Purity for Today’s Christian Woman

August 5, 2014 by Julie Leave a Comment

In June we looked at the call to holiness for anyone who follows Jesus. The world doesn’t talk or stress much about being holy. In fact, most people chuckle at the suggestion that being holy is still relevant today. “Does holiness really matter?“

Is it just me, or are Christians becoming less holy? This summer, Do Not Depart team member Kathy Howard released a new Bible study called Embraced by Holiness, in which she shares a summary of a Barna Group nationwide study about moral convictions. The study compared busters (in their 20s & 30s) to pre-busters (over 40). In 25 of the 32 factors surveyed, it’s apparent busters are becoming less concerned about issues of morality. Kathy reports that “the biggest area of change is ‘Americans’ perspectives and behaviors related to sexuality.'” Most of the 20/30 somethings, for example, don’t have a problem with sex outside of marriage, cohabitation without marriage, and pornography viewing. Going a step further, “statistics showed only slight distinction between busters in general and born-again busters.” Christians are becoming less holy.

If we’re going to talk about holiness for followers of Christ today, we can’t leave out our sexuality. Holiness may not be trendy or popular, but our team is committed to sharing God’s truth for relevant needs today. We will focus on what scripture says and strive to address this personal, but necessary, issue with grace and dignity. If we’re going to talk about God’s truth, we have to talk about Purity for Today’s Christian Woman.

He picks you! John 15:16 {Memory verse}

August 4, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

Remember school days when sports team captains would choose, one by one, the members they wanted on their team? It was agonizing waiting for your name to be called. Or thrilling if it was called early.

Fast forward to now–Jesus calls your name first! He has the perfect position for you to play in your life. Rest in that calling, knowing you can bear fruit that will stay because the Father will equip you with the skills you need.

Stay near these words of Jesus’ this week, and watch how they’ll lift up your heart.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16

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To Journey By Faith

July 31, 2014 by Caroline Leave a Comment

This month, we’ve studied what it means to live by faith. Not perfectly. But, by faith.

We’ve read about Noah’s steadfast faith, and how we see what can happen when “we are sometimes asked by God to do things we can’t understand and that seem much too large for us.” (Read Ali’s post for a great list of lessons learned from Noah’s example.)
Kathy discussed Moses’s example of living by faith with an eternal focus.
Lisa’s post on Hebrews 11:29-30 shared how none of us (not in Hebrews 11 and not now) are meant to walk this journey of faith alone. We’re meant to journey together.
Julie shared how Rahab exemplifies that a common woman can live by uncommon faith and what that “uncommon faith” can look like.
Lindsey highlighted Joseph’s faith through trials. “Even while in slavery or in prison, Joseph believed in what he could not see. He believed in a God who would bring good from even the most terrible circumstances.”
Patti discussed Abraham’s faith and belief in God and His promises. “Even though Abraham rarely knew what was around the bend on the road of his life, he confidently walked forward at God’s command.”

Faith and Trust

Faith includes trust. Trust in God’s plan, His heart, and His purposes.

When Moses’s parents hid Moses for three months after his birth, they trusted in God’s provision even though the king’s edict called for death. Their faith exuded trust, and that trust eradicated fear (Hebrews 11:23).

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” – Hebrews 11:23

Moses’s parents and all those in Hebrews 11 are commended for their faith (Hebrews 11:39), and we have something in common with them:

We are still witnessing God’s promises come true, as they once did.

We are still given opportunities to live by faith each day, as they once did.

And, we are all part of God’s plan of redemption, completed in Christ (Hebrews 11:40).

What now?

Now, we run this race with perseverance and journey together, by faith.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

What is one of your favorite biblical examples of living by faith? How about an example from your current environment?

All these people in Hebrews 11 are commended for living #ByFaith, and we have some commonalities:

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We’ve studied people living #ByFaith in Hebrews 11. Now what?

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By Faith Abraham Believed the Promise

July 29, 2014 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

If ever there was a mortal man who personified faith, it was Abraham.

God told Abraham to take everything and move away from home, without knowing where he was going. So he did. God told elderly, childless Abraham that he would have as many offspring as the stars of the sky. Abraham believed. God told him to take his beloved, long awaited son Isaac up a mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham gathered his supplies and his son and headed up the mountain. (You can find the whole story of Abraham in Genesis 11:27 – 25:11)

Even though Abraham rarely knew what was around the bend on the road of his life, he confidently walked forward at God’s command.

What kind of faith drives a man like that?

