Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Good morning Zebras,
I keep going back and forth about my hip surgery. Even though I am positive that this is what God wants me to do, I have doubts mostly because of what someone said.
A very knowledgeable woman told me that I am rather young to have a full hip replacement and I might want to wait until I am older. Hip replacements only last about ten years, she said, and the subsequent surgeries are never as successful as the first. I’m thinking at fifty-three I could be facing multiple hip replacements if that is true and maybe end up unable to walk.
Of course God keeps reassuring through circumstances and lots of other believers that this is what I need to do. The question becomes who do I listen to?
It would be so much clearer if it was written in the Bible. But of course it isn’t. There is no verse that says: “Jill will have hip replacement on Nov 4th 2010.”
But I guess that is where faith comes in.
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “faith chapter” of the Bible. And if you have ever read it you know it is filled with people who had faith in God and did what He asked.
Now whether or not to have surgery is certainly not in the same category as being thrown into the lion’s den. I think the principle is the same. You have to do what you believe God is asking you to do and trust He will watch over you and protect you and close the door if you are going the wrong way.
You can’t let the off-handed comment of one person discourage you.
Steven Curtis Chapman has a great song “Dive” that I am sure many of you know. I guess it could be a song about salvation, but to me it is just about trusting God.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Waiting for Answers
James 4:2b-3
You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Good morning Zebras,
I’m sorry that this is so late today but I was just finishing up when my husband called to tell me he was on the way home with a coffee and a scone so I took a break and had breakfast with him.
While we are sitting at the table the “moodles” (mutt dogs of unknown origin) wandered over to see what we were eating. Joshua, who normally stays around until we are finished, decided to wander away but Abigail, his sister, remained faithful to the task.
As I was eating my scone a small piece broke off, bounced off my plate, and rolled across the table to land directly at Abigail’s feet. Of course she was pleased and gobbled it right up and I thought “Ask and ye shall receive.”
Now Abigail is just a dog and she wasn’t really sitting there praying a crumb would drop from the table, but it was a good reminder for me. Jesus promised three times in the book of John that if we ask for something in His name, for God’s glory, He will give it to us.
John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Of course, the key here is the motivation behind the request. James tells us very clearly in today’s verse that the motive for asking is what is really important.
If you are waiting for God’s answer on something you believe is the will of God-WAIT! Don’t get impatient, don’t give up and walk away, and don’t try to figure it out yourself-just wait. And He will drop the answer at your feet just like He did for Abigail.
Love,
Jill
You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Good morning Zebras,
I’m sorry that this is so late today but I was just finishing up when my husband called to tell me he was on the way home with a coffee and a scone so I took a break and had breakfast with him.
While we are sitting at the table the “moodles” (mutt dogs of unknown origin) wandered over to see what we were eating. Joshua, who normally stays around until we are finished, decided to wander away but Abigail, his sister, remained faithful to the task.
As I was eating my scone a small piece broke off, bounced off my plate, and rolled across the table to land directly at Abigail’s feet. Of course she was pleased and gobbled it right up and I thought “Ask and ye shall receive.”
Now Abigail is just a dog and she wasn’t really sitting there praying a crumb would drop from the table, but it was a good reminder for me. Jesus promised three times in the book of John that if we ask for something in His name, for God’s glory, He will give it to us.
John 14:13
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Of course, the key here is the motivation behind the request. James tells us very clearly in today’s verse that the motive for asking is what is really important.
If you are waiting for God’s answer on something you believe is the will of God-WAIT! Don’t get impatient, don’t give up and walk away, and don’t try to figure it out yourself-just wait. And He will drop the answer at your feet just like He did for Abigail.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Egg
Exodus 20:17
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Good morning Zebras,
Last night at dinner I told the kids there was only one egg left in the house for breakfast and then I made the mistake of asking who wanted it. The ensuing discussion was so funny, each one of them trying to prove why they deserved the egg.
Nick had the upper hand with his argument that he had a math test and therefore needed the protein to think clearly. But I really hadn’t decided who to give it to when I remembered that there might be another egg, already boiled, in the frig.
Then the conversation switched to who got the “new” egg and who would get the “old” egg. So I told them I would decide in the morning.
