Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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Too good to be true? Ephesians 2:8-9 {Memory Classics}

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8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

I’m sorry to say these verses didn’t mean much to me until years after I’d already been walking with Christ. Maybe that’s why they’re still hard for me to grasp. My salvation is nothing of my doing? Purely a gift? Really, God?

It’s almost too good to be true. But I know it IS true. I thank God for this lavish gift of salvation that we don’t deserve or have to earn.

What I couldn’t understand as a child, I’m appreciating immeasurably as an adult. That’s one reason I want these truths in my memory and not just on page 1,175 of my Bible.

This week we’re memorizing them together in our Hiding Classics in My Heart. We’d love for you to join us here and on Facebook.

Is there a scripture you had to grow into?
Is there one now that you can’t fully grasp but want to?
Do you already have Ephesians 2:8-9 memorized or would like to?

Please share your thoughts with us.

Romans 8:28 – Who is it for? {Memory Classics}

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All things work together for good. Who wouldn’t want that promise? It’s reassuring when life is hard or times look confusing.

Paul put two qualifiers on who that promise is for:

  1. those who love God
  2. those called according to his purpose

So if you’re a believer, know this promise is for you!

Trust that good will happen because God is for you to conform you to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29, 31).

We invite you this week to memorize with us and use this verse to discover more reasons to praise God through your circumstances.

How have you experienced the truth of Romans 8:28?
What circumstance do you need to apply this to now?
Please leave a comment below and join the conversation on our memory group Facebook page.

How do you end the Lord’s Prayer? {Memory Classics}

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This week we’re memorizing (or refreshing) the last verses of the Lord’s Prayer.

12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:12-13 (KJV)

Depending on which gospel account or which translation you’re reading, there are two different endings to the Lord’s Prayer.

Luke stops with, “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4 KJV). But Matthew’s account sometimes includes one more sentence: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13 KJV).

Because many scholars say the last sentence is not included in the oldest and best manuscripts of the book of Matthew, it’s often not considered authentic. My personal favorite translation—English Standard Version—doesn’t include it at all in Matthew 6:13.

So what do we do with it?

Some just omit the last sentence when they recite the Lord’s Prayer; others continue to say it.

I personally include it because it is valid truth I want to affirm—His IS the kingdom and the power and the glory forever!—and whether or not Jesus spoke those actual words to His disciples, I can mean them when I pray. But if others choose not to, I understand that as well.

What about you? How did you first learn the Lord’s Prayer?
Do you include the last sentence?
What words or phrases stand out to you as personally meaningful in this prayer?

Please share your thoughts below and with our Facebook group.

3 things to do with the Lord’s Prayer {Memory Classics}

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This week we’re memorizing (or refreshing) the first three verses of Jesus’s words commonly referred to as The Lord’s Prayer.

Can you spit out these words without even thinking?

9  …Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11  Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:9-11 (KJV)

Sometimes Bible verses become so familiar that we tune them out even as we’re repeating them.

But Jesus never wasted words. They each were purposed. He knew what attitudes needed cultivating.

Let’s not waste His words either.

Here are three things we can do with these inspired words during and after we pray them:

  1. Remember God is holy
    Recognize God for who He is and acknowledge that often.
  2. Want what He wants
    Remind yourself multiple times a day that His will is always best.
  3. Trust him for today’s needs
    The more you depend on Him, the less you’ll demand from others or from circumstances.

Take a minute and say the prayer now, aloud if necessary, and really mean what you’re saying. Then let’s meet again next week to talk about the remainder of the prayer (Matthew 6:12-13).

What lesson do you need most from this prayer this week? Which of the three things comes easiest to you? Hardest?

Please share your reflections below on these verses and join in the conversation with our Facebook group.

Whose plans? Jeremiah 29:11 {Memory Classics}

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Although this was written thousands of years ago to encourage the Israelites that their captivity in Babylon wouldn’t last forever, it can still encourage us just as much today.

