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31 Day Challenge – Studying Proverbs

December 29, 2017 by Ali Shaw 5 Comments

For a long while I’ve had a vision for DoNotDepart. I’ve wanted our team to provide a 31 Day Challenge for you, dear reader! And despite a busy Christmas season, website glitches and issues (I’m sure you’ve noticed– thanks for your patience!), and some personal health things behind the scenes, we’re putting together a challenge to kick off the New Year. I’d envisioned a long promotion and more time for preparations, but God has taught me the importance of flexibility in response to trials and steadfast obedience regardless of “commotion”, so here we go!

I truly pray that this challenge and the free printable packet we’re providing will bless you.

The 1 For 31 Challenge

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

For the month of January, we’ll be reading 1 Chapter of the Bible a Day for 31 Days. Since we’ll be going through the Book of Proverbs together, I’ve created this printable packet for you to download and use: Studying Proverbs Packet

You’ll find:

Challenge Tracker
Journaling Page
Author/Audience/Date/Themes Sheet
A General Study Sheet
Practical Application Page
Word Study Sheet
And more!
Plus two bonus pages: Church Notes and a Gratitude Journal

Print as many or as few pages as you’d like. The General Study sheet has a blank space so that it can be customized for whatever chapter you’re studying that day.

January on the Blog

Each week in January we’ll be writing about the chapters we’re reading together. We’ll offer insight, encouragement, share what we’ve learned, and so on. But we want to hear from you, too! So feel free to join us in our DoNotDepart community Facebook group if you haven’t already, to discuss what you’re learning!

I’m looking forward to starting the New Year in wisdom and growth alongside you, friends!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Proverbs 9:10

Are you ready?

Ali

Ready to start the New Year in wisdom and growth? 31 Days in Proverbs #FreePrintablePacket #31DayProverbsChall

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When God Gives You a Present (and He gives the best gifts!)

December 19, 2017 by Alyssa Howard 1 Comment

To say that gift giving is a big part of Christmas is an understatement, to say the least. Our modern culture is all about the holiday shopping season, and I must admit that buying Christmas presents is something I truly enjoy. Historically speaking, the giving of gifts during the month of December actually pre-dates Christmas itself. Slowly as Christmas traditions began to take shape, gift giving became a major holiday tradition. For many Christians, we give gifts in order to honor the gifts given to Jesus by the magi. We are also remembering the best gift of all, one that was given to all of mankind… the presence of our King and Savior.

When God Gives You a Present (and He gives the best gifts!) Read more at DoNotDepart.com

Have you ever received a personal present from God? I am talking about something in your life… something you’ve been praying for… that you knew was from God. Maybe it was something big like God meeting an important need in your life. Or perhaps it was a small, yet meaningful moment when God spoke to your heart. In these moments when God intervenes, we can feel His presence as well as His love in our lives. He cares deeply about even the little things we face on a daily basis.

Sometimes when God gives us gifts, they are personal and meant solely for us to enjoy. But more often than not, God’s gifts are meant to be shared.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ…. – 1 Peter 4:9-11 (ESV)

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling…

Christmas is all about giving and sharing with one another. We are given more opportunities to give of our time, resources, and finances during the holidays than any other time of the year. And as Christians, we are called to be hospitable. What I love most about this passage, however, is that it defines hospitality a bit differently than our culture would define it.

It’s more than simply giving away resources to those in need. It’s about sharing with others the gifts we’ve been given by God. And in doing so, we are sharing His love and His presence.

As each has received a gift…

God gives us gifts so that we can pass them on to others. Think about it this way: when you give something to someone that belongs to you, it’s you who are glorified in that action. But when we give something away that was given to us by God, He is the One who is ultimately glorified.

Every present God gives is enveloped with His presence… so when we share His “presents” with others, we are also sharing His “presence.”

Do you ever feel like you have nothing to give? I’ve been there. With the holiday season especially, it’s easy to feel a bit spent. But never forget how richly you’ve been blessed! Even when you don’t feel like you have something to give, you do.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)

We have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing” in heaven. Let that sink in for a moment. Feelings aside, the truth is that you carry God’s peace, His joy, and His supernatural strength with you every moment of every day. You simply need to make the choice to walk in it.