As I read over Hebrews 11:8-10 and Hebrews 11:17-19 the word that stands out to me is promise. Repeated three times in this passage, it is a reminder of what motivated Abraham.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
– Hebrews 11:8-10

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
– Hebrews 11:17-19

Abraham believed the promises. He believed that God would do as He said. He believed that God was trustworthy and would follow through.

What about you? Is God telling you to do something that requires great faith today? Do you believe the promises?

This side of the cross, we understand that every promise God made to Abraham has found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
– 2 Corinthians 1:19-20

Abraham did not shrug off anything God told him to do. Even when it was hard. He knew he had nothing to lose by obeying God. Even when it seemed like he did.

Some might say that God asked Abraham to do some pretty crazy things. And you know what? He is asking you to do some crazy things in faith today too. Starting with loving the people right next to you.

Was it hard for Abraham to pull up roots and move to an unknown place? Absolutely. Is it hard for you to love people who act selfish and unkind? No question about it. And they are both radical obedience in the face of logic.

Was it hard for Abraham to head up the mountain to sacrifice his son? That one is so beyond my comprehension that I think hard is not sufficient to describe it. Is it hard for you to sacrifice your desires and personal ambitions and “in humility count others more significant than yourselves”? (Philippians 2:3) Yes, indeed.

Faith means walking forward in obedience even when you don’t know what is around the bend.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

But faith does not mean we walk blindly – Jesus is our vision, and His Word is the lamp for our feet, lighting the way. Jesus Himself is our promise.

The faith of Abraham believes the promise and walks forward with joy.

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He calls you friend – John 15:15 {Memory verse}

July 28, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 5 Comments

He calls us friends. Can this even be true? Yes, by the grace of God! Express your amazement straight to Him as you dwell on these words. . . .

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:15

We’re only memorizing one verse this week. Will you join us July 28 – August 3 as we rest in these words from Jesus?

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On the Road and In the Word: Bible Fun for Kids

July 25, 2014 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

It’s that time of year – road trip season!

Families are criss-crossing the country for summer vacations. Whether the trip is short or long, when you travel with children you’ll find the going is sweeter with a few fun activities planned. And why not make them Word-centered?

Our family takes road trips frequently. My husband and I are originally from New England but now live in Texas, so every year or two we make the 32 hour drive back east to see extended family. This summer we went the other direction, exploring the western part of the country with our three kids. From a gorgeous sunrise in the desert at Arches National Park in Utah, to roaring waterfalls in Mount Rainier Park in Washington, we have enjoyed the exquisitely varied beauty God created in our country.

Are you traveling with children? When they’re not looking out the window at the sights, you can encourage your kids to stay in the Word while on the road with fun road trip activities. Here are a few to try:

Games:

Bible 20 questions – Play 20 questions, picking a person, place or thing from the bible
“I’m reading through my bible” memory game – Players in succession think of something in the bible beginning with a letter of the alphabet. Each player has to first remember all the previous letter words. Example:
Player 1: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam.”
Player 2: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam and Bathsheba.”
Player 3: “I am reading through my bible and I see Adam, Bathsheba and Caleb.”
What bible book comes next? – Test each other’s knowledge of bible book order by calling out book names and seeing who can remember the book that follows.
Scripture memory race – There are several variations you can try. Who can memorize a new verse fastest? Who can recall a verse when given the verse number? Who can remember the verse number when given just the verse?

Crafts:

Bible coloring pages – There are lots free options online. Here is a good one.
Sculpting with Model Magic – I am a huge fan of [amazon_link id=”B00004UE4A” target=”_blank” ]Model Magic[/amazon_link]. It is like play dough but does not make a giant mess of the car. Have your kids shape animals from the bible, or even try making an ark!
Make a journal – For older kids, pack the supplies to make a journal that they can use on the trip. Here are some cute ideas. They can record beautiful things they see, things God is showing them, and verses they have learned along the way.

Audio:

I always pack an inexpensive CD player with headphones for my youngest when we have a long drive. Then I toss in favorite stories and songs. You could include

[amazon_link id=”143350295X” target=”_blank” ]Bibles on CD[/amazon_link]
Scripture songs – from artists like [amazon_link id=”B001EJH4SW” target=”_blank” ]Steve Green[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B004Z9VNFI” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”B00DO0MEXO” target=”_blank” ]Yancy[/amazon_link].
[amazon_link id=”B002IRDDUC” target=”_blank” ]Bible stories[/amazon_link]

Do you have fun road trip activities to add to the list? We love to hear from you! Please share in the comments.

