Jesus: Astonishing, Bread of Life – Mark 7 & John 6

March 2, 2018 by Jaime Hilton 2 Comments

Our reading plan for Lent continues this week with Mark 7 and John 6. The stories in these chapters are chock full of more truth and wonder than we have time to unpack here. But keep in mind, we are reading through the lens of who Jesus is and what he did.

Mark 7 – Jesus is Astonishing

In Mark 7 Jesus continues to turn the world on its head. His disciples are observed eating with unwashed hands. Jesus gets right to the heart of the matter. He rebukes the Pharisees for their empty words. Their complaint had nothing to do with worshiping God. This was about honoring themselves.

“And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!” Mark 7:9

Jesus came to earth and lived among us to teach us that life isn’t about following rules. It’s about following Him. Click To Tweet

Privately Jesus explains to his disciples that it’s not what is outside that defiles a man, but what comes out of his heart. As a Gentile myself, I love knowing that Jesus always intended to include all people in his plan for salvation!

I think Mark includes the next two stories, both taking place in Greek cities, to help emphasize this point to his Gentile readers. Jesus came for everyone. A Gentile woman seeks him out and begs him for help with her demon-possessed daughter. He could have dismissed her outright but instead he engages with her. He gently challenges her faith. It isn’t time for the Gentiles yet. Then he responds with compassion and healing when she rises to that challenge.

Finally, in the region of the Decapolis Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. Unlike so many of his other healings, he takes the man aside and touches his ears and tongue. What a beautiful picture of Jesus meeting this man where he needed him!

The people are astonished. The Greek word ekplesso is a verb meaning “to strike out, expel by blow, to be struck with amazement”. It gives me the impression of a kind of breathless wonder. Almost speechless, except in this case they just can’t stop talking about how amazing he is!

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37Click To Tweet

John 6:1-40 Bread for Believers

In John 6 Jesus continues showing the people who he is through miraculous signs (the same miracles we read about in Mark 6!). John gives us an idea of how the people are responding to these miracles.

Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand (and that’s just the men!). The people, eating a miraculous meal out in the open, are reminded of Moses and manna from heaven. They want him to be king (v. 15) so much that they are willing to force him into the role. But Jesus knows what we need better than we know ourselves.

He walks on water through a storm, proving to his disciples again that he has total authority over this physical world.

Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:21

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The people don’t understand. They chase him across the sea, wondering how he managed to get there, and again pressure him to take his place as their ruler. Moses 2.0. But Jesus tells them the most mind-bending parable of all. They want the things of this world, the temporary. He is there to give them so much more.

John 6:41-71 Life in the Spirit

The crowd, previously so enthusiastic, begins to grumble against Jesus. They twist his words and take offense. But Jesus knows who his words are for.

He calls us.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. (v 44)

He teaches us.

It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— (v45)

He gives his life for us.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (v. 51)

He knows out hearts.

But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) (v. 64)

I love this quote about bread by David Guzick. Jesus must be internalized!

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Parables and Prerogatives of Christ – Mark 4-6

February 27, 2018 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

How are you enjoying 40 Days with Jesus, our reading plan for Lent? Slowing down and focusing on both Christ’s actions and His nature has been a true gift for me. I hope it has been for you, too! Today, we’re going to take a look at more actions of Jesus, demonstrated through His parables and prerogatives in Mark 4 – 6.

My study Bible divides this section of Scripture into these two main divisions: The Parables of Christ, and the Prerogatives of Christ. I think those titles are great! Let’s look at them together.

Mark 4

Mark chapter four contains sections from both division. It starts out with some parables and then moves on to some prerogatives of Christ.

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Parables

I love the parables! Like I mentioned to the DoNotDepart Facebook community, my father is a great storyteller, so maybe I associate a good story with fatherly love and instruction. And stories from Jesus, the Master storyteller, are truly great stories!

Here in Mark 4, Jesus teaches His audience through several parables. Now, the parables had a two-fold purpose. Fisrt, to explain truths to the spiritually open, and second, to obscure the meaning for those who lacked desire to receive the meaning. He knew that some listeners would “get it” and some would walk away still spiritually blind to the truths He was teaching. (See Matthew 13:10-17 and Isaiah 6:9-10 to see how Jesus fulfilled prophecy in using the parables. Also, for a great study on the parables, consider the HelloMornings study, At My Savior’s Feet, authored in part by several of the DoNotDepart writers.)

