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Invite Jesus into every room of your house (literally!)

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Make-our-home-John-14-23

With summer practically behind us, and the busyness of fall and upcoming holidays looming ahead, we need to store up our reserves now.

Here’s one way: Throw a private party in your home! Just for two. Jesus and you. Invite the Prince of Peace in to stay. Not just to live in the neighborhood. Or even next door. But right in your home, inside of you.

Jesus has already said He and the Father would love to make their home with you (John 14:23).

But is Jesus welcome in every room? To peek in your closets? See inside your pantry? Look under your bed?

We invite you to . . .

  1. Print this paper house. It has five rooms, each representing an area of your life.
  2. Pick a half-hour when your home is (mostly) calm (or choose five minutes a day for five days).
  3. Take your Bible and the printed house with you into each room of your home.
  4. While physically present, acknowledge Jesus’ presence there, too, through scripture readings and prayer.

House-welcome

Invite Him to renovate each space, bringing revival and renewal. . .

  • To the activities that go on in that space
  • To the people who walk through its doors
  • To the relationships lived out there

Allow the Spirit of the Lord to breathe replenishment and revitalization to spaces you’ve had locked up too long. He longs to awaken every area of your life for His purposes and His glory.

And when we allow Him into the center of it all—even our messes, perhaps especially our messes—He brings His peace along with Him.

Print this house to pray over your own home. #ReviveAndRenew

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What room (or area) of your life most needs refreshing?
What room have you most recently renovated? Please share in the comments.

Revive and Renew

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Green Pastures and a Good Shepherd – Prayer Card Printables

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Years ago, I had a friend that kept sheep. Having never spent time with sheep, I had always imagined that they were only darling, innocent balls of sweet white fluff… until I made their acquaintance. I learned that, to a degree, they are indeed those things, but they’re also stupid, smelly, clamorous creatures that can be both stubborn and helpless. They even mindlessly follow their leader (even if the leader were to guide them into danger).

After spending just a few minutes with my friend as she called her flock and corralled them into their pen for the night, I was done. The odor and their noisy bleating was enough for me. (I’m not shepherdess material!)

But back to the sheep… Ah, what a picture of us! We are God’s flock. Yep… you and I are sheep, sister. Smelly in our sin, stubborn in our ways, and helpless without Jesus, our Good Shepherd and faithful leader.

As unattractive as we can be, aren’t we so blessed to be His sheep? He faithfully cares for us and protects us.

And He gives us rest.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psa 23:1-3

And that rest… Oh, how we need it! We need to slow down, stop the mindless following and pursuing of non-satisfying things, and instead sit at His feet. We need to do that “one necessary thing” and learn from our Savior, who is both Lamb (and so understands us well) and Shepherd.

I recently did a Bible study with a ladies group that was written by Doreen Moore, author of [amazon_link id=”1857924509″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Good Christians, Good Husbands?[/amazon_link]  Doreen taught us much about sheep and the Shepherd in her Psalm 23 study. One of the things that really strikes me as I’m coming out of the lazy, care-free days of summer and getting back into the swing of fall and all it’s responsibilities and demands is this:  God “makes me lie down in green pastures.”

Even if I don’t feel I could or should rest, spiritually (and even physically) He wants me to. God desires for me to be well rested with a peaceful soul. Although I can sometimes be like Martha, anxious and troubled about many things, He whispers to me… “Come, lie down and rest.”

Sheep are nervous, anxious creatures, though! How can we lie down to rest? According to [amazon_link id=”0310274419″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Phillip Keller of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23[/amazon_link], we sheep can only rest when we’re:

  1. Free of fear
  2. Free of friction
  3. Free of pests
  4. Free from hunger

But the good news? We are spiritually free from all of those things because our Good Shepherd is always on duty. As Psalm 121 says that God “never slumbers nor sleeps” and He protects and satisfies us night and day. And we also know He’ll never leave us. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has secured our eternity with the sacrifice of His life. (John 10:14-15)

So we can safely lie down in the green pastures to rest in His care. It’s ok (and good, and necessary!) to slow our pace, sit at His feet, and even lie down in that peaceful lushness.

…Stinky though we may be. (Insert smile here.)

Prayer is a wonderful way to draw close to God and be restored in His green pastures. Just like parents long to hear the voice of their child, so does He. Here are some printable prayer cards to encourage you to pray and seek renewal in Him. On the flip side of each card (not pictured) are the verses that relate to each prayer. (Click under the image to download.)

 Printable prayer cards with verses to Revive and Renew your heart and spirit. Read more at DoNotDepart.com

(Click here to download. When printing, choose to print front and back.)

