Blog - Do Not Depart

Ticket Giveaway: Winner Announcement!

April 5, 2019 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

Hey, ladies! We’re ready to make the big winner announcement! But first, we need to say thank you so much to everyone who entered to win our ticket giveaway to the Enjoy God’s Word online conference. How thankful we are for each of you, dear readers!

I’d love to give everyone a ticket, honestly, but since I can’t, I compiled all the entries from those who commented on the blog, on our two Facebook posts, and from those who signed up for our newsletter.

DoNotDepart had twenty-nine entrants altogether, and I’m excited to announce our winner:

Lois Martin

Lois, we’re excited for you! We’ll contact you soon with more information. And I’ll be looking for you “at” the conference during the Facebook live video portions. See ya then!

And for those of you who entered but didn’t win, I do hope you’ll consider still attending the Enjoy God’s Word conference. I firmly believe you won’t be disappointed!

Giveaways

We here at DoNotDepart love giving and sharing. Ultimately, our goal is to share Christ, God’s Word, and other tools and encouragement to help you abide. But occasionally we’ll offer other goodies to give away, too. ;) Be on the lookout!

Also, please join our newsletter and follow us on social media to help us grow our audience and reach other women with truth! Online ministry is definitely a combined effort and we are thankful that we can minister to you and partner with you!

Blessings!
Ali

Lessons on Grace and Mercy

April 4, 2019 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Over the next three days we will be reading successive passages from Luke 15 and 16 where Jesus shares a parable about God’s grace, illustrates God’s mercy, and challenges us to show mercy to others.

Day 26: Grace Restores

Read Luke 15:20-32.

The Prodigal Son claimed his inheritance, left his father, and squandered everything. His wealth, status, and pride— gone. Lost but not abandoned, the prodigal turned toward home.

. . .But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

Catching sight of his son, the father drops everything and runs to him. What a picture! A picture of God, the Father, running toward us with the riches of His grace given to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. Ephesians 2:5 states it this way: “. . .even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. . .” (clarification mine).

God’s grace saves AND restores. The robe, the feast, the relationship with the father— everything was restored, and the prodigal was made whole. Christ’s work on the cross makes us whole too:

. . .all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. (Colossians 1:20, MSG)

As you reflect on this passage today, thank God for His grace and restoration in your life.

Day 27: God is Merciful

Read Luke 16:1-13.

In today’s passage we find Jesus addressing His disciples with a parable. The “manager” in the parable represents the disciples and those of us who are disciples today. The “rich man,” the business owner in the story, is God. The manager was accused of bad stewardship of the business; his job is threatened. Under attack, he goes to work, trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Although his solution is problematic, it works to the benefit of the owner, and instead of disdain and disapproval, the owner bestows a commendation— mercy instead of consequence.

As we pursue God’s will, serve Him, and others; we’re going to mess up or be misunderstood. We can’t escape imperfections and failures, but we can trust God because He knows our hearts and motives.

You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3)

God supports and defends those who put their trust in Him. It is His nature to extend mercy to those who love Him and do His will.

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)

In response to God’s mercy, let’s approach Him with reverence and humility, and give Him our repentance, gratitude and faithfulness.

Day 28: Be Merciful

Read Luke 16:19-31.

Today, in an illustration about a rich man who neglects the needs of a poor man, Lazarus (meaning whom God helps); we are challenged to consider whether our values match God’s values. Following yesterday’s parable about God’s mercy, I believe this passage calls us to be merciful.

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

The rich man faces torment in Hades as a result of his merciless treatment of Lazarus. The rich man is without excuse because the Law and Prophets make explicit God’s desires (Luke 16:29). In the case of mercy, God’s expectation is clear:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)

Today’s passage challenges me to show mercy, so that others may be blessed and experience this attribute of God. With mercy I choose to respond to rather than react when something doesn’t go my way. Mercy gives up the spotlight, so someone else can shine. Because of mercy I serve rather than seek to be served.

. . . 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)

How can you show mercy to your family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors?

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? Please share in the comments.

How have you experienced grace and mercy during this Lenten season? #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Is There Grace in Accounting?

April 2, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 11 Comments

Before I retired to motherhood, I was an accountant. I enjoyed keeping track of numbers. I still do.