Mark 4 presents us with several parables:

First, the Parable of the Sower, which details the various reactions to hearing the Gospel.
Next, the Parable of the Lamp, that reminds us that we bear Christ’s light and should let it shine out for His glory.
Then, the Parable of the Growing Seed, shows us that personal spiritual growth is certain, but can be slow.
Last, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which tells of the rapid spread and growth of the Christian faith.

Prerogatives

Mark chapter 4 closes with Jesus and the disciples on a boat, enduring a storm. Most of us know the story. Jesus is sleeping peacefully aboard the ship while the disciples feared and fretted. When they awoke Jesus and asked Him if He cared, His reply was, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

His reply makes me pause in reflection. When storms of life lash out at me, do I trust the One who is resting in me? Or do I fear?

Jesus’ parables teach us great truths. We should pray for listening hearts and then pause to examine our faith. We can always trust that God is able to calm our biggest storms!

Mark 5

The prerogatives of Jesus stretch on from Mark 4 into chapters 5 and 6 (and further until Mark 9:1).

In Mark 5, Jesus demonstrates that He has authority over demons and illness. Wow! We have a powerful Savior, and His actions show great love for mankind.

Look closely with me at Mark 5:19. After casting demons out of a man, Jesus tells him:

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19 b

Yes! The Lord is so loving toward us and shows us such rich mercy. No matter how dire our situation, if we pray for spiritually open eyes, I am convinced that we can look and see God’s love and mercy. His actions are always something worth sharing!

Jesus doesn’t say much in this chapter of Mark, but the few words that are recorded are deep!

He calls a woman suffering from a bleeding issue that leaves her unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27) and excluded from aspects of her community “daughter” and tells her to “Go in peace. Your faith has made you well.” (verse 34)
Jesus tells Jairus to not be afraid, but to only believe. (Verse 36) After all, there are no limits to what God can do!
And proving this fact of limitlessness, Jesus tells a dead girl to arise… and it happens! (Verse 41)

Jesus has authority over all our circumstances, no matter how serious or grim! Nothing is too big for Him and His love is immense!

Mark 6

One of my favorite stories from the sixth chapter of Mark is the feeding of the 5,000.

I love that it all starts with Jesus asking the apostles (that had just returned from their commission in verses 7-13) to come away with Him to rest. (It’s so invitational, isn’t it? After hard and exciting work, spiritual rest was so needed!

Alexander Maclaren offers us some insight from his commentary regarding this:

“After any great effort, the body cries for repose, but still more does the soul’s health demand quiet after exciting and successful work for Christ. Without much solitary communion with Jesus, effort for Him tends to become mechanical…” (Emphasis, mine.)

This all reminds me that when we serve family, friends, the Body of Christ, or otherwise in our community, we need to come away with Jesus for rest. It’s important that we renew mentally, physically, and especially spiritually so that we can be renewed and then continue serving in His name.

In this story, the disciples really didn’t get much time alone with Jesus since the crowds beat them to the “desolate place.” But Jesus set the example for them with compassionate service, and for giving even when they were tired. What an excellent reminder that Jesus can use the efforts in our tired moments when we draw near to Him!

Jesus is abundantly able to do great things! His marvelous nature is displayed as He calls us to rest and then renews us. Yes, sometimes we’ll serve while we’re tired, but through His strength it can be done. He shows us His miracles of awesome ability and even healing.

What from these chapters stood out most to you? Share with us in the comments of in our Facebook community.

Looking at the Parables and Prerogatives of Christ in Mark 4 – 6. #40DaysWithJesus a Reading Plan for Lent

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Blessings!

Ali

The Son Gives Living Water Welling up to Eternal Life: John 3-5

February 23, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

We continue our reading plan for Lent with John 3 through 5. As you read, did God grab your attention through any particular verses? What did you learn about who Jesus is in these chapters?

John 3 – The Son of Man Gives the Spirit

Chapter 3 begins with a nighttime visit from Nicodemus, a leader among the Pharisees. Nicodemus was a Believer (John 3:2) who would later defend Jesus to the officials (John 7:50-51) and provide the spices for Jesus’ burial (John 19:39).

Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man (John 3:13) and confused Nicodemus by telling him that he must be born not only of the flesh, but also of the Spirit. This rebirth defied everything Nicodemus had understood thus far about how God worked. Jesus revealed that it was only through belief in Him that Nicodemus (and all) might receive that Spirit and be saved.

