6 Love Notes from Scripture to Print and Share

September 11, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 12 Comments

Where were you thirteen years ago on 9/11?

I was at Domino’s Pizza on a field trip with my daughters. As the children were making their own pizzas, we moms noticed the workers flocking to the kitchen, gathering around a small TV. They were in shock. Shortly we were, too.

And we all wanted to be with those we loved.

Remember the great displays of love and faith that followed, passing through families, our nation, and around the world?

Let’s not wait on a huge tragedy to prompt us to love. All of us need a little extra love on a daily basis to get through even the small bumps of life.

We’ve created 6 Love Notes from scripture for you to print and share with someone this week. Cut them out, sign your name, then pack one in a lunch bag, tuck in a sock drawer, mail in a card, click a pic to Instagram, or Facebook one to a friend.

Here are some suggestions on who to send them to and why.

Someone who has forgiven you or who longs for your forgiveness
1 Peter 4:8
Someone who needs your support or who is supporting you through a hard season
Proverbs 17:17
Someone you need to thank for how they’ve loved you
1 John 3:18
Someone whose service to others needs a pat on the back
Hebrews 10:24
Someone you’re trying to love better and honor more
Romans 12:10
Someone who is working hard to love their enemies
Matthew 5:44

Remember that YOU count as that “someone” as well. If you need to be reminded of that word from the Lord, put the love note in a place you can see often.

We learn about love in the scriptures so we can experience love in real life.

The more we believe and receive God’s love for ourselves, the more we can spread it to others. Ready . . . set . . . love!

Download and print:

Where were you on 9/11?
Who did you need to talk to first?
Is there someone you can spread love to this week with a love note?
We’d love to hear in the comments.

Free printable! 6 Love Notes from scripture to spread God’s love. #EncouragingWord

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We learn about love in the scriptures so we can experience love in real life. Printable Love Notes

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12 Verses for God’s Comfort & Strength

September 9, 2014 by Kathy Howard 4 Comments

The grief was raw. The crisis was fresh. I woke in the middle of the night, overwhelmed, feeling the weight of it pressing in.

Feeling on the verge of an anxiety attack, I began to pray. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of Scriptures I had memorized. As I prayed them back to God, calm washed over me. Soon, I drifted back to sleep.

God’s timing is perfect. When that trial hit a few years ago, I was in the middle of writing a devotional book for “troubled times.” Because I had “hidden His Word” in my heart, it was there for God to use when I needed it most.

From beginning to end, the Bible assures us of God’s comforting presence and strength in times of trial and difficulty. The 12 verses below are some of my favorites. You can commit them to memory or print the pretty PDF version and keep it some place you’ll see it often.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – God goes before and with us. We do not have to be afraid or discouraged because He will never leave or forsake us.
Psalm 9:10 – God never forsakes those who seek Him.
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength.
Psalm 73:25-26 – No matter what we lose in this life, we have God and He is all we need.
Isaiah 40:31 – God renews the strength of those who hope in Him.
Isaiah 43:2 – When we face difficulties, God goes with us.
Jeremiah 32:17 – Nothing is too hard for our God.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him.
Romans 8:39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Second Corinthians 4:7-9 The world may press us hard, but God’s strength and presence will not allow us to be crushed.
First Peter 5:7 – God cares about us and every aspect of our lives.
First John 4:4 – God is far greater than Satan.

Perhaps you’re going through a season of difficulty and trial. Or maybe someone who is close to you is struggling. These passages can be a balm to your soul. Plus, they’re merely a small sample of the amazing truths about God’s great love and care for us.

Share your favorites in the comments below or tell us how one of these verses has ministered to you. Rest in His loving embrace today!

God’s Sweet Grace

September 4, 2014 by Ali Shaw 6 Comments

Does anyone remember this children’s song?

“He’s still working on me,
To make me who I need to be,
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and planets and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be,
‘Cause He’s still working on me.”

That’s a simple, honest song about God’s sweet grace, isn’t it?

In its simplest definition, grace is defined as the undeserved favor of God.