On the Road and In the Word: Bible Fun for Kids from @DoNotDepart #LetTheChildrenCome

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Help your kids stay in the Word while on vacation, via @DoNotDepart and @becomingjoyful

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The Faith of Joseph: Trusting God When Life Is Hard

July 24, 2014 by Lindsey 7 Comments

Hebrews 11 begins like this: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith is not really faith…if it’s something you can see.

Though all of the Biblical heroes listed in Hebrews 11 showed amazing faith, the one that sticks out to me the most is Joseph.

If you’re not familiar with Joseph’s story, allow me to share a brief summary.

Joseph was one of 12 sons of Jacob, and he was the favorite. In fact, Jacob favored him so much that the other brothers grew to hate Joseph. They hated him so much they eventually sold him into slavery.

Talk about family issues!

Then, when things finally began looking positive for Joseph, he was falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit and thrown into prison. (And, I might add, the reason he was accused was actually because he refused to sin!) Joseph’s righteousness, instead of bringing him out of slavery, led him to prison!

Fast forward a few years, and Joseph finally got out of prison and became second in command in Egypt. A terrible famine spread throughout the land, and Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt in search of food.

When the brothers came before Joseph, begging for food, I doubt anyone would have blamed Joseph if he had turned away in disgust. Or thrown them into prison. Or had them punished.

Joseph did none of these things. Instead, he said these powerful words: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me,but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:19-20).

That, my friends, is faith. Even while in slavery or in prison, Joseph believed in what he could not see. He believed in a God who would bring good from even the most terrible circumstances.

A little while later, as Joseph neared death, he “said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, ‘God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.’” (Genesis 50: 24-25).

Though Joseph never lived to see the Israelites being mistreated in Egypt, he knew it would come. He also knew God would one day deliver them. That is why in Hebrews 11:22, it says, “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.”

Joseph couldn’t see the future…but he knew the God who could.

Here are some takeaways from the story of Joseph:

1. God is with us, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise. He was with Joseph in the prison cell, just as much as he was with him in the castle in Egypt.

2. Sometimes, we have to wait to see God’s redemption. Joseph waited a long time for God to free him from captivity, and the Israelites waited 400 years!

3. God is good, even though life is hard. Joseph knew God could bring good out of hard situations, and God eventually did!

4. Forgiveness is so much better than bitterness. Joseph forgave his brothers for the things they did to him. Because of his choice to forgive, their relationships were restored, and he got his family back.

5. Running from temptation is ALWAYS the right thing to do, even when you don’t receive a reward immediately. When Joseph ran from temptation, he wasn’t rewarded (quite the opposite in fact)….but God noticed. Eventually, Joseph was blessed because of his obedience.

6. Don’t give up. Joseph had good reason to forsake his faith. His family betrayed him, he lost everything, he was punished for doing the RIGHT thing, he was forgotten in prison, he was lied about, and he was treated like trash. Nonetheless, he kept on believing in the God of his forefathers.

That is what faith is all about…trusting what you know about God even when you don’t see the evidence it’s true.

What other lessons can we learn from the life of Joseph? Which of those listed above means the most to you?

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Rahab: common woman, uncommon faith

July 22, 2014 by Julie 4 Comments

How does a common woman who makes a living using her sensual skills end up in the faith chapter of Hebrews? If there’s hope for Rahab to be praised for living by faith and to end up in the family line of Jesus, there’s hope for women today. Common women can live by uncommon faith.

If you’ve ever wondered if Rahab’s deal with the two spies was really an act of faith or simply good business, you’re not alone. As a woman of the night who strategically lived on the city wall, she was no stranger to transient men. After all, even the King knew Rahab provided lodging for the two young men. But, she willingly deceived him when he commanded her to give them up. So where does faith emerge in the lustful, lying ways of Rahab from idol-loving Jericho? We find the answer in the book of Joshua.

Rahab’s simple Faith

Rahab didn’t know of God’s plans for Israel, His promise of a redeemer, or His holy character, but what she knew was enough to produce simple faith and boldness. She declared her new faith to the two spies as they lay hidden on her rooftop. “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.” She had heard about Yahweh, and she believed He was all-powerful. Unlike the gods of Jericho, He has the authority to give land and remove nations, and she admitted her fear of Him. “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath,” (Joshua 2:8-11).

When confronted with God’s actions, Rahab had the uncommon faith to believe in God’s supremacy.

But believing is common, since “Even the demons believe,” (James 2:19).