How does knowing that God has prepared a green pasture and the promise of peaceful rest encourage you to slow down today? How is your heart renewed drawing near and resting?

We sheep can safely lie down and rest in our Good Shepherd’s care. Read more here… #ReviveAndRenew

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Free Printable Prayer Cards to help you #ReviveAndRenew with the Good Shepherd

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One Thing is Necessary – Printable Luke 10:41-42

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This month in our Revive and Renew series we’ve promised you printables to help you set your focus on slowing down and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Like Martha, it’s easy to narrow our focus to the many things that need to be done. But, like Mary, we must remember what is most needful… pausing and seeking the guidance of Christ!

To kick things off, I’ve made this printable scripture page for you. Click here to download, then print.

“…You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.” ~ Luke 10:41-42

Printable Scripture image of Luke:41,42 for you at DoNotDepart.com Join us as we Revive and Renew!

What can you do with this page? Here are some ideas:

  • Print it on card stock or glossy paper and frame it
  • Tape it to your bathroom mirror
  • Hole-punch it and put it in your Bible study notebook
  • Put it in your daily planner
  • Tape it over the image on your wall calendar
  • Put it on your bedside table so you see it when you turn off your morning alarm
  • Share it with a friend

Of course, these are just a few ideas! What do you plan to do with yours?

How is this verse reminding you to focus less on the “many things” and focus more on the “one thing?”

{Stay tuned for more thoughts, devotional articles, and printables in this month’s series: Revive and Renew!}

A printable Scripture image of Luke 10:41,42. One thing is necessary! #ReviveAndRenew

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Revive and Renew – Refreshment for the Busy Woman

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Revive and Renew - refreshment for the busy women. Printable resources to help you slow down and be renewed.

Summer is almost over. There. I said it. I haven’t really wanted to admit that, but now it’s done. I did it.

I’m not sure whether to laugh at myself for feeling unprepared or to cry because it’s flown by so fast.

Some of you may be in the same boat. Is it hard for you to see summer end? Does it feel like a bittersweet parting?

This time of year, a lot of women are very busy making back-to-school plans. Whether we’re buying new school shoes, getting our homeschool lesson plans written, or revamping our Sunday-school rooms for kids who’ve returned after summer vacation we can’t escape the“back-to-school” feel. And “back to school” means the promise of fall.

And it’s also about this point in the year we realize that once summer is over the rest of the year flies by in a whirlwind of preparation for the holidays. (My aunt just reminded me that Thanksgiving is a little over 3 ½ months away.) It won’t be long until I begin thinking about Christmas gifts. And I bet some of you have already started .

And to top that, when I zero my sights in on the close of the year I remember that I still have New Year’s goals unmet. I feel like I need to hurry up and accomplish some things on my list!

A lot happens fast. And it’s easy to get overburdened with to-do lists, plans, and the hustle and bustle of daily life.

I need some renewal! Do you?

Instead of focusing on the crazy speed of life, let’s be like Mary and draw near the feet of Jesus. Let’s listen to His teaching and be revived and renewed.  (Luke 10:38-42)

“38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

So, this month here at DND we’re going to slow down. We’ll even offer you some printable resources to encourage your focus. Together, let’s choose that good portion and listen to the Living Word speak life and renewal into our hearts.

And we’d absolutely love to have you to join us.

What can you do today to help you slow down and sit at Jesus’ feet?

Let’s slow down together and be renewed at the feet of Jesus. #ReviveAndRenew

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A new topic this month at DND with printable resources for you! #ReviveAndRenew

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Psalm 19 – Wrap Up

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God's Beautiful World and Perfect Word {a Psalm 19 study}

This month here at DND we’ve been studying Psalm 19.  As Caroline stated at the beginning of the series, “Psalm 19 is an ode to God’s beautiful world and His perfect Word. And we want to read about it, revel in it, and praise Him for it together this month.”

Spending time in His creation and His written Word are both excellent ways to be renewed and drawn closer to God.

Didn’t we have some thought provoking posts this month? I was so encouraged by them!

Have you enjoyed lingering in this beautiful Psalm as much as we have? What did God show you through His word this month?

 We’d love to hear what He’s doing in your heart! And if DND is blessing you, please take a moment to share the blessing with others by liking our social media posts, forwarding our articles, and sharing our images. Our desire is to bless and share Christ with our readers.

In Him,

Ali

A Bible study on Psalm 19 and God’s #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord

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The Power of God’s Word to Battle Sin (Psalm 19:12-13)

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The Powere of God's Word to Battle Sin

The struggle with sin is the oldest struggle we humans face. Indeed all of our challenges find their root in sin. As we continue our journey through Psalm 19, David turns his attention toward the sins that beset our hearts.