So when God gives you a present (and He has given you an abundance of presents!), share these gifts with all those around you. In doing so, you’ll be spreading His presence to everyone you meet and glorifying Him this holiday season. And I can assure you also of this… you will personally experience His presence in a whole new way.

When we share God’s “presents” with others, we are also sharing His “presence.” #ChristmasPresence

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Want to Be Present? Plug in with Prayer!

December 15, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 8 Comments

Offer your presence through prayer. You’ll connect more with others and plug in to God’s presence, too.

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:11

Under the Surface

We walked together past the tables of free food, putting this or that in her cart, depending on what she needed. Small talk. Smiles. Casual friendship.

Until the car. We loaded her groceries in the trunk and I asked Betty how I could pray for her. This is the moment it usually happens. This is when people get real. Get personal. Get serious.

Tears bubbled up in Betty’s eyes. And she told me about her daughter. She was back on the streets. Betty didn’t know where. Her heart was breaking. She wanted prayers.

What do we want God to do? This question connects us to each other.

Whose Face Pops Up?

As we each prepare for Christmas, ironically we can get disconnected from God, from each other. The distractions, the lack of time, the lack of energy can break the very bonds that we want to strengthen.

There’s not enough, we think.

But those very cords—the fraying ones with tattered ends that don’t seem enough—are often the ones God uses to draw us in closer. Because of our needs, we pull together.

Close your eyes. Does a face pop up in your mind’s vision? A name? Can you see the image of God stamped on this person, looking back at you?

When the grungy shepherds first came upon baby Jesus’s face that night long ago, did they see God in His tiny eyes? When they praised God for this miracle, did they feel empowered? (Read Luke 2:8-20)

To reconnect with others and with God this Christmas, let’s look for Jesus in every set of eyes we meet. His presence is everywhere we are.

Really see others these next few weeks. Listen to them. Talk with them. And when you can, ask what they need prayers for. When you find out their God-needs, you’ll often find God Himself rising up in you to connect with them.

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18

When we plug in more fully with others, we become more present to the power of God ourselves. The portion of God in them combines with the portion of God in us. His glory is reflected brighter through our unity. (Read John 17:21-23)

In His Presence

After Betty and I prayed together that Saturday morning, we were bonded. Even though I haven’t seen her again, I think about her. And I think about her daughter.

I watch in my circles of ministry for a daughter who is distressed and who has a mom named Betty.

We never know how or when God will place people in our paths when we are praying for them.

Just as His presence is ever with us, He can put us in the presence of other people when we least expect it.

Use this guide to record whose presence you see this week. Write down names and scriptures as they come to mind. Pray for God’s presence to be visible in their lives as He is in yours.

Additionally, you can print and give away these scriptures from our “A Verse a Day–Personalized Gift Version” article. Tuck these verses inside Christmas cards or on coffee counters or in waiting rooms to remind others that God has come.

And to remind others that God is still here. His presence is always a present.

“Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.”
Ephesians 6:18 (CEV)

Whose face is popping up in your mind? Do you know what to pray for them? Please share in the comments.

Want more presence this Christmas? Give your presence through prayer and receive God’s presence. #ChristmasPresence

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The Presence of the Word Among Us

December 13, 2017 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

And Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. – Luke 2:19

A simple, wooden nativity spreads out on the mantle. Under the tree a plastic stable that sings “Away in a Manger” every time a child pushes the button shows evidence of how often it has been used to act out the story of “baby Jesus”. Driving past the downtown square, we see a silhouette of Mary and Joseph kneeling over the baby in the manger. All tangible reminders of the Story we celebrate at this time of year.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

We live in a fast-paced world of sound bites and tweets. Who has time to linger over a line of Scripture, allowing it to transform them? I am as guilty as anyone. My spiritual diet can easily be reduced to whatever inspirational posts happen to show up on my Facebook feed while I jump from one task to the next. There is certainly nothing wrong with creating or enjoying such posts. But they are the icing on a rich and nutritious cake that we have been given access to, carte blanche!