Grace is that God is never finished working on us. It’s only by grace that He doesn’t wring His hands in despair and say in exasperation, “I just give up on this one! There’s way too much work involved here!” Grace is given when we stumble, fall, and fail. Grace is what we see when we look around us at all the rich beauty and deep love that God has given us, when we know we don’t deserve one single lick of it. And it’s by God’s grace that He sent His own Son to take the ultimate punishment for our sin, and to rise again to conquer it, assuring us forgiveness and a spot in Heaven if we believe in Him.

It’s very humbling to know that God loves us so much He’d want to bless us in our most undeserving state. And it’s freeing to know that even when we mess up, God loves us, forgives us, strengthens us, and blesses us.

God’s grace does numerous things for His children. First, when we see how sweet the grace of God is, and how marvelous He is as the giver, grace results in praise (Psa 40:5). Because we are favored and loved even when we don’t deserve it, grace encourages us to dust ourselves off and keep going when we fall or when life gets hard (Phil 3:14). That same grace draws us closer to God as we learn more about our sinfulness contrasted against His holy sovereignty, and prompts us to grow to look a little more like Him (2 Cor 3:18). And also, God’s grace frees us from the power of condemnation (including self-condemnation). (See Psa 19:12,13, and 1 John 3:19-24)

So, if you’re feeling especially blessed by God’s grace today, or feeling burdened and need to be reminded of God’s gentle graces, I have a little something for you. As Patti said in the introductory post this month,”We want to encourage you to abide in God’s Word every day, especially on your busy days. Especially on the days when you are struggling.” So, I’ve made a printable bookmark for you with a collection of verses about God’s grace. You can tuck it into your Bible. Each printable has two bookmarks, so share one with a friend, as you share the sweetness of God’s grace in your own life. Click here to download your bookmark about God’s Sweet Grace.

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:2)

May we all be filled with the sweet knowledge of His grace as our loving Father patiently continues working on us.

Grace is undeserved favor. Grace is that God is never finished working on us. #EncouragingWord

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Are you needing a reminder of God’s grace? We have something for you! #EncouragingWord

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You are God’s good china

August 14, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 22 Comments

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.

Follow the crowd – Good or bad advice?

July 17, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 13 Comments

LOST AND ALONE

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY FAITH, THE PEOPLE . . .

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

Look whose faith is commended in these two verses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIND YOUR PEOPLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find your people.

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

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Follow the crowd. Good or bad advice? http://wp.me/p1Su7F-31i @DoNotDepart #ByFaith
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When have you been braver or done more good with others than if you’d been alone?
Who do you include as “your people”?
Let’s talk in the comments.

How to make your “to-do” list holy

June 12, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 25 Comments

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

What’s on your to-do list today?

Maybe you have an intricately scheduled plan. Or scribbles on a napkin scrap. Maybe your plans are just floating loose in your head. Regardless of how you keep up with them, most of us have some sort of list of actions to accomplish each day.

But here’s the problem: Other people get in the way. Life gets in the way. Interruptions, distractions, conflicts.

How are we to work efficiently with the clock when the world seems to be working against us?

Or in other words, as believers, how are we to be in the world, but not of the world?

When Jesus was talking to His Father on the night before His death, He said, “I don’t ask that you take them [the disciples] out of the world.”

Instead, Jesus sent them—and now us!—straight into the world (John 17:15-18).

For our sakes, He made Himself holy that we also might be holy (John 17:19).

DO YOU LOOK HOLY?

But does a Christian’s to-do list look any holier than anybody else’s list? Sure, we may add a few extras: Read Bible, Pray, Attend church. But otherwise, it’s similar: Take a shower. Pack lunches. Go to work. Put gas in the car. Wash clothes.

How are we set apart?

Because God’s Spirit lives inside us, we are different. We work from a higher power and with a different motive. Our goal is to love others in such a way that the world will know Jesus is real (John 17:21).

So perhaps we need to highlight something different on our lists. . . .

TRY THIS

Pull out your to-do list. Under each item, can you add someone’s name? Who are you loving through what you’re doing?

Pay the bills
(my family)
Answer emails
(my coworkers)
Practice memory verse
(my friends, me)
Weed the garden
(my family, me, neighbors)

Each task now represents a person. A relationship. A soul to share God’s love with. Including ourselves.