But what about God? Is He the original accountant? And how does grace factor in?

Join us for Days 23-25 of our Lenten readings (download the “40 Days with the Storyteller” complete schedule here).

How Much Does That Cost?

Read Luke 14:25-33 for Monday, Day 23 (note: we swapped readings for Day 22 and Day 23)

Do you tend to overestimate or underestimate how much time or money a project will cost you?

When I make my schedule for the day, I usually guess wrong. I think I can get much more accomplished in 30 minutes than I can actually accomplish in 2 hours.

So when Jesus tells His followers in Luke 14:25-33 to figure out the cost before they start starting building a house, it bothers me. I know I’m bad at it.

But maybe we should look deeper at His meaning. None of us can accurately estimate future costs, but we can commit to following Jesus regardless of the cost. We won’t do that perfectly either. But our willingness to let go of hindrances and distractions will open up room for Jesus’s grace to come in.

Let’s always leave space for grace.

Every One Counts

Read Matthew 18:10-14 for Tuesday, Day 24

Even though our accounting is often off, God’s counts are always solid.

When even one is missing, God knows. And He acts on what He knows.

When Jesus spoke about the 99 sheep in the fold, and the 1 missing, He was reassuring His listeners: God notices you. He keeps up with where you are. He will come find you if you lose your way.

When something is missing—especially when that something is His child—God won’t ignore it. He reaches out.

Every one counts. That’s grace, too.

Who Gives More?

Read Luke 15:11-19 for Wednesday, Day 25

In the parable of the prodigal son, accounting again comes into play. The younger son knows the amount that is due him. Instead of collecting later, he wanted to collect now.

And spend now. Freely. Recklessly. Extravagantly.

But even in his foolishness, he couldn’t outspend his father. When he returned home on his knees, his father poured on the goods even thicker.

We can’t outgive God. Not now. Not later.

God’s accounting can’t be charted on columns of credits and debits. He always tilts things in our favor from His overflow of grace.

As you continue on your journey of Lent, thank God for how He keeps up with you.

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Are you a math person? What do you appreciate about God’s accounting?

Is there grace in God’s accounting? More readings for Lent. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Says Paul {Memorize Philippians 1:18-19}

April 1, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

Truth Is Truth

Sometimes we don’t want to believe a message if we don’t like the messenger.

But truth is truth, no matter who tells it.

Memorize This Week

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
Philippians 1:18-19

[download the verse image]

What Then?

The apostle Paul was telling the Philippians that some were preaching the gospel with pure motives, with love. But others were preaching it because they were envious and selfish.

But so what?

Or as Paul put it, “What then?” He still rejoiced.

As long as the content was true, Paul was satisfied that the good news was spreading. (Now if the content was bad? That’s another story. See Galatians 1:6-9).

Paul wasn’t shooting the messenger. Neither should we.

Wherever the truth comes from, listen to it. God dispels His wisdom from a variety of sources, some of which don’t seem logical to us.

But if Jesus is being preached? Be like Paul. Don’t shoot the messenger.

If Jesus is being preached, don’t shoot the messenger. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Enjoy God’s Word – Ticket Giveaway!

March 29, 2019 by Ali Shaw 17 Comments

We are so excited about the Enjoy God’s Word conference, taking place April 23-25, 2019, that we’ve decided to host a giveaway! Katie Orr, DoNotDepart creator and Enjoy the Word founder and director has graciously given us a ticket to give to one of you, our dear readers.

What is Enjoy God’s Word?

Our very own team member, Lisa Burgess, will be speaking at this year’s conference, as she was last year. She wrote about the conference recently right here! Please read her post to learn more about the conference and some of the sessions and speakers.

Enjoy God’s Word says:

Receive a spiritual boost through the Word of God delivered by dynamic Gospel-centered teachers—all from the comfort of your own home. This is a fully online conference where Gospel-Centered theology meets everyday practical living.

I really can’t express just how much I love this conference! Last year I “attended” right from my couch while I was recuperating from knee surgery. I watched the videos and participated in live discussions even though my knee was elevated in a wrap and brace, and topped with ice. (Wink!)

You may be in a similar situation: Can’t budget a ticket or trip out of town? Can’t leave the baby? Can’t walk? (That was me last year!)

