1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Good morning ladies,
I am headed off to school today to substitute for a friend. Since it is the day before Halloween she asked me if I would do it since the kids are going to be crazy and she knew I could control them.
Now I know not all the schools celebrate Halloween anymore, but this one does, so I am going as a zebra.
When I first wandered back to my faith, I had some people tell me I should not celebrate Halloween, that it was Satan’s holiday. Of course that upset me, since Halloween was one of my good childhood memories, so I started asking around to see what other Christians believed.
My favorite advice came from my friend Janet. She grew up in Bakersfield and one of the biggest fund raisers for the youth group at her church was the haunted house they had at Halloween.
She told me, that everyday in her house belongs to the LORD; Satan does not get a holiday, no matter what she is doing.
I liked that.
Therefore I always let my kids celebrate Halloween, but they were never allowed to be anything dark or scary. In fact I used to pray about their costumes.
And when I was teaching I had the same restrictions for the kids in my class, nothing dark or scary and no characters from “R” rated movies, because it was my classroom and I had control of what went on in there. Eventually it became school policy.
I don’t think the question is really do you celebrate Halloween or not, I think the real question is, do you honor God in everything that you do?
Have a wonderful day!
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
God's Will
John 4:34
"My food," said Jesus "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Good morning ladies,
Obviously I know I am not Jesus, but it is also my will to do what God would ask of me. And until today that has been to write and encourage you to grow in your faith, but today God really hasn’t given me anything to say.
Many of you know that song If It Be Your Will by Leonard Cohen that we sometimes sing at church. (If you don’t it is on YouTube) That song always makes me cry. Would I be willing if it was God’s will to speak or write no more?
Since I love doing this that would be the greater sacrifice.
I didn’t want you to worry about me so I am sending you this note. I’m fine, all is well, God just asked me to be quiet today.
Love,
Jill
"My food," said Jesus "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Good morning ladies,
Obviously I know I am not Jesus, but it is also my will to do what God would ask of me. And until today that has been to write and encourage you to grow in your faith, but today God really hasn’t given me anything to say.
Many of you know that song If It Be Your Will by Leonard Cohen that we sometimes sing at church. (If you don’t it is on YouTube) That song always makes me cry. Would I be willing if it was God’s will to speak or write no more?
Since I love doing this that would be the greater sacrifice.
I didn’t want you to worry about me so I am sending you this note. I’m fine, all is well, God just asked me to be quiet today.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Your Choice
1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Good morning ladies,
I often get into discussions with people about sin. Questions such as: Does God really expect us not to sin? Aren’t our sins forgiven? Don’t we live under grace? Are there still consequences to sin? etc. And the more I try to answer these questions the more muddled I get.
So here is what the Bible says: Yes, God really does expect us to try and not sin, that is why He gave us the indwelling Holy Spirit so we would have the power to overcome sin.
Yes, our sins are forgiven, but it came at a high price. Jesus Christ suffered and died a horrible death on the cross so that we would not have to pay the ultimate penalty for sin which is death and separation from God forever.
Yes, we live under grace, but that does not negate all the teachings of the Old Testament. God is still God, He has not changed, He is still holy and He expects us to be holy too.
And, yes there are consequences to sin; the most obvious is a broken relationship with God.
The last few days I have been indulging in two of my favorite sins, laziness and poor food choices. Today I woke up feeling horrible and depressed. Not really a big surprise because the consequences of those actions is that my physical body feels awful, sluggish and tired, and emotionally I am a wreck.
God does not want me to live that way, that is not why He sent His son, but it is always my choice, He has given me the power, He expects me to use it.
In the Old Testament Joshua took over from Moses and was given the task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Right before he died he called together the nation of Israel and presented them with a choice. Joshua 24:15b is a very famous verse, often quoted and a popular one to hang in houses, but I think it is even more powerful when you look at it in context.
Joshua 24:14-15
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Every day we serve something, either the gods of this world, our own sinful desires, or God it is always our choice.
Love,
Jill
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Good morning ladies,
I often get into discussions with people about sin. Questions such as: Does God really expect us not to sin? Aren’t our sins forgiven? Don’t we live under grace? Are there still consequences to sin? etc. And the more I try to answer these questions the more muddled I get.
So here is what the Bible says: Yes, God really does expect us to try and not sin, that is why He gave us the indwelling Holy Spirit so we would have the power to overcome sin.
Yes, our sins are forgiven, but it came at a high price. Jesus Christ suffered and died a horrible death on the cross so that we would not have to pay the ultimate penalty for sin which is death and separation from God forever.
Yes, we live under grace, but that does not negate all the teachings of the Old Testament. God is still God, He has not changed, He is still holy and He expects us to be holy too.
And, yes there are consequences to sin; the most obvious is a broken relationship with God.
The last few days I have been indulging in two of my favorite sins, laziness and poor food choices. Today I woke up feeling horrible and depressed. Not really a big surprise because the consequences of those actions is that my physical body feels awful, sluggish and tired, and emotionally I am a wreck.
God does not want me to live that way, that is not why He sent His son, but it is always my choice, He has given me the power, He expects me to use it.
In the Old Testament Joshua took over from Moses and was given the task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Right before he died he called together the nation of Israel and presented them with a choice. Joshua 24:15b is a very famous verse, often quoted and a popular one to hang in houses, but I think it is even more powerful when you look at it in context.
Joshua 24:14-15
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Every day we serve something, either the gods of this world, our own sinful desires, or God it is always our choice.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Not About Us
1 Chronicles 22
David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God.
Good afternoon ladies,
I have really enjoyed studying David. His life is filled with lessons and good reminders such as; God looks at the heart, sin has consequences, God’s work needs to be done God’s way and God forgives our sins and restores our relationship if we will only repent, just to name a few.
Tonight we are discussing the last chapter in David’s life. He is getting older and he is preparing to hand the kingdom of Israel over to his son Solomon.
David loved God and earlier in his life he had wanted to build God a house, a place for the Ark of the Covenant to permanently rest among the people of Israel. But God told him no. David was a warrior, so God did allow him to build the temple; instead He told David that his son, Solomon, would have that privilege.
