Blog - Do Not Depart

Filled Up to Spill Out

February 18, 2020 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

I am loving this current series on benedictions. Like waves on the beach, these benedictions overtake me— I am awash in God’s blessings from His Word. One of my all-time favorite benedictions in scripture is found in Ephesians 3:14-21, and today we’ll be considering verses 17-19.

This benediction, bridges the apostle Paul’s teaching on the doctrine of salvation and unity in Christ and his application of that doctrine. Here he prays for Believers to be filled up with the love of Christ in order to spill out manifestations of God’s love to others.

Dwell

. . .that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. . . . (Ephesians 3:17a)

Since Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden, God has been making a way to dwell among us and with us. Even more, through Jesus, God makes a way to live in us. The verb to dwell means “to settle, inhabit, be always present” (BlueLetterBible.org). Christ’s indwelling comes at His initiative and invitation. He isn’t asking to rent out space in our hearts; He is staking His claim and settling down. Faith enables us to yield to Him so He can make our heart His home.

Comprehend and Know

. . . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. . . . (Ephesians 3:17b-19a)

The apostle Paul wants us to know that everything of God is established in love— His great love for us and the love we share with one another. It is a multidimensional love; it reaches up and out. The use of the word comprehend here means to “to lay hold of so as to make one’s own” (BlueLetterBible.org). Paul desires that we understand God’s love in such a way that it transforms us into the image of Christ.

Futhermore, having lay hold of God’s love with our minds, Paul challenges us to experience and share it. How can we know this great love? Isn’t it beyond our understanding? The use of the word know in verse 19 means “to learn to know, to feel” (BlueLetterBible.org). This definition conveys to me a progressive understanding that comes with time, experience, and application. God’s love is meant to be explored and known. Let the words from The Message Bible wash over you:

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! (Ephesians 3:17b-19a, MSG)

Be Filled

. . .that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19b)

So far, these words of blessing remind us that Christ is in us, and that we have full access to the dimensions of God’s love. We are thoroughly equipped to do God’s will. God gives us access to a storehouse of spiritual blessings through Christ. Following Christ in faith and exploring His great love, we are filled to the brim, even spilling over. God wants the overflow of everything He pours into us to spill out onto others. Essentially, we are filled up to spill out. Who will you “spill out” on today?

God wants the overflow of everything He pours into us to spill out onto others. Essentially, we are filled up to spill out. Who will you “spill out” on today? #Benedictions

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When You Don’t Know What to Say, Say This

February 13, 2020 by Lisa Burgess 12 Comments

When you don’t know what to say, say blessings from scripture. Philippians 1:9-11 is a prayer for love, wisdom, and hope.

When Words Don’t Come

I didn’t know what to say.

I have friends who live in a special apartment complex in my city. They are there for different reasons: some are physically disabled, some are mentally disabled, some are financially unstable.

Their needs are varied. And their needs are usually great. They face things daily that I haven’t faced at all.

So when we deliver meals to them on Wednesday nights, they’ll occasionally want prayer.

And when they do? I often don’t know what to pray for them.

Try a Benediction

One of my friends there was slow coming to her door last week. She heard us knock and asked us to wait. When she finally opened the door, we could tell she was distressed.

She shared briefly what was going on, but she was too exhausted to explain it all. I asked if we could pray for her, and she said of course.

But what could I say? There she sat in pain in her wheelchair with more needs than resources. And I was supposed to offer what?

I wasn’t sure of her circumstances. I didn’t have time to think it through. I didn’t want to sound trite or promise something I couldn’t guarantee.

When we don’t have words to pray—for whatever the reason—we can always pray a benediction.

Benedictions are short blessings often recited over a congregation at the end of a worship service. They remind us to stay expectant for God’s grace. (Read an encouraging article here about 5 Reasons to Recover Benedictions at Church.)

Offer Hope through Philippians 1:9-11

Every Sunday morning with my church, Pastor Pat closes out our service with these words written by the apostle Paul 2,000 years ago to the church at Philippi.

