John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Good morning ladies,
In education a teachable moment is defined as: an unplanned opportunity that arises in the classroom where a teacher has an ideal chance to offer insight to his or her students.
With God everything is a teachable moment.
Last night I went on a scavenger hunt at the mall with the youth from our church. It was a great event where people from the church disguised themselves and went to “hide” at the mall. The kids were put in groups and given a “wanted poster” of the people they were supposed to find.
Before we went we had heard the mall was cracking down on scavenger hunts but heck these were good kids they wouldn’t cause any trouble so we figured we’d get away with it.
But we didn’t.
We were only in the mall a few minutes before a security guard asked us to leave.
Standing outside in the dark waiting for the rest of the group was a weird experience and it gave me time to reflect on what God had just taught me.
1. There are consequences for breaking the rules just like there are consequences for sin and whether or not we agree doesn’t really matter.
2. Our standard of good and God’s standard of good are not the same. The kids thought they were being good and they were, but not good enough, that’s why they caught the security guard’s eye. Without Christ it is not possible to be good enough for God.
3. Just like being “good” doesn’t let you break the rules, being “good” won’t get you into heaven. Max talked to the security guard hoping he would change his mind because we were a church group of good kids. It didn’t matter. The rule was the rule and out we went. In the same way when you stand before God it won’t matter if you are “good.” Without Christ you won’t get in.
4. Being thrown out of the mall was no big deal, being thrown out of heaven will be.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Imprinting
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning ladies,
Last week when I was walking I was praying about you. I was praying specifically that you would see how important it is to start your day focused on the Lord.
I know the Lord is available any time during the day but there is something really special about stating your day off in His presence.
Then God said tell them about imprinting.
All of us have heard of imprinting. It is the tendency of young animals to follow the first moving thing they see.
God gave them this ability for their protection because usually the first object they see is their mother. In the wild, where they have so many things to learn to survive, it is important that they follow their mother closely.
However in captivity there have been recorded cases of ducks imprinting on objects that God never intended them to follow, such as soccer balls.
For me starting the day with the Lord is like a daily imprinting.
If I get up and focus on God first it is so much easier to follow Him throughout the day.
But if I get up and focus on the world first I feel like I fight all day to keep my balance.
God never intended ducks to follow soccer balls, and He never intended us to follow anything but Him. Only He can protect us and teach us what we need to know to survive in the wild.
Charles Stanley in his book Winning the War Within says he prays Ephesians 6:10-18 and puts on the armor of God before he even gets out of bed.
Tonight before you go to sleep write out a favorite verse and put it by your bed, then
tomorrow morning, before you do anything else, focus your eyes upon God.
Love,
Jill
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning ladies,
Last week when I was walking I was praying about you. I was praying specifically that you would see how important it is to start your day focused on the Lord.
I know the Lord is available any time during the day but there is something really special about stating your day off in His presence.
Then God said tell them about imprinting.
All of us have heard of imprinting. It is the tendency of young animals to follow the first moving thing they see.
God gave them this ability for their protection because usually the first object they see is their mother. In the wild, where they have so many things to learn to survive, it is important that they follow their mother closely.
However in captivity there have been recorded cases of ducks imprinting on objects that God never intended them to follow, such as soccer balls.
For me starting the day with the Lord is like a daily imprinting.
If I get up and focus on God first it is so much easier to follow Him throughout the day.
But if I get up and focus on the world first I feel like I fight all day to keep my balance.
God never intended ducks to follow soccer balls, and He never intended us to follow anything but Him. Only He can protect us and teach us what we need to know to survive in the wild.
Charles Stanley in his book Winning the War Within says he prays Ephesians 6:10-18 and puts on the armor of God before he even gets out of bed.
Tonight before you go to sleep write out a favorite verse and put it by your bed, then
tomorrow morning, before you do anything else, focus your eyes upon God.
Love,
Jill
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bunny Stealer
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Good morning ladies,
I am finally breaking my own rule.
I went to Costco Saturday and the Easter stuff reminded me of this z-mail. I decided to reuse it since it is one of my favorites and a lesson that I really want to learn.
Dear little Zebras,
I am writing this because I need to confess that I am a bunny stealer.
On Friday Gary and I went to Costco to pick up a few items. I hadn’t purchased anything for Easter yet but I figured I could easily pick up what I needed while we were out. When we went by the pallet of chocolate Easter bunnies it was completely empty and I realized I might be in trouble.
As we continued shopping I came upon an abandoned cart (at least that is what I told myself) that had six chocolate Easter bunnies in it. They were smaller than I had hoped, but they were bunnies. I watched the cart for about 10 minutes and no one returned to claim it so I took two bunnies out of it even though they weren’t exactly what I had been looking for.
My conscious bothered me immediately, but I kept telling myself that the cart was abandoned and it was okay to take the two bunnies. (Isn’t it funny how we can rationalize sinful behavior.)
On Saturday Gary and I went out again to pick up a few more items. When we went in Target there were the perfect Easter bunnies, just what I had been looking for so of course I bought them.
Now I have four chocolate bunnies and I can’t enjoy any of them.
The lesson of course is obvious; I should have waited on God to bring me the bunnies instead of stealing them for myself.
It is a small lesson that has large implications for all of us who are waiting on God for something.
Love,
Jill
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Good morning ladies,
I am finally breaking my own rule.
I went to Costco Saturday and the Easter stuff reminded me of this z-mail. I decided to reuse it since it is one of my favorites and a lesson that I really want to learn.
Dear little Zebras,
I am writing this because I need to confess that I am a bunny stealer.
On Friday Gary and I went to Costco to pick up a few items. I hadn’t purchased anything for Easter yet but I figured I could easily pick up what I needed while we were out. When we went by the pallet of chocolate Easter bunnies it was completely empty and I realized I might be in trouble.
As we continued shopping I came upon an abandoned cart (at least that is what I told myself) that had six chocolate Easter bunnies in it. They were smaller than I had hoped, but they were bunnies. I watched the cart for about 10 minutes and no one returned to claim it so I took two bunnies out of it even though they weren’t exactly what I had been looking for.
My conscious bothered me immediately, but I kept telling myself that the cart was abandoned and it was okay to take the two bunnies. (Isn’t it funny how we can rationalize sinful behavior.)
On Saturday Gary and I went out again to pick up a few more items. When we went in Target there were the perfect Easter bunnies, just what I had been looking for so of course I bought them.
Now I have four chocolate bunnies and I can’t enjoy any of them.
The lesson of course is obvious; I should have waited on God to bring me the bunnies instead of stealing them for myself.
It is a small lesson that has large implications for all of us who are waiting on God for something.
Love,
Jill
Friday, March 26, 2010
Beggar Dog
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Good morning ladies,
This is one of my Life Verses.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about the will of God.
Everything that happens to us is allowed by God. But not everything that happens to us is God’s perfect will for us.
God has a permissive will. It is not what it is best but what He allows.
A good Biblical example is found in 1Samuel 8, when the nation of Israel begged God for a king. He told them it wouldn’t be good for them, but they insisted and He relented. You can read the story for yourself, but it isn’t good.
Yesterday God gave me an example closer to home.
Gary, my husband, says I have ruined our moodles. I have turned them into “beggar dogs.” And it is true.
When I am in the kitchen cooking I will often give them a little treat. And if no one else is home when I am eating, I am happy to share a little with them. Even though I know it is not good for them I give it to them because they look so cute when they beg.
That is God’s permissive will. We ask and ask and ask, and we manipulate the situation until we get what we want and then we say it is the will of God.
And it is, but not His PERFECT will.
I used to be a beggar dog, especially with my husband. I would bug and bug and bug Gary until he finally gave me what I wanted. That’s how I ended up with the “huskies from hell.’ It was a horrible dog experience and I am still apologizing to my family for putting them through it.
Of course at the time I would have told you God got them for me. We even named one Vanna which is Russian for “gift from God”
But I was wrong. God did not give me those dogs, He relented and let me have them. And there is a big difference.
Love,
Jill
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Good morning ladies,
This is one of my Life Verses.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about the will of God.
Everything that happens to us is allowed by God. But not everything that happens to us is God’s perfect will for us.
God has a permissive will. It is not what it is best but what He allows.
A good Biblical example is found in 1Samuel 8, when the nation of Israel begged God for a king. He told them it wouldn’t be good for them, but they insisted and He relented. You can read the story for yourself, but it isn’t good.
Yesterday God gave me an example closer to home.
Gary, my husband, says I have ruined our moodles. I have turned them into “beggar dogs.” And it is true.
When I am in the kitchen cooking I will often give them a little treat. And if no one else is home when I am eating, I am happy to share a little with them. Even though I know it is not good for them I give it to them because they look so cute when they beg.
That is God’s permissive will. We ask and ask and ask, and we manipulate the situation until we get what we want and then we say it is the will of God.
And it is, but not His PERFECT will.
I used to be a beggar dog, especially with my husband. I would bug and bug and bug Gary until he finally gave me what I wanted. That’s how I ended up with the “huskies from hell.’ It was a horrible dog experience and I am still apologizing to my family for putting them through it.
Of course at the time I would have told you God got them for me. We even named one Vanna which is Russian for “gift from God”
But I was wrong. God did not give me those dogs, He relented and let me have them. And there is a big difference.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Open the Door!
Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Good morning ladies,
Our city is having an educational crisis. The state has no funds so the school district must make cuts that directly affect the quality of our children’s education.
A lot of people are upset about it and it is a major topic of conversation.
Last night I received a call from the Superintendent of Schools telling me about a Telephone Town Meeting. I had never heard of such a thing.
It is actually quite cool.
On Tuesday March 30th at 7:00pm every registered voter in our town is going to receive a phone call. The Superintendent will then come on and explain the state of the schools and suggest some possible solutions. Afterwards we will be asked a series of questions which we can respond to using the keypad on our phones.
The recorded phone call ended by urging us to be home and answer our phone on March 30th so that our voice could be heard.
For some reason that made me cry.
What about God’s voice?
Everyday God knocks on the door and people don’t answer. Everyday He has something He wants to say that goes unheard. Everyday people live their lives without Him.
And that is so sad. It is not what God intended.
God did not save us just so that He could see us in heaven. He saved us so that He could have a relationship with us. So that He could walk with us and talk with us each and everyday.
But people are too busy to listen.
Today if you hear God knocking, stop and listen or better yet give Him a call.
Love,
Jill
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Good morning ladies,
Our city is having an educational crisis. The state has no funds so the school district must make cuts that directly affect the quality of our children’s education.
A lot of people are upset about it and it is a major topic of conversation.
Last night I received a call from the Superintendent of Schools telling me about a Telephone Town Meeting. I had never heard of such a thing.
It is actually quite cool.
On Tuesday March 30th at 7:00pm every registered voter in our town is going to receive a phone call. The Superintendent will then come on and explain the state of the schools and suggest some possible solutions. Afterwards we will be asked a series of questions which we can respond to using the keypad on our phones.
The recorded phone call ended by urging us to be home and answer our phone on March 30th so that our voice could be heard.
For some reason that made me cry.
What about God’s voice?
Everyday God knocks on the door and people don’t answer. Everyday He has something He wants to say that goes unheard. Everyday people live their lives without Him.
And that is so sad. It is not what God intended.
God did not save us just so that He could see us in heaven. He saved us so that He could have a relationship with us. So that He could walk with us and talk with us each and everyday.
But people are too busy to listen.
Today if you hear God knocking, stop and listen or better yet give Him a call.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Broken Roses
Romans 5:7-8
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Good morning ladies,
If you have ever taught children or youth you have probably done an “object lesson.” An object lesson is a lesson taught using a material object. They are very popular in Awana and I have taught hundreds of them.
One I have never taught but I have heard of uses a rose.
The teacher brings a perfect rose to class. Smells the rose, remarks on its beauty and offers the rose to the class to enjoy. The rose is then passed around the class while the teacher continues the lesson.
At the end of the lesson they ask for the rose back. Of course the rose is no longer perfect. There are usually petals missing and sometimes the stem is broken.
“Who,” they ask, “would want this useless rose? It is no longer beautiful, it is spoiled.’
“No one” is the expected answer.
Then they make their dramatic point which is: just like no one wants a used rose, no one wants a used girl.
Good lesson or bad?
Bad!
And you know why? (Besides the obvious sexist overtones), because no matter how used that rose is God still wants it.
God did not send His son to save perfect roses, He sent Him to save broken hurting roses like us.
Go out and buy yourself a rose today, or pick one from your garden. Set it somewhere you can see it to remind yourself no matter what you have done, or who you used to be, God loves you. And he sent His Son to prove it.
Love,
Jill
P.S. The source of today’s z-mail is not my own idea. It is actually from Matt Chandler an amazing preacher out of Texas who was on the cover of Bible Study Magazine this month. I was familiar with the rose lesson but it wasn’t until I listened to him I realized how wrong it was.
If you want to see and hear him yourself here is the link.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1620_shepherds_and_unregenerate_sheep/
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Good morning ladies,
If you have ever taught children or youth you have probably done an “object lesson.” An object lesson is a lesson taught using a material object. They are very popular in Awana and I have taught hundreds of them.
One I have never taught but I have heard of uses a rose.
The teacher brings a perfect rose to class. Smells the rose, remarks on its beauty and offers the rose to the class to enjoy. The rose is then passed around the class while the teacher continues the lesson.
At the end of the lesson they ask for the rose back. Of course the rose is no longer perfect. There are usually petals missing and sometimes the stem is broken.
“Who,” they ask, “would want this useless rose? It is no longer beautiful, it is spoiled.’
“No one” is the expected answer.
Then they make their dramatic point which is: just like no one wants a used rose, no one wants a used girl.
Good lesson or bad?
Bad!
And you know why? (Besides the obvious sexist overtones), because no matter how used that rose is God still wants it.
God did not send His son to save perfect roses, He sent Him to save broken hurting roses like us.
Go out and buy yourself a rose today, or pick one from your garden. Set it somewhere you can see it to remind yourself no matter what you have done, or who you used to be, God loves you. And he sent His Son to prove it.
Love,
Jill
P.S. The source of today’s z-mail is not my own idea. It is actually from Matt Chandler an amazing preacher out of Texas who was on the cover of Bible Study Magazine this month. I was familiar with the rose lesson but it wasn’t until I listened to him I realized how wrong it was.
If you want to see and hear him yourself here is the link.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1620_shepherds_and_unregenerate_sheep/
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
He Has the Right
Romans 8:28-29
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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Good morning ladies,
I almost didn’t send this to you this morning. I was having trouble writing it and the subject matter seems so dark I decided that I shouldn’t send it; I mean I don’t want to depress you.
So I walked away from the computer and went to have breakfast. Before I could even start the coffee a Zebra sister called out of the blue and said exactly what I was writing. She even used the verse. She said she felt God told her to call.
So ladies, here it is, straight from God.
Job is not a book that I like to read. To be honest I have never read the entire thing. I mean, the little bit of suffering I have done is enough for me, I can’t imagine suffering at the level of Job and I have always been a bit concerned that if I read the book, God would make me go there.
But this week as we studied contentment there were a few cross references into Job so I was forced to read it.
Job was amazing. Job was as great a man of God as Paul. Job had everything taken away from him-everything and yet the Bible says: In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Job never said “That’s not fair.”
How could he do that? Because Job understood at a very deep level that everything that happened to him came from the hand of God and he also understood that God had the right to do it.
God created us and then He redeemed us therefore He owns us and has the right to do with us as He wishes.
Be grateful He loves us.
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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Good morning ladies,
I almost didn’t send this to you this morning. I was having trouble writing it and the subject matter seems so dark I decided that I shouldn’t send it; I mean I don’t want to depress you.
So I walked away from the computer and went to have breakfast. Before I could even start the coffee a Zebra sister called out of the blue and said exactly what I was writing. She even used the verse. She said she felt God told her to call.
So ladies, here it is, straight from God.
Job is not a book that I like to read. To be honest I have never read the entire thing. I mean, the little bit of suffering I have done is enough for me, I can’t imagine suffering at the level of Job and I have always been a bit concerned that if I read the book, God would make me go there.
But this week as we studied contentment there were a few cross references into Job so I was forced to read it.
Job was amazing. Job was as great a man of God as Paul. Job had everything taken away from him-everything and yet the Bible says: In all this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Job never said “That’s not fair.”
How could he do that? Because Job understood at a very deep level that everything that happened to him came from the hand of God and he also understood that God had the right to do it.
God created us and then He redeemed us therefore He owns us and has the right to do with us as He wishes.
Be grateful He loves us.
Love,
Jill
Monday, March 22, 2010
Licking God's Nose
James 1:26-27
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Good morning ladies,
I love my Moodles (my name for my dogs because they are mutt-poodles) and they love me too.
I can tell they love me by the way they act.
Joshua gets so excited when he sees me he sometimes has trouble breathing and Abigail always brings me a toy to show me what a good girl she is.
But even though they both love me they still do things wrong. Anyone who has ever tried to house train a little dog knows how difficult it is. We are almost there but it has been a long road. For some reason they don’t understand that going “potty-potty” outside is the thing that would please me most.
Instead what they like to do is jump up on my lap and lick the inside of my nose. I know they think is a great way to show me how much they love me, I just think it is gross. And although I don’t like it I sometimes allow them to do it because I know they are just expressing their love.
I just wish they would learn which one I would prefer.
God has told us what He prefers. He wants us to love Him more than anything, care about others, control our tongue, and keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.
Often times we get off track. We forget what He asked us to do and we start doing things that we enjoy doing hoping He will like them too. Basically we are licking God’s nose.
It is easy to devote our life to Christian service especially to those things that we enjoy doing. It is much more difficult to devote our life to God.
But that is what pleases Him.
Love,
Jill
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Good morning ladies,
I love my Moodles (my name for my dogs because they are mutt-poodles) and they love me too.
I can tell they love me by the way they act.
Joshua gets so excited when he sees me he sometimes has trouble breathing and Abigail always brings me a toy to show me what a good girl she is.
But even though they both love me they still do things wrong. Anyone who has ever tried to house train a little dog knows how difficult it is. We are almost there but it has been a long road. For some reason they don’t understand that going “potty-potty” outside is the thing that would please me most.
Instead what they like to do is jump up on my lap and lick the inside of my nose. I know they think is a great way to show me how much they love me, I just think it is gross. And although I don’t like it I sometimes allow them to do it because I know they are just expressing their love.
I just wish they would learn which one I would prefer.
God has told us what He prefers. He wants us to love Him more than anything, care about others, control our tongue, and keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.
Often times we get off track. We forget what He asked us to do and we start doing things that we enjoy doing hoping He will like them too. Basically we are licking God’s nose.
It is easy to devote our life to Christian service especially to those things that we enjoy doing. It is much more difficult to devote our life to God.
But that is what pleases Him.
Love,
Jill
Friday, March 19, 2010
If You Paid Attention...
John 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”
Good morning ladies,
Our family has just discovered Monk.
In case you are unfamiliar with it, Monk is a TV show about a brilliant but obsessive-compulsive detective named Adrian Monk who solves San Francisco’s toughest crimes. Monk is afraid of everything.
The series aired in 2002 and ended this year but since we didn’t discover it until it was over we are renting back episodes from Netflix and watching them in order. (We are currently on season four episode thirteen.)
In season two they changed the theme song to “It’s a Jungle Out There” by Randy Newman and the words have gotten stuck in my head, especially this line because I think it has a nugget of truth in it.
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the timeIf you paid attention, you'd be worried too
What you pay attention to will determine your attitude. If you pay attention to the world you will end up anxious and fearful. If you pay attention to God you will have peace and joy.
It really is your choice.
Jesus comforted his disciples in the Upper Room by telling them to trust in God. But then He went on to say: In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
I used to think that people who found their comfort in heaven were odd. Now I am beginning to understand. This life is just a wisp, our troubles are momentary and fleeting, but heaven is not and that’s why it is comforting.
I have ruined whole days because I focused on the wrong things and embraced my “bad mood.” I don’t want to waste the rest of my life doing the same thing.
Love,
Jill
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”
Good morning ladies,
Our family has just discovered Monk.
In case you are unfamiliar with it, Monk is a TV show about a brilliant but obsessive-compulsive detective named Adrian Monk who solves San Francisco’s toughest crimes. Monk is afraid of everything.
The series aired in 2002 and ended this year but since we didn’t discover it until it was over we are renting back episodes from Netflix and watching them in order. (We are currently on season four episode thirteen.)
In season two they changed the theme song to “It’s a Jungle Out There” by Randy Newman and the words have gotten stuck in my head, especially this line because I think it has a nugget of truth in it.
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the timeIf you paid attention, you'd be worried too
What you pay attention to will determine your attitude. If you pay attention to the world you will end up anxious and fearful. If you pay attention to God you will have peace and joy.
It really is your choice.
Jesus comforted his disciples in the Upper Room by telling them to trust in God. But then He went on to say: In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
I used to think that people who found their comfort in heaven were odd. Now I am beginning to understand. This life is just a wisp, our troubles are momentary and fleeting, but heaven is not and that’s why it is comforting.
I have ruined whole days because I focused on the wrong things and embraced my “bad mood.” I don’t want to waste the rest of my life doing the same thing.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Let Me Help!
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Good morning ladies,
I am nothing if not stubborn and if you don’t believe me ask my husband.
He is a great guy, very gentlemanly, and it makes him crazy I won’t let him carry things for me.
If I have a bunch of boxes to unload or a table to carry he will offer to help, but I often refuse. Heck, I was a letter carrier who used to walk nine miles a day with up to fifty pounds of mail on my shoulder, I can carry stuff. “I don’t need no stinkin’ help!”
Which is true, I don’t “need” help but it would be easier if I took it.
What I can carry with a lot of effort, Gary can carry very easily because he is stronger.
Stop to think how much God could carry if we let Him.
He could carry all our worries and burdens. He could carry all our family and friends, including our children. He could carry our jobs and our finances.
Really, God could carry everything.
And He wants to. But do we let Him?
Do you pick and choose what you let God carry? Do you hand over the things that are obviously too big to bear alone and insist upon carrying the “small” stuff yourself? Or do you hang on to the things that are the most important to you because you want to make sure they “come out right.”
Either way you are carrying more than you need to.
When I let Gary carry stuff and I just walk along beside him it is so much easier for me and it makes him happy. He loves me and he likes doing things for me.
So does God.
Make God happy today, give Him something to carry.
Love,
Jill
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Good morning ladies,
I am nothing if not stubborn and if you don’t believe me ask my husband.
He is a great guy, very gentlemanly, and it makes him crazy I won’t let him carry things for me.
If I have a bunch of boxes to unload or a table to carry he will offer to help, but I often refuse. Heck, I was a letter carrier who used to walk nine miles a day with up to fifty pounds of mail on my shoulder, I can carry stuff. “I don’t need no stinkin’ help!”
Which is true, I don’t “need” help but it would be easier if I took it.
What I can carry with a lot of effort, Gary can carry very easily because he is stronger.
Stop to think how much God could carry if we let Him.
He could carry all our worries and burdens. He could carry all our family and friends, including our children. He could carry our jobs and our finances.
Really, God could carry everything.
And He wants to. But do we let Him?
Do you pick and choose what you let God carry? Do you hand over the things that are obviously too big to bear alone and insist upon carrying the “small” stuff yourself? Or do you hang on to the things that are the most important to you because you want to make sure they “come out right.”
