Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Good morning ladies,
My husband likes the movie Wall-e from Pixar. For those of you who haven’t seen it is a story about the future of the earth. People have so polluted the planet that they have had to flee to a space station there they are living until life can be sustained again on earth. The only thing left is a robot named Wall-e and a cockroach.
To see if there is life on earth a probe is launched from the space station, a robot named Eve. When Wall-e sees Eve he falls instantly in love, but Eve is, to say the least, a bit of an ice princess.
Eventually Wall-e takes her home and shows her around his house. Eve is starting to warm up and then suddenly for seemingly no apparent reason she shuts down. Wall-e tries to talk to her but she is totally unresponsive.
But that doesn’t stop Wall-e from loving her and taking care of her.
This part of the movie makes me so sad, I can’t even watch it.
I feel so sorry for Wall-e loving something that doesn’t even acknowledge his existence
I wonder if that is how God feels.
God has loved His people with an everlasting love. He has taken care of them and provided for them and protected them. He has been faithful and true and loyal and we haven’t always noticed.
We get so busy with our lives that we sometimes forget Him.
Dear Lord, I love You so. Forgive me for all the times I put something else in front of You. Forgive me for not always seeing Your protective hand and Your love. The Bible says You love me with an everlasting love and that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You God for always walking with me even when I think I am walking alone.
Love,
Jill
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Freedom
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday when I was out shopping I saw a truck in the parking lot whose license plate frame said: “My son died for your freedom.”
Immediately my mother’s heart went out to the driver of that truck. I prayed for him and wondered as he looked at this country, did he think his son’s sacrifice was worth it. Were we living up to what his son had died for?
Then God said: I gave my Son as well.
And I was convicted.
God gave His Son, He allowed Him to die on the cross so that we could be free. Are we living up to the sacrifice?
Many of you have probably seen Saving Private Ryan, a gut wrenching story of the cost paid to bring one solider back to his family alive. The opening scene is supposedly one of the most realistic ever filmed on the landing at Normandy. It is incredibly hard to watch. The cost we paid to get a foothold on that little piece of land was enormous. And although it was the turning point in the War, you have to wonder if all those mothers who lost their boys thought it was worth it.
At the end of the movie old Private Ryan, who never forgot the sacrifice that was made on his behalf, is standing at the grave of one of the men who died saving him. He is reflecting back upon his life and hoping that his life was worth the sacrifice it took to save it. It is a powerful ending.
Yesterday, looking at that license plate, I realized I spend a lot of time thinking about the love of God and the power of God and very little time thinking about the sacrifice of God.
Dear Lord, You gave so much, You watched Your Son die to set us free something as a mother I cannot even imagine. How could You love us so much? And I know there is nothing I can do to repay that sacrifice, let my life be transformed by that knowledge and let me never forget that my freedom came at a cost.
Love,
Jill
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday when I was out shopping I saw a truck in the parking lot whose license plate frame said: “My son died for your freedom.”
Immediately my mother’s heart went out to the driver of that truck. I prayed for him and wondered as he looked at this country, did he think his son’s sacrifice was worth it. Were we living up to what his son had died for?
Then God said: I gave my Son as well.
And I was convicted.
God gave His Son, He allowed Him to die on the cross so that we could be free. Are we living up to the sacrifice?
Many of you have probably seen Saving Private Ryan, a gut wrenching story of the cost paid to bring one solider back to his family alive. The opening scene is supposedly one of the most realistic ever filmed on the landing at Normandy. It is incredibly hard to watch. The cost we paid to get a foothold on that little piece of land was enormous. And although it was the turning point in the War, you have to wonder if all those mothers who lost their boys thought it was worth it.
At the end of the movie old Private Ryan, who never forgot the sacrifice that was made on his behalf, is standing at the grave of one of the men who died saving him. He is reflecting back upon his life and hoping that his life was worth the sacrifice it took to save it. It is a powerful ending.
Yesterday, looking at that license plate, I realized I spend a lot of time thinking about the love of God and the power of God and very little time thinking about the sacrifice of God.
Dear Lord, You gave so much, You watched Your Son die to set us free something as a mother I cannot even imagine. How could You love us so much? And I know there is nothing I can do to repay that sacrifice, let my life be transformed by that knowledge and let me never forget that my freedom came at a cost.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Good morning ladies,
Happy Thanksgiving!
This month in Zebras we are supposed to be looking back over our own lives and thinking about the faithfulness and love of God. Our assignment was to read the historical Psalms: 66, 78, 95, 105, 106, 111, 114, 135,136 and 149 and then try and write our own.
If you have not read them I really recommend you do. These are not Psalms of gushiness about all the wonders God has done, but realistic writings about God’s faithfulness and His dealings with His unfaithful people.
When I look back over my life some of the things that I am most thankful for are the things that were most difficult to go through at the time. One of those was having my father move in.
I did not have an ideal childhood. My mother died when I was two weeks shy of my thirteenth birthday and I was raised by my father who was probably an alcoholic.
Years later when my father became ill and had no place to go my husband insisted that he move in with us. I was completely against this plan, but it didn’t matter, Gary was adamant.
My dad lived with us for two and half years and it was not easy but God knew what He was doing. Having my father here allowed me to see that he was just a man who had made a lot of mistakes and not the evil person I thought he was. And because of that I could forgive him and move on.
It also allowed my children to get to know their grandfather. Nicholas especially loved my dad and he has very fond memories of the time they spent together.
And it allowed my eight year old daughter witness to him.
A few weeks before his death Dad thanked me for taking care of him, he said he knew he didn’t deserve it and he was grateful. That really broke my heart.
None of us deserve anything and yet God gives us so much.
Take time today to be thankful.
Love,
Jill
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Good morning ladies,
Happy Thanksgiving!