We open our hands and hearts to receive this:

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Philippians 1:9-11

These words are embedded now in my soul. Our memory group at Do Not Depart (Hide His Word) recently memorized all of Philippians 1. These words keep chasing me.

So when I don’t know what to pray, I know I can safely pray these things over anybody, in any circumstance:

I pray that they will:

Know love, more and more
Gain knowledge and use wisdom to make the next right decisions
Be a positive influence among their friends and family
Stay expectant for a brighter future
Experience the love of Jesus for the glory of God

When I prayed for my friend, I didn’t use those exact words. I didn’t go through a checklist in my mind.

But because I’ve heard these truths spoken over me so often and because I’ve used them so much over myself in memorization and meditation, the Spirit breathes them out when I need to share them with others.

I didn’t solve my friend’s problems that day. I didn’t change her circumstances. I had so little to contribute.

But at least in offering a blessing of hope, I hope she felt more loved and less alone.

Find Your Blessing to Give

Is there a passage of God’s love that you can give to others? Find a prayer to say, if you haven’t yet. Our series this month here at Do Not Depart is a great starting point to find a blessing you can pray over others.

It will free you to pray confidently with others regardless of circumstances.
It will bless others with words of truth and hope and love spoken to God on their behalf.
And it will please God that you are blessing others for Him.

It’s what He wants His kids to do for each other.

When you don’t know what to say, say this. See these words of love, wisdom, and hope from Philippians 1. #Benedictions

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Do you have a favorite scripture you pray for others, with others? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

May You Live in Such Harmony

February 11, 2020 by Jaime Hilton 1 Comment

My 13 year old daughter has the loveliest voice. She also has a very natural ear which she uses to pick out complicated harmonies. We put music on in the car and she goes to town, singing at the top of her lungs to whatever genre of music we happen to be playing. Most of the time I really enjoy this about her. Sometimes I even miss it when she’s not around and will make my own feeble attempts to replicate her ethereal additions to the familiar tunes.

Her harmonies elevate the music, not just because she is singing along to the music, but because she is adding her voice. Her notes combine with the other voices and instruments – different, yet unified in the purpose of the song.

That is the picture I see (and hear!) when I read Paul’s blessing in Romans 15:5-6.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. “

Is It Possible?

Living in harmony with anyone is deeply challenging because we are regularly confronted by and forced to choose between our own selfish desires and the needs or wants of another. Whether we are dealing with our immediate, extended, or church family, conflict is pretty much a given. But, praise the Lord!, that is not the final word! Unity is not only desirable but possible through the patient work of the Holy Spirit.

Though we have short attention spans and stubborn hearts, the God of Endurance extends His patience and understanding to us.

Though we are discouraged by the conflict and challenges inherent in any human interaction, the God of Encouragement provides everything we need to live like Jesus among our brothers and sisters.

What does it look like?

Occasionally when my daughter sings in the car, the experience is less than pleasant. The harmonies overwhelm the melody and I have to remind her not to lose sight of the song. The harmonies are there to support and enhance, not show off or take center stage.

Romans 15:1-2 describes what harmony looks like,

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

This action of giving up our own desires for the sake of those around us, putting their needs ahead of ours, creates the harmonies that allow us to glorify God in one voice.

What can you do today to add harmony to this song of glory?

The God Who Equips

February 6, 2020 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

This post about The God Who Equips reminds us that God gives us the ability to do His will and is the first in our series on Benedictions. Our benevolent Father will not ask anything of us that He will not help us do.

My toddler grandson “climbed” a tree yesterday. He ran to the large elm in my yard and mimicked a climbing motion. Standing on tippy toes, he lifted one hand over the other with a look of concentration on his brow. His chubby little hands barely touched the rough bark and his feet never even left the ground. In a quiet, slow and serious voice he said, “Climb like Gecko.” (That’s his favorite character from a cartoon he likes.)

Then he said, excitedly, “I doin’ it! I doin’ it!”

Watching him pretend to climb that big tree melted this Grammie’s heart!

