Shalom – Pursuing God’s Peace

August 10, 2017 by Ali Shaw 1 Comment

Peace.

It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. Though God has given me deep seated peace the world can’t take away, I’ve also had my moments of struggle the past few weeks.

I suffered a serious knee injury last month and it’ll take a long time and a lot of work until I’m “normal” again. When my mind starts to worry about the future, I take my thoughts captive, stay my mind on God, and focus on the blessed flood of peace He gives.

Dictionary.com gives several definitions for peace. The first several are in regards to nations getting along with each other, and the last few deal with tranquility and serenity.

It’s those last few definitions that come close to what the Hebrew word, Shalom, expresses. But, as we often find with Biblical languages, the original words convey so much more! God chose the rich language of Ancient Hebrew to say much in few words.

Shalom

According to the Brown-Driver-Brigg’s Lexicon , Shalom (Strong’s #07965), encompasses much more than just what we often translate “peace.” Besides simple peace, the word also expresses the concepts of:

completeness
soundness
welfare
prosperity
tranquility
quiet
contentment
and friendship – both with man and with God.

That’s quite a list, isn’t it? Did you notice that the physical, mental, and spiritual realms are covered– all by this one little word?

With God’s shalom we can have internal completeness even when our lives feel incomplete or broken. We are offered welfare when we feel the stinging hurts of life. And while our struggles are real, we are still offered beautiful tranquility and contentment of spirit, by our truest Friend.

Read these passages with those concepts in mind:

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

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

“Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints…” Psalm 85:8 a

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165

“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

(To read additional passages containing the word shalom, click here.)

But Where Do We Tend To Go For Peace?

Unfortunately, we don’t always seek God’s peace first. Sometimes the whirlwind storms of life swirl around us, distract us like Peter among the waves, and we stop to cry out to God. But these whirlwind waves serve as a blessing, don’t they? We can learn to “kiss the waves” because they throw us against the Rock of Ages.

Those times are hard, but blessed. And if we learn to recognize the things we tend to turn to before God, then we can learn not to seek those things in His place.

Where do we sometimes go when we feel discontent? Here are a few “places” we go and thoughts we might think:

Ourselves – I can plan or control my way into peace.

Others – I’ll have someone help me with this. Maybe peaceful relationships without will make me feel peaceful within. (And while this is good if it solves a problem in that relationship, it will never serve as a substitute for experiencing God’s peace in all areas of our lives.)

Understanding and Knowledge – If I know more, I can make things better. (Even Solomon was wise, but knowledge in and of itself didn’t give him peace. Though he had a peaceful reign, he faced internal struggles that lead him into idolatry. See 1 Kings 11:4.)

Distraction – I’m too busy and need to be busier. I don’t have time to seek peace. I’ll seek things I enjoy or keep me busy instead.

Avoidance – I just can’t deal with this now.

Worry – I can’t stop thinking about the things that plague me. It would be irresponsible to not worry.

But God wants better for us. Though we seek peace elsewhere, true peace is only found in God. He wants to give us the peace that Jesus offers– the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) And even though we’re diving into the Old Testament this month, we know that the peace that Jesus gives (John 14:27) was promised to us under the old covenant.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (emphasis mine)

How has God given you peace lately? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!

Ali

Shalom. Though we struggle in life, contentment of spirit is offered by God. #OTHebrewWords

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Trying to create your own peace? God wants better for you- His shalom. Read more #OTHebrewWords

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Notable Hebrew Words of the Old Testament

August 8, 2017 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

Not only am I a Word lover, I’m a word lover. (Ha! See what I did there?)

On a serious note, I really enjoyed the series we did last year on Key Greek Words of the New Testament. If you missed that series, make sure you click the link to read what words we covered. I learned so much!

This month, we’re going to dive into the Old Testament for a look at some notable Hebrew words— we’ll discover their rich meanings, learn where to find them, and we’ll even share with you why we find them worth knowing.

But we won’t be pulling words from certain portions of Ezra or Daniel.

Do you know why? Several passages in those books were written in Aramaic (the language used by the Assyrians during that time period and introduced to the Jews).

But with the exception of a few other verses and a word in Genesis, the remainder of the Old Testament was written in the expressive language of the Jews, Ancient Hebrew.

I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but we may look into words such as “shalom,” “chesed,” “amen,” “shama,” “hallelujah,” and others.

