Blog - Do Not Depart

Will You Suffer If You Believe? {Memorize Philippians 1:29-30}

May 27, 2019 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

I don’t really like these two verses. Was Paul implying that all who believe will also suffer?

This makes me uncomfortable.

Memorize This Week

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:29-30

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These Were the Gifts

The Philippians saw Paul and Silas under conflict when they were in Philippi. Read it in Acts 16:19-40. They were dragged to the marketplace, beaten, scourged, put into prison, their feet in stocks.

But the Philippians believed in Jesus anyway. It was “granted” to them (gifted to them).

They were hearing that Paul was still engaged in conflict. He was imprisoned in Rome, on trial for his life.

Paul was now telling the Philippians that they, too, were receiving both these “gifts”:

the belief
and the suffering.

But not just suffering for the sake of suffering. It was suffering for the sake of Christ.

That’s what makes the difference.

Will We Suffer, Too?

Well, probably yes. Everybody suffers sometimes. And sometimes it’s for what you believe.

Our suffering may not be like Paul’s. But even if it is the same as Paul’s—eventually becoming a martyr for the cause of Christ—it doesn’t mean God has abandoned us. To the contrary. Suffering is an opportunity to cling even more tightly to God.

If God knows about it, we don’t have to be afraid of it.

Paul wasn’t afraid of his sufferings. He didn’t try to wriggle out of them. Rather he embraced them as proof that he was participating with Christ in His mission (Philippians 3:8-10).

If like Paul, and like the Philippians, we have the same type of conflicts, we can also have the same type of joy as we participate with Christ.

To be honest, I’d rather have the joy without the conflict.

But if for the sake of Christ we receive the same favor to both believe and to suffer, may we accept the grace God will give us to get through it.

This is our last week to post about Philippians 1. Thanks to all who have read along with us, whether you were memorizing or not. It’s beneficial to have company along the way; your support is valuable to us.

If you’re gifted with the conflict, you’ll also be graced with the joy. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

May 23, 2019 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Faithfulness. So many examples of faithfulness come to mind: Lydia the piano teacher, Dan the choir director, Marty the Bible Quiz Team leader, Fran the 4-H leader, and Margaret the church librarian. I could fill pages with names of the faithful people in my life. Each one in his or her own way, encouraging my faithfulness.

Definition

“Faithfulness” comes from the Greek word pistis, meaning “conviction of truth.” Webster’s 1828 Online Dictionary defines “faithfulness” as “truth; veracity; as the faithfulness of God.” A thoughtful definition from the writers at GotQuestions.org gives good insight into this Fruit of the Spirit:

Biblical faithfulness requires belief in what the Bible says about God—His existence, His works, and His character. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the result of the Spirit working in us.
—“The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org

As I synthesize these definitions for myself, faithfulness, as a Fruit of the Spirit, is found in someone who steadfastly holds to the truth about God and acts on it, always pointing others to the same truth.

God is Faithful

Faithfulness is a core characteristic of God; His words are true, and He keeps His promises. He is completely trustworthy.

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

God’s faithfulness, His truthfulness and reliability, protect and defend His children.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4, NIV)

He continues to defend and protect, even though we fail.

. . .if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

Faithfulness Comes by the Holy Spirit

God’s level of faithfulness is out of reach for us, and there is no amount of striving by which we become more faithful. We do not come to saving faith in Christ on our own understanding. Romans 10:17 says, “. . .faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” When we hear The Word, it is the Holy Spirit who enables our faith: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. . .” (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit is God; He is always pointing us to truth: salvation, God’s Word, repentance, and right living (to name a few). The GotQuestions.org team says,

The only way we can have such faith is by the Holy Spirit’s influence. He testifies to the truth and impels us to seek God. The Spirit makes us faithful.
— “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is faithfulness?” from GotQuestions.org

Any faithfulness seen in me, is by the work and power of the Holy Spirit, who graciously points me toward deeper truth and conviction.

Faithfulness Leaves a Legacy

The Holy Spirit uses faithful people to encourage and guide others in faith. Throughout God’s Word we see this. The list is long of people who established and grew legacies of faith to the benefit of future generations. Hebrews 11 is a whole chapter devoted to the legacy of faithful people. These Old Testament people believed God, and taking Him at His word they obeyed. Look at what un-named men and women of faith did:

Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:35b-38)

Wow! Faithful men and women hold to the truth no matter the circumstances. I am glad the Bible shares these stories of faith, but I am also thankful for the faithful men and women, who are part of my faith story. Especially important are my parents, whose legacy of faith now continues in the lives of my children.