Either way you are carrying more than you need to.
When I let Gary carry stuff and I just walk along beside him it is so much easier for me and it makes him happy. He loves me and he likes doing things for me.
So does God.
Make God happy today, give Him something to carry.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Make Me Like Joshua
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Good morning ladies,
When I went to Precept training a few years ago I took a class to help me understand Greek, the language of the New Testament. It was a short class so I didn’t learn a lot, but I did learn that the verbs in Greek have more meaning than verbs in English.
For example, in this verse “Rejoice” is the verb, it is also a command and it implies and an action that should be continuous and repeated.
Therefore we are commanded to constantly be rejoicing in the Lord.
I’m not even sure what that looks like.
But I think it might look like my moodle, Joshua.
He is just a dog but his level of joy and loyalty challenge me everyday.
He is joyful when he sees me, contented when he is near me, tries always to keep me in sight, and willing to do things that make him shake with fear if it means staying close to me.
He does not spend his time worrying about anything but me.
And it works for him. I take care of him; I feed him, bath him and brush him. I buy him toys and treats. He does not want for anything.
Maybe that is how our relationship with God is supposed to be.
Jesus told his disciples “So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well “
The question is do we believe Him and rejoice?
Love,
Jill
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Good morning ladies,
When I went to Precept training a few years ago I took a class to help me understand Greek, the language of the New Testament. It was a short class so I didn’t learn a lot, but I did learn that the verbs in Greek have more meaning than verbs in English.
For example, in this verse “Rejoice” is the verb, it is also a command and it implies and an action that should be continuous and repeated.
Therefore we are commanded to constantly be rejoicing in the Lord.
I’m not even sure what that looks like.
But I think it might look like my moodle, Joshua.
He is just a dog but his level of joy and loyalty challenge me everyday.
He is joyful when he sees me, contented when he is near me, tries always to keep me in sight, and willing to do things that make him shake with fear if it means staying close to me.
He does not spend his time worrying about anything but me.
And it works for him. I take care of him; I feed him, bath him and brush him. I buy him toys and treats. He does not want for anything.
Maybe that is how our relationship with God is supposed to be.
Jesus told his disciples “So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well “
The question is do we believe Him and rejoice?
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
John 14: 15-17
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Good morning ladies,
We had the most interesting breakfast conversation today.
I woke up in a crabby mood so I went off to have some quiet time before I even attempted to minister to my family.
Today’s My Utmost for His Highest was about sin. Chamber’s writes: One of the punishments of sin is our acceptance of it…sin establishes itself in the sinner and takes its toll.
Immediately I realized what my problem was, I had let a sinful attitude that started yesterday take over and without me realizing it; it was taking its toll.
This wouldn’t happen, I thought if I Jesus lived with me. He would always keep me on the straight and narrow. He would notice immediately any sinful attitude or behavior and make me correct it; the ultimate accountability.
Over breakfast I asked my family what they thought it would be like to live with Jesus.
Their responses were great.
But since they didn’t sign up to be Zebras I will respect their privacy and not share them with you.
The truth is Jesus does live with us everyday in the form of the Holy Spirit, but since we can’t see Him we forget He is there. But He is. And He gives us the power not only to recognize sin, but to overcome it.
Take a moment to think how you would react if Jesus moved in and if you want to have a little fun ask someone else.
Love,
Jill
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Good morning ladies,
We had the most interesting breakfast conversation today.
I woke up in a crabby mood so I went off to have some quiet time before I even attempted to minister to my family.
Today’s My Utmost for His Highest was about sin. Chamber’s writes: One of the punishments of sin is our acceptance of it…sin establishes itself in the sinner and takes its toll.
Immediately I realized what my problem was, I had let a sinful attitude that started yesterday take over and without me realizing it; it was taking its toll.
This wouldn’t happen, I thought if I Jesus lived with me. He would always keep me on the straight and narrow. He would notice immediately any sinful attitude or behavior and make me correct it; the ultimate accountability.
Over breakfast I asked my family what they thought it would be like to live with Jesus.
Their responses were great.
But since they didn’t sign up to be Zebras I will respect their privacy and not share them with you.
The truth is Jesus does live with us everyday in the form of the Holy Spirit, but since we can’t see Him we forget He is there. But He is. And He gives us the power not only to recognize sin, but to overcome it.
Take a moment to think how you would react if Jesus moved in and if you want to have a little fun ask someone else.
Love,
Jill
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Practical God
Joshua 10:12
On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
Good morning ladies,
I have a crazy busy day ahead of me and I’m sure many of you can relate. To make it worse I checked the bank balance and it isn’t so good. I could feel the anxiety starting to take over and I knew I needed to talk to God.
God is so practical. I think that many people forget that. He knows what needs to get done and He has the power to help. He also knows the right words to comfort you in every situation if you will just sit still long enough to listen.
He is wiser than your wisest friend and more powerful than anyone.
I love the book of Joshua and I am thinking about teaching it this summer. The Precept description reads: Conquering Your Enemies God said, "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed." Increase your faith in God who has put you in His grip and will never let you go!
Maybe our problem is that we don’t see the world as our enemy. Not the people of course, but the schedules and demands. They take our focus off of God and drive us to the brink of collapse. They are not good for us.
But God can overcome our schedules.
Today’s verse references a great story out of the Old Testament. Joshua needed more time to win the battle against the Amorites so he prayed that the sun would stand still. And God did it. The Bible says the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
Last year when I had SO much to do I got in the habit of praying for God to multiply my time, go before me to smooth the way, and to give me wisdom to know what needed to be done.
It might not be as dramatic as making the sun stand still, but I found it worked.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies.
Love,
Jill
On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."
Good morning ladies,
I have a crazy busy day ahead of me and I’m sure many of you can relate. To make it worse I checked the bank balance and it isn’t so good. I could feel the anxiety starting to take over and I knew I needed to talk to God.
God is so practical. I think that many people forget that. He knows what needs to get done and He has the power to help. He also knows the right words to comfort you in every situation if you will just sit still long enough to listen.
He is wiser than your wisest friend and more powerful than anyone.
I love the book of Joshua and I am thinking about teaching it this summer. The Precept description reads: Conquering Your Enemies God said, "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed." Increase your faith in God who has put you in His grip and will never let you go!
Maybe our problem is that we don’t see the world as our enemy. Not the people of course, but the schedules and demands. They take our focus off of God and drive us to the brink of collapse. They are not good for us.
But God can overcome our schedules.
Today’s verse references a great story out of the Old Testament. Joshua needed more time to win the battle against the Amorites so he prayed that the sun would stand still. And God did it. The Bible says the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.
Last year when I had SO much to do I got in the habit of praying for God to multiply my time, go before me to smooth the way, and to give me wisdom to know what needed to be done.
It might not be as dramatic as making the sun stand still, but I found it worked.
Have a wonderful weekend ladies.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Use It or Lose It
Acts 26:19
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Good morning ladies,
Are you disobedient to the vision God has given you?
Many of us don’t even realize we have been given a vision. We expect visions to be grand and wonderful. Large scale productions like God gave Paul. But my Bible defines vision as a supernatural revelation.
All of us have had those. Any time God has spoken to you through His Word you have had a vision, a supernatural revelation from God just for you.
The questions is did you obey.
In Matthew Jesus tells a parable about three men who were each given talents by their master. When the master returned he asked each man what he had done with what he had been given.
Two of the men had invested their talents and they earned the maser’s praise and were given more. But the third man had done nothing with his. Instead of praise he earned the master’s wrath and his talents were taken away from him.
The ultimate case of “Use it or lose it.”
When God gives us a vision He expects us to use it. He expects us to put it into practice. He does not expect us to do nothing with it.
It has been said that American Christians are “note rich and application poor”, meaning we highlight and underline God’s Word but we don’t apply it. We put the information in our head but we don’t put it in our heart or our lives.
When I speak I expect my children to listen and obey.
The same is true of God.
Love,
Jill
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Good morning ladies,
Are you disobedient to the vision God has given you?
Many of us don’t even realize we have been given a vision. We expect visions to be grand and wonderful. Large scale productions like God gave Paul. But my Bible defines vision as a supernatural revelation.
All of us have had those. Any time God has spoken to you through His Word you have had a vision, a supernatural revelation from God just for you.
The questions is did you obey.
In Matthew Jesus tells a parable about three men who were each given talents by their master. When the master returned he asked each man what he had done with what he had been given.
Two of the men had invested their talents and they earned the maser’s praise and were given more. But the third man had done nothing with his. Instead of praise he earned the master’s wrath and his talents were taken away from him.
The ultimate case of “Use it or lose it.”
When God gives us a vision He expects us to use it. He expects us to put it into practice. He does not expect us to do nothing with it.
It has been said that American Christians are “note rich and application poor”, meaning we highlight and underline God’s Word but we don’t apply it. We put the information in our head but we don’t put it in our heart or our lives.
When I speak I expect my children to listen and obey.
The same is true of God.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Something to Think About
Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Good morning ladies,
Last night at Bible study we had a good conversation. We were discussing the fourth chapter of Philippians.
In it Paul tells the Philippians how to act and how to think. And thanks them for the support they have sent him.
This book has be an incredible challenge to me. It has been difficult to translate Paul’s experiences into the present. What we believe is so shaped by our culture and what we have been taught.
For example, Americans have so much. Even if we have less than our neighbors we live in plenty. Our streets aren’t filled with people starving, at least not where I live. What do I know about living in want? Nothing.
And last week when our discussion was centered on suffering, someone shared that they believed we were not called to suffer like Paul. I don’t know if that is true or not.
I do know that we are all called to suffer for the gospel. But since suffering is not fun and we have the choice, we unconsciously choose not to suffer.
Maybe it is just me but I could think of ways to increase my suffering for Christ. I could start by giving more to missions and skipping a meal or two, or maybe being bold about sharing the gospel with my neighbors.
Or even scarier I could ask Christ for the privilege of suffering for His name. But honestly I don’t want to.
The Biblical view of suffering is that it is an honor. The apostles rejoiced because they were worthy of suffering for Christ. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. And Paul told the Philippians that they were granted not only faith but suffering, as if it was something good.
That goes against everything I feel.
The truth is I like my cushy lifestyle. I really don’t want to change. I really don’t want to know what God’s Word says because then I feel convicted. I like being fat dumb and happy. I like keeping God in a box.
How about you?
Love,
Jill
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Good morning ladies,
Last night at Bible study we had a good conversation. We were discussing the fourth chapter of Philippians.
In it Paul tells the Philippians how to act and how to think. And thanks them for the support they have sent him.
This book has be an incredible challenge to me. It has been difficult to translate Paul’s experiences into the present. What we believe is so shaped by our culture and what we have been taught.
For example, Americans have so much. Even if we have less than our neighbors we live in plenty. Our streets aren’t filled with people starving, at least not where I live. What do I know about living in want? Nothing.
And last week when our discussion was centered on suffering, someone shared that they believed we were not called to suffer like Paul. I don’t know if that is true or not.
I do know that we are all called to suffer for the gospel. But since suffering is not fun and we have the choice, we unconsciously choose not to suffer.
Maybe it is just me but I could think of ways to increase my suffering for Christ. I could start by giving more to missions and skipping a meal or two, or maybe being bold about sharing the gospel with my neighbors.
Or even scarier I could ask Christ for the privilege of suffering for His name. But honestly I don’t want to.
The Biblical view of suffering is that it is an honor. The apostles rejoiced because they were worthy of suffering for Christ. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. And Paul told the Philippians that they were granted not only faith but suffering, as if it was something good.
That goes against everything I feel.
The truth is I like my cushy lifestyle. I really don’t want to change. I really don’t want to know what God’s Word says because then I feel convicted. I like being fat dumb and happy. I like keeping God in a box.
How about you?
Love,
Jill
Monday, March 8, 2010
What Are You Thinking About?
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Good morning ladies,
Women talk a lot, but they also think a lot, at least I do and the challenge is to make sure that what I am thinking is true.
Sometimes I am thinking about the future, about what will happen tomorrow or next week. Sometimes I am thinking about the past, what happened last Sunday or five years ago. And sometimes I am thinking about things that I just made up.
The problem with thinking about the future is that you have no idea what it holds. Only God knows the future. A lot of energy is wasted thinking about things that never happen.
The problem with thinking about the past is that your recollections are probably not accurate. Our memories are colored by the emotions involved in the event, so what we think happened may not even be true, plus memories seem to change over time.
And the problem with thinking about things you just made up, such as why your friend said or did something that offended you, is they are most often not true.
That is why God tells us what to think about. He knows if we are left to our own devices we will get ourselves into a mess.
We are supposed to think about things that are true, and the only thing that is always true is the Word of God. And we are supposed to think about things that are noble, praiseworthy and excellent.
We are not supposed to think about the wrongs that have been done to us or the fact that everyone takes us for granted.
So today when a thought enters your mind, before you let it stay there ask yourself “Is this true?” Not “Do I think it is true”, but “IS IT TRUE?” Then, if it is true, ask “Is it pure, lovely and noble?
And if it fails either test throw it out before it can cause you any harm.
Love,
Jill
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Good morning ladies,
Women talk a lot, but they also think a lot, at least I do and the challenge is to make sure that what I am thinking is true.
Sometimes I am thinking about the future, about what will happen tomorrow or next week. Sometimes I am thinking about the past, what happened last Sunday or five years ago. And sometimes I am thinking about things that I just made up.
The problem with thinking about the future is that you have no idea what it holds. Only God knows the future. A lot of energy is wasted thinking about things that never happen.
The problem with thinking about the past is that your recollections are probably not accurate. Our memories are colored by the emotions involved in the event, so what we think happened may not even be true, plus memories seem to change over time.
And the problem with thinking about things you just made up, such as why your friend said or did something that offended you, is they are most often not true.
That is why God tells us what to think about. He knows if we are left to our own devices we will get ourselves into a mess.
We are supposed to think about things that are true, and the only thing that is always true is the Word of God. And we are supposed to think about things that are noble, praiseworthy and excellent.
We are not supposed to think about the wrongs that have been done to us or the fact that everyone takes us for granted.
So today when a thought enters your mind, before you let it stay there ask yourself “Is this true?” Not “Do I think it is true”, but “IS IT TRUE?” Then, if it is true, ask “Is it pure, lovely and noble?
And if it fails either test throw it out before it can cause you any harm.
Love,
Jill
Friday, March 5, 2010
Alll Things to All Men
1 Corinthians 9:22-23
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
Good morning ladies,
We had a great lesson in Awana last night.
Bill came in talked about the spread of the gospel into Korea. He did a role play where he told the kids they were Christian prisoners who had brought the Good News into that country. He had them tie their legs together and walk around the building singing praises to God and then he led them into the kitchen where he had prepared a wonderful meal of Korean food.
Now most of the kids had never had Kimchi before and they weren’t too excited about trying it. Bill explained it was just a vegetable made by God and that if they didn’t eat it they would offend their captures and make it difficult for them to share the gospel.
I’m not sure all the kids got it but I did.
Sometimes we limit our ability to share Jesus with others because of the way we act. If we are unkind or offensive, unforgiving or critical how effective will we be in sharing our faith?
Who wants to listen to someone that has offended them?
That is why Paul says he is willing to become all things to all people. Not that he changes his faith in God, but he is willing to change those things that might offended others or cause them to stumble so that he can reach them for God.
He wrote to the Corinthians “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.”
Paul had one focus in life: love God and love others.
And because of that he had joy.
Love,
Jill
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
Good morning ladies,
We had a great lesson in Awana last night.
Bill came in talked about the spread of the gospel into Korea. He did a role play where he told the kids they were Christian prisoners who had brought the Good News into that country. He had them tie their legs together and walk around the building singing praises to God and then he led them into the kitchen where he had prepared a wonderful meal of Korean food.
Now most of the kids had never had Kimchi before and they weren’t too excited about trying it. Bill explained it was just a vegetable made by God and that if they didn’t eat it they would offend their captures and make it difficult for them to share the gospel.
I’m not sure all the kids got it but I did.
Sometimes we limit our ability to share Jesus with others because of the way we act. If we are unkind or offensive, unforgiving or critical how effective will we be in sharing our faith?
Who wants to listen to someone that has offended them?
That is why Paul says he is willing to become all things to all people. Not that he changes his faith in God, but he is willing to change those things that might offended others or cause them to stumble so that he can reach them for God.
He wrote to the Corinthians “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.”
Paul had one focus in life: love God and love others.
And because of that he had joy.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rejoice!
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good morning ladies,
I don’t know what your day looks like today. I don’t know if it is good or bad or just boring. But I do know that God made it and He commands us to rejoice and be glad about it.
We do not have to be glad about our circumstances or about the things we have to do; we have to be glad about the fact that God made the day.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God is still God, He is still in control and if we lose sight of that we also lose our joy.
Our joy cannot be dependant upon our circumstance or it is worthless. It will ebb and flow like the tide or change with the wind. Our joy must be dependant upon God because He is the only thing in life that is constant.
Too many of us live by our feelings, but feelings aren’t truth. They are just feelings.
God and His revealed Word is truth.
Life is a roller coaster; it is filled with ups and downs, some good days, and some bad. But the fact of the matter is that God himself built that roller coaster and He put you on it.
And Christian joy comes from focusing on the builder not the ride.
Love,
Jill
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good morning ladies,
I don’t know what your day looks like today. I don’t know if it is good or bad or just boring. But I do know that God made it and He commands us to rejoice and be glad about it.
We do not have to be glad about our circumstances or about the things we have to do; we have to be glad about the fact that God made the day.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God is still God, He is still in control and if we lose sight of that we also lose our joy.
Our joy cannot be dependant upon our circumstance or it is worthless. It will ebb and flow like the tide or change with the wind. Our joy must be dependant upon God because He is the only thing in life that is constant.
Too many of us live by our feelings, but feelings aren’t truth. They are just feelings.
God and His revealed Word is truth.
Life is a roller coaster; it is filled with ups and downs, some good days, and some bad. But the fact of the matter is that God himself built that roller coaster and He put you on it.
And Christian joy comes from focusing on the builder not the ride.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Yes or No?
Matthew 5:37
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Good morning ladies,
My kids have every intention of obeying me. They just don’t always do it.
Take last night for example. They were supposed to go to Youth and then come home and finish their homework. Instead they went to Youth and then went to Burger King with some of the kids.
As soon as they got home and I reminded them about what they were supposed to do they were repentant and apologized. And I know they meant it but I also know they will do it again.
Because what they want to do overshadows what they have been asked to do.
The problem is that I am having trouble getting really angry with them because God is showing me that I do the same thing to Him all the time.
I have every intention of obeying God ,and I tell Him so, but somehow I find myself doing exactly what I want instead.
This weeks’ Bible study had us evaluate our Christian walk. The first box read “Things I Need to Change” the second box said “I Will or I Will Not”. And I liked that. I thought they were giving me a choice whether or not I wanted to change.
But that isn’t what they meant at all. They meant “I will…” finish the sentence with what you need to start doing, or “I will not…” finish the sentence with what you need to stop doing. Basically a personal put on/put off list.
Whether or not to obey wasn’t a choice.
We all had a good laugh about me misreading the lesson but it isn’t really all that funny because it shows my heart.
Somewhere inside of me I still believe that disobeying God is an option as long as I am honest about it. But it isn’t. Not if I want all the blessings.
Love,
Jill
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Good morning ladies,
My kids have every intention of obeying me. They just don’t always do it.
Take last night for example. They were supposed to go to Youth and then come home and finish their homework. Instead they went to Youth and then went to Burger King with some of the kids.
As soon as they got home and I reminded them about what they were supposed to do they were repentant and apologized. And I know they meant it but I also know they will do it again.
Because what they want to do overshadows what they have been asked to do.
The problem is that I am having trouble getting really angry with them because God is showing me that I do the same thing to Him all the time.
I have every intention of obeying God ,and I tell Him so, but somehow I find myself doing exactly what I want instead.
This weeks’ Bible study had us evaluate our Christian walk. The first box read “Things I Need to Change” the second box said “I Will or I Will Not”. And I liked that. I thought they were giving me a choice whether or not I wanted to change.
But that isn’t what they meant at all. They meant “I will…” finish the sentence with what you need to start doing, or “I will not…” finish the sentence with what you need to stop doing. Basically a personal put on/put off list.
Whether or not to obey wasn’t a choice.
We all had a good laugh about me misreading the lesson but it isn’t really all that funny because it shows my heart.
Somewhere inside of me I still believe that disobeying God is an option as long as I am honest about it. But it isn’t. Not if I want all the blessings.
Love,
Jill
Monday, March 1, 2010
Walk in the Light
John 3:19-20
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Good morning ladies,
I had a bit of a shock this morning as I was taking Nick to school. He leaves at 6:45 in the morning and in August, when school started, I used to get dressed before I drove him to school because I didn’t want to be seen in my bathrobe.
Around Christmas time I noticed it was still dark outside when we left so one morning, when I was in a hurry, I didn’t get dressed I just took him to school in my ratty old bathrobe and slippers.
And I liked it. It was easier on me and there was a little bit of a thrill because I knew I was doing something that Gary would not approve of.
Well this morning when I walked outside the neighbor across the street was out getting his paper and I noticed that it wasn’t dark out anymore. Slowly it has gotten lighter in the morning and the darkness that used to cover up my unflattering attire was gone.
I was in the light and what was fine for the darkness was no longer okay and I knew I was going to have to make the effort to get dressed from now on.
For me being in the light is one of the best things about being a Zebra.
Zebras are other women who love God, want to grow in their faith, and believe the Word of God is true so it is difficult to be around them and continue to sin.
And that is good.
I don’t want there to be anything in me that is displeasing to Jesus and sometimes I can fool myself. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked and it is true. We can convince ourselves that our little sin is no big deal, or even worse that it isn’t a sin at all.
Proverbs 27:17 says: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
So ladies we need one another, not only for encouragement but also for accountability if we want to grow in our faith.
Remember it is the lone Zebra that gets eaten!
Love,
Jill
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Good morning ladies,
I had a bit of a shock this morning as I was taking Nick to school. He leaves at 6:45 in the morning and in August, when school started, I used to get dressed before I drove him to school because I didn’t want to be seen in my bathrobe.
Around Christmas time I noticed it was still dark outside when we left so one morning, when I was in a hurry, I didn’t get dressed I just took him to school in my ratty old bathrobe and slippers.
And I liked it. It was easier on me and there was a little bit of a thrill because I knew I was doing something that Gary would not approve of.
Well this morning when I walked outside the neighbor across the street was out getting his paper and I noticed that it wasn’t dark out anymore. Slowly it has gotten lighter in the morning and the darkness that used to cover up my unflattering attire was gone.
I was in the light and what was fine for the darkness was no longer okay and I knew I was going to have to make the effort to get dressed from now on.
For me being in the light is one of the best things about being a Zebra.
Zebras are other women who love God, want to grow in their faith, and believe the Word of God is true so it is difficult to be around them and continue to sin.
And that is good.
I don’t want there to be anything in me that is displeasing to Jesus and sometimes I can fool myself. Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked and it is true. We can convince ourselves that our little sin is no big deal, or even worse that it isn’t a sin at all.
Proverbs 27:17 says: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
So ladies we need one another, not only for encouragement but also for accountability if we want to grow in our faith.
Remember it is the lone Zebra that gets eaten!
Love,
Jill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