So, are you ready to dive in and learn with us? Let’s go!

Do you know any Hebrew words? If so, which ones mean the most to you and why?

Ali

Notable Hebrew Words of the Old Testament this month on the blog #OTHebrewWords

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Every Day is a Gift of New

July 27, 2017 by Caroline Leave a Comment

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about change. Big changes and small changes and how, regardless, any change can make an impact — negatively or positively.

I think change is largely a gift. Even if change is something small.

A gift to try something new and learn more.

A gift to see a situation with new eyes.

A gift to start new each day.

Noticing change and newness, even seeing the small changes, can boost our gratitude, too. Gratitude in the opportunity for a fresh day each day, and gratitude in see every blessing.

So, I think God gifts us change in each new day so we can change and renew our minds and hearts to His love and loving others.

That’s why I’m loving rereading this post from Patti from 2014, and I hope you’ll love it and the gift of change and newness in each day, too.

Each Day is a New Beginning

by Patti Brown

Do you ever feel like a hamster in a running wheel? Round and round you go with the same old habits, the same stinkin’ thinkin’. You wonder how you will ever get off.

You wonder if you will ever shake a sense of defeat.

I have my own entrenched habits that I often vow to overcome. I will never eat sugar again! No complaint shall ever pass these lips! Some days I’ll do well. Most days? Not so much.

I love to make big plans… do you? I sit with my pencil and paper and scratch out lists and schedules and create a world of perfection. A world where I never do wrong and everything goes according to plan.

Then I put the paper down and life seems to go along as it always has.

Yet as I look back over the past few decades, I barely recognize the woman I was twenty years ago. How is this possible?

Real change has always come for me in the small. It has come in the moments of one choice – do I speak my frustration or keep my mouth closed right now? Do I hit snooze or drag myself out of bed and read my bible? Do I believe what God’s Word says about me in this moment or do I believe the enemy’s accusations?

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Each day is a new opportunity to make decisions that honor God. His love for you is so great – He lavishes it on you with His continual mercy and forgiveness.

It is not always easy to make those small decisions that lead to godly change, but you have an advocate! Jesus Christ, who knew all the temptations of man…

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

Do you feel defeated in some area of your life? Take heart. God is not looking for perfection… He knows you can’t deliver on that.

But progress, yes indeed, that is possible. You can head in the right direction. Every little choice you make that honors God makes a difference. Every time you speak lovingly to your kids when you feel like yelling, every time you stay silent instead of complaining, every time you choose God’s way instead of your own – it is a new beginning.

Today is a new beginning! Be refreshed in His love and mercy!

Share how you’re loving God’s gift of change and newness in the comments.

Every little choice you make that honors God makes a difference.

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Change is largely a gift. See part of why here:

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His Eye Is On You, Little Sparrow

July 25, 2017 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Do you feel small today? Hidden, or forgotten? Are the storms in your life so loud it seems like no one could possibly hear your little peeps?

Take heart, dear one. Your Father hears and sees.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

I am daily awed by God’s tender and detailed care of me. That is one of the reasons I loved the post I am sharing today, written by Ali a few years ago.

I am blessed to live out in the country, and, like Ali, I see precious examples of how God cares for us in the created world everywhere I turn. Life, hope, new beginnings… I see them daily modeled before me in our woods and fields.

Read Ali’s sweet story of how God showed Himself through His care of a wee bird one stormy afternoon…

God knows your need, sees you, protects you, and cares for you, even when you feel like a tiny bird in a raging storm.

A Storm and a Swallow
By Ali Shaw

Here in Central Texas, we recently experienced a ferocious storm. Bad weather turned serious under a flash flood and tornado warning, and we had to take shelter for about 45 minutes.

The wind howled, the sky absolutely gushed water, and lightning struck so often that at times there was scarcely a break between one clash and another boom. It was a dangerous storm and the threat was real. {Patti wrote a little about that same storm here.}

But later that evening things calmed down. The rain stopped, the wind calmed, the lightning passed, and the clouds became beautiful instead of menacing. And as I looked out into my backyard something in the top corner of my porch roof caught my eye. A little swallow flapped her wings, readjusted herself, and snuggled back down in her nest on top of the corner support pillar.

I was so excited and pure joy bubbled up in my throat… I couldn’t believe that this sweet little bird made it through the storm safely! She’d been sitting on her eggs in that nest for several weeks before this storm hit and I have no idea if she weathered the storm right there or if she found a safer haven and then later returned….