This morning I got up, threw both eggs in a pot, and boiled them. Then I mixed them up so even I didn’t know which was the “old” egg and which was the “new” egg.
When Nick came down to breakfast I told him what I had done and told him to pick an egg. I could tell by the yolk he got the “new” egg.
You may think this is a lot of thought being put into a couple of eggs and you would be right, but the bigger picture is this; Katherine does not eat the whole egg. She doesn’t like the yokes so I throw them away or give them to the dogs. Nick,on the other hand, likes the whole egg.
But any of you who have eaten “old” eggs know that the only real difference between a freshly boiled egg and one that was boiled a few days ago is in the yolk. The whites of “old” eggs taste the same as the whites of “new” eggs but the yokes taste different, at least to me.
Since Nick ate the whole egg, he “needed” the “new” egg. Katherine did not.
So what started out as a fun little “argument” about an egg ended up as a lesson in the provision of God.
God gives us what we "need", not necessary what we want. And He gives others what they “need” as well.
Love,
Jill
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Good morning Zebras,
Last night at dinner I told the kids there was only one egg left in the house for breakfast and then I made the mistake of asking who wanted it. The ensuing discussion was so funny, each one of them trying to prove why they deserved the egg.
Nick had the upper hand with his argument that he had a math test and therefore needed the protein to think clearly. But I really hadn’t decided who to give it to when I remembered that there might be another egg, already boiled, in the frig.
Then the conversation switched to who got the “new” egg and who would get the “old” egg. So I told them I would decide in the morning.
This morning I got up, threw both eggs in a pot, and boiled them. Then I mixed them up so even I didn’t know which was the “old” egg and which was the “new” egg.
When Nick came down to breakfast I told him what I had done and told him to pick an egg. I could tell by the yolk he got the “new” egg.
You may think this is a lot of thought being put into a couple of eggs and you would be right, but the bigger picture is this; Katherine does not eat the whole egg. She doesn’t like the yokes so I throw them away or give them to the dogs. Nick,on the other hand, likes the whole egg.
But any of you who have eaten “old” eggs know that the only real difference between a freshly boiled egg and one that was boiled a few days ago is in the yolk. The whites of “old” eggs taste the same as the whites of “new” eggs but the yokes taste different, at least to me.
Since Nick ate the whole egg, he “needed” the “new” egg. Katherine did not.
So what started out as a fun little “argument” about an egg ended up as a lesson in the provision of God.
God gives us what we "need", not necessary what we want. And He gives others what they “need” as well.
Love,
Jill
Monday, September 27, 2010
Strength Within
Philippians 4:13
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Good morning Zebras,
Ever since I saw the x-ray of my hip I have been wondering why I can walk around without the aid of a walker or a cane. I see other people walking with great difficulty and I think “That should be me.” And sometimes it is but most of the time I get around just fine.
In fact I was beginning to wonder if maybe the x-ray was wrong. Perhaps they accidentally got my x-ray confused with someone else’s who really does have a bad hip. And although my hip may be “bad” it isn’t that bad and I could postpone the surgery.
That was foolish.
The only reason that I am walking around like I am is because of God. It is His strength that is enabling me to do everything I do and yesterday He reminded me of that fact because He took it away.
Often times we want to give God our “strengths”, the things we do well. And that is good. He gave us those gifts and there is no better use for them but to give them back.
But if you really want to see the power of God I encourage you to give Him your weaknesses too.. Because when you do you really get to see the power of God at work.
Like Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 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.
So go be strong today little Zebras, not in your strength but in the strength that comes from your faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within.
Love,
Jill
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Good morning Zebras,
Ever since I saw the x-ray of my hip I have been wondering why I can walk around without the aid of a walker or a cane. I see other people walking with great difficulty and I think “That should be me.” And sometimes it is but most of the time I get around just fine.
In fact I was beginning to wonder if maybe the x-ray was wrong. Perhaps they accidentally got my x-ray confused with someone else’s who really does have a bad hip. And although my hip may be “bad” it isn’t that bad and I could postpone the surgery.
That was foolish.
The only reason that I am walking around like I am is because of God. It is His strength that is enabling me to do everything I do and yesterday He reminded me of that fact because He took it away.
