Blog - Do Not Depart

By His Imprisonment, Others Were Freed {Memorize Philippians 1:14-15}

March 18, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 3 Comments

Not only did others hear, the believers grew more sure of their faith.

This can be a result of hardships.

Memorize This Week

14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
verse”
Philippians 1:14-15

[click to download the verse image]

Encourage Others

Strengthening others’ faith was part of the apostle Paul’s testimony. As a result of his imprisonment, others were freed. Free to speak the word with boldness. They were confident that Jesus would be enough for them, too.

Can our hardships have similar results? When difficulties intersect our lives, can others be strengthened? How did that happen with Paul?

Paul didn’t cave when he was wrongly accused.
He didn’t give in to bitterness.
He didn’t turn his back on God.

Paul just faithfully stayed true to his message. About righteousness through Jesus. About flourishing in love. About thanking God in all things.

That’s a testimony we can copy. That’s how we, too, can give courage to others.

How can good come out of hardships? Paul knows how. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

March 14, 2019 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Self-righteousness, shallow understanding, sinful abandon— common among sin-sick humanity; detested by God. In a series of parables, Jesus, the Master Storyteller, equates these characteristics with fruitless trees, barren soil, and weeds. Over the next three days, Jesus will teach us field-tested lessons about bearing fruit, cultivating fertile soil, and preparing for harvest as participants in the kingdom of heaven.

Day 8: Repent

Read Luke 13:6-9.

Frustrated with Israel’s pursuit of fruitless, works-based religion, Jesus tells a parable about the need for repentance. The fig tree in the story represents Israel. God, the vineyard owner, is ready to cut down the tree and be done with them. Out of His lovingkindness and because there is no guarantee of tomorrow for humanity, Jesus, the gardener, asks the Father for more time to bring the wayward people to repentance.

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Bible commentator, David Guzik, writes, “We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.” Repentance, turning away from sin to run toward God and His purpose, leads us into the arms of the Savior. Jesus greets us with grace and clothes us in His righteousness. Repentance yields a manifest Christ-life. For a moment, put yourself in place of the tree in this parable. Is there any fruit? What do you need to turn to God for today? Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Day 9: Receive the Word

Read Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

Soil conditions are the focus of The Parable of the Sower, our reading today. Good soil, in the kingdom of heaven, is found in a Believer who submits to the working of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in his/her life. In this good soil, God’s Word grows deep roots, and produces much fruit. Taking nineteenth century preacher, Charles Spurgeon’s suggestion that every Christian needs a soil test, here is a brief soil assessment based on David Guzik’s commentary on this parable:

1. Is there room in our lives for God’s Word? If not, Satan is more than glad to keep us out of God’s Word.
2. Do we approach the Word with eagerness, only to become indifferent? It is possible for God’s Word to get established with little understanding and faith, but eventually the lack of depth will cause it to wilt away.
3. Do we try to engage in the Word while being distracted by worldly pursuits? Jesus makes it clear we can’t do both; we can’t be fruitful for God while trying to please the flesh.
4. Is your pursuit of God’s will and purpose in accordance with His Word evident in your life? If so, you have good soil for faith to grow deep and take root.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . . (Colossians 3:16a)

In this season of spiritual reflection, may you honor God by allowing His Word to inhabit every area of your life.

Day 10: Persevere in Hope

Read Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43.

Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3) Eternity begins when we say “yes” to God and our Savior, Jesus. This being true, Believers participate in the kingdom of heaven while on earth. In today’s parable the children of God (wheat) live alongside the sons darkness (weeds) until Christ returns for His Church.

Knowing this, how should we live? In writing to the Ephesians, Paul answers,

. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). . . . (Ephesians 5:8-9)

In our struggle with the world, we must continue in good works motivated by love and prompted by faith, tether ourselves to God’s Word, and persevere because our hope is in the Lord. Take confidence in this: God will administer justice to those who belong to darkness, He will harvest His own, and “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? Please share in the comments.

As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings}

March 12, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 10 Comments

Of American homes with garages, only 20% can fit a car inside. Our closets are crammed to overflowing. Our counter spaces are clutter-collectors.

Why do we have so much stuff?

And what would Jesus have us do with it?

If you’re riding the Marie Kondo wave, you’ve likely pared down your wardrobe lately or donated a few underused toys.