To read more of Ali’s post about the little swallow, and three truths about our loving Creator, click here

Read Ali’s sweet story of how God showed Himself through His care of a wee bird one stormy afternoon

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Are You Here Today?

July 20, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 6 Comments

Do you spend too much time thinking about the past?

Mistakes you made.
Things you could have done differently.
He said/she said stuff.

Or do you worry more about the future?

What if this happens?
What if it doesn’t?
How would you manage that?

We’re all tempted to live before and behind.

But God’s solution is for us to stay in today. That’s why I love this timeless post from Caroline. She reminds us to switch to gratitude for this day, this moment.

Enjoy this repost from 2012 that is just as fresh today as it will be tomorrow.

Thankful for Today

by Caroline

Each day is a gift.

We know this, right? But how often do we have to remind ourselves when we’re exhausted, weary, feeling beaten, or stressed?

Some days are tougher than others, and some days reach the “toughest” category. Can we be thankful even in the middle of those days?

Switching to Gratitude

I’ve often experienced the effects of switching my mindset to one of gratitude for that day, that moment.

I might feel frustrated with my lack of sleep or overloaded with “to-dos” and “want-to-dos.” My shoulders hunch with the burden of frustration with myself, my stomach churns nervously, and my heart quickens at the mere thought of failing my children or my husband or, worse, my God.

In these moments, when I shift to a focus on gratitude, the response is drastic.

My shoulders soften, my stomach eases, and my heart calms.

Gratitude changes my psychological and physiological responses. The effect is measurable. (As Ann Voskamp has said on her blog, research and science only support scriptural truth.) Being thankful for today in turn keeps me in the current moment and better able to see the joy He has placed right in front of me.

Even in the middle of my son’s hospital stays, I can find something to be thankful for each day.

What’s in a Day

What if you’re experiencing terrifying circumstances or depressed thoughts or general weariness? How can you see gratitude in those moments?

No matter what today brings, I try to remember:

God is here (Psalm 118:7) and active (Psalm 118:15-16).
God created today (Genesis 1:3-5).
God protects and is trustworthy (Psalm 118:8).
God saves (Psalm 118:21).
God loves—forever!

Look back at how Psalm 118 begins:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”

His love endures forever.

Stop and Praise

When I’m feeling foul, sometimes I need to go through the physical act of thankfulness to pull me out of a deepening pit. As soon as I realize I’m about to bark about a disturbance, if I pause and speak two or three things I thank God for out loud, I begin to feel those relieving effects.

Gratitude inspires praise. Praise focuses beyond me.

“The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)

And what else were we made for than to see Him, receive Him, praise Him, and share His love?

What are you thankful for today? Please share in the comments.

How to Study the Bible Like a Theologian

July 19, 2017 by Ali Shaw 2 Comments

{I’m excited to have Alyssa J. Howard on the blog today! I met Alyssa when she joined the HelloMornings Bible study writing team. Her insight, knowledge, and heart for serving the Lord truly bless me. It’s been a joy to co-write with her and I’m thrilled that she’s sharing something with us at DoNotDepart! -Ali}

I have studied the Bible my whole life. I grew up in a Christian home and attended a Christian school for most of my childhood. So when God put it on my heart to attend seminary, I assumed I knew what to expect. Obviously, I would study the Bible more thoroughly than ever before, but nothing could have prepared me for how I would be challenged both mentally and spiritually.

During my two years in graduate school, I studied the Bible in a whole new way. Up until that point, my study times consisted of prayer, Bible reading, journaling, and occasionally browsing commentaries for further insight. And there is nothing wrong with this type of study. In fact, it is my primary way of studying today. But here are some of the things I learned along the way that challenged me to dive deeper.

Translation matters. Before seminary, I was aware that some translations were more literal than others. But I had no idea how important translation was to Bible study. Did you know that there are actually hundreds of English translations of the Bible? While I firmly believe that the Bible is the perfect Word of God, I do know that our translations aren’t perfect. We do the best we can, but in the end, we have to understand how translation affects what we’re reading. In my personal study, I try to look at several translations when diving into a particular passage – some more literal and others that are thought-for-thought.

Context is more than simply reading the verses around a particular passage. We speak a lot about “reading in context” when it comes to Scripture. Otherwise, we run the risk of misinterpreting a verse. But it’s not enough to read the entire chapter. We need to understand the author’s original intention as well as how the original reader would have interpreted their words.

