Patti Brown, Author at Do Not Depart

Encouragement in the Word

September 2, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

September is a busy time of year. The lazy days of summer have past, students are returning to classes, and thoughts are turning to cooler weather. It is easy to get so distracted by all the rushing about that we forget to keep our hearts and minds meditating on Truth.

We want to encourage you to abide in God’s Word every day, especially on your busy days. Especially on the days when you are struggling. This month each of our writers will be sharing scriptures about specific topics to encourage you in your daily walk.

We always like to hear from you, our precious readers. Are there any topics about which you need special encouragement from the Word today?

Join us to find encouragement in the Word this month at Do Not Depart. #EncouragingWord

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Purity of Heart {a free printable resource}

August 27, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

All that we are called to as children of God can be distilled into one word: love.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

Love is the reason to pursue purity. When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, body and mind, you are choosing to put everything of yourself into being His.

We can not do this alone. No one can be pure by sheer force of will. Yes, you have to make the choice to pursue purity moment by moment. But it is only because of the loving mercy and tender care of Jesus that any of stands a chance.

Every single one of us struggles. Jesus knows your struggle to love Him with all of yourself.

Love Him With…

When I find myself battling in a certain area, scripture helps my heart and mind focus where God wants me to.

Love Him with your body.

There are many scriptures addressing physical purity. The Lord cares what we do with our bodies. Not only is it is a reflection of our hearts, but it is also taking care of His own possession – you!

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Love Him with your mind.

Faulty thinking often gets us in trouble. Maybe we have not fully aligned our worldview with His, or we’ve allowed our thoughts to wander down inappropriate trails.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5

Love Him with your heart.

There are over 1000 scriptures about our hearts. Jesus really really cares about your heart. It is the wellspring of life.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

Help in the Word

Today we have a free resource for you. You can print these Purity of Heart memory verse cards to keep with you, or to put them in strategic places around your home, helping you keep your mind fixed on God’s truth.

Download Purity of Heart verses

Join us tomorrow to learn about more verses specifically focused on purity of mind and body.

All that we are called to as children of God can be distilled into one word: love. #ChristianPurity

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Free resource – Purity of Heart memory verse cards #ChristianPurity

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No one can be pure by sheer force of will. You need Jesus. #ChristianPurity @becomingjoyful

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By Faith Abraham Believed the Promise

July 29, 2014 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

If ever there was a mortal man who personified faith, it was Abraham.

God told Abraham to take everything and move away from home, without knowing where he was going. So he did. God told elderly, childless Abraham that he would have as many offspring as the stars of the sky. Abraham believed. God told him to take his beloved, long awaited son Isaac up a mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham gathered his supplies and his son and headed up the mountain. (You can find the whole story of Abraham in Genesis 11:27 – 25:11)

Even though Abraham rarely knew what was around the bend on the road of his life, he confidently walked forward at God’s command.

What kind of faith drives a man like that?

As I read over Hebrews 11:8-10 and Hebrews 11:17-19 the word that stands out to me is promise. Repeated three times in this passage, it is a reminder of what motivated Abraham.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
– Hebrews 11:8-10

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
– Hebrews 11:17-19

Abraham believed the promises. He believed that God would do as He said. He believed that God was trustworthy and would follow through.

What about you? Is God telling you to do something that requires great faith today? Do you believe the promises?

This side of the cross, we understand that every promise God made to Abraham has found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
– 2 Corinthians 1:19-20

Abraham did not shrug off anything God told him to do. Even when it was hard. He knew he had nothing to lose by obeying God. Even when it seemed like he did.

Some might say that God asked Abraham to do some pretty crazy things. And you know what? He is asking you to do some crazy things in faith today too. Starting with loving the people right next to you.

Was it hard for Abraham to pull up roots and move to an unknown place? Absolutely. Is it hard for you to love people who act selfish and unkind? No question about it. And they are both radical obedience in the face of logic.

Was it hard for Abraham to head up the mountain to sacrifice his son? That one is so beyond my comprehension that I think hard is not sufficient to describe it. Is it hard for you to sacrifice your desires and personal ambitions and “in humility count others more significant than yourselves”? (Philippians 2:3) Yes, indeed.