He likes to climb. Occasionally I’ll help him up the low crepe myrtle and show him just where to put his feet and hands. I’ll give him a boost when he needs it and keep my hands over his to strengthen his grip. I’m right there to catch him if he falls. Without help? He can’t climb a tree.

But with my help, he can climb. If I support his weight and give him strength, guidance, and wisdom, he’s able. He climbs because I’m able.

In the introduction to this series, Jennifer told us that benedictions “voice agreement with the blessings God has in store for us, and they are a rich resource for praying for people.”

What are Blessings?

In the New Testament, “blessings” refer to favor that God grants His children. In fact, the Greek word makarios (used 50 times in the New Testament and sprinkled throughout the Beatitudes) means “become long, large” and refers to God extending Himself to us. When God extends Himself to His children, favor is demonstrated.

To be blessed or to give blessings means that one encounters God’s favor and experiences the person of God Himself.

I love the words in these two benedictions that speak blessing over God’s people:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

What beautiful words of encouragement! What great truths to remember! These very same benedictions offered by Paul in 2 Thessalonians and by the unknown author of Hebrews can edify us today.

God extends Himself to His children in order to equip us and make us strong. Oh, how truly, how blessed are we who hears these words and believes them!

Just Who is This God?

Who do the authors of these benedictions call on to bless the reader?

That’s an easy question to answer! God.

And when we look intently into those verses we see these truths about Him. Our God is:

The God of peace.
Powerful.
Our Shepherd.
A covenant keeper.
The God who equips.
The giver of good gifts.
The worker of hearts.
Deserving of eternal glory.
Loving toward His children.
The comforter.
A hope and grace giver.
The establisher of hearts.

What a list! Read over that a few times and I can guarantee you’ll feel blessed as you learn of the grace and love He extends to you.

A Tad More About the God of Peace

Eiréné is the Greek word translated “peace” in Hebrews 13:20. It’s the equivalent of the Hebrew, Old Testament word Shalom.

As the God of peace, our God is intrinsically peaceful. He also grants His children peace and desires for us to be peaceful with one another.

Our peace-filled hearts are a witness of God’s work and love in and among the Church!

I think that in part, His peace better helps us to shine His light and share His love. His peace enables us to act on that peace in a world that certainly isn’t peaceful.

When I am at peace with God, I’m equipped to be at peace with others.

More About the God Who Equips

My little grandson wanted to climb my elm tree so badly. He was convinced that he could do it on his own, even though I know he doesn’t have the ability.

Both of the benedictions above brought my sweet, climbing boy to mind.

Those words written so long ago are a fresh reminder that God equips us– here and now.

As God’s little girl, but on my own, I don’t have the ability to do lots of things. He calls me to do many beautiful and wonderful things (like loving my neighbor and bearing fruit for His glory) and my heart longs to obey! Yet, without His help, I’d just be going through the motions, like my toddler grandbaby, thinking, “I’m doing it!”

Until God supports me and directs me– until He equips me — I can’t do His will. On the other hand, with God’s help “through Jesus,” I am able. (Hebrews 13:21) I don’t need to struggle and strive to do His will on my own apart from Jesus. (I’d never succeed anyway!)

Equipped for What?

Sisters, God gives us the ability to do His will. The passages above point out that it’s literally through His ability that we are equipped for good works that please Him at all. That’s why the book of Revelation shows worshippers taking off their crowns and laying them at His feet. Everything we’ve been given is His anyway. (Revelation 4:10) And that’s why the increase of the talents given to the men in Matthew 25:14-30 was returned to their master. The talents were the master’s in the first place.

Any good we can do is by His ability.

It’s through Jesus in our hearts (the Holy Spirit) and by walking in that Spirit, that we do His will and yield the results of a Spirit-led life displaying the fruit of the Spirit.

He equips us. It’s a fact. And because of that, we can be Christlike.

Our benevolent Father will not ask anything of us that He will not help us do.

Let’s voice agreement with God and pray these beautiful words over our loved ones.

Blessings,

Ali

How do these benedictions bless you? Who can you say them to and pass that blessing on?

