Selecting Devotional Materials

May 23, 2011 by ScriptureDig 3 Comments

{One of my favorite series Kristi has done was her “tour through the Christian book store.” Each of these posts presents sound information and questions to ask about what we find in these stores and how to be discerning about what we purchase. This one, however, is my favorite! I love Kristi’s wisdom in this post about the importance of moving beyond devotional reading into digging into God’s Word. Thank you, my friend, for sharing your insight with us! ~ Teri Lynne}

Originally posted March 17, 2010 on KristiStephens.com

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been taking a “virtual field trip” through a Christian book store. As I stated at the beginning of this series, Christian bookstores can be both a blessing and a trap – there are so many good resources and encouraging things out there in the Christian market, but there are also many that are irreverent, misleading, full of doctrinal error, or sold through packaging rather than content.

We’ve discussed the “Jesus junk” section, Christian fiction, and the Children’s Section – today I’d like to discuss using discernment when selecting devotional books and Bible study resources.

Let me say this upfront: The Word of God can and will change our hearts and lives. It is living and active and powerful.

But the Word of God cannot change our lives if we spend one minute, or five minutes for that matter, in it per day.

Many devotional books seem to be written with the premise of “fitting in” time in God’s Word into your busy life. I’ve seen so many versions of “one minute devotionals” or “busy mom devotionals” that it makes me crazy. I’ve even seen these on CD – if you cannot even find one minute to read one verse, you can listen to it in your car.

There is nothing inherently wrong with devotional books – much of what I do on this site is basically writing devotionals. I read and study Scripture, try to explain it, and draw applications from it. Reading devotional thoughts from another believer who has studied and meditated on Scripture can be inspiring, challenging, encouraging.

But we MUST understand: Devotional material cannot replace actually spending time reading God’s Word for ourselves.

My advice is this: if you enjoy using devotional books, don’t just read the verse they print on the page for you. Read it from your Bible. Actually, read the whole passage, chapter, and preferably book of the Bible.

Try to find devotionals that direct you back to the Word, rather than just giving you “happy thoughts” based on a verse that is pulled out of context. Avoid things that promise only happiness and rainbows and butterflies as you walk with God – sometimes the Christian life is hard. Sometimes the Bible is confusing. Resist the urge to reduce God down to your personal “pocket pal” who is always with you and wants only to make you feel good. That is a reduced and false perspective of God that will do you no favors.

Resist the urge to find a way to make your devotional life “fit” into your busy schedule. There is a subtle legalism in that thought – we easily fall into the trap of thinking that if I did a 5-minute devotional, I have fulfilled my obligation to God and can proceed through my day guilt-free. For more discussion of this, you might want to read “The Renewing of Your Mind,” a discussion of Biblical meditation and what it means to truly be transformed by knowing and meditating on God’s Word.

Occasionally I hear someone say they use my blog as part of their devotional routine. Wonderful! I hope what I share here encourages you and helps you dig into the Word – but please dig into the Word on your own, as well!

Sometimes I even hear someone say that they listen to Christian radio or podcasts of sermons on the way to work or as they are doing housework. Great! It can be encouraging and challenging and helpful – but you need to dig into the Word on your own!

No teacher, no matter how godly or well studied, has words that are living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, able to penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. That power comes from the Word of God itself, according to Hebrews 4:12. Rather than reading only about God’s Word, we need to actually read God’s Word!

Sometimes I find that believers rely on devotional material because they do not know how to read and understand Scripture for themselves. They have never been taught how to study, interpret, and apply God’s Word. If that is the case for you, please consider downloading and using my free “Sword School: How to Study the Bible” ebook.

Learning to use your “sword” does take work. It’s harder than having someone else spoon-feed you Truth. But nothing will change your life like studying the Word for yourself and knowing Who God is and what He says from your own time spent digging those truths out.

How has devotional material impacted your spiritual walk? Have you found yourself relying on devotional material rather than reading and studying the Word for yourself?

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:9-16

Open Letter from a Pastor’s Wife

May 20, 2011 by ScriptureDig 8 Comments

Teri Lynne and I became friends years ago now. Our friendship started out because of one common bond–both of our husbands are in ministry. She has been such a mentor to me in this area. That’s why I choose her “Open Letter from a Pastor’s Wife” as my favorite post from her site.

