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Encouragement in the Word {recap}

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Isn’t it refreshing to read encouraging words from Scripture? On a soul-weary day, God’s Word brings peace and hope. His truth shines like a beacon, breaking through the fog of our emotions.

Encouragement in the Word from DoNotDepart.com

In our Encouragement in the Word series, your Do Not Depart team has explored encouraging verses on various topics, and shared them along with printable resources that you can use in your daily walk.

  • We all need God’s GRACE, His undeserved favor. Slip a bookmark with grace scriptures into your bible, a special gift to you from Ali. Pass one on to a friend too!
  • Kathy offered twelve verses that assure us of God’s COMFORT AND STRENGTH in trying times. He will never forsake you!
  • “We learn about love in the scriptures so we can experience love in real life,” Lisa wrote. She created delightful scripture LOVE notes for you to print and give away.
  • Julie offered verses that will help you pray for HEALING for those you love. No healing happens apart from Jehovah Rapha, our God Who heals.
  • REST is so important that God made it a part of our week from the beginning. Caroline listed eight scriptures on rest, and made a shareable scripture image that you can use on your computer.
  • In her post with verses on HOPE, Lindsey reminded us that there is a difference between hoping for something and hoping in Someone.
  • I shared scriptures on TRUTH. He is truth, His Word is truth, and that truth will set you free! Thank you Lord!

Stay in the Word, friends. Set aside a time each day to fill your heart and mind with Scripture. You will grow in your knowledge of Him, and be greatly encouraged.

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

A recap of #EncouragingWord posts from @donotdepart.

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You are God’s good china

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you-are-Gods-good-china

You’re encouraged often to be pure. To abstain from this. To avoid that. You know what not to do. And rightly so.

But why? What’s the point of maintaining purity? Is it only about what you don’t do? What about what you should do? And what happens when you’re already impure?

PURITY’S PURPOSE: TO LOVE

Purity’s purpose, like all else Jesus taught, is so you can love others more and reflect the glory of God (1 Timothy 1:5).

We’ve been reading over and over in John 15 (and memorizing) where Jesus clearly states His intentions for all: Love one another (John 15:12).

  • He’s declared you clean for that reason (John 15:3).
  • He abides in you for that reason (John 15:5).
  • He laid down His very life for that reason (John 15:13).

So you can love. Out of a pure heart can come pure love. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Once you’ve seen Him, you can show Him to others.

He wants to use you around His table to love another.

You are God’s good china.

BUT IF YOU’RE DIRTY

If you, like each of us, have dirt on your plate (Proverbs 20:9), know this: You’re still a valuable dish!

No one is pure by his own doing; you are only pure because God says so.

Don’t stay hidden on a shelf behind cabinet doors because you think you’re too stained. Maybe you think you lack energy or beauty or skills to love others the way God wants you to. You’ve got a damaged past that brings consequences. And hidden temptations even now that are hard to beat. Welcome to humanity. Everybody lacks. Too tired tonight, too mad tomorrow, too insecure right now to send out a party invitation.

Does that mean you give up altogether on purity? Certainly not. Don’t sin more so grace can abound more (Romans 6:1). Keep doing the dishes and wiping off the table.

But rest in knowing that even though God sees the inside of your cup as well as the outside, He still chooses you anyway (John 15:16). He loves you anyway. He will love through you anyway.

SERVE UP GRACE

Jesus—grace personified—did maintain a completely pure life so that through His purity, you are clean. Abide in His love to more purely love others (1 Peter 1:22).

You keep throwing the party; trust God to multiply the fish and loaves. As He loves you as you are, learn to love others as they are.

So set the table and invite another to gather around. Let go of any shame over your broken pieces and let God use you to nourish another. A nicked plate can still serve great food. Something greater, higher, bigger.

It’s not about the dishes anyway. It’s about the fellowship around the table. Jesus is the host, the bread, and the wine.

It’s a serving of grace; is there anything sweeter or purer?
Grace, dished out even on chipped china, is an irresistible meal.

You are God’s good china. Set the table and throw a party.

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Grace, dished out even on chipped china, is an irresistible meal.

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Do you allow your past to prevent you from loving in the present?
Who needs you today to serve a meal of grace?
Please share in the comments.

Purity for Today's Christian Woman

Huge Resource for Bible Study, Faith, Family, and More

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We’re big on sharing resources around here, and we have an awesome deal to share with you today.

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Keep reading for details, including which resources we think you, as our Do Not Depart readers, will appreciate even more.

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What are you singing? And why?

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You’ve got a song in your heart. I know because I do, too. These songs can come out when we reminisce about a past experience, or run into an old friend, or uncover a new challenge.

If it’s a good song, it will help us. God will see to that. But if it’s not, it becomes a hindrance, a soundtrack we can’t turn off, bringing up negative emotions and unhealthy thoughts.

Music can use us. Or we can use music. The songs we listen to today matter not only for today, but also for tomorrow.

While we rarely can choose which new songs will come our way (although we can choose genres, artists, radio stations), among those available, we can choose which ones we’ll listen to over and over.

Here are 3 WAYS TO USE MUSIC to build our faith, using the song “Cornerstone” as a model. It’s a modern hymn (2012, Hillsong) based on an older hymn (1834, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote).

[Worship with it here. Also hear why it was written.]

What are you singing and why {donotdepart.com}

1. TEST THE LYRICS
While some songs appeal to us immediately because we love the tune, we don’t want to embed them in our hearts if the lyrics are bad. Examine the words you’re singing to make sure they are true and God-honoring.

In “Cornerstone,” these verses remind us to depend solely on Christ’s righteousness. Even in our doubts, these are lyrics we can sing to bolster our faith in what Christ has done, not in our own works.