Often times we want to give God our “strengths”, the things we do well. And that is good. He gave us those gifts and there is no better use for them but to give them back.
But if you really want to see the power of God I encourage you to give Him your weaknesses too.. Because when you do you really get to see the power of God at work.
Like Paul wrote to the Corinthians: 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.
So go be strong today little Zebras, not in your strength but in the strength that comes from your faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within.
Love,
Jill
Friday, September 24, 2010
Good Use of the Tongue
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Good morning Zebras,
The book of James was written to teach correct Christian behavior. Ephesians was written to strengthen believers in their faith and to show the purpose of the church, the body of Christ.
Isn’t it interesting both books address the issue of the tongue?
How we use our tongue is immensely importantly. We all know that. Or do we?
Everything we do has an impact for the kingdom and probably nothing more than how we use our tongue. We can live a “perfect life” on the outside but our words will often give us away. In Luke Jesus is recorded as saying: 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.
And James writes: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
Can a heart that truly loves the Lord constantly say unkind things about His people?
Recently God has given me the great privilege of going and speaking to His women. To be able to tell them the truth about how much God loves them and that their value is not dependent upon the opinion of the world, but on the opinion of God. God has created them in His image and because of that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. And they don’t need to work to make God love them, because He already does.
And I have found after you have used your tongue for that purpose you really don’t want to use it for anything else.
Have a wonderful weekend little Zebras glorifying God and encouraging His people with your tongue.
Love,
Jill
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Good morning Zebras,
The book of James was written to teach correct Christian behavior. Ephesians was written to strengthen believers in their faith and to show the purpose of the church, the body of Christ.
Isn’t it interesting both books address the issue of the tongue?
How we use our tongue is immensely importantly. We all know that. Or do we?
Everything we do has an impact for the kingdom and probably nothing more than how we use our tongue. We can live a “perfect life” on the outside but our words will often give us away. In Luke Jesus is recorded as saying: 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.
And James writes: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
Can a heart that truly loves the Lord constantly say unkind things about His people?
Recently God has given me the great privilege of going and speaking to His women. To be able to tell them the truth about how much God loves them and that their value is not dependent upon the opinion of the world, but on the opinion of God. God has created them in His image and because of that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. And they don’t need to work to make God love them, because He already does.
And I have found after you have used your tongue for that purpose you really don’t want to use it for anything else.
Have a wonderful weekend little Zebras glorifying God and encouraging His people with your tongue.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, September 23, 2010
God's Opinion
Galatians 1:15-17
But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Good morning Zebras,
Today’s z-mail is a continuation of yesterday’s z-mail on temptation.
We all know that Satan tempts us with “things that are bad for us” but does he also tempt us through other people? Does he use other people to inadvertently discourage us or turn our eyes away from what He has asked us to do? Are people sometimes a vehicle Satan uses to cause us to sin?
Joseph did not confer with men when he was told by an angel to marry Mary; the Wise Men did not ask anyone’s opinion when they were warned in a dream to return to their country by another route; and Joseph did not call a family conference when he was told by an angel to take Mary and Jesus and move to Egypt.
Then there is Paul. Paul was struck blind on the road to Damascus given his marching orders and off he went. As today’s verse says “(he) did not consult with any man but went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Nor was Jesus swayed by the opinion of his disciples. Look at His response to Peter when Peter wanted to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
As women we like to talk about everything and sometimes that is good, but sometimes I think it is bad. If you talk to ten people you might get ten different opinions and instead of clarity you have confusion.
Also as women we tend to suffer from low self-esteem. We aren’t as confident as we should be. When someone doesn’t agree with us we immediately think we are wrong.
And we like to please others.
Now none of this is exactly bad, but it does leave us very susceptible to getting off track if we don't stay intimately connected to God.
Love,
Jill
But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Good morning Zebras,
Today’s z-mail is a continuation of yesterday’s z-mail on temptation.
We all know that Satan tempts us with “things that are bad for us” but does he also tempt us through other people? Does he use other people to inadvertently discourage us or turn our eyes away from what He has asked us to do? Are people sometimes a vehicle Satan uses to cause us to sin?
Joseph did not confer with men when he was told by an angel to marry Mary; the Wise Men did not ask anyone’s opinion when they were warned in a dream to return to their country by another route; and Joseph did not call a family conference when he was told by an angel to take Mary and Jesus and move to Egypt.
