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
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Kelly Patchin, Pastor
New Harbor Community Church
Zebra Events
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Zebra Basics:
* Accepted Christ as Savior.
* Agree the Word of God is true.
* Desire to grow in your walk
* Be transparent
* Willing to speak and hear truth.
* Agree the Word of God is true.
* Desire to grow in your walk
* Be transparent
* Willing to speak and hear truth.
Why Zebras?
In the summer of 2008 I was looking at a herd of zebras in a wild animal park and commented to my son that I didn’t understand why the lions didn’t just eat the zebras because their markings make them so obvious. He told me that the opposite was actually true. God has marked zebras so when they hang together in a herd, their stripes create the illusion they are one large animal and therefore too big to attack. It is the lone zebra that is usually eaten. The same is true of Christians; we must hang together and encourage each other to fight off the lions. The lone Christian is easy prey.
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Therefore:
Zebras was started to encourage women who desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who want their lives to be transformed to honor God and who are willing to be “zebras” in a world of “horses”. Zebras exists to reassure you that you are not alone and that God has called you to be peculiar. As a peculiar person you should look different than the world
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Vision
The vision of Zebras is to unite all God's people in a single goal; to love, honor and serve Jesus Christ. To give them a sense of being part of something bigger than themselves and the strength and support to grow in their faith.
Mission
To fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Blog Archive
Pastor Endorsement
Jill Getchell speaks from her heart and from God’s word in a way that brings encouragement and hope to God’s people. I’ve been blessed to hear her at Awana conferences, a women’s retreat, and from the pulpit of our church. I am confident your people will be equally blessed by spending the day with Jill at We Have Hope...your church will be blessed as well.
Pastor Al Marks
First Baptist Church Vallejo
I have known Jill for many years now. She truly desires to encourage the churches in our community and to strengthen the believers that attend our churches. Her passion for Jesus comes out in her ability to speak, and her heart is to encourage all those that attend to go back into their churches and be a blessing.
Pastor Kelly Patchin
New Harbor Community Church, Benicia
Kelly Patchin, Pastor
New Harbor Community Church
Testimonies
The Zebra herd has given me the opportunity to be myself. I think we all have a face we put on for others, especially on Sunday. We don’t want to let anyone see the pain or hurt we’re suffering because we feel that it’s a reflection on our walk with Christ. I now have a group of loving Christian women with whom to share the joys and sorrows equally… Without the Zebras, I’d still be wearing my Sunday face. ...............Dawn C.
The Zebra ministry has deepened my relationship with Christ and the women at my church beyond what I thought possible... Most importantly, it has given me a safe place to be very, very real… I have learned how to be transparent and allow my fellow Zebra sisters to support me in prayer and God to minister to the deepest part of my soul--the part that needed it the most.................... Jennifer H.
When I came to New Harbor Church I was so lonely. I knew I needed the fellowship of other Christian women but did not know if I could break out of my self-imposed isolation. I felt unworthy of anyone’s friendship, let alone" godly people"... But Zebras has made me feel the true acceptance of these wonderful women. I have slowly opened my heart to them, with their encouragement and love! I don't have that heavy ache of solitude anymore. ................Barbara B.
I was with you in the beginning meetings of the herd and watched it evolve into a place where we as sisters in Christ could share our burdens without judgment. Being a Zebra helped me through a very trying time- Leap of Faith– leaving a relationship, selling my home and trusting in God. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone and being a part of a group where women could feel understood, comforted, and lifted up spiritually. .................Tracy M.
The Zebra ministry has deepened my relationship with Christ and the women at my church beyond what I thought possible... Most importantly, it has given me a safe place to be very, very real… I have learned how to be transparent and allow my fellow Zebra sisters to support me in prayer and God to minister to the deepest part of my soul--the part that needed it the most.................... Jennifer H.
When I came to New Harbor Church I was so lonely. I knew I needed the fellowship of other Christian women but did not know if I could break out of my self-imposed isolation. I felt unworthy of anyone’s friendship, let alone" godly people"... But Zebras has made me feel the true acceptance of these wonderful women. I have slowly opened my heart to them, with their encouragement and love! I don't have that heavy ache of solitude anymore. ................Barbara B.
I was with you in the beginning meetings of the herd and watched it evolve into a place where we as sisters in Christ could share our burdens without judgment. Being a Zebra helped me through a very trying time- Leap of Faith– leaving a relationship, selling my home and trusting in God. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone and being a part of a group where women could feel understood, comforted, and lifted up spiritually. .................Tracy M.
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