Benedictions: Pronouncing God’s Blessings Upon His People

February 4, 2020 by Jennifer Hong 2 Comments

Do you ever wrestle with how to pray for someone? This month we look at benedictions. From the Latin words for “well” and “say,” benedictions convey the goodness God calls us to say over one another. They voice agreement with the blessings God has in store for us, and they are a rich resource for praying for people.

I was many states away when I received an unexpected phone call from my aunt. She had called to tell me that my Nana had become weak, less responsive, and would not be with us much longer. “What is the blessing you say for your kids each night? Would you say that for Nana?” She held the phone up to my grandmother’s ear.

Choking back tears, I managed to say, “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

My bedtime blessing for my children, and for Nana, was taken from one of the first benedictions in the Bible, the blessing God gave the priesthood of Aaron to say over the Israelites (Numbers 6:22-27). It expresses God’s will for His relationship with His people, pronouncing God’s favor over the nation of Israel, later extended to Christian Believers (Galatians 3:7-9).

I think my children sometimes hear these words as, “May God bless you… blah blah blah blah… peace.” The fact that we are all pretty fried by bedtime doesn’t help. I recently researched the Hebrew used in Numbers 6:24-26 and shared with my kids the depth of meaning in these Ancient words.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You

The Lord bless you and keep you. (Numbers 6:24)

The word “keep” here is the Hebrew word “shamar.” It is used to describe Adam’s responsibility to tend the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15), the cherubim’s swords that later guard the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), and the Lord’s assurance to Jacob after he fled his brother’s wrath. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15).

In verse 24, I see the Lord as an attentive gardener, cultivating his plants with nutrients that facilitate their growth and protecting them from harm. My own paraphrase for this verse would be, “May the Lord bestow his favor upon you and keep you close to Himself, protecting you with tender care.”

Illuminate

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. (Numbers 6:25)

“Panaw,” used in verses 25 and 26, describes a person’s physical face, expression, and gaze. It is also used to describe God’s presence (2 Kings 13:23).

The word for “shine” here is related to the Hebrew word “or,” describing the effect of the sun upon the earth (Genesis 1:15) as well as miraculous provision during the Exodus. “And the pillar of cloud … stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.” This light, in the presence of both darkness and evil, provided protection from both (Exodus 14:20).

Together, these words show God bringing His radiant light to His people by setting them before Himself. In His light, darkness dissipates. I read verse 25, “May God illuminate your life with His presence. May He bless you with unmerited goodness.”

Shalom

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:26).

“Shalom” may be one of the most recognized Hebrew words. Though translated “peace,” it conveys more than a restful state or the absence of conflict. Shalom depicts a deep soundness and contented wholeness, an enduring harmony within as well as without. It describes peace with others and peace with God. The reiteration of the word “panaw,” translated here as “countenance,” suggests that it is the face or gaze of the Lord that brings shalom.

Verse 26 could be read, “May He look upon you with grace and give you the enduring peace of wholeness.”

Receiving and Bestowing Grace in Benedictions

When my heart longed for all of God’s comfort and grace for Nana, I was grateful for the words of His tender care that God gave us centuries ago. This month, we’ll look at benedictions in Scripture, to receive their grace and bestow it upon others. Ask the Lord to show you any that you should commit to memory. If your church service includes a benediction at its close, let your heart be attentive. Fully hear and receive the words of blessing. They are rich descriptions of the abundance of life in Christ.

To each of you,

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Intentional Spiritual Growth: Series Wrap Up

January 30, 2020 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog we’ve looked at setting goals and making plans for Intentional Spiritual Growth. Here’s the series wrap up.

In our series intro post, I explained that growth happens best when it’s fostered. And, “once we identify areas where we’d like to see growth, we can set big-picture goals and create specific objectives to reach them. Intentionality is key. When we give ourselves direction (centered on God’s Word), set mile markers, and work with concrete goals, it will only help us hit our mark. Creating actionable steps to follow will move us forward.”

I’m a true believer in setting goals and taking realistic baby steps (and sure— giants leaps if it’s possible) to reach them. Those baby steps are “actionable plans.” When we set out to grow and create an achievable roadmap to get us where we want to go, it’s likely we’ll see a productive result.