So often people look at me and they THINK they know who I am. After all, I married a man called by God into His ministry … I must be a super-holy, deeply spiritual person.

Some people think I must have a beautiful voice, be an excellent pianist, and love teaching toddlers in Sunday School.

Others imagine I am a gifted Bible teacher who bakes fresh bread every day and rises at 4 a.m. to pray for each church member by name.

Still there are some who believe my home is always immaculate and I never lose my temper or feel jealous, inadequate, or tired.

And, to be honest, there are days when any one or two of those things might be true about me … but there are never days when they all are.

But here is what I wish you could see …

I’m just a girl like you who wants someone to say they like my new haircut.

I’m just a person like you who is painfully aware of my shortcomings

(and doesn’t need them pointed out!).

I’m just a mom like you who wishes I knew how to handle every situation with my children but spends most of my life wondering if I’m scarring them forever.

I’m just a wife like you who loves her husband but wishes he’d pick up his socks and towel instead of leaving them in the floor.

Most days my life look much like yours … I struggle to find adequate time for prayer and Bible study in the midst of helping with homework, doing laundry, and trying to fix a dinner that is nutritious, inexpensive and everyone will at least try. I wonder why the cleaning fairy never manages to end up at my house, who drank the last of the milk and put the empty carton back in the fridge, and where all my forks have disappeared to. I have a never-ending “To Do” list that always gets lost in the frantic pace of carpools, dance and school, church activities, and grocery shopping.

Most days I don’t do many “spiritual” things … I’m a wife, a mom, a church member, a community volunteer, an employee, and the list goes on ~ just like it does for you. And there are days when I feel very inadequate for every one of those roles.

Sometimes I wish you could just spend the day with me … so we could talk about how hard it is to raise Godly children in today’s world, so we could share how much we long for marriages that reflect Christ’s love for the church, so we could cry over the failures in our past and find joy in the God who takes all our mistakes and molds them into something beautiful to His glory.

The truth is … I need you. I need friends who will window shop with me and enjoy a triple grande vanilla latte with one pump of raspberry (just in case you ever wonder what I order at Starbucks!) as we stroll through shops we could never afford. I need prayer warriors who will hold my arms when I can no longer raise them on my own. I need fellowship and friendship. I need someone who doesn’t need details but whose shoulder can bear my tears.

And you should know this … every note you send to say that you appreciate me or my husband, every time you say how much you enjoy having my child in your Sunday School class, every time you give me a hug and say that you love me … that all matters! I may not always be able to tell you why your timing is perfect but God has used you!

Next time you look at me and think, “She’s too busy,” or “What could we ever have in common?” or “I can’t be myself with her, she’s the pastor’s wife!” PLEASE toss that thought away!!

Yes, my life is full and the seasons of our life may be very different but there is room in my heart for relationships. And I’ve got no illusions that anyone is perfect … I look in the mirror every morning and am reminded of that very truth. But I would cherish time to get to know you.

So, go ahead … invite me to coffee, suggest a new shop I might like, pick up the phone and give me a call.

Yeah, I’m married to the pastor. And yeah, my life is different because of that. But the bottom line … I’m just a girl, just like you.

Philippians :: Week 1 :: Paul’s Heart

May 20, 2011 by Katie Orr 23 Comments

i usually focus on quantity: how much can i read each day. now i’m focusing on quality: how much Truth and insight can i glean from just a few verses. -Aly at The Mommy Diaries

I love this! This is our hope, that you will learn how to dwell on each verse, each word; looking and digging to find the great treasures in scripture. This study will be different than most of the other studies that you have been a part of. We certainly want to learn from Philippians, but we also want each of you to learn better how to study the Bible on your own. Instead of us simply regurgitating what we’ve learned from Philippians, we want you to find the life-changing truths from Philippians for yourself! The study guide is geared towards that end.

If you are just finding out about the study, you can read more about it here and here. Anyone is welcome to jump in any time! If you haven’t downloaded the study guide, go ahead and head over to Inspired to Action and print it out.