Hidden Faults

Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Psalm 19:12

You have probably come across an unexpected photograph of yourself somewhere, especially in this age of Facebook. You log in and suddenly a picture pops up that makes you cringe. “I look like that?” you think in surprise.

Or perhaps it is a video. The voice that comes out of your mouth on the screen does not sound anything like the voice you hear in your head when you speak. You experience a disconnect. It seems that perhaps the person you imagine you are, and the person others know, aren’t quite one and the same.

Because we live in our own heads, it can be difficult for us to fully perceive ourselves. This reality affects not only our physical perceptions, but also our mental perceptions. Many of us have faults we are not even aware of. These are the hidden faults to which David refers.

It is often through our closest relationships that our hidden faults are revealed. Perhaps you have a tendency toward impatience, or maybe a complaining tone, and didn’t realize. Even hidden faults can trip us up, and they certainly impact those we love.

As painful as it is to have those hidden faults pointed out, it is a blessing to become aware of them.

David asks God to declare him innocent from hidden faults. Isn’t encouraging to think that as He brings each hidden fault to our attention, we can acknowledge our brokenness and be washed clean?

Presumptuous Sins

Yet it is presumptuous sins that are most alarming!

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Psalm 19:13

What are presumptuous sins? Charles Spurgeon explained them thus:

“A sin that is committed willfully against manifest light and knowledge is a presumptuous sin.” – Charles Spurgeon, Sermon 135

We all sin…”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23.) When we have become aware of our sin and we continue in it knowingly, we are willfully walking away from God. David acknowledges the power such sins can have when he asks God’s help in restraining him!

Some of the most obvious sins are those that are laid out for us in scripture, often referred to as acts of the sinful nature:

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Galatians 5:19-21a

We are in a battle for our souls, and the battlefield lies within. Every single day we face choices that lead us toward God or away from God. Each of us has his or her own areas of weakness, and each of us needs to daily suit up for the battle!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:10-18a

The reality is that we can not win this battle on our own. Like David we are compelled to plead, “let them not have dominion over me!”

We Need God’s Word as We Battle Against Sin

It is not accidental that these verses about sin follow directly after five verses about God’s word.

Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:11

More than anything else, it is through the word of God that we become aware of and our hearts become convicted of our sins.

And not only does God’s word convict, it also helps us fight our battle against sin. You may have noted that in the spiritual armor presented in Ephesians 6:10-18, the one offensive weapon is “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

As Jesus demonstrated when Satan tempted Him in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), scripture has great power to help us resist temptation.

Ultimately it is All About Jesus

The struggle against our sins will be a lifelong battle. We would be hopeless without Jesus Christ:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
Romans 5:8-9

We won’t be free of sin this side of heaven, but instead of walking in sin, walking away from God, we can turn back to Him (the meaning of the word “repent.”) Because of Jesus’ great love, in Him we become in God’s eyes, as David prayed, “blameless, and innocent of great transgression.”

God's Beautiful World and Perfect Word {a Psalm 19 study}Read the entire series on Psalm 19

God’s Word is essential in our battle against sin. #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord

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Today you will face choices. Will you walk toward God or away? #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord

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What is pure religion? – James 1:26-27 {Memory verse}

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James-1-26-27

[click on picture above then download for full-size wallpaper]

MEMORIZE

Plan A:

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:26-27 (ESV)

Plan B:

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27 (ESV)

MEDITATE

Things aren’t always as they seem in the religious world. What reveals if we truly love Christ and love others? Our fruit. James reminds us in these final verses in chapter 1 that our words (which include our tone and attitude and expressions) are tied closest to our heart. They expose our devotion as either full or empty.

Then if our hearts’ intentions are pure, our actions will follow.

“A society shows its true strength by how it treats its most vulnerable members.”
– Philip Yancey

The orphans and widows were vulnerable back in James’ day (as well as our day). Who are the most vulnerable people in your community? Maybe you’d also include the depressed? The bullied? The broken?

PRAY

Lord,
Especially today, help us protect the weak. Stand up for the vulnerable. Have compassion on the wounded. We want to bear the image of Your holiness in our world.

Pure religion is protecting the vulnerable. Learn and do James 1:26-27 this week. #HideHisWord

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THIS IS THE END OF OUR MEMORY CHALLENGE!

Thank you for reading and learning alongside us. We encourage you to continue reviewing James 1 often to solidify it in your heart and to live it out in your actions.

Stay tuned next month for news on our NEXT memory challenge for the fall!