Rahab’s uncommon faith

Choosing to actively put our faith in what we believe is uncommon. Before she had all of her questions about Yahweh answered, before she knew what would happen after the defeat, before she knew if she would be accepted by the people of God, before she knew how anyone could have such power … she chose to believe. She didn’t have to know it all to put her faith in God. It was enough to know “he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” True faith is demonstrated by the works we do, “And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:25)

When confronted with what God has done, Rahab had the uncommon faith to act on who He is.

She put the survival of those she loved in God’s hands. As Rahab stood with all of her relatives “outside the camp of Israel,” (Joshua 6:23) watching the dust settle from the fallen walls of her hometown Jericho, she must’ve had no doubt that she had chosen the right side. “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31)

Is your faith uncommon?

God used the uncommon faith of a once-common woman to accomplish His story of bringing grace through faith to mankind. Hers is a story of redemption, born out of simple belief, resulting in bold action. Oh, that we would be uncommon women today! Common women can live by uncommon faith.

Who do you believe God is? Are you boldly acting on who you believe He is?

The greatest love – John 15:13-14 {Memory verse}

July 21, 2014 by Lisa Burgess Leave a Comment

The ultimate love is the ultimate sacrifice.

Rarely are we called to die for our friends, but daily we are called to lay down our phones, lay down our “me” time, lay down our schedules, etc., for our friends.

What will you lay down this week? Whether or not you’re memorizing with us, keep these words of Jesus close to your heart the next few days. His love is the ultimate.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
John 15:13-14

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Follow the crowd – Good or bad advice?

July 17, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 13 Comments

LOST AND ALONE

We were giving away free cotton candy at KidVenture. The children rushed to our booth with expectant smiles.

Except for a 4-year-old blonde-haired boy. His eyes showed fear: he’d lost his mama.

Even though he was surrounded by people, he couldn’t find his people, his mother and his brother. His bravery to climb the jungle gym and even his excitement to eat free candy had disappeared because he felt alone.

But ironically, aren’t we coached to be rugged individualists? Grow up to think for ourselves. Stand apart from the crowd. Go against the tide.

So why do we feel scared when we find ourselves alone?

Maybe because the advice is flawed. Maybe instead of bucking the crowd altogether, we just need to find the right crowd.

BY FAITH, THE PEOPLE . . .

As we walk through Hebrews 11 this month, we’re learning about faith-filled individuals. But were any of them following God totally alone? Or did they have a crowd of others going with them in the same direction? (Gideon had his 300; Barak had Deborah; Jephthah had the Gileadites; Samuel had Eli;…Hebrews 11:32)

Look whose faith is commended in these two verses.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Hebrews 11:29-30 (NIV)

It’s the people. By faith, the people obeyed God together and saw the miracle. The people made it into this Hall of Faith.

All by myself, I assure you I would not have stepped into the Red Sea, with or without the waters parting around me (not even to take a selfie). (Exodus 14:21-22)

Would you have approached the walls of Jericho alone, blowing a trumpet along the way? Probably not! (Joshua 6:3-5)

Well, God didn’t ask them to do it alone either.

But with my people ahead and behind me, my faith might have been strong enough to walk forward on dry ground away from Egypt. And with your people marching with you, you might have spent six days circling the walls of Jericho and on the seventh given the victory cry.

FIND YOUR PEOPLE

“Follow the crowd” is still not blanket advice we give without caveats. But when the crowd is going the same direction you want to go, draft along with them, like a biker in the Tour de France this month. Sing with the choir. Contribute to the small group. Play on the neighborhood ball team.

Draw strength from the faith of others, and pray for theirs in return. Let their bravery awaken your courage, and your compassion stir them to greater service. Find grace through the group and kindness in community.

By belonging to a safe crowd, you can more easily develop into the individual God created you to be, living out your purpose to bring Him glory.

After all, the Father, Son, and Spirit themselves are a community, and we’re made in their image. We’re not made to do life alone.

Back at KidVenture, I asked the lost boy his mother’s name. He didn’t know it. Brother’s name? He wouldn’t say. I began leading him to the front desk but along the way, he suddenly ran to a woman’s leg and held on. He’d found his people and the light returned to his eyes, along with his faith to be brave and strong again.

And so it is with us. Surrounded by the people following Jesus, we can walk together by faith into miracles not experienced alone.

Find your people.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Philippians 3:17

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When have you been braver or done more good with others than if you’d been alone?
Who do you include as “your people”?
Let’s talk in the comments.