If you were able to follow the study guide plan this week, you should have read this passage at least eight times throughout the week. I like to think of it as putting on different glasses as you read, each time looking for something different. You may not find any “answers” to each question throughout the week, and that is fine. We are training ourselves to look for certain key elements that most passages of scripture will have.

Here are some of the truths I found in my study of Philippians 1:1-11:

What I learned about Paul

Servant. He refers to Timothy and himself as “servants of Christ Jesus.” 1:1 The greek word Paul used here is doulos: “devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.” This certainly is echoed throughout the book of Philippians, how Paul considered himself a servant of Christ who follows the example of the ultimate servant, Jesus.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant… Philippians 2:4-7a

Thankful. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine” 1:3-4
Prayerful. “always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…And it is my prayer that…” 1:4, 9
Joyful. “…making my prayer with joy…“1:4 Philippians is known for the book of joy for a reason. Over and over again Paul speaks of his own joy for God’s people and His purposes. Paul later encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! (*clap* *clap*) 4:4
Confident in God. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring in to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” 1:6 Yet another theme we will see in Philippians- Paul’s confidence in the Lord and His purposes.
Affectionate. “For God is my witness how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” 1:8
Imprisoned. “…in my imprisonment” 1:7 Paul wrote Philippians, from house arrest in Rome. (See Acts 28:14-31)

What I learned about God

Source of grace. “Grace to you…from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” 1:3
Source of peace. “peace from God our Father” This is a theme that we will see more of in Philippians! “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 4:7 See also 4:9.
God is our Father. 1:3
Jesus is our Lord. 1:3
Whom we give thanks. 1:3
Began a good work in us. 1:6
Will complete this good work. 1:6
He knows our yearnings. “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all…” 1:8 God knew Paul’s yearning for the Philippians. He knows our hearts as well. This is the first time I have noticed this truth!
Jesus is the source of righteousness. “the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.”

What did you learn?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the truths to be found in Philippians 1:1-11 What insights did you see? Any promises? What did you learn about your identity in Christ? What is the Lord leading you to do as a result of what you have learned?

How did you like the study guide? Do you have any questions about the passage or study guide? Did you write a post about your study this week? Leave it in the comments!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apparently my but is really big.

May 19, 2011 by ScriptureDig Leave a Comment

{I loved this post from Teri Lynne and still often think about how big my “but” is! Such a great reminder of how sometimes the things God asks us to give to Him seem small – and yet we so often fight Him on it! I’m working on a big “but” myself at the moment… so thanks for the challenge again, TL!}

It’s almost noon and I am struggling through this post … still. Like I have been struggling through the three drafts I have begun and discarded. My quest for simple is apparently going to be a little more complex than I had expected. I suppose I simple-mindedly had believed that it would be a matter of discarding unnecessary items and modifying some scheduling around the house. I figured I would have to learn to say, “No,” more often and that there would be time when I let of good to experience God’s best. Pursuing simplicity seemed to be the next step in my pursuit of a lopsided life. It made sense and, at the beginning it wasn’t that difficult.

Until I read this, the second controlling principle of simplicity offered by Richard Foster in his genius book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth:

Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. (90)

So, I began writing ….

Draft 1: Big things – like pornography, alcohol, drugs … things that affect others. That draft got trashed pretty quickly. After all, this year of simple is about learning what God is wanting to do in my life, not about making broad statements about others.

Draft 2: Sanctimonious things – like watching television instead of engaging in conversation or buying children things instead of spending time listening to them … and while that may be something the Lord leads me to write about later, it wasn’t the post for today. Trash.

Draft 3: Heart things – like wanting to keep up with appearances and have all the cool toys … sorta dealt with that last week. Trash.

And so, here I sit, dog happily chewing on a treat under my feet, coffee warm in my favorite mug right beside me, fingers clicking away at word number 290 and dreading, heart literally pounding, at what the Lord has shown me to write.

I’ve had this inner dialog with Him about it. Sorta sounds like this:

“But, Lord, that isn’t really that big of a deal, is it?”

“But, Lord, I *know* there are much more serious issues in my life than this!”

“But, Lord, seriously? How is this really making a difference?”