Then there is Paul. Paul was struck blind on the road to Damascus given his marching orders and off he went. As today’s verse says “(he) did not consult with any man but went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
Nor was Jesus swayed by the opinion of his disciples. Look at His response to Peter when Peter wanted to prevent Jesus from going to the cross. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
As women we like to talk about everything and sometimes that is good, but sometimes I think it is bad. If you talk to ten people you might get ten different opinions and instead of clarity you have confusion.
Also as women we tend to suffer from low self-esteem. We aren’t as confident as we should be. When someone doesn’t agree with us we immediately think we are wrong.
And we like to please others.
Now none of this is exactly bad, but it does leave us very susceptible to getting off track if we don't stay intimately connected to God.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Purpose of Temptation
Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
Good morning Zebras,
I have been thinking a lot about temptation. I have always heard that temptation is not bad, giving into temptation is bad, but temptation itself is not bad. But I don’t think that is true. I think temptation is bad.
The Bible says that temptation does not come from God James 1:13-14: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
If temptation is not from God then who is it from?
Satan is the master tempter. He tempted Adam and Eve and He tempted Jesus.
One fell, one didn’t.
God created Adam and Eve to live with Him forever, He had a plan. Satan’s goal was to destroy it. That’s where temptation comes in.
Satan tempted Eve to doubt God and disobey Him. He knew that Eve’s sin would separate her from God. He knew, even if she didn’t, what it would cost her because he knew God. He knew firsthand what God would do because God had done it to him.
Jesus also had a plan and He could not fall to temptation and succeed. Rather than debating with Satan like Eve did, He quoted scripture and sent the devil on his way.
When my son was little, his favorite ride at Disneyland was Thunder Mountain. It looks like a mine train but it is really a high speed roller coaster. He loved it so much we would ride it multiple times whenever we went.
Once when he was getting on the ride, for probably the third time that day, he looked over at his dad and said “This ain’t no innocent train.”
That’s how I’m feeling about temptation. “It ain’t no innocent thought.”
Love,
Jill
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
Good morning Zebras,
I have been thinking a lot about temptation. I have always heard that temptation is not bad, giving into temptation is bad, but temptation itself is not bad. But I don’t think that is true. I think temptation is bad.
The Bible says that temptation does not come from God James 1:13-14: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
If temptation is not from God then who is it from?
Satan is the master tempter. He tempted Adam and Eve and He tempted Jesus.
One fell, one didn’t.
God created Adam and Eve to live with Him forever, He had a plan. Satan’s goal was to destroy it. That’s where temptation comes in.
Satan tempted Eve to doubt God and disobey Him. He knew that Eve’s sin would separate her from God. He knew, even if she didn’t, what it would cost her because he knew God. He knew firsthand what God would do because God had done it to him.
Jesus also had a plan and He could not fall to temptation and succeed. Rather than debating with Satan like Eve did, He quoted scripture and sent the devil on his way.
When my son was little, his favorite ride at Disneyland was Thunder Mountain. It looks like a mine train but it is really a high speed roller coaster. He loved it so much we would ride it multiple times whenever we went.
Once when he was getting on the ride, for probably the third time that day, he looked over at his dad and said “This ain’t no innocent train.”
That’s how I’m feeling about temptation. “It ain’t no innocent thought.”
Love,
Jill
Monday, September 20, 2010
Our Work
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning Zebras,
Last week I had a ton to do, I’m sure many of you can relate, so on Monday I wrote a list of all the tasks that needed to be done. It was a pretty long list and I wasn’t sure they would all get finished in time but I left that up to God.
God promises us that He will equip us to do what He has asked us to do. And I have found that to be true. Where I get into trouble is when I am trying to do something that God has not asked me to do.
If I am doing something simply to please men, or worse to please myself, it doesn’t seem to go as smoothly.
On Sunday I ran into a friend who has been praying about returning to Awana as a leader. She loves Awana and she really wants to serve but God seems to be throwing road blocks in her way.
Why would He do that? I mean Awana is a great ministry. It reaches kids for Christ, it changes people’s lives. It is a work of eternal value
But that doesn’t mean it is hers to do.