Growth will happen.

It’s probably evident from those last few paragraphs that I like goal setting and planning. Though I love to plan and dream and create systems and set the bar high (and I know God created me that way for His purpose), the Lord also reminds me of the importance of keeping things simple.

So here’s a simple (ha!) mini-post on that:

Keep It Simple

Yes, I have a tendency to be thorough and systematic. I love plans and following checklists (which means checklists need to be created, right?). While there is nothing wrong with this, I can sometimes overcomplicate things. Then? God brings people and situations into my life to remind me that the answer isn’t always a complicated one.

Keeping things simple reminds me that God is in control. When I weed through the fluff I tend to create, I get down to the things that matter most. When I dig down into the core of things, God brings to mind words like trust and rest and seek.

In regards to keeping things simple, one of my favorite reminders from God’s Word is this:

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”– Psalm 131:1-2

Here are some questions I’ve used to help me evaluate things: Am I keeping things simple so that I can see, hear, and experience God’s work in my life? Or am I overcomplicating things and crowding out His voice? Am I occupying myself with… well, myself? Am I trusting Him and His abilities? Am I seeking His will above my own?

When I live a simple life of trust, I can grow better. God is so faithful to remind me often that He is abundantly worthy of all my trust! I am so in awe of Him.

Intentional Growth in God’s Word

January 28, 2020 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

I am looking at my calendar today and see February staring back at me already… right there at the end of the week. How is this possible?

It is a whirlwind season of life here with our amazing teens, and I know some day I will look back at it it with such fondness. My current reality is racing from one activity to the next, even one state to the next, as my homeschooled kids fill their schedules with classes, theater, piano, dance, hockey, and college visits. Full disclosure: I still have Christmas decorations needing to be put in the garage!

So trust me when I tell you, if I don’t make a plan for things that are important to me, they just don’t happen. That’s what this month is all about, right? Being intentional.

And crazy as it may sound, I HAVE to be intentional about spending time in God’s Word. How hard is it really? It’s just sitting down and reading the Bible, right? With a life chock full of distractions, without being intentional it can be surprisingly hard!

The tyranny of the urgent can crowd out this important piece of my day. It falls into the “important but not urgent” category of Eisenhower’s principal. When I let the urgent rule my days (and that is so easy!) all those non-urgent, but important, things fall aside. I can’t let that happen.

Why Time in the Bible?

Why should we read the Bible itself? Why not just read scholars’ understanding, or listen to Christian podcasts?

While learning through the perspective of teachers has great value, because God’s Word is personal it is important to read and understand it for yourself as well.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

When you are intentional about spending time reading Scripture, you will come to know who God is better. You will also see yourself more clearly. You will find guidance for real life situations that face you today.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Understanding Yourself

When life is super busy but you want to grow, you have to be honest. Being truthful with yourself about how you tick, what your learning style is, and what the rhythms of your day look like, is critical to creating a plan that you will follow.

What is your learning style?

Visual – Reading may be your best choice
Auditory – An audio Bible might be better retained
Kinesthetic – You may benefit from being active, maybe walking or jogging, while you listen to an audio Bible

When do you have time?

Early morning – Can you get up 10 minutes earlier and have some quiet time to yourself?
During your commute – Using travel time for listening to the Bible (or reading if you take public transportation) can be a simple way to fit it in.
While doing chores – Listening to God’s Word while I mop makes the time fly by!
When you climb in bed at night – If you have the habit of reading in bed before sleeping, how about you pick up your Bible for a few minutes before that novel you are itching to read?

There is no scenario in which you can’t find find a way to fit some time in the Word into your day. You may just have to get creative!

What Does That Time Look Like?

There are many ways to grow with God through His Word. None is better than the other, and all are valuable to explore at some point in your journey.