What struck me as I read this story was David’s attitude.
Although he was denied the privilege of building the temple, he did not complain, in fact he did everything he could to make it easier for Solomon. He got the materials, he organized the men, he made the plans and then he turned the job over to his son.
David put the desires of God above his own. Do we?
Are we working diligently to make sure others, especially our children, are successful in their service to God?
Many of us have things we would like to do for God, but what if He said no, what if He chose someone else? Would we be as gracious as David and help them do what we had hoped to do ourselves? Do we have the big picture? That it’s not about us, but about God.
Love,
Jill
David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God.
Good afternoon ladies,
I have really enjoyed studying David. His life is filled with lessons and good reminders such as; God looks at the heart, sin has consequences, God’s work needs to be done God’s way and God forgives our sins and restores our relationship if we will only repent, just to name a few.
Tonight we are discussing the last chapter in David’s life. He is getting older and he is preparing to hand the kingdom of Israel over to his son Solomon.
David loved God and earlier in his life he had wanted to build God a house, a place for the Ark of the Covenant to permanently rest among the people of Israel. But God told him no. David was a warrior, so God did allow him to build the temple; instead He told David that his son, Solomon, would have that privilege.
What struck me as I read this story was David’s attitude.
Although he was denied the privilege of building the temple, he did not complain, in fact he did everything he could to make it easier for Solomon. He got the materials, he organized the men, he made the plans and then he turned the job over to his son.
David put the desires of God above his own. Do we?
Are we working diligently to make sure others, especially our children, are successful in their service to God?
Many of us have things we would like to do for God, but what if He said no, what if He chose someone else? Would we be as gracious as David and help them do what we had hoped to do ourselves? Do we have the big picture? That it’s not about us, but about God.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 26, 2009
Spin Master
Psalm 37:3-5
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
Good morning ladies,
Pastor Kelly referenced Psalm 37:4 yesterday, but since it was a supporting verse for a minor point in his sermon he didn’t really talk about it much. But it got me to thinking.
Some people use this verse to teach the “ministry of prosperity,” the idea that if you truly delight in God and commit your ways to Him he will give you everything you want. Sort of like Santa or the Genie from Aladdin. “Just believe and you will receive everything you ever wanted.”
Obviously that is not true.
What God does for us is far more amazing.
My kids tell me I am the master of “the spin.” If there is a choice to be made and I have a preference on the outcome, I always present my choice in the most favorable and desirable way. They hate the fact that even if they originally wanted to do the other thing, by the time I’m done presenting the choices, they have changed their minds.
Another “master of the spin” was Tom Sawyer. Remember the fence painting story?
Or look at the advertising industry. Isn’t it all about “spin,” making you desire what they are selling?
Now God is not a spin master, but He does change the desires of your heart.
God loves you but He has no personal agenda, nothing to gain, and everything to give. He created you, He knows what is best for you and that is what He wants you to have.
What Psalm 37:4 is saying is if you delight yourself in God, He transforms and changes the desires of your heart. He makes you want what He has for you and then He gives it to you.
I don’t know how He does it, I just know He does.
And it is good.
Love,
Jill
,
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
Good morning ladies,
Pastor Kelly referenced Psalm 37:4 yesterday, but since it was a supporting verse for a minor point in his sermon he didn’t really talk about it much. But it got me to thinking.
Some people use this verse to teach the “ministry of prosperity,” the idea that if you truly delight in God and commit your ways to Him he will give you everything you want. Sort of like Santa or the Genie from Aladdin. “Just believe and you will receive everything you ever wanted.”
Obviously that is not true.
What God does for us is far more amazing.
My kids tell me I am the master of “the spin.” If there is a choice to be made and I have a preference on the outcome, I always present my choice in the most favorable and desirable way. They hate the fact that even if they originally wanted to do the other thing, by the time I’m done presenting the choices, they have changed their minds.
Another “master of the spin” was Tom Sawyer. Remember the fence painting story?
Or look at the advertising industry. Isn’t it all about “spin,” making you desire what they are selling?
Now God is not a spin master, but He does change the desires of your heart.
God loves you but He has no personal agenda, nothing to gain, and everything to give. He created you, He knows what is best for you and that is what He wants you to have.
What Psalm 37:4 is saying is if you delight yourself in God, He transforms and changes the desires of your heart. He makes you want what He has for you and then He gives it to you.
I don’t know how He does it, I just know He does.
And it is good.
Love,
Jill
,
Friday, October 23, 2009
Habits
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I wrote about not giving Satan a foothold. This morning Susan responded that the best way to accomplish that is to start your day with prayer. And she is absolutely right.
Staring your day with prayer is not some mystical thing for the chosen few, it is basically a habit that you need to develop.
Every morning I pray in the same place and because my moodles love me so much, they always want to join me. To keep them from being a distraction I made little beds for each of them, one on either side. When I go to pray they settle down on their beds and keep me company.
Yesterday I didn’t follow my normal routine, I did a few chores before prayer and the moodles were confused. They kept going to their little beds and settling in expecting me to follow suit. When I would walk right past they would jump up and follow me, but you could see they weren’t pleased. They have come to like this time because I stay in one place and they can rest.
Now ladies, I know the dogs aren’t praying, they are just resting on pillows, but that’s not the point. The point is Bible study and prayer are habits.
They say it takes six weeks to develop a habit, but it happens one day at a time.
Nine years ago God convicted me with this verse. If Jesus, the Son of God, had to get up early to pray don’t you think you should?
When people ask me what I had to give up for God, the first thing that comes to mind is sleep.
All of us have habits; make sure spending time with God is one of them
Love,
Jill
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I wrote about not giving Satan a foothold. This morning Susan responded that the best way to accomplish that is to start your day with prayer. And she is absolutely right.
Staring your day with prayer is not some mystical thing for the chosen few, it is basically a habit that you need to develop.
Every morning I pray in the same place and because my moodles love me so much, they always want to join me. To keep them from being a distraction I made little beds for each of them, one on either side. When I go to pray they settle down on their beds and keep me company.