As women we need to be careful that we are listening to God. We need to do what He has asked, no more and no less. Sometimes that is tough. We see a need and we rush into help. That is wrong. Or we feel overwhelmed and refuse to do what God is asking of us. That is wrong too. One is pride and one is fear.
Both are sins.
Everyone should do something, no one should do everything. Remember that and encourage others to do the same.
Love,
Jill
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Good morning Zebras,
Last week I had a ton to do, I’m sure many of you can relate, so on Monday I wrote a list of all the tasks that needed to be done. It was a pretty long list and I wasn’t sure they would all get finished in time but I left that up to God.
God promises us that He will equip us to do what He has asked us to do. And I have found that to be true. Where I get into trouble is when I am trying to do something that God has not asked me to do.
If I am doing something simply to please men, or worse to please myself, it doesn’t seem to go as smoothly.
On Sunday I ran into a friend who has been praying about returning to Awana as a leader. She loves Awana and she really wants to serve but God seems to be throwing road blocks in her way.
Why would He do that? I mean Awana is a great ministry. It reaches kids for Christ, it changes people’s lives. It is a work of eternal value
But that doesn’t mean it is hers to do.
As women we need to be careful that we are listening to God. We need to do what He has asked, no more and no less. Sometimes that is tough. We see a need and we rush into help. That is wrong. Or we feel overwhelmed and refuse to do what God is asking of us. That is wrong too. One is pride and one is fear.
Both are sins.
Everyone should do something, no one should do everything. Remember that and encourage others to do the same.
Love,
Jill
Friday, September 17, 2010
Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13-14
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Good morning Zebras,
All week I have been planning on writing you a z-mail about temptation and sin. My nurse friends have been telling me for years that it is easier to control pain than it is to “reel it back in.” That has never been my philosophy, but recently I have found they were right.
So I got to wondering if the same principle applied to sin and I decided it did. Even though it seems difficult to resist sin, it is easier to walk away before you sin, then start down the road and stop.
This morning I was tempted to skip writing because I have a lot to do, but I opened Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest and it was on temptation.
Chambers writes: Every person actually determines or sets the level of his own temptation, because temptation will come to him in accordance with the level of his controlling, inner nature.
He shares : Temptation comes to me, suggesting a possible shortcut to the realization of my highest goal-it does not direct me toward what I understand to be evil, but toward what I understand to be good. And I thought about what tempts me.
Even though I am not the same person I was ten years ago I still fall to the very same temptations and I think that it is bad. I am not usually tempted by good I am still tempted by what I know to be evil. And I was embarrassed that my level of my temptation has not risen along with my obedience to and understanding of God.
And then I thought about Jesus in the desert.
Satan started out with food. But he didn’t end there. When Jesus resisted he went on to pride, and finally he offered Him a shortcut to what He had come to do. He offered Him the world-without the cross.
Suddenly I realized falling to the same old temptation is like reading a picture book in college, easy, but not necessary.
Love,
Jill
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
Good morning Zebras,
All week I have been planning on writing you a z-mail about temptation and sin. My nurse friends have been telling me for years that it is easier to control pain than it is to “reel it back in.” That has never been my philosophy, but recently I have found they were right.
So I got to wondering if the same principle applied to sin and I decided it did. Even though it seems difficult to resist sin, it is easier to walk away before you sin, then start down the road and stop.
This morning I was tempted to skip writing because I have a lot to do, but I opened Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest and it was on temptation.
Chambers writes: Every person actually determines or sets the level of his own temptation, because temptation will come to him in accordance with the level of his controlling, inner nature.
He shares : Temptation comes to me, suggesting a possible shortcut to the realization of my highest goal-it does not direct me toward what I understand to be evil, but toward what I understand to be good. And I thought about what tempts me.
Even though I am not the same person I was ten years ago I still fall to the very same temptations and I think that it is bad. I am not usually tempted by good I am still tempted by what I know to be evil. And I was embarrassed that my level of my temptation has not risen along with my obedience to and understanding of God.
And then I thought about Jesus in the desert.
Satan started out with food. But he didn’t end there. When Jesus resisted he went on to pride, and finally he offered Him a shortcut to what He had come to do. He offered Him the world-without the cross.
