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Spiritual Gifts – Blessed to Be a Blessing

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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.

Spiritual Gifts - DoNotDepart.com

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

Songs, hymns & spiritual songs Recap

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Recap
I sat at the stop light with a full heart. Thoughts about family needs, news about friends in Tornado Alley, upcoming challenges, and truths from my morning Bible reading all collided there at the intersection. As if to provide a way to let the waves break, the words on the CD gave voice to my tangled thoughts:

  I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord. No tender voice like Thine, can peace afford.
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee.
Oh, bless me now my Savior. I come to Thee.

The tones and lyrics lifted my thoughts from the mire of the earthly and turned the pressure and anxiety to a peaceful kind of praise there under the red light. Old words still relevant. Fresh music in a new arrangement of young voices.  I wondered if the woman in the sedan beside me noticed I was in the middle of being blessed by a song. I was alone with the Lord in a concert of praise, listening to a spiritual song full of  truth that fed my soul. I had to hold myself back when the light turned green!

This month we’ve taken a listen to music as a tool for Bible study and as a vehicle for our walk with God.  The words that speak to you and the arrangement that resonates with you may be different from day to day, from friend to friend, from need to need, from culture to culture, or from prayer to prayer.

God gifted us with music to give voice to our worship of  Him, our worry about earthly things, and our wonder in the journey.

Songs, hymns & spiritual songs RECAP

 Songs Recap

Click to TWEET >  Check out this Recap of the songs, hymns & spiritual songs series on @DoNotDepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ui

Click to TWEET > God gifted us with music to give voice to our worship of  Him, our worry about earthly things, & our wonder in the journey.

Last Day for this Huge Faith and Family Resource!

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Get The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle--Hurry: Sale 6 Days Only!

Last Wednesday, we shared the news about The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle with you. This bundle is a complete library of great eBooks on homemaking—a truly valuable knowledge base you’ll use for many years to come. Check out the post from last week for which ebooks we recommend for Do Not Depart readers and how buying this whole bundle will save money.

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A Song for When You’re Sinking

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A Song for When You're SinkingDon’t you just love Peter?

I think one of the main reasons we like him so much is because we can relate to him so easily.

One moment, he’s willing to die for Jesus. The next, he’s running scared. One minute, he’s recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of God, the next he’s vying for first place in the kingdom. He’s human…just like us.

Faithful one moment, scared the next. 

For example, in Matthew 14, when he saw Jesus walking on water, he courageously decided to get out of the boat and join Jesus in the waves. This was one of Peter’s finest moments.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long: “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:30).

When Peter had his eyes on Jesus, he could literally walk on water. But when he took his eyes off his Savior, he began to sink. 

Hillsong UNITED sings a popular song based on this Biblical story. The song is called Oceans (Where Feet May Fail). You can listen to the entire song here.

My favorite line from this song might not be the one you would expect. It’s only said one time, but it’s nonetheless powerful: “You’ve never failed and you won’t start now.”

It’s so easy in the midst of a storm to think God is failing us. If He were really here with me, this wouldn’t be happening. If He really loved me like His Word says He does, He wouldn’t allow this into my life. 

But God WILL NOT fail us. He never has. He never will.

When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God. 

Just as Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus, we too can sink when we focus on our circumstances instead of on our God.

When I was going through four consecutive miscarriages, this song reminded me of God’s faithfulness. God had never failed before…and he won’t start now.

Cling to that truth today.

If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it. 

What other songs have encouraged you through difficult times?

Tweetables:

“When our circumstances make us question God’s faithfulness, the problem is our circumstances, not our God.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.

If you feel like you’re sinking in the storm, keep your eyes on the One who can walk you through it.” @DoNotDepart #SingPraise –Click to tweet this.

Huge Resource for Bible Study, Faith, Family, and More

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We’re big on sharing resources around here, and we have an awesome deal to share with you today.

Last year, we told you about the Ultimate Homemaking Ebook Bundle, a MEGA bundle of numerous ebooks, e-courses, and resources. Well, it’s back!

Keep reading for details, including which resources we think you, as our Do Not Depart readers, will appreciate even more.

Get The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle--Hurry: Sale 6 Days Only!

By popular demand, 100+ homemaking bloggers are bringing back The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle, and it’s better than ever!

The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is a complete library of great eBooks on homemaking—a truly valuable knowledge base you’ll use for many years to come.

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A few eBooks that might be of particular interest to you:

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Disclosure: We have included affiliate links in this post. Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

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

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It Is Well with My Soul - donotdepart.com

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

(If you are reading in email and can’t see the video, click here)

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.

Songs-Hymns-Spiritual-Songs200
Tweetables: 

Do you know the tragic story behind the beloved hymn “It is Well With My Soul”? #SingPraise @donotdepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2TP Click to tweet

How can we rejoice in the midst of grief? #SingPraise @donotdepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2TP Click to tweet

May we each this day sing “For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live.” #SingPraise @donotdepart http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2TP  Click to tweet

Songs Revealing Beauty and Grace Out of Brokenness

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I sometimes get lost in my brokenness.

I focus too deeply on my problems. Sit too long on my mistakes. Refuse grace-given love too frequently.

I’m broken and don’t deserve love, but that’s the point of grace.

Songs that Reveal Beauty and Grace in Brokenness {DoNotDepart.com}

Depths of Music

As much as I love words (and, like Ali, I really do), music (and dance) can express depths where words sometimes cannot breach.

When you think of brokenness and grace, you might think of the song “Amazing Grace”:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost,

But now am found.

Was blind but now I see.

John Newton, the author of this song, saw numerous trial and tribulations, many at his own doing. Even after a breakthrough moment for him during a literal storm, his faith grew gradually into a healed and powerful force.

The song “I Saw the Light” brings more, well, light to brokenness:

Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.

I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.

This song, originally by Hank Williams in 1948, has been covered numerous times. I love this version from David Crowder Band. As soon as I sing or hear this song, I remember that I’m not stuck in my past mistakes.

I sang those two to my children as babies when they cried and I was weary. Soothing balms to our souls.

I also replay “I Am New,” a contemporary song from Jason Gray, when I need yet another reminder:

Now I won’t deny
The worst you could say about me
But I’m not defined
By mistakes that I’ve made
Because God says of me

I am not who I was
I am being remade
I am new
I am chosen and holy
And I’m dearly loved
I am new

Do you need to hear that again like I do?

We are not defined by our mistakes. We are chosen and holy and dearly loved. We are new.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

How These Songs Heal

These songs are just a few of those that both wreck my heart and fill it to overflowing with joy at the same time.

Sometimes a song draws my attention back to renewal when just a thought won’t. Sometimes a song (music and words together) reaches farther into our hearts than words alone. Music combines multiple modes of expression together. Mutliple ways to explore, learn, turn, remember, and praise.

As this article on the significance of the Psalms (and song) from Bible.org states: “The greatest calling of the church and of individual Christians is not to be evangelists or teachers or exhorters or comforters, but worshippers.” Song helps us do just that.

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” – Psalm 108:1-3

Other Songs for Beauty in Brokenness

  • My husband and I are big fans of Switchfoot. Intelligent lyrics with a sincere faith foundation. Take a look at “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine” off the [amazon_link id=”B000CDG5AY” target=”_blank” ]Nothing is Sound album[/amazon_link].
  • Our family loves basically anything from [amazon_link id=”B001MIFVIK” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link]. Every song verses as lyrics, accompanied by varied and interesting music (not at all hokey). I love the song using John 16:33 as lyrics.
  • If you need a song to bounce and sing to, try “Happy Day” from Tim Hughes.
  • If you like learning the history and affects of songs and hymns, take a look at the [amazon_link id=”078523182X” target=”_blank” ]Then Sings My Soul book series[/amazon_link] from Robert Morgan.

Sing praise with me. What are some of your favorite songs to remind you of His grace that covers brokenness?

Tweetables:

“Music (and dance) can express depths where words sometimes cannot breach: http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2TE #SingPraise via @DoNotDepart” – Click here to tweet this.

“What are some of your favorite songs to remind you of His grace? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2TE #SingPraise with @DoNotDepart” – Click here to tweet this.

Come thou Fount: a song for wanderers

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Mighty truths and stirring melodies often meld in the forge of pain. Englishman Robert Robinson wasn’t the first boy to habitually wander from the narrow path. He only went to a meeting to hear George Whitefield so he could mock it, but instead, he changed. As a young adult trying to etch out a new path for life, he wrote down the anthem of his heart. It’s an invitation, a declaration, and a confession that resonates with anyone likely to drift off course and long to return.

Invitation to COMECome Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Having learned Jesus is the Fountain of every blessing and the changer of hearts, Robert invites Him to “Come” tune his heart to produce a song of God’s grace and mercy. Though writing in the 18th century, Robert recognized that God’s character calls “for songs of loudest praise.” This is the chorus of those who want more Jesus, who long to have the Living Water fill them to an overflow of praise. Robert longed to produce a song of praise.

“Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.”

Declaration of FAITH

“Jesus sought me when a stranger,” Robert admitted, but he declared recognition of how God helped him in his times of trouble. He had been wandering and in danger, but the blood of Jesus rescued him. In the Old Testament, Samuel set up an “Ebenezer stone” after God delivered the nation of Israel. Robert’s hymn was an “Ebenezer stone” of God’s rescue in his life. If you’ve experienced personal rescue, the words to this song may give your heart the voice of expression you long for.

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)

Confession of NEED

Truth and music often meld in the forge of pain. This hymn is no different, revealing the writer’s desperate need for grace and his struggle not to wander from His Lord. No matter how much I want to cling to the Fount of every blessing, I know that I have a tendency to leave the Lord I love, to wander from the close fellowship I’m meant to have with Him.

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love,” he wrote.
Robert Robinson did stray from the Fount of every blessing after he wrote this hymn. He later recognized his folly, and in reflecting on the words he once penned, he confessed, “I would give a thousand worlds to enjoy the feelings I had then.”

Mighty truths and stirring melodies often meld in the forge of pain.

  • Every day must bring a fresh invitation for the Fount to “Come” tune our hearts to his praise.
  • Every day must resound with a declaration of our faith in God’s help for our trouble.
  • Every day must bring us down on a bended knee, where we beg God to come.

“Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to Thee. Here’s my heart; Lord, take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.”

Download a printable Worship Worksheet: Come Thou Fount  Bible Study Tool.

Click to TWEET and share this > Mighty truths and stirring melodies often meld in the forge of pain. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Tp #ComeThouFount #WanderersSong

Good things are coming! – Isaiah 55:13 {Memory verse}

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It’s our last week memorizing Isaiah 55 together. Thanks to all who have journeyed with us in this amazing chapter.

And what a verse to end on! Isaiah 55:13 is a beautiful image of restoration and metamorphosis that we experience now in part, but will experience later in full.

As you read these words leading up to our celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Sunday, thank God for His power to transform ugliness to beauty, uselessness to purpose, and hardships to victory. May our praise be a memorial to His grace and goodness for all to see, now and forever.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Isaiah 55:13 (ESV)

Tips for memorizing Isaiah 55:13

  • Review Isaiah 55:1-12 every day this week
  • Add verse 13 and repeat it at set points throughout your day
  • Think how you’ve seen transformation in your life already
  • Look at pictures of thorns and briers, then cypresses and myrtles
  • Recite the entire chapter to someone this weekend as an Easter celebration
  • At the end of the day, use Isaiah 55 as a prayer of promise and praise
  • Practice using Scripture Typer
  • Practice using first letters
    I o t t s c u t c; i o t b s c u t m; a i s m a n f t L, a e s t s n b c o.

Tweet this:

“Good things are coming! Memorize Isa 55:13 with me. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2OT @DoNotDepart #HideHisWord”
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Look over all of Isaiah 55. What was your favorite verse? Did you memorize any? Please share.

Hiding Isaiah 55 in my heart (DoNotDepart.com)

Help Kids Keep Easter about Jesus

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Disclosure: Do Not Depart sometimes uses affiliate links. See the bookstore page for full disclosure. Thank you for supporting this site.
 

Help Kids Keep Easter About Jesus - http://donotdepart.com/keep-easter-about-jesus

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

Spend Time in the Kitchen

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

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!

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

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