Faith means walking forward in obedience even when you don’t know what is around the bend.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

But faith does not mean we walk blindly – Jesus is our vision, and His Word is the lamp for our feet, lighting the way. Jesus Himself is our promise.

The faith of Abraham believes the promise and walks forward with joy.

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Faith means walking forward in obedience even when you don’t know what is around the bend. #ByFaith @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-32e tweet this

Every promise God made to Abraham has found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. #ByFaith @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-32e tweet this

On the Road and In the Word: Bible Fun for Kids

July 25, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

It’s that time of year – road trip season!

Families are criss-crossing the country for summer vacations. Whether the trip is short or long, when you travel with children you’ll find the going is sweeter with a few fun activities planned. And why not make them Word-centered?

Our family takes road trips frequently. My husband and I are originally from New England but now live in Texas, so every year or two we make the 32 hour drive back east to see extended family. This summer we went the other direction, exploring the western part of the country with our three kids. From a gorgeous sunrise in the desert at Arches National Park in Utah, to roaring waterfalls in Mount Rainier Park in Washington, we have enjoyed the exquisitely varied beauty God created in our country.

Are you traveling with children? When they’re not looking out the window at the sights, you can encourage your kids to stay in the Word while on the road with fun road trip activities. Here are a few to try:

Games:

Bible 20 questions – Play 20 questions, picking a person, place or thing from the bible
“I’m reading through my bible” memory game – Players in succession think of something in the bible beginning with a letter of the alphabet. Each player has to first remember all the previous letter words. Example:
Player 1: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam.”
Player 2: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam and Bathsheba.”
Player 3: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam, Bathsheba and Caleb.”
What bible book comes next? – Test each other’s knowledge of bible book order by calling out book names and seeing who can remember the book that follows.
Scripture memory race – There are several variations you can try. Who can memorize a new verse fastest? Who can recall a verse when given the verse number? Who can remember the verse number when given just the verse?

Crafts:

Bible coloring pages – There are lots free options online. Here is a good one.
Sculpting with Model Magic – I am a huge fan of [amazon_link id=”B00004UE4A” target=”_blank” ]Model Magic[/amazon_link]. It is like play dough but does not make a giant mess of the car. Have your kids shape animals from the bible, or even try making an ark!
Make a journal – For older kids, pack the supplies to make a journal that they can use on the trip. Here are some cute ideas. They can record beautiful things they see, things God is showing them, and verses they have learned along the way.

Audio:

I always pack an inexpensive CD player with headphones for my youngest when we have a long drive. Then I toss in favorite stories and songs. You could include

[amazon_link id=”143350295X” target=”_blank” ]Bibles on CD[/amazon_link]
Scripture songs – from artists like [amazon_link id=”B001EJH4SW” target=”_blank” ]Steve Green[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B004Z9VNFI” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”B00DO0MEXO” target=”_blank” ]Yancy[/amazon_link].
[amazon_link id=”B002IRDDUC” target=”_blank” ]Bible stories[/amazon_link]

Do you have fun road trip activities to add to the list? We love to hear from you! Please share in the comments.

On the Road and In the Word: Bible Fun for Kids from @DoNotDepart #LetTheChildrenCome

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Help your kids stay in the Word while on vacation, via @DoNotDepart and @becomingjoyful

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Bible Resources for Teens and Parents

June 25, 2014 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Young people today are growing up in a world that is hostile to Christianity. Moral standards that were once the norm are now considered antiquated and optional.

God hasn’t changed. But the culture has.

How do we help our children stand firm? How can we help them navigate the transition from childish faith to a mature walk with Christ?

The teenage years are usually a time of deep questioning and seeking. While our kids are clearly able to be more independent in this season of life, it is not the time to take a hands off approach. Walking through the Word with them is still vital.

Parents and teenagers can work through any bible study together. Most teens are intellectually ready to to use studies marketed for adults. You might want to study one book of the bible. Or perhaps a topical study would appeal to your child.

You can study together, or study separately then meet to discuss what you have learned. This would be a great excuse for a regular outing to the coffee shop, which is sure to be appealing to your teen!

