Search Results for: parable

Is There Grace in Accounting?

April 2, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 11 Comments

Before I retired to motherhood, I was an accountant. I enjoyed keeping track of numbers. I still do.

But what about God? Is He the original accountant? And how does grace factor in?

Join us for Days 23-25 of our Lenten readings (download the “40 Days with the Storyteller” complete schedule here).

How Much Does That Cost?

Read Luke 14:25-33 for Monday, Day 23 (note: we swapped readings for Day 22 and Day 23)

Do you tend to overestimate or underestimate how much time or money a project will cost you?

When I make my schedule for the day, I usually guess wrong. I think I can get much more accomplished in 30 minutes than I can actually accomplish in 2 hours.

So when Jesus tells His followers in Luke 14:25-33 to figure out the cost before they start starting building a house, it bothers me. I know I’m bad at it.

But maybe we should look deeper at His meaning. None of us can accurately estimate future costs, but we can commit to following Jesus regardless of the cost. We won’t do that perfectly either. But our willingness to let go of hindrances and distractions will open up room for Jesus’s grace to come in.

Let’s always leave space for grace.

Every One Counts

Read Matthew 18:10-14 for Tuesday, Day 24

Even though our accounting is often off, God’s counts are always solid.

When even one is missing, God knows. And He acts on what He knows.

When Jesus spoke about the 99 sheep in the fold, and the 1 missing, He was reassuring His listeners: God notices you. He keeps up with where you are. He will come find you if you lose your way.

When something is missing—especially when that something is His child—God won’t ignore it. He reaches out.

Every one counts. That’s grace, too.

Who Gives More?

Read Luke 15:11-19 for Wednesday, Day 25

In the parable of the prodigal son, accounting again comes into play. The younger son knows the amount that is due him. Instead of collecting later, he wanted to collect now.

And spend now. Freely. Recklessly. Extravagantly.

But even in his foolishness, he couldn’t outspend his father. When he returned home on his knees, his father poured on the goods even thicker.

We can’t outgive God. Not now. Not later.

God’s accounting can’t be charted on columns of credits and debits. He always tilts things in our favor from His overflow of grace.

As you continue on your journey of Lent, thank God for how He keeps up with you.

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Are you a math person? What do you appreciate about God’s accounting?

Is there grace in God’s accounting? More readings for Lent. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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How Do We Respond to the Heart of God?

March 28, 2019 by Jaime Hilton 1 Comment

My family has been moving to a new home across town for the last month. Circumstances allowed us to move gradually, which was nice in some ways and unsettling in others. We’ve been in a state of flux, not always entirely sure how far ahead to plan or where we’ll be sleeping the next night.

The Jewish people who went to listen to Jesus had been waiting for a warrior-king Messiah to restore glory to Israel for a very long time. But time again in his teachings and ministry Jesus took their long held expectations and turned them upside down. I imagine his many disciples were feeling unsettled. Was anything they knew about God still true?

In this collection of parables, days 19-22 of our Lent Readings, Jesus teaches us how to approach and respond to the heart of God.
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Day 19 – Luke 11:5-10

While teaching his disciples to pray, Jesus shares a story about a man making an unusual request at an inconvenient time.

“Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;”

Maybe this was a normal request for the people of the day but I can’t help thinking it is utterly ridiculous! Your friend came in at midnight – really?? You have nothing to offer him – really?? You think I have three extra loaves of bread I can just give you – really??

But Jesus says, despite the absurdity and untimeliness, the man will get up and help his friend. If we, in our broken humanity can respond favorably to the “impudence” (v. 8, also translated as “shameless boldness” and “persistence”) of our unprepared friend, how much more will our perfect heavenly Father respond to us?

Day 20 – Luke 14:7-14

Jesus attends a feast at the home of a Pharisee. The behavior of the guests sparks a parable on humility.

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (v. 14)

Like the Pharisee’s guests, I often assume I deserve more than I actually do. I should leave the honoring up to God, following the example Jesus, the ultimate picture of humility.

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.” Philippians 2:5-6

Day 21 – Luke 14:15-24

In today’s passage, the banquet conversation continues and Jesus tells another parable.

“A man was giving a large banquet and invited many. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’

“But without exception they all began to make excuses.” vv. 16-18

Back in those days, the guests had already accepted the invitation for the specific date of the feast. However the time was not announced until the day of the party.

As Christians we have already accepted the invitation to the marriage feast. Will we be ready when the time comes or full of excuses?

Day 22 – Luke 15:8-10

Charles Spurgeon claims that the woman in this parable represents the Church seeking out the lost. Following the dinner Jesus shared with a Pharisee and his specially chosen guests, Luke 15:1-2 tells us,

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

The collection of parables that follows, the Lost parables, not only reveals God’s tender heart toward all people, especially the broken, unrighteous, guilty, and undeserving, but how we who have received his grace can share in his joy when the lost are found.

‘Rejoice with me, because I have found the silver coin I lost! ’ I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” (vv.9-10)

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Choosing Best: Love, Mercy, Service, and Forgiveness

March 26, 2019 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

In today’s post, we’ll cover days fifteen through eighteen of the 40 Days With the Storyteller reading plan for Lent and talk about love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best.

Day 15 John 10:1-18 The Good Shepherd

In the passage for day fifteen, Jesus give us an illustration (not technically a parable) of what He has done for mankind and what He has done for Christians.

Jesus tells us that He came to be both the Door and the Good Shepherd.

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Yes, Jesus is the Door that welcomes us into God’s “sheepfold.” When we enter into relationship with God through Jesus, we are safe in His care. He can then lead us “in and out.” This doesn’t mean out, away from Him, but is simply an illustration of what shepherds did – they led their flocks in and out to find pastures (food) and rest.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Some days I feel sheep-like; I’m confused by overwhelming decisions, or I feel like tasty bait for the enemy. I need guidance and protection from God!

The truth is that every day I need God’s help! Maybe especially when I think I have things figured out. Each day, I can choose to seek Him. I need Him to lead me to still waters and green pastures. I need Him to restore my soul. (Psalm 23.) And I can take confidence in the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the eternal well-being of His sheep!