It’s not the what on our to-do list that matters. It’s the who.
And it’s not the how. It’s the why.

It won’t come without a cost. You might not cross as many things off your list. But the dividends are rich. With greater purpose, you’ll have greater peace, more compassion, and reflect more glory back to God.

So when you make your next to-do list, ask better questions beyond, “What do I have to do today?” Also ask:

Why am I doing this?
Who can benefit from it?
Will I honor God through it?

It might just set apart your to-do list—and your day—as holy.

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“Make your to-do list more than what you will do: Add who you will love. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ym @DoNotDepart #Holiness”
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“It’s not the what that matters, but the who. Not the how, but the why. http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2Ym @DoNotDepart #Holiness”
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Are you a list maker? How do you prioritize your to-do list? Please share your tips and comments here.

Why should I encourage you? – 5 reasons

May 8, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 24 Comments

You’ve had a hard day, or maybe a hard season. Maybe I can’t change any of your circumstances, but one thing I can do is encourage you in them.

To encourage—parakaleo in the Greek—literally means “to call near, invite, comfort.” So to encourage you, I deliberately come beside you as an invitation to God. Maybe directly with a prayer of blessing or through a Bible verse. Or indirectly through actions (clean your kitchen, give you a hug), through words (a phone call, a text), or through gifts (a book, a candy bar—it works for me!).

Encouraging others is a true gift of the Spirit. While some are more naturally gifted at it than others, encouraging is one gift we all have opportunity and ability to exercise.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is . . . to encourage, then give encouragement.”
Romans 12:6,8 (NIV)

But why should I encourage you? The short answer is because I want you to feel better.

But deeper reasons are because I want what’s best for you, what’s best for God, and even what’s best for me.

HERE ARE 5 REASONS TO GIVE GODLY ENCOURAGEMENT.

I encourage you . . .
1. To make you stronger in faith

The best gift I can give you is another reason to trust God and His grace (Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). So when I see specific ways He’s working in your life, I should tell you, especially if it will help you stay strong in a difficult situation or make a course correction if needed. The goal of encouragement isn’t to build your self-esteem in what you can do, but to increase your faith in what God can do through you.

I encourage you . . .
2. To make me stronger in faith

The gift of encouragement has a rebounding effect—when we give it to another, we receive it back ourselves (Romans 1:12). When I look for God in you, I see Him clearer myself. That strengthens my own beliefs in His power.

I encourage you . . .
3. To help you rejoice

When you’re discouraged, it’s hard to find reasons to celebrate. But someone else might see things you can’t. While I don’t want to offer empty clichés to simply placate your pain, (those often make us more discouraged!) I do want to offer genuine hope and reasons to be joyful. True encouragement should result in more joy than you started with (Acts 15:31-32).

I encourage you . . .
4. In obedience to God

God wants me to encourage those worthy of praise and exercise my gift of encouragement (Proverbs 31:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). If I see godly character in you, but I’m too stingy or proud to commend it, I’m failing to do the good I know to do (James 4:17).

I encourage you . . .
5. For God’s glory

The highest purpose in using any of our gifts is to glorify the Father through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11). I give Him honor when I point out the work He is doing or intends to do in you (1 Corinthians 14:25).

More verses on encouragement

Acts 13:15; Acts 14:22; Acts 18:27; Romans 15:4-5; Ephesians 6:22; Philippians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Timothy 5:1; Hebrews 10:25

Ultimately, I can’t rely on my own words or wisdom to properly encourage you, but I can trust the Holy Spirit to activate the gift I want to give you.

Through Him, you can receive hope, be reminded of God’s goodness, and trust His grace to cover every situation.

For an excellent book on encouraging others, read Sam Crabtree’s [amazon_link id=”1433522438″ target=”_blank” ]Practicing Affirmation[/amazon_link]: God-Centered Praise of Those Who Are Not God. Read a short excerpt here.

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Who can you encourage today? (Hint: Who will you be near?) Who has encouraged you this week? Please share here.

What Happens When Jesus Gets Ahold of Your Heart

January 23, 2014 by Lindsey 7 Comments

Admin note: We’d like to welcome Lindsey Bell to our writing team! Lindsey is a wife, awesome mom of two, and great writer with her first book coming out in less than two weeks! Meet Lindsey and her writing below.