But how can we avoid the clutter to start with?

As we walk 40 days with the Storyteller during Lent, our first three readings this week reveal our cluttered hearts.

Filling Up on God? Or Stuff?

Read Luke 12:15-21.

In Jesus’ parable of the rich man wanting bigger barns, Jesus told His listeners that hoarding our treasures here is foolish.

What kinds of things are you hoarding in your barns?

I can’t break the habit of being a digital photo hoarder. The storage capacity of my computer and external hard drives are full because I struggle to delete any photos.

But even something as harmless as family photos can become an idol if I place more value in filling up on past memories than I do in filling up on God.

What fills you up? What is getting in your way of filling up more on God?

Our identity isn’t defined by what we collect, but in who we hang out with (Luke 12:21). Let’s hold our stuff loosely.

Use Your Oil

Read Luke 12:35-40.

Jesus told the story of the wedding feast to say, “Be ready.” Stay dressed for action. Use your oil to keep your lamps burning.

But this advice isn’t only applicable to end times. Use your oil also applies to now times.

Watch for opportunities you’ll get today. Be prepared to use your stuff to act on them. Leave margin in your time, in your resources, and in your energy for the unexpected to happen.

You don’t know when Jesus will show up.

Maybe in the needy neighbor who asks for your help.
And blesses you with purpose.
Maybe in the the crying child who needs your comfort.
And who is growing your compassion.
Maybe in the cranky co-worker who suddenly opens up to you.
And rewards your persistence to be a friend.

Be ready to use up what you’ve been given. Be watchful for the Son of Man to show up in your day (Luke 12:40). Keep the light on for Him.

When You Know Right, Use Right

Read Luke 12:41-48.

Peter wanted to know if the parable was just for them or for everybody. Jesus replies with another parable, this time of the unfaithful servant who plays while the master is away.

Whether Jesus meant it directly for their ears or also for ours, we can learn lessons from it. Lessons such as, be a good steward with your stuff, don’t take advantage of the Lord’s generosity, and be responsible with the assignments He gives you.

The Lord blesses us with relationships, jobs (paid or unpaid), and even material possessions for His purposes. When He asks us to do the next right thing with them, let’s do it.

When we know right, let’s do right. Let’s use right everything we’ve been given. Greater gifts means greater responsibilities (Luke 12:48).

What Do We Do Now?

So why do we have so much stuff? For many different reasons, including: we collect the wrong things, we hoard what we have, we refuse to give things away.

But what are we to do with the stuff now that we have it?

Hold it loosely.
Use it up.
Be a blessing with it.

As you listen to the Storyteller in this season leading to Easter Sunday, what lessons are you learning about all your stuff? Are you fasting or feasting from anything? Please share in the comments.

Why do you have so much stuff? What do you do with it? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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When the Opposite Happens {Memorize Philippians 1:12-13}

March 11, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 13 Comments

When the Plan Changes

I thought we were going to work in Beauregard on Thursday. Devastating tornadoes wiped out a community there in Alabama four days earlier. Our group was prepared to volunteer all weekend, cutting trees, clearing yards, and praying with the hurting.

But we ended up in Columbus, Georgia, instead.

What do we do when God changes the plan?

Is This the Plan?

Even though Paul had been forewarned he would stand before Caesar (Acts 27:24), he also knew he was to open the eyes of unbelievers to see the light of Jesus (Acts 26:16-18).

So when he found himself shackled in Rome, he might have wondered: Is this really the plan?

We often ask ourselves that. And we ask God as well.

Is this what You meant to happen?
How can I offer Your hope to others when I am ______ (out of a job/getting a divorce/chronically depressed/etc.)?
Has something gone wrong?

But like Paul, we, too, can rest in God’s good plans. Even when His plans are the opposite of our plans.

Memorize This Week

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13

[click to download the verse image]

Can’t Stop This

Paul saw the beauty in God’s plan of opposites. Instead of the gospel news being shut down because Paul was imprisoned, it was growing instead.

That’s the way God works. He opens up better paths ahead of us. He advances the way (see Philippians 1:12, “advance” as in cutting the way for an army to advance). God prepared the way for Paul even in prison.

