Patti Brown, Author at Do Not Depart - Page 6 of 13

Kids in the Word – Plan to Abide

January 19, 2016 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Resources to help your children grow with God each day.

Children need time in God’s Word just as much as adults do. This month we are sharing resources to help you plan to be more intentional about growing with God – here are some suggestions that you can use to help the children in your life abide in 2016!

Bible Reading

Have your child read from the Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Voss each day
Younger children will enjoy the Jesus Storybook Bible
All ages can use the family plan using resources from The Gospel Project
Follow this simple bible reading plan from Learn For Your Life

Bible Studies

Katie Johnson explains how to do inductive bibles studies with kids
Joyce Moy shares ideas for helping kids with different learning styles study the bible
Do you have a child with special needs? Include them in bible study too!
Calvary Chapel has created printable bible studies that you can download for free, that cover both old and new testament
Online bible lessons are available at Kids World for younger and older children

Journaling

Here is an explanation of how my children and I journaled through the bible.
Sybil from She Live Free explains how she and her daughters make bible journals
Download a printable quiet time journal from Not Consumed

Scripture Memorization

Join a local Awana club
Ideas for verses to memorize
More child friendly verses
Print these cute ABC scripture cards
Not sure how to choose scripture? Here are some tips.

Prayer

Make a prayer card box
Create a prayer wall in your home
Put together a prayer book using photographs
Print out this prayer journal template

To find resources for adults, be sure to check out our entire series on Planning to Abide.

Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."

Children need time in God’s Word just as much as adults do. #PlanToAbide #LetTheChildrenCome

Help your children #PlanToAbide in 2016. #LetTheChildrenCome

Let the Children Come - monthly feature on helping children to abide in God's Word via DoNotDepart.com

Planning to Pray

January 12, 2016 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Make a plan to grow in prayer in 2016! Find lots of great resources at DoNotDepart.com

If the bible admonishes us to pray without ceasing, why should you need to plan to pray?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The reality is that we live in a world fraught with distraction. Most people in the Western world spend their days, and even nights, scurrying from one task, event or device to another. Having a prayer plan can help you be intentional about spending time in conversation with God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

There is nothing off the table in our conversations with God. Bring every fear, need and joy to Him.

Let’s make a plan!

Plan Times to Pray

Do you find you need to make a date to talk to your spouse without interruption? Making a “date” with God is analogous, yet even more important.

God is waiting to hear from you every moment of every day and night. The one who needs the “schedule” is you! You can still pray any time, but planning for certain prayer times may help you develop the habit.

There are many ancient Jewish and Christian traditions of scheduling prayer. These might be a useful starting point.
Tie prayer to specific activities. Do you pray when you wake up? Before meals? As you lie down to go to sleep at night? These are natural examples of associating prayer with certain times of day or activities. My dear aunt used to have a long car ride alone to work every morning – this was her time for a long chat with God. I know women who like to pray when they do dishes, knit, jog… the possibilities are endless.

Plan to Pray With Scripture

If you are struggling with prayer, you may find it helpful to pray using scripture. Here are some resources:

The Psalms are ideal for praying aloud. Try personalizing them as you pray.
Stormie Martian has written a series of topical books on prayer that have borne much fruit in my life, including The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent.
Use the Prayer Prompter app.
Pray through Praying God’s Word Day by Day by Beth Moore
Use the ACTS method as a pattern of prayer

Plan to Pray With Others

Ask the Lord to show you someone you can ask to be your prayer partner. Meet regularly with her, either in person or by phone, to pray.
Join a prayer group at your church, or start one! You can also find prayer groups associated with community activities, especially schools.
If you are isolated geographically, find a Christian ministry online, like Hello Mornings or Good Morning Girls, and become part of a community who prays for one another.

Plan to Record Your Prayers

Writing down prayer requests helps you to remember! Some people like to actually write out their prayers to help them stay focused.