A professor once told me that a text cannot mean something it would have never meant to the original audience. In other words, we need to put ourselves in the mindset of the first-century believers to fully understand what the New Testament is saying. Yes, God’s Word is alive and active. It is still relevant and speaks to us today. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that most of the New Testament is made up of letters written to first-century churches addressing specific issues within their churches. The Bible was relevant and alive for them too. If we know nothing about first-century culture, how can we expect to fully understand everything Paul and the other New Testament writers were trying to convey?

With that in mind, we also need to remember that the Bible wasn’t written with chapter and verse numbers. Paul’s letter to the Romans wasn’t divided up into nice and neat divisions with headings like we find in our modern Bibles. It was a letter, meant to be read in its entirety from start to finish. So when we strive to read the Bible in context, we need to keep this in mind. The whole book matters.

Theology isn’t just for theologians. Some would argue that Paul was the first Christian theologian. His letters are full of extraordinarily deep theology! Yet he wasn’t speaking to world-renowned scholars or writing a thesis paper. He was writing personal letters to everyday church folk like you and me. He expected his readers to have the desire to grow… to learn more about God and who He is each and every day.

I’ve met many theologians in my life, and the majority had one important thing in common – a passion and love for God’s Word. They longed to move beyond the surface and dive deeper into the Bible.

You want to go deeper, ask more questions, and rely on the Holy Spirit more to guide you. You study His Word with passion and strive to know everything you can about your heavenly Father because in the end… He is your everything.

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity… – Hebrews 6:1a (ESV)

How to Study the Bible Like a Theologian. Tips and how-to’s from @alyssajhoward

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Theology isn’t just for theologians. It’s for us, too! Read more @DoNotDepart @alyssajhoward

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Alyssa J Howard is a wife and stay-at-home mom to two young girls. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest where she loves to bake, run, drink coffee, and play with her two young daughters. Alyssa first fell in love with writing while earning her Master of Arts degree in theological studies through Liberty Theological Seminary, and she has been writing about Jesus and the Christian life for the past three years at alyssajhoward.com.

Connect with Alyssa on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

You can also check out Alyssa’s work in New Beginnings: Lessons on New Mercies and God’s Goodness and At My Savior’s Feet: Life-changing Lessons from the Master Storyteller, both available in print and Kindle formats on Amazon.

Whatever You Do {Memorizing Colossians 3:17}

July 17, 2017 by Lisa Burgess 4 Comments

Memorize this week:

Group A and Group B
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

What a fitting verse to end on!

This is our last official week to memorize Colossians 3:1-17 together. And as we close, we hear Paul telling us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Whatever we do, whether . . .

Memorizing scripture with others
Cleaning toilets in our home
Reviewing math with our kids
Walking the dog
Eating with friends

. . . whatever we do (also see 1 Corinthians 10:31), and not just in “religious” things, may we do it all for the glory and in the name of our Lord Jesus. He inspires our work; he sustains our bodies; he loves our souls.

“If words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!”
1 Peter 4:11 (The Message)

Thanks for journeying with us in Colossians these past few weeks. We appreciate your presence and your prayers.

For more resources and chapters to memorize, read here.

What did you learn from our time in Colossians 3?

Please share your thoughts here.

Why Keep Reading Your Bible?

July 13, 2017 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

This month we’re doing something fun at DoNotDepart!

Each author will share a favorite post written by one of our teammates. Honestly, there’s so much good material written by such gifted women– it was hard for me to pick just one post to re-share!

That said, one of my favorite series that we’ve done was back in May of 2015, called Why Abide? It focused on the importance of staying rooted in the Word of God and the benefits of doing so. (You can view the entire series by clicking here.)

Encouraging women to dig deeply into God’s Word for Christian growth and fostering a relationship with God is where my heart is. That’s why I really loved this post from Lisa:

Why You Should Keep Reading Your Bible
by Lisa Burgess

Once I finish a book, I don’t usually reread it. The surprises are blown, and I’m ready for something new.

But even with the occasional books I do reread, the second (or third) reading is never the same as the first time. I may catch a few details I missed the first pass, and I may be reminded of truths I need to live more, but subsequent readings are quicker and often just skimmed.

So do we need to reread the Bible over and over?