I am thankful that Jesus tells us in this passage (and again in verses 27-30) that we will recognize His voice. What a rich promise from our humble, servant-Savior! What glorious words from the one who was willing to die in our place!

FOCUS: Our Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us and we will recognize His voice.

QUESTION: How can you listen today for Jesus’ voice?

Day 16 – Luke 17:7-10 The Unworthy Servants

In this passage, we learn about the right attitude of God’s servants, by being shown the wrong attitude. We serve God because it is our duty, honor, and privilege!

“People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this be only for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father’s throne on high to give Himself for us.” – David Livingstone, Scottish missionary to Africa in the mid-1800’s

Doesn’t this quote reveal the right spirit of a servant?

Likewise, Jesus reveals the heart of a servant in John 13 where He washes the disciples’ feet and teaches us about forgiveness and humility.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. – John 13:14

We should do as Jesus does. It makes me pause and check my heart. Am I serving for His glory, or for my own? Am I serving because I’m seeking rewards or to glorify God, who has awarded me eternal life?

FOCUS: Serving God is our humble duty, honor, and privilege.

QUESTION: How are you serving that you count as an honor and privilege, only doing your duty?

Day 17 – Matthew 18:23-35 The Unforgiving Servant

Did you get a little mad at the servant in today’s passage? He’s a weasel, isn’t he? He pleads for forgiveness and mercy from his master, and then shows no mercy to his fellow servant who owed him! Wow.

It makes me stop and think, though. Have I acted like that? I’m sure the answer is yes. Being Christ-like doesn’t come naturally, which is one reason I’m thankful for the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance found in the Word. You see, the Bible is more than just a moralistic book that gives us guidelines of how to be or not to be. Instead, it paints the picture of God’s people needing Him – Father, Savior, and Spirit. And I need Him! I need the Spirit’s help and guidance, the Father’s love, and Jesus’ teachings and propitiation of sin.

The servant in this parable had a merciful master, just like we do!

I like this, from GotQuestions, regarding this parable:

“…forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he then should have forgiven all. In like manner, a child of God by faith through Christ has had all sins forgiven. Therefore, when someone offends or sins against us we should be willing to forgive him from a heart of gratitude for the grace to which we ourselves are debtors.”

FOCUS: I should show forgiveness to others like Jesus does to me.

QUESTION: How can you show mercy today?

Luke 10:29-42 Choosing Best – The Good Samaritan and Mary, Martha’s Sister

If you’ve been a Christian for long, you’ve likely heard the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells this story to expand on how to “love your neighbor as yourself.” But just who is our neighbor?

The story explains how a man fell victim to brutal robbers who beat him and left him for dead and how three people encountered him, but only one helped.

The first two people, a priest and a Levite, were holy on the outside. The looked the part and talked the talk, but didn’t walk the walk. Their hearts weren’t where they should have been. When they saw the man left for dead, they put their own concerns, agendas, and desires above the needs of a dying man!

But the Samaritan? He stopped and went above and beyond to help this poor soul! Rather than pass by the opportunity to show true love, the man in the parable tended wounds, transported him to an inn, cared for him, and paid for his ongoing care.

This story leaves a big impression on me, but probably made an even bigger impression on the original audience! See, the Jews despised the Samaritans because of their mixed Gentile ancestry and different practice of worship. Yet, it was the Samaritan that was the true neighbor.

The Good Samaritan choose best. He chose to give love without holding back, like Jesus did. Christ taught us what true love looks like by demonstrating it firsthand in becoming the Door to God’s fold, being our Good Shepherd who died on a cross to take our sin, and also in showing us through the parables and illustrations.

Mary also chose best; Jesus called it “the good portion.” Martha was wise to go to Jesus with her frustrations and we can learn from her faith! But in this incident, it was Mary who was already there, sitting at His feet and listening to His voice.

Love, mercy, service, forgiveness, and choosing best.

Jesus teaches us the importance of these things. We should set aside our prejudices and treat others as He would want, as we would want them to treat us, and with love toward anyone we encounter. This is what choosing best looks like!

FOCUS: Jesus shows us how to love best and how to choose the good portion.

QUESTION: Who is your neighbor? Who can you show love to today? How can you choose best today?

Feel free to share with us in the comments or in our DoNotDepart Community group on Facebook.

Want to choose best? Look to the parables of Christ to see what He taught on love, mercy, service, and forgiveness. Read more at DoNotDepart.com

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Field Tested: Lessons on Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

March 14, 2019 by Cheli Sigler Leave a Comment

Self-righteousness, shallow understanding, sinful abandon— common among sin-sick humanity; detested by God. In a series of parables, Jesus, the Master Storyteller, equates these characteristics with fruitless trees, barren soil, and weeds. Over the next three days, Jesus will teach us field-tested lessons about bearing fruit, cultivating fertile soil, and preparing for harvest as participants in the kingdom of heaven.

Day 8: Repent

Read Luke 13:6-9.

Frustrated with Israel’s pursuit of fruitless, works-based religion, Jesus tells a parable about the need for repentance. The fig tree in the story represents Israel. God, the vineyard owner, is ready to cut down the tree and be done with them. Out of His lovingkindness and because there is no guarantee of tomorrow for humanity, Jesus, the gardener, asks the Father for more time to bring the wayward people to repentance.

Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

Bible commentator, David Guzik, writes, “We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin and the self-life.” Repentance, turning away from sin to run toward God and His purpose, leads us into the arms of the Savior. Jesus greets us with grace and clothes us in His righteousness. Repentance yields a manifest Christ-life. For a moment, put yourself in place of the tree in this parable. Is there any fruit? What do you need to turn to God for today? Don’t wait for tomorrow.

Day 9: Receive the Word

Read Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

Soil conditions are the focus of The Parable of the Sower, our reading today. Good soil, in the kingdom of heaven, is found in a Believer who submits to the working of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in his/her life. In this good soil, God’s Word grows deep roots, and produces much fruit. Taking nineteenth century preacher, Charles Spurgeon’s suggestion that every Christian needs a soil test, here is a brief soil assessment based on David Guzik’s commentary on this parable:

1. Is there room in our lives for God’s Word? If not, Satan is more than glad to keep us out of God’s Word.
2. Do we approach the Word with eagerness, only to become indifferent? It is possible for God’s Word to get established with little understanding and faith, but eventually the lack of depth will cause it to wilt away.
3. Do we try to engage in the Word while being distracted by worldly pursuits? Jesus makes it clear we can’t do both; we can’t be fruitful for God while trying to please the flesh.
4. Is your pursuit of God’s will and purpose in accordance with His Word evident in your life? If so, you have good soil for faith to grow deep and take root.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . . . (Colossians 3:16a)

In this season of spiritual reflection, may you honor God by allowing His Word to inhabit every area of your life.