As His children, He also prepares paths for us. Regardless of how circumstances, relationships, or our own bodies may imprison us, God can use each of us in this very situation in this very time to spread words of hope, forgiveness, and grace.

Paul was urging the Philippians to believe this (“I want you to know“). We can urge each other to believe it, too.

Our time volunteering in Columbus, Georgia, proved to be a huge blessing after all, not only to the families there who had tremendous tornado damage, but also to our own group doing the work.

Not only did we pray for the survivors, they also prayed for us.
Not only did we meet their needs, they also met ours.
Not only were we a light to them, they were a light to us.

No one can accurately predict or stop what God has planned. And what God has planned is always for His glory and for our good.

Even when it seems the opposite.

When the opposite happens, can we still trust God? Whose plans are better? #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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When have you seen God’s plan turn out better than your own plan? Please share in the comments.

Pictures of a Christ Follower. Parables for Lent

March 7, 2019 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

It’s day two of Lent which means there is still time to print your reading plan and catch up for our 40 Days with the Storyteller series! Grab your free bookmark reading plan: Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Early in his ministry, Jesus was teaching his disciples about the new kingdom. He was taking old ideas about faith and religion and turning them upside down.

In The Storytelling God, author Jared C Wilson explains that the Hebrew word for parable is rooted and related to the word “mashal” which means “proverb”. A parable, in Jewish understanding, is an illustration of wisdom. Ancient authors did not have pictures or diagrams or maps to enhance their writings (and besides, Jesus taught his disciples orally) so they used the language of symbolism to illustrate their teachings. Over the next three days, we’ll be reading parables that show us pictures of what a follower of Christ looks like.

Day 2: Matthew 5:13-15

In Matthew 5:13-15, Jesus tells the crowd that they are salt and light, giving them, and us, a picture of what a person who follows Jesus should look like.

What does salt make you think of? Flavor? A preservative? A stable compound, plentiful but valuable.

Can salt lose its saltiness?

“Most salt in the ancient world derived from salt marshes or the like, rather than by evaporation of salt water, and therefore contained many impurities. The actual salt, being more soluble than the impurities, could be leached out, leaving a residue so dilute it was of little worth.” (https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Mat/Mat-5.cfm?a=934013

How about light? Our house is out in the country, surrounded by fields. When it gets dark, it’s DARK. Almost oppressive. Sometimes I’ll go out at night and see the lights of the city in the distance. It’s dazzling and it really does light things up for miles around.

What does it mean for a Christian to be light?

“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.” – C.S. Lewis

What does it look like to be salt and light in a dark and rotting world? #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

Day 3: Luke 6:46-49

But how do we live like salt and light in a dark and rotting world? We’ve already talked about how Jesus was doing a new thing, restoring us to a place where we could again live in relationship with him. But to do this, Jesus said, we have to DO what he says.

he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

I like the imagery of verse 48, digging deep to lay your foundation on the rock. This life in Christ is not easy but there is value in the doing the hard work. When our faith is active it is strong, like the foundation of a house, able to withstand the flood.

Is your foundation built on a rock? #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

Day 4: Luke 7:36-47

Let’s set the stage a bit for this passage. Jesus is eating at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. A “woman of the city, who was a sinner” hears he is in town and shows up for the party. That’s an interesting character description. Aren’t we all sinners? What sets this woman apart?

The Greek word used here for “sinner” is hamartolos which is translated as “devoted to sin, not free from sin, wicked, and specifically of men stained with certain vices or crimes, as in tax collectors or heathens.” Heathen, according to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, means Gentile, other than Jewish; an idolater. Can you relate with the woman of the city? I know I can.

Our sin is a debt we cannot pay. Whether it’s 50 or 500, it is more than we can afford. Thankfully, Jesus has cancelled our debt. We can be like woman, deeply, unashamedly grateful, or we can be like Simon, proud and scoffing behind Jesus’ back.

What can you do today to show Jesus your gratitude?

Praise Jesus for cancelling the debt of sin! #40DaysWithTheStorytellerClick To Tweet

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Enjoy God’s Word 2019 Conference – Sign Up

March 6, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 1 Comment

If you want to grow closer to God and want encouragement from other Christian women, but don’t have time or money to pack up for a weekend to get away, let the encouragement come to you!

The online Enjoy God’s Word 2019 Conference is almost here. Tickets are waiting on you now.