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11)

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Earlier this week, Lindsey shared how God’s law refreshes us, gives us wisdom, gives joy, and shines the path.

Whenever I consider the God-creation relationship, I usually think of a parent-child relationship. Though an earthly parent-child relationship obviously cannot fully represent the God-creation one, it’s a close relative I can wrap my brain around to attempt to understand and grow from.

Why Decrees Can Be Sweet (Psalm 19:9-11) - DoNotDepart.com
Original Photo Credit

Reverent Following

Why do we give our children rules? To protect. To guide. To scaffold learning. Because we love.

Though we definitely fail and are never perfect examples, typically our rules are not because we want to harm our children or degrade our children. They come from pure hearts, even though broken ones.

But God’s rules? Totally pure. And perfect.

So when Psalm 19:9 says:

“The fear of the Lord is pure, 
enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

We know that God’s heart is pure, His decrees strong and righteous.

And pure “fear” (reverence) of Him? Enduring and life-giving.

We want our own children to obey our rules to stay safe and learn, but also learn to freely choose wisely. God gives us that same choice. He allows us to choose, and reverence of Him helps us choose wisely.

Psalm 19:10 continues to explain the beauty of God’s rules and decrees:

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.

Like parents, God knows His rules are sweet and valuable to a child’s growth and safety.

And like children, we fail to see that sometimes.

But, thankfully, God gives us the availability of a constant reminder through His word, like Psalm 19:11:

By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”

Looking Back

David wrote Psalm 19 in hindsight. He likely experienced how reverently following God’s decrees brought good and regularly received warnings (reminders) of keeping His decrees.

But, that “sweeter than honey” part? Imagine that.

Harmful, degrading, restricting rules taste bitter.

But God’s life-giving, coming-from-love rules are sweet, sweeter… the sweetest.

As Lindsey also mentioned:

“Rules without love leads to legalism, but rules with love lead to life.”

God is love (1 John 4:16), and He gives reminders of sweet life through His decrees and His word.

How do rules and grace work together in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Bible Study for this Week:

  1. Find three “decrees” in other places of the Bible and write those down.
  2. Reflect on how you can follow these decrees reverently and with love. What could that look like for you and your family today?
  3. How do you avoid legalism in your life? I struggle with this as I personally lean towards legalism at times, particularly against myself, and have to remind myself constantly of grace. (Which is probably why grace is so beautiful and heart-changing to me.) Share your ideas on keeping our minds on grace in the comments.
  4. Write (or sing or dance or draw) out praise to God for His sweeter-than-honey decrees today.
Can rules be grace-filled and placed by love? Psalm 19:9-11 has something to say about that:

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Why Decrees Can Be Sweet #BeautifulWordPerfectWord:

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Pointing Our Children to the Work of the Cross

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This guest post for our monthly Let The Children Come feature is by Kelli LaFramboise.

Kelli LaFramboise on Pointing our Kids to the Cross at www.DoNotDepart.com

Raising kids is hard. Raising them right — that seems to be even harder. And everyone, yes, everyone has an opinion on how to do it. There are many well meaning blogs and Pinterest boards full of ideas on how to get your children in the word of God — or better yet, how to get the Word of God into your children. And there is nothing wrong with most of these ideas. I’m sure they work wonderfully for their authors and their families. And I say if they work well for you, too, go for it.

But I have to be honest, I very seldom run across an idea online that will work consistently for my family. I haven’t found a Bible study technique that works perfectly for all of us. The ones that come close seem to only work for a short period of time and then I’m off looking for the latest shining trick to keep everyone engaged. And I think I may know why….

Everything I find online or in books or even at church is NOT my primary resource for filling my children with God’s word. God’s word is the primary resource, everything else is supplemental. Remembering to turn to God’s word first when it comes to teaching and instructing my children is instrumental in keeping our daily, moment-by-moment faith authentic.

The following is my favorite verse when it comes to teaching my children how to love their Lord and Saviour:

 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength . And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NKJV, emphasis mine).

Simple, right?

God’s word, His gospel message, is simple and He reveals it to whoever He desires no matter how young or old they may be. I don’t believe that He expects us as parents to fancy it up with stressful craft projects, strenuous Bible study routines, or overly-complicated anything. Now, if craft projects and the like work well for you, if you and your family find them fun and helpful, by all means have at it. Just don’t forget this: God wants us talking to our children continually about His love for us and the great lengths that He has gone to show us His grace.

Every moment of life — even those before and after the well-planned learning activity is complete — is an opportunity to point our children to the work of the Cross.

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NKJV, emphasis mine).