In writing on this topic, I can’t help but think of Steve Green’s song, Find Us Faithful. I have posted it below. Take a moment to listen, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall the “great cloud of witnesses” who have faithfully pointed you to God’s truth. (Hebrews 12:1)

Fruit for Thought

As you go through your day, ask God to increase your faithfulness. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to trust God more, and give thanks for those who have taught and spurred you on in the faith.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

May 21, 2019 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Good. Goodness. These simple words are used frequently in the English language, many times overused. I admit that I wasn’t exactly excited about writing on goodness today. In the list of fruit of the Spirit, it’s not one given much consideration. So, I did some study, and I am excited to share my new understanding of this fruit of the Spirit.

Definition

In the article, “The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is goodness?” from GotQuestions.org, goodness is a quality of God “that relates directly to morality.” When people say, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good;” it is an affirmation of God’s character.

The Greek word for “goodness” is agathosune, meaning “uprightness of heart and life.” Goodness is a virtue, but the article points out, the merit of goodness is “the benefit of others, not goodness simply for the sake of being virtuous.” God wants His goodness to be born in us, so others might see and experience Him.

God is Good.

God is upright in all His ways. Along with the other fruit of the Spirit, it is the core of who He is.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)

In Psalm 34:8, we are challenged in our relationship to God to experience God’s goodness: “. . . taste and see that the Lord is good!” What’s more, Psalm 31:19 tells us that God’s goodness is vast and plentiful. There is an unending supply.

Here’s a song to encourage you in God’s goodness:

Goodness Comes by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture makes clear that humanity is not good apart from God.
as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one. . . (Romans 3:10)

The apostle Paul knew the struggle of the sinful nature, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:18).

BUT, the good news is that in Christ we are new creations, and by His Spirit working in us, the goodness of God is at work in our lives. Keeping “in step with the Spirit” allows God’s core values to be at work in us, transforming us into the image of His Son. A children’s storybook on the Fruit of the Spirit winsomely teaches that if you see me doing something good, by the power of the Holy Spirit, “that’s Jesus in me.”

Goodness is for Others

As the GotQuestions.org article shared, the goodness people see in me (the fruit of God’s work in me), is for the benefit of others.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Furthermore, when people see the Fruit of the Spirit in your life, they get to see and experience who God is. People can’t see or touch God, but they can have a tangible experience with Him as you bear His fruit in your life.

Fruit for Thought

As you go through your day, ask God to increase goodness in you. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, listening and watching for opportunities to do good, and give thanks for the goodness done to you.

When You Have the Advantage {Memorize Philippians 1:28}

May 20, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Fear This?

What scares you?

For me, losing someone I love is something I fear.

So when Paul tells this to the Philippians, I cringe:

“Don’t be frightened in anything by your opponents.”

Face It Down

Death feels like an opponent to me. Not my own death, but death of my loved ones.

Yet as believers in Christ, we can trust that even our fiercest opponents, if not already defeated, will one day be destroyed.

When we can face down our fears, even as we’re shaking, it is a sign of victory, of faith, of salvation.

Memorize This Week

And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Philippians 1:28

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We Are Overcomers

As we memorize Philippians 1:28 this week, let’s remember that we don’t have to flinch in the presence of our adversaries.

We have the advantage. We have hope. We have confidence.

Because we have Christ.

Christ overcome all. And He will overcome all for us, too.

Scared? Remember we have the advantage. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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The Power of Kindness

May 16, 2019 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

There’s never a reason to be unkind.

Never a reason to forget we all are made

in the image of God alone.

These are lyrics from a song in a church play my six year old participated in recently. It’s a sweet story about a group of super heroes, the Agape League, each with the extraordinary ability to show God’s love through the power of the Spirit available to every believer.

This song about kindness has become a mantra in my house, reminding us how powerful kindness actually can be.

Kindness is the quality of being generous, considerate, thoughtful, caring, and friendly. It’s basically being nice. Actions become kindness when the intent of the heart is to love the person you are being nice to. God’s heart towards us is love and so his actions towards us are kind.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works. Psalm 145:17

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35

The kindness developed through our time with the Spirit has the power to ease pain, heal wounds, bridge gaps, and restore relationships.

Kindness welcomes, builds, and heals

There are studies that show how plants thrive in nurturing environments, especially when they are spoken to kindly, but wither when they are ignored or yelled at. Kindness opens our hearts, so we are receptive to what is offered.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:12-13

“The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.” Acts 28:2

Kindness takes the sting out of discipline and leads to repentance.

“Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.” Psalm 141:5

There is nothing fun about being put in our place, even if, deep down, we understand that we deserve it. As a parent I know my children receive correction better when it given in kindness. It is not a weakness or a half-hearted attempt indulging bad behavior. A firm boundary, rooted in love, is a blessing and a protection.

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” – Titus 3:3-5

Kindness is powerful. Like the peel of the fruit it invites us to taste the goodness, experience the nutrition, and enjoy the benefits of relationship with God. Praise Him today for his loving kindness!

What’s the Point of Patience?

May 14, 2019 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

Patience, as a virtue, is all but going extinct. It’s like a savings account. We all want to have one we just don’t want to take the time to build it. In the moment we’d rather have that $5 mocha.

After all, what is so good about waiting? Why wait if I can have it now? Isn’t the point of science and technology to make pain, discomfort, and inconvenience disappear? The English definition of patience is the capacity to accept trouble, delay, or suffering without getting angry or upset. It’s synonyms are endurance, perseverance, restraint, composure, long suffering. Who wants to suffer longer?

I am still so tempted every time I see an ad for a program that claims you can “drop ten pounds in two days”. I actively look for “fast, five minute dinners”. I will gladly pay a little extra so my package arrives sooner rather than later. I’m even tempted to click on the ads that promise I can write a book and get it published now! It’s so easy to justify these little services. Why wait if we don’t have to?

The ideas behind these quick conveniences of modern life are meant to free us up to spend more time on the things that matter. But really they rob us of opportunity to exercise and develop the characteristic of God that flavors the rest of our experience on this earth.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

A Worthy Pursuit

Patience as a virtue has merit. Athletes, musicians, artists all know that true excellence is achieved only when patience is exercised. Skills and knowledge are developed over time. Delaying gratification generally means you will have a greater payoff tomorrow. But that is not always true. The hard worker can faithfully put away money every day for years and then lose it all in an instant when the market crashes. The athlete can condition her body diligently to compete and never achieve the status she was looking for.

True patience – accepting trouble and suffering without getting angry or upset – is a gift (Read more about that here) It cannot be achieved outside the Holy Spirit working in our hearts to make us more like Jesus.

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16

Patience is worthwhile because God is patient.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4). The Greek word Paul uses here (and in Galatians 5:22) is makrothymeo, literally “long temper”.

Waiting is hard. Waiting with a good attitude is even more difficult. But it is also the most tangible expression of trust. Exercising patience, accepting trouble without getting angry, can only be done when we let go of control.

Thinking about the work of the Spirit in our lives as fruit, patience is the seed. Pushed down deep in the dirt, trusting that in time, the plant will grow and flower and produce fruit that is nutritious and pleasing to the senses.

What Do They Hear About You? {Memorize Philippians 1:27}

May 13, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

For many, the church has a bad reputation for being divisive. For arguing. For judging.

It’s no wonder that some choose to stay far away from Christianity when they see those negative images of the church.

What can we do about it?

My friend’s Sunday school class wanted to counteract that bad reputation. The women and men talked about their dreams for unity in the community. One idea led to another.

They then decided to do something with their ideas. Something big, something that people would hear about.

I heard about it. And I showed up last Wednesday to see it in person.

Memorize This Week

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Philippians 1:27

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Hear, If Not See

We read in this week’s memory verse that the apostle Paul wanted to show up, too. He wanted to visit his Philippian sisters and brothers. He wanted to see for himself that they were remaining faithful to the cause of Christ, spreading the good news to others.

But he couldn’t go because he was imprisoned in Rome at the time. So he wanted to at least hear about them.

If word could spread in A.D. 62, how much more in 2019?

People are always watching, listening. If not in person, at least digitally.

Even if you’re not on Facebook yourself, your face may pop up there on friends’ pages. Others see you on Instagram. A blog post. A text. An email.

And if it’s bad news? Expect it to spread even quicker than good news.

We quickly hear when Christians are bickering amongst themselves. This was the very thing that Paul was hoping not to hear from the Philippians.

Then or now, it gives God a bad reputation.

Paul’s Good Advice

Paul’s advice to the Philippians in Philippians 1:27 is still good advice for us today. He also gave this advice to the Thessalonians, the Ephesians, and the Romans.

1. Stand firm

“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”
2 Thessalonians 2:15

2. Work together

“[Be] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3

3. Walk in the Spirit

“[So] that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 8:4

Spread Good News

Paul wanted to hear good news about fellow believers. The world needs to hear good news about believers today, too.