Yesterday I didn’t follow my normal routine, I did a few chores before prayer and the moodles were confused. They kept going to their little beds and settling in expecting me to follow suit. When I would walk right past they would jump up and follow me, but you could see they weren’t pleased. They have come to like this time because I stay in one place and they can rest.
Now ladies, I know the dogs aren’t praying, they are just resting on pillows, but that’s not the point. The point is Bible study and prayer are habits.
They say it takes six weeks to develop a habit, but it happens one day at a time.
Nine years ago God convicted me with this verse. If Jesus, the Son of God, had to get up early to pray don’t you think you should?
When people ask me what I had to give up for God, the first thing that comes to mind is sleep.
All of us have habits; make sure spending time with God is one of them
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Foothold
Ephesians 4:27
and do not give the devil a foothold.
Good morning ladies,
Tuesday Alicia shared a funny story with me. She was at work and a young gentleman came in with his bike. Since bikes are not allowed inside the library Alicia went over to tell him he had to leave. When he turned around to talk to her she saw his face was painted like the devil. Holding her ground she told him he needed to take his bike outside. But, he argued, he would only be a minute besides he didn’t have a lock for his bike. She ended up letting him stay, but only for a minute.
I have been thinking about that ever since.
The Bible tells us not to give the devil a foothold. But what’s a foothold? The online dictionary defines it as: A firm or secure position that provides a base for further advancement; an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments and an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies. Basically it is the means to and end.
Eve gave the devil a foothold when she argued with him in the garden, and we all know how that turned out. David gave the devil a foothold when he stayed home from battle, because if he had been where he was supposed to be he would have never seen Bathsheba. And yesterday I gave the devil a foothold which ended up with me being really harsh with my kids.
Satan does not need a huge sin to get you, all he needs is a foothold, a thought, a careless action, anything to get you to turn your attention away from God and cause you to stumble. Then after you have fallen he is right there to tell you how awful you are.
When Christ was in the desert and Satan came to tempt Him, He did not give him a foothold. He didn’t argue, He didn’t try to reason with him, Christ simply quoted the Word of God.
The Bible says Satan is a liar, the accuser of the brethren, a roaring lion seeking to destroy us. But it also says he is defeated, but not by us.
Christ defeated Satan on the cross and with His power we can do the same.
Love,
Jill
and do not give the devil a foothold.
Good morning ladies,
Tuesday Alicia shared a funny story with me. She was at work and a young gentleman came in with his bike. Since bikes are not allowed inside the library Alicia went over to tell him he had to leave. When he turned around to talk to her she saw his face was painted like the devil. Holding her ground she told him he needed to take his bike outside. But, he argued, he would only be a minute besides he didn’t have a lock for his bike. She ended up letting him stay, but only for a minute.
I have been thinking about that ever since.
The Bible tells us not to give the devil a foothold. But what’s a foothold? The online dictionary defines it as: A firm or secure position that provides a base for further advancement; an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments and an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies. Basically it is the means to and end.
Eve gave the devil a foothold when she argued with him in the garden, and we all know how that turned out. David gave the devil a foothold when he stayed home from battle, because if he had been where he was supposed to be he would have never seen Bathsheba. And yesterday I gave the devil a foothold which ended up with me being really harsh with my kids.
Satan does not need a huge sin to get you, all he needs is a foothold, a thought, a careless action, anything to get you to turn your attention away from God and cause you to stumble. Then after you have fallen he is right there to tell you how awful you are.
When Christ was in the desert and Satan came to tempt Him, He did not give him a foothold. He didn’t argue, He didn’t try to reason with him, Christ simply quoted the Word of God.
The Bible says Satan is a liar, the accuser of the brethren, a roaring lion seeking to destroy us. But it also says he is defeated, but not by us.
Christ defeated Satan on the cross and with His power we can do the same.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Helping God
Isaiah 48:9-10
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Good afternoon ladies,
I wasn’t feeling too well this morning so I slept in. I was planning on skipping writing today until I watched lesson six from the Truth Project and Dell said the same thing that I was planning on saying to you.
God is sovereign, make no mistake about it. His plans will not be thwarted, what He said He would do, He will do. The only choice we have is if we want to be part of it.
Many people who have done great things for God say this truth is one of the reasons they were willing to step out in faith. They did not want to be left out of God’s plans. They knew God would accomplish His work and if they weren’t willing to do it, He would find someone else who would.
This is the argument that Mordecai used on Esther when he was trying to convince her to go before the king to save the Jewish people. Because of her obedience she got a book in the Bible. What if she had said no? God would still have saved them, and Esther would have missed a blessing.
When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:12-14
I watch people miss blessings all the time because they are not willing to do what God has asked of them. They put the things of the world before the things of God. They could be part of God’s plan, but they choose to amuse themselves with worldly diversions, or they allow themselves to be frozen with fear. And that’s their choice.
But that is not my choice, and I hope it is not yours.
God does not need us to accomplish His plans, but He lets us help. I love that.
Love,
Jill
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Good afternoon ladies,
I wasn’t feeling too well this morning so I slept in. I was planning on skipping writing today until I watched lesson six from the Truth Project and Dell said the same thing that I was planning on saying to you.
God is sovereign, make no mistake about it. His plans will not be thwarted, what He said He would do, He will do. The only choice we have is if we want to be part of it.
Many people who have done great things for God say this truth is one of the reasons they were willing to step out in faith. They did not want to be left out of God’s plans. They knew God would accomplish His work and if they weren’t willing to do it, He would find someone else who would.
This is the argument that Mordecai used on Esther when he was trying to convince her to go before the king to save the Jewish people. Because of her obedience she got a book in the Bible. What if she had said no? God would still have saved them, and Esther would have missed a blessing.
When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:12-14
I watch people miss blessings all the time because they are not willing to do what God has asked of them. They put the things of the world before the things of God. They could be part of God’s plan, but they choose to amuse themselves with worldly diversions, or they allow themselves to be frozen with fear. And that’s their choice.
But that is not my choice, and I hope it is not yours.
God does not need us to accomplish His plans, but He lets us help. I love that.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Count the Cost
Luke 27-29
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
Good morning ladies,
I had an epiphany the other day.