Read straight through the Bible from beginning to end – I use the Bible app to help me keep track of where I am.
Study a topic – Is there a topic God is impressing on you? Look up all the verses pertaining to that topic. You can use a concordance, or even the Internet!
Study a section/chapter/book in depth – Hanging out in one place in the Bible for an extended period of time can help you plumb the depths of a passage in a way that a quick reading can’t. You can do this on your own or using a formal Bible study guide.
Use different versions – Every time I start at the beginning of the Bible again, I change the version I am reading. I find this helps the text stay fresh and sometimes highlights things I might not have noticed in other versions. My caveat to this is that some versions are less textually reliable. When I am reading a version that is more interpretation-heavy I will cross-reference with a more reliable version when I come to an unexpected passage, so I am sure I am understanding it correctly.

If You Are Struggling

Try as you might, you just can’t develop the habit? Here are some suggestions:

Try something different – A different time, a different version of the Bible, a different study, a different way of consuming (switch from reading to audio or vice versa).
Find a mentor – Look for someone further along the journey who can help guide you.
Find accountability – Do you have a friend who wants to develop a habit? Help each other with accountability.
Find a group – Look for a Bible study group. Sometimes knowing you will be meeting with people gives you a deadline that helps motivate you.

God Wants YOU

Friends, this is not about following rules, or about checking off a to-do list. No legalism please! Time in God’s Word is about growing in a relationship.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15:5‬

You start where you are. I did not expect my wild-child two year old to sit with me for thirty minutes and have a theological discussion. Now, at thirteen, he will happily sit for hours and discuss important topics with me. Your heavenly Father knows where you are in your journey. He loves you and wants to spend time with you where you are today.

There are no standards on how to do it “right.” Find a way to be intentional about spending time with God in His Word, in a way that works for your personality and your time. The fruit of your faithfulness will be joy!

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John‬ ‭15:10-11‬

Praise God {Intentional Spiritual Growth}

January 23, 2020 by Jennifer Hong 1 Comment

As we reflect on intentional spiritual growth this month, let’s take a closer look at praise. What role does praise play in your daily life?

A year ago, I was leading a woman through prayer at the conclusion of a workshop we’d attended on spiritual and emotional healing. There were so many burdens on Lisa’s heart that she wanted to give to the Lord, but she was stuck. The freedom I had seen in many others over the past few days wasn’t coming to Lisa.

As we sat quietly listening for the leading of the Spirit, one of the workshop facilitators turned on a praise song. After a few moments, Lisa stood up. She began to softly sing the familiar words. Then she raised her hands. At the chorus, she began to march circles around our chairs as she sang.

When the song finished, Lisa returned to her chair beside me. Her face was streaked with tears, but she was ready to continue. We returned to the shame and hurt she had struggled to give over to the Lord. Now, everything had changed. She laid it all at the feet of her Lord and readily received His forgiveness, acceptance, and blessing. It was amazing to see her transformation over the next hour. She walked out of the church with a new peace.

Witnessing the power that followed Lisa’s worship made a profound impression on me. In the months that followed, the Lord began teaching me more about praise.

Praise as Battle Strategy

The role of praise is so significant that it was King Jehoshaphat’s front-line military strategy in a battle described in 2 Chronicles 20. The praise singers were sent out ahead of the army.

This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

…As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
(2 Chronicles 20:15b, 20b-22)

What a great battle cry! “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” Read the last verse again. As they were singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against their enemies. The battle itself was not their responsibility. Worship was.

For the Lord is Good

Why do we praise God? The following verses give a few of the reasons the Bible tells us to praise God.

“Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
(Psalm 100:3-5)

Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.
(Jeremiah 20:13)

We proclaim His glory, His goodness, His everlasting love, His righteousness, His faithfulness, His mercy, and His deliverance. In short, we praise God for Who He is and for what He has done. This simple recognition has helped me examine the motives of my heart as I approach the Lord. Apart from intercession, aside from asking anything of God, am I spending substantial time in pure adoration?

Daily Praise

Praise is as vital to our daily walk with God as prayer. As we follow Jesus with intention this year, how can we add more praise to our lives? Following Lisa’s example, I’ve let myself become a bit more vocal and a bit more active in my praise. I moved my quiet reading and writing time from a local coffee shop to our guest room to allow my self to stand, to sing, maybe to dance.

