John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 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.
Good morning Zebras,
Abigail and Joshua, my two little “moodle” dogs are less then twelve inches tall. Even standing on their back legs they aren’t tall enough to see much of the world. But they sure want to. Especially what is on the kitchen table.
Unfortunately, I have trained my little dogs to be beggars. When I sit down to eat my cereal in the morning they know they are going to get a flake or two, and there is a good possibility of getting a piece of turkey or chicken at lunch. So every time I sit down at the table they get very excited.
The other night we sat down to play Scrabble and the dogs came running. Hopefully, they looked up at the table expecting it to provide them with some tasty little treat. But of course it didn’t because there wasn’t anything edible to give them.
When I reached down to pick Joshua up to show him there was nothing available to eat, I could feel his little heart pounding with excitement. The table had become a magical wonderful place full of blessings and treats and he couldn’t wait to see it.
Of course he was disappointed. There was nothing on the table but a Scrabble board and a lot of little letters.
Thank goodness that won’t happen to us.
When God finally lifts us up to heaven we are not going to be disappointed. We are going to be amazed. We will understand that every sacrifice we ever made for Christ was worth it. In fact I think we may wish we had done more.
Now I do not presume to understand everything the Bible teaches about heaven and eternal rewards. In fact I have as many questions as I have answers. But I do believe the Bible and it says that there will be treasures.
Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Learning From the Hip
2Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Good morning Zebras,
A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was having trouble with my hip. I was hit by a car when I was thirteen and the joint has finally deteriorated to the point that it probably needs to be replaced. But like everything God is using it to teach me things.
First, like I already shared, He is using it to remind me that He is always with me. When and if the pain ever goes away I may tie a string around my wrist so that I will never forget again.
Second, sometimes we think they can “sin and get away with it.’ But we can’t. Not really. Sin has consequences and we usually don’t even know what they will be. Forty years ago when I got hit by that car I had no idea that someday I would be facing surgery because of it. If I had I would have tried harder to avoid being hit.
Maybe the same is true about sins. Maybe if God showed us the consequences of our sins we would try harder to avoid them. Adam sinned and God forgave him but He still threw him out of the garden. I don’t think Adam had planned on that.
Third, I have a limited time to get done what I need to get done. My leg is good for a few hours and then it gives out. I can’t afford to waste the “good time” doing things that don’t need to get done.
The same is true of my life. I have only so many years to live and I really can’t afford to waste any more of them doing things that really don’t need to get done, things that have no eternal value.
And finally, I have thought a lot about my weakness and God’s strength.
If you, like me, sometimes feel you are at the end of your strength, remember God’s strength is just beginning.
Love,
Jill
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Good morning Zebras,
A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was having trouble with my hip. I was hit by a car when I was thirteen and the joint has finally deteriorated to the point that it probably needs to be replaced. But like everything God is using it to teach me things.
First, like I already shared, He is using it to remind me that He is always with me. When and if the pain ever goes away I may tie a string around my wrist so that I will never forget again.
Second, sometimes we think they can “sin and get away with it.’ But we can’t. Not really. Sin has consequences and we usually don’t even know what they will be. Forty years ago when I got hit by that car I had no idea that someday I would be facing surgery because of it. If I had I would have tried harder to avoid being hit.
Maybe the same is true about sins. Maybe if God showed us the consequences of our sins we would try harder to avoid them. Adam sinned and God forgave him but He still threw him out of the garden. I don’t think Adam had planned on that.
Third, I have a limited time to get done what I need to get done. My leg is good for a few hours and then it gives out. I can’t afford to waste the “good time” doing things that don’t need to get done.
The same is true of my life. I have only so many years to live and I really can’t afford to waste any more of them doing things that really don’t need to get done, things that have no eternal value.
And finally, I have thought a lot about my weakness and God’s strength.
If you, like me, sometimes feel you are at the end of your strength, remember God’s strength is just beginning.
Love,
Jill
Body Parts
1Corinthians 12:4-5
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
Good morning Zebras,
Today’s verses come from Paul’s explanation to the church at Corinth about Spiritual gifts. If you are not familiar with this passage I encourage you to read it.
Lately I have been struck by its practical application.
God did not make us all alike. He could have but He didn’t and that is a good thing.
Each of us has gifts given to us by God. No one got left out. And no one got them all. There are not “super saints” and “losers.”
There are just body parts with different gifts.
There are many parts, but one body and the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
Understanding that is key to spiritual growth and harmony.
Sometimes people are not happy with the gifts God has given them. They wish they had been given something different. But being dissatisfied with the gifts God has given you is a sure road to depression. A cat is still a cat even if it wants to be a dog.
And second, when you really understand that everyone is gifted BY God to do something you begin to value one another more. People who are totally different from you are still an important part of the body.
Paul writes to the Ephesians: Everyone was created by God to do good works which God Himself prepared in advance for us to do.
And I think one of the purposes of Zebras is to help each other understand that.
A good herd is made up of a lot of different women, women who have a variety of spiritual gifts and levels of spiritual maturity. But they all have one thing in common. They all love the Lord and desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
And together we can.
Love,
Jill
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
Good morning Zebras,
Today’s verses come from Paul’s explanation to the church at Corinth about Spiritual gifts. If you are not familiar with this passage I encourage you to read it.
Lately I have been struck by its practical application.
God did not make us all alike. He could have but He didn’t and that is a good thing.
Each of us has gifts given to us by God. No one got left out. And no one got them all. There are not “super saints” and “losers.”
There are just body parts with different gifts.
There are many parts, but one body and the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
Understanding that is key to spiritual growth and harmony.
Sometimes people are not happy with the gifts God has given them. They wish they had been given something different. But being dissatisfied with the gifts God has given you is a sure road to depression. A cat is still a cat even if it wants to be a dog.
And second, when you really understand that everyone is gifted BY God to do something you begin to value one another more. People who are totally different from you are still an important part of the body.
Paul writes to the Ephesians: Everyone was created by God to do good works which God Himself prepared in advance for us to do.
And I think one of the purposes of Zebras is to help each other understand that.
A good herd is made up of a lot of different women, women who have a variety of spiritual gifts and levels of spiritual maturity. But they all have one thing in common. They all love the Lord and desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
And together we can.
Love,
Jill
Friday, August 27, 2010
Poor in Spirit
Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Good morning Zebras,
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? To me being “poor in spirit” means being depressed, beaten down, sad, discouraged and generally miserable. Is this what I have to do to gain the kingdom of heaven? That doesn’t sound fun. That doesn’t sound right. That doesn’t sound like something I want to do.
When I studied the Sermon on the Mount last summer, God showed me that “poor in spirit” does not mean depressed, it means that you have come to recognize your spiritual helplessness. You have come to the realization that there is nothing you can do to work your way to God.
We are blessed, welcomed into God’s kingdom when we realize who God is and who we are.
That was so encouraging to me because that is the basis of the gospel message and salvation. It was not something I had to do. It was something I had already done.
If you realize that there is nothing you can do to earn the love and forgiveness of Christ. If you recognize that in the face of a Holy God you are nothing. Then you are already poor in spirit, and therefore blessed.