The Enjoy God’s Word conference has an absolutely incredible line up of speakers, friends. I can’t say it enough! I was blown away and know you will be, too.

How to Enter Our Giveaway

We want you to win a ticket! (It’s a $52 value, ladies!)

We also want to help other ladies gain better access to our words of encouragement and tools to abide in God’s Word right here on DoNotDepart!

These ways to enter will bless us as we aim to bless you and reach more women with truth:

Comment on this giveaway post right here on our blog!
Like us on Facebook (if you haven’t) AND comment on the Giveaway Post which will go up on March 29, 2019.
Join our Facebook DoNotDepart Community group AND comment on the Giveaway Post there (also March 29, 2019).
Subscribe to our Newsletter. (Head to the top of our blog home page.) We promise not to overwhelm you with a lot of email!

Doing any of those four you enter will give you one entry each. So, you could technically enter 4 times!

One winner will be chosen after all entries are collected. The giveaway will end on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 and will be announced on the blog and our social media accounts on Friday, April 5th, 2019. The winner will need to supply us with her email address.

We pray that this giveaway opportunity will bless you! We’re excited about it and hope you are, too!

Blessings!
Ali

How Do We Respond to the Heart of God?

March 28, 2019 by Jaime Hilton 1 Comment

My family has been moving to a new home across town for the last month. Circumstances allowed us to move gradually, which was nice in some ways and unsettling in others. We’ve been in a state of flux, not always entirely sure how far ahead to plan or where we’ll be sleeping the next night.

The Jewish people who went to listen to Jesus had been waiting for a warrior-king Messiah to restore glory to Israel for a very long time. But time again in his teachings and ministry Jesus took their long held expectations and turned them upside down. I imagine his many disciples were feeling unsettled. Was anything they knew about God still true?

In this collection of parables, days 19-22 of our Lent Readings, Jesus teaches us how to approach and respond to the heart of God.
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Day 19 – Luke 11:5-10

While teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus shares a story about a man making an unusual request at an inconvenient time.

“Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;”

Maybe this was a normal request for the people of the day but I can’t help thinking it is utterly ridiculous! Your friend came in at midnight – really?? You have nothing to offer him – really?? You think I have three extra loaves of bread I can just give you – really??

But Jesus says, despite the absurdity and untimeliness, the man will get up and help his friend. If we, in our broken humanity can respond favorably to the “impudence” (v. 8, also translated as “shameless boldness” and “persistence”) of our unprepared friend, how much more will our perfect heavenly Father respond to us?

Day 20 – Luke 14:7-14

Jesus attends a feast at the home of a Pharisee. The behavior of the guests sparks a parable on humility.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (v. 14)

Like the Pharisee’s guests, I often assume I deserve more than I actually do. I should leave the honoring up to God, following the example Jesus, the ultimate picture of humility.

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” Philippians 2:5-6

Day 21 – Luke 14:15-24

In today’s passage, the banquet conversation continues and Jesus tells another parable.

“A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

“But without exception they all began to make excuses.” vv. 16-18

Back in those days, the guests had already accepted the invitation for the specific date of the feast. However the time was not announced until the day of the party.

As Christians we have already accepted the invitation to the marriage feast. Will we be ready when the time comes or full of excuses?

Day 22 – Luke 15:8-10

Charles Spurgeon claims that the woman in this parable represents the Church seeking out the lost. Following the dinner Jesus shared with a Pharisee and his specially chosen guests, Luke 15:1-2 tells us,

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

The collection of parables that follows, the Lost parables, not only reveals God’s tender heart toward all people, especially the broken, unrighteous, guilty, and undeserving, but how we who have received his grace can share in his joy when the lost are found.

‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost! ’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (vv.9-10)

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Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness

March 26, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

In today’s post, we’ll cover days fifteen through eighteen of the 40 Days With the Storyteller reading plan for Lent and talk about love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best.

Day 15 John 10:1-18 The Good Shepherd

In the passage for day fifteen, Jesus give us an illustration (not technically a parable) of what He has done for mankind and what He has done for Christians.