Something happens when Jesus gets ahold of your heart.

We’ve been talking all month about how God changes us…how he makes us into new creations…how he molds our lives through his Word and His Son.

This could not be more evident than in the life of John.

John, whom Jesus called a Son of Thunder, became the disciple of love.

John, the disciple who asked Jesus for permission to call down fire on a Samaritan village (Luke 9), transformed into the man who later said these words: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

Anger to forgiveness.

Judgment to love.

Son of Thunder to Disciple of Love.

So what happened that caused John to change?

As I look at the New Testament, I think the thing that happened was this: Jesus got ahold of John’s heart.

John watched as Jesus gave his life for the sins of the world (John 3:16-17).

He listened as Jesus taught the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5).

He saw Jesus forgive the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).

John witnessed the sinful woman pour perfume on Jesus’ feet…and then saw Jesus love this woman-this woman that everyone else refused to even look at.

When others would have avoided a person, Jesus reached out his hands and touched them. When others would have thrown stones, Jesus forgave. When others would have judged, Jesus loved.

And that’s what made all the difference for John.

I’ve learned it’s also what makes the difference for us. When Jesus gets ahold of our hearts, He changes us too.

Where once there was a heart of anger, He gives us forgiveness.

Where once there was a tendency to judge, He gives understanding and grace.

Where once there was brokenness, He gives healing.

I don’t know where you’re at today…if there’s anger eating away at your heart or pain that never seems to go away or unforgiveness threatening to destroy you…but I do know this:

If you’re willing to give these things to Jesus..and let Him get ahold of this area of your heart…something amazing is bound to happen.

Something always happens when Jesus gets ahold of your heart.

What’s a story of what changed when Jesus got a hold of your heart?

When you’re tired of the old

January 9, 2014 by Lisa Burgess 10 Comments

or, HOW TO FIND FRESH GRACE

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

Holiday break is over. You’re back at work. Kids are back in school.

And your old problems are back as well.
Is 2014 looking suspiciously like a repeat of 2013?

Where are those new mercies God promised to bring every morning?

Granted, “new mercies” is old news. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” was written by the prophet Jeremiah around 575 B.C. to a people heavy with sorrow at the destruction of Jerusalem (Lamentations 3:22-23).

In your own lifetime, maybe you’ve read that verse dozens of times. Maybe you’ve heard it so often that you tune it out now.

The old can become stale.
Until the hunger becomes fresh . . .

How can we receive God’s grace in new ways for our old situations?

1. ASK FOR IT
Begin by asking for fresh grace (Matthew 7:7). Search your heart to distinguish your needs, then lay your requests before the Lord. God delights in giving good gifts to His children and will honor your dependence upon Him.

2. PAY ATTENTION
Once you’ve asked, watch to see how God will answer. His response might not come packaged as you’d expect, so keep eyes and ears open to new ways He may be revealing His mercies to you. Anticipate the unexpected (Ephesians 3:20).

3. GIVE MERCY YOURSELF
Could you be jamming up God’s mercy by refusing to pass it along (Matthew 5:7)? If you’ve become too self-consumed, find another who could use your help. Don’t be surprised at how quickly God’s grace can flow through you to them, healing your own hurts in the process.

4. REFRAME YOUR STORY
If you’ve grown deaf to God’s grace in your life, seek out a fellow believer who can remind you of His goodness you may be overlooking (Proverbs 19:20). Listening to another’s perspective on your story can be enlightening.

5. BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY
Could your expectations be out of whack? Take time to realign your expectations with what God actually promises (Isaiah 41:10). Sometimes we need reminders of the deeper gifts. Believe differently and see if new mercies become uncovered.

6. WAIT. WAIT. WAIT.
In the end, remember it’s not up to you to earn your grace; it’s a gift God gives because of who He is, not because of what you do. Trust that He will be faithful; find rest in His steadfast love for you (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Even though you may still feel stuck with the same old problems, you’re never the same old you. Every day you’re being transformed more into the image of Your Creator (2 Corinthians 3:18). Every day is different from the last, and you’ve never experienced God in this day in this exact way before.