Verse 1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name

Verse 2
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil

2. DO A BIBLE STUDY
Often the writers use a Bible passage as a base text. Look it up in context. But even without specific references, we can study general themes to flood our hearts with God’s truths.

Writers Reuben Morgan, Jonas Myrin, and Eric Liljero likely pulled from Ephesians 2:20 (“Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone”) for their chorus and theme of “Cornerstone.”

Other Biblical references related to this song for study might include: Psalm 118:21-23; Isaiah 28:16-17; Matthew 21:41-43; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 11:1; 1 Peter 2:6.

Chorus:
Christ alone Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm He is Lord
Lord of all

3. WORSHIP THROUGH IT
Whether you sing it with others or in the car with your kids or at home alone, use the words as personal worship to God. If you know an instrument, learn the chords so you can play it. Introduce it to your church’s worship team. Download it to your iPod.

When our church sings “Cornerstone” on Sunday mornings, the praise is powerful. Who can’t relate to times of darkness, or the need for more faith, or the profound truth that we stand faultless through Jesus’s righteousness?

Verse 3
When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless stand before the throne

Music touches us in places that words alone cannot. Let’s use those connections wisely to praise our Lord in every way we can. He is something to sing about!

Tweetables:

“The songs we listen to matter not only today, but also for tomorrow. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2SK @DoNotDepart #SingPraise”
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“Music can use us. Or we can use music. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2SK @DoNotDepart #SingPraise”
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QUESTION:
What song will you put in your heart this week? What is one of your favorite worship songs? Please share here.

Cornerstone - Songs Hymns Spiritual Songs {donotdepart.com}

Instead of running away . . .

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Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV)

UH-OH
You’ve messed up again. Criticized your husband. Yelled at your kids. Spent too much time on-line.

Now what?

The last thing you want to do is return to face the people you sinned against—your spouse, your child, even yourself.

Our first reaction, the human one, is usually to run away when we’re in trouble. But what if for our spiritual welfare, we did the opposite?

TURN AROUND
When we read Isaiah 55, we see this pattern: We need; God provides. That’s the gospel. God is honored when we recognize we need help, and we go to Him for it. It’s what He invites us to do over and over: come.

So instead of running away, what if we first run to (Isaiah 55:6-7)?

When we seek God, when we call on Him, we’ll discover extraordinary gifts.

  • Through His Spirit, He’ll convict us of where we went wrong (John 16:8)
  • Through His Word, He’ll reveal truth so we believe better (Psalm 119:160)
  • Through His Love, He’ll cover us with forgiveness and mercy (Psalm 103:3-4)

Will we still face consequences for our wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts? More than likely! But even then, God will be near us with His grace and His guidance.

Then, humbled and reaffirmed, we can easier return back to those we’ve hurt. With our apology in hand, we can go to that spouse we fussed with. To that child we exploded on. And to ourselves we were unkind to.

FIRST REACTION
Returning to the Lord is the path to healing—not only in our relationship with Him, but in our relationships with others and with ourselves. It’s where we’re on the receiving end of compassion and pardon—seeing what it looks like, learning what it feels like.

Turning to God as our first reaction (Matthew 6:33) is the best thing we can do for ourselves and for others. The more we seek His forgiveness, the more compassion we’ll find.

Who doesn’t want more grace? Come to the Source and get it.

QUESTION
Do you have a go-to place where you “seek the Lord”? When has God surprised you by His grace? Please share.

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What happens when we run TO God instead of FROM Him http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Qx Isaiah 55:6-7 @DoNotDepart
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The more we seek God’s forgiveness, the more compassion we’ll find. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Qx @DoNotDepart
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Want to memorize these verses? Here are tips for Isaiah 55:6 and tips for Isaiah 55:7.
Drink Deeper {a study on Isaiah 55 at DoNotDepart.com}

When Words Fail {Cultivating Prayer}

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This guest post for our Cultivating Prayer theme is by Sandy Anker…

When Words Fail - DoNotDepart.com On September 30, 2004, a stunning fall day, we welcomed our fifth child, Lydia Faith, into the world. My husband and I and our four older children were completely enchanted by this pudgy little girl.

Two weeks later, after a fretful night and a long day of trying to soothe my baby, I put her down in her butterfly seat while I started a fire to take the chill off the October afternoon. When she started fussing again, I turned and picked her up. Something about her cry, rhythmic and weak, alarmed me. I held her out and watched in terror as her face turned gray, then bruise-purple, and her odd little cries faded into silence. I screamed for my sixteen year old lifeguard son who immediately started CPR while I called 911. Tiny puffs of air into the small lungs, little compressions on the still heart.

Thus began a years’ long odyssey that started with a month in the hospital. Weeks of the most desperate prayers I’ve ever uttered. The magnitude of what we were dealing with, however, often left me without words.

The Groans

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

Many of my prayers during this time were desperate, heart-wrenching groans. As my precious daughter faded away in my arms, all I could pray was “No, no, no, no!” As my son worked on his unconscious sister, as the police officer burst through my front door, as my terrified three year old took in the whole scene, the only words I could utter were, “Jesus, bring my baby back!” Over and over and over.

Sometimes my prayers were simply sobbing in His arms. At other times it was simply breathing in His presence. Obviously these were not eloquent prayers. I did not consciously craft my words in meditation. These prayers were raw and messy, cried out to my Father as I flung myself into His lap.

The Word

When the first ambulance arrived at our small regional hospital, Lydia was rushed into a small ER room and surrounded by doctors, nurses, and technicians. She was intubated while a nurse continued CPR and another doctor repeatedly injected her with epinephrine to restart her heart. In the midst of this chaos, the doctors encouraged us to squeeze in and touch her. As I whispered in her ear that I loved her and needed her to come back, I felt a strong burden to pray one line from the Lord’s Prayer. Words I didn’t want to say, but knew I must: “THY will be done” (Matthew 6:10) The most painful prayer I’ve ever uttered.