Jesus tells us that He came to be both the Door and the Good Shepherd.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Yes, Jesus is the Door that welcomes us into God’s “sheepfold.” When we enter into relationship with God through Jesus, we are safe in His care. He can then lead us “in and out.” This doesn’t mean out, away from Him, but is simply an illustration of what shepherds did – they led their flocks in and out to find pastures (food) and rest.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Some days I feel sheep-like; I’m confused by overwhelming decisions, or I feel like tasty bait for the enemy. I need guidance and protection from God!

The truth is that every day I need God’s help! Maybe especially when I think I have things figured out. Each day, I can choose to seek Him. I need Him to lead me to still waters and green pastures. I need Him to restore my soul. (Psalm 23.) And I can take confidence in the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the eternal well-being of His sheep!

I am thankful that Jesus tells us in this passage (and again in verses 27-30) that we will recognize His voice. What a rich promise from our humble, servant-Savior! What glorious words from the one who was willing to die in our place!

FOCUS: Our Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us and we will recognize His voice.

QUESTION: How can you listen today for Jesus’ voice?

Day 16 – Luke 17:7-10 The Unworthy Servants

In this passage, we learn about the right attitude of God’s servants, by being shown the wrong attitude. We serve God because it is our duty, honor, and privilege!

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this be only for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.” – David Livingstone, Scottish missionary to Africa in the mid-1800’s

Doesn’t this quote reveal the right spirit of a servant?

Likewise, Jesus reveals the heart of a servant in John 13 where He washes the disciples’ feet and teaches us about forgiveness and humility.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. – John 13:14

We should do as Jesus does. It makes me pause and check my heart. Am I serving for His glory, or for my own? Am I serving because I’m seeking rewards or to glorify God, who has awarded me eternal life?

FOCUS: Serving God is our humble duty, honor, and privilege.

QUESTION: How are you serving that you count as an honor and privilege, only doing your duty?

Day 17 – Matthew 18:23-35 The Unforgiving Servant

Did you get a little mad at the servant in today’s passage? He’s a weasel, isn’t he? He pleads for forgiveness and mercy from his master, and then shows no mercy to his fellow servant who owed him! Wow.

It makes me stop and think, though. Have I acted like that? I’m sure the answer is yes. Being Christ-like doesn’t come naturally, which is one reason I’m thankful for the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance found in the Word. You see, the Bible is more than just a moralistic book that gives us guidelines of how to be or not to be. Instead, it paints the picture of God’s people needing Him – Father, Savior, and Spirit. And I need Him! I need the Spirit’s help and guidance, the Father’s love, and Jesus’ teachings and propitiation of sin.

The servant in this parable had a merciful master, just like we do!

I like this, from GotQuestions, regarding this parable:

“…forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he then should have forgiven all. In like manner, a child of God by faith through Christ has had all sins forgiven. Therefore, when someone offends or sins against us we should be willing to forgive him from a heart of gratitude for the grace to which we ourselves are debtors.”

FOCUS: I should show forgiveness to others like Jesus does to me.

QUESTION: How can you show mercy today?

Luke 10:29-42 Choosing Best – The Good Samaritan and Mary, Martha’s Sister

If you’ve been a Christian for long, you’ve likely heard the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells this story to expand on how to “love your neighbor as yourself.” But just who is our neighbor?

The story explains how a man fell victim to brutal robbers who beat him and left him for dead and how three people encountered him, but only one helped.

The first two people, a priest and a Levite, were holy on the outside. The looked the part and talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk. Their hearts weren’t where they should have been. When they saw the man left for dead, they put their own concerns, agendas, and desires above the needs of a dying man!

But the Samaritan? He stopped and went above and beyond to help this poor soul! Rather than pass by the opportunity to show true love, the man in the parable tended wounds, transported him to an inn, cared for him, and paid for his ongoing care.

This story leaves a big impression on me, but probably made an even bigger impression on the original audience! See, the Jews despised the Samaritans because of their mixed Gentile ancestry and different practice of worship. Yet, it was the Samaritan that was the true neighbor.

The Good Samaritan choose best. He chose to give love without holding back, like Jesus did. Christ taught us what true love looks like by demonstrating it firsthand in becoming the Door to God’s fold, being our Good Shepherd who died on a cross to take our sin, and also in showing us through the parables and illustrations.