“But, Lord …”

And yet I keep coming back to it … the subtle conviction I’ve felt over the past few days as I engage in it. It has drawn me in … and I find myself longing for more time to do it … thinking about how I can do it better … staying up later than I should doing it.

The “it,” you ask?

I’m embarrassed to admit it … in fact, I almost decided not to tell you … just to allow you to fill in your own personal “it.” Yet, the more I contemplated, the more I prayed, the more I waged this inner battle, the more I realized that it really does always start small … a little diversion, distraction … something that is harmless gains control of the heart or mind … and so, as I share the small beginning of my own “it,” perhaps you will realize there is an addiction in your life too. Something that steals time and attention from the things that matter … something you long to do and even fail to do those things that should be done in order to do it.

And so, I’m sharing that a simple little game has become an addiction for me. I joked last night with my husband that I don’t need to play an new games because I’m already addicted to one … and as the words came out of my mouth, my heart broke. It’s a letter game … making the most words out of a group of letters – sort of like boggle for my Kindle. I love it … and I play it all the time. All. the. time.

Why have I spent so much time on this post, this confesssion? Because I really, deeply, desperately believe that it does always start small. And before we know it, a hobby or game, Twitter or skyping, it can be anything … but that small thing becomes the addiction in our lives.

So, today, I’m letting go of my but … deleting the game from my Kindle. And every time I think about how I’d like to play just one quick game (that is impossible for a competitive person like me who wants to beat my last score every. single. time.), I’ll pull out my Colossians memory cards.

What about you? Do you need to reject anything in your life?

How big is the “But” that keeps you from doing so?

Laundry Lessons

May 18, 2011 by ScriptureDig 2 Comments

I can’t help it. I see God’s Word illustrated in the real things of life, in the daily, the mundane, the dirty, the extraordinary, the usual, the familiar. His truth just reaches out and grabs me from places like the kitchen counter and the post office window. When I read “Laundry Lessons” from Teri Lynne, the truths resonated as an everyday reminder of our amazing God.

Teri Lynne writes, “Pulling warm clothes from the dryer, I carefully folded each piece. Smoothing out the wrinkles on shirts and pants, I thought of all the ways the Lord has smoothed out wrinkles in my life. Taking the trials and making them joy as He guides me along the path He has laid out for me.”

Tired of doing laundry? Teri Lynne will change the way you think of every load from this day forward.

Laundry Lessons

“Every thirty minutes the buzz echoes through my otherwise quiet house. I quickly finish the task at hand and redirect my attention toward the interrupting sound.

The day is spent in a mindless cycle of sort, wash, dry, fold, put away. I am struck by the simple truth that since God fashioned the garments of animal skin for Adam and Eve, fabrics of all types have been beaten with rocks, scrubbed on washboards, and tossed into machines. Those same garments have then been stretched out, hung up, and shoved in to dry. Carefully folded, they’ve been placed in drawers and baskets, on shelves and floors – prepared for use by the wearer …” (Read the rest here)

the day His word came to life

May 18, 2011 by Lara 8 Comments

Oh, I was on-fire for Jesus. The kind of on-fire that calls old friends to make amends and weeps with joy over a forgiven past. He redeemed me from so many pits. He lifted me out of myself and opened my eyes. Then like only our wild God can do, he led this prodigal to seminary.

I craved him deep. I wanted to see him and know him. I wanted to love him and believe him. I wanted to hear him.

I’ll never forget that particular day. I had been studying for my classes when his word came to life. As I poured over the pages of scripture, he personally, intimately spoke to my soul. He bent down into time and his word pierced me. It met me right there in that little coffee shop. And I knew he saw me…and loved me. I knew he was speaking.

When I got back to my dorm room the thought overwhelmed me. I threw my bible down on the bed, looked at my roommate, and said, “The thing is alive and it’s freaking me out!”

It is. Alive.

His word breathes. His word is. His word stands. And we are a needy people. We are needy for his truth to meet us in the everyday moments of life, from the mundane to the monumental. Guiding us. Defining us. Sustaining us. Affecting us…if we are willing to listen.

Remember with me today. His word is alive and active. He is willing to speak to our souls and invade our day. So let’s dig deep and believe him.

How has his word come alive to you?

What Is Your Finish Line?

May 17, 2011 by ScriptureDig 2 Comments

{I absolutely love Teri Lynne’s consistent and persistent heart to challenge women to live out loud for Christ. With transparency, vulnerability and zeal, she seems to always challenge women to pursue a passionate relationship with Christ in the midst of the dailies of this life.

I especially love Teri Lynne’s post, “What Is Your Finish Line?” When you get involved in serving Christ it can be an easy fade from worshipping God to worshipping the work. In this post she calls us to remember the prize is not the accomplishment of a work as she says – “The prize is Christ … and I do know this …HE is ENOUGH!” Teri Lynne, thank you for the way you shine for Christ – and the way you challenge others to do so, too!}

What is your finish line?

by TERI LYNNE UNDERWOOD

A gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it. ~ Cool Runnings

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (12:1 NIV). And so often I see people running … hard, dedicated, passionate … but I wonder if they are seeking the true finish line.

We’re told in the second verse of that chapter that our finish line is Jesus Christ. That’s it. Christ is the end … “the author and perfecter of our faith.” It’s Him alone.

But as I look around – first my own heart and then the visible lives of others – I see a lot of other finish lines … and some of those finish lines are not bad things! But running toward your family or your home, setting your sights on your ministry or your influence … those are just as “not Christ” as focusing on on wealth or power.

And though I haven’t learned nearly all I want to know, one thing I have begun to grasp is this … Whatever we pursue instead of Christ will always leave us empty. If our goal is ANYTHING except making Him known in all things … no “win” will ever fulfill us. The prize is Christ … and I do know this …

HE is ENOUGH!

Philippians Bible Study

May 16, 2011 by Katie Orr 25 Comments

We are excited to announce our next study here at Do Not Depart…Philippians!

Each week, for the next 13 weeks, we will be studying a new passage from the book of Philippians. The most exciting thing about this is you can study on your own, alongside of us! We have put together a study guide to help you spend daily time in this book.

If you are looking for something to study this summer, we would LOVE for you to join us. This is in conjunction with Inspired to Action’s Maximize Your Mornings summer session, yet anyone is welcome to join in the Bible study.

The Plan

There are five days of simple study questions for each week’s passage. Begin each day with a short prayer, asking God to open your heart to His Word, then use the day’s questions to help you read and study the passage. Have your journal open, ready to jot down what you discover through your time of study.

Day 1: READ

Read the passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. Write down any questions or observations you may have about the passage. Then reread the passage.

Day 2: TRUTHS

Today, with your journal and pen ready, we are going to look for specific TRUTHS in the passage. We will read the passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:

What does this passage teach about God?
What does this passage teach about Paul?
What can I learn about my identity in Christ?

As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn about God, Paul, and yourself throughout the book of Philippians.

Day 3: PROMISES

Read this week’s passage and this time look for PROMISES.

As you find a promise write it out in your journal, figure out if it is a conditional or unconditional promise. A conditional promise usually contains “if…then.”
List out the conditions and what will result if those conditions are met.

Day 4: COMMANDS

Read this week’s passage. As you read, note any COMMANDS in your journal. Read the passage again, this time looking for any implied commands. We can learn much from the experiences and failures of people in the Bible. As the Word commends or disapproves of certain characteristics, we can use this as a model towards Christ-likeness.

Day 5: APPLY

Today we are going to make the passage personal through application. Journal through these questions:

How does my view of God line up with this passage’s teaching about God?
What is the Lord leading me to DO as a result of this passage?

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to do the work in your heart so that you may walk in obedience to this passage.

UPDATE: Be sure to download the study guide, which includes the schedule and the study questions on cards you can print out to keep in your Bible! You can find the study guide over at Inspired to Action.

The Schedule

Week 1: Philippians 1:1-11 Paul’s heart for God’s people
Week 2: Philippians 1:12-18 God’s purpose in Paul’s imprisonment
Week 3: Philippians 1:19-26 Paul’s desires: God’s people and God’s presence
Week 4: Philippians 1:27-30 God’s gospel-purpose for us
Week 5: Philippians 2:1-11 Paul’s charge to unity through following the example of Christ
Week 6: Philippians 2:12-18 Paul’s charge to Word-centered obedience
Week 7: Philippians 2:19-30 Servants of the gospel (examples to follow)
Week 8: Philippians 3:1-11 The surpassing worth of Christ, our righteousness
Week 9: Philippians 3:12-21 Paul’s example: Press on toward the call of Christ
Week 10: Philippians 4:1-9 Paul’s plea: Pursue the peace of God
Week 11: Philippians 4:10-23 Paul’s contentment in God’s provision

The Result

You may not find “answers” to each of these questions each week. The point is to begin training yourself to look for truths, promises, commands and application points when you read the Bible. After walking through the book of Philippians this way, you might just be ready for another book all on your own! You will certainly encounter Jesus in a deeper way, and that is what this is all about.

If you plan to study with us, we would love to know! Just leave us a comment. We are looking forward to taking this journey with you! We will be posting each ~~Thursday~~ Friday with some insights on each passage, so be sure to stay tuned!

Hiding His Word :: Vlog Link-up

May 16, 2011 by Katie Orr 2 Comments

Have you memorized any scripture lately? It’s time to link-up those vlogs! Whether it be one verse, an entire book, or anything in between. Whatever you are working on, we want to hear it!

Reciting what you are learning, for others to see, is a great way to ingrain what you are learning. It is also a great encouragement to others!

Just grab a webcam, post your video (use the vlog button, if you like), and link up below!

Counting for Eternity

May 16, 2011 by ScriptureDig 4 Comments

All this week, the Scripture Dig team – minus Teri Lynne – will be sharing our favorite “Teri Lynne” blogs from her personal site with you.

Last Saturday I spoke at a women’s conference on the importance of leaving a legacy that will impact eternity. So when I read Teri Lynne’s blog “Counting for Eternity,” I felt like we were on the same wave length. Read on to discover what truly does “count for eternity!”

“When life comes down to the bottom line, I want mine to have counted for all eternity.”

unknown

How does this happen? What steps do we take to make our lives count for eternity?

I know this … it’s not by chance or happenstance. It’s a purposeful decision, a dedicated choice made consistently out of obedience. What counts for eternity?

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heave, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21, NIV

So what counts for eternity? Not things like gold (which is just heavenly asphalt) nor mansions (which will be the homes for all), not the clothes (for we will all be clad in white linen, brides dressed for our Bridegroom) nor jewelry (which will be the stones of which the gates are made) … nothing like food or furniture which can easily be destroyed nor electronics which thieves can steal … no the treasure in heaven is US. People … the precious commodity of heaven … lives, broken and wounded, but restored and healed by the blood of Christ.

If we truly desire to make our lives count for eternity then our lives must be marked by bringing along others … purposeful, intentional sharing of the Gospel. Following the example of Christ and going where the need is greatest. If our only mission field is our home and our church, we have failed! We must leave the safety of Jerusalem, the comfort of Judea … moving into the hostility of Samaria … and even into the darkness that is the rest of the world.

And so I wonder, when was the last time YOU shared the gospel truth? When was the last time you left the safety of the familiar and ventured out into the darkness of those in desperate need? For I am convinced that our love for Christ, our passion for Him, is never a safe thing … and our following of Him was never intended to be only shown in our homes. We are called to GO … and as we GO, to SHARE. We teach our children best what the disciple’s life is when we take them with us to the poor and oppressed, when we show them compassion for those who are dirty and sick, when we visit the lonely and jailed.

Then the King will say to those on his rights, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? when did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

Then the King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did to the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:34-40, NIV

Powerful statements … what are you doing to store up treasure in heaven? Is your life marked by sacrificial giving of your time, your energy, your resources … beyond your home? When was the last time you purposefully shared the life-giving, life-changing truth of the Gospel of Christ with someone? Is that a priority in your life?

We are called to live beyond ourselves, beyond our family … teaching our children as we go, not as we stay locked away in the safety of our homes, but as we go into a world that is truly dark and dying. If we believe that hell is real and that Christ is the only answer, the only way … why are we not doing everything we can?

How are you reaching out and purposing your life to count for eternity?