We, too, can live in great confidence knowing that our current dilemmas will eventually resolve, that our ailing bodies will one day be pain-free and whole, and that we don’t have to know all the details now because we know the One who is going to make it happen!

If you haven’t already hidden this verse in your heart, we invite you to do so this week, joining others who’ve committed to learning powerful scriptures this summer.

We want to hear your stories about trusting God’s plans. Please share below your thoughts and experiences with the truths of Jeremiah 29:11. Also visit our Facebook page for more on this verse.

Have your plans ever failed only to discover God’s plans were even better?

What hopes for the future are you trusting God for now? We’ll join you in prayer.

A Light in the Shadows – Psalm 23 {Memory Classics}

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(Affiliate links present below. See the end of the post for full details.)

We all have walks through shadows.

Maybe you’re walking through one now.

If so, let the rich imagery of Psalm 23:4-6 remind you that a courageous companion walks beside you. He lays out a plentiful spread before you to keep you nourished, and allows you to dwell in His overflowing mercy every single day.

In the dark times, His presence can lighten your shadows because He journeys through difficult seasons right beside you.

If you’re memorizing these familiar but powerful Bible verses with us this summer, may you be blessed this week as you embed this beautiful psalm over and over into your soul for those valley moments now (or later), thanking your Good Shepherd that you never have to walk alone.

4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23:4-6 (KJV)

What memories do you have of Psalm 23? Has there been a season it helped you? Is there someone you could send it to or pray it for this week? Please share in the comments below and/or in our conversation on our Hide His Word Facebook page.

 

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Having trouble finding time for Scripture memory or other Bible study? We get that. It can be tough to fit in “quiet time” amidst all our responsibilities. This week’s Bundle of the Week might be helpful to you. (Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting this site!)

BundleoftheWeek.com, 5 eBooks for $7.40!
These ebooks all focus on giving you practical and doable tips for time management for you and your family. With 5 ebooks for $7.40, this bundle saves you nearly 60% off the cost of buying each ebook individually. You can use these time management strategies for incorporate Scripture memory, among other “need-to-dos” and “want-to-dos!” Our favorite part of these books? The authors know you don’t need to be perfect. These ebooks just encourage you to use what time God gives you effectively.

Check out the Bundle of the Week here. This ebook bundle is only available from today until Monday, June 24th at 8am EST. Grab your copy before then.

Disclosure: Affiliate links for the “Bundle of the Week” are present. If you click on those links and then purchase the item, we will receive a small commission. Regardless, we only share products we personally support, love, and think you would benefit from, too. Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry!

Remembering on the road: Memory verses for trips (and free printable)

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Before you hit the road this summer, take these easy steps to make your trip more meaningful.

Through the intentional use of memory verses, you can discover God’s love in new ways everywhere you go.

Memory Verses for Trips

1. Choose the right verse

Set yourself up for success—pick an easy one. Either concentrate on one you’re already learning, or pick a fresh one specifically for your trip [see suggestions here]. A mission trip might need a different scripture than a visit to Grandma’s.

The family might learn one verse together, or each member learn a separate verse.

2. Gather your supplies

Write out your verse on sticky notes ahead of time to place on the hotel fridge or the ice chest in your tent. Bring a pack of 4×6 cards and markers for your kids (and you!) to write out the verse or sketch a picture of it during travel time. Consider bringing a simple rewards chart with stickers for once-a-day (or every other day?) recitations.

3. Get creative

Take one picture a day where you see this verse in action—maybe in a colorful wildflower or a child’s toe dipping in the ocean. Collect physical mementos that remind you of the verse. Draw a picture; write a song; compose a poem.

Proactively make tangible connections between the truths in the verse and the God all around you.

4. Share it with others

If you stay plugged in on your trip, post a picture to Instagram or Facebook with your memory verse as text or with a link to the reference on Bible Gateway. Send a postcard about it to friends back home.

As you seek opportunities to share the words you’re learning, you’ll stay more aware of them yourself.