Rovellyn has challenged us this month think about what it means to live a life totally surrendered to Christ. She remembers vividly when, after years of trying to live the Christian life her way, she made the decision to live her life God’s way. That moment is as clear to her as the day she was saved.
I understand what she is talking about because I have walked a similar journey. But Janet hasn’t.
Janet is one of those fortunate people who grew up in a Christian home that was really a Christian home. They honored God everyday, not just on Sunday, and they taught Janet to do the same thing. She remembers the day she made her faith her own, but she never had the experience that Rovellyn is talking about.
Any of you who are fortunate enough to know Janet, know that her life is totally devoted to God, so why the difference?
Here’s the epiphany.
Janet grew up knowing what salvation meant. When she accepted Christ she knew God expected her to die to self and live for Him. She had seen the Christian faith modeled in her life and understood what it really was. She had counted the cost and signed up anyway.
I did not. When I accepted Christ I had no idea what I was getting into. It wasn’t until years later God revealed to me what the Christian life was all about and then He gave me another decision. “Now that you know what it really means to follow Me, are you willing to do it?” At that point I had to decide to die to myself and live for God.
Each one of us is on our own personal journey, probably no two exactly alike, but if we are really seeking to know and serve the God we love we all end up understanding that to live for God means we have to die to ourselves.
Love,
Jill
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
Good morning ladies,
I had an epiphany the other day.
Rovellyn has challenged us this month think about what it means to live a life totally surrendered to Christ. She remembers vividly when, after years of trying to live the Christian life her way, she made the decision to live her life God’s way. That moment is as clear to her as the day she was saved.
I understand what she is talking about because I have walked a similar journey. But Janet hasn’t.
Janet is one of those fortunate people who grew up in a Christian home that was really a Christian home. They honored God everyday, not just on Sunday, and they taught Janet to do the same thing. She remembers the day she made her faith her own, but she never had the experience that Rovellyn is talking about.
Any of you who are fortunate enough to know Janet, know that her life is totally devoted to God, so why the difference?
Here’s the epiphany.
Janet grew up knowing what salvation meant. When she accepted Christ she knew God expected her to die to self and live for Him. She had seen the Christian faith modeled in her life and understood what it really was. She had counted the cost and signed up anyway.
I did not. When I accepted Christ I had no idea what I was getting into. It wasn’t until years later God revealed to me what the Christian life was all about and then He gave me another decision. “Now that you know what it really means to follow Me, are you willing to do it?” At that point I had to decide to die to myself and live for God.
Each one of us is on our own personal journey, probably no two exactly alike, but if we are really seeking to know and serve the God we love we all end up understanding that to live for God means we have to die to ourselves.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 19, 2009
Weakness
2Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Good morning ladies,
I need to share something with you. I can’t write. It is not a strength of mine.
If you asked me what I was good at in school I would tell you math, but actually I wasn’t good at that either, I just had a good teacher.
When I was in fourth grade my teacher told me I was stupid because I hadn’t learned my multiplication tables. I was crushed.
In fifth grade I had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Mahoney. What made him wonderful was he believed in me, he thought I had value, he thought I was smart, and he made me think so too.
In high school I met his wife. I had failed Algebra 2 and I was standing in the hallway looking at the posted grades when Mrs. Mahoney walked by. She told me not to worry about that grade, just to take it again with her the following year. She told me it wasn’t my fault; she told me that teacher wasn’t very good at teaching math.
For the next three years Mrs. Mahoney was my math teacher. She made me think I was good at math. But when I got to college I found out I wasn’t really. She was good at math, and when I was with her I was good at math, but on my own I really wasn’t very good at it.
The same is true of writing.
On my own I’m not that good at it. I failed Freshman Composition twice in college. I have never considered writing a strength, in fact I think of it as one of my weakness.
So of course that is why God can use it.
The Bible says that God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong, the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
God doesn’t need our strength, He has plenty of that. What He needs is our weakness.
Love,
Jill
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Good morning ladies,
I need to share something with you. I can’t write. It is not a strength of mine.
If you asked me what I was good at in school I would tell you math, but actually I wasn’t good at that either, I just had a good teacher.
When I was in fourth grade my teacher told me I was stupid because I hadn’t learned my multiplication tables. I was crushed.
In fifth grade I had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Mahoney. What made him wonderful was he believed in me, he thought I had value, he thought I was smart, and he made me think so too.
In high school I met his wife. I had failed Algebra 2 and I was standing in the hallway looking at the posted grades when Mrs. Mahoney walked by. She told me not to worry about that grade, just to take it again with her the following year. She told me it wasn’t my fault; she told me that teacher wasn’t very good at teaching math.
For the next three years Mrs. Mahoney was my math teacher. She made me think I was good at math. But when I got to college I found out I wasn’t really. She was good at math, and when I was with her I was good at math, but on my own I really wasn’t very good at it.
The same is true of writing.
On my own I’m not that good at it. I failed Freshman Composition twice in college. I have never considered writing a strength, in fact I think of it as one of my weakness.
So of course that is why God can use it.
The Bible says that God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong, the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
God doesn’t need our strength, He has plenty of that. What He needs is our weakness.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 16, 2009
Be Brave!
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Good morning ladies,
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you not forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6-9)
Don’t you love those verses? I do!
Moses was getting ready to die. He was giving the leadership of the Israelites over to Joshua who was going to take them into the Promised Land, to the land of giants and scary things, to the land of the unknown.
And God commanded them not to be afraid or discouraged.
Why would God have Moses tell them this?
Because He knew they were afraid.
It is natural to be afraid when we face the unknown. But God tells us not to worry. He has it under control. He is with us. We can be brave, not because we are strong, but because He is.
Sometimes I think I would like to know the future. Other times I think if I knew the future, I would never get out of bed. But I always know God’s got it covered, He knows the future and He has promised to walk with me every step of the way.
Be brave little Zebras, God is on OUR side.
Love,
Jill
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Good morning ladies,
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you not forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6-9)
Don’t you love those verses? I do!
Moses was getting ready to die. He was giving the leadership of the Israelites over to Joshua who was going to take them into the Promised Land, to the land of giants and scary things, to the land of the unknown.
And God commanded them not to be afraid or discouraged.