John 3 also contains that beloved verse in which the entirety of the Gospel, and our every hope, is summarized: John 3:16.

The chapter concludes with John the Baptist reassuring his followers that Jesus’ work was not only essential but is the whole reason John existed. John’s job had been completed – to prepare the way for the Lord. Now that Jesus had come, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

When you believe in Jesus, you receive not only eternal life, but His Spirit living in you today. Like John, as we decrease, He increases in us. What area of your life needs to further submit to Jesus so that His Spirit might increase in you?

John 4 – The Messiah Offers Living Water

In beautiful contrast to his meeting with respected leader Nicodemus in chapter 3, John 4 begins with an interaction between Jesus and one of the “least of these” – a Samaritan woman whose life story was so socially unacceptable that she had to draw her water from the community well in the middle of the day, a time when no one else was normally there. The disciples’ shock on seeing Jesus talking to her underscores how unusual it was – Jews did not associate with Samaritans, and men did not speak with women except at home.

Not only does Jesus bless this woman with attention and conversation, He offers her “Living Water”, and it is to this outcast woman that He first reveals Himself as the Messiah, the promised Savior.

Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:26

The woman believes and runs to tell all who would hear that the Messiah had come. Many she told also believed (John 4:21). And when Jesus left Samaria and went to Galilee, he encountered another who believed – a royal official whose son was dying. Because of the official’s faith, Jesus heals his son from afar.

Do you ever feel unworthy of God’s attention? Like your past is an obstacle to Him loving you? You are precious in His sight – He offers you living water today!

John 5 – The Father’s Son Heals

Jesus continued to perform miraculous healings. The healing we read about in John 5:1-9 caused Him trouble with the Jewish authorities. Jesus had healed a lame man by the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, and this healing, as well as the direction to the man to pick up his bedding and walk, violated the Sabbath law to do no work.

In addition, Jesus was alarmingly referring to God as His Father, a blasphemous assertion to the Jews. They were so deeply outraged that they wanted to kill him (John 5:18). More than half of John 5 is Jesus’ response to these men, detailing the nature of His relationship with His Father (John 5:19-47). Despite appealing to their knowledge of their very own holy Scriptures (John 5:39-47), we know that Jesus continued to infuriate the leadership.

For those who believe, though, what joyous reassurance!

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

The Son brings healing! You and I pass from death to life in Him! Do you need healing today?

In Christ your past does not define you! Drink of His living water! #40DaysWithJesus

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Join us as we read through Mark and John during the weeks of Lent! For daily discussion, head over to the DoNotDepart Facebook community!

Healing and Controversy: Lent Readings – Mark 2-3 and John 2

February 20, 2018 by Alyssa Howard Leave a Comment

As you read Mark 2-3 and John 2 from our daily Lent plan, what stands out the most to you and why?

To say that Jesus’ ministry was controversial is an understatement. While multitudes came to Him and found healing, others questioned everything about Him… including His power to heal the sick. The Pharisees made it their mission to destroy Him. They questioned Him at every turn and constantly tried to trap Him using His own teachings as well as the Law. Never finding success, the Pharisees would ultimately seek to destroy Him the only way they knew how… Little did they know that it would be His ultimate victory!

Mark 2 – Jesus Reveals Himself as Our Healer

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” – Mark 2:5 (ESV)

The paralyzed man was brought to Jesus for physical healing, but he received something far greater… spiritual healing. It wasn’t until verse 11 that Jesus told the paralytic man to get up and walk. This is probably one of my favorite stories of healing in all of Jesus’ ministry. (I say “one of” because I have many!) He came to Jesus for physical healing, but his greater need was met first.

How often do we take our needs to God and He answers them differently than we expected? Jesus knew the hearts of the people around Him. He could see their faith. The paralytic man still received his physical healing, but not before Jesus addressed his greater need. And in doing so, Jesus was able to reveal a bit more of Himself. Yes, Jesus could forgive sins here on earth.

Mark 3 – Jesus Reveals Himself as Merciful and Compassionate

And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. – Mark 3:5-6 (ESV)

In verse 5, we read that Jesus was “grieved at their hardness of heart.” Even as the Pharisees were plotting against Him, His heart broke for them. What an amazing reminder of just how merciful and loving our God is!

Jesus was often the center of controversy. But I find it interesting how He chose to respond. There were times, yes, when He challenged the religious leaders. But He always remained wise in His speech and in His actions. He knew when to be silent and when to speak up. He also demonstrated great compassion and mercy… even to those who were plotting to kill Him.