This month in Zebras we are supposed to be looking back over our own lives and thinking about the faithfulness and love of God. Our assignment was to read the historical Psalms: 66, 78, 95, 105, 106, 111, 114, 135,136 and 149 and then try and write our own.
If you have not read them I really recommend you do. These are not Psalms of gushiness about all the wonders God has done, but realistic writings about God’s faithfulness and His dealings with His unfaithful people.
When I look back over my life some of the things that I am most thankful for are the things that were most difficult to go through at the time. One of those was having my father move in.
I did not have an ideal childhood. My mother died when I was two weeks shy of my thirteenth birthday and I was raised by my father who was probably an alcoholic.
Years later when my father became ill and had no place to go my husband insisted that he move in with us. I was completely against this plan, but it didn’t matter, Gary was adamant.
My dad lived with us for two and half years and it was not easy but God knew what He was doing. Having my father here allowed me to see that he was just a man who had made a lot of mistakes and not the evil person I thought he was. And because of that I could forgive him and move on.
It also allowed my children to get to know their grandfather. Nicholas especially loved my dad and he has very fond memories of the time they spent together.
And it allowed my eight year old daughter witness to him.
A few weeks before his death Dad thanked me for taking care of him, he said he knew he didn’t deserve it and he was grateful. That really broke my heart.
None of us deserve anything and yet God gives us so much.
Take time today to be thankful.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Giving Back
2 Samuel 24:24
But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."
So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.
Good morning ladies,
When David was commanded to build an altar to the Lord he went to Araunah to buy a threshing floor. Araunah wanted to give the floor to David, but David refused because he did not want to give to the LORD something that had cost him nothing.
When the kids were little I used to give them money and take them to an inexpensive store and let them buy Christmas presents for everyone. Of course they were very excited about buying gifts for their friends and family and especially excited about buying something for their dad. It wasn’t until they got older they realized they were using Dad’s money to buy Dad’s gift. They weren’t really “giving” him anything.
This morning as I was praying and thinking about Thanksgiving I had the same revelation about God. God has given me everything and I have nothing of my own to give in return.
And God has given me so much.
He picked me up out of the mire, dusted me off and put my feet on solid ground. He reached down from heaven and picked up a broken person and healed me in ways I would not have thought possible. He guided me and provided for me when I didn’t even know I needed it. He loved me when it felt like no one else did and He never gave up on me. He encouraged me to try and believed I could succeed. He was faithful even when I wasn’t and solid. He never changed. Most amazing of all, He used me. He knew what I was really like and yet He still used me. I had an overwhelming desire to give something back.
But what do I have that I could give to God for all His has given me?
The answer of course is nothing and everything.
Realizing that there was nothing that I could give God that He hadn’t given me first made me want to give Him everything.
Love,
Jill
But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."
So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.
Good morning ladies,
When David was commanded to build an altar to the Lord he went to Araunah to buy a threshing floor. Araunah wanted to give the floor to David, but David refused because he did not want to give to the LORD something that had cost him nothing.
When the kids were little I used to give them money and take them to an inexpensive store and let them buy Christmas presents for everyone. Of course they were very excited about buying gifts for their friends and family and especially excited about buying something for their dad. It wasn’t until they got older they realized they were using Dad’s money to buy Dad’s gift. They weren’t really “giving” him anything.
This morning as I was praying and thinking about Thanksgiving I had the same revelation about God. God has given me everything and I have nothing of my own to give in return.
And God has given me so much.
He picked me up out of the mire, dusted me off and put my feet on solid ground. He reached down from heaven and picked up a broken person and healed me in ways I would not have thought possible. He guided me and provided for me when I didn’t even know I needed it. He loved me when it felt like no one else did and He never gave up on me. He encouraged me to try and believed I could succeed. He was faithful even when I wasn’t and solid. He never changed. Most amazing of all, He used me. He knew what I was really like and yet He still used me. I had an overwhelming desire to give something back.
But what do I have that I could give to God for all His has given me?
The answer of course is nothing and everything.
Realizing that there was nothing that I could give God that He hadn’t given me first made me want to give Him everything.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Suffering
Matthew 5:11-12
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Good morning ladies,
Because of our Bible study in Philippians I have been doing a lot of thinking about suffering, and I have decided there are at least three types.
First, there is suffering related to our own personal choices. Consequences for decisions we have made certainly make us suffer, but they result in very little joy. Instead they are often accompanied by regret and embarrassment. More than once I have related to Psalm 32:4 where David writes:
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
The only cure for that type of suffering is found in the next verse.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Second there is the suffering that comes from being in the world. In John 16:33b Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." So we should not be surprised when we suffer instead we should think upon the purpose of our suffering which is to test and increase our faith. James 1:2-4 says:
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.
And then there is suffering for the gospel, the type of suffering seen in Jesus, Paul, and others who have devoted their lives to God and have suffered because of it. People whose willing sacrifices resulted in suffering that advanced the Gospel. It is this type of suffering Jesus was talking about in today’s verse from the Sermon on the Mount.
As I have been pondering all of this and realizing that very little of my suffering was related to advancing the Gospel, God led me to a song that Justin McRoberts wrote called Done Living; here are the words of the chorus
You see the question isn’t
Are you going to suffer any more
But what will it have meant when you are through?
The question isn’t are you going to die,
you’re going to die
But will you be done living when you do?
It is my heartfelt prayer that I accomplish all God has for me to do before I die.
Love,
Jill
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Good morning ladies,
Because of our Bible study in Philippians I have been doing a lot of thinking about suffering, and I have decided there are at least three types.
First, there is suffering related to our own personal choices. Consequences for decisions we have made certainly make us suffer, but they result in very little joy. Instead they are often accompanied by regret and embarrassment. More than once I have related to Psalm 32:4 where David writes:
For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
The only cure for that type of suffering is found in the next verse.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Second there is the suffering that comes from being in the world. In John 16:33b Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." So we should not be surprised when we suffer instead we should think upon the purpose of our suffering which is to test and increase our faith. James 1:2-4 says:
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.
And then there is suffering for the gospel, the type of suffering seen in Jesus, Paul, and others who have devoted their lives to God and have suffered because of it. People whose willing sacrifices resulted in suffering that advanced the Gospel. It is this type of suffering Jesus was talking about in today’s verse from the Sermon on the Mount.
As I have been pondering all of this and realizing that very little of my suffering was related to advancing the Gospel, God led me to a song that Justin McRoberts wrote called Done Living; here are the words of the chorus
You see the question isn’t
Are you going to suffer any more
But what will it have meant when you are through?
The question isn’t are you going to die,
you’re going to die
But will you be done living when you do?
It is my heartfelt prayer that I accomplish all God has for me to do before I die.
Love,
Jill
Monday, November 23, 2009
Precautions
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Good morning ladies,
Last Friday after I wrote to you I went for a walk, part of my new “being still” campaign in preparation for teaching at the retreat.
During the walk I started thinking of the precautions I need to take to make sure Joshua stays safe. I need to make sure the door is shut by throwing the dead bolt and I need to make him wear his collar and tags. That way if he does get out whoever finds him will know where he belongs.
Now this is no guarantee but I will feel better knowing I have taken precautions.
God showed me the same is true of my children.
Katherine and Nicholas started in Awana when they were four and three respectively and have finished a book every year for the last twelve years. They have both learned over seven hundred Bible verses.
Both kids went to Bible Study Fellowship, Nick for seven years, Katherine for six. Originally Nick went with me during the day while Katherine was in school. That made her jealous because she wanted to go to Bible study too, so Gary enrolled in the night class and started taking her. Eventually I transferred to nights and we went as a family for years. We would often go out to dinner before BSF, or stop for a treat afterwards and I remember thinking. “Dang, this is getting expensive!” Now I think it is probably some of the best money I ever spent.
I have been in a teaching role for the last eleven years, first in Awana, then in Precepts, and now Zebras. Because of this I am always thinking and praying about what God would have me say and so it is a constant topic of conversation around our house. Today’s verse is our life.
And I have modeled the faith to the best of my ability. I have prayed and studied the Word of God daily for years. I have been transparent and honest and the kids have watched me change. They can see I am not the same person I used to be, not completely different, just better.
Finally, I have prayed for them.
Now I know none of this is a guarantee my children will always follow the Lord, they do have free will, but it makes me feel better knowing, through the grace of God, I have taken precautions.
Love,
Jill
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Good morning ladies,
Last Friday after I wrote to you I went for a walk, part of my new “being still” campaign in preparation for teaching at the retreat.
During the walk I started thinking of the precautions I need to take to make sure Joshua stays safe. I need to make sure the door is shut by throwing the dead bolt and I need to make him wear his collar and tags. That way if he does get out whoever finds him will know where he belongs.
Now this is no guarantee but I will feel better knowing I have taken precautions.
God showed me the same is true of my children.
Katherine and Nicholas started in Awana when they were four and three respectively and have finished a book every year for the last twelve years. They have both learned over seven hundred Bible verses.
Both kids went to Bible Study Fellowship, Nick for seven years, Katherine for six. Originally Nick went with me during the day while Katherine was in school. That made her jealous because she wanted to go to Bible study too, so Gary enrolled in the night class and started taking her. Eventually I transferred to nights and we went as a family for years. We would often go out to dinner before BSF, or stop for a treat afterwards and I remember thinking. “Dang, this is getting expensive!” Now I think it is probably some of the best money I ever spent.
I have been in a teaching role for the last eleven years, first in Awana, then in Precepts, and now Zebras. Because of this I am always thinking and praying about what God would have me say and so it is a constant topic of conversation around our house. Today’s verse is our life.
And I have modeled the faith to the best of my ability. I have prayed and studied the Word of God daily for years. I have been transparent and honest and the kids have watched me change. They can see I am not the same person I used to be, not completely different, just better.
Finally, I have prayed for them.
Now I know none of this is a guarantee my children will always follow the Lord, they do have free will, but it makes me feel better knowing, through the grace of God, I have taken precautions.
Love,
Jill
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wander Away
Psalm 61:4
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I had a bit of a scare. My six pound moodle dog, Joshua, wandered out the door without me noticing. I was working on the computer and didn’t realize the front door was not completely closed. He seized the moment and took himself for a walk.
As soon as I noticed I mobilized the forces, I called my husband and sister and had them start praying and I went out to look. Fortunately a neighbor found him before he got hurt and we had a happy ending.
Later that night I was asking Joshua why he wanted to run away. Doesn’t he know no one will love him as much as I do? Nor will they take as good of care of him. Besides I pointed out, he would miss me.
My daughter, who was listening to this whole conversation, said “Mom, he isn’t running away from us, he is just going to look for something else. He doesn’t understand the consequences of leaving.”
Well of course he doesn’t, he’s a dog, but the same thing happens with people. They don’t mean to wander away from God; they are just looking for something else. They don’t realize what they are leaving is better than anything they will find.
Yesterday, when I lost Joshua I was so sad. I knew what could happen to him out there in the big cruel world and I wanted to find him and get him home.
I wonder if that is how God feels when His children wander away?
My children are getting older; they will soon be able to make their own choices about God. They will be able to wander away if they want to, and that’s a little scary. I know how enticing the things of the world are, I know how easy it is to get distracted and wander away, just for a minute, and be lost for years. That is not something I want for my children.
So this morning I started praying this verse for them:
Dear Lord, I pray Katherine and Nicholas will realize and truly understand that there is no where else to go, and no one who will ever love them like You do. I pray they will always long to dwell in Your house and take refuge under Your wing. Amen
Love,
Jill
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I had a bit of a scare. My six pound moodle dog, Joshua, wandered out the door without me noticing. I was working on the computer and didn’t realize the front door was not completely closed. He seized the moment and took himself for a walk.
As soon as I noticed I mobilized the forces, I called my husband and sister and had them start praying and I went out to look. Fortunately a neighbor found him before he got hurt and we had a happy ending.
Later that night I was asking Joshua why he wanted to run away. Doesn’t he know no one will love him as much as I do? Nor will they take as good of care of him. Besides I pointed out, he would miss me.
My daughter, who was listening to this whole conversation, said “Mom, he isn’t running away from us, he is just going to look for something else. He doesn’t understand the consequences of leaving.”
Well of course he doesn’t, he’s a dog, but the same thing happens with people. They don’t mean to wander away from God; they are just looking for something else. They don’t realize what they are leaving is better than anything they will find.
Yesterday, when I lost Joshua I was so sad. I knew what could happen to him out there in the big cruel world and I wanted to find him and get him home.
I wonder if that is how God feels when His children wander away?
My children are getting older; they will soon be able to make their own choices about God. They will be able to wander away if they want to, and that’s a little scary. I know how enticing the things of the world are, I know how easy it is to get distracted and wander away, just for a minute, and be lost for years. That is not something I want for my children.
So this morning I started praying this verse for them:
Dear Lord, I pray Katherine and Nicholas will realize and truly understand that there is no where else to go, and no one who will ever love them like You do. I pray they will always long to dwell in Your house and take refuge under Your wing. Amen
Love,
Jill
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Good Gifts
Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Good morning ladies,
One of the great things about wrestling with God is when you finally give up.
One of the things that I was sad about was not having money to go on vacations, very worldly I know, but I really love vacations. Other people are going on vacations, and if I was still working we would have the money to go too, but oh no I’m serving this stingy God who doesn’t provide very well.
You can see how jealousy is a BAD thing.
We had originally thought about having the women’s retreat at a Spa in Napa but it was too expensive. And although I much prefer Mt. Hermon for our theme, ever since then I have wanted to go to a spa and relax. Now I have NEVER wanted to go to a spa before, in fact I have avoided them, but lately it has sounded like fun, soaking in hot water, maybe even getting my first massage, basically being pampered.
I almost asked Gary Tuesday if we could scrape together the money and go for one night, but I knew we couldn’t afford it and it would just make him feel bad, or worse he would agree and we would put it on the charge card.
Yesterday, after realizing God is not stingy AT ALL, that He has already given me far more than I deserve including eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the power of Christ, love, joy, peace just to name a few, and there is nothing I would rather do than devote my life to serving Him, we got an e-mail about the company Christmas party.
You guessed it-at a spa in San Diego-everything paid, even airfare.
Isn’t God fun?
So here’s my lesson.
God does not want to withhold blessings from His children, and He is definitely NOT stingy. He just wants us to be grateful for what He has already given and not expecting/demanding more.
Love,
Jill
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Good morning ladies,
One of the great things about wrestling with God is when you finally give up.
One of the things that I was sad about was not having money to go on vacations, very worldly I know, but I really love vacations. Other people are going on vacations, and if I was still working we would have the money to go too, but oh no I’m serving this stingy God who doesn’t provide very well.
You can see how jealousy is a BAD thing.
We had originally thought about having the women’s retreat at a Spa in Napa but it was too expensive. And although I much prefer Mt. Hermon for our theme, ever since then I have wanted to go to a spa and relax. Now I have NEVER wanted to go to a spa before, in fact I have avoided them, but lately it has sounded like fun, soaking in hot water, maybe even getting my first massage, basically being pampered.
I almost asked Gary Tuesday if we could scrape together the money and go for one night, but I knew we couldn’t afford it and it would just make him feel bad, or worse he would agree and we would put it on the charge card.
Yesterday, after realizing God is not stingy AT ALL, that He has already given me far more than I deserve including eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the power of Christ, love, joy, peace just to name a few, and there is nothing I would rather do than devote my life to serving Him, we got an e-mail about the company Christmas party.
You guessed it-at a spa in San Diego-everything paid, even airfare.
Isn’t God fun?
So here’s my lesson.
God does not want to withhold blessings from His children, and He is definitely NOT stingy. He just wants us to be grateful for what He has already given and not expecting/demanding more.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dark Night of the Soul
John 6:66-69
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We
believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Good morning ladies,
I shared with you yesterday that it has been a rough week for me, but Monday was the worst. I would say it was even a small crisis of faith. Pastor Kelly called it the “dark night of the soul.”
When I quit work in June I figured God and I had a deal. I would devote all my time to doing His work and He would take care of all financial issues. On Monday I realized that wasn’t really the deal.
A popular teaching is that God will not allow His people to be shamed. Verses from Psalms and Isaiah are often quoted as proof. But what I realized as I studied Paul is that God will allow His people to be shamed, in the eyes of men, IF they are willing and it advances the Gospel. Paul was shamed by the world’s standards and of course Jesus himself was shamed on the cross. Why should we be any different?
Somehow this wasn’t exactly what I had bargained for. I was so disappointed.
I spent five hours crying on Monday evening, my kids tried to comfort me by reassuring me that no matter what had made me so sad I always had God, but of course that didn’t help because God was what I was crying about.
Tuesday I had to decide what I was going to do. I could chuck it all and start subbing again or I could continue down the path that I believe God has me on. It was my choice.
Jesus is no stranger to people turning away from him and this section of scripture came to mind.
Like Peter, I really have no where else to go.
I have done the world thing, I have relied on my own strength and abilities and it was tiring and depressing. And I have done the “God thing” and it is amazing and fun.
Last night, my sixteen year old daughter, Katherine asked me what had made me so sad and although I didn’t want to tell her because I didn’t want her to think less of God, I did. After she listened to me explain, she replied “I would rather put my future in the hands of God, than depend upon myself.”
Amen.
Love,
Jill
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We
believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Good morning ladies,
I shared with you yesterday that it has been a rough week for me, but Monday was the worst. I would say it was even a small crisis of faith. Pastor Kelly called it the “dark night of the soul.”
When I quit work in June I figured God and I had a deal. I would devote all my time to doing His work and He would take care of all financial issues. On Monday I realized that wasn’t really the deal.
A popular teaching is that God will not allow His people to be shamed. Verses from Psalms and Isaiah are often quoted as proof. But what I realized as I studied Paul is that God will allow His people to be shamed, in the eyes of men, IF they are willing and it advances the Gospel. Paul was shamed by the world’s standards and of course Jesus himself was shamed on the cross. Why should we be any different?
Somehow this wasn’t exactly what I had bargained for. I was so disappointed.
I spent five hours crying on Monday evening, my kids tried to comfort me by reassuring me that no matter what had made me so sad I always had God, but of course that didn’t help because God was what I was crying about.
Tuesday I had to decide what I was going to do. I could chuck it all and start subbing again or I could continue down the path that I believe God has me on. It was my choice.
Jesus is no stranger to people turning away from him and this section of scripture came to mind.
Like Peter, I really have no where else to go.
I have done the world thing, I have relied on my own strength and abilities and it was tiring and depressing. And I have done the “God thing” and it is amazing and fun.
Last night, my sixteen year old daughter, Katherine asked me what had made me so sad and although I didn’t want to tell her because I didn’t want her to think less of God, I did. After she listened to me explain, she replied “I would rather put my future in the hands of God, than depend upon myself.”
Amen.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Paul's Secret
Philippians 1:12
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
Good morning ladies,
It’s been sort of a rough week for me. We started the study of Philippians and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Paul.
When I first started studying the Bible, I decided I wanted to be like Moses and lead God’s people to the Promised Land. Then I really studied Moses and decided that spending time with all those whining Israelites would’ve probably driven me crazy.
For a short time I wanted to be David, a man after God’s own heart. But if you study David you learn he made some big mistakes and he suffered the consequences, so although I still love him and find inspiration from his story, I moved on.
For the last couple of years I’ve wanted to be Paul.
When people told me they wanted to be Paul, I thought they were crazy, You don’t need to know very much about the Bible to know Paul didn’t have it so good. Shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, imprisoned, you name it and it happened to Paul.
And yet, there is something about him.
This week I may have figured out what it is. Paul had a single purpose in life after his meeting with Jesus, and that was to advance the Gospel. Nothing else mattered. If God’s work was being accomplished, he was happy. He lived the last of the beatitudes.
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Paul did not suffer because of his own mistakes, nor did he suffer the circumstances of life, and make the best of it, he suffered for the Gospel and in that he found joy.
I look at people who exercise a lot and think, “Man, they look great,” but I know I’m not willing to put in all the work it takes to get there. Paul is the Mr. Universe of the Bible and I am struggling to decide if I am willing to go there.
Love,
Jill
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
Good morning ladies,
It’s been sort of a rough week for me. We started the study of Philippians and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Paul.
When I first started studying the Bible, I decided I wanted to be like Moses and lead God’s people to the Promised Land. Then I really studied Moses and decided that spending time with all those whining Israelites would’ve probably driven me crazy.
For a short time I wanted to be David, a man after God’s own heart. But if you study David you learn he made some big mistakes and he suffered the consequences, so although I still love him and find inspiration from his story, I moved on.
For the last couple of years I’ve wanted to be Paul.
When people told me they wanted to be Paul, I thought they were crazy, You don’t need to know very much about the Bible to know Paul didn’t have it so good. Shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, imprisoned, you name it and it happened to Paul.
And yet, there is something about him.
This week I may have figured out what it is. Paul had a single purpose in life after his meeting with Jesus, and that was to advance the Gospel. Nothing else mattered. If God’s work was being accomplished, he was happy. He lived the last of the beatitudes.
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Paul did not suffer because of his own mistakes, nor did he suffer the circumstances of life, and make the best of it, he suffered for the Gospel and in that he found joy.
I look at people who exercise a lot and think, “Man, they look great,” but I know I’m not willing to put in all the work it takes to get there. Paul is the Mr. Universe of the Bible and I am struggling to decide if I am willing to go there.
Love,
Jill
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's All a Loss
Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Good morning ladies,
I have been thinking about this verse since Friday. How could Paul consider all things rubbish compared to knowing Christ?
I mean “all things” is a lot of stuff, it isn’t just the material things we give up, it is everything, our hopes, our plans, our dreams, and our vacations. Everything. That’s a lot.
Yesterday God used a baby to show me what Paul meant.
I was standing in the lobby of church waiting for a friend. Denise was in the lobby holding Rebekah. Lisa, Rebekah’s mother was busy with Ryan so Denise had taken Rebekah. Now Rebekah seemed perfectly happy with “Auntie Denise” but then Daniel, her father walked in the room, and she lit up like a Christmas tree.
Suddenly Denise wasn’t good enough, because something better had walked in.
That’s what Paul meant. It isn’t that the things of the world aren’t great, they are. In fact God gave them for us to enjoy, but they are nothing compared to Christ himself. They are rubbish.
This morning as I was thinking about all of this I was reminded of an old hymn that I love, some of you might know it, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.
The chorus goes:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Follow the link below to hear it for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR0LiRiz4l4&feature=related
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Jill
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Good morning ladies,
I have been thinking about this verse since Friday. How could Paul consider all things rubbish compared to knowing Christ?
I mean “all things” is a lot of stuff, it isn’t just the material things we give up, it is everything, our hopes, our plans, our dreams, and our vacations. Everything. That’s a lot.
Yesterday God used a baby to show me what Paul meant.
I was standing in the lobby of church waiting for a friend. Denise was in the lobby holding Rebekah. Lisa, Rebekah’s mother was busy with Ryan so Denise had taken Rebekah. Now Rebekah seemed perfectly happy with “Auntie Denise” but then Daniel, her father walked in the room, and she lit up like a Christmas tree.
Suddenly Denise wasn’t good enough, because something better had walked in.
That’s what Paul meant. It isn’t that the things of the world aren’t great, they are. In fact God gave them for us to enjoy, but they are nothing compared to Christ himself. They are rubbish.
This morning as I was thinking about all of this I was reminded of an old hymn that I love, some of you might know it, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.
The chorus goes:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Follow the link below to hear it for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR0LiRiz4l4&feature=related
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Be Still
Psalm 46:10a (NIV)
"Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:10a (NASB)
"Cease striving and know that I am God;
Good morning ladies,
I am very excited about the women’s retreat, not only because we get to spend a beautiful weekend together at Mt. Hermon, but because I get the privilege of thinking and pondering on our topic for the next three months.
Being still is something I have been working on since Nick was 6. I was a Stepping Stones’ teacher in Vallejo and I couldn’t figure out how to make my schedule work with Nick’s school schedule. Up until that point it had worked fine, I would drop Katherine off at school and then Nick and I would go to Stepping Stones together, but since kindergarten started later that wasn’t going to work.
One day as I was driving down Hastings praying about what I was supposed to do, well maybe negotiating would be a better word, because I knew God wanted me to quit, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I liked being a teacher and I didn’t know what I would do with all my free time. He brought this verse to mind. “What you will do,” He said, “is be still and know I am God.”
I quit. That was nine years ago.
Being still does not come naturally to me, but it is worth the effort.
My moodles follow me around all day. They patiently wait for me to stop moving so that they can jump up on my lap, They know that I will give them very little attention when I am on the move, but if I am sitting reading my Bible or taking a nap they can cuddle up next to me and get love.
This morning as I was straightening up the house the moodles were following me around. When I grabbed a blanket from the couch to fold and put away they got very excited. “You two,” I laughed “are just waiting for me to be still.”
And God replied, “So am I.”
We live in a very busy world and we often think we don’t have time to be still because we have a lot to do, you may even think that being still is a waste of time. Let me assure you it’s not, because when you are still and cuddle up with God you get love, not to mention wisdom and strength.
Love,
Jill
"Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:10a (NASB)
"Cease striving and know that I am God;
Good morning ladies,
I am very excited about the women’s retreat, not only because we get to spend a beautiful weekend together at Mt. Hermon, but because I get the privilege of thinking and pondering on our topic for the next three months.
Being still is something I have been working on since Nick was 6. I was a Stepping Stones’ teacher in Vallejo and I couldn’t figure out how to make my schedule work with Nick’s school schedule. Up until that point it had worked fine, I would drop Katherine off at school and then Nick and I would go to Stepping Stones together, but since kindergarten started later that wasn’t going to work.
One day as I was driving down Hastings praying about what I was supposed to do, well maybe negotiating would be a better word, because I knew God wanted me to quit, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I liked being a teacher and I didn’t know what I would do with all my free time. He brought this verse to mind. “What you will do,” He said, “is be still and know I am God.”
I quit. That was nine years ago.
Being still does not come naturally to me, but it is worth the effort.
My moodles follow me around all day. They patiently wait for me to stop moving so that they can jump up on my lap, They know that I will give them very little attention when I am on the move, but if I am sitting reading my Bible or taking a nap they can cuddle up next to me and get love.
This morning as I was straightening up the house the moodles were following me around. When I grabbed a blanket from the couch to fold and put away they got very excited. “You two,” I laughed “are just waiting for me to be still.”
And God replied, “So am I.”
We live in a very busy world and we often think we don’t have time to be still because we have a lot to do, you may even think that being still is a waste of time. Let me assure you it’s not, because when you are still and cuddle up with God you get love, not to mention wisdom and strength.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Secret of Being Content
Philippians 4:12
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Good morning ladies,
I was doing my Bible study in Philippians this morning and I was struck by this verse. This is a pretty famous verse, many of us know it, some of us even have it memorized, but this morning when I looked at it I realized it said far more than I had originally thought.
To me, this verse speaks to the fact that Paul, who often seemed to be living in dire circumstances, had learned how to be content. But it actually says a lot more it says he also knew how to be hungry when living in prosperity.
When I think of Paul, I think of his beatings, his shipwrecks, and his imprisonments, I do not think of him living in prosperity, but of course before he met Jesus he had.
Paul was born to Jewish parents who were also Roman citizens. At this time most Jews were not Roman citizens, it was an honor reserved for people who made great contributions to the Empire. Therefore, Paul's parents were probably people of influence and perhaps even moderate wealth.
Paul grew up knowing what it meant to have plenty.
At the age of fourteen Paul was sent to Jerusalem to train to be a Rabbi and since they also wanted to have something for him to fall back on during hard times, he was trained to be a tent-maker.
Paul had a bright future, things were looking good for him, but when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus his life was changed forever.
Paul had lived a life of prosperity and he had been hungry; he would now live a life of suffering and be filled.
Satisfaction and contentment does not come from our circumstances, it never has, and it never will. If it did the United States, not Disneyland, would be “The “Happiest Place on Earth.”
Love,
Jill
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Good morning ladies,
I was doing my Bible study in Philippians this morning and I was struck by this verse. This is a pretty famous verse, many of us know it, some of us even have it memorized, but this morning when I looked at it I realized it said far more than I had originally thought.
To me, this verse speaks to the fact that Paul, who often seemed to be living in dire circumstances, had learned how to be content. But it actually says a lot more it says he also knew how to be hungry when living in prosperity.
When I think of Paul, I think of his beatings, his shipwrecks, and his imprisonments, I do not think of him living in prosperity, but of course before he met Jesus he had.
Paul was born to Jewish parents who were also Roman citizens. At this time most Jews were not Roman citizens, it was an honor reserved for people who made great contributions to the Empire. Therefore, Paul's parents were probably people of influence and perhaps even moderate wealth.
Paul grew up knowing what it meant to have plenty.
At the age of fourteen Paul was sent to Jerusalem to train to be a Rabbi and since they also wanted to have something for him to fall back on during hard times, he was trained to be a tent-maker.
Paul had a bright future, things were looking good for him, but when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus his life was changed forever.
Paul had lived a life of prosperity and he had been hungry; he would now live a life of suffering and be filled.
Satisfaction and contentment does not come from our circumstances, it never has, and it never will. If it did the United States, not Disneyland, would be “The “Happiest Place on Earth.”
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Live at Peace
Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Good morning ladies,
My kids, for the most part get along really well. I feel very blessed that they are still best friends, but they still have disagreements.
Yesterday when I was refereeing a minor squabble about a book, they started down the “He said…, She said ….” road. Both of them thought the other person was at fault and that they were, if not totally innocent, at least more innocent.
This morning I sent them off to school with this verse.
It is our responsibility live at peace with others. And although some days that seems nearly impossible, it doesn’t change the directive.
Fortunately the Bible has a lot of good suggestions on how to live at peace with others, many found in the book of James. Watch your tongue, don’t get easily angered, show no favoritism, and a reminder to follow the royal law “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Nowhere does it say; “But he…”, in fact it says the opposite. It says the reason we quarrel and fight is because we do not get what we want. I know that is true of most two year olds, and me.
I like to be right; my family would tell you I love to be right, and I like to have things my way. But the truth of the matter is if I want to live at peace with others I can’t always have things my way, and I can’t always be right.
What I can do, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is die to myself, and live for Christ, to love others more than I love me, and to put their needs above my own.
The amazing thing is when I do that, God takes care of everyone else.
Love,
Jill
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
Good morning ladies,
My kids, for the most part get along really well. I feel very blessed that they are still best friends, but they still have disagreements.
Yesterday when I was refereeing a minor squabble about a book, they started down the “He said…, She said ….” road. Both of them thought the other person was at fault and that they were, if not totally innocent, at least more innocent.
This morning I sent them off to school with this verse.
It is our responsibility live at peace with others. And although some days that seems nearly impossible, it doesn’t change the directive.
Fortunately the Bible has a lot of good suggestions on how to live at peace with others, many found in the book of James. Watch your tongue, don’t get easily angered, show no favoritism, and a reminder to follow the royal law “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Nowhere does it say; “But he…”, in fact it says the opposite. It says the reason we quarrel and fight is because we do not get what we want. I know that is true of most two year olds, and me.
I like to be right; my family would tell you I love to be right, and I like to have things my way. But the truth of the matter is if I want to live at peace with others I can’t always have things my way, and I can’t always be right.
What I can do, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is die to myself, and live for Christ, to love others more than I love me, and to put their needs above my own.
The amazing thing is when I do that, God takes care of everyone else.
Love,
Jill
Monday, November 9, 2009
Protection
Psalm 40:11
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
Good morning ladies,
I am getting ready to start the Precepts Bible study on Philippians tomorrow night and I‘ve been reflecting upon the past Bible studies I have done. From each one of them I can take away at least one truth that has changed my life.
From the life of Moses, that God has standards for His leaders and He expects them to live up to them.
From 2 Peter, the truth that we are given the divine nature and everything we need for life and godliness, and then it is our responsibility to add to our faith, goodness, knowledge and self-control.
From James, the truth that we must look into the word of God and REMEMBER what we learn there and not walk away and forget. It is the man who remembers what he has learned who is blessed.
And from 1 and 2 Samuel, the life of David, that God looks at our heart and our motives, He does not judge on actions alone, that sin has consequences, but there is nothing we can do that God can’t forgive, and each one of us are given tasks to do and we must focus on those.
Just to name a few.
I love the Word of God, it has the power to transform, train and protect, but just in case I had any doubts God gave me a great reminder yesterday at church.
I was sitting with my grape juice waiting to take communion and I accidently spilled the cup. Fortunately it spilled on the cover of the Bible I was holding in my lap instead of on my pants, since I still had to do announcements at second service.
As I was walking to the bathroom to wash off the Bible, I stopped and talked to Daniel, the worship team leader. When he noticed the grape juice on the Bible he said the same thing had just happened to him with coffee. He had spilt his coffee and if it hadn’t been for his Bible it would have gone all over his white shirt.
Only God could take a spiritual truth, like the importance of having the Word of God in your life, and make it so practical.
Love,
Jill
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;
may your love and your truth always protect me.
Good morning ladies,
I am getting ready to start the Precepts Bible study on Philippians tomorrow night and I‘ve been reflecting upon the past Bible studies I have done. From each one of them I can take away at least one truth that has changed my life.
From the life of Moses, that God has standards for His leaders and He expects them to live up to them.
From 2 Peter, the truth that we are given the divine nature and everything we need for life and godliness, and then it is our responsibility to add to our faith, goodness, knowledge and self-control.
From James, the truth that we must look into the word of God and REMEMBER what we learn there and not walk away and forget. It is the man who remembers what he has learned who is blessed.
And from 1 and 2 Samuel, the life of David, that God looks at our heart and our motives, He does not judge on actions alone, that sin has consequences, but there is nothing we can do that God can’t forgive, and each one of us are given tasks to do and we must focus on those.
Just to name a few.
I love the Word of God, it has the power to transform, train and protect, but just in case I had any doubts God gave me a great reminder yesterday at church.
I was sitting with my grape juice waiting to take communion and I accidently spilled the cup. Fortunately it spilled on the cover of the Bible I was holding in my lap instead of on my pants, since I still had to do announcements at second service.
As I was walking to the bathroom to wash off the Bible, I stopped and talked to Daniel, the worship team leader. When he noticed the grape juice on the Bible he said the same thing had just happened to him with coffee. He had spilt his coffee and if it hadn’t been for his Bible it would have gone all over his white shirt.
Only God could take a spiritual truth, like the importance of having the Word of God in your life, and make it so practical.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Still Small Voice
John 10:27
John 10:27
Jesus said "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Good morning ladies,
There is nothing more important than learning to listen to the voice of the Lord. Then you will know where to go and where not to go. But it doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes practice to be able to hear the still small voice of God in the midst of our busy world.
I have been doing Bible study for over eleven years and everyday I can hear the voice of the Lord a little better.
Recently I had two experiences where I clearly heard God’s voice.
Last Sunday I did not want to go to church, no reason really, I just wanted to play hooky. I normally do the announcements so I had to tell Janet I wasn’t coming and then Pastor Harvey asked me to announce something for him, so I also had to tell him I wasn’t coming. I told him I felt a little guilty, but I was going to stay home anyway. Jokingly he gave me absolution. But God didn’t.
All week God kept annoying me. I had a restless feeling that I have come to associate with disobedience and no matter how I tried I couldn’t shake it, so I went to church, where I received a wonderful blessing from God, which I would have missed had I stayed home.
On Monday I attended a meeting that I knew I shouldn’t go to, it wasn’t a bad meeting, in fact it was a good meeting, it just wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Again the restless feeling started.
After the meeting I went home and prayed, the next morning I turned in my resignation.
A good friend responded with today’s verse.
We are God’s sheep; we need to be able to hear His voice. He is the one who knows what we should and should not do, and once He speaks we need to obey.
Love,
Jill
John 10:27
Jesus said "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Good morning ladies,
There is nothing more important than learning to listen to the voice of the Lord. Then you will know where to go and where not to go. But it doesn’t happen overnight.
It takes practice to be able to hear the still small voice of God in the midst of our busy world.
I have been doing Bible study for over eleven years and everyday I can hear the voice of the Lord a little better.
Recently I had two experiences where I clearly heard God’s voice.
Last Sunday I did not want to go to church, no reason really, I just wanted to play hooky. I normally do the announcements so I had to tell Janet I wasn’t coming and then Pastor Harvey asked me to announce something for him, so I also had to tell him I wasn’t coming. I told him I felt a little guilty, but I was going to stay home anyway. Jokingly he gave me absolution. But God didn’t.
All week God kept annoying me. I had a restless feeling that I have come to associate with disobedience and no matter how I tried I couldn’t shake it, so I went to church, where I received a wonderful blessing from God, which I would have missed had I stayed home.
On Monday I attended a meeting that I knew I shouldn’t go to, it wasn’t a bad meeting, in fact it was a good meeting, it just wasn’t where I was supposed to be. Again the restless feeling started.
After the meeting I went home and prayed, the next morning I turned in my resignation.
A good friend responded with today’s verse.
We are God’s sheep; we need to be able to hear His voice. He is the one who knows what we should and should not do, and once He speaks we need to obey.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Take Up Your Cross
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Good afternoon ladies,
This month we are supposed to be thinking about what it means to be totally surrendered to Christ. In fact this is one of the verses that Rovellyn referenced.
But what does it really mean.
The first thing that jumps out at me is that it is a daily commitment. Everyday you have to follow Christ. So of course that would mean you have to know where He is going, and what He would want you to do, and the best way to do that is to start each day with Bible study and prayer. I mean how many of us would start out on a journey without any directions or any idea of where we are going. Every day with God is part of a journey; you really need directions to stay on course.
Second, Jesus gave them a choice. It was not commanded. He did not say, “You have to deny yourself and take up your cross.” He said, “IF anyone would come after me.” IF you want to follow me, IF you want to be my disciple, then this is what you have to do, deny yourself, and take up your cross.
Now we all know what it means to deny ourselves something. For example, I denied myself Halloween candy this year. Which means it is something I wanted but I did not let myself have it. But I think Jesus was aiming for something bigger than candy, especially since He mentions the cross.
To us the cross is the symbol of life; to the Jewish people it would have been the symbol of death. The Roman government crucified lots of people and many of them, including Jesus had to carry their own cross to the execution.
So what Jesus is saying is; if we want to follow Him, we must die to ourselves, our wants, our desires, and our agendas. No longer do WE get to pick what we do, say or even think. If we are serious about being a disciple of Christ, every thought, every action, and every word belongs to Him.
Now you know why we need the Holy Spirit.
Love,
Jill
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Good afternoon ladies,
This month we are supposed to be thinking about what it means to be totally surrendered to Christ. In fact this is one of the verses that Rovellyn referenced.
But what does it really mean.
The first thing that jumps out at me is that it is a daily commitment. Everyday you have to follow Christ. So of course that would mean you have to know where He is going, and what He would want you to do, and the best way to do that is to start each day with Bible study and prayer. I mean how many of us would start out on a journey without any directions or any idea of where we are going. Every day with God is part of a journey; you really need directions to stay on course.
Second, Jesus gave them a choice. It was not commanded. He did not say, “You have to deny yourself and take up your cross.” He said, “IF anyone would come after me.” IF you want to follow me, IF you want to be my disciple, then this is what you have to do, deny yourself, and take up your cross.
Now we all know what it means to deny ourselves something. For example, I denied myself Halloween candy this year. Which means it is something I wanted but I did not let myself have it. But I think Jesus was aiming for something bigger than candy, especially since He mentions the cross.
To us the cross is the symbol of life; to the Jewish people it would have been the symbol of death. The Roman government crucified lots of people and many of them, including Jesus had to carry their own cross to the execution.
So what Jesus is saying is; if we want to follow Him, we must die to ourselves, our wants, our desires, and our agendas. No longer do WE get to pick what we do, say or even think. If we are serious about being a disciple of Christ, every thought, every action, and every word belongs to Him.
Now you know why we need the Holy Spirit.
Love,
Jill
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