Why would God have Moses tell them this?
Because He knew they were afraid.
It is natural to be afraid when we face the unknown. But God tells us not to worry. He has it under control. He is with us. We can be brave, not because we are strong, but because He is.
Sometimes I think I would like to know the future. Other times I think if I knew the future, I would never get out of bed. But I always know God’s got it covered, He knows the future and He has promised to walk with me every step of the way.
Be brave little Zebras, God is on OUR side.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why Do You Obey?
John 14:15
"If you love me, you will obey what I command."
Good morning ladies,
If you asked me what the Old Testament was about I would say obedience, the big “O”.
If you asked me what the New Testament was about I would say love. “For God so loved the world….”
For me, this verse ties the two together.
I once asked my class: “Do you obey your parents because you love them or because you fear them?”
Most of the kids said they obey out of fear. A few said they didn’t obey at all.
Now as a parent I can tell you that either way works. My children can obey me because they love me or they can obey me because they fear me, but I expect them to obey.
Of course I want my children to obey me because they love me; it shows that we have a healthy relationship. They know that I love them and because of that they want to please me therefore they obey.
But I also have the power and I will use it if necessary.
The same is true of God.
He loves us and He wants us to obey Him because we love Him, it shows we have a healthy relationship, but He still has the power.
I think Christians often struggle with their view of God. They think of God as either a giant teddy bear who would never discipline them or as an angry entity waiting to strike them dead.
He is neither. He is God, and He wants us to obey.
Love,
Jill
"If you love me, you will obey what I command."
Good morning ladies,
If you asked me what the Old Testament was about I would say obedience, the big “O”.
If you asked me what the New Testament was about I would say love. “For God so loved the world….”
For me, this verse ties the two together.
I once asked my class: “Do you obey your parents because you love them or because you fear them?”
Most of the kids said they obey out of fear. A few said they didn’t obey at all.
Now as a parent I can tell you that either way works. My children can obey me because they love me or they can obey me because they fear me, but I expect them to obey.
Of course I want my children to obey me because they love me; it shows that we have a healthy relationship. They know that I love them and because of that they want to please me therefore they obey.
But I also have the power and I will use it if necessary.
The same is true of God.
He loves us and He wants us to obey Him because we love Him, it shows we have a healthy relationship, but He still has the power.
I think Christians often struggle with their view of God. They think of God as either a giant teddy bear who would never discipline them or as an angry entity waiting to strike them dead.
He is neither. He is God, and He wants us to obey.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Weary
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Good morning ladies,
I woke up weary this morning, tired before the day even started, but I had to get out of bed.
I walked downstairs and the house is a mess, the laundry isn’t done and BOTH kids have lost their cell phones.
I really want to go back to bed, but I can’t.
I started to do my quiet time, but I thought I need to throw Katherine’s sheets in the laundry first. As I was walking upstairs to gather them up, I stopped and thought, “This is ridiculous, the sheets can wait I need to go spend time with God.”
And I was right.
When we are weary we do a lot of things. Some of us eat; some of us sleep; some of us drink LARGE amounts of caffeine; but what we should do is go to Jesus. ‘Come” he said “and I will give you rest.”
Many of us carry burdens beyond what God intended and many of us carry our burdens without God’s help. Both of those situations will make you weary.
If you are feeling weary today go spend some time with Jesus. Give Him your day, your overwhelming To-Do List, ask Him to show you what it is He wants you to do and then rely on His strength to do it.
I promise it will help.
Love,
Jill
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Good morning ladies,
I woke up weary this morning, tired before the day even started, but I had to get out of bed.
I walked downstairs and the house is a mess, the laundry isn’t done and BOTH kids have lost their cell phones.
I really want to go back to bed, but I can’t.
I started to do my quiet time, but I thought I need to throw Katherine’s sheets in the laundry first. As I was walking upstairs to gather them up, I stopped and thought, “This is ridiculous, the sheets can wait I need to go spend time with God.”
And I was right.
When we are weary we do a lot of things. Some of us eat; some of us sleep; some of us drink LARGE amounts of caffeine; but what we should do is go to Jesus. ‘Come” he said “and I will give you rest.”
Many of us carry burdens beyond what God intended and many of us carry our burdens without God’s help. Both of those situations will make you weary.
If you are feeling weary today go spend some time with Jesus. Give Him your day, your overwhelming To-Do List, ask Him to show you what it is He wants you to do and then rely on His strength to do it.
I promise it will help.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Truth
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Good morning ladies,
I had a wonderful z-mail all planned out for you today, but then God changed it. I had planned to encourage you to live up to your calling, to encourage you to walk your Christian walk to the best of your ability because what we do reflects not only on us, but on God.
And then I got an e-mail from a friend.
A group of us went to coffee this morning and a friend shared a mistake she had made at work. A really small mistake in my book, but it is a big mistake to her. But I didn’t realize how big.
After she got home she sent out an e-mail saying:
“Also thanks for listening. I felt God saying that I needed to tell you guys because, really deep inside, I am afraid if you really knew me with all my quirks and faults, you wouldn't like me. Funny, I don't feel that way about other people but there is that deep fear that I have. So thanks for listening and letting me know that even if I don't always do my job very well you still like me.”
I love this woman. I consider her one of my best friends and yet she is concerned that if I really knew her I wouldn’t like her.
I think many of us feel that way. I wonder if we feel that way about God.
So here’s your truth for the day: God knows all your quirks and faults. He knows every bad thing you have ever done and every bad thing you will ever do and He still loves you. None of us are perfect, none of us even come close, but all of us are loved beyond our understanding by the God who created the universe.
Love,
Jill
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Good morning ladies,
I had a wonderful z-mail all planned out for you today, but then God changed it. I had planned to encourage you to live up to your calling, to encourage you to walk your Christian walk to the best of your ability because what we do reflects not only on us, but on God.
And then I got an e-mail from a friend.
A group of us went to coffee this morning and a friend shared a mistake she had made at work. A really small mistake in my book, but it is a big mistake to her. But I didn’t realize how big.