John 2 – Jesus Reveals His Heart

When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:3-5 (ESV)

I’ve always loved the story of Jesus turning water into wine. It gives us an intimate glimpse into the personal relationship Jesus had with his mother Mary. Although, I must admit I’m left with some questions. How did Mary know Jesus could turn the water into wine? Had He done something like that before in their private home life? I also find it funny that she almost completely ignores what Jesus said to her. She simply turns to the servants and tells them to obey Him.

For me personally, this chapter shares Jesus’ heart and His emotions. He cared about His mother enough to fulfill a great need. And He cared deeply about God’s house in verses 13-22 and cleansed the temple. But He also knew the heart of man. Verse 24 reveals Jesus’ lack of trust in those who claimed to believe in Him. They loved the miracles, but would they still follow Him when it meant surrendering their lives?

Yes, Jesus was quite controversial. He inspired people with hope as He performed miraculous deeds. But He also challenged the minds and heart of all who listened.

Jesus, our Healer, loves us deeply. He is merciful, compassionate, knows our hearts, and forgives our sins.

So while the cost of following Him means surrendering all we have to Him, it is more than worth it!

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:34-35 (ESV)

For more discussion, join in with our DoNotDepart Facebook community.

Catch up on all our articles here on our reading passages for Lent.

What Have You Seen? {Lent Readings – John 1, Mark 1}

February 16, 2018 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

As you read John 1:19-51 and Mark 1 from our daily Lent plan, ask yourself: What have I seen of Jesus? Where do I go to be with Him?

John 1:19-51 See for Yourself

As we continue in John 1, we find John the Baptist being questioned: Who are you (John 1:22)? John said he was the one pointing to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:23, 29).

Who are we? Certainly not John the Baptist.

But do we have a similar mission?

Maybe you don’t have your own faith all figured out. You think you can’t tell people about Jesus until you know more answers, until you can prove your beliefs.

But John didn’t have all the answers.
Neither did Andrew when he told his brother Peter about Jesus (John 1:41).
Philip couldn’t fully explain Jesus either, yet he told Nathanael to “Come and see” (John 1:46).

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
John 1:46

What they knew was what they had seen.

What have we seen?

We can rest in our partial knowledge of a full God, even as we seek Him more. Let’s invite others to just “Come and see” for themselves, too.

As we point the way to Jesus, He will show them who He truly is.

Mark 1 – Find Your Place

After Jesus was baptized (Mark 1:9-13), He went into the desert for forty days. This week begins our own forty-day journey with Jesus, immersing ourselves in His presence through these scriptures and by His Spirit in our lives.

In these first paragraphs of Mark, recorded either by John Mark (a companion of Peter) or anonymously, we read of Jesus’s compassionate acts of healing. Again and again, over and over.

Jesus drove out an evil spirit.
He healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
He cured various diseases from many in town.
He cleansed a man of leprosy.

Jesus saw people’s needs. He spoke to them and touched them and made them better.

But Jesus did something else, too. Something we also can do.

Jesus found a place.

Early in the morning (actually very early in the morning), Jesus walked away. He found a place He could be alone. And there He talked to God.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Mark 1:35

Maybe very early isn’t best for us. But at some point during each day, can we, too, find a place? Can we walk away, be alone, and talk with God?

Maybe our place is a bathroom closet.
An office with closed doors.
Or just a chair at the kitchen table.

Wherever our place, light up there. Time with God is fuel for the fire. It ignites a heart of compassion. It keeps the flames burning for the actions that come before and follow after.

We can’t do everything Jesus did. But we can do some things.

Finding a place—this we can do.

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Do you have a place you go to pray? Where are you sitting as you read our daily passages? Please share in the comments.

For more discussion, join in with our DoNotDepart Facebook community.

Catch up on all our articles here on our reading passages for Lent.

Lent is About Love

February 13, 2018 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

Ahh, Valentine’s Day. A celebration of love. Romantic love, yes, but also friendship, family, community, really anything that might hold one’s affection. It’s light hearted. Pink and pretty and sweet. Maybe even a little indulgent.