We don’t have to plan or stress or agonize about getting our children to understand and remember God’s word. We simply need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead day by day and remember that we are not responsible for the salvation of our children — Jesus is.

Now, all that said, I do want to share with you two supplemental resource that may help you and your children fall deeper in love with Christ because of His grace.

  •  [amazon_image id=”0310708257″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Jesus Storybook Bible[/amazon_image] The Jesus Storybook Bible is my favorite children’s Bible. In fact, I don’t think it even should be classified as a children’s Bible –family Bible is more like it. The authors have written it in such away that every story, whether in the New or Old Testament, point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While reading this to my children I have found myself in tears multiple times because I have simply been overwhelmed by God’s grace.
  • [amazon_image id=”1433520095″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Give Them Grace[/amazon_image] Give Them Grace is another book that I think is worth the time to read. I haven’t finished every chapter yet, but the theme that I have picked up is this: Every moment is a moment to point our children to their need — all our need — for God’s grace.

No matter what resources you choose to use or not use, remember this: you have the Holy Spirit. He is here to guide and teach you. You are not alone as you parent the precious souls that have been entrusted to you. Rely and trust in Him because He loves your children more than you ever could.

Only by grace,

Kelli

—–
Kelli LaFramboise 
Kelli LaFramboise is the author of Caught by Jesus: 6-Week Devotional & Personal Study in the Gospel of Mark . She also blogs at www.quietlyreminded.com with a purpose to quietly remind herself and others of God’s goodness, His grace, and His glory. You can also find her sharing on Facebook ,Instagram, and Twitter.

4 Benefits of God’s Laws (from Psalm 19)

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Psalm 19 shares 4 benefits of God's Law

When people look at the church, I’m afraid they no longer see selfless, kind, compassionate people. Instead, they see laws, rules, and judgment. They see legalism and hatred and agendas.

I’m not going to delve into the recent controversies regarding same-sex marriages, but I do think there’s at least one thing that needs to be said.

Whatever your opinion about the matter, there should always be love in your actions and in your words.

I’m not advocating you never speak your mind or that you don’t stand up for the things you believe in.

What I am advocating is that your love always shines through your words.

I’m afraid that this controversy has brought out the worst in us.

We feel attacked…so we attack back.  We feel threatened…so we fight.

What we don’t do (or at least don’t always do) is love.

And I think if we did a better job at this, the world wouldn’t dislike the Church so much.

The reason people no longer look so favorably upon Christians is because instead of seeing love, they see a bunch of rules. 

As I look at Psalm 19, though, I’m reminded that rules aren’t the problem. The problem only comes into play when we make the rules a bigger deal than the relationship…when we focus on the rules instead of on the God who made them. 

Take a look at the text with me.

Psalm 19:7-8 (NIV):

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

God’s laws aren’t meant to make us legalistic and judgmental. Instead, God’s rules are meant to help us have better lives.

Here are 4 things His law is meant to do for us.

4 Benefits of God’s Law: 

1. It refreshes us. 

The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version say it revives our souls.

It’s VERY hot where I live. One of the most beautiful things on a hot summer day is a big cup of iced tea. That’s what God’s laws do for us. They refresh our souls just as liquids refresh our bodies.

2. It makes us wise.

God’s laws help us know the correct way to go.

Think of it this way. As a parent, I know some things my children might chose to do will cause them pain. To help protect them, I make rules for them to follow. These rules aren’t because I don’t care…but precisely because I do.

I make rules to help my kids choose the best path. That’s why God makes rules too….because He knows which paths are best. The Message words it this way: “The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.”

3. It gives joy to our hearts.

Christians have a lot of reason for joy, but sometimes we forget.

Unfortunately, when this happens, we make Christianity look like a bunch of rules. We forget about the joys of relationship and focus on the rules instead.

We forget about WHY God gave us rules. God didn’t give us rules to suck the joy out of our lives but to create more joy as we follow the plan He designed for us to follow.

4. It gives light to our eyes. 

God’s laws are like car headlights. They shine on the road in front of us and help us know which way to turn the steering wheel. They also help us see any dangers on the road ahead.

God’s law is beneficial for us. It refreshes us, makes us wise, gives light to our eyes, and gives joy to our hearts.

His law is beautiful because it is based on His love for us.

And that, my friends, is the key to changing the way the world views the Church.

Rules without love leads to legalism, but rules with love lead to life. 

Rules without love leads to legalism, but rules with love lead to life. #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord @LindseyMBell

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God’s rules aren’t the problem. The problem occurs when we forget about relationship. @LindseyMBell #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord

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4 Benefits of God’s Law from Psalm 19 #BeautifulWorldPerfectWord via @LindseyMBell

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