Day 10: Persevere in Hope

Read Matthew 13:24-30 and Matthew 13:36-43.

Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3) Eternity begins when we say “yes” to God and our Savior, Jesus. This being true, Believers participate in the kingdom of heaven while on earth. In today’s parable the children of God (wheat) live alongside the sons darkness (weeds) until Christ returns for His Church.

Knowing this, how should we live? In writing to the Ephesians, Paul answers,

. . . for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). . . . (Ephesians 5:8-9)

In our struggle with the world, we must continue in good works motivated by love and prompted by faith, tether ourselves to God’s Word, and persevere because our hope is in the Lord. Take confidence in this: God will administer justice to those who belong to darkness, He will harvest His own, and “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43).

Lenten Reflection

May God bless you and keep you through His Word and His Spirit during these 40 Days with the Storyteller. As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? Please share in the comments.

As you sit at the feet of The Storyteller, what are you learning about living in the kingdom of heaven? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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Why Do You Have So Much Stuff? {Lent Readings}

March 12, 2019 by Lisa Burgess 10 Comments

Of American homes with garages, only 20% can fit a car inside. Our closets are crammed to overflowing. Our counter spaces are clutter-collectors.

Why do we have so much stuff?

And what would Jesus have us do with it?

If you’re riding the Marie Kondo wave, you’ve likely pared down your wardrobe lately or donated a few underused toys.

But how can we avoid the clutter to start with?

As we walk 40 days with the Storyteller during Lent, our first three readings this week reveal our cluttered hearts.

Filling Up on God? Or Stuff?

Read Luke 12:15-21.

In Jesus’ parable of the rich man wanting bigger barns, Jesus told His listeners that hoarding our treasures here is foolish.

What kinds of things are you hoarding in your barns?

I can’t break the habit of being a digital photo hoarder. The storage capacity of my computer and external hard drives are full because I struggle to delete any photos.

But even something as harmless as family photos can become an idol if I place more value in filling up on past memories than I do in filling up on God.

What fills you up? What is getting in your way of filling up more on God?

Our identity isn’t defined by what we collect, but in who we hang out with (Luke 12:21). Let’s hold our stuff loosely.

Use Your Oil

Read Luke 12:35-40.

Jesus told the story of the wedding feast to say, “Be ready.” Stay dressed for action. Use your oil to keep your lamps burning.

But this advice isn’t only applicable to end times. Use your oil also applies to now times.

Watch for opportunities you’ll get today. Be prepared to use your stuff to act on them. Leave margin in your time, in your resources, and in your energy for the unexpected to happen.

You don’t know when Jesus will show up.

Maybe in the needy neighbor who asks for your help.
And blesses you with purpose.
Maybe in the the crying child who needs your comfort.
And who is growing your compassion.
Maybe in the cranky co-worker who suddenly opens up to you.
And rewards your persistence to be a friend.

Be ready to use up what you’ve been given. Be watchful for the Son of Man to show up in your day (Luke 12:40). Keep the light on for Him.

When You Know Right, Use Right

Read Luke 12:41-48.

Peter wanted to know if the parable was just for them or for everybody. Jesus replies with another parable, this time of the unfaithful servant who plays while the master is away.

Whether Jesus meant it directly for their ears or also for ours, we can learn lessons from it. Lessons such as, be a good steward with your stuff, don’t take advantage of the Lord’s generosity, and be responsible with the assignments He gives you.

The Lord blesses us with relationships, jobs (paid or unpaid), and even material possessions for His purposes. When He asks us to do the next right thing with them, let’s do it.

When we know right, let’s do right. Let’s use right everything we’ve been given. Greater gifts means greater responsibilities (Luke 12:48).

What Do We Do Now?

So why do we have so much stuff? For many different reasons, including: we collect the wrong things, we hoard what we have, we refuse to give things away.

But what are we to do with the stuff now that we have it?

Hold it loosely.
Use it up.
Be a blessing with it.

As you listen to the Storyteller in this season leading to Easter Sunday, what lessons are you learning about all your stuff? Are you fasting or feasting from anything? Please share in the comments.

Why do you have so much stuff? What do you do with it? #LentReadings #40DaysWithTheStoryteller

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40 Days with The Storyteller – A New Reading Plan for Lent

March 5, 2019 by Ali Shaw 3 Comments

Did you participate in our Lent reading plan last year? Well, we’ve put together a new plan for you to use this Lent (or anytime, really!). This year, we’ll be spending 40 Days with The Storyteller.

Do you celebrate Lent? Some Christians do, and some don’t. If you don’t know much about it, I explained in this post from last year that:

“Traditionally, Lent is a 40 day (46 days total when you include Sundays) period of intentionally dwelling on the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus.

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

Rather than asking you to give something up (that’s between you and God) we’re asking that you consider joining us for [this Lenten plan].”

This year we’ll focus on the parables and illustrations of Christ, in chronological order as we spend 40 Days with The Storyteller.

A Reading Plan for Lent that focuses on the parables and illustrations of Christ. #40DaysWithTheStoryteller @DoNotDepart.com

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We’ve made a printable bookmark to help you keep track of the daily readings. Print it up on cardstock and tuck it in your Bible. Look it over then let it wait until Wednesday, March 6th, when we’ll begin. Check off each day as you read, keeping in mind that there are no readings on Sundays. You can use that day for reflection or as a “catch up” day if needed. We’ve also included a pretty inspirational verse card for you!

Lent Reading Plan printable bookmark and verse image at DoNotDepart.com — Watercolor background image created by Ayden

Click the image above to download your bookmark reading plan, or click the link below.

Lent 2019 Reading Plans Bookmark and Image

Luke 5:33-38

To start us off, I’ll go ahead and share bit about the first parable in our reading plan – that way, when you start on Wednesday, you’ll already have a jumpstart!