Lent, by contrast, has more somber connotations. Ashes and dust, a humble reminder of our mortality and sin. Modeled after Jesus’ forty days fasting in the wilderness, it is a season of preparation meant to cleanse the soul, humble the heart and discipline the body. It is a time to make less of ourselves

These two very different holidays might not appear to have much in common and wouldn’t normally be considered together. In fact, the last time Ash Wednesday (which marks the beginning of Lent) fell on February 14^th was back in 1945! But at their core, they celebrate the same thing: love. Affectionate, passionate, sacrificial love, personified in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus.

The love of St. Valentine is affectionate, based on feelings and desire. The love of Lent is sacrificial, putting the needs of others above your own. The witness left to us in the Gospels of Mark and John show Jesus living out both of these loves. A man of action, undeterred from his mission to redeem mankind, moved by compassion.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Lent is about the love of Jesus, shown in his life, death, and resurrection.Click To Tweet

John 1:1-18

Picture the scene behind the first passage of our reading plan (which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday!).

John, who defines himself as “the disciple Jesus loved”, is getting older. He’s maybe thirty years past his time with Jesus on earth. Thirty years or so of ministry, spreading the Gospel, discipling the young church. He’s seen persecution and the deaths of most of his closest friends. He lives in Ephesus, a Roman colony in what we know today as Turkey. The city is the center of worship for Artemis (known to the Romans as Diana), the Greek goddess of fertility, childbirth, chastity, and the hunt. Day after day John watches millions pour into the city to worship at the Artemesium – a magnificent marble temple that will someday be named as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. He sees the hunger in their eyes, the longing for healing, hope, help, and watches them seek that help from the cold, stone pillars of an empty temple.

Once upon a time his life was turned upside down and inside out by a most remarkable man – God who became man. His quill flies across the page with passion as he expresses the inexpressible. Remembering the love that changed his life, he describes the indescribable.

He begins with the Word – lofty, intangible, the very essence of all thought and wisdom. Like a spiral, the unknowable God who created everything and holds all things together, the Light of life, becomes more tangible, becomes like us, living here with us! The Law was given in stone on a mountaintop, but the Truth comes to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The only One who has ever seen God the Father has revealed him to us!

Are You Ready to Feel the Love?

Dwell on his nearness today. He is alive and wants to connect with you. He doesn’t just watch our sacrifices knowing there is nothing we can do to save ourselves, but delights in us, pouring himself out for us, grace upon grace. Because he loves us.

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Lent begins tomorrow, February 14th, 2018. Be sure to grab your copy of the reading plan and join our discussion group on Facebook!

40 Days with Jesus - A Christian Reading Plan for Lent. FREE Printable Bookmark and Bible verse image from the Women's Ministry DoNotDepart.com

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Why Read from Mark and John for Lent?

February 8, 2018 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

Why will we read through Mark and John this Lenten season? If you read our last post, you know we’ll be starting the 40 Days with Jesus Reading Plan for Lent next week. (Don’t miss the printable bookmark to help you track your reading. We’ve even given you a pretty freebie image!)

But again, why Mark and John?

As I mentioned in the last post, Lent is a beautiful season where we can steep in the beautiful reminder of all Jesus has done for us in His life, death, and resurrection.

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.

It’s the reminder of what exactly He did up on that cross and through His sacrificial death! And it makes the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday so much sweeter as we understand the victory we have in Jesus– the Overcomer!!

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

And what better place to read about all He’s done than the Gospels?

A Little Background

The Book of Mark was written by Mark (of course!), the companion of Peter and missionary partner of Paul. He wrote to Gentiles (Romans in particular), so his book doesn’t contain the genealogy of Christ. His intended audience wouldn’t have been interested much in His Jewish ancestry or in all the prophecies He fulfilled that were given in the Old Testament. What would they have been interested in? What He did.

So for Lent, we’ll be focusing on the actions of Jesus. What He did and what He accomplished through what He did.

Now, the Book of John was written by the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:20) and gives detailed inside information that only John can give. The most theological of all four Gospels, John mainly focused on explaining who Jesus is. We can’t walk away from the Book of John without seeing His divine nature! John gives us the “I am” statements that Jesus made (equating Him with Yahweh- the great I AM of the Old Testament). But not only does John stress Jesus’ deity, he stresses His humanity. He tells us that Jesus thirsted, hungered, wearied, and so on. Fully human, and fully God.*

So for Lent, we’ll also focus on the person and nature of Jesus. His divinity and His humanity.

Why read from Mark and John for Lent? To focus on the actions and person of Christ! #40DaysWithJesus @DoNotDepart

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I pray you’ll join us as we read a chapter(ish) a day and focus on these two Gospels for 40 days! Are you ready to focus on His actions and nature?