Receive His mercies as new in this day, in this moment.
It’s grace at its freshest.

Have you brought old problems into the new year? How have you seen fresh grace for them? Who helps you reframe your story?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Christmas: What to do when it’s over

December 26, 2013 by Julie 4 Comments

Before Christmas, there are designated songs to sing, appropriate decorations to display, and even timely tasks to do. But when it’s suddenly “done,” people sometimes flounder and ask, “What now?”

Life’s challenges didn’t pause for Christmas, and it doesn’t take long for leftovers and laundry to pile up. So “What now?” What do we do AFTER Christmas? Some of the most humble earthly characters of the incarnation story left a not-so-humble example for us to follow.

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:20)

If our attention and our hearts were truly turned afresh to the coming of Christ as a babe in swaddling clothes as the hope of all men, then it should show on the day after Christmas.

The shepherds went back to their regular lives.
The shepherds went back as changed people.
The shepherds continued to believe what they had heard and seen.
The shepherds glorified and praised God.

Most of our readers (and all of our team!) fit more closely into the “shepherds” category than the wise men/kings category. We can take our after Christmas cues from the common folk of old who experienced the not-so-common birth of God’s Son, Jesus.

Get back to regular life. What we celebrated changes life today!
Get back to work, but be changed because of what you know.
Keep on believing in the truth of Christ’s coming.
Let your heart be full of praise and overflow in words of praise.

Everyone who heard what the shepherds had to share wondered at the news. As the cultural distractions of the season fade, let’s give our world reason to “wonder” at how Christ’s coming changes every day of our year!

Other “After Christmas posts” from our team you might enjoy:

5 Tips for Setting Spiritual Growth Goals for the New Year with Kathy Howard

The Most Important Thing to Do This Christmas with Lindsey Bell

After Christmas Instructions with Julie

Word Travels Fast – Send Responsibly

December 12, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 14 Comments

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29

You’re often told to watch your words. To think before you talk. To be slow to speak (James 1:19). And it’s wise advice. Words spoken with no thought can do great harm.

But that doesn’t mean you have to keep quiet. Your words are gifts to be handed out to encourage and help others (Ephesians 4:29).

And you’ve never had greater opportunity to say more words to more people with greater speed than today.

Gone are the days of Joseph and Mary when word didn’t travel fast. Back then, even though the Roman roads were great for their time, communication was only as fast as the messenger could travel.

When Caesar Augustus sent out his decree for census registration (Luke 2:1), prompting Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, the message was probably delivered via a rider on horseback. There may have been a station every ten miles for trading in fresh horses, and every twenty-five miles for new riders or for lodging.

And with the exception of the angels shouting glad tidings from the sky itself, the news of Jesus’s birth couldn’t have traveled quickly either.

Shepherds on feet couldn’t compare with a Facebook status—including photos from your iPhone!—for speed of a birth announcement.

Today, with a single click on a keyboard, the whole world can have instant access to your words.

So should you be wary of using words because they can so easily go viral, with no retrieval once “send” is hit?

While there are always things you’ll need to ponder and pray over before saying, other things are safe to send anytime, anywhere. People still need a now word from the Lord as much as ever!

And if the Spirit gives words to you to share, don’t be stingy. Send them on.

Here are 4 things you can send out daily–and quickly–with no worries.

1. Thank you

Never hesitate to tell someone thanks for a job well done or for doing you a favor. You can’t go wrong with gratitude.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16

2. I’m sorry

Apologies are always welcome, too. As soon as you can mean it, say it. The quicker you admit you’re wrong, the quicker the healing can begin.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16

3. God bless you
Most people won’t refuse a blessing. So be generous in praying God’s best for those you’re around. What a powerful way to show you care and that God does, too.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
Numbers 6:24-25

4. I love you
Can anybody hear this too much? Your purpose on earth is to love God and love others. So do it, but also say it. Telling others you love them is a word you can send quickly and frequently.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34

So if you have something good to say today, let those words travel fast.

May your words of faith, hope, and love go viral!

