us) without instruction in the waiting. When you don’t know when something is coming, stay awake for it. Be ready.

In big and small ways, the Master comes to us every day. And He often comes when we don’t expect Him. Maybe it’s through a sister’s email or a baby’s babbling or a spring lightning storm. But if we’ll stay vigilant, we’ll be ready to welcome His arrival.

Trust that Jesus always comes, is always here, and we won’t be caught off-guard.

2. When You Can’t See Him Working, Do Your Work Now

Read Matthew 24:45-51 for Friday, Day 39

Who is put in charge? Ideally, it’s the one who will do the work. The one who is dependable. The one who is responsible. With or without the tangible presence of the boss.

In this story we see the workers throwing a party when the boss is out of town. When the boss shows up—unannounced and unexpected—the workers get thrown out.

We typically do not know when the Lord will act. When will He restore what was lost? When will He bring closure to a distressing situation? When will He deliver us from a difficult season of life?

We can’t know His timing. But we can know this: He will show up right on time. And when He does, will He find us faithful? Will we still be trusting, still be loving, still be holding hope?

When we don’t see God working in our Friday, let’s do our work now anyway. Do the good we know to do. We’ll be blessed when Sunday arrives and the Master’s behind-the-scenes work becomes visible.

3. When You’re Out of Time, Know He’s Coming

Read Matthew 25:1-13 for Saturday, Day 40

This final reading is the parable of the Ten Wise and Foolish Virgins. We’re reminded how easy it is to misallocate our resources, including under or overestimating our time. Five of the young virgins used all their oil quickly and their lamps burned out. But the other five brought extra supplies of oil, and even though the bridegroom was delayed, their candles were still lit.

Timing is rarely up to us.

But even though we don’t know when, we can trust who.

If we keep our eyes on the person of Jesus Christ, knowing that He will always come through for us, we can keep our lamps of hope burning. Even when He’s late in our estimation, we won’t run out of reserves to believe in Him.

Watch Jesus, Not the Clock

Our clocks and our calendars can help us manage our time, but they are inadequate to prepare us for life’s uncertainty.

Whether we’re in a day of walking to the tomb with Jesus or walking out of it, we’ll walk steadier when we keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the clock.

When we rely most on who we know, the when matters much less.

Don’t be a clock-watcher. You can’t trust when; trust who. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Do you always know what time and day it is? How do you remain flexible with the Lord’s plans? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

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