To me this is the great dichotomy of the Christian faith, when you realize you are nothing, you become everything.
The other thing I learned is that this is an ongoing process. The more I gaze upon the face of God by praying and meditating on His Word, the more poor in spirit I become, and the more I am blessed. Less of me, more of God.
Ladies, we serve an amazing, wonderful, gracious, powerful, holy, perfect God who loves us and desires to live in us if we will only make the room.
Have a wonderful weekend little zebras, I’ll talk to you Monday.
Love,
Jill
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Good morning Zebras,
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? To me being “poor in spirit” means being depressed, beaten down, sad, discouraged and generally miserable. Is this what I have to do to gain the kingdom of heaven? That doesn’t sound fun. That doesn’t sound right. That doesn’t sound like something I want to do.
When I studied the Sermon on the Mount last summer, God showed me that “poor in spirit” does not mean depressed, it means that you have come to recognize your spiritual helplessness. You have come to the realization that there is nothing you can do to work your way to God.
We are blessed, welcomed into God’s kingdom when we realize who God is and who we are.
That was so encouraging to me because that is the basis of the gospel message and salvation. It was not something I had to do. It was something I had already done.
If you realize that there is nothing you can do to earn the love and forgiveness of Christ. If you recognize that in the face of a Holy God you are nothing. Then you are already poor in spirit, and therefore blessed.
To me this is the great dichotomy of the Christian faith, when you realize you are nothing, you become everything.
The other thing I learned is that this is an ongoing process. The more I gaze upon the face of God by praying and meditating on His Word, the more poor in spirit I become, and the more I am blessed. Less of me, more of God.
Ladies, we serve an amazing, wonderful, gracious, powerful, holy, perfect God who loves us and desires to live in us if we will only make the room.
Have a wonderful weekend little zebras, I’ll talk to you Monday.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Bad Breath
2 Timothy 2:19-21
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,” and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Good morning little Zebras,
The breeze has returned, the weather is cooler and I feel like I have my life back. I know some of you probably love the heat, but I don’t. It has never agreed with me and it probably never will, I’m just not built that way. In fact it makes me grouchy and mean.
Just like sin.
God did not make me to live in heat. Nor did He make me to live in sin.
Our herd is pondering the holiness of God this month and it has been amazing. The truths revealed in Scripture about His holiness are transforming. I have been challenged to take more seriously the sin in my own life, not only because it is a bad witness for Christ, but because it may prevent God from using me to the extent I would like.
This morning I woke up to Joshua licking my nose. Now Joshua has REALLY bad breath so I usually keep him away from my face. But his morning he snuck in a lick or two while I was still asleep. And for some reason his breath didn’t stink, so I let him stay.
And God said, “See, this is the point I am trying to make. You love Joshua; you want him near you but that stinky breath of his gets in the way. Just like us. I love you and I want you near Me but that sin you keep holding onto gets in the way.”
Ouch!
Our sin is repulsive to God, He cannot be near it. That’s why He sent Jesus. And that’s why we have to take the sin in our life seriously.
1 Peter 1:15-17
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
Love,
Jill
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,” and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Good morning little Zebras,
The breeze has returned, the weather is cooler and I feel like I have my life back. I know some of you probably love the heat, but I don’t. It has never agreed with me and it probably never will, I’m just not built that way. In fact it makes me grouchy and mean.
Just like sin.
God did not make me to live in heat. Nor did He make me to live in sin.
Our herd is pondering the holiness of God this month and it has been amazing. The truths revealed in Scripture about His holiness are transforming. I have been challenged to take more seriously the sin in my own life, not only because it is a bad witness for Christ, but because it may prevent God from using me to the extent I would like.
This morning I woke up to Joshua licking my nose. Now Joshua has REALLY bad breath so I usually keep him away from my face. But his morning he snuck in a lick or two while I was still asleep. And for some reason his breath didn’t stink, so I let him stay.
And God said, “See, this is the point I am trying to make. You love Joshua; you want him near you but that stinky breath of his gets in the way. Just like us. I love you and I want you near Me but that sin you keep holding onto gets in the way.”
Ouch!
Our sin is repulsive to God, He cannot be near it. That’s why He sent Jesus. And that’s why we have to take the sin in our life seriously.
1 Peter 1:15-17
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Too Hot
Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved...For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Good morning Zebras,
Benicia, where I live, is having a bit of a heat wave. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area so our climate tends to be moderate. We are not on the ocean, but we are close enough that we often have coastal fog and cool nights, but not yesterday.
Yesterday was miserable. It was over 100 degrees and I don’t have air conditioning.
Last night at Bible study we finished up our study on the first three chapters of Revelation. We talked about overcomers and those who do not overcome. Overcomers, believers who stand strong to the end, have a wealth of rewards waiting for them. The rest get thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Last night when I woke up hot, sweaty, and miserable, the first thought that popped in my head was “Thank You God that You did not give me what I deserved.”
I deserve the Lake of Fire, I get Heaven.
Most of us who live in Benicia take for granted what I call “God’s air-conditioning,” the fantastic breeze that comes up every afternoon and cools everything down. Sometimes we even complain about it because it makes things “too cold.”
But yesterday when it didn’t show up we all missed it.
And that is how I think it is with God’s grace. We are so used to having it that sometimes we take it for granted. We may even complain a little because God hasn’t given us more. But if we ever lost His grace, even for a second, we would miss it immediately and do anything to get it back.
Love,
Jill
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved...For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Good morning Zebras,
Benicia, where I live, is having a bit of a heat wave. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area so our climate tends to be moderate. We are not on the ocean, but we are close enough that we often have coastal fog and cool nights, but not yesterday.
Yesterday was miserable. It was over 100 degrees and I don’t have air conditioning.
Last night at Bible study we finished up our study on the first three chapters of Revelation. We talked about overcomers and those who do not overcome. Overcomers, believers who stand strong to the end, have a wealth of rewards waiting for them. The rest get thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Last night when I woke up hot, sweaty, and miserable, the first thought that popped in my head was “Thank You God that You did not give me what I deserved.”
I deserve the Lake of Fire, I get Heaven.
Most of us who live in Benicia take for granted what I call “God’s air-conditioning,” the fantastic breeze that comes up every afternoon and cools everything down. Sometimes we even complain about it because it makes things “too cold.”
But yesterday when it didn’t show up we all missed it.
And that is how I think it is with God’s grace. We are so used to having it that sometimes we take it for granted. We may even complain a little because God hasn’t given us more. But if we ever lost His grace, even for a second, we would miss it immediately and do anything to get it back.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Obedience First
Matthew 21:28-31
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
”I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
Good morning Zebras,
Joshie-moodle, my little dog of unknown origins likes to sleep on my bed. He is supposed to sleep on Nick’s bed. But since I go to bed earlier than my fifteen year old son, Joshua starts out on my bed and then relocates.
Every night, when Nick is ready to go to bed, he will come into my room to get Joshua. And every night Joshua will jump down off the bed and follow him growling the entire way. He obeys, but he wants everyone to know he is not happy about it.
It always reminds me of the parable of the two sons, the source of today’s verses.
When Jesus asked the religious leaders, “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” The answer was obvious, just like Joshua, it is the one who went.