Good news encourages others to follow God.
It makes spiritual mothers and fathers proud.
It gives God glory and praise.

The event last Wednesday night I attended was called A Night of Harmony. It was a night to celebrate the work of Christ in their community. It was about praising Jesus, about helping others, about doing love.

I’m glad I wasn’t absent. It was good news. I was glad to hear it.

How can the world hear better things about believers? See 3 ways from #Philippians1. #HideHisWord

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Lost Your Peace? 4 Ways to Find and Enjoy Peace Again

May 10, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 18 Comments

Have you lost your peace?

While spiritual fruit won’t rot like physical fruit, we miss out on the deliciousness of the fruit of the Spirit if we don’t know how to pick it and eat it.

Here are 4 ways to find and enjoy the sweetness of peace.

We are looking this month at each individual piece of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

The bananas were in a bag, sitting in a corner of the kitchen counter. The grapes were unwashed in the bottom bin of the refrigerator. The oranges were in their mesh bash in another bin, tucked away safe and sound.

I had picked them out. Paid for them. Brought them home.

But I wasn’t eating them.

And what happens to fruit when it sits out, uneaten for weeks? It rots. It’s no longer good to eat.

When We Can’t Find Our Peace

One reason we don’t graze on our fruit is because we get full on other things.

The same happens with our spiritual lives. If we start to feel anxious, we binge on distractions. We tune into Netflix. We chat up a friend. We busy ourselves with work.

Looking outside is easier then digging inside to uncover what God wants us to see.

So our peace goes unnoticed. Jesus isn’t consulted. And our anxiety, while it may hit pause for a minute, is still on.

Another reason we don’t find peace is we misunderstand it.

What is peace anyway? Is it the opposite of worry? Is it the absence of fighting? Is it total serenity with the world?

Peace for a Christian is a person. It’s Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is peace personified.

Jesus told His disciples that His peace is different. It’s more than the calming of nerves; it’s a solid base that emotions can’t disrupt.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27

Don’t Feel Peaceful?

But isn’t peace something we’re supposed to “feel”?

We do “feel” peace at times. (I thank God for those times.) But peace as fruit of the Spirit is deeper than feelings.

Peace is an unbreakable bond with God.
Peace is rest from earning.
Peace is our safe place for the soul, no matter what is stirring above ground.

We don’t have to be calm enough to receive peace. Or wise enough. Or courageous enough. We don’t have to earn peace by being good enough. We just have to trust that peace is there because Jesus said so.

Peace is a grace that redefines who we are. It lives in the centermost places, places where our fickle emotions can’t survive.

How to Find and Enjoy Peace

So how can we enjoy this peace on the inside when life is stressing us on the outside?

1. Let it ripen on its own.

You can’t create fruit. You can only prepare for its growth and then let it ripen.

Similarly, you can’t make yourself feel peace. But you can nurture your faith in Jesus so that peace can ripen in you.

Uncover peace in your soul by releasing outcomes you can’t control. The heavy burdens you carry aren’t yours to drag around. Take a break from single-handedly trying to fix the world’s problems.

Walk with Jesus. His path is a walk of peace. Jesus calls you to rest.

Start noticing peace when striving stops.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7

2. Put it in an obvious place.

When I keep my bananas in a dark corner, I forget about them. But when I put them in a bowl on the kitchen table, I see them and eat.

Put reminders around your house that you already have peace. Peace is your DNA; you are a child of Peace. It’s a gift inside you, right here, right now.

Here is a list of verses that Patti shared on peace. Print some. Memorize others. Let them prompt you to remember Jesus, your peace.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3

3. Take it on a picnic.

The easiest way for me to eat fruit is to carry it around with me. To eat an orange, I peel it at home, put it in a baggie, and take it with me for a snack. When I get hungry, and there’s no other food around, I’ll eat the orange.

You can use your peace this way, too. When you’re facing a difficult situation, perhaps full of fear and angst, tap into the foundation of peace you carry around inside you.

Know that beneath your concerns and worries, Jesus has laid a safety net of peace for you. Look fear in the eye and say, “I can do this [scary thing] because no matter what, I have peace underneath it all.”

Let peace satisfy your hunger for security in the midst of unknowns.

You don’t have to believe what you feel. Trust what you know instead. Because Jesus, the overcomer, is in you, peace is in you, too. Don’t wait until your fears disappear before you embrace peace; lean on peace in the midst of worries. Peace is confidence.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

4. Cook it up and share it with others.

My mother-in-law does delicious things with fruit: strawberry pie, banana pudding, peach cobbler. Your fruit of peace is also meant to be shared. When your friends feel anxious, give them some peace.