Keep a prayer journal. You can see my current journal in the photo above. It is absolutely beautiful to look back through my prayer journals and see what God has done!
Use on app on your smartphone to record and organize prayer needs, like PrayerMate, Echo Prayer Manager or Pray!
Set up a prayer binder. For some ideas, check out these posts from Kari at Stone Soup for Five: part 1, part 2, part 3
Make a prayer calendar
Create a prayer album to tuck in your purse

Plan to Read About Prayer

I don’t think we will ever fully understand prayer, but it is a blessing to try. Reading about prayer can be another fruitful endeavor as you seek to grow as a prayer warrior. Here are some books to consider:

– What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christenson
– A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller
– The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer by E.M. Bounds
– Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
– Becoming a Prayer Warrior by Elizabeth Alves

Be Inspired!

I can’t skip recommending the absolutely wonderful movie War Room! If you want to get fired up about the power of prayer, give yourself a treat and make the time to watch this movie!

I hope that you have found some new ideas today that will help you as you become more intentional about meeting with God in prayer this year. Are there prayer resources that have blessed you that I did not include? Please share them in the comments!

Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."

Do you pray without ceasing? Grow in prayer in 2016. #PlanToAbide

Have a prayer plan – be intentional about spending time in conversation with God. #PlanToAbide

Plan to Abide: Spend More Time with God in 2016

January 5, 2016 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Plan to spend more time this year in God's Word and pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Find resources to help you plan in this month's series "Plan to Abide."

It is the first week of a brand new year. As you reflect back on 2015, how do you feel about your spiritual journey? No matter your answer, God is lovingly calling you to grow more intimate with Him in 2016.

While what you do outwardly (bible reading, bible study, prayer, scripture memorization and so on) does not necessarily reflect your inward spiritual journey, the choices you make regarding spiritual disciplines can have a profound impact on your relationship with the Lord. As you know Him better, you can better understand His will for your life (Romans 12:2,) and grow in understanding of the incredible love He has for you (Ephesians 3:14-19.)

I have learned over the years that having a plan makes a difference. If I know that when I wake up each morning I am going to start a load of laundry, I don’t really have to think about it. I just do it. It becomes a habit that makes a positive impact on the rest of my home life.

Pursuing God is obviously much more important than having clean laundry! Making and implementing a daily plan for spending time with Him, for growing in knowledge of and relationship with Him, will have an eternal impact.

This month we will be sharing resources to help you plan to abide with God and in His Word in 2016. Make a commitment to continue grow in Christ this year!

How do you desire to grow with God this year? How can we help you plan?
Leave a comment!

God is lovingly calling you to grow more intimate with Him in 2016. #PlanToAbide

Find resources to help you #PlanToAbide in the Word in 2016.

Be intentional about pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ in 2016! #PlanToAbide

Bethlehem: House of Bread

December 4, 2015 by Patti Brown 3 Comments

Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Learn more about the prophecies of Jesus' birth, why the meaning of Bethlehem is significant, and download gift-able recipe cards to give with homemade bread this Christmas.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Micah 5:2

Bethlehem – it almost didn’t seem like a real place to me as a child.

I grew up thinking of it as a quaint, almost fictional, setting for the first Christmas – a town bustling with sandal-wearing people, lots of animals, and suddenly one night, a baby born in a small open pole barn surrounded by lots of clean hay.

I suppose I read a lot of Christmas picture books.

The real Bethlehem was not quite what the picture books depict. For one thing it was little. So insignificant it was not included in the lengthy list of the cities of Judah in Joshua 15. For another, I have raised animals and believe me, hay does not stay clean and sweet smelling. Not to mention the fact that the bible only tells us that Jesus was laid in a manger, not where that manger was. There is a good possibility it was in a cave, likely at the back of a house, a common arrangement in those days.

Unlike my picture books, the real Bethlehem was small, smelly, and insignificant in the world’s eyes. Just another town.

And that made Bethlehem of Judah the perfect place for God to reveal His glory in His only begotten Son. After all, God loves to show forth His greatness in the weak things of the world!

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

The Importance of Bethlehem

Despite its size, by the time Micah was prophesying about the coming ruler of Israel, little Bethlehem had seen its share of important events among Jesus’ ancestors.

Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin on the way to Bethlehem. Genesis 35:19-20
Naomi and Elimelech left Bethlehem with their young sons, to escape a famine. Ruth 1:1-2
It was upon Naomi’s return to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law that Ruth met Boaz and became his wife. Ruth 4:11
Samuel went to Bethlehem to find Jesse’s sons. 1Samuel 16:1
And it was in Bethlehem that Samuel anointed David as King of Israel. 1 Samuel 16:13

Then finally, centuries after Micah lived, His prophecy was fulfilled.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Luke 2:4-6

House of Bread

In addition to fulfilling prophesy, Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was in some ways a prophesy itself.

The Hebrew for Bethlehem is two words – beth (house of) and lehem (bread.) Thus Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread.”

Jesus was born in the “house of bread” – how fitting that He called Himself the bread of life!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

The Lord Jesus Christ is our ultimate spiritual sustenance!

Give the Gift of Bread

Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Learn more about the prophecies of Jesus' birth, why the meaning of Bethlehem is significant, and download gift-able recipe cards to give with homemade bread this Christmas.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, I find myself in the kitchen more than usual. I love to bake, and at Christmas I always bake one item without fail – our Christmas braid. It is a recipe handed down from my mother-in-law, and I have made it for our family’s Christmas breakfast for 21 years.

Homemade gifts are a lovely way to give a little bit of yourself along with your present. If you would like to bake a delicious and pretty Christmas braid as a gift, we have included a printable recipe card you can attach, that includes information with the meaning of Bethlehem and related scriptures.

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you will find a recipe for whole wheat bread on the printable as well. This one is our family’s favorite daily bread.

Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Learn more about the prophecies of Jesus' birth, why the meaning of Bethlehem is significant, and download gift-able recipe cards to give with homemade bread this Christmas.

The recipe cards are designed to be printed double-sided, so that on one side you will see the recipe, and on the other you will see scriptures. I recommend printing on card stock if you can. Just wrap your bread in foil or plastic wrap, punch a hole in the corner of your recipe card, and run a ribbon through the hole to tie around your gift of bread!

Special thanks to Ashley Taylor for creating this printable!

How did Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfill prophecy? #JesusInTheOT

Bethlehem means “House of Bread” and Jesus is the Bread of Life. #JesusInTheOT

Printable bread recipe with scriptures to add to a lovely DIY gift. #JesusInTheOT

Finding Jesus in the Old Testament. With printables resources for you... at DoNotDepart.com

We Love Because He First Loved Us {1 John 4:19-21}

November 27, 2015 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John‬ ‭4:19-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Source of Love

It is a simple seven word verse.

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Yet it contains the whole world.

Everything we are, and everything we are able to do, is because of God.

We breathe because of Him.
We live because of Him.
We love because of Him.

All because of God, Who Himself is Love (1 John 4:8.)

To know that God loves, and to love again–there is a little pocket encyclopedia in two volumes, which contains the smelted-down essence of all theology and of all morality. – Alexander MacLaren

Love One Another

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20

And He Who is the Love that is the origin of all earthly love we will ever feel – that Love wants to be loved back by us loving one another.

God is the source of our love for others, and our love for others is the proof of our love for God. If we love God, we can’t help but love others, and conversely, if we do not love others, then we demonstrate that we don’t truly love God.

It is an endless circle, this exquisite giving and receiving of love. A circle that had its beginning with God Himself, Love incarnate. And in a continued display of the depth of His caring for us, it is when we love each other that we truly love Him.

His taking is in fact a giving. His receiving of our love for Him is in the vessel of our loving others.

Commanded to Love

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21

Make no mistake – this is no fluffy Valentine love that He is commanding. And yes, He is commanding.

No, this is dying-to-self love, bleeding for others love. We can not only love people who make us feel good, or even just seem like us. We can not merely love others when it is convenient or comfortable.

The love that a God-lover loves is a beautiful mess of trusting Him and not relying on logic. It’s the kind of love that gives away food when your stomach is growling. The kind of love that wipes tears on faces that don’t look like yours.

And the unsettling reality is that if we don’t do it, if we choose not to love, but instead we keep our eyes fixed on ourselves, we are breaking a commandment. We are sinning.

This is the kind of love that doesn’t seek its own happiness, yet always finds joy.

As we look forward to Christmas, we do well to remember that all of our earthly gift giving is only because of the greatest gift of love the world has seen.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Be blessed as you bless others with your love today.