What You Get

Here’s what you’ll get with your ticket:

6 keynote sessions with Katie Orr through the book of Philippians
Over 20 practical and theological 30 minute breakout sessions on knowing and better enjoying God through the Bible
Private Facebook group to interact with the speakers and other participants
Live Q&A sessions in real time with each speaker
Your own digital conference notebook with listener’s guides for each session

Reserve your spot for three days’ full of sessions, including 6 special keynote sessions by Katie Orr on the book of Philippians. The dates are April 23-25, but once the sessions go live, you can return to watch them anytime that fits into your schedule.

Sessions

Here are a just a few of the 30-minute sessions:

↠ How To Read God’s Word and Actually Do What It Says by Tricia Goyer
↠ The Comfort of God’s Word in Our Loneliness by Amy Hale
↠ Making Biblical Prayer a Practical Priority by Brooke McGlothlin
↠ From Bitter to Better by Whitney Capps
↠ Maximize Your “Not-So-Quiet” Time with God by Kristin Funston
↠ Becoming Women of Blessing by Heather MacFadyen
↠ Creating Habits of Faith: How to Help Your Kids Get into the Word by Kim Sorgius

See more sessions and speakers here. (I’m doing a session on How to Make a Spiritual Growth Notebook.)

Right now tickets are $42 until 3/19. Then the price goes up.

Watch to learn more about the conference and sign up today.

There’s also a podcast, hosted by Angie Elkins. Check out the Enjoy the Word Podcast here to catch the first episode with Katie Orr.

Questions? Let us know.

Enjoy this women’s conference without leaving your house! Get your seat now. @EnjoyGodsWord Online Bible Conference

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40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent

March 5, 2019 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

Did you participate in our Lent reading plan last year? Well, we’ve put together a new plan for you to use this Lent (or anytime, really!). This year, we’ll be spending 40 Days with The Storyteller.

Do you celebrate Lent? Some Christians do, and some don’t. If you don’t know much about it, I explained in this post from last year that:

“Traditionally, Lent is a 40 day (46 days total when you include Sundays) period of intentionally dwelling on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus.

Ultimately, Lent is a humbling time of reflection on all God has done for mankind.

Rather than asking you to give something up (that’s between you and God) we’re asking that you consider joining us for [this Lenten plan].”

This year we’ll focus on the parables and illustrations of Christ, in chronological order as we spend 40 Days with The Storyteller.

A Reading Plan for Lent that focuses on the parables and illustrations of Christ. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller @DoNotDepart.com

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We’ve made a printable bookmark to help you keep track of the daily readings. Print it up on cardstock and tuck it in your Bible. Look it over then let it wait until Wednesday, March 6th, when we’ll begin. Check off each day as you read, keeping in mind that there are no readings on Sundays. You can use that day for reflection or as a “catch up” day if needed. We’ve also included a pretty inspirational verse card for you!

Lent Reading Plan printable bookmark and verse image at DoNotDepart.com — Watercolor background image created by Ayden

Click the image above to download your bookmark reading plan, or click the link below.

Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Luke 5:33-38

To start us off, I’ll go ahead and share bit about the first parable in our reading plan – that way, when you start on Wednesday, you’ll already have a jumpstart!

In this passage from Luke, Jesus answers a question about fasting.

The disciples of John fasted and prayed. So did the disciples of the Pharisees.

Yet Jesus’ disciples feasted. Matter of fact, if you go up a few verses to Luke 5:27-32, you’ll see the context. Levi (also known as Matthew) had just called together a group of “sinners” for a party of sorts, introducing them to the guest of honor that he had chosen to follow: Jesus!

There were some who were obviously not happy that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors. And they were confused by His disciples’ lack of fasting.

Jesus gave them this parable in return:

He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (Luke 5:36-39)

What Did Jesus Mean?

Jesus was doing something brand new. Of course it wouldn’t look familiar to them (like the old garment or old wineskins), but instead would be something revolutionary!