Lydia was soon transported to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where praying scripture over my baby became a vital part of my time with her. There were several verses that were meaningful to me during this time and I personalized them wherever I could.

“For I know the plans I have for Lydia,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give Lydia hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (emphasis mine)

The whole of Psalm 91 was especially significant, beginning with verse 1:

Lydia dwells in the shelter of the Most High and will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I distinctly remember one long scary night praying this psalm for her. When I reached verse 16, my pulse quickened,

I will satisfy Lydia with long life!

I felt like I had received a direct message from my Father in this verse.

Others prayed Scripture over Lydia, too. Especially precious was our friend Travis serenading Lydia in the ICU. I will never forget his passionately singing directly to my fragile, unconscious child:

You are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

The Body

When we arrived at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we were ushered into a private waiting room with one of the deacons from our church, our pastor, and one of our seminary professors. We waited for hours before the chief of the Pediatric ICU came to tell us our daughter might not make it through the night. We were numb and speechless. I am so grateful for those three godly saints who took this news in with us and interceded for Lydia and for us.

Like Aaron and Hur held the arms of the exhausted Moses (Exodus 17), so many faithful warriors held us up during this time. As Lydia’s story spread through our seminary and our home church in Texas, and was passed by each seminarian and missionary we knew to their home churches, a prayer net was cast for our tiny girl all around the globe.

We were often surprised by those who joined with us in prayer. One afternoon two of my husband’s seminary buddies came up to pray with us. At that moment Lydia was having electrodes attached to her scalp for an EEG to track her grand mal seizures. The technician said, “I want you to know that I’ll be praying along with you as I continue to work on Lydia.”

We are not meant to go it alone. Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with Him and each other. There were several people I knew I could call any time of the day or night to intercede for Lydia when a new crisis arose. Those dear people didn’t end our conversations with a promise of prayer. They immediately carried our burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

We Are Not Left Helpless

It has been nearly nine years since that horrifying night that started us on a prayer journey that continues to this day. I was rendered speechless so much of the time, but I was not left helpless. My loving Father sweetly gave me His grace to interpret my groans, His Word to speak over my child, and His body to envelop us in a blanket of prayer.

 

 

Sandy is a lover of Jesus, the wife of a pastor, the mom of five children, and the grandmother of two sweet babes. She lives, loves, and prays in Northern British Columbia. Lydia is now a spunky, long-legged nine year old rascal.

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Let’s Mean It – “God Bless You!”

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

My daughter Jenna sneezes in pairs.

Jenna: Achoo!
Me: God bless you.
Jenna: Achoo!
Me: God bless you.

I don’t think twice about my response either time. If you were to sneeze behind me at Kroger, I’d give you a “God bless you,” too. You’d do the same for me, yes?

Are we practicing a spiritual discipline when we say those words? Probably not, if we’re only offering “God bless you” out of cultural habit.

But can offering blessings be an exercise in spiritual discipline? Most definitely. Something as simple as a “God bless you” can be redeemed for His glory. If exercised intentionally, blessing others brings you closer to God as you partner with Him to spread the love of Jesus.

Yet let’s not limit our verbal blessings to sneezing fits when we have so much more to offer.

God offered the first blessings (and continues to go first! Ephesians 1:3) on Adam and Eve with, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22). He promised big blessings to Abraham as well as promised to make Abraham a blessing (Genesis 12:2-3).

Later we see Rebekah’s family blessing her (Genesis 24:60), Isaac blessing Jacob (Genesis 27:28-29), Jonathan blessing David (1 Samuel 20:13), and the psalmists routinely blessing God Himself (Psalm 103:1). From then to now, blessings are routinely offered in orthodox Jewish homes from parent to child.

In the Middle Ages, the simple “God bless you” phrase was to ward off the plague. Or to refill a supposed emptied body with good instead of evil spirits, having just sneezed out its soul.

But why and how should we bless others today?

1. To draw us nearer to the heart of God

When we consciously choose to speak God’s blessings into the lives of our friends, we press in closer to hear His heart so we’ll know what to offer. Listen to His blessings the apostles’ wrote:

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”
1 Peter 1:2

“May the God of peace equip you with everything good to do his will.”
Hebrews 13:20-21

We can use theirs as well as create our own blessings based on truths we’ve learned from the Lord:

“May the love of the Father awaken you; may the presence of the Son enliven you; may the breath of the Spirit empower you, to hope in His grace and to follow His will today.”

2. To exercise our priestly duties

But who are we to offer God’s blessings? Most of us aren’t ordained ministers or official church officers. Are we qualified for this? Yes! We are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), uniquely positioned to remind others of the gifts prepared for them by our good Father (James 1:17).

We’re not called to spectate as others give blessings; we’re called to participate. To bless and be blessed (1 Peter 3:9).

3. To feed a world hungry for God

By deciding to bless others as a spiritual discipline, we become more aware of those around us needing our Savior’s sweet touch.

Who could use a blessing from you this week?

  • A teacher: “May the Lord bless your work as you pour knowledge into the minds of children.”
  • A friend traveling: “May your presence be light and salt in every city you enter.”
  • A troubled sister: “May the Lord grow your peace by leaps and bounds and fill you with strength to endure every trial with hope.”
  • Your child: “May you grow in wisdom and understanding to see God’s love for you through my love for you.”
  • Your parents: “May you be richly replenished throughout your golden years for giving me life and teaching me to love the Lord.”