Mary also chose best; Jesus called it “the good portion.” Martha was wise to go to Jesus with her frustrations and we can learn from her faith! But in this incident, it was Mary who was already there, sitting at His feet and listening to His voice.

Love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best.

Jesus teaches us the importance of these things. We should set aside our prejudices and treat others as He would want, as we would want them to treat us, and with love toward anyone we encounter. This is what choosing best looks like!

FOCUS: Jesus shows us how to love best and how to choose the good portion.

QUESTION: Who is your neighbor? Who can you show love to today? How can you choose best today?

Feel free to share with us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Community group on Facebook.

Want to choose best? Look to the parables of Christ to see what He taught on love, mercy, service, and forgiveness. Read more at DoNotDepart.com

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Why Do You Do It? {Memorize Philippians 1:16-17}

March 25, 2019 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

But Why?

You say you’re a Christian.

You go to church. You pray before meals. You might even say the name of Jesus out loud now and again.

But why do you do it?

Memorize This Week

16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
Philippians 1:16-17

[download the verse image]

Unclean Motives

The apostle Paul was doing a motive check.

He was in prison for spreading Christ’s message of grace and love and Lordship. He had seen Jesus. He believed what he was preaching. He knew it to be true.

But other people? Not so much. Some were just being copycats. They saw Paul doing it, and they were competitive. They saw him as a rival so they began preaching it, too.

Yet others’ motives were clean. They, too, had met love. And from that foundation, they were spreading the news.

Check YOUR Motives

Why do we do it?

Are we followers because our parents were?
Is it because Christianity is the socially-acceptable religion among our circle of friends?
Are we hoping to trade up for more blessings from God?

Let’s do a motive check on ourselves this week. Let’s ask ourselves why we do what we do, why we believe what we say we believe.

Then once we find our answers, let’s embrace God’s grace anew. His grace is big enough to purify our intentions and give us a fresh start.

Why do we share Christ? Let’s do a motive check. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Learning to Breathe – Guest Post by Andrea Lennon

March 21, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

Ali, here! The following post is a little added bonus to our Lenten reading plan. We wrote ahead so that our readers won’t miss out on anything! If you are participating in #40DaysWithTheStoryteller, just keep on reading according to schedule. Today, I am so excited to introduce you to my new friend, Andrea Lennon of True Vine ministry! I recently attended a conference and was blessed hearing Andrea speak scriptural truths. She has a true gift for speaking and her love for the Lord is passionately evident. I know you’ll love her as much as I do. Andrea has a new book out called God in the Window where she encourages women to let go of control, grow closer to God and others, and trust in His plan. This post, Learning to Breathe, is an excerpt from it that I’m so happy to share with you. Enjoy!

Learning to Breathe

For most of my life, I felt like everything was closing in on me. I felt like my life was out of control. I didn’t trust God or His plan. I worked hard to be close to people— but not too close. I cycled through friendships and stayed busy. Really busy. I didn’t want to look at or deal with my struggles. All the while, God was faithfully paving the way. He was allowing me to get to the end of me and my ways so I would ultimately want Him and His ways. I will always be grateful for the fact that God taught me how to breathe. Simply breathe.

Learning how to breathe was a long process. God took me on a journey to get to a place of peace with my past. I had pushed my struggles down, and I had tried to cover them up by being good and doing good things. I didn’t know what else to do. All the while, the lies of the enemy were running around in my head and impacting my journey. I think the same thing happens to other Christians all the time. We try to just be good; we try to stay busy and keep moving ahead, and we don’t even realize that the lies of the enemy are impacting us.

Most of the time, no one challenges us to stop and deal with what’s going on inside of us. That’s where the local church can fail to live in authentic community with one another. We don’t look one another in the eyes and ask, “Why are you having this struggle in your life? Why do you feel that way? Why are you doing those things?” Instead, we just plan another Bible study or host another event. I don’t say that to be judgmental; I did that for years. I just tried to move forward, but what I didn’t realize was that it was like I was trying to move forward while carrying hundreds of pounds of extra weight.

Thankfully, I had close friends who did ask the tough questions. They changed the status quo in my life when they challenged me to deal with the lies I had believed all of my life. Once I started, it was like finally stopping and asking God to strip away all the extra weight I had been carrying for so long. I finally stopped “doing” things, and I started asking, “God, do this work in me! Free me from this weight—this shame and this guilt and this need to constantly be busy so that I feel valued or needed or loved.” Once I started praying that prayer, my life changed.