Suddenly I realized falling to the same old temptation is like reading a picture book in college, easy, but not necessary.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Be Still and Wait
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Good morning Zebras,
I am preparing for the Awana conference this weekend where I am going to be teaching a workshop on the importance of being still. It is a shortened version of a retreat I did last January. Last night I was reviewing the material.
I defined “being still” as a state characterized by little or no commotion or agitation; calm and serene. It is not just sitting around doing nothing and it is not recreation it is a state of mind that allows us be like the eye of a hurricane, calm and peaceful regardless of the size of the storm.
The theme of the weekend was Psalm 46:10a be still and know that I am God but I gave other reasons why it is important that we learn to be still. The first reason I listed was Exodus 14:13-14. When we are still God will fight for us.
The Israelites were standing on the edge of the Red Sea; the Egyptians were in hot pursuit. They were trapped with no visible way out. Can you imagine how they felt?
I can, at least a little, because I too have been in a position where it felt like there was no way out. My back was up against the wall and there wasn’t anything I could do to get what I wanted. But rather than waiting for God’s deliverance I started thinking and planning. Like a fox in a trap I was willing to chew my leg off to get free.
This morning God showed me by doing that I robbed myself of seeing the spectacular deliverance He had planned. And I was sad.
God really doesn’t need our help or our plans. He has the situation under control. What He needs is our faith. He needs us to stand patiently and wait trusting that He will deliver us. He needs us to believe that there is nothing too hard for Him and that His arm is not too short. He needs us to understand that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are best. He needs us to be still, inside and out, and know that He is God.
Fortunately, I think He is going to give me another chance.
Love,
Jill
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Good morning Zebras,
I am preparing for the Awana conference this weekend where I am going to be teaching a workshop on the importance of being still. It is a shortened version of a retreat I did last January. Last night I was reviewing the material.
I defined “being still” as a state characterized by little or no commotion or agitation; calm and serene. It is not just sitting around doing nothing and it is not recreation it is a state of mind that allows us be like the eye of a hurricane, calm and peaceful regardless of the size of the storm.
The theme of the weekend was Psalm 46:10a be still and know that I am God but I gave other reasons why it is important that we learn to be still. The first reason I listed was Exodus 14:13-14. When we are still God will fight for us.
The Israelites were standing on the edge of the Red Sea; the Egyptians were in hot pursuit. They were trapped with no visible way out. Can you imagine how they felt?
I can, at least a little, because I too have been in a position where it felt like there was no way out. My back was up against the wall and there wasn’t anything I could do to get what I wanted. But rather than waiting for God’s deliverance I started thinking and planning. Like a fox in a trap I was willing to chew my leg off to get free.
This morning God showed me by doing that I robbed myself of seeing the spectacular deliverance He had planned. And I was sad.
God really doesn’t need our help or our plans. He has the situation under control. What He needs is our faith. He needs us to stand patiently and wait trusting that He will deliver us. He needs us to believe that there is nothing too hard for Him and that His arm is not too short. He needs us to understand that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are best. He needs us to be still, inside and out, and know that He is God.
Fortunately, I think He is going to give me another chance.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
God's Purpose
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night I went back to Bible Study Fellowship. I had stopped going a few years ago because I felt God leading me to start a women’s Bible study at my home church. I was working full time then and doing both plus running Awana was WAY too much. But since I am off this year, and BSF has a new study on Isaiah I decided to go back.
Many other people had the same idea and it was wonderful to see so many women there desiring to study God’s Word. It was a special treat to see so many old friends.
One woman who had been in my discussion group three years ago came running up to say hello. She wanted to thank me for all I had done for her. She said I‘d made a difference in her life. And I was shocked.
That year at BSF was one of the hardest ministry years I’d ever done. I wasn’t sure why God had me there and I had so much going on that quitting would have been easy.
But I didn’t because I knew I was supposed to stay.
And God blessed me because of it.
The study that year was Romans and although I didn’t understand everything at the time, it is a book I’ve returned to often. Understanding I am dead to sin; a new creature in Christ; and that there is NOTHING that can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ; are truths that have transformed my life.
They have become the building blocks upon which I stand. Truths I return to often that changed the way I think. None of which would have happened if I had quit. And I would not have had the privilege of being used by God to touch another person’s life.
God often puts us in difficult situations and gives us WAY more than we can handle. But He never gives us more than He can handle and He always has a purpose.
Love,
Jill
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night I went back to Bible Study Fellowship. I had stopped going a few years ago because I felt God leading me to start a women’s Bible study at my home church. I was working full time then and doing both plus running Awana was WAY too much. But since I am off this year, and BSF has a new study on Isaiah I decided to go back.
Many other people had the same idea and it was wonderful to see so many women there desiring to study God’s Word. It was a special treat to see so many old friends.
One woman who had been in my discussion group three years ago came running up to say hello. She wanted to thank me for all I had done for her. She said I‘d made a difference in her life. And I was shocked.
That year at BSF was one of the hardest ministry years I’d ever done. I wasn’t sure why God had me there and I had so much going on that quitting would have been easy.
But I didn’t because I knew I was supposed to stay.
And God blessed me because of it.
The study that year was Romans and although I didn’t understand everything at the time, it is a book I’ve returned to often. Understanding I am dead to sin; a new creature in Christ; and that there is NOTHING that can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ; are truths that have transformed my life.
They have become the building blocks upon which I stand. Truths I return to often that changed the way I think. None of which would have happened if I had quit. And I would not have had the privilege of being used by God to touch another person’s life.
God often puts us in difficult situations and gives us WAY more than we can handle. But He never gives us more than He can handle and He always has a purpose.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Saved For A Reason
1 Corinthians 10:23
The Believer's Freedom:
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up with this verse in my head.
It is a popular verse, one people often quote but I think you need to read the next verse to get the full meaning of what Paul was saying: Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
I tried to write a Z-mail yesterday but I was so fuzzy-headed I couldn’t think. I went to the orthopedic surgeon on Friday and he prescribed Vicodin for the pain in my hip, so I started taking it. That was my error. Even though it’s within my rights as a Christian to take medicine prescribed by a doctor for pain, it’s not something I’m going to be able to do. Because if I do, I cannot do what God has asked of me.
The funny thing about the Christian life, (at least for me,) is how it keeps changing. When I first became a Christian it was about me. God saved ME and I was so grateful. I would do anything to repay Him for His love. But that gratitude’s intensity faded.
Then God turned my attention towards Him so it became GOD saved me. And I became obsessed with the majesty and holiness of God. Seeing how “big” God really is motivated me to live in obedience. And that was good.
Now God has shown me that it is not just about HIM it is about others too. GOD saved me so that I could reach OTHERS. And that’s really exciting. God, the creator of the universe, saved me and gave me a job.
And He gave you one too.
Jesus said: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
If that doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will.
Love,
Jill
The Believer's Freedom:
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up with this verse in my head.
It is a popular verse, one people often quote but I think you need to read the next verse to get the full meaning of what Paul was saying: Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
I tried to write a Z-mail yesterday but I was so fuzzy-headed I couldn’t think. I went to the orthopedic surgeon on Friday and he prescribed Vicodin for the pain in my hip, so I started taking it. That was my error. Even though it’s within my rights as a Christian to take medicine prescribed by a doctor for pain, it’s not something I’m going to be able to do. Because if I do, I cannot do what God has asked of me.
The funny thing about the Christian life, (at least for me,) is how it keeps changing. When I first became a Christian it was about me. God saved ME and I was so grateful. I would do anything to repay Him for His love. But that gratitude’s intensity faded.
Then God turned my attention towards Him so it became GOD saved me. And I became obsessed with the majesty and holiness of God. Seeing how “big” God really is motivated me to live in obedience. And that was good.
Now God has shown me that it is not just about HIM it is about others too. GOD saved me so that I could reach OTHERS. And that’s really exciting. God, the creator of the universe, saved me and gave me a job.
And He gave you one too.
Jesus said: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
If that doesn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will.
Love,
Jill
Friday, September 10, 2010
Starting to Understand
1John 1:5
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday my daughter Katherine came home from school ecstatic because she finally understands basic music theory. Every year in Academic Decathalon they give a presentation about music theory and every year she is so overwhelmed she doesn’t understand it. This year it finally made sense.