After she got home she sent out an e-mail saying:
“Also thanks for listening. I felt God saying that I needed to tell you guys because, really deep inside, I am afraid if you really knew me with all my quirks and faults, you wouldn't like me. Funny, I don't feel that way about other people but there is that deep fear that I have. So thanks for listening and letting me know that even if I don't always do my job very well you still like me.”
I love this woman. I consider her one of my best friends and yet she is concerned that if I really knew her I wouldn’t like her.
I think many of us feel that way. I wonder if we feel that way about God.
So here’s your truth for the day: God knows all your quirks and faults. He knows every bad thing you have ever done and every bad thing you will ever do and He still loves you. None of us are perfect, none of us even come close, but all of us are loved beyond our understanding by the God who created the universe.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 12, 2009
Contentment
Philippians 4:11-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Good morning ladies,
Someone told me Saturday that the women who suffer the least from depression are married women with children who work part time. (They are probably thin with good hair too.)
Basically those women who have it all are content and happy.
But most of us don’t have it all. I have worked full time, I have stayed home full time, I have worked part-time, and I was single for a long time and now I am married with children. In each of those phases there were times when I was happy and content and there were times when I was not.
The Bible says the true secret to contentment lies not in our circumstance but in our attitude and focus.
If we focus on the world we are content when things our going our way. But if we focus on Christ and His power we can be content in all circumstances knowing God is in control.
Right before writing this I read the prayer requests from our church. A dear friend’s brother is dying from cancer and two children lost their only parent in a car accident. Those people aren’t happy. But can they be content?
When I lost my brother I wasn’t happy or content, in fact I was done with God. I walked away from God and stayed away for years. Those were unhappy years.
This weekend I met a woman who had recently lost her sister. She was sad, she missed her sister, but she was content. She knew she would see her again someday. She knew her sister was in heaven right now with Jesus and she was happy for her. She knew, really knew, that God was in control, that heaven existed and everything would eventually be okay.
It was obvious she knew the secret.
Love,
Jill
Hi ladies,
Sorry to bother you again, but one thing that I really feel God has been challenging me on is to make sure that the scriptures I use are taking in context, so I felt I needed to clarify this morning z-mail.
That verse in Philippians was written by Paul to thank the church at Philippi for sending him finanical aid. Philippians is considered Paul’s “book of joy” which is amazing considering he wrote it from a Roman prison cell. And he really speaks to being joyful in all situations.
That is what I intended to write about, being joyful in your current circumstances, and then I read the prayer requests from the church, and my heart broke for Sue and those two girls.
Material concerns just seem to pale when compared against losing someone you love. God, how can they be content?
I felt like God said, the answer is the same put your hope in ME, but that was not the context of the verse.
Love,
Jill
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Good morning ladies,
Someone told me Saturday that the women who suffer the least from depression are married women with children who work part time. (They are probably thin with good hair too.)
Basically those women who have it all are content and happy.
But most of us don’t have it all. I have worked full time, I have stayed home full time, I have worked part-time, and I was single for a long time and now I am married with children. In each of those phases there were times when I was happy and content and there were times when I was not.
The Bible says the true secret to contentment lies not in our circumstance but in our attitude and focus.
If we focus on the world we are content when things our going our way. But if we focus on Christ and His power we can be content in all circumstances knowing God is in control.
Right before writing this I read the prayer requests from our church. A dear friend’s brother is dying from cancer and two children lost their only parent in a car accident. Those people aren’t happy. But can they be content?
When I lost my brother I wasn’t happy or content, in fact I was done with God. I walked away from God and stayed away for years. Those were unhappy years.
This weekend I met a woman who had recently lost her sister. She was sad, she missed her sister, but she was content. She knew she would see her again someday. She knew her sister was in heaven right now with Jesus and she was happy for her. She knew, really knew, that God was in control, that heaven existed and everything would eventually be okay.
It was obvious she knew the secret.
Love,
Jill
Hi ladies,
Sorry to bother you again, but one thing that I really feel God has been challenging me on is to make sure that the scriptures I use are taking in context, so I felt I needed to clarify this morning z-mail.
That verse in Philippians was written by Paul to thank the church at Philippi for sending him finanical aid. Philippians is considered Paul’s “book of joy” which is amazing considering he wrote it from a Roman prison cell. And he really speaks to being joyful in all situations.
That is what I intended to write about, being joyful in your current circumstances, and then I read the prayer requests from the church, and my heart broke for Sue and those two girls.
Material concerns just seem to pale when compared against losing someone you love. God, how can they be content?
I felt like God said, the answer is the same put your hope in ME, but that was not the context of the verse.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 9, 2009
Too Much Grace
Romans 6: 1-2
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Good morning ladies,
I don’t know if it is human nature or if it is just me, but I have discovered that I tend to “waste” whatever I have a lot of.
Last year when I was working I had extra cash. So I wasted some of it.
This year I have less money, but more time, so I waste it instead.
And buying the large size items from Costco allows me to waste a whole variety of things.
But the thing that I think I waste the most is grace.
It is wonderful that we live under grace, that our sins, past, present and future are forgiven, and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but because I have so much I am not motivated to use it wisely.
God’s unlimited grace allows me to do whatever I want knowing that God will forgive me. I may have consequences, but I will be forgiven.
I don’t think that is what God intended, obviously neither did Paul.
The church at Rome must have had the same problem, too much grace. After years of living under the law it must have been so freeing to now live under grace. They reasoned that the more they sinned the more grace increased therefore sinning was a good plan.
Of course Paul set them straight.
God has given us grace but He has also given us the power of the Holy Spirit. He expects us to utilize that power and overcome our sins, not just sin knowing He will forgive us.
Think for a minute what it would be like it grace ran out, if grace was like money or time, If God only gave us so much and no more.
I know I personally would try harder not to sin.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies, I’ll talk to you Monday.
Love,
Jill
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Good morning ladies,
I don’t know if it is human nature or if it is just me, but I have discovered that I tend to “waste” whatever I have a lot of.
Last year when I was working I had extra cash. So I wasted some of it.
This year I have less money, but more time, so I waste it instead.
And buying the large size items from Costco allows me to waste a whole variety of things.
But the thing that I think I waste the most is grace.