The Word that spoke the universe into existence, that holds everything together (Col. 1:15-16) took the form of an infant and lived on earth as a human for the express purpose of dying in our place so we could experience the presence of God.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 1:22-23

As if that were not enough, He has given us the Bible, an open invitation to know Him, and to fellowship with Him. Spending time in these pages changes us from the inside out. We are renewed, blessed, cleansed, and fruitful, not someday by our own power, but today by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Festive decorations call us to remember Him! #ChristmasPresence

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All of creation tells the glory of God, but this time of year especially, we are surrounded by festive decorations calling us to remember His presence. May each silly Santa, Nativity decoration, Advent candle, Christmas wreath or tree, remind us of the Word living among us. May we, like Mary, treasure the gift of Scripture, and ponder it in our hearts.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

Here is a collection of classic Christmas decorations matched with Scripture to ponder and treasure!

The Presence of the Word

Merry Christmas!

A True Gift – The Presence of Jesus

December 11, 2017 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

My sweet little grandson, just two months old, is a fresh reminder of the fragility of mankind and the great innocence of an infant. It is truly a miracle that Jesus entered the world as a tiny baby. His coming, His presence, is a true gift!

As I sit and write this, an instrumental version of Silent Night plays behind me. It sounds like something from a movie score and my heart is so moved by it. Music has that ability, doesn’t it?

But what moves my heart, truly, is the subject of this song. My sweet, sweet Savior came to earth in the form of a human baby. A baby! A precious infant who grew into a man, rejected and despised by many, and gave His life for this world He dearly loves so that any who believe in Him may have salvation. (Luke 2:10-11, Isaiah 53:3, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10)

One of my favorite lines from another Christmas carol, O Holy Night (which Lindsey Bell wrote about here), is this: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!” That line makes me think of all the Old Testament prophecy that was spoken regarding Jesus and waited so long to be fulfilled. How people must have hungered for Him!

It’s a profound blessing to live this side of the cross and walk in the fulfilled promise. We serve a Savior who came as a baby, died on the cross, yet rose again and still lives. For those of us who’ve accepted Him, He comes to make His abode in our hearts. (Need to read that one more time? I do!)

Friends, this man who came in human flesh to be present in this sinful world gave us His Spirit. He is present with us. Deep heart-knowledge of this makes me want to fall on my knees in humble adoration!

Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

What joy! Because Jesus walked this earth and gave His life, three things are different for me:

Jesus came to change our past, present, and future. What joy! #ChristmasPresence

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My Past. Without this sweet, holy infant, there would be no forgiveness of sins, leading to salvation. My past would still linger and my sins and guilt would be piled high. With Him, my sins are washed away and cast to the ocean floor, and I can take on His righteousness. I’m so thankful to live free of this burden! (Isaiah 1:18, Micah 7:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
My Present. Without Jesus, today would have no direction, no hope, no help, no continuing forgiveness, no comfort from the Spirit. Because of Him, I have no need to fear. I have guidance, hope, peace, and comforting companionship. (Psalm 27:1, John 8:12, 1 Timothy 1:1, Isaiah 9:6, John 14:16-17)
My Future. Without my Savior, my future would be bleak – my tomorrow and my eternity. By accepting His gift of salvation, I’m promised hope and help tomorrow and after, and an eternity with Him. I’m promised living water that wells up to eternal life! Though today may seem weary and bleak (some days do, don’t they?), I can always rejoice in Him. (1 Peter 1:3-6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, John 4:13-14, Philippians 4:4)

And as a special little Christmas gift for you, here’s a printable list of all the verses mentioned in this post. Just click to download, then print!
Christmas Presence Verses

I pray, friends, that as you focus on the presence of Jesus this Christmas, you will be blessed by knowing that He came to change your past, your present, and your future! And this message is not only for ourselves– a dark and weary world needs to know of Jesus. I pray that your rejoicing would lead to opportunities to share His light and beauty with others.

The presence of Jesus is a true gift!

Ali

The presence of Jesus is a true gift! #ChristmasPresence

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Christmas Presence… Giving and Receiving the Gift of “Presence” this Christmas

December 7, 2017 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

As Christmas nears and I rush to get things done, I hear that quiet whisper, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a) Remembering those words ushers in another reminder of the importance of giving and receiving “presence” this Christmas.