5. Collect in an album

Back home, gather your photos and 4×6 cards in a small album as a reminder of God’s faithfulness on your trip. Or turn your Instagram pictures into picture magnets.

Having visible reminders of the relationships you made between the written word and the Living Word will cement your memories even deeper in your heart.

Most of all, keep it delightful. Training ourselves to clearly see God’s beauty everywhere should be an exciting adventure, not a guilt-ridden drudgery. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it. Maybe you won’t totally memorize your verse word-perfect; that’s okay. Bask in God’s truths through new experiences, new people, and new memories.

Because every trip is far better when God travels with us!

 

Resources

Memory-Verses-for-Trips_donotdepart

FREE PRINTABLES:

Have you ever memorized on the road?
What theme scripture might describe your summer?
Is there a verse you’re learning right now?

Please share in the comments.

Bible Study Tools for Truth While You TRAVEL Holy habits || www.donotdepart.com

UnPsalm 23: What not to tell yourself {Memory Classics}

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What if instead of this:

1  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV)

David had said this instead:

1  No one can help me; I’ll never have enough, never be enough.

2  I work and grow tired and am oh, so weary, but still I can’t stop. I can’t slow down.

3  My soul is in chaos. I’m lost with no map, no clue where I am, no purpose to move forward.
Unpsalm 23:1-3 (LiesVersion)

When you are tired or confused or afraid, what words do you say to yourself?

We’re filling our minds this summer with godly words as we memorize these classics. Please share in the comments which words of Psalm 23:1-3 mean the most to you. Also join our daily conversation on Facebook.

What’s the most famous Bible verse? {Memory Classics}

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Each Monday this summer we’ll be highlighting our weekly verse from Hiding Classics in My Heart. Please join the conversation in the comments about what these verses mean to YOU.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16  (KJV)
{June 3 – June 9}

Of all Bible verses, John 3:16 tops the list of most read. (See list of Top 100 here.) It also shows up on almost every list of important verses to memorize.

And for good reason. It sums up who we are (the beloved), who God is (the ultimate Giver and Lover), what He did (sacrificed His Son), and why He did it (out of love for our lives).

It’s no wonder this is one of our favorite scriptures. If you haven’t already memorized it, what better time than now?

And if you do already know it, use it this week to meditate on how greatly you’re loved by God!

Do you already know John 3:16? When did you first learn it? What does it mean to you now? Please leave a comment below. Also join our daily conversation on Facebook.

Have you memorized these?

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Do you have favorite go-to Bible verses that personally help you through tough times? Or ones that help word your praise in good times?

We have special verses as a community, too. At funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc., we often are called upon to quote in unison such passages as Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer.

If you have never memorized these—or need to see them anew with fresh eyes!—please join our easy summer memory challenge, Hiding Classics in My Heart, beginning Monday, June 3, for 12 weeks.

Go here to register and to download the verses and the schedule. More FAQs are here. This challenge is great for the whole family!

Then return here each Monday throughout the summer to share how it’s going and what you’re learning.

If you write a post about scripture memorization on your own blog, please add it to our Spring Link-Up here. We’ll have a new link-up go live on Wednesday, June 5.

Questions? Comments?

Helping Children Who Fear ~ 5 Bible-Based Tips

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(Quick disclosure: Some affiliate links present. See the bottom of the post for full disclosure. Thank you for supporting this ministry!)

It’s hard to be little. The world can be a scary place even when all seems well to the adults. And lately even most adults I know do not feel like all is well.

Helping Children Who Fear: 5 Bible-Based Tips - DoNotDepart.com

It is so important that we take a Word-based approach when our children fear, because a world-based approach will always disappoint. It would be lying to tell my child that there is nothing to fear. From a purely worldly perspective, my kids’ lives are fraught with dangers, many of which we don’t even contemplate (driven a car lately?)

But I can tell my child not to fear because of who he is in Christ. Because of Who God is. The power of scripture to combat fear is supernatural. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit!

Here are some of my favorite scriptures on fear…

Verses in the Bible Addressing Fear

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” Psalm 56:4

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (niv)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Five Word-based ideas for when your child is afraid.