There are also bibles, devotionals and studies marketed specifically for teenagers. Here are a few we have run across:

[amazon_image id=”1433682265″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Truth Matters: Confident Faith in a Confusing World[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”1433682265″ target=”_blank” ]Truth Matters: Confident Faith in a Confusing World[/amazon_link]
This book about Christian worldview addresses common objections to Christianity, and is specifically aimed at young people.

[amazon_image id=”0979354331″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Manquest: Leading Teenage Boys Into Manhood[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”0979354331″ target=”_blank” ]Manquest: Leading Teenage Boys Into Manhood[/amazon_link]
For young men and their dads, this book is “step–by–step approach to transforming boys into men of courage, honor and integrity.”

[amazon_image id=”0736907890″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart: A Teen’s Guide to Friends, Faith, Family, and the Future[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”0736907890″ target=”_blank” ]A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart: A Teen’s Guide to Friends, Faith, Family, and the Future[/amazon_link]
From a female perspective, this book helps girls explore the priorities of God for their lives, based on the Word. A good option for mothers to use with their daughters.

[amazon_image id=”B007W4FGEM” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Passport2Purity® Getaway Kit by FamilyLife – Version 3[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”B007W4FGEM” target=”_blank” ]Passport2Purity® Getaway Kit by FamilyLife – Version 3[/amazon_link]

Passport2Purity is a book and cd set that is designed to be used by parents with younger teens as a getaway weekend. There are different versions for boys and girls.

[amazon_image id=”0736901906″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]http://www.amazon.com/Power-Praying-Teen-Stormie-Omartian/dp/0736901906/ref=zg_bs_280287_1 Stormie Omartian[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”0736901906″ target=”_blank” ]The Power of a Praying Teen[/amazon_link]

The Power of a Praying Teen addresses common issues that teens face, using scriptures, prayers and devotionals.

[amazon_image id=”0310745683″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Teen Study Bible, NIV[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id=”0310745683″ target=”_blank” ]Teen Study Bible, NIV[/amazon_link]

There are a number of bibles on the market with supplementary material aimed at teens. The newest version of The NIV Teen Study Bible was just released. Do Not Depart author Caroline reviews this bible here.

Parenting during the teenage years is a time for constant prayer and patience. Stay in the Word with your child and grow alongside him or her. You will make memories you will always cherish.

Do you have a favorite bible resource for teens? Please share in the comments.

Tweetables:

How do we help teens stand firm in a world that is hostile to Christianity? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Z @donotdepart tweet this

Bible Resources for Teens and Parents http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Zb via @donotdepart tweet this

Your teens need your guidance in the Word just as much now as they did when they were little. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Zb @donotdepart tweet this

Free to Choose Holiness

June 24, 2014 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

Freedom. It is a word we Americans hear often as we anticipate our annual celebration of Independence Day. The word freedom has many political and philosophical implications, so the meaning of freedom varies from person to person.

For Christians, the definition of freedom is bound up in the person of Jesus Christ, the One Who sets us free from our captivity to sin and death.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

The Fruit of Freedom in Christ

Through Jesus Christ, you and I have been released from the death grip that sin has on our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin, walking a path that leads to destruction, but by His grace we are walking in freedom in Him. When Jesus sets us free from that bondage, the fruit is sanctification – the process of growing in holiness.

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:22

Sanctification is an ongoing process. I’m sure you can agree that when you were saved you did not immediately stop sinning. No one is perfect this side of heaven, but we are no longer trapped by sin, no longer destined by our very nature to always go against God.

Because of Jesus’ gift, we will spend eternity with Him, but we still have to exercise our freedom to choose not to sin today.

Choosing Holiness

In my preschool Sunday School class I teach a game I call “The Repentance Game.” Repentance is a big word for a little person, so I use this game to demonstrate what it means.

First I turn off the lights in a room with a window, so that one part of the room is dark, but light streams through the window. I tell the children, “Whatever you do, you are always making a choice to walk toward Jesus or away from Him. When you are walking toward the darkness and doing wrong things, He wants you to repent, to turn around, and run toward Him… to run to the light.” I have the children face the dark side of the room, and when I say “Go”, they slowly walk forward. Then I shout REPENT! and they turn and run run run toward the light.