It is wonderful that we live under grace, that our sins, past, present and future are forgiven, and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but because I have so much I am not motivated to use it wisely.
God’s unlimited grace allows me to do whatever I want knowing that God will forgive me. I may have consequences, but I will be forgiven.
I don’t think that is what God intended, obviously neither did Paul.
The church at Rome must have had the same problem, too much grace. After years of living under the law it must have been so freeing to now live under grace. They reasoned that the more they sinned the more grace increased therefore sinning was a good plan.
Of course Paul set them straight.
God has given us grace but He has also given us the power of the Holy Spirit. He expects us to utilize that power and overcome our sins, not just sin knowing He will forgive us.
Think for a minute what it would be like it grace ran out, if grace was like money or time, If God only gave us so much and no more.
I know I personally would try harder not to sin.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies, I’ll talk to you Monday.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bad Hair
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Good afternoon ladies,
My hair has always been a bit of a challenge for me. It is too curly to be straight and too straight to be curly. I have worn it long and short, but I have never really been happy with it until recently.
About two years ago I started getting my hair cut by Julie. Julie is good, she has talent. She looked at my hair, the shape of the head, took into consideration my ears and my nose and came up with a great hairstyle for me.
Six weeks ago I went to get my hair cut and I don’t know what happened. Suddenly my wonderful, easy to manage hair was back to being its old troublesome self. It was too long on top and too short in the back. It wouldn’t behave no matter how much time I spent working on it.
Now I could have gotten upset, but really there wasn’t anything I needed good hair for so I decided I would just wait for Julie to fix it at the next appointment.
Today I have my wonderful hair back.
So what’s the point?
First, God gives us what we need when we need it. Now I need good hair because I'm speaking at our Women's Tea on October 24th. There are going to be a lot of women there and I want to look as nice as possible. I don’t want to be fighting with my hair, and God knew that.
Second, don’t take God’s blessings for granted. I had gotten rather complacent about having good hair. I wasn’t thankful for it anymore, but after six weeks of fighting with my hair every morning I am amazingly thankful to have it back.
And third, when you are in a trial, even a small one like six weeks of bad hair, remember there is a purpose.
Love,
Jill
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Good afternoon ladies,
My hair has always been a bit of a challenge for me. It is too curly to be straight and too straight to be curly. I have worn it long and short, but I have never really been happy with it until recently.
About two years ago I started getting my hair cut by Julie. Julie is good, she has talent. She looked at my hair, the shape of the head, took into consideration my ears and my nose and came up with a great hairstyle for me.
Six weeks ago I went to get my hair cut and I don’t know what happened. Suddenly my wonderful, easy to manage hair was back to being its old troublesome self. It was too long on top and too short in the back. It wouldn’t behave no matter how much time I spent working on it.
Now I could have gotten upset, but really there wasn’t anything I needed good hair for so I decided I would just wait for Julie to fix it at the next appointment.
Today I have my wonderful hair back.
So what’s the point?
First, God gives us what we need when we need it. Now I need good hair because I'm speaking at our Women's Tea on October 24th. There are going to be a lot of women there and I want to look as nice as possible. I don’t want to be fighting with my hair, and God knew that.
Second, don’t take God’s blessings for granted. I had gotten rather complacent about having good hair. I wasn’t thankful for it anymore, but after six weeks of fighting with my hair every morning I am amazingly thankful to have it back.
And third, when you are in a trial, even a small one like six weeks of bad hair, remember there is a purpose.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Goal!
Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Good morning ladies,
A few weekends ago I had to be gone. Gary and Nick went to a father/son retreat so they weren’t home either. That left Katherine home alone on Saturday. She had a soccer game, but she can drive now, so that wouldn’t be a problem.
But there was one thing we hadn’t thought about, no one would be home to go to Katherine’s game.
Katherine has played soccer for 12 years and there has always been someone to watch her play. If Gary and I were unable to go her Auntie Dawn would be there, but Auntie Dawn was gone that weekend too.
When we talked about it, I could tell she was a little disappointed, but she didn’t complain. God rewarded her for her attitude. After 12 years of soccer, at a game she had to go alone to, she scored her first goal.
God says we are to do everything without complaining or arguing. But do we? I know I don’t.
Can you imagine talking to a person who NEVER complains? They WOULD shine like stars because they would be so unusual. Sometimes it seems that complaining has become a national pastime. Want to start a conversation? Complain about something.
As Christians we know that everything that happens to us is allowed by God. He has complete control over the circumstances of our lives. Nothing gets past Him, nothing is an accident. Every moment of every day is ordained or allowed by God.
And because of that we need to stop complaining.
Love,
Jill
.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Good morning ladies,
A few weekends ago I had to be gone. Gary and Nick went to a father/son retreat so they weren’t home either. That left Katherine home alone on Saturday. She had a soccer game, but she can drive now, so that wouldn’t be a problem.
But there was one thing we hadn’t thought about, no one would be home to go to Katherine’s game.
Katherine has played soccer for 12 years and there has always been someone to watch her play. If Gary and I were unable to go her Auntie Dawn would be there, but Auntie Dawn was gone that weekend too.
When we talked about it, I could tell she was a little disappointed, but she didn’t complain. God rewarded her for her attitude. After 12 years of soccer, at a game she had to go alone to, she scored her first goal.
God says we are to do everything without complaining or arguing. But do we? I know I don’t.
Can you imagine talking to a person who NEVER complains? They WOULD shine like stars because they would be so unusual. Sometimes it seems that complaining has become a national pastime. Want to start a conversation? Complain about something.
As Christians we know that everything that happens to us is allowed by God. He has complete control over the circumstances of our lives. Nothing gets past Him, nothing is an accident. Every moment of every day is ordained or allowed by God.
And because of that we need to stop complaining.
Love,
Jill
.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Jumpy House
Good morning ladies,
The meeting of the herd on Saturday was wonderful. We had five new Zebras and a wonderful time of sharing. For next month Rovellyn has tasked us with thinking and praying about what it means to be totally surrendered to Christ. I am excited to see what God reveals to each of you.
I was praying this morning about what to write to you, because there is just so much to share, but I thought you would like to start your week with an encouraging story.