Say it. Pray it. Write it. Type it.
In person, in a card, in an email, over the phone. Just do it.

Friends don’t let friends live unblessed. Don’t let yours go until you bless them (Genesis 32:26).

May you be blessed by the Lord as you bless others through the Lord, with or without a sneeze for prompting.

When have you received a blessing from someone? Is there someone you can bless this week? Do you have a favorite scripture of blessing? We’d love to hear from you.

For more on how to give blessings, including and beyond the spoken word, I recommend The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley.

Spiritual Disciplines: Soul Training theme

Here I Raise My Ebenezer: The Lord is Our Shield

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In September 2011, wind and drought drove a massive wildfire through 34,000 acres of central Texas, devastating the Lost Pines area and destroying close to 1700 homes. I can not count the number of miraculous stories I have heard related to this fire, but the story you are about to read remains one of the most profound. I know you will be blessed by Debra’s faith and awed by the great God we serve. ~ Patti

Without doubt or reservation, I know two things:  God is sovereign, and God is good.  If He were one and not the other, we would all be in big trouble.

Fire ripped through my home in Bastrop last year, leaving heaps of charred, twisted metal and grey flaky ash.  Our familiar woods once so dense with underbrush were reduced overnight to a foreign wasteland of jutting, burned sticks.  As I absorbed the shocking scene for the first time, the LORD’s sovereignty overwhelmed me–not because of what was taken, but what was spared.

While the tall, imposing pines encircling our house were completely blackened, twenty-five feet from the absent back door stood the small, bent oak tree.  Hanging from one of its low branches by yellow nylon rope was a child’s swing, shaped like an old-fashioned Heinz pickle.  My mother-in-law still fondly recalls her little boy’s not-so-subtle reminders to buy him one for Christmas, after he saw it advertised on a television commercial.  Years later she rescued it from the garage for her grandkids to enjoy.  Despite the 2,000-degree heat that thoroughly incinerated our house, this humble tree and the plastic pickle remained whole.

From a worldly perspective, the whole scene would appear wretchedly ironic.  For me, it was instant confirmation that the house was supposed to be gone.  Since my God can obviously protect something as vulnerable as the pickle swing from the scorching flames, He could easily do the same for my house.  However, He chose not to.  Instead He allowed the blaze to consume that which He had so graciously given me in the first place.  Such is His right.  He is sovereign indeed.

The grass burned. The Awana sign burned. But the wooden cross remained.

My knee now firmly bowed, slowly and sweetly He revealed His goodness.  The little ways He had prepared for us, like the church sign.  My family had volunteered to post the new messages on our church’s marquee, which faces both sides of Highway 21.  A week before, I took a walk with the LORD early in the morning.  When I asked Him what He would like to see on the sign, the response was immediate but perplexing.  The side most drivers would see should read, THE LORD IS OUR SHIELD AND OUR DEFENDER; the other side, HE IS PRESENT IN OUR TIME OF NEED.  What our community needed most, I assumed, was rain to help fend off the unrelenting drought.  A week later amid a raging inferno, a band of weary firefighters read it.  Right then, they resolved that this sign and its little white church would not burn.

Then there was my dream that fateful Sunday morning.  The black forest.  The light, just enough for me to safely bypass the protruding roots and low-hanging branches.  Dawn breaking.  The friendly voices from a familiar church.  How they welcomed me, dirty and haggard.  Two long white tables in the fellowship hall, heavy with food.  Church members serving plate after plate, freely and liberally.  Faces beaming with such thankfulness and joy that I wondered how Heaven could possibly be different.  By Sunday afternoon I was an evacuee.  I sat homeless and exhausted at one of those long white tables, along with my husband and four children.  Friends I was accustomed to serving were now serving me, praying for me, mourning with me.  In the weeks that followed, the church was the very picture of what Christ intended it to be.

The sign outside the church today

This marked the beginning of a seven-month journey that led us back home, to the same fire-ravaged property.  In less than a day, a uniformed squadron of fifty Navy men and women had shoveled, blowtorched, and hauled away what the fire left behind.  All because one of my students asked her Navy dad, “What can we do to help Mrs. Pahlow?”  Where the burned remains of our single-wide mobile home once lay is now an actual house, exactly twice the size of its predecessor.  All because someone recommended my name to Christian Aid Ministries, an Amish-Mennonite organization that offers volunteer labor to rebuild homes after a disaster.  My well-used, second-hand sofa and chairs have been replaced with a brand-new living room set I could never have justified purchasing for myself.  All because the sweet members of the First Baptist Church of China Spring, Texas, were searching for a family to bless.

This is only a small fraction of what the LORD has done for me, with me, and through me since September 4th.  Although several well-meaning people have assured me, “You deserve this,” I really don’t think so.  I remember all too well the pit from which He dragged me, the countless ways I have disgraced both Him and myself.  I owe Him everything.  He owes me nothing.  In fact, if all He ever did was save me from an eternity in hell, that would be enough.

Therefore, I am convinced:  He entrusted me with that burned house.  He entrusted me with a sphere of influence that seems to grow with time.  He entrusted me with this rare, precious opportunity to show a dying world the power of the Living God.

He entrusts us with our Ebenezer.  Raise it high, sweet sisters.

Debra Pahlow

 

Debra Pahlow is a wife, mother, and homeschool English teacher. But the number one thing she wants people to know about her? She loves her Savior. Debra writes, “His name is revered in my classroom. His Word is woven into my lessons. His example is our measuring stick. I don’t know where I will be in twenty years–whether I’ll still have my husband, my family, my friends, or my students–but I do know this: I will be actively serving Jesus Christ.”

 

 

God Willing

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Katie here. I’ve hacked into Caroline’s post to make a special announcement and request! Caroline just had her second child—a sweet baby girl! 

Sweet big brother, holding sissy's hand.

Will you join with me, and pray for their family today? Just leave a comment below, of blessing over these early, wonderful, sleep-deprived months! 

And now, Caroline’s post…

There’s nothing like having a son in the hospital to see how little is in my control… and to see the powerful truth and amazing nature of the words “God willing.”

The words “God willing” hold outstanding power and meaning, but sometimes fit with many Christian phrases (“Christian-ese,” if you will) that tend to be overused and misunderstood:

  • “Bless her heart” becomes a phrase of pity rather than a true request for God’s blessing.
  • “Amen to that” shares simple agreement (I do this, too!) rather than “verily” or “so be it” – an acceptance of what is given regardless of consequence (*see source below).

And then there’s “God willing.”

These phrases, when used well and correctly, share His love and grace powerfully.

God Willing, God Permitting

God has been teaching me the true meaning of these two strong words, “God willing,” lately.

Not meaning “to get what I want.”

Not meaning “perhaps if I plead with these words, what I desire will come true.”

Instead, meaning God permitting. God allowing what He knows best, not what we see as right or needed.

Hebrews 6:1-12 discusses God permitting further knowledge in this faith. (See a parallel reference of the NLT and ESV here.) The use of “God willing” here shows dependence on God for growth.

Acts 18:20-22 shows Paul relying on God to will His journey as God sees fit (Parallel source). Paul certainly possesses his own desires to see certain people at certain times (Romans 1:8-17) – and for good reasons in the ministry – but still knows even his path of spreading the gospel is directed by God’s purposes, not his own. (Paul exemplifies how God uses our desires and passions for His will and purposes in Romans 15:17-22.)

Decretive and Perceptive Will

A distinction exists between what God wills for Himself to accomplish and what He wills—in orders and commands—for us to accomplish. What He wills He will do. His “decretive will” (as the New Bible Commentary labels it) actually happens, no doubt. What He wills us to do (love others, follows His ways – “perceptive will”), He graciously allows us the choice of obedience, which I so often fail to complete. (**See source below.)

The New Bible Dictionary says, “God’s will is not arbitrary, but acts in complete harmony with his character.” What God wills is not determined on a whim, but instead on His supreme intelligence (Isaiah 55:8-9), which comes from a heart of love (1 John 4:7-12).

We know because of His Word and His heart that God wills good things to those who seek to serve Him (Psalm 34:10). Copyright Under God's Mighty Hand

As my husband and I continue to discover more about our son’s medical needs, we wish, we pray, and we ache for whole healing and deliverance from these troubles. But, I tend to want to over-control. And God is showing me: it’s His will, not mine. There were times in the hospital that I had no control over what happened to my son. So, what were my choices? I can worry incessantly or I can trust the God I know to be loving, even if events we endured as a family were not what we would want.

What God Wills

Perhaps I’ll know sometime in this life why He chooses certain things for our family. Perhaps I won’t. But, I do know that God wills what is ultimately good.

Though we may not always understand why certain events occur in our lives, we can trust God loves and provides what we need to live our lives spreading His love.

 

How do you understand and accept God’s will? How have you seen in your life that God’s will is ultimate and ultimately good?

 

Sources:

– *New Bible Dictionary, p. 29 – “Amen” is also described as the “promises of God, uniquely fulfilled in [Christ].”

– **New Bible Dictionary – pg. 419

Abiding Fruit :: Goodness :: Tasting the Real Thing

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I am not a big fan of sugar-free food. I cannot stomach diet soda (as much as my love-handles would love for me to make the switch.) And fat free dairy? Blech.

Give me the real thing.

Even if you do “like” diet soda or non-fat milk, you can taste a difference. Advertising companies would love us to believe otherwise, but the bottom line is: diet soda, skim milk, and fat-free snacks just do not taste like the real thing.

Good Stuff

The fruit of the Spirit is…goodness. Galatians 5:22

We looked at another portrait of the fruit-bearing life this week, through Proverbs 31:10-31. I love the picture painted in verse 12, “She does him good and not harm, all the days of her life.”

Whether married or not, I think all of us desire to be one who does good to those around us.

The greek word used in Galatians 5:22, from which goodness is translated from, is agathosyne, which means: uprightness of heart and life; goodness; kindness

There are only three other places this particular Greek word is used in the New Testament.

One is in Romans 15:14. Paul talks of the Roman believers as being “full of goodness.” Then, in Ephesians 5:9, Paul teaches that the “fruit of life” is found in all that is good, right and true.

Good. Right. True.

The fruit of the Spirit filling our hearts will result in that which is good, right and true to His character. So, as we keep in step with the Spirit, we will become just like Spirit; we will become just like the real thing.

The Taste Test

When my husband Chris and I were engaged we were invited to have dinner with Dan and Sue. Dan would be performing our wedding ceremony, and they wanted to have us over to talk through the big day. We enjoyed a yummy meal and great conversation.

Being good coffee-lovers, they brewed a pot of dark brew, to go with our dessert. I watched as Dan pulled out the cold, white cream from the fridge and a sugar bowl from the cabinet. I put some sugar in my and Chris’ coffee, added some half-in-half, and just as the warm goodness was reaching my lips, I look up to see Chris’s puzzled expression.

“It’s not sugar.” he ekes out, trying to catch me before I take by own swig of caffeinated sea water…

Too late.
17-04-10 Splash II ~ Explored :)

Photo Credit

It looked like sugar, but it most certainly was NOT. Dan had grabbed a bowl of SALT, and offered it to us as sweetener for our coffee!

By His Power, By His Grace

I don’t think any of us want to be like that hot, salty nastiness to those around us—repulsive. We want to bring good to those around us, so how do we obtain goodness? How can we taste like the real thing?

Psalm 34:8 declares, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” He is the only one who is good, right and true. He is the good shepherd (John 10:11). His goodness is declared all throughout the Old Testament.

So, if God is the only source of all that is good, how do we access that?

Enter 2 Thessalonians 1:11, the forth time agathosyne is used, where Paul offers a prayer for the people of God:

To this end we always pray for you,

that our God may make you worthy of his calling

and may fulfill every resolve for good

and every work of faith

by his power,

so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,

and you in him,

according to the grace of our God

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I love this! God is the one who makes us worthy. He gives us the resolve for good, by His power, according to His grace! His desire is for us to be the real thing; for people to encounter us, His children, and taste a bit of Him—the all-good God. And this is all for His glory.

People can tell the difference. They can see right through our games of trying to be a good person. They know when we are faking it. But a child of God, who is walking in the power of the Holy Spirit? Fruit is dripping off of that dependent one. Good fruit—the real stuff.

 ____________________

What did you learn from your study this week?

 

(As we consider the goodness of God…I am having a giveaway over at Living Devotionally. Just hop over and declare God’s goodness in the comments, for a chance to win! Giveaway ends on Tuesday!)

He Can Trust Her

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Photo from Photobucket

“The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.” Proverbs 31:11 (Amplified)

I’ve always thought the study of the Proverbs 31 woman was a bit intimidating as well as a little painful. What woman can be all that and a bag of chips? How can she be all of those things at all times? Is that even possible while we live in this flesh?

In context we’re looking at the ideal woman as described by a mother who is giving her son the description of what he should be looking for in a wife – the kind of wife we all pray our sons would be wise enough to marry. But are we that kind of woman? Are we at least striving to be that kind of woman?

As we read through Proverbs 31:10-31, we find a woman of very noble character. Yet, one of the greatest traits touted by Mrs. P31 is that of trustworthiness. As the Amplified so beautifully says, her husband was confidently secure in her. He relied on and believed in his wife – and as the Scottish minister, George MacDonald, once said –

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. 

From the framework of Proverbs 31:11, we’re told her husband “confidently” trusted in his wife in the area of their finances. In fact, as you read through each verse that describes this Wonder Woman of the Bible,  you find that like a sweet perfume, Mrs. P31’s trustworthiness permeated every area of her life.

Her husband could trust his wife to…

  • Be a frugal shopper (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Be wise with their finances (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Not be sneaky or deceptive about her spending (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Not pressure her man to make more and more money (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Not be materialistic (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Not try to persuade him to do something unethical or desperate to make a buck (Proverbs 31:11)
  • Do what is good for him (Proverbs 31:12)
  • Be a diligent worker (Proverbs 31:13-14,19,24)
  • Not be lazy (Proverbs 31:15)
  • Care for others (Proverbs 31:15,20)
  • Be a wise investor with their finances (Proverbs 31:16)
  • Be a woman of dignity who is prepared for their future (Proverbs 31:21,25)
  • Take care of the needs of the family and the home (Proverbs 31:22,27)
  • Encourage, support and promote him (Proverbs 31:23)
  • Carefully chose words of grace and truth, and guard what she says about him (Proverbs 31:26)
A study of the P31 women can be truly daunting when we try to place our own lives beside hers. She stands tall and lives large! She’s the ideal woman – the one whose steps we we’re to follow.
But I don’t think we’re to be discouraged by her – we’re to be encouraged to be women who rise to the occasion – to set our standards high and seek to be women who will garner the ultimate praise – ‘her husband and children rise up and call her blessed.’
I’ve heard people say that in a marriage, trust is everything. If a man can’t trust his wife, it’s like knocking the legs out from under the foundation of their marriage. Trust is the seed that feeds love.
Marriage may survive when the embers of fizzle out love, but when trust is destroyed, the marriage is on dangerous ground.
So, use this post as an opportunity to evaluate your life as a wife. Can your husband really trust you in the areas that are mentioned above? Are there any areas you need to work on? 

Oh for His Word to Invade Our Moments

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It has become my mantra of sorts…


“If what I teach does not invade and transform the moments of my own life then I am missing the point.” ~lara williams


If what I teach only graces my lips in front of a group of ladies and never affects how I “work out my own salvation,” then I’m missing it. I’m missing the abundance rightfully mine in Christ.

It’s like when  if I were to grab a toy out of my kids’ hands while saying, “Don’t grab toys from people!” Then, yeah. Somewhere we have a breakdown.






He wants freedom for us. He desires we live the fullest life. He sent his own son to die an excruciating, humiliating death to redeem us, while we were still his enemies. He loves us beyond all human reason. And he graciously guides and pierces through his sweet word.



Studying his word is crucial, necessary, and right. Edifying others with his word is our call. But if his word isn’t meeting us in our own moments with our kids, or affecting how we treat our husbands, or challenging us beyond our comfort zones, then we are missing its power to heal and transform our own lives. We’re missing the point.



Let’s just be really real. We are all on this journey. We are all in process. We all speak out of our selfishness at times and react in our flesh. We all need his grace and mercy to fall on us. But none of us have to stay where we are. In Christ, the old is gone and he has new things — freedom things — for us to experience.



Pray with me that he will reveal areas of discrepancy in our daily living. That he will open our eyes to things that need purging. Let’s dare to ask him to show us, through his word and through his Spirit, places that need his touch.



Sending love to you, friends.



How do you stay diligent, allowing his word to invade your own daily moments?
How have you struggled with the discrepancy?


Our Mothers, Part 1

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Discerning and Wise ~ Kathy Howard

Kathy and her Mom

My mother has always been an incredible judge of character. Now, I recognize her uncanny sense as the spiritual gift of discernment, but when I was a teenager it just annoyed me.

Whenever I introduced her to a new friend she never failed to give me an evaluation later. She always shared her wisdom with tact and love, but when I was in high school I did not want to hear anything negative about my “best friend” of the moment.

Mom never pushed or insisted that I stay away from a particular person. But she did stick close and continue to gently advise. Then when one of those friends showed her true character, Mom always comforted me and helped make things right. And I don’t ever remember hearing her say, “I told you so.”

I’ve tried to follow her example with my own children. I’ve prayed for wisdom to guide my three in their own friendships. I’ve offered a shoulder to cry on. And I’ve really tried hard not to say “I told you so.” Unfortunately, I’ve failed with that one a time or two!

Blessed with Two ~ Stephanie Shott

Stephanie with her Mom and Grandgirl

I left the hospital room with a friend that day and glanced back at my mom. Her weakened condition was only surpassed by the strength of her resolve. We made our way into the elevator where a gentlemen smiled as he said, “Don’t forget Mother’s Day this Sunday. After all…you only have one mother.”

As the door opened and he exited the vertical tram, I smiled at my friend and said, “Well, I’m blessed with two.” The one who loved me enough to choose life for me and put me up for adoption, and the one who raised me and loved me as her own.

That was last year – when my mom was still with us. That was last year – when I could still hold her hand, see her smile and hear her voice. But my mom is with Jesus now.

Steph with her Birthmom and Grandgirl

My birthmom is still with us as she struggles in her own battle with cancer.

My mom has given me a heritage of strength, resolve, hard work and the grace to quietly and courageously walk through difficult times trusting God.

My birthmom is leaving a legacy of a sweet, meek and gentle spirit. She’s a woman of prayer and a woman of faith whose life challenges my own.

Most daughters are blessed with just one mom – I’ve been blessed with two. And I’m so thankful for the life lessons from both.

A Mother’s Garment ~ Julie Sanders

Julie and her Mom

Shopping for winter coats, I found a chocolate one with cream colored ski stripes, just like the ones I saw girls at school wearing. No one had to know mine was on sale or that it was missing the fancy tag inside.  Sporting my fashionable coat, I had to wonder why my mom kept on wearing her worn out coat that was so out of style. In fact, I noticed that she didn’t even look for a coat for herself, and I concluded that when moms get “old,” they lose their sense of style and desire to have the latest ski jacket.

The coat was perfect timing for the snowy winter we had, including all the days we missed school and went sledding, instead.  I remember my mom wearing her thin coat,  while we sported our slope-ready outerwear. It wasn’t until I grew older and had children of my own that I finally figured out why Mom was willing to wear the old coat. She was a woman of priorities, and she knew divas don’t make a good mom. While she wanted to look nice, to dress attractively, and to be her best, when resources were tight and a choice had to be made, Mom didn’t put herself first.  Motherhood and divas don’t mix well.

Like the Proverbs 31 woman, she was not “afraid of snow for her household” (v. 21), because she had prepared us in the best way she could. Clothed in “strength and dignity” (v.25), she looked “well to the ways of her household” (v.27) and worked hard to make what we had go as far as it could. Meeting the needs of others meant someone had to serve and be selfless, and Mom was willing to be that servant.

My brown ski jacket went out of style a long, long time ago, but Mom’s selflessness and her priority of caring for others has endured. Her self sacrifice is a “garment” she challenged me to wear as I became a mother and one I’m honored to put on, even without a cool stripe.

~*~*~*~*~*~

What attribute of your mom’s character are you most thankful for?

Battle ready

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Photo credit: Simon Howden

I’m not a fighter by nature. I don’t like conflict, confrontation makes me slightly queasy (literally), and I would rather ignore issues than address them head on. But friends, whether we want to recognize it or not, we are standing at the front lines of a battle that has been raging for thousands of years. The question is not if there is a battle, but if we are prepared for the deadly battle that already rages around us.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12, ESV)

On Monday I rocked my sweet four month old baby in the quiet of his nursery. I kissed his fuzzy head and smelled his milk breath and prayed over him, pondering what our crazy world might be like when he reaches adulthood, if the Lord should tarry that long (and I pray He doesn’t!) I long to wrap him in protection from head to toe, guarding him not just physically but more importantly, spiritually.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)

The image of the armor of God came to my mind as I prayed, and it struck me anew how Paul’s description of this spiritual armor speaks so vividly of the readiness we must have for the very real spiritual war that rages around us each day. Our Heavenly Father’s love for us goes even deeper than my love for my little ones – and He wants us to be wrapped in battle-protection, as well.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… (Ephesians 6:14a)

Paul is relying on imagery of a Roman soldier’s battle gear in this passage, a familiar sight to his original readers. The soldier’s belt was far more than a fashion accessory – the soldier would tuck the flowing edges of his tunic into the belt to keep from becoming entangled and tripped up in hand-to-hand combat. Truth – both knowing and clinging to the truth of God’s Word and living authentic lives without hypocrisy – girds about us and keeps us from becoming tripped up and entangled in this raging war.

…and having put on the breastplate of righteousness… (Ephesians 6:14b)

The breastplate was like a bullet-proof vest, Roman soldier style! It covered the vital organs of the torso, providing necessary protection in battle. As we hold tight to what is right and flee from what is evil, it becomes a safeguard around us.

…and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:15)

The footwear of Roman soldiers was designed to give them traction and keep them from slipping as they fought. When we are confident that we are at peace with God and maintaining our focus on the eternal mission God has given us, it gives us spiritual stability and protects us from being pushed off course.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one… (Ephesians 6:16)

This word for “shield” refers to a very large shield that would protect the soldier’s entire body, enabling them to crouch behind it and be completely protected from the arrows flying from the enemy lines. Living a life of deep faith and belief in God’s character, Word, and ways is a shield about us, protecting us from the arrows of temptation and doubt and twisted truth that the enemy constantly sends our way.