In this passage from Luke, Jesus answers a question about fasting.

The disciples of John fasted and prayed. So did the disciples of the Pharisees.

Yet Jesus’ disciples feasted. Matter of fact, if you go up a few verses to Luke 5:27-32, you’ll see the context. Levi (also known as Matthew) had just called together a group of “sinners” for a party of sorts, introducing them to the guest of honor that he had chosen to follow: Jesus!

There were some who were obviously not happy that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors. And they were confused by His disciples’ lack of fasting.

Jesus gave them this parable in return:

He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (Luke 5:36-39)

What Did Jesus Mean?

Jesus was doing something brand new. Of course it wouldn’t look familiar to them (like the old garment or old wineskins), but instead would be something revolutionary!

I love this succinctly complete answer from GotQuestions.org:

“…you can’t mix old religious rituals with new faith in Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were not fasting along with the Pharisees and John’s disciples because they were now under the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ. As mentioned earlier, Jesus fulfilled the law; therefore, there is no longer any need to continue with the old rituals. Jesus cannot be added to a works-based religion. In the case of the Pharisees, they were consumed with their own self-righteousness, and faith in Jesus cannot be combined with self-righteous rituals.” (emphasis, mine)

I’m glad the new doesn’t look like the old. I’m so thankful for the way of grace and that Jesus fulfilled the law. How about you?

As the Lenten season begins, let’s praise God for sending us Jesus! Let’s thank Him for the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ!

Blessings,

Ali

My Identity in Christ is Real

October 26, 2018 by Guest Post 1 Comment

We’re honored to have Cheli Sigler join us on the blog today! Cheli is on the HelloMornings writing team and has contributed to several Bible studies there. We’re thankful that she has contributed this article, My Identity in Christ is Real, to our series Who Am I? Exploring Our Identity in Christ. Cheli encourages us by the fact that Jesus calls us to more than a “basic” Christian life; He calls us to REAL life in Christ!

“Mom, that’s so BASIC.” That word— “basic,” reverberated through me. Consult the Urban Dictionary, and you will find the term means “mainstream, elementary, or simplistic.” Jolted by my first-born using the millennial lexicon, and although not directed at me, all I heard was, “Mom, be REAL. I don’t want superficial gobbledy-gook. Sometimes your Christian answers are so basic.” Ugh. How do I communicate the depth and authenticity of a Christ-filled life to others when it is mostly found in the intangible workings of the heart and mind?

Know Real Life in Christ

To answer that question, I must remember the well-worn advice of airline attendants, “Put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.” Oxygen flows into my relationship with Jesus when I tend and nurture it as I disciple others. Breathe in these words from Paul,

“Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life – even though invisible to spectators – is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too – the real you, the glorious you.” Colossians 3:3-4, MSG

From the Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His plan, and, all along the way, invites me to partake in every aspect of Christ’s life— His REAL life. I participate in Christ’s life through:

1. His death on the cross. Galatians 3:20a (ESV) says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Real life in Christ means I am free from the power of sin by the power of Christ in me.

2. His resurrection from the dead. Romans 6:4 (ESV) states, “as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Real life in Christ means I am reconciled to God and fit to spend eternity with Him.

3. His ongoing work in me. Galatians 3:20b (ESV) says, “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Real life in Christ means I trust the Holy Spirit to do what is necessary to make me more like Jesus. The more I look like Jesus, the more of His glory I can share.

4. His glory at His return. Philippians 3:20-21(ESV) says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Real life in Christ means that when Christ returns, upon seeing Him face-to-face, He will impart the fullness of His perfection to me— the wonder of His complete restoration of me shining bright and beautiful. And incredibly, my true self (the person God has planned for me to be from the beginning) will be unveiled. (WOW!)

Show Them Real Life in Christ

Affirming the life that Jesus has invited me to experience, I must take my lead from the Master Teacher, who revealed how to live the “real life.” Taking every opportunity, he modeled compassion by touching the untouchable, used true-to-life object lessons and parables to communicate kingdom truths, and washed feet to teach servant-leadership. Most profound are the words of Romans 5:8 (NIV):

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

As Jesus put His presence into practice, Christ’s presence in my life must be evident to those in my sphere of influence. Real life in Christ must be active so others can witness, experience and learn. Christ calls us to live what Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes as a “vigorous” life, “devoted to God.” In Philippians 2:12 (MSG) Paul writes, “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.”

Jesus doesn’t call me to a “basic” Christian life; He calls me to live-out-loud a life that is deeply and robustly authentic— REAL.

Jesus calls us to more than a “basic” Christian life; He calls us to REAL life in Christ! @CheliSigler

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Cheli Sigler is a teacher through and through. She pursues her God-given purpose from her home base in sunny Orlando, FL where she and her husband, Matt, raise two teenage daughters. Cheli equips missionary kids for the mission field as a volunteer at Wycliffe Bible Translators, teaches a third grade Sunday School class, and is involved in Hello Mornings as a group leader, mentor, and writer. Inviting people to sharpen their mind and soften their hearts for God’s purpose and the world, Cheli shares ideas and resources on her blog, Sharpen to Soften. Connect with Cheli on Twitter as @CheliSigler or on Instagram as @chelidee.

Beloved Stories: New Testament {Wrap Up}

September 30, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

It has been a joy for our team to spend time in some of the stories of the New Testament that have had a deep impact on our lives. Did you read them all?

Ali found hope and life in the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead: “The story of Lazarus is a sweet reminder of who Jesus is and the hope that He brings!”
Jaime looked at Thomas’ life and found inspiration for parenting: “I never fully understood the character of Thomas until God gave me my own little challenger to raise.”
Lisa shared the story of the lost coin, and five steps to find what’s missing: “Have you lost your peace? Your joy? Your rest? Look with us at the Parable of the Lost Coin for 5 steps to find what’s missing.”
Jennifer Shultz blessed us with her guest post on the bleeding woman: “Out of all the things she had tried for healing, FAITH made this effort different. She risked so much and it paid off because her FAITH made her bold and brave.”
And I wrote about how God has used “Feed my sheep” as a guide into a life of caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others: “Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He asks us to be His assistants in tending to His flock.”