Remember, we’ll be posting here twice a week, beginning next Tuesday. We’ll share our thoughts and lead you through this reading plan for Lent. If you’d like to join us for discussion, you’re always welcome to post a comment here on the blog. You can also join our discussion group on Facebook. We love hearing from you!

Ali

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Notes

*John emphasized Jesus’ divine nature. This was especially important at this time in history. A group called the Gnostics were purporting that Jesus was not human. Unfortunately, the heresy of Gnosticism is making a comeback.
“The Gnostics believe that Jesus’ physical body was not real, but only “seemed” to be physical, and that His spirit descended upon Him at His baptism, but left Him just before His crucifixion. Such views destroy not only the true humanity of Jesus, but also the atonement, for Jesus must not only have been truly God, but also the truly human (and physically real) man who actually suffered and died upon the cross in order to be the acceptable substitutionary sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 2:14-17). The biblical view of Jesus affirms His complete humanity as well as His full deity.” For more, click here.

40 Days with Jesus – A Reading Plan for Lent

February 6, 2018 by Ali Shaw 17 Comments

Here’s the “something new” we’ve promised — we’ve put together a Reading Plan for Lent where we’ll intentionally draw near to Jesus for 40 Days!

Our modern calendar measures passing time using a system that revolves around solstices and seasons and holidays (both religious and secular) have been added as highlights to celebrate events and honor people. For us Christians, religious holidays have significant and poignant meaning.

In Old Testament times, God commanded the Israelites to keep certain holidays that had religious (even prophetic) significance. (Here’s one example.) And today’s Church calendar notes what God has done in the New Testament– He sent His Son (Christmas) who gave His life (Good Friday), then resurrected Him (Easter), and later sent the promised Holy Spirit (Pentecost).

Since God created time, years revolve around Him and what He’s done.

And coming soon on the Church calendar is the celebration of Lent. (Lent begins on Valentine’s Day this year.)

Some Christians are familiar with this holiday while some aren’t. As a child, I attended an evangelical church where Lent was celebrated. My juvenile mind associated the Lenten season with “giving something up” (usually my much beloved bubble gum). But as an adult who’s come back to the observance of this holiday, I’ve learned there is so much more to it.

Churches have different practices and there are many different ways to participate, yet there’s one common thread. And rather than viewing Lent merely as a 40 day period of giving up something for the sake of discipline, I’ve learned that the purpose of giving up something in the the first place is simply to make room for more important things – namely, the most important thing Himself.

Yes, the common thread amidst all Lenten celebrations is to draw near Christ.

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.

We know that salvation is through grace that comes by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)– not by the works of righteousness or of disciplining the flesh (Titus 3:5). That said, we can’t help but notice that Jesus was disciplined. He passionately lived for God the Father with His all and taught us to crucify our fleshly desires to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 2:20). May we be like Him! We gain this not through our own striving, but through surrender to His will and to His authority and with the help of His strength. With His help we can put away childish and fleshly things; we can put on Christ and put off the flesh.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

This side of the cross, we celebrate Lent through a shifted perspective. Lent is not law that needs to be obeyed, it’s a time spent steeping in the beautiful reminder of how deeply we are loved by our God! It’s the reminder of what exactly He did up on that cross and through His sacrificial death! And it makes the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday so much sweeter as we understand the victory we have in Jesus– the Overcomer!!

Lent. A time to steep in the beautiful reminder of how deeply we are loved by our God! #40DaysWithJesus

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The Plan

So with all of that in mind, we’ve put together a new plan for you to use during Lent (or anytime!). Rather than asking you to give something up (that’s between you and God) we’re asking that you consider joining us for 40 Days with Jesus. This reading plan covers roughly one chapter a day and will take us through the Books of Mark and John. We’ll focus on what Jesus did while He walked this earth and who exactly this God-in-the-flesh man is. In simpler words, we’ll focus on the actions and person of Christ.

A Reading Plan for Lent that focuses on the actions and person of Christ. #40DaysWithJesus @DoNotDepart.com

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Our plan is put together chronologically, so we’ll smoothly hop back and forth from John to Mark and back again, until we get through the entire story of Jesus as presented in these two Gospels.

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 Valentine’s Day 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.

Click here to download and print the Lent Reading Plan Bookmark and Image.