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Read 1 John 4:19-21. Write down the truths, promises and commands you find in this passage.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Write a list of the words that describe love. Which ones come easily to you? Which do you struggle with?
Read Luke 6:35-36. Who does the word “enemy” make you think of? Ask the Lord to show you whom He wants you to bless today.

Since God Loved Us {1 John 4 study}

The final installment in our study of 1 John 4:19-21. #SinceGodLovedUs

God is the source of and reason for our love for one another. #SinceGodLovedUs

Give Thanks to the Lord!

November 26, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Our prayer for you this Thanksgiving, dear friends, is that you will continue to grow in your understanding of the height and depth and breadth of the love that God has for you in Christ Jesus.

You are precious and beloved, and we are so very thankful to be your sisters in Christ.

May you have a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving!

~ Your Do Not Depart team… Caroline, Lisa, Lindsey, Ali and Patti

Thanksgiving Blessing Tree: A Family Activity

November 25, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Make a Thanksgiving Blessing Tree with your family this year! Count your blessings around the table and create a unique holiday decoration at the same time!

A Thanksgiving blessing tree is a unique way to decorate for Thanksgiving, that also nurtures a heart of gratitude in your children.

This is an activity we used to do every year when my children were small, and that we are reviving this year. After all, you are never too old to be thankful! In the past I have traced leaves by hand on construction paper, but this year I made a leaf printable, with scriptures on one side of each leaf.

The premise is simple – create a “tree” out of bare branches, and attach leaves on which are written things for which you are thankful. Each leaf also has a scripture on it. Reading aloud each person’s blessings around the Thanksgiving table is a family tradition I think you’ll truly enjoy.

Thanksgiving Tree

Materials

vase or flower pot
twigs or small branches
sand, floral marbles or small rocks to weight down your container
card stock or construction paper
scissors
crayons (if using white paper)
pens
tape

Instructions

1) Print your leaves. I like to print enough for at least three leaves per person, but we often use a lot more. If you can, use card stock or construction paper (see special instructions for printing on construction paper here) so the leaves will hold up better, but if all you have is printer paper, that will work too.

Printable scripture leaves for Thanksgiving tree at DoNotDepart.com — Click on the image above to go to the downloadable file

2) Cut out the leaves. If you give this job to your children, remember to focus on being thankful that they can use scissors safely and don’t worry too much about whether the leaves are cut perfectly. :-)

3) If you have printed on white paper or card stock, have the kids color the leaves red, yellow, orange, brown and maybe even a few green.

4) Find a few bare branches in your yard and place them in a vase or pretty flower pot. Weight the container and stabilize the branches by pouring sand, floral marbles or rocks into your container while holding the branches in position. Your “tree” is ready for leaves!

5) On Thanksgiving day have your children bring around baskets or trays with the leaves and pens to your guests. Each person can write something he or she is thankful for on the blank side of a leaf. The more leaves on your tree the better!

6) Tape the stem of each leaf onto a branch of your tree.

7) Take some time during or after the meal to read the leaves aloud.

We would love to see pictures of your Thanksgiving trees! Share them in the comments or on our facebook page!

What family traditions do you have that help you focus on your blessings at Thanksgiving?

Let The Children Come - DoNotDepart.com

Try this simple activity on Thanksgiving to help kids focus on their blessings. #LetTheChildrenCome

Make a Thanksgiving blessing tree using our free scripture printable. #LetTheChildrenCome

Who You Are Is Not Defined By How You Feel

October 29, 2015 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

Who you are is not defined by how you feel. Understand the truth about who you are in Christ. #DepressionTruths

Depression has become a serious issue for some Christians. The impact of depression can be profound. And being a Christian does not get you an automatic “get out of depression free” card, like life was some gigantic Monopoly game.

But why does depression plague God’s children? Is there a way to healing?

Feelings

Recently I journaled through some of the seasons of depression I have experienced. I wondered if I could find any common threads.

I discovered two themes that ran through all of my struggles with depression over the years:

I felt that in some way I had failed
I felt that I had no control

I felt.

That itty bitty sentence speaks volumes about the heart of depression.