I love that God reaches us through stories. Today, bless someone by sharing one of your favorite New Testament stories with them, and tell them why it means so much to you. You just might start a conversation that will change them for eternity!

Read all the posts in our #BelovedStoriesNT series!

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5 Steps to Find What’s Missing: The Story of the Lost Coin

September 13, 2018 by Lisa Burgess 31 Comments

Have you lost your peace? Your joy? Your rest? Look with us at the Parable of the Lost Coin for 5 steps to find what’s missing.

WHERE ARE MY GOOD GLASSES?

I was reading the ballet program. I wanted to know when the students would perform from my daughter’s class.

So I know I had my glasses on.

But an hour later, my glasses were missing. My real ones. My prescription, progressive glass I paid dearly for. Not my cheap Dollar General reading glasses that I also use daily.

Maybe you misplace your glasses occasionally, too. Or your cell phone goes missing. Or you can’t find your car keys on your way out the door.

When we can’t find something we need, we get stressed.

And even though we may have access to another pair of glasses (thank you, Dollar General!) or someone else’s phone or a spouse’s key, we want our own.

THE LOST COIN

Jesus knows this about us, that we lose things and get anxious about it. And He knew this about the tax collectors and religious scholars of His day, too.

So when His audience began grumbling about His latest choice of dinner companions (“He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends” Luke 15:2), Jesus told them some stories about the lost and found.

Today we’re looking at the story He told about the Lost Coin. (Read it in Luke 15:8-10.)

A woman in His parable has ten silver coins. She loses one. Just one.

But still one. And every one matters.

The coin is a drachma. (See more on Coins that Jesus Used.)

A drachma represented about a day’s wage in ancient Israel. It was valuable, not like dropping a penny down a drain. Oh, well.

This was like a paycheck, one of only ten she had. It made a difference.

5 STEPS TO FIND WHAT’S LOST

What is a day’s wage for you? Would you care if you lost that paycheck on your way home from work? How would you react?

What about if a friendship went missing? Or you floated adrift from a good spiritual habit? Or you lost track of God’s promises and thus lost your hope?

Notice the Shadow

First, you have to realize something is missing.

Too often we so gradually acclimate to the coming nightfall that we don’t realize it’s dark until we need to see. I didn’t notice my eye glasses were missing at the ballet recital until I needed to read a message on my phone. And I couldn’t see it.

Jesus doesn’t tell us how the woman noticed her missing coin. Maybe she was counting her coins at the end of the day…7, 8, 9…where’s 10?

What wakes you up to your losses?

Perhaps doing a blessing-count at the end of the day will remind you that you’ve neglected a relationship. Or a new pain wakes you up to your need for God’s help. Or discontentment triggers awareness that your attitude has shifted.

Pay attention.

Turn on the Light

The next thing the woman did was light a lamp. It’s what I did too in the search for my glasses. I turned on my phone light and began looking under my seat. And when the house lights finally came on, I could see even more areas to search.

What light switch do you need to flip?

Perhaps a sister in Christ can provide some illuminating advice. Or falling on your knees in prayer will help you see clearer. Or just spending time in worship will allow you to soak up His light for any dark days ahead.

Clear out the clutter

When light alone didn’t uncover the silver coin, the woman picked up her broom. When my daughters were younger and looking for a lost toy, I’d tell them, “Use your hands.” Not just your eyes. Dig around to the bottom of the toy box.

Try moving something else out of the way to find your missing thing.

What is cluttering up your life this week? Could not only physical clutter but also spiritual clutter prevent you from finding what is missing?

Grab a broom and sweep your house.

Keep Going and Going

Jesus said the woman would “seek diligently” until she found her coin. She wouldn’t give up after a quick five-minute search.

Are you as steadfast in your search for missing devotional time or a healthier marriage as you would be for lost money? How persistent are you in your search for missing contentment? Do you quickly give up on hearing from God if you don’t get an immediate answer?

Be diligent in your search.

Prepare to Celebrate

The woman’s persistence paid off. She found her coin. Jesus said she called people around her afterwards.

Jesus wanted His listeners to see how the story can end: in community, in celebration, in gaiety.

Likewise, when you discover your own missing treasures, are you quick to share in celebrations? Who do you tell? Are you also willing to be the friend or neighbor who rejoices with others when they’ve found something they’ve lost?

GOD’S PARTY

This parable concludes with joy.

“Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” Luke 15:10 (The Message)

When the lost become found, God throws a party.

If you’ve lost something in your life that you need to reclaim—freedom in Christ, peace in stormy weather, love in a relationship—know that even the angels in heaven are rooting for you to find it.

And when you find it, God will crank up the music in celebration.

After searching for my glasses underneath my own row of seats, the row in front of me, and the row behind me, I began asking around, “Have you see any glasses?”

No, no, and no. And I gave up.

I walked to say good-bye to friends six rows in front of us. And that’s when I saw them: my glasses. In the hand of my friend. She said her daughter had found them earlier during intermission and they didn’t know who they belonged to.

They belonged to me.

In the end, my glasses found me.

I was happy. I was grateful for the grace of God, not just in seeing my glasses again (and seeing with my glasses!), but for valuing me, for meeting my needs, for caring about what I care about.

God cares about the things you’ve lost, too. Maybe not all your lost things are retrievable. But for the things that are, be encouraged to keep looking. God is watching over you as you do.

Because the thing He most doesn’t want to lose is . . . you. You are one of His.

And every one matters.

Are you missing something? 5 Steps to Find What’s Missing #BelovedStoriesNT

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What have you recently lost? How did you find it? Please share in the comments.

Beloved Stories — New Testament

September 4, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Have you ever read a story or watched a movie and felt that something deeply important had been revealed to you about yourself? Perhaps Frodo in The Lord of the Rings inspired you to persist against all odds in doing something that was difficult, but right. Or you recognized something about yourself in Martha or Mary.

The New Testament is filled with stories – stories of events that happened during and after Jesus’ life, as well as those special stories He told that we call parables.

“The divine Wisdom has been justified in respect to this mode of teaching. The parables have struck deep into the thought and language of men (not of Christians only), as no other teaching could have done.” – A. Carr

We all love a good story! Scientific studies have shown that our brains are wired for, and react positively to, well-crafted stories. God created us this way, and He filled His Word with stories to engage our hearts and minds.