We already know the major stories.
The essential themes are familiar by now.
It’s not quick (it takes me three years to get through my two-year plan; I long ago gave up one year).
And it’s not necessarily easier each time (Isaiah 55:8-9). Sometimes the more we read, the less we understand.

Yet we can’t stay away from this book. We memorize it; we pray it; we preach it to ourselves.

Here’s why:

The more we read the Bible, the more we see God. And the more we see God, the more we love God.

We can never get too much of Love…

To read more of this encouraging post by Lisa Burgess, click here.

Raising Kids Who Guard Their Minds in an Unguarded World

July 11, 2017 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

We are delighted to welcome former Do Not Depart team member Teri Lynne Underwood back as our guest this month. Her new book [amazon_link id=”076421960X” target=”_blank” ]Praying for Girls[/amazon_link] releases next week: “Covering five vital areas of a girl’s life–her identity, heart, mind, relationships, and purpose–this easy-to-use book is ideal for anyone who feels intimidated or uncertain about what to pray for the girl they love.” – Patti

I wasn’t prepared. Even after years of working with students alongside my husband, I felt totally inept when my daughter started middle school.l

The horror stories about what to expect during those years between the ages of twelve and fourteen terrified me. I had talked with my friends who homeschooled their children, those who had kids in private schools, and the ones like me whose daughter attended public school. All of them said the same thing — it is just hard.

As I recalled my own life during that season, it was easier to understand where the difficulties came from. Between physical changes, emotional swings, and a desperate desire for more independence, it’s no wonder those middle school years feel the perfect storm — they sort of are.

So what can we as moms do? We know it’s often a battle of the mind — where will our children’s thoughts and focus be? How can we engage in this battle to guard our children’s minds in a decidedly unguarded world?

As moms, we have a great opportunity to guide our children to habits, practices, and disciplines that will help them guard their minds and protect their hearts. But long before we ever teach them, we must be praying and applying these disciplines in our own lives.

Raising Kids Who Guard Their Minds in an Unguarded World

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 119. The longest chapter in the Bible is focused almost entirely on one topic — the necessity of God’s Word in our lives.

If we want our children to have guarded minds, we have to fill their minds with something far more valuable than what the world offers. And what better than the Bible?

Encouraging our children to memorize Scripture is one of the most effective tools for helping them guard their minds. Consider this familiar verse:

I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 CSB

Throughout my daughter’s life, we have memorized many verses of Scripture.

One of the first ones was Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” She was about three when we memorized that verse in effort to overcome her fear at nighttime.

That same verse came up again in middle school, when her fears were less about the monsters under the bed and more about making friends and remembering what she’d studied for a test.

Now as we’re staring down her senior year of high school and praying about colleges and career options, her fears have new faces — will she choose the wrong college and what if she doesn’t figure out what she wants to do before she finishes college?

Time and again, I have watched my daughter navigate life’s challenges and battle against the lies of the world with the truth of God’s Word. She’s guarded her mind with Scripture and it has helped her stand strong and confident in this world where “anything goes.”

As moms, we have a great opportunity to guide our children to habits, practices, and disciplines that will help them guard their minds and protect their hearts. But long before we ever teach them, we must be praying and applying these disciplines in own lives.

What is one way you’ve taught your child to guard his or her mind? Are there verses you have memorized together in effort to stand strong against the lies of the world?

******************************************

{Praying for our daughters to have guarded minds is just one of the important topics covered in my new book, Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most.}

Teri Lynne Underwood is a pastor’s wife, ministry speaker, and Bible teacher. As the founder of www.PrayersforGirls.com, Teri Lynne is a cheerleader for girl moms and the author of Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most. Click here for more information and to pre-order the book.

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Do It; Receive It {Memorizing Colossians 3:16}

July 10, 2017 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Memorize This Week

Group A
16 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.

Group B
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Do It and Receive It

As we add Colossians 3:16 to our memory work this week, notice the themes we are to let happen.

Let love bind (Colossians 3:14)
Let peace rule (Colossians 3:15)
Let words sing (Colossians 3:16)

Although each of these are things we can and should actively do and participate in, they also are things that we receive as gifts from Christ.

Christ IS love and peace and the word.

Let us be thankful to Jesus this week as we dwell in the beautiful Word and as we sing about and to Him.

Only one week left! Even if you’ve not been memorizing with us, please join us this week and next week as we meditate on and are blessed by these truths about our Christ.

Please share your thoughts here.