Our Prayer

We pray that this plan will bless you richly as you draw near to God in worship and complete adoration for who He is and for all He’s done for us in sending His Son! We pray that when Easter Sunday arrives, your heart will feel absolutely ready to burst with joy and praise. Most of all, we pray that your time spent with Jesus will be preciously sweet and unforgettable.

A Prayer Opportunity for You

Please pray about joining us. We’ll have posts here on the blog twice a week to discuss what we’re reading. If you do plan to participate and you’re interested in going through this plan with a group, please join the DoNotDepart community on Facebook for daily discussions. We would love to have you! You are also always welcome to comment on our posts right here on the blog. We value your thoughts and comments and love hearing from our readers!
And if this isn’t for you, will you pray for a fruitful time for the participants and DND Team? We are so thankful for your prayers and for your encouragement!

Let us know if you plan to join in. In the meantime, we’re praying for you!

Blessings,
Ali

The Simple Beauty of Wisdom {Proverbs 30-31}

January 31, 2018 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

We have come to the end of our 31 days in the book of Proverbs. At times convicting, at times inspiring, this collection of “the words of the wise and their riddles” (Proverbs 1:6) has taken us on a journey of truth in search of wisdom.

And like a lovely package all tied up, Proverbs begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and a woman (Proverbs 1:20-33), and it ends with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 30:30) and a woman (Proverbs 31:10-31).

We see a style shift in chapters 30 and 31. Chapter 29 concluded another set of one-verse proverbs, and now in chapter 30 we embark on longer lessons that use numerical parallelism and poetry to convey truth.

In addition, both Proverbs 30 and Proverbs 31 are explicitly attributed to someone other than Solomon, though a few scholars think these may be nicknames for him. We actually know nothing about either Agur (chapter 30) or Lemuel (chapter 31), other than the fact that what they recorded was deemed worthy to be included in Holy Scripture.

Proverbs 30—The Wisdom of a Simple Man

Agur is a humble man. The first section of Proverbs 30 is a clear reminder, necessary in a book about wisdom, that no matter how wise a human may become, no one will ever be as wise as God. True human wisdom leads to fearing God, and taking refuge in Him and in His Word (verse 5). We can not add to nor detract from God’s Word – it has been tested and stands.

Wisdom leads Agur to ask God to make him neither rich nor poor. Riches would distract him from God, and poverty tempt him to steal. Rather he asks, much like Jesus commands in the Lord’s Prayer (Mathew 6:11), only for his daily bread.

After describing some very unsavory characters (the sort of people who are spiritual fools), Agur moves into five sets of numerical parallel proverbs that are riddle-like. The words in this section paint a picture of the physical world with bright brush strokes. These Holy Spirit inspired pictures help us to understand deeper, spiritual realities: the greatest emptiness is life without God, His creation is awe-inspiring and mysterious, being small or unimportant does not preclude being wise.

Words and our use of them, or perhaps more accurately, our restraint from using them, are a major theme throughout the entire book of Proverbs. At this point, it’s time to be blunt: “put your hand on your mouth” (verse 32). This verse makes me laugh—I think we have all had moments when this would have been the best choice!

Proverbs 31—Eshet Chayil—The Virtuous Woman

As a mama, it brings joy to my heart that this entire chapter is a teaching from mother to son. Lemuel has paid attention to Proverbs 1:8-9:

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 1:8-9

In the first nine verses of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel’s mother gives him wise advice for leadership: do not be distracted by alcohol or women. A good leader focuses his strength on serving, not on indulging his appetites. She also exhorts him to speak up for those who have no voice: the afflicted, the poor, the unfortunate. A wise leader is one who thinks of others over himself and is compassionate.

Lemuel’s mother then moves on to describing an excellent wife. Verses 10-31 are an alphabetic acrostic poem. Each of the 22 verses starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. There are a number of reasons why the acrostic form might have been used, a simple one being that it makes a passage easier to memorize. This theory seems supported by the fact that these verses are traditionally memorized by Jewish men to sing to their wives as praise during the Sabbath meal. Imagine being blessed weekly by having these verses sung over you by your husband?

Many women shudder when they hear mention of Proverbs 31. “This stresses me out,” “An impossible to-do list!,” “I don’t know how to spin wool!” For some reason many Christians have taken this passage and turned it into a source of shame for women, when it is not meant to be a snapshot in time, but rather the arc of the life of a virtuous woman, or Eshet Chayil אֵשֶׁת חַיִל.