Here’s a fun video if Jesus had been born in our digital age:

Which social media are you quickest to reply to?
Have you ever sent an email you wish you could take back?
Who can you encourage today with your words?
Please leave a comment below.

More verses here for using your words well

Favorite Online Bible Study Tools and Thanksgiving Posts

November 22, 2013 by Guest Post 2 Comments

We here at Do Not Depart aim to provide tools and encouragement to abide in God’s Word. We want to “meditate on [His Word] day and night, so that [we] may be careful to do according to to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8), and we hope to help you do the same.

We need encouragement, study tips, new perspectives, and renewal, too. And we love how many wonderful believers have a presence on the internet to help encourage all of us to abide united as one body.

So, we thought we’d share some of our favorite tools with you today!

Favorite Online Bible Study Tools

There are SO many incredible tools out there. This partial list below is a sampling of some of the tools our team returns to again and again:

Crossway.org has Bible study tips, ebooks, apps, articles, and a blog to help give you insight for studying.
Most of us love and use Bible Gateway often. Bible Gateway offers many transitions to view online free, plus reading plans, a blog full of learning-focused articles, and more.
BlueLetterBible.org is a useful site for word study, plus more blog posts with study tips and multiple versions to read and compare.
HelloMornings hosts a huge community for multi-annual online Bible study groups. They also offer practical tips and encouragement for study and intentional living year round.
We’ve written many posts with specific Bible study tools here on Do Not Depart over the years. Check out the archives for Bible study tools posts here.

Great (and Grateful) Thanksgiving Posts

With Thanksgiving quickly arriving in the US, we’ve seen some magnificent posts focused on gratitude to our great God. Let a few of these posts inspire you to be thankful always!

“Why Thanksgiving is Subversive (and How to Have the Best Thanksgiving Yet)” from Ann Voskamp. Love this line: “Here is always good if you look at it long enough.”
“When You Don’t Feel Thankful” by Lindsey Bell at The M.O.M. Initiative. A good read for anyone who has experienced loss near the holidays or when we need a change in perspective.
“Gratitude is the Catalyst” from (in)courage. On how gratitude spurs intention.
“How Can We Give Thanks in All Circumstances?” from DesiringGod.org.

What are you favorite online Bible study tools? What Thanksgiving posts have touched your heart this year? Share in the comments below!

Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture memory}

May 28, 2013 by Guest Post 14 Comments

We won’t always be within whispering distance of our children.

Does this shock any of you as it does me…?

I mean, I know my kids will grow up and leave the nest. And even though this truth is bittersweet, I really do want it to happen. My strongest desire as a mom is for them to go out into the world and become leaders, game-changers…kingdom builders.

However, with an 8 year old and an almost 10 year old–growing more independent daily, but still sweetly needing me for so much–it’s hard to imagine a day when they won’t be at my side. Right now, I’m there when they need help. I’m there when they need comfort. And I’m there to set boundaries and teach them everything I think they need to know. But that won’t always be.

Leaving the Nest

So, what is a mama to do? As they grow up, they’ll be out on their own more and more. They’ll need to practice independence long before they start their adult lives. As they head out into this world, who will be there when they’re faced with difficult decisions; when they have in-the-moment needs for wisdom, discernment, or comforting?

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

If our children are in Christ, He promises that they have a Helper in the Holy Spirit, and that He will be with them forever. It brings me great comfort to know that my children will always have the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, wherever their lives take them. Jesus goes further to say that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach us all things, and bring God’s word to our remembrance (John 14:26). How cool is that? However, as moms, we do have a part to play in this. In order for the Spirit to bring God’s word to our children’s remembrance, we need to help them hide His word to begin with. Then He will have something to reveal to them when they need His guidance.

Memorizing Scripture to Prepare for Independence

I attended a wonderful convention recently. One of the speakers encouraged parents to help their children memorize scripture. She shared several examples of how her adult children were equipped to make important decisions because of scripture they had memorized as small children. She told of her daughter meeting a boy that she was interested in. He had an angry meltdown in front of her, and all she could think was “You shall not go with a hot-tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24). Because the Spirit brought this verse to her remembrance, the speaker’s daughter was able to make a wise choice in her personal life.

This, friends, is what I desire for my kids as they grow and become more independent. I want to present them with a gift that no one can take away. I want to give them a heart library of scripture, engraved on their very souls. Scripture so deeply treasured that they can’t help but hear the voice of the Spirit when He brings it to mind. Words from their Lord, guiding them with the wisdom and discernment that can only come from Him.

Have you seen the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your children as a result of hiding His word? Please share your story in the comments!

This guest post is written by Katie Johnson (@KJ_Clem on Twitter). Katie is a wife, homeschooling mom of two, and wannabe farm girl who lives in the South Carolina foothills. She’s learning what it looks like to love God, learn His ways, and lead others to do the same. She takes photos of sunsets, lives in flip flops, and gives too many treats to her backyard chickens. Connect with her on Twitter.

Almost-Grown: How to Keep the Faith

May 16, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 17 Comments

Maybe your child is about to graduate. Or already away at college or on their own.

Or maybe you just want to get ready now for what’s to come later.

“Let the children come” (Matthew 19:14) isn’t just for your little ones. Help your children of all ages continue coming to the Lord.

How can you assist their transition from pizza party youth groups to an authentic working faith of their own?

Not by old strategies. What worked at nine won’t work when they’re nineteen. You no longer choose their bedtime Bible stories. You can’t drag them to Sunday school each week. No more gold stars for Bible chapters read.

So what can you do to help your older children stay in the Word?

HERE ARE 8 GUIDELINES:

1. Emphasize the Living Word (John 1:1)
Remember the goal isn’t to keep your child in the Bible; it’s for your child to abide in Jesus. Your kids may know the stories about Him; now help them discover how they fit into His story. Talk with them about how God is working in them and their circumstances. Bridge the written words in the Bible to the Living Word in their lives.

2. Invite them deeper into your world
When they’re home for a weekend, invite them to go with you to your adult spiritual gatherings. Suggest more mature Christians books for them to read. Share new things you are learning in scripture and get their opinions on it.

3. Go with them into their world
If they have their own church home, visit with them when invited. Look for positives there, withholding criticisms on non-essential differences. If they’re experimenting with gatherings different than your own or drawing opposing conclusions, discuss your views honestly, but don’t argue or dictate what they should believe.

4. Give them growing room
But what if they’ve left behind all things spiritual? Practice grace. Don’t show shock or fear if they open up to you about their doubts or new worldviews. You’re in relationship for the long haul—keep the communication lines open. Pray, influence when you can, and show them unconditional love (even if that means tough love for a season). Remain hopeful in the God who can transform.

5. Let them teach you
This can be a time of growth for you, too. Show excitement as they share what they’re learning, and incorporate that into your own spiritual walk. Be open about your doubts and be willing to change your beliefs if you’re wrong. Allow them to question your traditions, mindful to keep the dialogue respectful in both directions.

6. Keep up on current events
Stay abreast of hot issues relevant to your children and their friends, such as gay marriage, immigration reform, abortion. Pay attention to what interests them and others in their peer group. Equip yourself for godly and intelligent conversations about cultural changes.

7. Be their encourager
Don’t nag. Don’t lay guilt trips. Don’t transfer your anxieties onto them. Instead, remind them of God’s promises from His Word and offer prayers of encouragement. Send scriptures of hope in a card or a text. Point out how you see God as present and active in whatever they’re going through.

8. Release them (again) to God
Even if you gave them to God when they were tiny, you’ll find that you again want to hold tightly after they leave your nest. But remember God has more power, wisdom, and love to guide them in His steps than you do. Trust in His grace, not your parenting. He’ll be glorified when you depend more on Him than your own schemes of child protection.

BENEFITS

As your children grow and struggle and eventually make their faith their own (we all pray!), your faith will continue to grow as well. Lean harder than ever on the God of grace. And as you get closer to Him, you’ll learn more how to love your child even better in this next phase of life.

What a great reward to have your son or daughter become a very special brother or sister in Christ, a true soul friend!

Please also read Teri Lynne’s 5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word.

What advice would you give parents of college-age children? What’s a struggle you’re having or anticipating for that age? What helped (or hindered!) your faith after you turned 18? Please leave us your thoughts below.