You and I are all grown up, but we still have to choose… walk toward the darkness, or run toward the light?

Because God has set His people apart for Himself, we do not have to make decisions that go the way of the world, the way of the culture. As you daily make choices to live a life of holiness, a life according to His beautiful plan, He further refines you and shapes you into the person He wants you to be be – someone who does not live in fear, someone who chooses to love.

When you walk fully in the freedom you have in Christ to live a holy life, you will not only experience joy, but also will not have to deal with the consequences of sinful decisions. You can live free today from the pain of sin and its ongoing effects.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

You can’t earn holiness. You can’t earn eternal life. Only through Jesus Christ are either possible for you and for me.

But you can choose to live set apart for God’s service. Every single day you have countless opportunities to decide to walk with God or away from Him in the details of your life.

You and I have been given the gift of true freedom in Christ, the fruit of which is holiness and, ultimately, eternal life!

Tweetables:

Ever heard of The Repentance Game? Find out more from @becomingjoyful and @donotdepart #kids #SundaySchool #holiness http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Zs click to tweet

Every single day you choose to walk with God or away from Him in the details of your life. http://wp.me/p1S #holiness @donotdepart click to tweet

For Christians, the definition of freedom is bound up in the person of Jesus Christ. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Zs @donotdepart #holiness click to tweet

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Spiritual Gifts – our month in review

May 29, 2014 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

We spent time this month looking more closely at a few of the spiritual gifts described in the New Testament:

Encouragement – Lisa reminded us that encouraging is when we deliberately come beside someone as an invitation to God.
Serving – Love is the foundation of service. Lindsey took a closer look at John 13:1-17.
Teaching – Do you have the gift of teaching? Ali showed how Jesus is the model.
Pastoring – Patti described eight ways in which a pastor’s role is like that of a shepherd
Hospitality – Julie underscored the importance of all believers practicing hospitality, which overflows from a heart of genuine love.

In addition, Kathy warned against focusing too much on the gift itself instead of the Giver, and reminded us that spiritual gifts are the way the Holy Spirit chooses to work through an individual to accomplish God’s purposes. We pray that you will be open to the Lord’s leading in understanding the gifts He has given you, and that you will demonstrate your love for Him by using those gifts to serve in His kingdom!

Tweetable: This month’s posts about #SpiritualGifts @DoNotDepart: http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Xm tweet this

Heart of a Shepherd – the gift of pastoring

May 24, 2014 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

The gift of pastoring, like all spiritual gifts, is given for the purpose of blessing and growing fellow believers. While this may not be a “flashy” spiritual gift, a pastor is absolutely essential to the health and growth of the body of Christ.

Poimenas Means “Shepherds”

In most versions of the bible, the Greek word poimenas (ποιμένας) in Ephesians 4:11 is translated as “pastors.” But the ESV more accurately translates poimenas as “shepherds.”

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Ephesians 4:11-13

Poimenas is found throughout the New Testament to refer to actual shepherds, including those who visited the infant Jesus. The work of a shepherd – a herder of sheep – is an apt metaphor for the work to which a pastor is called!

A Shepherd’s Job

Shepherds have many responsibilities as they tend their sheep.

A shepherd feeds – Sheep need to eat and drink well to thrive. A pastor is responsible for feeding his sheep with the Word of God.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! – Psalm 119:103

And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3

A shepherd guides – A good pastor will guide his people toward spiritual safety and places of rest, just like a shepherd guides his sheep to safe pasture.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

A shepherd comforts – When trials arise, pastors bless their flock by bringing comfort through God’s Word and through prayer.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

A shepherd protects – Always keeping watch, a loving pastor will be attentive to encroaching spiritual danger and will warn his flock.

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him.” 1 Samuel 17:34-35

A shepherd seeks the lost – When one of the flock is missing, a caring pastor will be aware and will take the time to seek him out.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:12-14

A shepherd is employed by the sheep’s owner – A shepherd is accountable to the sheep’s owner, for whom he works. Likewise all those who pastor are ultimately accountable to God Himself.

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 6:38

The Good Shepherd is the Very Best Model

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14-15

Jesus Himself is our Good Shepherd. In John 10:14-5 we discover two more important aspects to shepherding:

A shepherd knows and is known to the flock – A pastor spends time with those to whom he ministers. Relationships grow, experiences are shared together.