Friday night was the Harvest Festival at the church. There were a lot of people there and a great time was had by all, but there was one little boy who thought the whole party was thrown for him.
He and his family recently moved to Benicia and Friday was his fifth birthday. For his birthday he wanted to go in a Jumpy House. His mom checked into the location of the nearest Jumpy House and it was too far to drive so she told him that she didn’t think it was possible for him to have a Jumpy House for his birthday.
You can imagine her joy when she arrived at the church to see a Jumpy House set up in the back parking lot.
All night long she went around telling everyone that her son believed that God had given him a Jumpy House. And He had.
God doesn’t just give Jumpy Houses to little boys; He provides light traffic when we are in a hurry, an e-mail of encouragement when we need it, the necessary help to complete a task, and a hundred other things every day.
The question is do we recognize it.
The truth is sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t.
I pray today, that God will give you the eyes to see His provision and love in every aspect of your life.
Love,
Jill
The meeting of the herd on Saturday was wonderful. We had five new Zebras and a wonderful time of sharing. For next month Rovellyn has tasked us with thinking and praying about what it means to be totally surrendered to Christ. I am excited to see what God reveals to each of you.
I was praying this morning about what to write to you, because there is just so much to share, but I thought you would like to start your week with an encouraging story.
Friday night was the Harvest Festival at the church. There were a lot of people there and a great time was had by all, but there was one little boy who thought the whole party was thrown for him.
He and his family recently moved to Benicia and Friday was his fifth birthday. For his birthday he wanted to go in a Jumpy House. His mom checked into the location of the nearest Jumpy House and it was too far to drive so she told him that she didn’t think it was possible for him to have a Jumpy House for his birthday.
You can imagine her joy when she arrived at the church to see a Jumpy House set up in the back parking lot.
All night long she went around telling everyone that her son believed that God had given him a Jumpy House. And He had.
God doesn’t just give Jumpy Houses to little boys; He provides light traffic when we are in a hurry, an e-mail of encouragement when we need it, the necessary help to complete a task, and a hundred other things every day.
The question is do we recognize it.
The truth is sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t.
I pray today, that God will give you the eyes to see His provision and love in every aspect of your life.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 2, 2009
Look Up!
1John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Good morning ladies,
Love is very important to God.
He loved us, we are to love others.
I think it is difficult to love others unless you first feel loved by God
I have two moodles, Joshua and Abigail, and I love them both. They don’t always love each other.
When they both want to sit on my lap at the same time, it is not unusual for a fight to break out. To end the fight, I grab their faces and tell them to look up. Quit looking at each other and look at me. As soon as they do they quit fighting.
I know people aren’t moodles, but I wonder if the same principle doesn’t apply.
When we spend too much time looking at other people, and not enough time looking at God, we tend to get crabby and pick fights.
I am the only one who can get both dogs to sit together on a lap and not fight. I think it is because they know I love them both.
The world should know we are Christians by the way we show love, but to do that we first need to feel loved and to do that we need to look up.
Love,
Jill
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Good morning ladies,
Love is very important to God.
He loved us, we are to love others.
I think it is difficult to love others unless you first feel loved by God
I have two moodles, Joshua and Abigail, and I love them both. They don’t always love each other.
When they both want to sit on my lap at the same time, it is not unusual for a fight to break out. To end the fight, I grab their faces and tell them to look up. Quit looking at each other and look at me. As soon as they do they quit fighting.
I know people aren’t moodles, but I wonder if the same principle doesn’t apply.
When we spend too much time looking at other people, and not enough time looking at God, we tend to get crabby and pick fights.
I am the only one who can get both dogs to sit together on a lap and not fight. I think it is because they know I love them both.
The world should know we are Christians by the way we show love, but to do that we first need to feel loved and to do that we need to look up.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 1, 2009
God's Workmanship
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning ladies,
Did you know there are over thirty thousand verses in the Bible? Isn’t that amazing? Especially when you think about how just one or two verses can transform your life. I think this is one of those verses.
We are God’s workmanship. He created us, therefore He owns us. Just like any artist owns their work, God owns us. It goes against everything we believe as Americans, but the truth is we are owned by God. He gave us life; He has the right to tell us what to do.
A second point is, He created us; therefore He made us the way He wanted us. Psalm 139:14 says: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. He didn’t make some people wonderful and some only so-so, He made everyone wonderful-including YOU!
Finally, He created us for a purpose and it is not to sit around and amuse ourselves. He created us to do good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do. He has work for us, kingdom work, eternal work, work that has our name on it and He created us to do it.
One of my pet peeves in life is volunteering to help someone only to arrive and they really have nothing for me to do. I feel like they have wasted my time.
That never happens with God. When you show up to work, He always has something for you to do, a job prepared especially for you.
My son says I have three hundred and sixty five favorite verses, one for every day of the year. I don’t think that is true, but I do have some favorites, and this is one of them.
I love knowing God owns me, God made me, and He made me for a purpose. I hope you love it too.
Love,
Jill
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning ladies,
Did you know there are over thirty thousand verses in the Bible? Isn’t that amazing? Especially when you think about how just one or two verses can transform your life. I think this is one of those verses.
We are God’s workmanship. He created us, therefore He owns us. Just like any artist owns their work, God owns us. It goes against everything we believe as Americans, but the truth is we are owned by God. He gave us life; He has the right to tell us what to do.
A second point is, He created us; therefore He made us the way He wanted us. Psalm 139:14 says: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. He didn’t make some people wonderful and some only so-so, He made everyone wonderful-including YOU!
Finally, He created us for a purpose and it is not to sit around and amuse ourselves. He created us to do good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do. He has work for us, kingdom work, eternal work, work that has our name on it and He created us to do it.
One of my pet peeves in life is volunteering to help someone only to arrive and they really have nothing for me to do. I feel like they have wasted my time.
That never happens with God. When you show up to work, He always has something for you to do, a job prepared especially for you.
My son says I have three hundred and sixty five favorite verses, one for every day of the year. I don’t think that is true, but I do have some favorites, and this is one of them.
I love knowing God owns me, God made me, and He made me for a purpose. I hope you love it too.
Love,
Jill
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