Surrendering Our Fears

April 18, 2013 by Caroline 18 Comments

I’ve battled fear for a majority of my conscious memory. Fear is a relentless foe; it presses back every time I push it away.

But I’ve been given a way to push harder.

By letting go.

Why Surrender Is Hard and How to Start

Lisa’s post last week brought up the point of surrendering in the moment.

It’s through re-reading her post (and our other posts this month) that I’ve realized: When I fear, I’m surrendering to and serving fear in that moment.

Ouch.

The strong-willed (read: stubborn) majority of me immediately fights back, No way do I want to serve fear! Yet, that’s just what I’m doing. And, that stubbornness prevented me from surrendering to God to begin with.

When God calls me to “fear not,” what can I do instead?

Surrender fear by blasting its darkness with light.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” – Psalm 27:1

Surrender fear by grabbing gratitude.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Surrender fear and replace it with peace given by His presence.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 (See also Philippians 4:6-7)

Surrender fear by fighting with truth. God is here. And God loves, reminding us why he wants us to surrender.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

What Happens When We Surrender Our Fears

Why can we let go of fear? Because God already extended (and continues to extend grace to us):

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people…” – Titus 2:11 (See all of Titus 2:11-14)

What comes when we get rid of fear? Hope.

I’m still battling fear, but each time I read these truths, speak them out loud, and really believe in them, I open up to His strength a little bit more.

Read, speak, believe. Repeat again and again. As C.S. Lewis said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.”

I’d much rather surrender to His hope over fear. How about you?

Also, we don’t have to fight fear alone. Let’s fight fear with community (Colossians 3:15-17). How do you fight fear with His Word? How can we pray together for you today? Share in the comments.

Touch the dead. I dare you.

March 14, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 17 Comments

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11:25

I went to my great-uncle’s funeral last month. During the visitation period, I saw his young granddaughter suddenly rush in, touch the casket, then run away.

Her mom immediately demanded an explanation. The daughter replied she had been dared to do it. Her cousins challenged and she accepted.

Can we take a dare and touch the dead, too?

Yes, if we’ve been touched by Jesus first. Because when Jesus touches the dead, the dead come to life. Only the living can touch the dead.

During these remaining weeks leading to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning, may we who’ve been brought back to life commit to touching others who haven’t been. While we can’t wake the dead—only God can do that—we can love them in ways that attract them to Jesus.

How? What can the living do that the dead cannot? How can those resurrected into light shine brightest to those in the darkness?

Here are six ways you can touch the dead.

1. Tell of your own resurrection
Only those who’ve died to self and now live in Christ can witness to what that feels like. New life is great news. The best news. Be a living testimony to Jesus’s resurrection by telling of your own (Romans 8:11).

2. Give grace generously
Grace is not natural. The only way to give it abundantly is if you’ve received it abundantly (John 1:16). As a child of God, you have (1 Peter 4:10). Wake up to your reality and bestow it on those who’ve not seen it. May it inspire them to seek its Source.

3. Forgive as you’ve been forgiven
Being born again gave you a fresh start. Your sins, debts, offenses against God were totally forgiven. If you likewise forgive others the debts they owe you (Matthew 6:12), you witness to a living power greater than yourself (Ephesians 4:32). Who doesn’t want to be forgiven?

4. Love in unexplainable ways
You’ve been loved back to life; now let it overflow onto others. Demonstrate the love of God that is more penetrating, more abundant, more lasting than anything you could conjure up on your own (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

5. Be last in a “me-first” world
If you put others before yourself (Philippians 2:3-4), they’ll know something is different inside you. Only those who’ve experienced death and then life anew can consistently be selfless in a self-centered world. Put those around you first to point to Jesus’s humility and ultimate exaltation.

6. Treat everyone with respect
The dead aren’t accustomed to being treated well. Show them differently (Romans 12:16). Remind them of their specialness—they are made in God’s image!—by honoring them as such.

There are plenty of walking dead around us. What they need—and we all need—are more Spirit-revived people who breathe life everywhere they go, reflecting the heartbeat of Jesus. Let’s live like the resurrected people we are.

Touch the dead today.
You’ve been brought back to life to do it.
I double-dog dare you.