Instead of doing things so I could feel right, I realized God had already made me right through Jesus. Because of that, I was freed up to do things for Him. I had known this equation my entire life. I could teach it to you with great conviction. However, there came a moment when I had to ask Jesus to help me walk in this equation every single moment of every single day. The equation of grace. I was loved and valued and wanted and redeemed, not because of me, but because of Him. I started to live that truth out each day, and the outcome was so sweet. I was able to rest in Him, to love Him, to live for Him, and to know that no matter what happened to me or through my ministry, God was my greatest treasure. He was my treasure, and that had nothing to do with what I did or didn’t do for Him or anyone else.

I was loved and valued and wanted and redeemed, not because of me, but because of Him. I started to live that truth out each day, and the outcome was so sweet. @AndreaJLennon on @DoNotDepart

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The process of learning to breathe took time. God did the work, but I had to surrender to it. My struggles had layers, which I think is true for all of us. When I would deal with one issue, it would uncover another one. That was OK because once I started to breathe, I didn’t want anything else except the love of God. The grace of God. The freedom of Christ. The people around me loved me and wouldn’t let me settle for less than God’s best. They spoke truth into my life, stayed engaged in the process, and wouldn’t let go of me.

There’s so much value in doing the work and getting rid of the weight. Stopping and saying, “OK, I’m going to get to the core of what’s going on in my life. I’m going to ask God to change me so that I can move forward without shame, guilt, and doubt. I’m going to ask God to show me the lies running around in my head.”

I believe deeply that we don’t have to live in guilt and bondage; we don’t have to live in shame and doubt. We really can experience the freedom of Jesus Christ. The freedom of knowing that He loves us. The freedom of knowing that He has a plan for our lives. And the freedom of knowing that, at the end of the day, He is more than enough for any situation we face.

We don’t have to live in guilt and bondage; we don’t have to live in shame and doubt. We really can experience the freedom of Jesus Christ. @AndreaJLennon on @DoNotDepart

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So many things changed in my life when I simply focused on Jesus and started to breathe. I experienced His healing as I learned to walk daily in His grace. I was a better wife, a better mom, my friendships were deeper, and the focus of my ministry completely changed.

Breathing is good. It’s necessary. I am a big fan of it, both physically and spiritually. I’ve learned that it’s hard to breathe when you are carrying extra weight. My extra weight was real, and it shaped the direction of my life. Thankfully, God is bigger. He stripped away my need to “do” and my fear of “doing,” and He taught me how to breathe. Simply breathe.

* This is an excerpt from Andrea’s new book God in the Window. If you would like to read the rest of the story, order your copy at www.andrealennonministry.org

An “on the go” kind of girl who loves Jesus, Andrea is a Bible teacher whose life calling is to teach women to know the truth, live the truth, and share the truth. Her passion is honest conversation about the topics that drive our messy, everyday lives, and how we can always weather the storms through the love and power of God and His Word. Andrea is a 2004 graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has written and published Reflecting His Glory: From Conformity to Transformation, Free To Thrive: 40 Power-packed Devotions for Women on the Go, On the Road with Ruth, and God in the Window. Andrea hosts a weekly radio program called Truth on the Go with Andrea Lennon. She also serves as the Women’s Ministry Specialist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. She is the founder of True Vine Ministry and lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jay and two sons, Jake and Andrew. Connect with Andrea at www.andrealennonministry.org

Parables of the Kingdom {40 Days With the Storyteller}

March 20, 2019 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

What is the Kingdom of Heaven?

As we continue with our Lenten reading plan, 40 Days With the Storyteller, you may have noticed that days 11-14 all refer to the Kingdom of Heaven. But what exactly does that mean?

John MacArthur writes:

“Although the precise phrase is not found there, the kingdom of heaven is basically an Old Testament concept. David declares that ‘the Lord is King forever and ever’ (Psalm 10:16), that His kingdom is everlasting, and that His dominion ‘endures throughout all generations’ (Psalm 145:13). Daniel speaks of ‘the God of heaven [who] will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed’ (Daniel 2:44), a ‘kingdom [that] is an everlasting kingdom’ (Daniel 4:3). The God of heaven is the King of heaven, and the heavenly kingdom is God’s kingdom.”

The Kingdom of Heaven is not just the place we go when we die, it is the spiritual reign and dominion of God, now and for eternity. The Kingdom of Heaven is here on Earth in the hearts of His people.

Let’s take a look at some of the parables for this week that refer to this kingdom.

The Growing Seed

Day 11 – Mark 4:26-29

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” – Mark 4:26-29

There is hidden, dormant life in a seed. God has created the conditions of the human heart, like the conditions of the earth, for the seed of His Kingdom to sprout and grow, and ultimately bear fruit.

While cultivating the ground can help plants to grow, we do not control the sky and the rain, or even the original conditions of the soil – only God does. By its very nature the earth has the nutrients the seed needs to grow, and while we in this day have corrupted the soil (much like we as sinners corrupt our hearts) there remains still the inherent purpose of creation – a place where good growth is possible. We may labor in the fields, but God through His Holy Spirt brings the harvest!

Praise God that He has prepared our hearts to receive Him!

FOCUS: God has prepared the conditions for growth
QUESTION: Think about an area in which God wants you to grow in in your life. In what ways has God already prepared you or your circumstances to support this growth?

God has prepared the conditions of your heart for His Kingdom to grow within you. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

Day 12 – Matthew 13:31-33

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” – Matthew 13:31-33

Do not despise small beginnings! Most Kingdom growth is one on one – one person loving and serving another, and planting the seeds of truth and hope. It is not glamorous, and it may take a long time to see an impact.

Yet these small beginnings can, as the mustard seed of Israel, grow into something mighty and strong, or as yeast (leaven), spread all throughout and affect every aspect of someone.

“The scope of the parable of the seed sown, is to show that the beginnings of the gospel would be small, but its latter end would greatly increase; in this way the work of grace in the heart, the kingdom of God within us, would be carried on.” – Matthew Henry

FOCUS: What may seem small and inconsequential has mighty power when it comes from God.
QUESTION: What is something small in your life that has great power? Have you ever seen a big impact from a small decision/action?

What may seem small and inconsequential has mighty power when it comes from God. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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Treasure and Judgement

Day 13 – Matthew 13: 44-50

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13: 44-50

The parables of the treasure and pearl shift focus from the nature of the kingdom to its value. There is nothing of greater value than choosing God! Everything else is as dust compared to Him. The Israelites of Jesus’ day would have understood the buried treasure and the pearl as we understand a bank account – a place where you store your earthly gains.

“You may say that the treasure is the blessing that comes from Christianity, or the inward wealth of a submissive heart, or may use various modes of expression, but below them all lies this one great thought, that it is laid on my heart, dear brethren, to try and lay on yours now, that, when all is said and done, the only possession that makes us rich is–is what? God Himself. For that is the deepest meaning of the treasure.” – Alexander MacLaren

The parable of the net is a stern reminder that there will some day be an accounting. We must choose where our true treasure is, and invest in it!

FOCUS: Being part of God’s eternal kingdom is our greatest treasure.
QUESTION: How do you understand the treasure in today’s parables? Did anything especially grab your attention in today’s reading?

Being part of God’s eternal kingdom is our greatest treasure. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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New and Old Treasures

Day 14 – Matthew 13:51-52

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes.” And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” – Matthew 13:51-52

Treasure is treasure – whether it was acquired twenty years ago or yesterday. God will continue to give you treasure in His Word every day of your life. He is so faithful to give us what we need, by the power of His Holy Spirit, in the moment we need it!

“A skillful, faithful minister of the gospel, is a scribe, well versed in the things of the gospel, and able to teach them. Christ compares him to a good householder, who brings forth fruits of last year’s growth and this year’s gathering, abundance and variety, to entertain his friends. Old experiences and new observations, all have their use. Our place is at Christ’s feet, and we must daily learn old lessons over again, and new ones also.” – Matthew Henry

FOCUS: God continues to give His children treasure throughout their lives.
QUESTION: What new treasure have you recently acquired through God’s Word?

God will continue to give you treasure in His Word every day of your life. #40DaysWiththeStoryteller

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Read all 40 Days With the Storyteller!