I – The one thing I am consistently able do when I am depressed is focus on myself. Not in the sense of healthy self-care, alas. More like obsessive dwelling on problems and on my failings. Thinking about me, myself and I.

felt – Oh the feelings, how big they grow. Giant waves of emotion that submerge me with their unhealthy undertow. Feelings based on nothing tangible but the moment.

If I lived life ruled only by feelings? I would never escape the cycle of depression.

Depression is a Liar

Depression tells you that you are a failure. That everything is hopeless. That nothing really matters, especially you.

The father of lies is the enemy of your soul. Jesus Himself said of Satan:

When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 b

But when you have chosen Jesus, you have become a believer in Truth. He is truth.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

A person with Jesus in her heart can fight the lies in the most powerful way – with the truth of who she is in Christ.

Who You Are in Christ

The lies of depression take your eyes off God and laser-focus them on yourself and your situation. Feelings of failure and hopelessness blind you to truth – the truth of who God sees when He looks at you.

When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life, you become a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17) God’s Word is replete with descriptions of who you are in Christ.

Here are just a few verses that describe the spiritual truth of your identity in Christ:

You are a child of God. John 1:12
You have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
You are free from condemnation. Romans 8:1
Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:38-39
Your sins have been forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
Once you were darkness, but now you are light in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 5:8

Understanding the truth about who you are now that you have been rescued from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13) will transform your worldview (Romans 12:2.)

Print out this extensive list of more than 100 verses that show your true identity in Christ and keep it where you can read it every day. Spend time studying each Scripture, praying that God would reveal His truth to you.

There are no caveats to these truths. The Word does not say “You are a child of God… as long as you are perfect,” or “You have peace with God… on the days you are feeling peaceful.”

Don’t let your emotions alter the truth.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

You Are Not in Control

Life is a hard road that sometimes veers through the terrain of depression, grief, and suffering. You can’t control this. It is part of living in a broken world on this side of heaven.

Taking the time to understand who you are in Christ does not place the responsibility for healing from depression on your shoulders. Yes, read the truth! Steep yourself in the Word. Speak Scripture aloud, read it daily, play it instead of music. But beware of subtly shifting the focus back to the wrong place – you and your own efforts.

When depression is profound, you can not be the primary agent in your healing. Jesus Himself is your healer.

Understanding your identity in Christ will help you keep your eyes pointing in the right direction – toward Jesus and truth – and open the way to healing.

Depression Truths

Depression lies. Fight the lies with the truth of who you are in Christ Jesus. #DepressionTruths

God comforts the depressed (2 Cor 7:6 nasb) #DepressionTruths

Blessed Are the Persecuted {Wrap Up}

October 3, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Blessed are the Persecuted

Persecution is a difficult topic. As American Christians we recognize that persecution is a life-and-death reality in many parts of the world. But most of us are not persecuted in any serious way for our beliefs, and we find the topic of persecution unsettling.

The Do Not Depart writing team has tried to address this topic from a variety of angles. We pray that you have grown in your understanding of worldwide persecution, in your resolve to support the persecuted, and in your desire to pray for both the persecuted and their persecutors.

Here are all the posts in the series:

God’s Word tell us to expect persecution
Remember: stand firm, God is faithful, you are never alone, have hope
Pray for and support ministries to the persecuted
You may not be persecuted – are you persecuting someone? A serious look at our hearts.
Read what it is like to be a Christian in Indonesia
If you don’t know how to respond to persecution read these ways to move past fear to learn and love
We are exhorted to glorify God if we suffer for His name
Most of us live easy lives compared to the rest of the world – and that can be a problem spiritually
The radical call of the cross is to bless those who persecute

Read all the posts in Do Not Depart’s #BlessedPersecuted series.

Bless Those Who Persecute You {Romans 12:14}

October 2, 2015 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

The radical call of the cross - Romans 12:14

It is the radical call of the cross. The impossible command.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Roman 12:14

Bless.

Those who hurt you, those who pursue you with unkind intent, those who oppress you because of Whose you are… bless them.

Peter said it too:

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9

Even Jesus Himself said it:

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:27-28

Over and over… bless.

This is love lived – to bless those who do evil. To serve those whose aim is destruction. To feed your enemies.

This is loving your neighbor as yourself… because those who hurt are your neighbors too.

Yet when children are beheaded for believing in Jesus Christ, when women are raped and sold as slaves, when in our own land those who profess to be Christians may be murdered, where do we find the place in ourselves to love those who wound so violently?

This radical command is impossible because we can not do it in our own strength. But with God all things are possible. Only in Christ, Who suffered and died for us, can we find the way to love.

Please take a moment and watch this video, and pray. Pray for those who are persecuted across our planet home. Pray for those who persecute.

And today, choose love when worldly reason tells you otherwise.

Blessed are the Persecuted

It is the radical call of the cross. The impossible command… #BlessedPersecuted

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Roman 12:14 #BlessedPersecuted

Glorify God! {1 Peter 4:16}

September 23, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” – 1 Peter 4:16

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." - 1 Peter 4:16

Blessed are the Persecuted

Ministries to the Persecuted

September 9, 2015 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

Around the world, many many believers in Jesus Christ are suffering. When our brothers and sisters in Christ are under siege for their faith, it can make us feel helpless. We know that persecution is happening in many parts of the world, but if it doesn’t touch our lives, it can seem remote and difficult to handle.

We just don’t know how to respond.

So what can we do to help the persecuted? First and foremost, pray! Pray for protection for the persecuted, pray for deliverance, pray for courage and healing. Pray for physical provision. Pray that they will know joy.

We can also support organizations that minister to our persecuted brothers and sisters, and even work with government officials to advocate on their behalf.

There are a number of ministries specifically created to help the persecuted church. Their websites provide up-to-date detail on current situations and needs. Here are just three:

Christian Freedom International

“The mission of Christian Freedom International is to help Christians who are persecuted and suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. We are a non-denominational human rights organization providing real solutions to conditions of oppression and misery caused by religious persecution. We reach the part of the persecuted Church that is the most repressed, most at risk, and most isolated. In areas of disaster, we provide immediate relief to Christians, and their communities, who are ignored by conventional aid organizations. It is our privilege to minister to the Persecuted through Bible distribution, medical aid, resettlement assistance, advocacy, asylum case-work, and aid to the disabled; to sponsor schools, vocational training, and self-help initiatives; to provide these services at no charge by CFI staff and volunteers. It is our goal to work together with Christians at home to ease the burdens of our struggling brethren around the world.”

Open Doors

“For over 60 years, Open Doors has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement and Christian Community Restoration.”

The Voice of the Martyrs

“The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting our persecuted family worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ.”

Take some time to learn about these ministries and how you can serve our persecuted brothers and sisters. Let’s join together with all God’s children in praying for one another, especially for those who are in greatest need.

Do you know of other resources for helping the persecuted? Please share in the comments.

Learn how you can help the persecuted church. #BlessedPersecuted

Pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith! #BlessedPersecuted

Back to School: Helping Kids Stay in the Word

September 2, 2015 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

The first week of September is upon us (already!) and that means that almost everyone is back at school. Whether you headed back a few weeks ago or have just started, shifting routine from summer vacation to school time can impact other areas of your life.

For a lot of people, when routines change, it is easy to lose track of regular time reading the bible. How can you help your children stay in the Word during the busy days of school?

The most important way is to be in the Word yourself, reader and mom Amy Bo wisely recommends. Modeling a love for scripture speaks much louder than your words. If you are struggling to find the time, consider joining an online ministry like Hello Mornings or Good Morning Girls, specifically designed to help you develop the habit of meeting with God first thing in the morning.

Here are some suggestions for ways to help your kids stay in the Word too:

Encourage older children to keep their bible next to their beds so they can read a few verses when they awaken
Play praise music as everyone is getting ready for the day.
Put a scripture-a-day calendar where everyone can see it – such as on the kitchen windowsill or bathroom counter.
Read a short morning devotional as a family during breakfast.
Tuck a scripture note in your child’s lunch (here is a really creative way to do it using a banana!)
When everyone gathers at home after a busy day, sit on the couch together with a yummy snack and take turns reading aloud from the bible
Set aside time for your children to tell you about their day. Ask them how you can be praying or them, and help them find scriptures that apply to their situation.
For screen time let your children watch a bible story video or play on the Bible App for Kids
Make bedtime fun with bible stories and lots of cuddles

How have you helped your children stay in God’s Word? Share in the comments!