…and take the helmet of salvation… (Ephesians 6:17a)

Tying in with the Gospel of Peace and the Shield of Faith, having the issue of our salvation settled is the primary protection for us – Satan loves to attack us in this area, and we must firmly put on our hope of salvation!

Tomorrow, Stephanie will explore the Word of God as our offensive weapon. For today, I want us to ponder if we are battle ready. We must each day fasten on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation. We must know the truth of God’s Word, cling to His grace, love, obey, believe Him.

As I hold my little ones and pray over them, I pray that God would capture their hearts young – that they would place their trust in Him and cling to Him with all their might. That they would love what is good and hate what is evil, that they would have a thirst for the Word of God and discernment to recognize what does not line up with the God’s revealed Truth. I pray that they would live each day with a deep and settled faith in God’s character, Word, and ways.

We are in a battle, and it rages deadly around us. I do not doubt that my life will not be easy – and my children’s lives might be even more difficult than my own. I must be dressed for the battle, I pray that God will wrap my little ones in the safety of His armor… and I must fight.

“I’m on the winning side of a war that has already been won.”

Of Baking and Blessing ~ Meditation

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In the first issue of 2011, USA Today reported 90% of the world has access to mobile networks, and 1.8 trillion text messages were sent between June 2009 and June 2010.  Mankind has learned to stay tethered to thoughts and topics at the sound of a ring tone or ping.  We focus on what’s trending, respond on Facebook, Tweet about it, and check back for comments. But meditation as a Biblical, spiritual discipline is nothing like the mindset of our culture. The concentration of our culture is captive to the here and now, instead of the holy.


The Barna Group recently released a study about the faith climate in the US, reporting, “The turbo-charged pace of society leaves people with little time for reflection. The deeper thinking that occurs typically relates to economic concerns or relational pressures. Spiritual practices like contemplation, solitude, silence, and simplicity are rare.”

To know what Biblical meditation IS, it helps to know what it’s NOT:

  • It is NOT empty.  God’s Word is the object.
  • It is NOT extra Biblical. God’s Law produces obedience.
  • IT is NOT an escape. God’s peace and compassion prevail.

Meditation is foreign to the way we do life today. While making bread yesterday, I had to let the yeast work, wait for growth, let the dough rise, and labor for the elasticity of dough ready to bake. Homemade bread is a whole different food than store bought. It can’t be rushed. Meditation takes time to listen, reflect, rehearse, and rework God’s truth in our lives, kneading it into our souls and allowing it to grow and live in our minds and hearts.


Meditation requires:

  • A change of pace – slowing down to allow space and opportunity to consider and reconsider God’s truth and hear His voice.
  • An intentional place – carving out an undisturbed corner, where we push aside the urgent and give attention to the Divine.
  • A humble posture – helping us to get into the mindset of the forgiven and the rescued, to worship the Object of our thoughts.
  • A clear path – instead of wandering or floundering, going to God’s Word that is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path.
  • An attitude of prayer – sweet communication flows out of unbothered moments of absorbing God’s truth and grace, and we can respond to Him in praise and honesty.

The New Age movement gave meditation a bad name among many, but Scripture gives a clear pattern of meditation filled with the One True God, not empty and vulnerable to the Enemy. Jesus went away to be alone and communicate with His Father (Matt. 14:13), and Old Testament saints set a precedent of making time to listen to God.

A pace and place for the posture of meditation is going to be hard to carve out, but our hearts can be that holy place. When we commit to practicing this inner discipline, we can look forward to the protection and peace enjoyed by one who is  “blessed.”

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. ~ Psalm 1:1-3

One way to meditate today: (I suggest Psalm 1:1-3)

Take one Scripture verse and “tether” yourself to it:  write it on a card, say it aloud every time you wash your hands, look up every word in the dictionary, talk about it out loud in the car, tell someone else about it today, pray it back to the Lord, email someone what it means to you, sing it as you work, and find a quiet place to slow your pace long enough to be alone and rehearse that truth in your mind and heart. Let God work out that one truth in your soul, let it froth with new insight, let is rise with understanding, and let it bring the aroma of something new and fresh and wonderful that only the Blessed Woman who meditates on His truth will enjoy!

Worshipping Jesus – It’s Your Turn

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I absolutely LOVE studying Scripture! There’s nothing like opening the Bible and getting to know the Living God more – getting together with God’s girls and exploring the wonder of the Word!

Sweet sisters, I hope you’ve been as excited as we have this past week! It’s been chock-full off foundational truths and fundamental Christian beliefs. Kristi Stephens explained why the manager was essential to mankind’s salvations. Kathy Howard examined the incarnation and helped us understand the significance of the truth that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And yesterday, Sandra Peoples explored the magnitude of the virgin birth.

During this season of twinkling lights, gingerbread houses and glittery gifts, Jesus emerges as the center of it all – the undeniable King of the universe. There is nothing that can compare to the majesty of who He is!

May this be a season of worship for you as you join the Scripture Dig team in our quest to know Him more and make Him the passionate pursuit of our lives – the unparalleled longing of our hearts.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

IT’S YOUR TURN NOW, SWEET FRIEND!

Let your adoration for the Living God overflow into words of encouragement for others to read. Share your praise for the Savior of the world – born of a virgin – the God/man – the One who graced planet earth with His presence and secured salvation by giving Himself for us all. Share what Christ means to you and how He is working in your midst.

I can’t wait to read what God is doing in your life!


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