I have found that I obey God REALLY well when it is something that I enjoy doing. Not as well when it is something I don’t like to do. But saying I am going to obey God and then not doing it, is really just disobedience in disguise.
And that’s sin.
This morning I asked God to change my heart, to make me want to do the things that please Him. And He may be gracious and do that. But whether He does or not, I still need to obey and do what He has asked.
Because I know it is important to God and the pathway to blessings.
Genesis 4:6-7
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Love,
Jill
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'
”I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.
"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
Good morning Zebras,
Joshie-moodle, my little dog of unknown origins likes to sleep on my bed. He is supposed to sleep on Nick’s bed. But since I go to bed earlier than my fifteen year old son, Joshua starts out on my bed and then relocates.
Every night, when Nick is ready to go to bed, he will come into my room to get Joshua. And every night Joshua will jump down off the bed and follow him growling the entire way. He obeys, but he wants everyone to know he is not happy about it.
It always reminds me of the parable of the two sons, the source of today’s verses.
When Jesus asked the religious leaders, “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” The answer was obvious, just like Joshua, it is the one who went.
I have found that I obey God REALLY well when it is something that I enjoy doing. Not as well when it is something I don’t like to do. But saying I am going to obey God and then not doing it, is really just disobedience in disguise.
And that’s sin.
This morning I asked God to change my heart, to make me want to do the things that please Him. And He may be gracious and do that. But whether He does or not, I still need to obey and do what He has asked.
Because I know it is important to God and the pathway to blessings.
Genesis 4:6-7
Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Love,
Jill
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Good Use of Time
Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Good morning Zebras,
Saturday our youth group went to the beach. They go every year and it is a fun tradition. Gary, my husband, and I take turns being drivers and this year it was his turn. Unfortunately on Wednesday he came down with a cold and it didn’t look like he was going to be able to go. Because I didn’t want to go by myself again we decided we would both go and share the load.
Saturday morning I woke up and I really didn’t want to go. It was going to be cold at the beach, 68 degrees, and sitting there freezing just didn’t appeal to me. Plus I had a lot of things I needed to do.
I shared my thoughts with Gary and he graciously offered to let me stay home. But he said “If I am going to go alone, you need to make sure that you make good use of your time and not nap all day with the moodles.”
I immediately thought ‘Christ said the same thing.”
Jesus Christ came and gave us the gift of life. He gave us everything we need for life and godliness, setting us free from the penalty and power of sin and He expects us to do something with it.
He expects His sacrifice to change our lives.
He expects us to seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteous, to love Him more than we love anything else, and to count everything a loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus.
He expects us to be different.
The problem comes in when others don’t agree, especially other Christians. And that is why we have Zebras, to reassure you that you are not alone and that there are other women who feel the same way.
So go, be different, love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul, dance for joy if you want to, sing if you can. Love your neighbor as yourself, turn the other cheek, die to self, and feel free not to worry. And tell others the “Good News.” Because that is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Love,
Jill
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
Good morning Zebras,
Saturday our youth group went to the beach. They go every year and it is a fun tradition. Gary, my husband, and I take turns being drivers and this year it was his turn. Unfortunately on Wednesday he came down with a cold and it didn’t look like he was going to be able to go. Because I didn’t want to go by myself again we decided we would both go and share the load.
Saturday morning I woke up and I really didn’t want to go. It was going to be cold at the beach, 68 degrees, and sitting there freezing just didn’t appeal to me. Plus I had a lot of things I needed to do.
I shared my thoughts with Gary and he graciously offered to let me stay home. But he said “If I am going to go alone, you need to make sure that you make good use of your time and not nap all day with the moodles.”
I immediately thought ‘Christ said the same thing.”
Jesus Christ came and gave us the gift of life. He gave us everything we need for life and godliness, setting us free from the penalty and power of sin and He expects us to do something with it.
He expects His sacrifice to change our lives.
He expects us to seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteous, to love Him more than we love anything else, and to count everything a loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus.
He expects us to be different.
The problem comes in when others don’t agree, especially other Christians. And that is why we have Zebras, to reassure you that you are not alone and that there are other women who feel the same way.
So go, be different, love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul, dance for joy if you want to, sing if you can. Love your neighbor as yourself, turn the other cheek, die to self, and feel free not to worry. And tell others the “Good News.” Because that is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Love,
Jill
Friday, August 20, 2010
Does God Beg?
Luke 8:28
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!"
Good morning Zebras,
Tuesday at Bible study we got into an interesting discussion about whether or not God begs.
We were watching a video teaching on Revelation 3:14-24, and the instructor, who is a very passionate woman, portrayed God as begging the church at Laodicea to open the door and let Him in; otherwise He would have no choice but to spit them out of His mouth.
After the video I commented that although I thought the teaching was wonderful, I do not believe we should be portraying God as someone who is begging us to let Him into our life. Somehow to me, that didn’t seem right.
Others disagreed, some weren’t sure, and I have been thinking about it ever since.
So this morning I did a search on BibleGateway for the word “beg.” And I was right-God does not beg. People beg each other and people beg God but God does not beg.
And that makes sense.
The online definition for beg is: to call upon in supplication; entreat. In other words, the person doing the begging is the one who has the greater need.
Since God needs nothing and we need everything, who should be doing the begging?
“But Jill,” you may say, “does this really matter? Aren’t you just splitting hairs? “
Maybe, but I don’t think so.
A.W. Tozer wrote in his book “Whatever Happened to Worship?” An individual Christian will be a success or a failure depending upon what he or she thinks of God. And I agree.
How much confidence can you have in God if He has to beg us for stuff?
Dogs beg, God does not.
Have a wonderful weekend little Zebras, serving the Most High God who holds in His hands all good things.
Love,
Jill
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!"
Good morning Zebras,
Tuesday at Bible study we got into an interesting discussion about whether or not God begs.
We were watching a video teaching on Revelation 3:14-24, and the instructor, who is a very passionate woman, portrayed God as begging the church at Laodicea to open the door and let Him in; otherwise He would have no choice but to spit them out of His mouth.
After the video I commented that although I thought the teaching was wonderful, I do not believe we should be portraying God as someone who is begging us to let Him into our life. Somehow to me, that didn’t seem right.
Others disagreed, some weren’t sure, and I have been thinking about it ever since.
So this morning I did a search on BibleGateway for the word “beg.” And I was right-God does not beg. People beg each other and people beg God but God does not beg.
And that makes sense.
The online definition for beg is: to call upon in supplication; entreat. In other words, the person doing the begging is the one who has the greater need.
Since God needs nothing and we need everything, who should be doing the begging?
“But Jill,” you may say, “does this really matter? Aren’t you just splitting hairs? “
Maybe, but I don’t think so.
A.W. Tozer wrote in his book “Whatever Happened to Worship?” An individual Christian will be a success or a failure depending upon what he or she thinks of God. And I agree.
How much confidence can you have in God if He has to beg us for stuff?
Dogs beg, God does not.
Have a wonderful weekend little Zebras, serving the Most High God who holds in His hands all good things.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Christian Friends
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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
Good morning Zebras,
As God is moving me forward in this ministry He has taken me back to the beginning and the reason all of this was started. Today's z-mail is from February 2009.
Dear little Zebras,
I was reminded today of how important Christian fellowship is. Katherine, my daughter, was very discouraged last night because she feels she is making no progress in reaching her lost friends for Christ. God is so real to her and she can’t understand why others don’t “get it”
As I was praying for her this morning I was reminded why God had me start the Zebras. A lone Christian, like a lone zebra is an easy target.
But what does real Christian friendship look like.
Tuesday, in Bible study we discussed the story of David, Nabal and Abigail. David had protected Nabal’s flocks but when David went to ask Nabal to allow his men to participate in the feasts Nabal refused. David became angry and decided to kill Nabal and all the men in his family. Abigail, Nabal’s wife heard about David’s “evil” plan and went to meet him on the road.
I always thought that Abigail went to stop David because she loved her husband and didn’t want David to kill him, but that is not true. Abigail was sent by God to stop David from doing something that was evil. (1Samuel 25: 18-34) And David, who could have killed her or ignored her, listened and blessed Abigail for her good judgment (discernment) and for keeping him from committing bloodshed.
That to me is the picture of a Christian friend. Even though Abigail did not know David, she knew God had chosen him to be the king of Israel. She knew God had great plans for David and she did not want him to commit so grievous a sin as slaughtering Nabal and his family.
Ephesians 3:10 says “For are all God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Not many of us are called to be kings, but we are all called to do something.
Do you have friends that care enough about you that they will try and prevent you from sinning? Do they see God’s purpose for you and encourage you to continue on to reach that goal? Or do they stand by silently while you go down a path that God never intended for you to go.
To all my Zebra sisters who have corrected, chastised, encouraged and loved me; and those who have seen God’s calling on my life and have encouraged me on the journey, I am forever grateful.
Little Zebra, if you don’t have someone who loves you and can speak truth to you I encourage you to find them. That is what being a Christian Zebra is about.
Love,
Jill
If you are intereseted in starting your own local herd, contact me, it is easy and it's FREE!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 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
Good morning Zebras,
As God is moving me forward in this ministry He has taken me back to the beginning and the reason all of this was started. Today's z-mail is from February 2009.
Dear little Zebras,
I was reminded today of how important Christian fellowship is. Katherine, my daughter, was very discouraged last night because she feels she is making no progress in reaching her lost friends for Christ. God is so real to her and she can’t understand why others don’t “get it”
As I was praying for her this morning I was reminded why God had me start the Zebras. A lone Christian, like a lone zebra is an easy target.
But what does real Christian friendship look like.
Tuesday, in Bible study we discussed the story of David, Nabal and Abigail. David had protected Nabal’s flocks but when David went to ask Nabal to allow his men to participate in the feasts Nabal refused. David became angry and decided to kill Nabal and all the men in his family. Abigail, Nabal’s wife heard about David’s “evil” plan and went to meet him on the road.
I always thought that Abigail went to stop David because she loved her husband and didn’t want David to kill him, but that is not true. Abigail was sent by God to stop David from doing something that was evil. (1Samuel 25: 18-34) And David, who could have killed her or ignored her, listened and blessed Abigail for her good judgment (discernment) and for keeping him from committing bloodshed.
That to me is the picture of a Christian friend. Even though Abigail did not know David, she knew God had chosen him to be the king of Israel. She knew God had great plans for David and she did not want him to commit so grievous a sin as slaughtering Nabal and his family.
Ephesians 3:10 says “For are all God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Not many of us are called to be kings, but we are all called to do something.
Do you have friends that care enough about you that they will try and prevent you from sinning? Do they see God’s purpose for you and encourage you to continue on to reach that goal? Or do they stand by silently while you go down a path that God never intended for you to go.
To all my Zebra sisters who have corrected, chastised, encouraged and loved me; and those who have seen God’s calling on my life and have encouraged me on the journey, I am forever grateful.
Little Zebra, if you don’t have someone who loves you and can speak truth to you I encourage you to find them. That is what being a Christian Zebra is about.
Love,
Jill
If you are intereseted in starting your own local herd, contact me, it is easy and it's FREE!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
What Do You Talk About?
Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night’s Bible study was on Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus’ message to the church at Laodicea. This is the church that is most often compared to the United States, rich and complacent. Is that you?
Today’s z-mail is from February 2009.
Good morning little Zebras,
I want to encourage you that if you are not in a Bible study you might want to prayerfully consider joining one. We are studying 1Samuel on Tuesday nights and it has been one of those studies that has impacted me far more than I ever expected.
As we have studied David and Saul it has become so clear that our heart is so very important to God. I know I have shared this before, but it has been such a freeing revelation to me. I try so hard to be “good” but I never make it and then I feel that I am a disappointment to God. The epiphany that I have had during this study is that God is looking at my heart-do I love Him? That I do!
So here’s my funny story from yesterday.
I went to an in-service at school for the visual and performing arts. It is designed to give us an appreciation of the arts and their importance in the overall education of students. (This is supported by grant money from an arts foundation.) Anyway, at these in-services we have had the opportunity to be “artists” and it has been really fun.
Yesterday’s task was to create a collage representing our hopes and dreams. Well, the only thing that came to mind is that I want to be transformed to the image of Christ and that didn’t seem to translate well to pictures cut out from a magazine and glued onto cardboard.
But I persevered and created something.
After we were done, we had to go around and share what our collages meant. So when it was my turn I said something like, “My hope and dream, almost to the point of obsession, is to be transformed into the image of Christ.” You could have heard a pin drop, but what a moment! It was my own personal coming out party, and so freeing, a confirmation that I do love the Lord because the Bible says that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
If you are wondering if your heart is fully committed to the Lord listen to what you talk about and you will hear your heart. If you find that it is not as committed as you would like, pray for that. Those are the prayers that God loves to answer.
Love,
Jill
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night’s Bible study was on Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus’ message to the church at Laodicea. This is the church that is most often compared to the United States, rich and complacent. Is that you?
Today’s z-mail is from February 2009.
Good morning little Zebras,
I want to encourage you that if you are not in a Bible study you might want to prayerfully consider joining one. We are studying 1Samuel on Tuesday nights and it has been one of those studies that has impacted me far more than I ever expected.
As we have studied David and Saul it has become so clear that our heart is so very important to God. I know I have shared this before, but it has been such a freeing revelation to me. I try so hard to be “good” but I never make it and then I feel that I am a disappointment to God. The epiphany that I have had during this study is that God is looking at my heart-do I love Him? That I do!
So here’s my funny story from yesterday.
I went to an in-service at school for the visual and performing arts. It is designed to give us an appreciation of the arts and their importance in the overall education of students. (This is supported by grant money from an arts foundation.) Anyway, at these in-services we have had the opportunity to be “artists” and it has been really fun.
Yesterday’s task was to create a collage representing our hopes and dreams. Well, the only thing that came to mind is that I want to be transformed to the image of Christ and that didn’t seem to translate well to pictures cut out from a magazine and glued onto cardboard.
But I persevered and created something.
After we were done, we had to go around and share what our collages meant. So when it was my turn I said something like, “My hope and dream, almost to the point of obsession, is to be transformed into the image of Christ.” You could have heard a pin drop, but what a moment! It was my own personal coming out party, and so freeing, a confirmation that I do love the Lord because the Bible says that out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
If you are wondering if your heart is fully committed to the Lord listen to what you talk about and you will hear your heart. If you find that it is not as committed as you would like, pray for that. Those are the prayers that God loves to answer.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Troubles?
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Good morning Zebras,
God has me revisiting the things He taught me a year ago as I once again wait for His direction and provision. Today's z-mail was originally written in May 2009.
Dear Zebras,
A friend sent me a U-tube clip of Art Linkletter’s show Kids Say the Darndest Things. It was very cute, but what really struck me was how prominent God was, not only on the show but in the minds of the kids.
My favorite clip was of a little boy whose response to the question “What would you like to be when you grow up?” was that he would like to be either a bus driver or a pilot. Mr. Linkletter said “Oh a pilot…” and asked him “What would you do if you were in a plane and all four of your engines quit working?” With only a moment’s hesitation the little boy dropped his head and said “Our Father who art in heaven…”
That little boy had been taught that in times of trouble the proper response is to seek God.
For many people we are living in a time where metaphorically all four engines on their planes have failed. They have lost jobs, retirement accounts and maybe even their homes. They have lost the things of this world that they based their security on. And how, as a nation, are we responding?
If we were responding by seeking the face of God I would think that attendance in church would be up as it was after 911, but I haven’t seen that reported in the news.
What is up instead is the sale of alcohol, chocolate and movie tickets, lies and idols that will never give the comfort of God.
Jesus said in Matthew 13:22 that it is the cares of the world that choke out the Word of God.
Little Zebras, we need to remember that we should not respond to trouble like the world. We are zebras, they are horses. We know what they do not know, that our God is in charge of all things, that everything happening is under His control, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and to provide for us the things that we need. We know that trials happen to strength our faith so that we will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing, that this world is not all that there is, but just a shadow of the things that are to come. We know that our focus should be on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, not on the world because He who lives in us has already conquered the world. We do not need to run to worthless idols to comfort us or distract us; instead we need to throw ourselves at the feet of Christ and allow Him to lift us up and encourage our soul.
Love,
Jill
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Good morning Zebras,
God has me revisiting the things He taught me a year ago as I once again wait for His direction and provision. Today's z-mail was originally written in May 2009.
Dear Zebras,
A friend sent me a U-tube clip of Art Linkletter’s show Kids Say the Darndest Things. It was very cute, but what really struck me was how prominent God was, not only on the show but in the minds of the kids.
My favorite clip was of a little boy whose response to the question “What would you like to be when you grow up?” was that he would like to be either a bus driver or a pilot. Mr. Linkletter said “Oh a pilot…” and asked him “What would you do if you were in a plane and all four of your engines quit working?” With only a moment’s hesitation the little boy dropped his head and said “Our Father who art in heaven…”
That little boy had been taught that in times of trouble the proper response is to seek God.
For many people we are living in a time where metaphorically all four engines on their planes have failed. They have lost jobs, retirement accounts and maybe even their homes. They have lost the things of this world that they based their security on. And how, as a nation, are we responding?
If we were responding by seeking the face of God I would think that attendance in church would be up as it was after 911, but I haven’t seen that reported in the news.
What is up instead is the sale of alcohol, chocolate and movie tickets, lies and idols that will never give the comfort of God.
Jesus said in Matthew 13:22 that it is the cares of the world that choke out the Word of God.
Little Zebras, we need to remember that we should not respond to trouble like the world. We are zebras, they are horses. We know what they do not know, that our God is in charge of all things, that everything happening is under His control, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and to provide for us the things that we need. We know that trials happen to strength our faith so that we will be mature and complete, lacking in nothing, that this world is not all that there is, but just a shadow of the things that are to come. We know that our focus should be on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, not on the world because He who lives in us has already conquered the world. We do not need to run to worthless idols to comfort us or distract us; instead we need to throw ourselves at the feet of Christ and allow Him to lift us up and encourage our soul.
Love,
Jill
Monday, August 16, 2010
Waiting on God
Matthew 6: 33-34
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Good morning Zebras,
God gave me the idea for Zebras in July 2008. We started the herd at New Harbor in November of the same year and I began writing "z-mails" to the women at my church to encourage them shortly thereafter. Encouraging Zebras became my passion and I started sending the z-mails to others who requested to be on the list including friends and women I had met through Awana.
Eventually I felt God was leading me to quit working and focus on encouraging His women full time. So I began to pray and wait for God's answer. Today's z-mail was written during that time.
Good morning little Zebras,
I was up this morning doing my quiet time, preparing for this week’s Zebra meeting and pondering the wonderful truths from our Bible study last night, and I felt the need to write you.
Most of you know that I have two little “slipper” dogs, one black and one white, that I call my zebra dogs. I’m sure that God gave me these dogs, because I learn so many lessons from watching them.
This morning I was fixing Nick’s sandwich like I do every morning and the "moodles" (our nick name for the dogs) were sitting at my feet waiting for a handout. When I looked at them they just looked so cute. Their whole little bodies were wiggling with anticipation and their cute little eyes were trained on my every move. They were sure that they were going to get a piece of ham, which of course they got.
They were so cute they just made me smile, and I told them “you two are so hopeful.” Of course that is when God spoke to me.
"Jill," He said, "this is how I want you to be too-hopeful. Your dogs have more faith in you than you have in Me."
Many of us have concerns that we have given to God and we are sitting around waiting for an answer. I think our challenge is to wait with joy and hope knowing that God will answer and His answer will be perfect.
Like the moodles we should be waiting with joy, wiggling our butts in anticipation of the great things that God has in store for us, for God promised:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And I am pretty sure that His plans are way better than a piece of ham!
Have a wonderful day ladies.
Love,
Jill
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Good morning Zebras,
God gave me the idea for Zebras in July 2008. We started the herd at New Harbor in November of the same year and I began writing "z-mails" to the women at my church to encourage them shortly thereafter. Encouraging Zebras became my passion and I started sending the z-mails to others who requested to be on the list including friends and women I had met through Awana.
Eventually I felt God was leading me to quit working and focus on encouraging His women full time. So I began to pray and wait for God's answer. Today's z-mail was written during that time.
Good morning little Zebras,
I was up this morning doing my quiet time, preparing for this week’s Zebra meeting and pondering the wonderful truths from our Bible study last night, and I felt the need to write you.
Most of you know that I have two little “slipper” dogs, one black and one white, that I call my zebra dogs. I’m sure that God gave me these dogs, because I learn so many lessons from watching them.
This morning I was fixing Nick’s sandwich like I do every morning and the "moodles" (our nick name for the dogs) were sitting at my feet waiting for a handout. When I looked at them they just looked so cute. Their whole little bodies were wiggling with anticipation and their cute little eyes were trained on my every move. They were sure that they were going to get a piece of ham, which of course they got.
They were so cute they just made me smile, and I told them “you two are so hopeful.” Of course that is when God spoke to me.
"Jill," He said, "this is how I want you to be too-hopeful. Your dogs have more faith in you than you have in Me."
Many of us have concerns that we have given to God and we are sitting around waiting for an answer. I think our challenge is to wait with joy and hope knowing that God will answer and His answer will be perfect.
Like the moodles we should be waiting with joy, wiggling our butts in anticipation of the great things that God has in store for us, for God promised:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And I am pretty sure that His plans are way better than a piece of ham!
Have a wonderful day ladies.
Love,
Jill
Friday, August 13, 2010
Big Problems...Bigger God
2 Timothy 1:11-13
And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Good morning Zebras,
How are you? Do you have a lot on your mind this morning? I do. Are you freaking out? I hope not.
While I was doing my quiet time this morning I realized that I had a few things “on my plate.” They may be bigger than the thing you are dealing with or they may be smaller but that isn’t really the point. The point is that I am not freaking out.
At the 1,2,3…Eyes On Me retreat I challenged women to think about whether or not their vision of God was too small. I asked them to consider the following questions:
Do your problems seem big?
Does sin seem undefeatable?
Does obedience seem voluntary or unpleasant?
Does life seem unfair?
If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes” then your vision of God is too small.
God is all powerful; He can do anything He chooses to do. He loves you. Nothing happens to you without His permission. He already knows what you need and He has commanded you not to worry about it. Worry is really lack of faith.
Defeating sin isn’t our job. That has already been done. Our job is just to walk it out. We are not powerful enough to defeat sin, but the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us is. Lean on Him and let Him do the work.
God deserves our obedience just because of who He is. But He rewards us when we do. Obeying God is the most selfish thing you can ever do. Quit trying to bless yourself and let God do it instead.
And finally, life is unfair. You deserve death. You and I are sinners: Romans 3:23 says: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We deserve nothing and God gave us everything. We need to be grateful.
Each of us gets to choose what we focus on today. We can focus on our problems or we can focus on our God. Whichever one you choose will be the one that “grows.”
Love,
Jill
And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
Good morning Zebras,
How are you? Do you have a lot on your mind this morning? I do. Are you freaking out? I hope not.
While I was doing my quiet time this morning I realized that I had a few things “on my plate.” They may be bigger than the thing you are dealing with or they may be smaller but that isn’t really the point. The point is that I am not freaking out.
At the 1,2,3…Eyes On Me retreat I challenged women to think about whether or not their vision of God was too small. I asked them to consider the following questions:
Do your problems seem big?
Does sin seem undefeatable?
Does obedience seem voluntary or unpleasant?
Does life seem unfair?
If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes” then your vision of God is too small.
God is all powerful; He can do anything He chooses to do. He loves you. Nothing happens to you without His permission. He already knows what you need and He has commanded you not to worry about it. Worry is really lack of faith.
Defeating sin isn’t our job. That has already been done. Our job is just to walk it out. We are not powerful enough to defeat sin, but the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us is. Lean on Him and let Him do the work.
God deserves our obedience just because of who He is. But He rewards us when we do. Obeying God is the most selfish thing you can ever do. Quit trying to bless yourself and let God do it instead.
And finally, life is unfair. You deserve death. You and I are sinners: Romans 3:23 says: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We deserve nothing and God gave us everything. We need to be grateful.
Each of us gets to choose what we focus on today. We can focus on our problems or we can focus on our God. Whichever one you choose will be the one that “grows.”
Love,
Jill
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Honor Your Parents
1Corinthians:6:20
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
Good Morning Zebras,
Food for thought: I woke up this morning thinking about parents.
Recently Gary’s mom has relocated to Benicia and last night she was over so Gary could help her understand some insurance documents.
This is the third time that God has given Gary and me the opportunity to honor our parents. First it was my dad, and then it was Gary’s dad and now his mom. My mom has already died so this is our last chance to fulfill what Ephesians 6:2b calls the first commandment with a promise.
What I woke up thinking was: “Why does God take parents so seriously?”
This immediately came to mind: “Because they gave you life.”
Then I started thinking about Christ. The Bible says we are to honor God with our bodies because we have been bought at a price, and that price was the blood of Christ. He brought us from death to life and therefore deserves our honor.
Then God’s structure had a purpose.
Take the principle of today’s verse-you cannot do for God, who you have not seen, if you cannot do for your brother, and apply it to other Biblical principles.
Do you really submit to God if you never submit to authorities? Can you understand what it means to “die to self” if you always insist upon getting your own way? And in the case of parents: Can you really understand what it means to honor God for no other reason than He gave you life, if you do not honor the earthly version?
Some people say it is easy to love God; it is His people that are difficult and at times I have agreed. But it is probably not true.
Loving others means putting their concerns ahead of yours and thinking more about them than you do about yourself.
And really the same is true with God.
The difference is He isn’t in your face yelling at you when you don’t.
Love,
Jill
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
Good Morning Zebras,
Food for thought: I woke up this morning thinking about parents.
Recently Gary’s mom has relocated to Benicia and last night she was over so Gary could help her understand some insurance documents.
This is the third time that God has given Gary and me the opportunity to honor our parents. First it was my dad, and then it was Gary’s dad and now his mom. My mom has already died so this is our last chance to fulfill what Ephesians 6:2b calls the first commandment with a promise.
What I woke up thinking was: “Why does God take parents so seriously?”
This immediately came to mind: “Because they gave you life.”
Then I started thinking about Christ. The Bible says we are to honor God with our bodies because we have been bought at a price, and that price was the blood of Christ. He brought us from death to life and therefore deserves our honor.
Then God’s structure had a purpose.
Take the principle of today’s verse-you cannot do for God, who you have not seen, if you cannot do for your brother, and apply it to other Biblical principles.
Do you really submit to God if you never submit to authorities? Can you understand what it means to “die to self” if you always insist upon getting your own way? And in the case of parents: Can you really understand what it means to honor God for no other reason than He gave you life, if you do not honor the earthly version?
Some people say it is easy to love God; it is His people that are difficult and at times I have agreed. But it is probably not true.
Loving others means putting their concerns ahead of yours and thinking more about them than you do about yourself.
And really the same is true with God.
The difference is He isn’t in your face yelling at you when you don’t.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
We Got The Power!
Matthew 22:29
Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Good morning Zebras,
Bible study was amazing last night!
We are studying the book of Revelation and we got to the church at Philadelphia. So far only one church has not been reprimanded by Jesus and that was the church at Sardis which was suffering persecution.
But Jesus does not reprimand Philadelphia either because they were faithful and held fast to His Word to the end.
The really exciting part for me was this verse: Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
In the lesson Kaye said there were several interpretations of the “open door.” One is that it is the door to eternal life another is that it is the door of missionary opportunity.
On the tape she expanded on the second possibility and the “little” power that we have.
The power that we have comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Christ from the dead, the same power that indwelt Jesus when He was here on earth. And because of that we can do far more than we ever thought or imagined. In fact according to the Bible we can do all things though Christ Jesus who gives us strength.
Isn’t that exciting? It is to me.
So why don’t we? The answer is in today’s verse.
The Sadducees had just asked Jesus another one of their stupid questions. If a woman was married seven times whose wife is she going to be in heaven? This was His reply.
You are in error: basically even your question is wrong, because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Ladies God has given us a Ferrari but we drive it like it is a Model-T. Why? Because we do not know the power of what He has given us and we do not understand the instruction manual.
Wake up ladies! Read the Book, get excited and see all that God has for you!
Love,
Jill
Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Good morning Zebras,
Bible study was amazing last night!
We are studying the book of Revelation and we got to the church at Philadelphia. So far only one church has not been reprimanded by Jesus and that was the church at Sardis which was suffering persecution.
But Jesus does not reprimand Philadelphia either because they were faithful and held fast to His Word to the end.
The really exciting part for me was this verse: Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
In the lesson Kaye said there were several interpretations of the “open door.” One is that it is the door to eternal life another is that it is the door of missionary opportunity.
On the tape she expanded on the second possibility and the “little” power that we have.
The power that we have comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Christ from the dead, the same power that indwelt Jesus when He was here on earth. And because of that we can do far more than we ever thought or imagined. In fact according to the Bible we can do all things though Christ Jesus who gives us strength.
Isn’t that exciting? It is to me.
So why don’t we? The answer is in today’s verse.
The Sadducees had just asked Jesus another one of their stupid questions. If a woman was married seven times whose wife is she going to be in heaven? This was His reply.
You are in error: basically even your question is wrong, because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Ladies God has given us a Ferrari but we drive it like it is a Model-T. Why? Because we do not know the power of what He has given us and we do not understand the instruction manual.
Wake up ladies! Read the Book, get excited and see all that God has for you!
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Submit
Titus 3:1-2
Godly Living
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men
Good morning Zebras.
I have an independent spirit at least that is what I like to call it. Of course when I see the same spirit in my kids I call it “sin.”
Yesterday God called mine sin too.
I could give you a lot of examples about how I do exactly what I want to do no matter what anyone says, from still driving while talking on a cell phone (which is illegal in the state of California) to wheedling others, including my husband, to my point of view.
But last Monday I went over the line and God had to deal with it. I argued with a Pastor.
Now I know that many people have come to think of Pastors as mere men, basically just guys doing a job. Sure they have more Biblical knowledge then we do but that doesn’t necessarily make them right does it?
What makes them “right” is not the amount of Biblical knowledge they have but the fact they have been given by GOD the task of leading that particular church. And we would do well to remember it.
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
To all the Pastors and Elders I have argued with or corrected please forgive me. I am sorry that I made your job a burden and not a joy by questioning your leadership of the church that God gave you to lead.
Submission is not a popular idea in our culture, but let me tell you, it still is with God.
Love,
Jill
Godly Living
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men
Good morning Zebras.
I have an independent spirit at least that is what I like to call it. Of course when I see the same spirit in my kids I call it “sin.”
Yesterday God called mine sin too.
I could give you a lot of examples about how I do exactly what I want to do no matter what anyone says, from still driving while talking on a cell phone (which is illegal in the state of California) to wheedling others, including my husband, to my point of view.
But last Monday I went over the line and God had to deal with it. I argued with a Pastor.
Now I know that many people have come to think of Pastors as mere men, basically just guys doing a job. Sure they have more Biblical knowledge then we do but that doesn’t necessarily make them right does it?
What makes them “right” is not the amount of Biblical knowledge they have but the fact they have been given by GOD the task of leading that particular church. And we would do well to remember it.
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
To all the Pastors and Elders I have argued with or corrected please forgive me. I am sorry that I made your job a burden and not a joy by questioning your leadership of the church that God gave you to lead.
Submission is not a popular idea in our culture, but let me tell you, it still is with God.
Love,
Jill
Monday, August 9, 2010
Among Sinners
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Good morning Zebras,
This was one of the most difficult verses I ever memorized through Awana because at the time it made absolutely no sense. But it is a verse that God often brings to mind thus proving the importance of memorizing scripture-even ones you don't understand.
Last night I got angry with my children. They were doing the typical kid thing, goofing around, pushing each other's buttons and I lost it. I just couldn't take it anymore and I blew.
This morning God showed me I was wrong. God does not excuse anger because it is "justified."
James 1:19-21
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
surrounded by it.
Impossible for us without the cross.
If you too woke up this morning with regret over something you did yesterday, confess, ask forgiveness, make restitution if necessary and move on, forgiven and righteous because of the blood of Jesus Christ.
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Good morning Zebras,
This was one of the most difficult verses I ever memorized through Awana because at the time it made absolutely no sense. But it is a verse that God often brings to mind thus proving the importance of memorizing scripture-even ones you don't understand.
Last night I got angry with my children. They were doing the typical kid thing, goofing around, pushing each other's buttons and I lost it. I just couldn't take it anymore and I blew.
This morning God showed me I was wrong. God does not excuse anger because it is "justified."
James 1:19-21
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
God desires for us to live a righteous and holy life, that is why He sent His son.
1John 2:6 says that if we claim to be in Christ we must walk as He did. Which, if you look at His life, would be a life totally dependent upon God, obedient unto death, and without sin even whensurrounded by it.
Impossible for us without the cross.
If you too woke up this morning with regret over something you did yesterday, confess, ask forgiveness, make restitution if necessary and move on, forgiven and righteous because of the blood of Jesus Christ.
Love,
Jill
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Beautiful Women
1 John 4:19
We love because He first loved us.
Good morning Zebras,
Don't you just love it when God shows you that you have grown?
This morning I was doing my quiet time before church worshiping God for His love when I started thinking about today's verse. In my mind it has always been I love Him because He first loved me. But suddenly I had doubts. Is that really what it said? So I looked it up.
What it actually says is that we love because He loves us. Not that we love Him, but that we love. John had already written in the same letter: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. So it is obvious from the context that the love he is talking about is not just our love towards God, but really the ability to love at all.
I have always had a thing against beautiful women. To be honest it was just jealousy and my own personal insecurity, but I could never get past their looks long enough to feel totally comfortable around them. I couldn't love them as God commanded because I was too focused on my own sense of inadequacy.
Last week at church I met a beautiful woman. Someone who in the past would have made me feel ugly, fat, and stupid just by standing next to her. But for some reason I didn't feel like that at all. In fact it didn't really register until later how pretty she was.
And I have been thinking about it ever since. What's changed?
This morning God gave me the answer: I have learned that God loves me. He loves me just the way I am. He does not expect me to be like anyone else. He only expects me to love Him back with all my heart, soul, and mind, to put Him first above the things of the world and to grow in my walk. When I do that He will enable me to love others.
If you struggle with loving others or feeling inadequate or insecure go and spend some time with Jesus. Let Him tell you how very much He loves you and then you will be able to love others with His strength instead of your own.
Love,
Jill
We love because He first loved us.
Good morning Zebras,
Don't you just love it when God shows you that you have grown?
This morning I was doing my quiet time before church worshiping God for His love when I started thinking about today's verse. In my mind it has always been I love Him because He first loved me. But suddenly I had doubts. Is that really what it said? So I looked it up.
What it actually says is that we love because He loves us. Not that we love Him, but that we love. John had already written in the same letter: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. So it is obvious from the context that the love he is talking about is not just our love towards God, but really the ability to love at all.
I have always had a thing against beautiful women. To be honest it was just jealousy and my own personal insecurity, but I could never get past their looks long enough to feel totally comfortable around them. I couldn't love them as God commanded because I was too focused on my own sense of inadequacy.
Last week at church I met a beautiful woman. Someone who in the past would have made me feel ugly, fat, and stupid just by standing next to her. But for some reason I didn't feel like that at all. In fact it didn't really register until later how pretty she was.
And I have been thinking about it ever since. What's changed?
This morning God gave me the answer: I have learned that God loves me. He loves me just the way I am. He does not expect me to be like anyone else. He only expects me to love Him back with all my heart, soul, and mind, to put Him first above the things of the world and to grow in my walk. When I do that He will enable me to love others.
If you struggle with loving others or feeling inadequate or insecure go and spend some time with Jesus. Let Him tell you how very much He loves you and then you will be able to love others with His strength instead of your own.
Love,
Jill
Friday, August 6, 2010
Bad Hip
1Thessalonians 5:16-22
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
Good morning Zebras.
Yesterday I had a weird paradigm shift.
I have always had a hip problem because I was hit by a car as a child, but lately it has gotten worse. The pain has really begun to restrict my movements. Things like putting on socks and tying shoes have become very difficult. Taking both Tylenol and Motrin seems to help.
Yesterday I woke up, took my medicine and decided to go for a walk. I didn't get very far before I started freaking out. Since I have now seen the x-ray of my leg I know what is going on inside and I started getting concerned that walking three miles up and down hills might not be a good idea. For all I knew my body was screaming "STOP! STOP!, but I couldn't hear it because I had taken something to suppress its natural warning system.
So I turned around and went home.
God has given us the Holy Spirit as an internal warning device. He is supposed to teach and correct us and guide us into all truth, But just like the Motrin dulled the pain I think our disinterest, disobedience and sin dulls the Holy Spirit.
It's not that He is not talking, it is just that we can't hear.
This morning I decided not to take any pain medication because I wanted to hear what my body was saying. And it hurts, but every time it does I think: "Dear Lord make me as aware of Your presence in my life as I am of this pain. Let Your Spirit correct and guide me, limiting my activities and preventing me from doing anything that would dishonor You or cause me harm."
Love,
Jill
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
Good morning Zebras.
Yesterday I had a weird paradigm shift.
I have always had a hip problem because I was hit by a car as a child, but lately it has gotten worse. The pain has really begun to restrict my movements. Things like putting on socks and tying shoes have become very difficult. Taking both Tylenol and Motrin seems to help.
Yesterday I woke up, took my medicine and decided to go for a walk. I didn't get very far before I started freaking out. Since I have now seen the x-ray of my leg I know what is going on inside and I started getting concerned that walking three miles up and down hills might not be a good idea. For all I knew my body was screaming "STOP! STOP!, but I couldn't hear it because I had taken something to suppress its natural warning system.
So I turned around and went home.
God has given us the Holy Spirit as an internal warning device. He is supposed to teach and correct us and guide us into all truth, But just like the Motrin dulled the pain I think our disinterest, disobedience and sin dulls the Holy Spirit.
It's not that He is not talking, it is just that we can't hear.
This morning I decided not to take any pain medication because I wanted to hear what my body was saying. And it hurts, but every time it does I think: "Dear Lord make me as aware of Your presence in my life as I am of this pain. Let Your Spirit correct and guide me, limiting my activities and preventing me from doing anything that would dishonor You or cause me harm."
Love,
Jill
Monday, August 2, 2010
Turn Aside and Look
Mark 1:44-45
and He said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Good morning Zebras,
Now that the retreat is over I can start sharing with all of you what God taught me as I was preparing. I didn't want to tell you before because I didn't want to ruin it for those people who were able to attend.
I struggle with keeping what God is teaching me to myself. I just want to tell everyone everything, but that is not what God wants. He wants me to wait until the proper time.
And I think the time is now.
As I as preparing for the retreat God was showing me such amazing truths about Himself. I was completely humbled and I asked Him "Why Lord would You show these things to someone like me?
As an answer He took me to the third chapter of Exodus.
It was during the study of Exodus, through Bible Study Fellowship nine years ago, that God convicted me about personal quiet time. He said VERY clearly that I needed to get up early everyday and spend time in His Word. And for the most part that has been my pattern ever since.
So when He took me back to Exodus to answer my question it was like going home.
We all know the story, God is calling to Moses from a bush that is on fire but doesn't burn up. Moses wanders over to look and God speaks to him. Then God gives Moses his instructions: go and set the Israelites free from the slavery of Egypt. After a little bit of arguing Moses obeys and his life is changed forever.
BSF uses the New International Version of the Bible but recently I have switched to the New American Standard. So when I looked up this familiar passage it was written with different words. See if you can see the difference.
So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."
So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."
In the NIV Moses resolved to go to see a strange sight. In the NASB he was compelled to go to see a marvelous sight. Subtle differences.
Many people resolve to go and see the strange sight of God but after awhile they lose interest. They lose their resolve and start looking around at other things.
The reason that God shows me truths about Himself is that I listen. I turned aside to look when He told me to and I continue to do so everyday.
If your relationship with God is not what you want it to be you have no one to blame but yourself. He is there and He is marvelous you need to turn aside and look.
Love,
Jill
and He said to him, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."
But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Good morning Zebras,
Now that the retreat is over I can start sharing with all of you what God taught me as I was preparing. I didn't want to tell you before because I didn't want to ruin it for those people who were able to attend.
I struggle with keeping what God is teaching me to myself. I just want to tell everyone everything, but that is not what God wants. He wants me to wait until the proper time.
And I think the time is now.
As I as preparing for the retreat God was showing me such amazing truths about Himself. I was completely humbled and I asked Him "Why Lord would You show these things to someone like me?
As an answer He took me to the third chapter of Exodus.
It was during the study of Exodus, through Bible Study Fellowship nine years ago, that God convicted me about personal quiet time. He said VERY clearly that I needed to get up early everyday and spend time in His Word. And for the most part that has been my pattern ever since.
So when He took me back to Exodus to answer my question it was like going home.
We all know the story, God is calling to Moses from a bush that is on fire but doesn't burn up. Moses wanders over to look and God speaks to him. Then God gives Moses his instructions: go and set the Israelites free from the slavery of Egypt. After a little bit of arguing Moses obeys and his life is changed forever.
BSF uses the New International Version of the Bible but recently I have switched to the New American Standard. So when I looked up this familiar passage it was written with different words. See if you can see the difference.
So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."
So Moses said, "I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."
In the NIV Moses resolved to go to see a strange sight. In the NASB he was compelled to go to see a marvelous sight. Subtle differences.
Many people resolve to go and see the strange sight of God but after awhile they lose interest. They lose their resolve and start looking around at other things.
The reason that God shows me truths about Himself is that I listen. I turned aside to look when He told me to and I continue to do so everyday.
If your relationship with God is not what you want it to be you have no one to blame but yourself. He is there and He is marvelous you need to turn aside and look.
Love,
Jill
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