When life gets busy, staying grounded in the Word of God will help you and your children stay focused on what really matters!

Help your kids stay in the Word even during busy school days. #KidsintheWord

Kids need the Word of God in their busy days too! #KidsintheWord

Blessed are the Persecuted

September 1, 2015 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

Blessed are the persecuted. It is not an intuitive concept, is it?

In fact, we humans seem programmed for self-preservation; wired for the desire to stay safe and survive.

So when Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount…

Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!
– Luke 6:22

… I imagine the people must have looked at each other in confusion. How could they expect blessing when they were the objects of hate, exclusion, discrimination and injustice because of their belief?

Jesus’ next statement put it in perspective:

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
– Luke 6:23

The blessing of persecution is an eternal blessing, not necessarily an earthly blessing (although God can use it that way too.) In the economy of God’s kingdom, persecution is not a debit, it is a credit.

We too find this a hard statement to accept, don’t we? On the one hand we might understand it on a spiritual level. But to embrace the actual possibility of persecution, to face the reality of what it would mean for our daily lives? That takes a faith that only God can give.

God’s Word is clear that we must expect persecution:

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
– 2 Timothy 3:12

Paul didn’t say we might be persecuted. He said we will be persecuted.

Are you persecuted for your faith? Persecution of Christians comes in many forms, and it is growing worldwide. Open Door Ministries estimates that on average 322 Christians per month are killed for their faith. This is a number that has been growing at a dramatic rate over the past few years, almost doubling each year.

Death is the ultimate form of persecution, and persecution occurs in many other ways at a much higher rate. From discrimination to physical violence, persecution is a reality for many many believers today.

Christians need to be prepared for persecution, and be supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing persecution.

This month our theme is “Blessed are the Persecuted,” in which we will explore scriptures that address persecution, and ask ourselves what we can do to care for those who suffer under it.

We hope you will join us.

God’s Word is clear that Christians must expect persecution. #BlessedPersecuted

On average 322 Christians per month are killed for their faith. #Pray #BlessedPersecuted

Revive and Renew: Monthly Wrap-Up

August 28, 2015 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

We hope that our Revive and Renew series has given you some helpful tools for getting in the Word and sitting at Jesus’ feet. Your Do Not Depart team has enjoyed pulling together these resources because we are just like you – always in need of renewal from the Lord!

Here is what we shared this month:

A printable of Luke 10:41-42 to remind you of what really matters when you are worried.
Carry these prayer cards with you for encouragement to seek our Good Shepherd for rest (share some too!)
Pray and read scripture throughout your home, welcoming Jesus and His peace.
Five ways to find rest in a busy season and ten key bible verses on rest.
Four verses you can print and hang up in your home to help you pause, breathe and remember.
“Be Still” – a bible study on Psalm 46:10 that you can print and do at home.

In our crazy-paced world, rest and renewal are more essential than ever. Seek Jesus and He will lead your heart beside still waters, and fill you with His peace which passes all understanding. Even in the middle of your busy-ness!

Did you read all our #ReviveAndRenew posts this month? Here they are…

Be Still: A Free Bible Study on Psalm 46:10

August 27, 2015 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Doesn’t it seem like the standard answer to the question “How are you?” has changed in our culture? It used to be that the usual response to that question was, “I’m fine,” or “I’m doing well!” But now we all say “I’m busy!”

Busy-ness has become the norm. And busy people are distracted people. What better way to keep you from focusing on God and His Word than a long to-do list?

The fact is, our pace of life is a choice. And while there may be some things you cannot control in your day-to-day, you can choose to find a way to invite God’s holy stillness into your heart and mind daily.

“Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”

– Psalm 46:10

How can you obey God’s directive in Psalm 46:10 to be still when the world makes so many demands on you? We’d like to help you start.

Set aside some time to dig into Psalm 46:10 using our free printable bible study. Allow the Lord to grow you in internal rest and stillness, so that you can live in peace no matter how busy your life might be.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

download “Be Still” bible study

Is the fast pace of life wearing you down? How can you “be still?” FREE bible study! #ReviveAndRenew

Download “Be Still,” our FREE bible study on Psalm 46:10. #ReviveAndRenew

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