Think for a moment of Ruth. Ruth was a widow, a foreigner, and desperately poor. The only way she survived was by going into the fields after a harvest and gathering what was left behind. She did not have her own home, or servants, or fancy scarlet clothes like the woman in Proverbs 31. No husband to sit in the gates. And yet when Boaz spoke of her before their marriage, he called her Eshet Chayil, just like the Proverbs 31 woman!

You see, all the things the Proverbs 31 woman does are the fruit of her wise choice to fear the Lord. Getting up in the dark hours of the morning (Proverbs 31:15) or buying a field (Proverbs 31:16) aren’t what make her virtuous. She does those things because she loves God, and in her life, that’s what serving Him wisely looks like.

Does your husband work very late so you stay up to welcome him home, then are too tired to get up before dawn? Blessing your husband shows wisdom, so in your case getting up early is not the right choice. Do you make wise decisions about money so that you are a blessing to your family finances? That’s your field.

Proverbs 31 may seem like a picture of a complicated life, but in fact, it is beautifully simple, and summed up in verses 30-31, the final verses of Proverbs:

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:30-31

God cares about our insides first. Running around trying to look like the Proverbs 31 woman is like trying to heal a wound by putting makeup on it. It might look okay for a while, but it makes the infection worse. When the focus of our hearts is on God, the rest falls into place.

#31DaysInProverbs—Our Whole Series

Our month in Proverbs has come to an end. Take a look back through all we have learned! The thirty one chapters of Proverbs are filled with advice, admonition, and observations on the nature of God’s world and humanity. The wisdom of Proverbs is practical, yet also addresses the spiritual realities of the eternal kingdom.

We make things complex, but they needn’t be. Fear God and you will grow in wisdom, then you will know how to live. This is the simple beauty of the wisdom that is shared in Proverbs.

1 for 31 Challenge - Read one Bible chapter a day for 31 days -- read more at DoNotDepart.com

Does the Proverbs 31 woman stress you out? Learn why she shouldn’t! #31DaysInProverbs

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The message of Proverbs is simple: fear God and you will grow in wisdom.#31DaysInProverbs

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More Themes in Proverbs {Proverbs 27-29}

January 29, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Many themes emerge in the book of Proverbs. As we have discussed, this book of the Bible is a collection of sayings which has not been assembled in a discernible order – topics such as family relationships, wisdom, work ethic, leadership, and so much more are scattered amongst each of the chapters.

We have now read through Proverbs 29 together (just two more chapters to go!) Here are a few more themes that show up in Proverbs:

Physical Senses

This theme is more about style than content. While God is concerned with our hearts and our actions, He appeals to us through some of the Proverbs by means of our senses. We can not escape that we are physical beings, and He wouldn’t have us do that anyway, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him (Psalm 139:14)!

Taste: “One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.” Proverbs 27:7
Smell: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:9
Hearing: “Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.” Proverbs 27:14
Sight: “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” Proverbs 27:19

We honor God with all that we are – heart, soul, mind, and body!

Stewardship, Demonstrated Through Farming

After moving to rural Texas to homestead, references in Scripture to the pastoral life took on new significance – I could understand them from my own experience. The Old Testament in particular is filled with agricultural references and Proverbs is no exception. The most dominant theme of these farming verses is good stewardship – the wise management of resources.

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?” Proverbs 27: 23-24

“When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.” Proverbs 27:25-27

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” Proverbs 28:19

Diligence is key here. If you don’t constantly pay attention to the state of the things for which you are responsible, you may find yourself with little to show. The harvest will not only provide for you, but also for those for whom you are responsible. We can apply this concept to more than just the physical – spiritual diligence will reap rewards for you and your loved ones!

Compassion for the Poor

Proverbs views compassionate care toward the poor as a positive trait, one that may even bring a harvest for those who give.

“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” Proverbs 28:27

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” Proverbs 29:7

Not only are we called to be generous to the poor with our resources, but also with our time, and care about their rights. This compassion is found throughout the Old and New Testament:

In Deuteronomy God commands, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11)

And Jesus said “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13-14)

Obeying God’s command to love includes compassion for the poor!

We are just a few chapters away from completing our #31DaysInProverbs challenge! What stood out to you as you read through Proverbs 27-29? Share in a comment, or join the discussion in our Facebook community!

Compassion for the poor and good stewardship are two important themes in Proverbs #31DaysInProverbs

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Our series so far: