Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Good morning ladies,
I couldn’t decide what verse to pick this morning. There are so many to choose from I had troubled deciding on one. So I just used one of my favorites.
Nicholas, my son, and I have battled about math for the last five years. It is not his favorite subject and he doesn’t do well. He says he understands what he is doing but he continues to get low grades.
I get frustrated because it seems to me that he doesn’t even try and although I don’t want to I end up yelling at him.
But his math grade didn't improve.
Last week I was praying about it and God said, “Quit yelling at him and come alongside him. Treat him like I treat you. Make sure he understands what he is doing and show him that you love him.”
So I tried it. Instead of just telling him to do his homework I sat with him and we did it together. He explained to me how to do the problems and then we would race to see who could get finished first. He loved it when I got an answer wrong. I loved watching his confidence grow.
Tuesday, as I sent him off to school to take the “big test” I was confident he understood the material and I told him so. I told him not to be nervous because even though I couldn’t go with him, God could and I told him I loved him no matter how he did on the test because I knew he had tried and he couldn’t do more than that.
Yesterday he got his test back and he got the highest grade in the class. So here are my lessons:
1. God does not yell at us to learn something, He comes alongside of us and walks with us and teaches us what we need to know. We have to be willing to learn.
2. Teaching others is a great way to learn.
3. Working together is fun.
4. God loves us no matter how we perform on the “test."
But He does expect us to try.
Love, Jill
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Remember
2 Timothy 2:8a
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday was a day of remembering.
As I prepared to go to the church last night and make the first Zebra DVD so that I could take this ministry to other women I had serious doubts about my sanity.
This is not like any other ministry work I have ever done. There is no one telling me what to do. No established guidelines to follow. Really the ministry doesn’t even exist except in my head and God’s.
And I could be crazy.
So yesterday I had to go back and remember everything God had ever told me about Zebras.
It was a good trip.
Many of you know that I am an avid believer in journaling and this is one of the reasons. Since I had written done everything God had revealed to me about starting this ministry I could go back and remember. It helped reassure me that I wasn’t crazy, or if I was crazy at least I was crazy for God.
This morning I did a word study on “remember.”
There are actually a lot of things God commands us to remember.
We are supposed to remember what He has done for us in the past, we are supposed to remember we were saved by grace, we are supposed to remember the poor, and we are supposed to remember everything He has taught us, just to name a few.
But it always has a purpose. God wants us to remember those things because they help us in our Christian walk.
Too often we remember the wrong things. We remember past hurts and perceived injustices. We remember things that hindered us in our walk.
What do you remember?
Think about it and resolve to forget anything that does not bring glory to God.
Love,
Jill
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday was a day of remembering.
As I prepared to go to the church last night and make the first Zebra DVD so that I could take this ministry to other women I had serious doubts about my sanity.
This is not like any other ministry work I have ever done. There is no one telling me what to do. No established guidelines to follow. Really the ministry doesn’t even exist except in my head and God’s.
And I could be crazy.
So yesterday I had to go back and remember everything God had ever told me about Zebras.
It was a good trip.
Many of you know that I am an avid believer in journaling and this is one of the reasons. Since I had written done everything God had revealed to me about starting this ministry I could go back and remember. It helped reassure me that I wasn’t crazy, or if I was crazy at least I was crazy for God.
This morning I did a word study on “remember.”
There are actually a lot of things God commands us to remember.
We are supposed to remember what He has done for us in the past, we are supposed to remember we were saved by grace, we are supposed to remember the poor, and we are supposed to remember everything He has taught us, just to name a few.
But it always has a purpose. God wants us to remember those things because they help us in our Christian walk.
Too often we remember the wrong things. We remember past hurts and perceived injustices. We remember things that hindered us in our walk.
What do you remember?
Think about it and resolve to forget anything that does not bring glory to God.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jealousy
Galatians 5:16-17
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (NASB)
Good morning ladies,
Many of us have Galatians 5:22 memorized. It lists the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When we are exhibiting theses virtues in our life we can be assured that we are living by the power of God.
But I think we should also memorize Galatians 5:19 which lists the acts of the flesh because when we are acting like this it should be a signal that we are in sin.
Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like are sure signs that we are walking in the flesh.
Recently my mother-in-law moved here and I have been struggling with loving her like I should. I want to be loving and kind, but when I get around her I find myself short-tempered and irritated.
Yesterday God showed me it is because I am jealous. And jealousy and love cannot co-exist.
Jealousy does bad things to a person. It makes normal people mean and unkind. The first murder occurred over jealousy. Cain was jealous because God preferred his brother’s sacrifice to his so he killed him. Haven’t we all told our children when someone is unkind to them “Maybe they are jealous of you?”
But more than that jealously is a sin against God. When we are jealous of what someone else has or does we are saying to God that what He has given us is not enough-we want more. And that is sin.
Most of us don’t like to admit that we are jealous. We know it is “bad” so we try to rationalize it away or ignore it. But that won’t work. I know I’ve tried.
What does work is honesty. Admit to God you are jealous, admit it is a sin, repent and ask forgiveness, make restitution if necessary, and then with gratitude for what God has given you, move on.
Love,
Jill
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. (NASB)
Good morning ladies,
Many of us have Galatians 5:22 memorized. It lists the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When we are exhibiting theses virtues in our life we can be assured that we are living by the power of God.
But I think we should also memorize Galatians 5:19 which lists the acts of the flesh because when we are acting like this it should be a signal that we are in sin.
Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like are sure signs that we are walking in the flesh.
Recently my mother-in-law moved here and I have been struggling with loving her like I should. I want to be loving and kind, but when I get around her I find myself short-tempered and irritated.
Yesterday God showed me it is because I am jealous. And jealousy and love cannot co-exist.
Jealousy does bad things to a person. It makes normal people mean and unkind. The first murder occurred over jealousy. Cain was jealous because God preferred his brother’s sacrifice to his so he killed him. Haven’t we all told our children when someone is unkind to them “Maybe they are jealous of you?”
But more than that jealously is a sin against God. When we are jealous of what someone else has or does we are saying to God that what He has given us is not enough-we want more. And that is sin.
Most of us don’t like to admit that we are jealous. We know it is “bad” so we try to rationalize it away or ignore it. But that won’t work. I know I’ve tried.
What does work is honesty. Admit to God you are jealous, admit it is a sin, repent and ask forgiveness, make restitution if necessary, and then with gratitude for what God has given you, move on.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sober Judgment
Galatians 6:14
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
It is my goal to learn to be a better leader for God so I sought Godly council. The first thing they asked me to do was take an online assessment called “Leading from Your Strengths.”
I took it Sunday night.
After you take the test you are instantly sent a profile that tells you about your personal leadership style. One of the reports it generated was called “Seeing Yourself as Others See You” and it was divided into three sections.
The first section was” Self-Perception” and it said: Jill usually sees herself as being: pioneering; competitive; positive; assertive; confident; and a winner.
I could have cried.
I wanted it to say: Jill usually sees herself as a servant of God who knows without the grace and love of God she would be nothing. She understands everything good about herself comes from God and she no longer boasts in anything except power of God.
I know the purpose of the assessment was not to depress me, but to help me fulfill Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you, with the ultimate purpose of being able to work together with other believers.
I know better than anyone what I was before Christ and I have not forgotten it.
It disturbed me that I could think of myself as a “winner.”
God is the winner and He has graciously allowed me to be on His team.
Love,
Jill
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
It is my goal to learn to be a better leader for God so I sought Godly council. The first thing they asked me to do was take an online assessment called “Leading from Your Strengths.”
I took it Sunday night.
After you take the test you are instantly sent a profile that tells you about your personal leadership style. One of the reports it generated was called “Seeing Yourself as Others See You” and it was divided into three sections.
The first section was” Self-Perception” and it said: Jill usually sees herself as being: pioneering; competitive; positive; assertive; confident; and a winner.
I could have cried.
I wanted it to say: Jill usually sees herself as a servant of God who knows without the grace and love of God she would be nothing. She understands everything good about herself comes from God and she no longer boasts in anything except power of God.
I know the purpose of the assessment was not to depress me, but to help me fulfill Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you, with the ultimate purpose of being able to work together with other believers.
I know better than anyone what I was before Christ and I have not forgotten it.
It disturbed me that I could think of myself as a “winner.”
God is the winner and He has graciously allowed me to be on His team.
Love,
Jill
Monday, February 22, 2010
Expectations
Romans 6:5-7
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
What kind of Christian are you? What is the goal of your life? These are the focus questions for this week’s Bible study in Philippians.
As we have studied Paul we have learned that he had one goal and one focus in life, to become everything God wanted him to be. To do that he needed to be totally obedient to the vision that God gave him and die to himself.
Everyone who deals with children knows that they live up to our expectations. If we expect very little from them we get very little, but we if raise our expectations and offer the needed support they will often perform beyond our expectations.
God has great expectations for us. He expects us to be like Christ and He has given us all the support we need. Paul understood that.
The other day I realized I no longer pray “God give me the power to…” because I now know He has already given it to me. Instead I pray “God, help me use the power You have given me to…”
It is a subtle difference, but it has changed everything.
For example, I used to think that I had to put on the Fruit of the Spirit like a set of clothing. I had to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control and make myself act that way, no matter how I felt inside.
It never seemed to work. No matter how hard I would try the ugly sin nature that seemed to be running my life would break through and I would fail-miserably.
Now I realize that God, through faith in Christ crucified my sinful nature. The old man inside of me is dead and I don’t have to listen to him anymore. The indwelling Holy Spirit has put in me, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. My job is to pray and let Him work.
That is so much easier. All we need to do is cooperate and let the Holy Spirit in us do the work.
Love,
Jill
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
What kind of Christian are you? What is the goal of your life? These are the focus questions for this week’s Bible study in Philippians.
As we have studied Paul we have learned that he had one goal and one focus in life, to become everything God wanted him to be. To do that he needed to be totally obedient to the vision that God gave him and die to himself.
Everyone who deals with children knows that they live up to our expectations. If we expect very little from them we get very little, but we if raise our expectations and offer the needed support they will often perform beyond our expectations.
God has great expectations for us. He expects us to be like Christ and He has given us all the support we need. Paul understood that.
The other day I realized I no longer pray “God give me the power to…” because I now know He has already given it to me. Instead I pray “God, help me use the power You have given me to…”
It is a subtle difference, but it has changed everything.
For example, I used to think that I had to put on the Fruit of the Spirit like a set of clothing. I had to put on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control and make myself act that way, no matter how I felt inside.
It never seemed to work. No matter how hard I would try the ugly sin nature that seemed to be running my life would break through and I would fail-miserably.
Now I realize that God, through faith in Christ crucified my sinful nature. The old man inside of me is dead and I don’t have to listen to him anymore. The indwelling Holy Spirit has put in me, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. My job is to pray and let Him work.
That is so much easier. All we need to do is cooperate and let the Holy Spirit in us do the work.
Love,
Jill
Friday, February 19, 2010
Heavenly Vision
Acts 29:19
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven."
Good morning ladies,
I am often conflicted about what I am supposed to do for God and lately I have been envying the clear vision that Paul demonstrated in his life.
From the time Paul had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus he never waivered from what God was calling him to do.
God gave him one directive-spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.
I think many of us want that same type of clear communication from God.
We want to do what is pleasing to Him, but sometimes we are unsure what that is.
I think this is most difficult in the area of Christian service. We all know we are supposed to be loving, kind and patience, but what are we supposed to “DO?”
There are so many wonderful service opportunities and Kingdom ministries to work in but we can’t do them all. We have to pick and choose, making sure the “good” doesn’t get in the way of the “best.”
And then just when we think we have it all figured out, God changes things. Paul writes in Philippians for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. And I think His purpose for us can change as we mature.
God wants everyone to serve. Some people probably do less than God wants them too; some people probably do too much. Some people are probably in the wrong ministry but the right position; some people are probably in the right ministry, but the wrong position. Some people are “just right.”
And that’s where I want to be.
That is why the more you desire to serve the Lord, the more you need to spend time with Him. Not only to ensure that you are doing God’s work using God’s power but to clearly hear exactly what God wants you to do.
Because don’t we all want to stand before OUR King and say along with Paul: “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven?”
Love,
Jill
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven."
Good morning ladies,
I am often conflicted about what I am supposed to do for God and lately I have been envying the clear vision that Paul demonstrated in his life.
From the time Paul had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus he never waivered from what God was calling him to do.
God gave him one directive-spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.
I think many of us want that same type of clear communication from God.
We want to do what is pleasing to Him, but sometimes we are unsure what that is.
I think this is most difficult in the area of Christian service. We all know we are supposed to be loving, kind and patience, but what are we supposed to “DO?”
There are so many wonderful service opportunities and Kingdom ministries to work in but we can’t do them all. We have to pick and choose, making sure the “good” doesn’t get in the way of the “best.”
And then just when we think we have it all figured out, God changes things. Paul writes in Philippians for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. And I think His purpose for us can change as we mature.
God wants everyone to serve. Some people probably do less than God wants them too; some people probably do too much. Some people are probably in the wrong ministry but the right position; some people are probably in the right ministry, but the wrong position. Some people are “just right.”
And that’s where I want to be.
That is why the more you desire to serve the Lord, the more you need to spend time with Him. Not only to ensure that you are doing God’s work using God’s power but to clearly hear exactly what God wants you to do.
Because don’t we all want to stand before OUR King and say along with Paul: “I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven?”
Love,
Jill
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Church
2 Kings 2:6
Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I told you to read 1King 19 and the wonderful story of God’s grace to Elijah when he was depressed. Hopefully you did, and if you did, you noticed at the end of the story God told Elijah “to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”
The first time I read this story I remember thinking that God was replacing Elijah because he had messed up. Fortunately I was in Bible Study Fellowship at the time and they helped me see it in a different light.
God wasn’t punishing Elijah; He was giving him a successor and a friend.
I don’t believe God ever intended His people to be alone. That’s why He created Eve and why the writer of Hebrews says: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
And why God gave us the church.
Wounded animals crawl in the corner to die; wounded Christians should crawl to one another.
Of course the problem is that sometimes it isn’t a safe place to crawl, but it should be.
Many people have been wounded by people in the church, including me, but I don’t think that is an excuse for withdrawal. Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by a friend, in fact everyone deserted Him at the end, but He didn’t get bitter or angry. He went to the cross and then gave them another chance.
Do not let another person affect your relationship with God or with His church.
Learn to forgive and be brave enough to try again.
Love,
Jill
Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on.
Good morning ladies,
Yesterday I told you to read 1King 19 and the wonderful story of God’s grace to Elijah when he was depressed. Hopefully you did, and if you did, you noticed at the end of the story God told Elijah “to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”
The first time I read this story I remember thinking that God was replacing Elijah because he had messed up. Fortunately I was in Bible Study Fellowship at the time and they helped me see it in a different light.
God wasn’t punishing Elijah; He was giving him a successor and a friend.
I don’t believe God ever intended His people to be alone. That’s why He created Eve and why the writer of Hebrews says: Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
And why God gave us the church.
Wounded animals crawl in the corner to die; wounded Christians should crawl to one another.
Of course the problem is that sometimes it isn’t a safe place to crawl, but it should be.
Many people have been wounded by people in the church, including me, but I don’t think that is an excuse for withdrawal. Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by a friend, in fact everyone deserted Him at the end, but He didn’t get bitter or angry. He went to the cross and then gave them another chance.
Do not let another person affect your relationship with God or with His church.
Learn to forgive and be brave enough to try again.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Had Enough
1Kings 19
This is a great story; you need to read it for yourself. http://www.biblegate.com/
Good morning ladies,
I just LOVE how God works.
I had again decided not to send you an e-mail. The truth is I am fighting a case of the blues and I just didn’t have the desire to sit and write a z-mail. I had planned to write Dear ladies, Taking the day off. Love, Jill. But that seemed stupid so I decided not to write anything and turned the computer off and went to do my quiet time.
This summer I will have the privilege of teaching the high school girls at West Coast Honor Camp and I received the curriculum yesterday. It is titled Men and Women of God. The first lesson deals with the importance of looking at the people in the Bible, even though they were flawed and imperfect, as examples for our own life. I couldn’t agree more. People like Paul, David and Daniel inspire us, but lessons can be learned from everyone in the Bible.
Today My Utmost for His Highest references a famous story of depression in the Old Testament. Elijah had just done amazing things, he had seen the power of God displayed in a mighty way and then Jezebel sent him a letter saying she was going to kill him and Elijah got frightened and ran.
After running for a day Elijah was so depressed that he sat down under a tree and prayed to die. He tells God that this is all too much for him, that he has had enough and then he went to sleep.
It always surprises me that God did not get angry with Elijah, He didn’t grab him by the shoulders and tell him to “buck-up” or “get over it." Instead He sent an angel to minister to Elijah and then He came Himself.
He asked Elijah why he was there, He listened to his reply and told Elijah to stand on the mountain “for the LORD was about to pass by.” Afterwards God spoke to Elijah again and repeated His question. This time after Elijah answered, God gave him some directions to follow and Elijah obeyed. Obedience appears to have ended Elijah’s depression.
I don’t like being depressed. It feels like a sin. But it isn’t. It’s just a feeling.
It is what I do with it that makes it a sin.
If I allow my moods to dictate my life and keep me from doing the work God has called me to do, then it is a sin.
But if I am honest before God, allow Him to minister to me and obey what He tells me to do, then it is just another opportunity for growth.
Love,
Jill
This is a great story; you need to read it for yourself. http://www.biblegate.com/
Good morning ladies,
I just LOVE how God works.
I had again decided not to send you an e-mail. The truth is I am fighting a case of the blues and I just didn’t have the desire to sit and write a z-mail. I had planned to write Dear ladies, Taking the day off. Love, Jill. But that seemed stupid so I decided not to write anything and turned the computer off and went to do my quiet time.
This summer I will have the privilege of teaching the high school girls at West Coast Honor Camp and I received the curriculum yesterday. It is titled Men and Women of God. The first lesson deals with the importance of looking at the people in the Bible, even though they were flawed and imperfect, as examples for our own life. I couldn’t agree more. People like Paul, David and Daniel inspire us, but lessons can be learned from everyone in the Bible.
Today My Utmost for His Highest references a famous story of depression in the Old Testament. Elijah had just done amazing things, he had seen the power of God displayed in a mighty way and then Jezebel sent him a letter saying she was going to kill him and Elijah got frightened and ran.
After running for a day Elijah was so depressed that he sat down under a tree and prayed to die. He tells God that this is all too much for him, that he has had enough and then he went to sleep.
It always surprises me that God did not get angry with Elijah, He didn’t grab him by the shoulders and tell him to “buck-up” or “get over it." Instead He sent an angel to minister to Elijah and then He came Himself.
He asked Elijah why he was there, He listened to his reply and told Elijah to stand on the mountain “for the LORD was about to pass by.” Afterwards God spoke to Elijah again and repeated His question. This time after Elijah answered, God gave him some directions to follow and Elijah obeyed. Obedience appears to have ended Elijah’s depression.
I don’t like being depressed. It feels like a sin. But it isn’t. It’s just a feeling.
It is what I do with it that makes it a sin.
If I allow my moods to dictate my life and keep me from doing the work God has called me to do, then it is a sin.
But if I am honest before God, allow Him to minister to me and obey what He tells me to do, then it is just another opportunity for growth.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lent
1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Good morning ladies,
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.
Growing up I didn’t know anything about Ash Wednesday. Heck I didn’t even know the meaning of Easter. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I finally understood Easter. And I think I am still a little fuzzy on Ash Wednesday.
When Katherine was in fourth grade she had a lot of Catholic friends in her class. Many of them came to school that day with ash on their foreheads talking about what they were giving up for Lent. Katherine was intrigued and proceeded to gather information.
She had barely gotten in the car before she demanded to know why we didn’t give something up for God during Lent. Of course I didn’t have an answer because this was the first I had heard of it.
She went on to argue that since we loved God and He had done so much for us the least we could do was give something up for Him during Lent.
It seemed reasonable so I decided to join her and we give up desserts for God.
Katherine has been giving up something during Lent almost every year since and sometimes I still join her.
But what I have found is that the motive behind the sacrifice defines the experience. The first year our motives were pure, we only wanted to show God how much we loved Him, and the experience was wonderful.
The next year I think I was motivated by the fact that if you give up desserts during Lent you lose weight. Not only was it harder to do, it didn’t have much spiritual benefit and I don’t remember losing any weight.
This year I haven’t decided what I am going to do. To be honest I hadn’t really prayed about it until this morning.
And this morning God took me to a "scary" verse in Ephesians:
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (Note the EVERYTHING!)
I’m not exactly sure yet, but I think God wants me to practice submission for Lent.
Love,
Jill
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
Good morning ladies,
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.
Growing up I didn’t know anything about Ash Wednesday. Heck I didn’t even know the meaning of Easter. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I finally understood Easter. And I think I am still a little fuzzy on Ash Wednesday.
When Katherine was in fourth grade she had a lot of Catholic friends in her class. Many of them came to school that day with ash on their foreheads talking about what they were giving up for Lent. Katherine was intrigued and proceeded to gather information.
She had barely gotten in the car before she demanded to know why we didn’t give something up for God during Lent. Of course I didn’t have an answer because this was the first I had heard of it.
She went on to argue that since we loved God and He had done so much for us the least we could do was give something up for Him during Lent.
It seemed reasonable so I decided to join her and we give up desserts for God.
Katherine has been giving up something during Lent almost every year since and sometimes I still join her.
But what I have found is that the motive behind the sacrifice defines the experience. The first year our motives were pure, we only wanted to show God how much we loved Him, and the experience was wonderful.
The next year I think I was motivated by the fact that if you give up desserts during Lent you lose weight. Not only was it harder to do, it didn’t have much spiritual benefit and I don’t remember losing any weight.
This year I haven’t decided what I am going to do. To be honest I hadn’t really prayed about it until this morning.
And this morning God took me to a "scary" verse in Ephesians:
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. (Note the EVERYTHING!)
I’m not exactly sure yet, but I think God wants me to practice submission for Lent.
Love,
Jill
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympic Christians
1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Just in case you didn’t know, the Winter Olympics started on Friday.
The best athletes from around the world are competing to earn medals that in some cases can be parleyed into money and a career. But in many cases the Olympics themselves appear to be the goal.
Last night was pairs figure skating and the commentator shared the sacrifices that one of the male skaters had made to be able to be there. He had worked every type of odd job and was seriously in debit, but he was not willing to quit training because he had his eye on his dream of going to the Olympics.
The night before, Apolo Anton Ohno the American speed skater, said in an interview that he trained for two hours four times a day to get ready for this event. Each night when he went to bed he asked himself if had he done everything he could that day to reach his goal.
That’s dedication and the results are apparent.
These athletes can do amazing things.
So I couldn’t help but wonder what could we, as Christians, do if we were willing to train that hard?
If we were willing to read our Bible and pray for hours each day, if we really loved others more than ourselves, if we controlled our thoughts and our tongues, if we were willing to sacrifice anything to reach the world with the Gospel, if our sole purpose and reason for being was to live in obedience to Christ, if every night before we went to sleep we thought, “Dear Lord, have I done everything I can today to bring You glory?”
Paul often used race analogies to explain the Christian life. He knew what it was like to train for God. And look what he accomplished.
Tonight, when you watch the Olympics, go ahead be inspired, but not to become a better skier, be inspired to become a better Christian.
And resolve to go into training.
Love,
Jill
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Just in case you didn’t know, the Winter Olympics started on Friday.
The best athletes from around the world are competing to earn medals that in some cases can be parleyed into money and a career. But in many cases the Olympics themselves appear to be the goal.
Last night was pairs figure skating and the commentator shared the sacrifices that one of the male skaters had made to be able to be there. He had worked every type of odd job and was seriously in debit, but he was not willing to quit training because he had his eye on his dream of going to the Olympics.
The night before, Apolo Anton Ohno the American speed skater, said in an interview that he trained for two hours four times a day to get ready for this event. Each night when he went to bed he asked himself if had he done everything he could that day to reach his goal.
That’s dedication and the results are apparent.
These athletes can do amazing things.
So I couldn’t help but wonder what could we, as Christians, do if we were willing to train that hard?
If we were willing to read our Bible and pray for hours each day, if we really loved others more than ourselves, if we controlled our thoughts and our tongues, if we were willing to sacrifice anything to reach the world with the Gospel, if our sole purpose and reason for being was to live in obedience to Christ, if every night before we went to sleep we thought, “Dear Lord, have I done everything I can today to bring You glory?”
Paul often used race analogies to explain the Christian life. He knew what it was like to train for God. And look what he accomplished.
Tonight, when you watch the Olympics, go ahead be inspired, but not to become a better skier, be inspired to become a better Christian.
And resolve to go into training.
Love,
Jill
Friday, February 12, 2010
First Hand Information
Exodus 20:18-19
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Many of you know that I read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers every morning. He died in 1917. The book contains his thoughts from lectures and devotional talks he gave from 1915-1917. It was published in the United States in 1935 and remains the best selling devotional book of all time.
I recommend you read today’s entry. It is available free online. http://www.myutmost.org/
From the time I really started studying the Bible I wanted to be one of the people God talked to personally. First it was Moses, then David and now Paul.
I never wanted to be one of the Israelites.
And today’s verse is one of the reasons.
Moses had just descended from the mountain where he had received, from the hand of God, the Ten Commandants. Then God demonstrated His power before His people using thunder and smoke and their reply was “do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
Basically, Moses, you can talk to Him, that’s great, and then you tell us what He said, but we don’t want to talk to Him ourselves.
Maybe they realized how unholy they were and they were afraid, but still, wouldn’t you think they would want to have what Moses had?
Wouldn’t you think they would WANT to talk to GOD?
Too many people today are like the Israelites, they are willing to let others tell them what God says.
Don’t do that. It didn’t work for them, it won’t work for you.
It is frustrating to me when people quote another person more than they quote the Bible.
Do not be an Israelite. Do not settle for second hand information.
Do not base your Biblical knowledge or your spiritual growth solely upon another person’s conversation with God.
Do not settle for anything but the VERY best.
Learn to listen to God for yourself. If you do, I promise you, your life will never be the same.
Love,
Jill
When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Many of you know that I read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers every morning. He died in 1917. The book contains his thoughts from lectures and devotional talks he gave from 1915-1917. It was published in the United States in 1935 and remains the best selling devotional book of all time.
I recommend you read today’s entry. It is available free online. http://www.myutmost.org/
From the time I really started studying the Bible I wanted to be one of the people God talked to personally. First it was Moses, then David and now Paul.
I never wanted to be one of the Israelites.
And today’s verse is one of the reasons.
Moses had just descended from the mountain where he had received, from the hand of God, the Ten Commandants. Then God demonstrated His power before His people using thunder and smoke and their reply was “do not have God speak to us or we will die.”
Basically, Moses, you can talk to Him, that’s great, and then you tell us what He said, but we don’t want to talk to Him ourselves.
Maybe they realized how unholy they were and they were afraid, but still, wouldn’t you think they would want to have what Moses had?
Wouldn’t you think they would WANT to talk to GOD?
Too many people today are like the Israelites, they are willing to let others tell them what God says.
Don’t do that. It didn’t work for them, it won’t work for you.
It is frustrating to me when people quote another person more than they quote the Bible.
Do not be an Israelite. Do not settle for second hand information.
Do not base your Biblical knowledge or your spiritual growth solely upon another person’s conversation with God.
Do not settle for anything but the VERY best.
Learn to listen to God for yourself. If you do, I promise you, your life will never be the same.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Exercise Your Rights!
Romans 6:6-7
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
American’s love their freedoms; we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms just to name a few. And many people have died securing those freedoms for us.
Christians have freedoms too. We have the freedom from the penalty of sin, but equally important is the freedom from the power of sin.
And Jesus died to secure those freedoms for us.
Because of His death and resurrection we will be able to stand before God, justified and forgiven, not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done.
And we also have the freedom each and every day not to allow sin to boss us around.
Once when I was reading my Bible Gary walked in the room and said something that annoyed me. My eyes fell on the verse from James that says: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
I remember consciously thinking, I could keep quiet like God is telling me or I can say something. I knew I had the choice. I chose wrong.
Everyday in every situation we need to remember we have the choice. We do not need to get angry or frustrated. We do not need to be consumed with worry or fear. We are choosing to do those things.
In the 1970’s comedian Flip Wilson made the saying “the devil made me do it” a national expression.
But it is wrong.
The devil cannot MAKE you do anything. Because the Bible clearly states that: the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Ladies you do not have to be a slave to sin any longer-you are free.
Exercise your rights!
Love,
Jill
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
American’s love their freedoms; we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms just to name a few. And many people have died securing those freedoms for us.
Christians have freedoms too. We have the freedom from the penalty of sin, but equally important is the freedom from the power of sin.
And Jesus died to secure those freedoms for us.
Because of His death and resurrection we will be able to stand before God, justified and forgiven, not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done.
And we also have the freedom each and every day not to allow sin to boss us around.
Once when I was reading my Bible Gary walked in the room and said something that annoyed me. My eyes fell on the verse from James that says: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
I remember consciously thinking, I could keep quiet like God is telling me or I can say something. I knew I had the choice. I chose wrong.
Everyday in every situation we need to remember we have the choice. We do not need to get angry or frustrated. We do not need to be consumed with worry or fear. We are choosing to do those things.
In the 1970’s comedian Flip Wilson made the saying “the devil made me do it” a national expression.
But it is wrong.
The devil cannot MAKE you do anything. Because the Bible clearly states that: the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Ladies you do not have to be a slave to sin any longer-you are free.
Exercise your rights!
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cool Story
Acts 20:20
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
I got up this morning and told God I had nothing to say to you, because I am tired of telling you to learn and obey God’s Word. I am starting to feel like a nag.
Then God gave me the coolest story.
As I sent Gary off to work this morning I reminded him to be still and let God solve the problems he is having at work. He has a deadline on Friday but all work is shut down until they can find a part they are missing.
He looked for it yesterday with no luck.
On his drive to work this morning he turned on his radio and the song playing was “Be Still” so he called to tell me that God had just told him the same thing and he thanked me for encouraging him to listen to God.
At the risk of being seen as a nag, I told him that one of the best things about being still is that you can hear God speak more clearly, so if God brought something to his mind, no matter how unlikely, he should do it.
He just called to say they had found the part.
He was going across the bridge and he thought of a parts store that they had not tried because they never have anything they need. But because of what I said, he decided to call. They had three.
So ladies, I will continue to nag you, encourage you, challenge you, and love you. Because I know what God is capable of doing on a day to day basis and I want you to know it too.
Love,
Jill
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
I got up this morning and told God I had nothing to say to you, because I am tired of telling you to learn and obey God’s Word. I am starting to feel like a nag.
Then God gave me the coolest story.
As I sent Gary off to work this morning I reminded him to be still and let God solve the problems he is having at work. He has a deadline on Friday but all work is shut down until they can find a part they are missing.
He looked for it yesterday with no luck.
On his drive to work this morning he turned on his radio and the song playing was “Be Still” so he called to tell me that God had just told him the same thing and he thanked me for encouraging him to listen to God.
At the risk of being seen as a nag, I told him that one of the best things about being still is that you can hear God speak more clearly, so if God brought something to his mind, no matter how unlikely, he should do it.
He just called to say they had found the part.
He was going across the bridge and he thought of a parts store that they had not tried because they never have anything they need. But because of what I said, he decided to call. They had three.
So ladies, I will continue to nag you, encourage you, challenge you, and love you. Because I know what God is capable of doing on a day to day basis and I want you to know it too.
Love,
Jill
Monday, February 8, 2010
God's Word
2 Timothy 4:13
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
Good morning ladies,
2Timothy is Paul's last letter. It was written to his "kindred spirit" Timothy from his prison cell in Rome as he awaited execution.
Theologians believe Paul's arrest probably occurred so suddenly that he was not allowed to return home to gather his personal belongings. Because his cell was cold and damp he asked Timothy to bring his cloak. Even more than the cloak, Paul wanted his parchments. These may have included parts of the Old Testament, the Gospels and copies of his own letters.
Paul was facing death and he wanted to get a copy of God's Word.
Yesterday I someone said to me they couldn’t join my Bible study because they heard I give too much homework.
This is not the first time I have heard that and it probably won’t be the last, but it always upsetting to me.
I have become fully convinced that we limit our joy because we limit our obedience and I believe that obedience starts with learning God’s Word.
How can you know what to do if you never read the book? How can you really know God if you don’t take the time to read what He says about Himself?
The Bible says that it is the very Word of God, that it is shaper than a two-edged sword, that it judges the heart, that it is good for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness. It shows us the love of God, the comfort of God, the sovereignty of God and the majesty of God. The Bible is the only offensive weapon we have against the world and yet we choose not to study it.
I don’t get it.
What is more important?
I may and do regret how much TV I have watched, how much time I’ve spent playing video games, and talking on the phone. But I NEVER regret for one moment the hours I have spent learning the Word of God because it is what has transformed my life.
And it is my passion to see it transform yours.
Love,
Jill
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
Good morning ladies,
2Timothy is Paul's last letter. It was written to his "kindred spirit" Timothy from his prison cell in Rome as he awaited execution.
Theologians believe Paul's arrest probably occurred so suddenly that he was not allowed to return home to gather his personal belongings. Because his cell was cold and damp he asked Timothy to bring his cloak. Even more than the cloak, Paul wanted his parchments. These may have included parts of the Old Testament, the Gospels and copies of his own letters.
Paul was facing death and he wanted to get a copy of God's Word.
Yesterday I someone said to me they couldn’t join my Bible study because they heard I give too much homework.
This is not the first time I have heard that and it probably won’t be the last, but it always upsetting to me.
I have become fully convinced that we limit our joy because we limit our obedience and I believe that obedience starts with learning God’s Word.
How can you know what to do if you never read the book? How can you really know God if you don’t take the time to read what He says about Himself?
The Bible says that it is the very Word of God, that it is shaper than a two-edged sword, that it judges the heart, that it is good for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness. It shows us the love of God, the comfort of God, the sovereignty of God and the majesty of God. The Bible is the only offensive weapon we have against the world and yet we choose not to study it.
I don’t get it.
What is more important?
I may and do regret how much TV I have watched, how much time I’ve spent playing video games, and talking on the phone. But I NEVER regret for one moment the hours I have spent learning the Word of God because it is what has transformed my life.
And it is my passion to see it transform yours.
Love,
Jill
Friday, February 5, 2010
ONE Thing
Mark 10:21
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
I woke up feeling overwhelmed this morning. Last night was Awana and lots of little things went wrong. I have quite a few people to talk to and it is so overwhelming I just want to quit.
So I wrote an e-mail to my Zebra sister in Carson City and told her I was overwhelmed and crawling back into bed. She edits my z-mails and I wanted her to know I wasn’t going to be sending one.
Of course that made her call.
She listened, spoke truth and kicked my butt out of bed.
Now the funny thing is that I had planned to write to you this morning that God only asks us to do ONE thing at a time. It is never His intention to overwhelm us.
He showed me that this week as I was attempting, once again, to develop a healthier lifestyle.
I have a friend who knows everything about nutrition and exercise, so I e-mailed her and asked her for ONE thing to do that would improve my health. I had multiple things in mind, but I gave her two to pick from.
I told myself whatever her answer was that would be the ONE thing that I would work on.
I can’t tell you how freeing it is to have ONE thing to do. I can be successful at ONE thing.
Then God showed me that He had done the same thing with me in my spiritual life. He had always just given me ONE thing to do.
First of course was salvation. You have to believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by His death and resurrection: Faith alone, in Christ alone, for His wonderful work on the cross alone; that is salvation.
Then when I was really mad at Him, He told me to go back to church. Then it was join a Bible study, then actually do the lesson, then join a harder Bible study, then start doing morning quiet times, then talk to women, then learn to be gracious, then lead a Bible study, then learn to be loving….on and on, ONE thing at a time.
If you are feeling overwhelmed this morning, ask God what ONE thing He wants you to do today and then resolve to do it.
You’ll feel much better, I promise.
Love,
Jill
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
I woke up feeling overwhelmed this morning. Last night was Awana and lots of little things went wrong. I have quite a few people to talk to and it is so overwhelming I just want to quit.
So I wrote an e-mail to my Zebra sister in Carson City and told her I was overwhelmed and crawling back into bed. She edits my z-mails and I wanted her to know I wasn’t going to be sending one.
Of course that made her call.
She listened, spoke truth and kicked my butt out of bed.
Now the funny thing is that I had planned to write to you this morning that God only asks us to do ONE thing at a time. It is never His intention to overwhelm us.
He showed me that this week as I was attempting, once again, to develop a healthier lifestyle.
I have a friend who knows everything about nutrition and exercise, so I e-mailed her and asked her for ONE thing to do that would improve my health. I had multiple things in mind, but I gave her two to pick from.
I told myself whatever her answer was that would be the ONE thing that I would work on.
I can’t tell you how freeing it is to have ONE thing to do. I can be successful at ONE thing.
Then God showed me that He had done the same thing with me in my spiritual life. He had always just given me ONE thing to do.
First of course was salvation. You have to believe that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins by His death and resurrection: Faith alone, in Christ alone, for His wonderful work on the cross alone; that is salvation.
Then when I was really mad at Him, He told me to go back to church. Then it was join a Bible study, then actually do the lesson, then join a harder Bible study, then start doing morning quiet times, then talk to women, then learn to be gracious, then lead a Bible study, then learn to be loving….on and on, ONE thing at a time.
If you are feeling overwhelmed this morning, ask God what ONE thing He wants you to do today and then resolve to do it.
You’ll feel much better, I promise.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, February 4, 2010
When No One is Watching
Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
As we continued on in our study of Philippians we had the opportunity to discuss this verse at length Tuesday night.
“Why do you think that Paul said it was more important for them to continue to work out their salvation in his absence?” I asked.
“Because”, was the very insightful reply, “if a person works on their salvation when no one is around then you know they are doing it because they want to work on their relationship with God.”
Duh!
It’s funny I have looked at that verse a hundred times and never saw that.
Of course Paul would want them to work on their relationship with God more when he was not around. That would show they really valued it.
I can go to lunch with a health conscious friend and for one meal eat healthy. But as soon as we part ways I am up to my old tricks because eating healthy is only important to me when they are around.
And people can value their relationship with God when they are around the Bible teacher and the pastor but return to their old ways when they are alone.
If you know you are susceptible to getting off track, to skipping your quiet time and not studying your Bible then find a friend, someone you trust, and someone who will hold you accountable. And be honest.
Eventually you will want to do it for yourself.
Working on your relationship with God only on Sunday is about as effective as eating one healthy meal a week.
Love,
Jill
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
As we continued on in our study of Philippians we had the opportunity to discuss this verse at length Tuesday night.
“Why do you think that Paul said it was more important for them to continue to work out their salvation in his absence?” I asked.
“Because”, was the very insightful reply, “if a person works on their salvation when no one is around then you know they are doing it because they want to work on their relationship with God.”
Duh!
It’s funny I have looked at that verse a hundred times and never saw that.
Of course Paul would want them to work on their relationship with God more when he was not around. That would show they really valued it.
I can go to lunch with a health conscious friend and for one meal eat healthy. But as soon as we part ways I am up to my old tricks because eating healthy is only important to me when they are around.
And people can value their relationship with God when they are around the Bible teacher and the pastor but return to their old ways when they are alone.
If you know you are susceptible to getting off track, to skipping your quiet time and not studying your Bible then find a friend, someone you trust, and someone who will hold you accountable. And be honest.
Eventually you will want to do it for yourself.
Working on your relationship with God only on Sunday is about as effective as eating one healthy meal a week.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
I Don't Care
Leviticus 18:4
You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
When my kids were little we were blessed with another family from our church to hang around with. Ramey and I were best friends and so were the kids.
In fact we were together so much that we invented a name for our new family. We blended Miller and Getchell and we became the Giller family.
Disciplining four small children was often tiring and both Ramey and I got really tired of them responding to our instructions with “I don’t want to…”
So one day out of complete frustration and giddiness we came up with a song that we would sing back at them when they said they didn’t want to do what we told them to do.
The words were simple.. “I don’t care, I don’t care..” over and over again.
It made the kids crazy.
This morning when Nick said he didn’t want to put his bands on his braces because they made his teeth hurt, this song came back to me.
I don’t care if the bands make his teeth hurt he has to wear them.
And God doesn’t care if what He is asking you to do is uncomfortable or difficult, He knows it is best for you and He expects you to do it.
Now I don’t know it God sings, but if He does, included in His repertories, along with many songs about how much He loves us, might be Ramey and my song…”I Don’t Care.”
Love,
Jill
Input from my Zebra sisters:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:16-18 (in Context) Zephaniah 3
Yes, He does sing. Did you know He also whistles? Read Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 7:18 and Zechariah 10:8. And in Psalm 37:13 He laughs
You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
When my kids were little we were blessed with another family from our church to hang around with. Ramey and I were best friends and so were the kids.
In fact we were together so much that we invented a name for our new family. We blended Miller and Getchell and we became the Giller family.
Disciplining four small children was often tiring and both Ramey and I got really tired of them responding to our instructions with “I don’t want to…”
So one day out of complete frustration and giddiness we came up with a song that we would sing back at them when they said they didn’t want to do what we told them to do.
The words were simple.. “I don’t care, I don’t care..” over and over again.
It made the kids crazy.
This morning when Nick said he didn’t want to put his bands on his braces because they made his teeth hurt, this song came back to me.
I don’t care if the bands make his teeth hurt he has to wear them.
And God doesn’t care if what He is asking you to do is uncomfortable or difficult, He knows it is best for you and He expects you to do it.
Now I don’t know it God sings, but if He does, included in His repertories, along with many songs about how much He loves us, might be Ramey and my song…”I Don’t Care.”
Love,
Jill
Input from my Zebra sisters:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:16-18 (in Context) Zephaniah 3
Yes, He does sing. Did you know He also whistles? Read Isaiah 5:26, Isaiah 7:18 and Zechariah 10:8. And in Psalm 37:13 He laughs
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Freedom!
James 1:25
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Don’t you love when a verse that you never understood becomes one of your favorites?
I do!
I have puzzled over this verse in James for years. How can laws, which restrict my freedoms, give me freedom?
The answer is simple; God does not look at laws the same way we do.
We think of laws as things that tell us what not to do and keep us from doing what we like. (Driving laws immediately come to mind). God looks at laws as fences that protect us from getting hurt; parameters and guidelines that will enhance the quality of our lives.
But there is another aspect when we are talking about the Law of God, which is the Bible.
There are so many truths in there that we HAVE to believe before we can be free of all the garbage we carry around in our head.
At retreat I shared the story of the Emperor moth. The moth has a particularly difficult cocoon to get out of and it requires a lot of effort for it to break free. But it is necessary. It is the struggle that forces the fluid from its body into its wings so that it can fly.
Our struggles are necessary as well.
We sit in cocoons of ignorance and disobedience and then we wonder why we cannot fly.
God does not want us to remain in a cocoon; He wants us to be free.
That is why He gave us His Son and His Word.
We have to accept Christ and His finished work on the cross. Read, believe, and obey His word.
Love,
Jill
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
Don’t you love when a verse that you never understood becomes one of your favorites?
I do!
I have puzzled over this verse in James for years. How can laws, which restrict my freedoms, give me freedom?
The answer is simple; God does not look at laws the same way we do.
We think of laws as things that tell us what not to do and keep us from doing what we like. (Driving laws immediately come to mind). God looks at laws as fences that protect us from getting hurt; parameters and guidelines that will enhance the quality of our lives.
But there is another aspect when we are talking about the Law of God, which is the Bible.
There are so many truths in there that we HAVE to believe before we can be free of all the garbage we carry around in our head.
At retreat I shared the story of the Emperor moth. The moth has a particularly difficult cocoon to get out of and it requires a lot of effort for it to break free. But it is necessary. It is the struggle that forces the fluid from its body into its wings so that it can fly.
Our struggles are necessary as well.
We sit in cocoons of ignorance and disobedience and then we wonder why we cannot fly.
God does not want us to remain in a cocoon; He wants us to be free.
That is why He gave us His Son and His Word.
We have to accept Christ and His finished work on the cross. Read, believe, and obey His word.
Love,
Jill
Monday, February 1, 2010
Confession
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
This morning Nick asked me to make him a dental appointment because the wire on his braces was “shredding” his cheek. Now I have been dealing with kids and braces for a few years and I know you don’t go from fine to “shredding.”
So I asked him when the wire had come lose.
“Wednesday,” he said.
“Then why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Because when it started it was just a little poke.”
People ask me how I can be so transparent. How I can just tell others about my every flaw.
First, from my vantage point my flaws are so glaringly obvious I might as well fess up to them, and second, I have learned from experience that what starts out as a small poke will end up shredding my life if I don’t confess.
Of course only God can forgive us our sins and we need to start by confessing to Him, but there is something so freeing about confessing to others that you are not perfect.
Perfect is just TOO hard to maintain. Impossible actually because the Bible says:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8 (NIV)
Only Jesus was perfect. The perfect lamb of God whose’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to have a relationship with God and eternal life.
Plus when we confess our sins to other godly people they will pray for us and as today’s verse says: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
That’s why it’s important to have Christian friends and one of the benefits of being part of the herd.
Love,
Jill
P.S. If you feel God is leading you to start a herd at your church, please contact me at jillgetchell@newharborchurch.com
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)
Good morning ladies,
This morning Nick asked me to make him a dental appointment because the wire on his braces was “shredding” his cheek. Now I have been dealing with kids and braces for a few years and I know you don’t go from fine to “shredding.”
So I asked him when the wire had come lose.
“Wednesday,” he said.
“Then why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Because when it started it was just a little poke.”
People ask me how I can be so transparent. How I can just tell others about my every flaw.
First, from my vantage point my flaws are so glaringly obvious I might as well fess up to them, and second, I have learned from experience that what starts out as a small poke will end up shredding my life if I don’t confess.
Of course only God can forgive us our sins and we need to start by confessing to Him, but there is something so freeing about confessing to others that you are not perfect.
Perfect is just TOO hard to maintain. Impossible actually because the Bible says:
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8 (NIV)
Only Jesus was perfect. The perfect lamb of God whose’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to have a relationship with God and eternal life.
Plus when we confess our sins to other godly people they will pray for us and as today’s verse says: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
That’s why it’s important to have Christian friends and one of the benefits of being part of the herd.
Love,
Jill
P.S. If you feel God is leading you to start a herd at your church, please contact me at jillgetchell@newharborchurch.com
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