1) Teach children to praise God

Praising God in every circumstance instantly turns our attention off of ourselves and our fears, and onto the only solid and reliable One upon whom we can count. Praise God for Who He is, and for how much He loves us!

“Through (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

2) Play scripture out loud

When there is a chronic fear hanging heavy in your home, filling the air with scripture can work wonders for restoring peace. Even now I sometimes find myself needing to bathe my mind in scripture as I fall asleep.

Audio bibles are easy to come by thanks to smart phones (both for iPhone and android.) If you don’t have a smart phone, you can buy an [amazon_link id=”193104743X” target=”_blank” ]audio bible on CD[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”143350295X” target=”_blank” ]on mp3[/amazon_link].

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

3) Help children memorize scriptures

The bible directs us to teach our children the scriptures!

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

You can teach your children some of the specific verses related to fear listed above, but even having basic verses memorized will be a powerful tool in their arsenal against fear! Our summer Hide His Word challenge will be reviewing basic scriptures for believers. If you or your children have never memorized before, why not sign up and start hiding His Word in your heart this summer?

It’s important to understand that the Word of God is the only offensive piece of our spiritual armor, the rest is defensive. The Word is even called the sword of the Spirit. Our children need to know and be ready to wield this holy sword!

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

4) Post scriptures around the house

The bathroom mirror and the kitchen windowsill seem to be our two favorite places to post scripture. We spend a lot of time at sinks, apparently! You can put up verses applicable to your child’s current struggle, or a general verse. Try taping printed scripture to the mirror, or for fun, write the verse directly on the mirror with a dry-erase or wet-erase marker!

There are also many beautiful, scripture-based home decorations available.

“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:9

5) Sing scripture songs that deal with fear and courage

Music makes such an impact on kids. On adults too! More than once a scripture has wafted in song out of the car speaker right into this weary mama’s heart and given me strength!

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1

The [amazon_link id=”B002CLBJXW” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link] songs are great. There is lots of other recorded scripture music for kids available. And many old hymns are scripturally based.

If you don’t know a song for the verse you want your children to memorize, use a familiar kids’ tune! Julie explains how in “Truth for Kids to Tunes We Know”

However you go about it, helping your kids stay in God’s Word will combat fears of all sizes!

Have you had to deal with fear in a child? How did you help your child focus on the sovereign God who loves her? Share in the comments!

Our “Let the Children Come” link-up is still open! Do you have a great idea to help kids stay in the Word? Please share it here!

Disclosure: Some affiliate links are present. If you click on those links and then purchase the item, we will receive a small commission. Regardless, we only share products we personally support, love, and think you would benefit from, too. Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry!

Truth for kids to tunes we know

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Never has it been so hard to compete with the rhythms of our world for space in the hearts and minds of our children. If adults today do not intentionally claim ground in the mental files of our next generation, modern culture will sweep in and take it.

Let The Children Come - DoNotDepart.com We must not wait for reading skills to emerge or for writing to reach journaling capacity, for vocabulary to include words like “discipleship” and “justification.”  While the sprout is still tender and the roots are just reaching out to take hold in the soil, the time is ripe to embed truth in the heart of a small child.  Truth creates a fertile environment for God to work in the mind and spirit, for understanding to grow, and for belief to mature into faith. While the ground of the young heart is soft, we have the chance to share the oral history of God’s written truth. To act in the earliest windows of childhood to prepare the next generation to abide, we must sing songs of faith.

By putting God’s word & stories to childhood tunes, we stir up benefits like:

  1. nurturing faith vocabulary to prepare children to be comfortable talking about truth
  2. embedding rhythmic, rhyming language in young memories, along with stories
  3. associating stories of God’s word with comfort and bonding with trusted adults
  4. placing mental “hooks” in the framework of a child’s thoughts for building later learning
  5. linking God’s word to what a child learns are the sounds and sense of joy

While excellent children’s faith music exists, we can use familiar, traditional songs like nursery rhymes and childhood tunes to sing original lyrics in our homes, in our Sunday Schools, and in our ministries. Need to help a child remember God’s truth? Follow these simple steps and check out the samples below.