You see, lately I’ve been struggling with distraction.
– I need to cook dinner and can’t find the noodles because I forgot to buy them when I shopped for lasagna ingredients.
– My children talk and my mind slowly wanders to my to-do list.
– My husband reminds me about his work related Christmas dinner. Did we even talk about that?! Apparently we did.

I’m reminded that it’s important to be fully present in each moment. I’m a thinker and sometimes have to consciously redirect and turn down the volume of my thoughts to be fully present whether it’s with my family, when doing tasks, or even in my very personal quiet times with God.

Presence.

It’s a word that is rich with meaning for me. (Especially lately- as my schedule fills even more.) I’m utterly humbled and rather laid bare at the knowledge that the Creator of the world is also a lover of my soul. And because He loves me, His desire is to be present with me and have me be present with Him.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has give them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

It’s a funny thing, this Christian walk. We are present with Him, because He holds us and is in us, but yet we have room to draw even nearer.

Yes, I am present with Him, held still in His strong hand. What an undeserved gift to this distracted, fretful little busybee!

And there is room to mature. His example reminds me that as His presence is a gift to me, so my presence is a gift to others. We are the body of Christ, called to give generously of ourselves with our presence – whether it be physical or spiritual.

His example reminds me that as His presence is a gift to me, so my presence is a gift to others. #ChristmasPresence

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The Gift of Presence

As we know, gifts involve two parts: the giving and the receiving.

With that in mind, this Christmas, I challenge us all to be more present. To be physically, spiritually and mentally more present and available to God and to others (our families, friends, and communities) with our prayers, our serving, and our loving, and also being more aware of the knowledge of His presence within us.

All this month here on the blog, we’ll be focusing on this topic. Maybe this whole series is just for me. With all humility, I’ll accept it. But I pray that you’ll learn and grow from it, too.

I’m here…being present with you. Waiting to see what God will have me learn. I’m thankful for the presence of my sisters in Christ gleaning alongside me!

Here are some printables that you can print now and keep beside you as you go through this series with us. Use them to journal your thoughts on each topic, write out verses, make plans, or even write out prayers. Three pages are included (we’ve included a pic of one). Two pages have topics we thought might be useful to you and the third has a blank space so that you can create your own topics.

Is God calling you to be more present? …To enjoy His presence more?

Ali

We can be more present this Christmas and be more aware of God’s presence. #FreePrintables #ChristmasPresence

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Life, Length, and Land – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:20

December 4, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Learn these three sets of threes this week. God wants to bless you through them.

Memorize this week

“Loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 30:20 (ESV)

1 – Love, Obey, Hold

We made it! This is the last verse in our memory challenge. Here are our memory tips for Deuteronomy 30:20.

Remember 3 sets of 3s.

The verse begins with a set of 3 verbs: Loving, Obeying, and Holding.

“LOVING the Lord your God, OBEYING his voice and HOLDING fast to him,”

(For me, I envision it beginning as LOV—LOVING, OBEYING his VOICE….)

2- Life, Length, Land

We have affection for, listen to, and cling to our Father.

Why?

Remember this set of 3’s: Life, Length, and Land.

“for he is your LIFE and LENGTH of days, that you may dwell in the LAND”

These were blessings not only to the Israelites back then, but they are blessings to us today. While we don’t necessarily live in the physical land of Israel, nor do we escape death or live to be 120, we do receive gifts of an abundant life, an eternal life, and life in the Kingdom of God now.

3 – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

The verse ends with three fathers of the faith.

“that the LORD swore to your fathers, to ABRAHAM, to ISAAC, and to JACOB, to give them.”

God gave to them. God gives to us. He is a good, good Father.

Thank you for reading, learning, and loving God with us these past 10 weeks and 10 verses in Deuteronomy. We pray that these truths you implanted in your heart will grow and bless you in your relationship with the Lord and with others for many months and years to come.

Study Guide

Download this week’s study guide here: “We Choose So That We May Live”

We have affection for, listen to, and cling to our Father. Memorize #Deuteronomy30 v20 #HideHisWord

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Please share your thoughts here.

We Choose So That We May Live

December 1, 2017 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Can you believe we have come to the last verse of Deuteronomy 30?

For ten weeks we have been studying how near God’s command, His Word, and His heart are to us. We have been meditating on the truth that He has commanded us to love, and so we must choose.