What can you do to make worship a bigger part of your life?
Consider one of these possibilities in the next week:

Sing Psalm 118 with Shane and Shane
Recite or read aloud Psalm 100 as your day begins or before quiet time with the Lord.
Have you ever been on a prayer walk around a neighborhood or a building? Try taking a praise walk. Sing the Lord’s praises through your home. Sing in the kitchen, praise Him in the living room, and declare His goodness in the bedrooms of your home.

Intentional Spiritual Growth: Serving the Body of Christ

January 21, 2020 by Cheli Sigler 1 Comment

At the outset of this month’s focus on intentional spiritual growth, Ali wrote, “growth happens best when it’s fostered.” A PK (preacher’s kid), I grew up in the church, and sometimes it felt like I lived there. From a front row pew, I saw the beauty of God’s people united in Christ working together to bring about His purpose. Serving the Body of Christ (no matter how big or small the task) is an outward expression of faith that can foster spiritual growth.

Serving the Body of Christ (no matter how big or small the task) is an outward expression of faith that can foster spiritual growth. #IntentionalSpiritualGrowth

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The Body of Christ

And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Colossians 1:18)

Neither country club nor service organization, the Church is uniquely identified as Christ’s body. It is led by Christ, bears His name and is a stronghold for His kingdom. Empowered by the Holy Spirit the Church exists for the fellowship and equipping of Believers to share the Gospel with the world. God designed the Church for growing disciples: “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Equipping the Church

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, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4: 11-14)

God gives a variety of gifts for the purpose of building His church and sharing the Gospel. Spiritual gifts are given to Believers, made effective by the Holy Spirit, and are used specifically for God’s purpose: “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” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). God also uses our talents, which are ours by virtue of being His unique creations, for His glory. The Church is designed as a place where our spiritual gifts and talents are practiced, utilized and honed.

Spiritual Growth through Service

Despite all the Scripture about spiritual gifts and serving each other, churches have a difficult time filling their volunteer positions. I encourage you to take steps this week to find a need and fill it with a local congregation or parachurch organization.

Explore: Volunteer for a short commitment or a series of short commitments. Try new areas of service, some that match your talents and some that challenge you. Pray as you serve, asking God to show you if this is where He wants you to grow. Take note of what you see God doing in you and through you as you serve.

Discover: After dabbling in a variety of types of service, you might be ready for a longer commitment in an area of service where you’ve seen spiritual growth in yourself and in those you’ve served. Identify those who are leaders in your area of service and learn from them. Enjoy the fellowship with those you serve alongside.

Employ: Develop your spiritual gift or talents further. Pursue extra training. Be willing to grow into a leadership position. Continue to ask God to use your gifts and develop them for His glory. Be willing to train and develop others— always pointing them to Jesus.

As you serve the Body of Christ, you will grow in spiritual maturity, helping the entire body become more like Jesus. I would love it if you would share in the comments the ways you serve the Body of Christ and how you have grown spiritually as a result.

What Can You Give Away Today? 4 Things to Give Outside the Church Walls {Intentional Spiritual Growth}

January 16, 2020 by Lisa Burgess 24 Comments

What if you gave away more outside your church walls? Would you become poorer? Or richer than ever? Practice giving outside the lines.

What Can I Give

I saw Breann (not her real name) again at Thanksgiving lunch. She somehow made it to the annual community meal in our town. Her old van barely runs.

Breann lives at a homeless shelter these days. Her possessions are few. Her friends are numbered. Her demeanor is almost hopeless. The thing she misses the most from her previous apartment? Her babies (i.e., her cats).

I felt helpless.

What did I have to give Breann that could make a significant difference in her life? Turkey and stuffing—even with a beautiful cupcake for dessert—was totally inadequate.

Give More Than Money

When we think of giving, we often think of money and offerings at church. That’s good. It’s important.

But if that’s the only way we give, it can feel empty. And impersonal. Instead of replenishing our souls, it can feel draining.

As children of God, we have more to offer than cash. And more people to give it to than fellow believers.

How can we also bless others with God’s love outside our church walls? What do we have of worth to give away?

What if, as an intentional act of spiritual discipline, we practiced giving differently? To someone different than ourselves? In different ways than our normal habits?

4 Things You Can Give Away Every Day

For our month-long series on intentional spiritual growth, let’s look at four things we can intentionally give away, with forethought, purposed in prayer, to those outside our church buildings or our homes.

1. Show up in body—Give presence

It can feel risky to show up in places outside our comfort zones. But often that’s where the needs are. Where are the poor in your community? The weak? The underserved? Are those places you can go, too?

When we put our bodies where our hearts are, God shows up there, too.

Perhaps you can show up at a feeding center. Or volunteer at a ministry’s thrift store. Partner with other groups already serving successfully.

If you look for opportunities in your city to show up in body and spirit as God in the flesh, you will find people who need you. And find God, too.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:25

2. Tell people who they are—Give dignity

Many of those with deepest hurts expect to be treated poorly. They’ve been told they’re worthless for years by parents or abusive partners.

Could you be the voice at the health clinic or community tutoring who tells them otherwise? Who reminds them that they, too, are created beautifully in the image of God? That they deserve respect just because they’re here among us?

Giving dignity is often an unexpected and valuable gift that costs us so little, but feels extravagant to those receiving it.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”
Proverbs 3:27

3. Hand them something—Give tokens of love

Let’s be real; we probably can’t give enough money or goods to pull someone out of poverty. The issues are complex and the needs are high.

But just because we can’t give everything doesn’t mean we can’t give something.

Whatever you can give—a book donation to an impoverished school library, a pack of new socks to the man at the street corner, a blanket to a warming center on frigid nights—is an act of love. It may seem small to you, but sometimes the smallest tokens of love go the deepest.

“Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty.”
Luke 21:3-4

4. Pray a blessing—Give Jesus

When appropriate, offer to pray a blessing over others. It is often a welcomed gift. Your prayer doesn’t have to be long and wordy (it’s best if it’s not!). It doesn’t have to promise a miraculous healing or guarantee affordable housing.

But a simple prayer asking Jesus to bring love and peace into the life of another can turn around someone’s day.

It lets them know not only that you care, but that even after you’re gone, God cares. He remains with them.

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
1 Chronicles 29:14

God Grows Your Gift

As Breann finished eating her Thanksgiving lunch, we chatted some more. She asked about my family. I showed her pictures of my new granddaughter.

I asked what was next for her. She was hoping to volunteer next week at the animal shelter, if her van could get her there and back. She was hoping to find a way to move out of the homeless shelter and back into an apartment soon.

We hugged goodbye. And I walked away. To my reliable SUV, my faithful spouse, my comfortable middle-class life.

I still felt helpless.

But I no longer felt hopeless.

I hadn’t given Breann anything I would consider useful. But I received a gift from her. And I hope she received the same from me. We both shared space together in the time we were given. We shared a meal, our attention, and our Jesus.

God can take the tiniest of gifts and expand them into Kingdom blessings. Just like He multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed 5,000, He can enlarge our small offerings as well.

I don’t know why God keeps winding my path with Breann’s. But I know it’s for my good.

I pray it’s for Breann’s good, too.

Not Perfect, But Possible

Giving to those unlike ourselves, those we don’t already know and love, can feel risky. But maybe that’s why it grows our dependence on God.

We won’t do it perfectly. We may make a mess at times. We may give half-heartedly, with fear, and even impure motives at times.

But let’s do it anyway. Give what we have. However we can.

Don’t make it complicated. But make it intentional.

Make it a practice to give:

Presence
Dignity
Tokens
Jesus

These are life-giving to others and life-giving to ourselves.

Giving these away won’t make us poorer. They make us—and the world around us—richer than ever.

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Acts 20:35

What can you give away? 4 things you can give to those you don’t even know. #SpiritualGrowth series

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Is it easy or hard for you to give to people outside your circle? What have you given, or received, lately that showed God’s love? Please share in the comments.