I love this succinctly complete answer from GotQuestions.org:

“…you can’t mix old religious rituals with new faith in Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were not fasting along with the Pharisees and John’s disciples because they were now under the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ. As mentioned earlier, Jesus fulfilled the law; therefore, there is no longer any need to continue with the old rituals. Jesus cannot be added to a works-based religion. In the case of the Pharisees, they were consumed with their own self-righteousness, and faith in Jesus cannot be combined with self-righteous rituals.” (emphasis, mine)

I’m glad the new doesn’t look like the old. I’m so thankful for the way of grace and that Jesus fulfilled the law. How about you?

As the Lenten season begins, let’s praise God for sending us Jesus! Let’s thank Him for the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ!

Blessings,

Ali

Love Leads to Good Choices {Memorize Philippians 1:10-11}

March 4, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Why do you want love to grow bigger?

So you can bear more fruit. So God will be honored.

Memorize This Week

10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:10-11

[click to download the verse image]

Make the Best Choice

Sometimes we don’t know the right thing to do. We have so many choices on how to spend our time, our money, our energy.

We need discernment.

When Paul prayed for his fellow believers in Christ in Philippi, he prayed with purpose. He wanted their love to abound more and more in discernment (Philippians 1:9).

He wanted their love to lead them to make good choices (Philippians 1:10). To keep them pure.

When love fulfills its purpose, it blooms. It meets the needs of others and it brings praise to God (Philippians 1:11).

As you meditate on and memorize Philippians 1:10-11 this week, ask God to help your love grow in the best direction, too.

Use love wisely. Ask God. Let your love grow in the best direction. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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Theology in Practice – Series Wrap Up

March 1, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

This month we’ve been looking at why it’s important to put our theology into practice, and we’ve posed questions to ask ourselves how we can do just that.

Remember, first, we need sound theology, then we can have a sound practice. The aim of the Christian walk is to become like Jesus!

So, how can a Biblical, doctrinally accurate theology be applied in relation to God, self, and others? Our posts examined answers to these questions.

Posts from Our Series

What is the connection between our worship and our theology? And how does our view of God’s character affect the way we worship? This post discusses what worship really is, and examines six characteristics of God and tells how they can practically affect our worship.

We need to be in the Word, think about the Word, and “do” the Word! Jaime says, “Jesus said when we follow his commands and apply what we’ve learned, we are like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24 ), prepared for and safeguarded against the storms of life. Poet William Blake wrote, ‘We become what we behold.’ Continuously reading the Bible changes our hearts because it changes our minds.”

When you can’t help all, help one! Have you ever thought, “The problem is too big. And I am too small. If I can’t make a big difference—and I can’t—why make an effort at all?” As Lisa says, our theology shapes “what we think about ourselves, what we think about others, and what we think about our mission here. And what we think affects what we do. …the truth is this: God is indeed God of the many, but He also is God of the one.”

In Cheli’s post, she reminds us to go Deeper Still – With Jesus. She writes, “Jesus instructed His disciples, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch’ (Luke 5:4, NIV ). In the same way, Jesus always leads me to deeper knowledge, deeper commitment, deeper faith— deeper water.” When we know and follow the Son, we know and experience the Father! “Jesus asks me to follow Him into deep places, so I can experience God’s active engagement and presence.”

The point of our sound theology is to become doers of the Word:

As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:27-28

We pray our series this month has blessed you as you draw near the Father and practice Christian beliefs.

In Him,
Ali

Here’s What to Pray for Your Friends – {Memorize Philippians 1:8-9}

February 25, 2019 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Who do you miss?

Who are you longing for today?

In our memory verses this week, Philippians 1:8-9, we learn that the apostle Paul yearned for the believers in the city of Philippi. A lot.

As a result, he prayed for them.

Memorize This Week

“For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.”
Philippians 1:8-9

[click to download the verse image]

What to Pray

Do we pray for those we miss? What do we pray?

Paul prayed this for his friends:

For their love to overflow
For their love to grounded in truth
For their love to be perceptive

Paul understood that their greatest need—also our greatest need—is for more love. To love more, and to love better, is a gift that blesses our friends and everyone around them. Love blesses both the giver and the receiver. It fulfills the greatest commandment (love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, Matthew 22:37-38). It fulfills the second greatest command (love your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:39).

As you pray for those around you this week and those you wish were around you, pray for their love to increase, too. It’s how you hold them in your heart and partake with them in grace (Philippians 1:7).

God is our witness.

Missing someone? Here’s what to pray for them. #Philippians1 #HideHisWord

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