Share your peace by reminding your friends of Jesus’s promises. Let them know that He will never forsake them. Remind them that God is for them. No one can snatch them out of His strong hand.

The truths that bring you peace are meant to be passed around.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Peace Is Here

Whether or not you are feeling at peace today, thank God anyway that peace has been planted deep inside you. It’s here.

Outer winds may create ripples on the surface, but deep waters stay steady. You are safe. You are loved. You are His.

That’s peace.

Take a bite every day. Savor its sweetness.

Learn how to enjoy the fruit of peace. Take a bite of it. #FruitoftheSpirit

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What steals your peace? Do you have a favorite verse about peace? Please share in the comments.

For a musical taste of peace, enjoy “Peace Be Still” by Lauren Daigle.

Binge on Peace here:

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

May 9, 2019 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Seventeen years ago I decided to start a small business selling baby slings. When it was time to set up a website, I had to choose a name. What came to me was a surprise, because it wasn’t really me: The Joyful Mama.

There was something in this name that seemed right, but it sure didn’t describe me. I had a five year old and a toddler, and my husband traveled every week… and even some weekends. I was tired, depressed, and grouchy. Our marriage was struggling. My kids made me feel happy sometimes, but joy was elusive.

I remember thinking, “Well, this name is just going to have to be prophetic, because it sure seems right.” We bought the domain and set up the website.

God is faithful! He did indeed take that exhausted young mother and transformed her into a joyful mama from the inside out. (You can read a little more about that journey here and here.)

You see, there is just no way to make yourself joyful. You can’t fake your way to joy. God, through His Word, steadily showed me how to change my thinking, how to change my priorities, how to abide with Him.

Joy is not Circumstantial

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:24

Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit. So how is joy different from happiness? Joy does not depend on the circumstances around us.

I have a dear friend with a debilitating chronic illness. She spends much of her time in pain. Yet she is one of the most joyful people I know. She has seen the fruit of joy come out of allowing Jesus into her suffering.

Is she ever grumpy? You bet. But those are passing moments, not a permanent state. She sees her life with eyes that have been refined by holy fire (Malachi 3:1-3), and those eyes have been trained to see blessing and gift in every moment, even the struggles.

Joy does not depend on your circumstances. #FruitOfTheSpirit

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Joy Comes From Him

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22

Joy which is everlasting comes only from the Lord. No one can take His joy from you!

Read that again, friend: no one and nothing can take the joy of the Lord from you. It is a gift to you from Him. I promise you the world will try. But you are His, and you have received His joy!

No one can take the joy of the Lord from you! #FruitOfTheSpirit

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Joy Is Strength

do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

There is a power that comes with the joy that the Lord gives. It is a strength that allows His children to stand firm with confidence. Our hearts have seen and known Him, and the joy of a life lived with Him gives us resilience in the face of challenge.

The joy of the Lord gives strength to stand firm with confidence. #FruitOfTheSpirit

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Jesus Fills Us With Joy

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11

Jesus doesn’t promise a tiny bit of joy, no, He promises fullness of joy! Ask and receive! There is no way to keep that joy from spilling out of you and blessing all those around you. That is Jesus in you!

May you feel the fruit of joy in a powerful and new way today!

God’s Word promises fullness of joy! #FruitOfTheSpirit

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Why Are You Still Here? {Memorize Philippians 1:25-26}

May 6, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Do you feel needed? Do you see the reason why you’re still here?

Look with us this week at why Paul chose to remain in the flesh.

Paul Knew Why

When I was a young mother, I pleaded with God: Please let me live long enough to raise my children; they need their mama.

Graciously, He honored that plea. But then I asked Him to let me live long enough to meet my grandchildren; they need a grandmother’s love. He’s answering that one now.

I’m currently asking Him to let me live long enough to see them grow up in Him. That’s still to come.

The apostle Paul had his reasons for wanting to live longer, too. He wanted his presence and faith to bring joy and increased faith to his Philippian brothers and sisters. He knew this; he was aware of it.

Why You?

Who needs you here?

Maybe you feel more needed during some seasons of life compared to other seasons. But whether or not you have people depending on you now in “critical” ways, be confident of this: If you’re still here, you still have purpose in the lives of others.

Be convinced that your work here is valuable. You are valuable. Your intentional presence in the lives of others for the glory of Christ is important.

Like Paul, you also can be a companion alongside others as they grow and trust in God. It helps them; it helps you.

And God is honored.

Memorize This Week

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:25-26