Choose a simple, short, rhyming song children know.

  1. Take a story, character or passage and identify key truths to remember.
  2. You can get creative with the rhyming, but not with the truth! Be accurate.
  3. Use varied color and/or symbols to reinforce the lyrics visually.
  4. Design a display card or coloring sheet for a child to use as they grow.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1

Some of my favorite tunes for creating Bible songs:

  1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
  2. Row Row Row Your Boat
  3. Happy Birthday to You
  4. London Bridges Falling Down

Example:  (Using Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)  Start humming before you read!

Adam and Eve

God made us to be His friends. Then the first 2 people sinned.

Since He loved us He would give a HERO so that we could live.

Eve and Adam could not be heroes that would set us free.

Noah

Noah was a faithful man, built an ark with his 2 hands.

People laughed, but he obeyed, and safe inside his family  prayed.

Noah and his sons and wife knew that God has saved their life.

Abraham

Two old people had no son, though they hoped and prayed for one.

God said Abraham would be father of a family.

God keeps promises the same. 9 months later Isaac came.

Joseph

Jealous family, angry vote. Hated brother’s special coat.

Joseph was sold as a slave, his brothers’ sin he then forgave.

Though he went to Egypt’s test, God was working for his best.

Let’s use our mouths to make God’s faithfulness known through songs for all generations!

Let’s sing the stories of God’s acts and truths so our children will hide them in their hearts in the midst of the messages of our times!

Resources – Memory Classics for the Summer

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Join us to jog your memory on familiar but important passages of the Christian faith. For weekly accountability, join our Facebook group.

A full-text printout is here in the most familiar version for each scripture, but memorize in whatever version YOU prefer.

MEMORY CLASSICS SCHEDULE [click here for printable schedule]

Week 1, Jun 3-Jun 9, John 3:16
Week 2, Jun 10-Jun 16, Psalm 23:1-3
Week 3, Jun 17-Jun 23, Psalm 23:4-6
Week 4, Jun 24-Jun 30, Jeremiah 29:11
Week 5, Jul 1-Jul 7, Matthew 6:9-11
Week 6, Jul 8-Jul 14, Matthew 6:12-13
Week 7, Jul 15-Jul 21, Romans 8:28
Week 8, Jul 22-Jul 28, Ephesian 2:8-9
Week 9, Jul 29-Aug 4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Week 10, Aug 5-Aug 11, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Week 11, Aug 12-Aug 18, Proverbs 3:5-6
Week 12, Aug 19-Aug 25, Philippians 4:13

TWEET OR FACEBOOK THIS

I’m memorizing classic Bible verses this summer! Join me: http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2qQ #HideHisWord

If you have or write a new post on your own blog about memorizing scripture, please link up here this month, or return June 5 for our Summer Link-Up.

Are you in? Tell us in the comments.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Hiding His Word in My Heart {Spring Link-Up}

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Please link your blog post(s) or leave a comment below about any scripture you’ve been memorizing or helping your children memorize.

Suggested topics:

  • The main reason I memorize scripture
  • Scriptures I want my kids to memorize
  • I’d memorize more if only . . .
  • My favorite memory verse
  • What I’m learning from memorizing Psalm 71

After you link, please visit other posts as your time allows. Thanks!

 


Get Ready: Spring Link-Up for Hiding His Word, April 3

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Our Spring Link-Up for Hiding His Word in My Heart will be this Wednesday, April 3.

Please share a blog post or comment that day about anything related to scripture memory. Write something new or search your blog for any and all posts on memorization since our last link-up in February.

Suggested topics:

  • The main reason I memorize scripture
  • Scriptures I want my kids to memorize
  • I’d memorize more if only . . .
  • My favorite memory verse
  • What I’m learning from memorizing Psalm 71

 

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