A few months ago, our team of writers spent time sharing Old Testament stories that we love and that have had an impact on the stories of our own lives. This month we shift our focus to the New Testament, and its many beloved stories and parables.

What about you? What stories have shaped your life?

Join us this month as we share beloved New Testament stories that have shaped us. #BelovedStoriesNT

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When You Just Don’t Get It

June 14, 2018 by Lisa Burgess 8 Comments

Even when you feel confused, remember that God is not. Emotions come and go. Truth remains forever.

Don’t Understand?

Things happen we don’t understand. We get confused. We get anxious.

What happens to our faith in these moments?

Sometimes we run from God. We don’t see Him coming to our rescue. So we get impatient and go outside the boundaries for help.

Or maybe we freeze up. If God isn’t giving us a clear answer, we become paralyzed into inaction, waiting for total clarity before we make any move at all.

But there is another way.

A Better Option

Keep asking; keep listening.

It’s easy to give up hope when you’ve been asking for God’s guidance for awhile, and the answers haven’t come.

But God honors stamina. Keep asking. Keep listening.

Remember Jesus’s parable about the persistent widow (Luke 18:2-8).
Remember Jesus’s teaching about knocking and seeking (Matthew 7:7-8).
Remember Jesus’s saying the Father gives good gifts to those who ask (Matthew 7:9-11).

Keep hope alive. God has good things for you on the other side of confusion.

Take baby steps in a positive direction.

When you don’t know which direction to turn, sometimes you do nothing. And sometimes nothing IS the right thing to do.

But what if God is waiting on you to step out of the boat? What if He wants to grow your faith by helping you walk on water?

Sometimes your baby steps of faith, even when you’re unsure, are just enough to get you around the corner. And discover the light around the bend.

God does not despise small beginnings (Zecharian 4:10). Neither should you.

Even the faith of a small mustard seed can move a huge mountain (Matthew 17:20).

And if you unintentionally choose the wrong direction in your confusion? Trust God to redirect your steps. He can turn you around and point you in the right direction (Philippians 1:6).

Remind yourself the victory is already yours.

Preaching truth to yourself helps you overcome the urgency of emotions.

When you feel you’ll never understand what’s happening and confusion is overwhelming you, it’s time to remember that you have already won the battle. The victory is already yours. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Even in the fog, there is solid ground to stand on.

In Christ, you have already passed from death to life (John 5:24). No person or no situation or no confusion can snatch you from His hand (John 10:28-29). You are saved by His grace, despite what your emotions may be telling you (Ephesians 2:8-9).

God Knows

Whether you can see Him or not, God is at work behind the scenes for your good (Romans 8:28). Hold on to His truths. Trust in His knowledge. His understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147:5).

And when the time is right, your faith during the night will result in praise during the day.

Emotions come and go. But truth remains forever.

“But even if we don’t feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.”
1 John 3:20 (CEV)

Even when you are confused, remember God is not. #FeelingsVersusTruth

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When have you felt most confused? How did you break free of the fog? Please share in the comments.

Beloved Stories: Old Testament

May 8, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

When our oldest son was small, the final piece of his bedtime routine was reading time. My husband or I would lie in his bed and read to him… not one, but five stories of his choosing. His literary tastes were broad—he was as happy to have us read nonfiction about trucks as he was to listen to anthropomorphised stories about bear families.

Five chores would have elicited complaints, but five stories were never too many!

Our little guy grew up to be an avid reader, immersing himself in stories, not only through books, but also via movies, television shows, and even games.

Stories help us understand our world, and understand ourselves. We are wired to process life through narrative. Jesus knew this and frequently taught using parables.

The Bible is filled with stories. Tales of hardship, of hope, of despair, of triumph. Stories of ordinary, flawed human beings rising to something greater than themselves with God’s help.

“On a general theological level, much has been made of the importance of story or narrative as a peculiarly appropriate vehicle for conveying theological truth. The basic reason for attaching importance to theology in story form is the fact that a story is so widely accessible to young and old, to educated and uneducated alike. Everybody likes a good story; and stories linger in the mind long after other things are forgotten. To say this is, of course, not to say anything new but rather to state the obvious. Followers of Jesus, whose favoured means of teaching was the parable, should find nothing surprising in the idea that stories are a particularly effective means of communicating theological truth. Generally speaking, a recognition of the value of story can be a valuable corrective to the dominant tendency in western theology to abstract and to analyze.” – RWL Moberly

We see ourselves in Jacob’s jealousy, or Sarah’s lack of faith. And we are inspired to be more devoted to God like Joseph, or persistent in prayer like Hannah. The stories of the Bible convict and inspire.

This month the writers here at Do Not Depart will be sharing some of our favorite Old Testament stories, and how those tales helped us understand the narrative of our own lives.

What is your favorite Old Testament story?

Stories help us understand our world, and understand ourselves.The stories of the Bible convict and inspire. #BelovedStoriesOT

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Blessed are the Merciful

April 19, 2018 by Ali Shaw Leave a Comment

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” – Matthew 5:7

As a child, I sometimes played the game of “mercy” with my older brother. We locked hands and each of us tried to bend the other’s hands and fingers backward. When one of us was in more pain than we could stomach, a simple word would stop the game.

My brother was older and stronger, so I usually lost. When I did, I cried out, “Mercy!” and the game was over.

It’s actually a foolish and childish game, but because of it, I understood the concept of mercy even at a young age.

What is mercy?

Jesus shows us what mercy does and doesn’t look like in the parable found in Matthew 18:21-35. In the story, a rich master forgives his servant of his debts when the servant pleads for mercy. Yet, that very same servant is not merciful toward his fellow servant when he confronts him about the debt he owed to him:

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ Matthew 18:32-33

Although the master had the power to punish his servant, he initially showed him kindness. This is mercy.

When we hold back from giving someone their “due” or when we reach out in kindness, aid, and love to one who is in a vulnerable position, we are showing mercy.

Jesus, the Merciful Savior

In Matthew 5:7, Jesus said that the merciful will receive mercy. As Believers, we know how merciful Jesus was to us! Though the wages of our sin is death (Romans 6:23), He does not give us what we are owed, but instead gives His children eternal life (John 3:16).

But God’s mercy doesn’t stop on the cross. He is merciful with us every moment of every day. Every blessing we receive is because of His goodness, His love, and His mercy.

Albert Barnes, in his notes on the Bible, says of Matthew 5:7:

“Nowhere do we imitate God more than in showing mercy. In nothing does God delight more than in the exercise of mercy.”

Yes, as Christians (little Christs) our duty is to follow in Jesus’ steps and imitate and reflect His nature to those around us. When we obey God’s call to live like His Son, He extends blessings to us.

When we obey the call of mercy, He shows us new mercies… every day!

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 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 3:21-23

If you’d like to study more about mercy, or extend mercy to others, check out these resources:

Matthew, The Book of Mercy [a Bible study] by Megan McKenna
Author Megan McKenna believes that the Gospel writers all focused on a topic that they felt was prominent. Matthew focuses on mercy, possibly because Jesus showed great mercy in calling a him, Jewish tax collector, to follow His call! Jesus extends that same mercy to us.

The Mercy Prayer, by Robert Gelinas
God always answers the prayer for mercy. This book’s intention is to show the reader that mercy is at the core of God’s nature and gives practical ways that we can show mercy and Christ’s love to others.

Samaritan’s Purse
If you’re looking for practical ways to show mercy now, consider donating to Samaritan’s Purse and alleviating the hurts of people in the world around us.

How has the Lord shown you mercy lately? Who can you show mercy to today?

Ali

Blessed are the Merciful. What is mercy and how can we imitate our Merciful Savior? #BeautifulBeatitudes

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Our Risen Savior: Mark 16 and John 19-21

March 30, 2018 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

John 19: Prophecies Fulfilled

John gives us a heart wrenching and detailed description of Jesus’ “trial,” crucifixion, and burial in chapter 19. Scattered throughout this chapter are reminders that every detail fulfills prophecy—proof that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.

This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” John 19:24

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” John 19:28

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” John 19:36-37

Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies. Every detail of his life, death, and resurrection was important, and pointed to the Truth of who He was.

Mark 16: Resurrection Overview

Mark’s consolidated overview of the Resurrection is his final chapter. Verses 9-20 are not found in the earliest manuscripts, and based on style, most scholars believe they were later additions.

Mark writes in verses 1-8 of the women who went to the tomb with spices after the Sabbath had ended. This would have been a costly decision — financially, emotionally, and timewise. But love can drives us to do things that require personal sacrifice. I can only imagine their emotions heading to the tomb: their grief, their worry over the weight of the stone in front of the tomb. And then their horror and fear to find the stone moved, and an angel sitting in the tomb!

The additional verses in Mark describe the people Jesus appeared to after He was raised from the dead, as well as His ascension into heaven.

John 20 – Peace Be With You

I have always loved this chapter of John. I almost feel as if I am there… I can feel the anxiety of Mary Magdalene as she ran to tell Peter and John that the stone was moved… the thumping heart of young John as he ran faster than Peter to see what had happened… the grief and fear of Peter as he was freshly dealing with not only the loss of Jesus, but his recent betrayal of Him.

Apostles Peter and John hurry to the tomb. Eugène Burnand, 1898.

But I think what touches my heart most is this verse:

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:16)

Mary recognized the voice of her dear Lord, and we know that she flung herself on him, because in the next verse He tells her “Do not cling to me.” The deep love relationship between Jesus and Mary, and the fact that He honored this once despised woman with the very first glimpse of His resurrected self, is so moving to me.

Jesus then miraculously appeared to all the disciples in the locked room in which most of them were tucked away. Thomas was not there; John chronicles Thomas’ doubt that Jesus had really appeared, and his subsequent reaction when he finally did see Jesus.

I am struck by the fact that Jesus’ first greeting to the group of disciples, as well as Thomas, was “Peace be with you.” (verses 19, 21, and 26). How well the Lord knew that His disciples needed His peace which passes all understanding!

John 21 – Going Forward in Love

We now come to the final chapter of John, and the final chapter in our #40DaysWithJesus journey.

This chapter revolves heavily around Peter, and these are the first personal interactions we read about between Peter and Jesus after Peter’s betrayal.

Jesus tells Peter and crew where to find fish after a rough night, and the amazing abundance they pull in helps John recognize Jesus (v.7). Peter in his endearingly over-the-top way flings himself out of the boat and swims to shore to Jesus. Jesus cooks some fish for them, always aware of their every need.

Jesus and Peter then have a difficult conversation, which in English might appear confusing, but when you dig into the Greek you realize that the words translated “love” are not the same throughout the passage.

“Simon, son of John, do you love [agapas] me more than these? “Yes, Lord; you know that I love [philō] you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love [agapas] me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love [philō] you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love [phileis] me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love [philō] you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)

Peter knew he was not yet capable of agape love, but Jesus knew that some day he would be.

John concludes his Gospel with these stirring words: “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25)

What a fitting way for us to end our study together!

40 Days With Jesus

As we come to the end of our Lenten Reading Plan, let’s look back over what we have studied:

40 Days With Jesus: A Reading Plan for Lent — Thoughts on Lent and a printable reading plan.
Why Read from Mark and John for Lent? — Some background on the books of Mark and John.
Lent is About Love (John 1:1-18) — In the first half of John 1, John tells us that Jesus is the Word… “lofty, intangible, the very essence of all thought and wisdom.”
What Have You Seen (John 1:19-51, Mark 1) — John the Baptist is introduced, Jesus is tempted in the desert, and His healing ministry begins.
Healing and Controversy (Mark 2-3, John 2) — Jesus begins to heal people, and turns water into wine.
The Son Gives Living Water Welling up to Eternal Life (John 3-5) — Jesus teaches Nicodemus about spiritual rebirth, offers the Samaritan woman living water, and continues to perform miraculous healings.
Parables and Prerogatives (Mark 4-6) — Jesus teaches His followers using parables, and demonstrates that He has authority over the weather, demons, illness, and even death!
Jesus, Astonishing Bread of Life (Mark 7, John 6) — Jesus continues to amaze people with His teachings and miracles.
When in Doubt Focus on Jesus (Mark 8-9, John 7) — Jesus wants us to see, hear and remember Him, take our doubts to Him, and align our thinking with Him.
The Truth Will Set You Free (John 8-10) — We can choose to follow Jesus and enter through the door that lads to life. Or we can be blind to the truth, which ultimately leads to death.
The Path to the Cross (John 11, Mark 10-11) — In these chapters, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, teaches the disciples and tells them what is to come, and returns to Jerusalem triumphantly.
Jesus: The Great Teacher (John 12, Mark 12-13) — These chapters are filled with Jesus’ teachings.
Jesus: Preparing Us for Change (Mark 14:1-42, John 13-14) — As Jesus’ death grows closer, He begins to prepare His disciples for what is coming.
12 Ways to Let Jesus Love You (John 15-17) — These chapters are collections of Jesus’s words as He talked to His disciples, and later to God, on the night He would be arrested.
Jesus, King of Kings (Mark 14:42-72, John 18, Mark 15) — Jesus was not the King the Jewish people had envisioned would come to save them, but He was the King they needed!
Our Risen Savior (Mark 16, John 19-21) — Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven are the topics of these final four chapters.

We hope you have been blessed by your time in God’s Word during our #40DaysWithJesus. I know I speak for the entire DoNotDepart team when I say we are grateful for you, and have especially enjoyed the discussions and sharing in our Facebook community group during this Lenten season. We hope you plan to spend every day with Jesus!

Our Risen Savior: Mark 16 and John 19-21. The final days of #40DaysWithJesus. #biblestudy

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Recap of all the posts in our #40DaysWithJesus Lenten #biblestudy.

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

March 2, 2018 by Jaime Hilton 2 Comments

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

Mark 7 – Jesus is Astonishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 6:1-40 Bread for Believers

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

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

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

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

The storms in life are inconsequential when compared to the presence of Jesus.Click To Tweet

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

John 6:41-71 Life in the Spirit

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

He calls us.

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

He teaches us.

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

He gives his life for us.

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

He knows out hearts.

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

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

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Wisdom for Today – Proverbs Chapters One and Two

January 2, 2018 by Ali Shaw 4 Comments

Don’t we all long for wisdom? Every day we’re faced with choices that need wise responses. I recently read an article that stated the average person makes about 35,000 decisions a day. Thirty-five thousand! Of course, some of those decisions (like what socks to wear) don’t necessitate much thought or discernment. But plenty do, like: What do I say in this situation? What should I do? What’s the better choice? Friends, we need wisdom! Thankfully, God has given us an instruction book. It’s His Word. And the Book of Proverbs is a great place to begin when we’re seeking wisdom.

Book of Proverbs Background

Though the Proverbs were written primarily by Solomon to both his descendants and other men of Israel, they are for everyone who seeks wisdom for daily living. (That’s us!) For the myriad of choices we face each day, the Book of Proverbs offers wisdom. It also offers us assurance of the life to come. (A beautiful combination!) Written shy of a thousand years before Christ lived, these wise words point to living as He instructed and to the eternal reward He promised for being God’s child.

Theologian Charles Ryrie explains that a proverb is a comparison and mini-parable. He also says, “…these proverbs are not so much popular sayings as they are a distillation of wisdom from those who knew the law of God.”

Are you ready for a distillation of wisdom?

Wisdom for 2018

Like you, I’m no stranger to the fact that ancient words can apply to us today. But still, it blows my mind that wisdom for the new year can be drawn from a book written roughly 3000 years ago. As I’m filling in my planner, checking my phone calendar, and watching YouTube videos about New Year’s goals, I’m also digging into Solomon’s words from so, so long ago. It’s crazy, isn’t it? But that’s God’s Word. Always relevant. Always applicable.

God’s Word: Always relevant. Always applicable. Wisdom for today in Proverbs. #31DaysInProverbs

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I stumbled upon this from Chuck Swindolll and thought you might like it as much as I did:

Proverbs accomplishes something no other biblical book does: it simply compiles numerous short instructions for living an effective life on earth. While other books articulate profound theological truths, lengthy narratives of triumph and failure, or prophetic preaching to a disobedient people, Proverbs concerns itself completely with instructing people in the path of wisdom. The writers of the book recognized the varied circumstances of a person’s life and provided principles to apply in a variety of situations rather than instructions to follow in only a few specific instances. (Emphasis, mine.)

By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the writers of Proverbs recognized the circumstances of a person’s life and provided principles for us to follow. It gives us short instructions for living an effective life. Even today. In 2018. I think that’s miraculous!

Proverbs Chapters One and Two

So what’s in these first two chapters? If you read Chapter One yesterday for the 31 Day Challenge, you know that the beginning lists out reasons why this book was put together.

To know wisdom (v1)
To receive instruction (v2)
To give prudence (v3)
To increase the learning of the the wise (v5)
To better understand the words of the wise (v6)

Chapter One goes on to instruct us how to avoid being enticed by sin and then tells us to heed the advice of wisdom. In this section, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to everyone to come listen, though few do.

Interestingly, today’s reading (Chapter Two), is titled in some Bibles “Avoid the Adultress” and in others, “The Value of Wisdom.” While three verses (16 through 19) do give instruction on avoiding the adultress that lures men to sin, the remainder of the the chapter highlights the value and source of wisdom.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. –Proverbs 2:6

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path. –Proverbs 2:9

Seeking and Finding Wisdom

So what is it in these first two chapters that stands out to you? For me, it’s wisdom personified and Solomon’s words in the beginning of Chapter Two. I want to answer the call and be one who comes to the Lord for wisdom. God calls to us, invites us, and promises that if we seek wisdom through Him and through His Word, we will find it. And like we know from our DoNotDepart theme verse, it’s by thinking (meditating) on God’s wisdom (expressed in His Word) that we can begin to act on it, and then we are promised success.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. — Joshua 1:8

What a promise to start the New Year with!

Please share in the comments what stands out to you in these chapters, or join the discussion in our FB community.

Blessings!
Ali

Meditating on God’s Word leads us act on it, and then we are promised success. #31DaysInProverbs

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Wisdom for today in Proverbs. Join us for the 31 Day Challenge!

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