A shepherd makes sacrifices – All believers are called to lay down our selfish desires for the good of those whom we serve, and those pastoring must be willing to be servant leaders.

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:2-3

It is upon Jesus, our Good Shepherd, that pastors are to model their lives and ministry.

Indeed, while not everyone is called to shepherd a body of believers, most of us do have people for whom we are responsible. The Good Shepherd is the perfect model of godly leadership as any believer guides employees, students, children, or anyone under their care.

Many of us have a beloved pastor who has shepherded our spiritual journey for a season. Who has been influential in your journey of faith? Please share in the comments.

Tweetables:

8 ways a pastor’s job is like a shepherd’s. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Xc #SpiritualGifts via @DoNotDepart and @becomingjoyful tweet this

Heart of a Shepherd – the gift of pastoring. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Xc #SpiritualGifts via @DoNotDepart and @becomingjoyful tweet this

The Good Shepherd is the perfect model of godly leadership http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Xc #SpiritualGifts @DoNotDepart @becomingjoyful tweet this

Spiritual Gifts – Blessed to Be a Blessing

May 1, 2014 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

The Lord apportions spiritual gifts to each believer according to His perfect plan for all of His children.

Scripture tells us that there are many types of spiritual gifts – and that makes sense doesn’t it? Our good and creative God has sculpted a beautiful variety of physical attributes and strengths in each of us… He saw fit to also give us a variety of spiritual gifts. Just as the eye needs the hand, and the head needs the feet (1 Corinthians 12:21,) we each need one another’s spiritual gifts.

There are several passages in the New Testament that describe the spiritual gifts:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to anothervarious kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8)

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-13)

God does not give us gifts to puff us up, or to make us feel inferior. His purpose in giving spiritual gifts is for us to use them for His glory, and for the good of others. In selfless service using our God-given gifts, we love actively and show Jesus Christ in the world.

For the month of May we will be looking more closely at the spiritual gifts. If you are not sure what gifts He has given you, ask Him! Spend time in prayer. Ask faithful friends what they see in you. You may even want to try taking a questionnaire that can help you think it through in more detail.

We pray that you will seek the Lord about how He wants you to use the gifts He has given you to bless others. And remember – He may take you out of your comfort zone! God is not limited by your natural inclinations… He calls us to grow in Him so that we can live a life of love.

Has God used someone with a different gifting to bless your life?
Click here to leave a comment.

Tweetables:

God has sculpted a beautiful variety of gifts in each of his children. #SpiritualGifts @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ut tweet this

A new series for May – #SpiritualGifts from @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ut tweet this

In selfless service using our God-given gifts, we love actively and show Jesus Christ in the world. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ut tweet this

It is Well With My Soul – a hymn borne from tragedy

April 22, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Few of us have experienced the kind of serial tragedy that Horatio Spafford (b.1828-d.1888) endured. A Chicago lawyer, Spafford had just invested heavily in property when the Great Chicago Fire broke out in 1871. He lost most of his property and experienced a financial crisis as a result.

A few years later, in 1873, Spafford decided the family needed a vacation. He was friends with preacher D. L. Moody, and arranged to visit him with the thought to perhaps help for a time. Just as the Spaffords were about to embark on their journey, business matters arose which prevented Horatio from sailing. His wife Annie and their four daughters went on ahead.

Tragically, in the midst of that journey, the ship the Spafford family was on (the Ville du Havre) collided with another vessel and sank. Only Horatio’s wife Annie survived, all four of their small daughters perishing. When Annie finally reached land after being rescued, she sent her husband a telegram saying “Saved alone. What shall I do.”

While sailing to join his wife, Horatio Spafford was inspired to write the lyrics to the famous hymn “It is Well With My Soul.” It is said that as his ship crossed the spot where the Ville du Havre sank, the line “It is well with my soul” came to his mind. From there he penned the now famous hymn:

It is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

And Lord haste the day, when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

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Tragedy did not end for the family there. Horatio and Annie continued to have children, but lost their three year old son Horatio to scarlet fever. Only daughters Bertha and Grace survived to adulthood.

The music to accompany the lyrics of “It is Well With My Soul” was composed by Philip Bliss. Not long after he wrote this piece, Bliss was killed in a train crash.

How Can Your Soul Be “Well” in Tragedy?

While you and I might not be subjected to the multitude and magnitude of loss that Horatio Spafford experienced, enduring pain and sorrow is part of life this side of heaven. How can we rejoice in the midst of grief?

The greatness of this hymn is that Spafford focused his heart on Jesus Christ. His circumstances were dire, and his loss was catastrophic, but his eyes were on Christ. He kept an eternal perspective.

It is Well with My Soul reminds me of the words Paul penned in Philippians:

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

The winds and storms of life will come. This is guaranteed. But “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Horatio Spafford’s lyrics remind us that though sorrow, trial, attack, and even earthly death may prevail, Jesus has borne our sin, all of it, and so our souls may be at peace.

As Kathy reminded us “When circumstances are dire, when the way is difficult, and even the future looks dark, we can praise God. We can stand firm on the truth of Who God is, even when our emotions tell us He doesn’t care or He has forgotten us.”

Like Horatio Spafford, may we each this day sing with our thoughts and deeds “For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live.”

Question: Have you ever experienced supernatural peace in the midst of tragedy?
Please share in the comments.

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Help Kids Keep Easter about Jesus

April 11, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

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With all the commercialism of Easter, it can be easy to simply follow the culture’s norm with your children. Buying new dresses, hunting for Easter eggs and filling Easter baskets can become more of a focus than Jesus’ death and resurrection.

But the way we parents celebrate the most important moment in Christian history makes a real impact on our children. Christian parents must be intentional about keeping the focus of Easter on Jesus.

We’d like to help, so we have gathered a few resources for you to consider using to help teach your children about Easter and to celebrate Jesus with them. There are many more resources than we’ve listed. Let us know your favorites and add to the list!

Read together

Use a reading plan for Easter week using the ever popular Jesus Storybook Bible (via Home with the Boys)
Read out loud from a “grown up” bible, using our Easter Week reading plan
Read a devotional together (our family especially enjoys the fictional [amazon_link id=”0825441714″ target=”_blank” ]Amon’s Adventure[/amazon_link])

Make a craft

How about a simple craft? Make a fingerprint cross with your little one using these instructions from Jodi Durr of Meaningful Mama
Try Easter silhouette art from Tamara at Teaching with TLC.

Spend Time in the Kitchen

Make Easter story cookies, during which you will read a scripture for each step of the process.
Bake empty tomb rolls

Daily Activity Plans and Bible Studies for Young Children

Written by Do Not Depart’s founder, Katie Orr, Find More Jesus is an eight day activity plan, designed to start on Palm Sunday.
A Sense of Resurrection by Amanda White includes twelve activities for young children, which you can spread out as best fits your family.
Grapevine Studies offer many bible studies for all ages and topics in the Bible, including Easter studies. Check out the sample lessons that you can download for free on their sample lessons page, including a resurrection lesson.

Share a Seder Meal

Remember Jesus’ final Passover meal by sharing a Messianic seder with your family. In our home, we often do this the Thursday before Easter, and conclude by washing each other’s feet.

For More Ideas

The folks at Free Homeschool Deals have created a huge list of resources for faith-focused Easter crafts, recipes, literature and more
Find Easter resources for the whole family at The Better Mom

And now a question for you: Do you have family traditions that keep Jesus as the focus of Easter? Please tell us about them in the comments!

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Choosing Scripture for Children to Memorize

March 19, 2014 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul… You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Laying the foundation of Scripture memorization when your children are young will help them develop a habit that will bless them for their whole lives. There are many ways to creatively encourage children to memorize scripture, even programs that they can join. But really the only “program” necessary is a willing parent with a bible.

Once you have decide that you want to develop this habit in your children, how do you choose which scripture to teach? If your child is very young, you may want to start with simple, short verses. And the classics are a good foundation for all ages.

Older children might be ready to memorize an entire chapter, or even a whole book of the bible. My kids and I memorized Philippians together a few years ago. It took a long time, admittedly, but that was because slow old mama was memorizing too. It was harder for me – kids’ brains are wired for memorization!

I have gone through seasons with my children when I don’t plan far ahead which verses we will memorize, but instead make decisions based on what is going on in their hearts right at that time. I may choose verses that address a particular issue I see my kids struggling with, or that underscore a character trait that they need to develop.

Here are a few resources that can help you find verses for your children – and your whole family – to memorize.

Simple scriptures for the very young

The site Ministry-to-Children has put together a list of 52 simple scriptures that are easy for kids to memorize
My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt

Classic verses

Use this list of well known scriptures that Lisa pulled together for the Hide His Word challenge last summer.

Memorize a whole chapter, or even a whole book

Download resources for many chapters from Do Not Depart.
The whole book of Philippians, with more helps and tips from Do Not Depart.

Verses appropriate for dealing with specific struggles

Parenting With Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments by Kara Durbin
For Instruction in Righteousness: A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training by Pam Forster
Use OpenBible.info’s topical bible search function to look up topic-specific scriptures

Verses related to developing certain character traits

Our 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson

Your turn: How do you choose which scriptures to memorize with your children? Do you have any favorite resources? Please share in the comments.

How do you choose which scriptures to have your kids memorize? Suggestions from @DoNotDepart here

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Behold Your Messiah – Run to Him! {Isaiah 55:4-5}

March 11, 2014 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

We are continuing our journey through Isaiah 55 today, moving to verses 4 and 5. Open your spiritual eyes – God has something for you to behold!

In the previous two verses the Lord called us to listen, to incline our ears, and to hear. In verses 4 and 5 He tells us to look – to behold, and again to behold.

Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. – Isaiah 55:4

While verse three referred to David, most commentators understand verse 4 to be speaking of the Messiah – the Savior who would come in the line of David. The Messiah Himself is the everlasting covenant, the manifestation of God’s steadfast sure love for David, and for His people Israel.

Scripture is clear that Jesus is the Messiah Who was promised. God made Jesus the witness of His covenant, and the leader and commander of His people.

As followers of Jesus, we can safely submit to His leadership and commands, knowing that He Himself is the very manifestation of a heavenly covenant of love! That love kept Him from succumbing to the enemy’s temptations while on earth, that love that set the example for how we are to conduct ourselves as His followers, that love brought Him willingly to the cross on our behalf.

Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you. – Isaiah 55:5

But now we look again (behold!) and find something astonishing… God planned for the Messiah not to be sent just for the Jews, God’s beloved and chosen, but for all people!

As I read verse 5, I can’t help but imagine all the bedraggled people of the world, perking their heads up at the call of Jesus, dropping their burdens and running. Isn’t it wonderful that the Lord saw fit to include that word in this passage? It reminds me of another precious verse:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. – Proverbs 18:10

Behold Jesus – witness of God’s everlasting love… leader of any who will run to Him when He calls… glorious Saviour!

By the sure mercies of David, we are to understand the Messiah. All his mercies are covenant mercies; they are purchased by him, they are promised in him, and out of his hand they are dispensed to us. We know not how to find the way to the waters, but Christ is given to be a Leader, a Commander, to show us what to do, and enable us to do it. Our business is to obey him, and follow him. And there is no coming to the Father but by him. He is the Holy One of Israel, true to his promises; and he has promised to glorify Christ, by giving him the heathen for his inheritance.
– Matthew Henry

Aren’t we are all little children, hurt and wounded on the playground of life, whose strength surges into us when we see Daddy? We pick our skinnedknee souls off the ground and run into the everlasting arms for comfort, for safety and for peace.

Behold… He calls!

Are you running from Him today or running to Him, friend? How can we be praying for you? Would you share in the comments?

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A Willing Heart

February 25, 2014 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

The alarm rings. You get out of bed, like every day, and stumble to the kitchen. Your hair is lopsided as you start water for tea, rustle around in the fridge for a bite to eat. You were tired last night and left crumbs, so you grab a cloth to wipe down the counter while the water boils. As you reach for the sink faucet, your bare foot kicks the pile you swept after dinner but forgot to sweep into the dustpan. You mentally add things to your to-do list for the day.

By the time you settle with your bible to snatch a moment with God, you feel the weight of the ordinary bending you down.

You and I are steeped in the ordinary aren’t we? Swimming in the mundane details of daily life. Yet when I crack my bible open, the extraordinary… the supernatural… flies off the page and into my heart. Do you feel it too?

We were created for a glorious purpose – to love. To love with our whole being all those the Lord sees fit to cross our paths. We are called to be light… to share the truth of God’s love for His people by our words and deeds. Yet how easy it is to be weighed down and even distracted by the mundane.

We all know the stories… stories of amazing missionaries who accomplished great things for the kingdom against impossible odds. George Mueller, Gladys Aylward, Amy Carmichael … the list goes on and on.

What distinguishes the men and women who have made a great impact for the kingdom?

The Lord uses the most ordinary people to show, go and tell. He does not require a special degree, lots of money, or incredible brilliance. No, what the Lord desires is a willing heart.

“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26

Because we are each created uniquely, the Lord has unique ways for each of us to live out His purposes for us on earth.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Many great heroes of the bible were ordinary people who chose to say yes to God. Noah said yes to building an ark. Abram (later called Abraham) said yes to leaving everything he knew. Moses, the son of a slave woman, said yes to returning to Egypt and confronting Pharaoh. The fishermen disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, said yes when Jesus called them to follow Him.

Saying yes to God is not always the easy path. And alas, few do.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;” Matthew 9:37

But saying yes to Him is a choice even the most ordinary of us can make. And that choice will make our lives extraordinary.

The mission field is the entire world – we are each called to our own unique role in it. We each have the privilege of showing the world Jesus by our very lives, of going into places of great need to serve, of telling of His great goodness and of His faithfulness in our own story.

We just have to be willing. Are you?

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New Beginnings: A Recap

January 30, 2014 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Have you begun something new this year?

Have you embraced that you are someone new in Christ?

We’ve spent the month pondering all things new with you – we hope you have been refreshed and encouraged.

In case you missed any, here are all the posts in our New Beginnings series:

A list of scriptures for your new beginnings
How to receive God’s grace in new ways for your old situations
In Christ you are a new creation, and that affects every aspect of your life
New beginnings mean we keep moving forward, even when things are hard
You can have a new beginning in your personal lineage – your ancestors’ sins don’t define you, Jesus does!
A look at the life of John, a man made new when Christ got a hold of his heart
Every day is a new beginning, every small choice that honors God moves you in the right direction

Allow God to water the sprout of a new beginning in your own life!

Every Day is a New Beginning

January 28, 2014 by Patti Brown 6 Comments

Do you ever feel like a hamster in a running wheel? Round and round you go with the same old habits, the same stinkin’ thinkin’. You wonder how you will ever get off.

You wonder if you will ever shake a sense of defeat.

I have my own entrenched habits that I often vow to overcome. I will never eat sugar again! No complaint shall ever pass these lips! Some days I’ll do well. Most days? Not so much.

I love to make big plans… do you? I sit with my pencil and paper and scratch out lists and schedules and create a world of perfection. A world where I never do wrong and everything goes according to plan.

Then I put the paper down and life seems to go along as it always has.

Yet as I look back over the past few decades, I barely recognize the woman I was twenty years ago. How is this possible?

Real change has always come for me in the small. It has come in the moments of one choice – do I speak my frustration or keep my mouth closed right now? Do I hit snooze or drag myself out of bed and read my bible? Do I believe what God’s Word says about me in this moment or do I believe the enemy’s accusations?

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Each day is a new opportunity to make decisions that honor God. His love for you is so great – He lavishes it on you with His continual mercy and forgiveness.

It is not always easy to make those small decisions that lead to godly change, but you have an advocate! Jesus Christ, who knew all the temptations of man…

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Do you feel defeated in some area of your life? Take heart. God is not looking for perfection… He knows you can’t deliver on that.

But progress, yes indeed, that is possible. You can head in the right direction. Every little choice you make that honors God makes a difference. Every time you speak lovingly to your kids when you feel like yelling, every time you stay silent instead of complaining, every time you choose God’s way instead of your own – it is a new beginning.

Today is a new beginning! Be refreshed in His love and mercy!