We must choose to love. We must choose to obey. We must choose the blessing.

We must choose Him, so that we may truly live.

Download the study guide for Deuteronomy 30:20

We choose Him so that we may truly live.

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Download our study guide for Deuteronomy 30:20

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Watch Your Decision – Memorize Deuteronomy 30:19

November 27, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

You’ll have many choices this week. Watch the decisions you make. Let Moses’s voice help you choose wisely.

Memorize This Week

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”
Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV)

Witness It

We are about to finishing memorizing Deuteronomy 30:11-20. This week we learn Deuteronomy 30:19.

Two things Moses does here: He calls and he sets.

“I CALL . . . , that I HAVE SET before you . . .”

The witness to this? Heaven and earth.

“. . . HEAVEN and EARTH to witness against you today . . .”

This is the third time we memorize “heaven” (twice in verse 12), and the first time for “earth” (although we learn “land” three times, v16, 18, 20).

Remember Heaven is “to be lofty” and Earth is “to be firm.” We need our eyes looking upward as well as our feet on the ground to make our best choices.

Heaven – H8064, shamayim: to be lofty
Earth – H776, erets: to be firm, the earth, land

The Choice?

Moses set choices before the Israelites. We have the same choices today.

In verse 15, the pairing was worded as similar/similar (life and good) and opposite/opposite (death and evil). But here the choices are situated as similar/opposite (life and death) versus similar/opposite (blessing and curse).

Because Moses has called and set this before them, he tells his listeners to do something: CHOOSE.

“Therefore CHOOSE life. . .”

Choose what? Life.

Why? So that they AND their offspring would live.

“. . . that you and your offspring may live,”

May we do likewise!

We’ll see the conclusion of this sentence next week in the conclusion of our memory challenge, Deuteronomy 30:20.

Be a witness this week to your own choices. Use Moses’s voice to help you choose God. God is life.

Study Guide

Download this week’s study guide here: “The Witness of Our Choice – Study Guide”

The choice couldn’t be clearer. What will you decide? #Deuteronomy30 v19 #HideHisWord

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Please share your thoughts here.

The Witness of Our Choice

November 25, 2017 by Jaime Hilton Leave a Comment

“Look, buddy, I’ll say this one more time: You may have this or that. That’s it. That is your choice. Those two options, only!”

This is a pretty regular conversation in my house. My son, the ultimate negotiator, likes to lay everything out and look at all his options before he makes his choice. The more choices, the better. Sometimes it is agonizing to watch him mull over decisions, especially when I know what will be best for him in the long run.

The stakes are, of course, a little bit higher for the Israelites and thereby for us. Summing up what we’ve learned in the preceding verses, we show our love for Him through our obedience to his commands. He shows His love for us by pouring out an abundance of wonderful gifts. To turn away from Him is choose death. I can hear his passion in the pleas of verse 19, Therefore, choose life that you and your offspring may live! But of course, love isn’t really love unless there is free will. So, though God pleads with the Israelites, and us, to please, please…choose life, we really do have the choice. He will not force us to live a life of abundant blessings if we don’t want to. (How crazy does that sound when we put it that way?)

Reading our verse for this week reminds me that this choice of life or death, blessing or curse, is the same choice he gave us way back in the beginning when he placed man in the Garden of Eden.

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, ¹⁷but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

Have you ever imagined the week of creation and what the world may have been like when it was new? Imagine the heavens – the stars, the planets, and all the heavenly host watching the Lord mold man, breathe life into him, and place him in the garden. I imagine the earth, the animals, fish, birds, and even the trees, rocks, and mountains waiting with baited breath to see what the man, the image bearer of God, would do. How painful and heartbreaking must it have been when Adam and Eve chose death?

Now in Deuteronomy 30:19, the Lord calls on heaven and earth to witness again the choice set before us.

We need only look to the stars to remember that His Word is not to far out of reach, but as near as our hearts.

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We need only look up at the stars or across a field dotted with wildflowers to remember that His Word is not too high or too far out of reach. It is as near as our hearts and as simple as believing that Jesus is Lord.

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); ⁹because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:8-10)

Study Guide Deuteronomy 30_19