Last year God started me on a journey to discover His holiness. I can’t say I completely understand it yet, but I am closer than I was last year when I started. And that’s good because understanding God is holy is absolutely essential to being able to live a victorious Christian life.
God’s holiness is everywhere in the Bible. It was the first thing He said to Moses "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." And it is what we are commanded to pray first. In the Lord’s Prayer He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name.
It is also the reason we have to take our life choices seriously if we want to walk in harmony with God and other believers. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If God was only love, He could have forgiven us our sins without the cross. I mean, we forgive people every day without anyone having to die. But God couldn’t. And the reason He couldn’t was because He is holy.
I spent years trying to understand the love of God, trying to make it all make sense. If God is good why do bad things happen? If God is love why doesn’t He just save everyone? It wasn’t until I studied His holiness that it starting making sense.
I used to think that the most important thing for a person to learn was that God loved them, and I still do. But I think it is equally important to learn who He is. Because knowing who He is makes that fact that He loves you all the sweeter.
Love,
Jill
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday my daughter Katherine came home from school ecstatic because she finally understands basic music theory. Every year in Academic Decathalon they give a presentation about music theory and every year she is so overwhelmed she doesn’t understand it. This year it finally made sense.
Last year God started me on a journey to discover His holiness. I can’t say I completely understand it yet, but I am closer than I was last year when I started. And that’s good because understanding God is holy is absolutely essential to being able to live a victorious Christian life.
God’s holiness is everywhere in the Bible. It was the first thing He said to Moses "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." And it is what we are commanded to pray first. In the Lord’s Prayer He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name.
It is also the reason we have to take our life choices seriously if we want to walk in harmony with God and other believers. God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If God was only love, He could have forgiven us our sins without the cross. I mean, we forgive people every day without anyone having to die. But God couldn’t. And the reason He couldn’t was because He is holy.
I spent years trying to understand the love of God, trying to make it all make sense. If God is good why do bad things happen? If God is love why doesn’t He just save everyone? It wasn’t until I studied His holiness that it starting making sense.
I used to think that the most important thing for a person to learn was that God loved them, and I still do. But I think it is equally important to learn who He is. Because knowing who He is makes that fact that He loves you all the sweeter.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, September 9, 2010
People First
Matthew 5:7-9
You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
"These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men."
Good morning Zebras,
One of the things I really admire about Paul’s life is that he did what God asked of him. If you read Acts you will see that he always inquired of God before he went somewhere and he was always open to God changing his plans.
That’s how I want to be.
It is my plan every day before noon that I sit down and write a z-mail and most days that’s God’s plan too. But not always. Yesterday was one of those days.
My mother-in-law had a small crisis. Her water heater developed a leak. The plumber and water damage crew came and her house was filled with fans that were making her cat crazy. She needed help to capture him and take him to the vet for boarding.
I could have told her I would help later and that I really needed to get my z-mail done, but I remembered the scathing little talk Jesus had with the Pharisees in Matthew 15 about honoring parents that ended with today’s verses. And I knew I needed to go help her.
This morning the second phase of her crisis continued. The insurance adjuster was coming to see if they would pay the claim and she needed someone to keep her company and give her moral support. So I went again.
This afternoon things have finally calmed down and I have time to write, but I was going to just skip it and take a nap, but once again God had different plans. So, here I am.
There was a time when I would have told my mother-in-law to wait. I would have said I was too busy with important work for God to go and help her. And I would’ve expected her to understand, after all, shouldn’t God come first?
But ministry is not God. God is God and He thinks people come first.
It is so easy when you are involved in running a ministry to forget that. There are always a hundred things that need to be done. But none of them are as important as the one person who needs to know the love of Christ.
Love,
Jill
You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
"These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men."
Good morning Zebras,
One of the things I really admire about Paul’s life is that he did what God asked of him. If you read Acts you will see that he always inquired of God before he went somewhere and he was always open to God changing his plans.
That’s how I want to be.
It is my plan every day before noon that I sit down and write a z-mail and most days that’s God’s plan too. But not always. Yesterday was one of those days.
My mother-in-law had a small crisis. Her water heater developed a leak. The plumber and water damage crew came and her house was filled with fans that were making her cat crazy. She needed help to capture him and take him to the vet for boarding.
I could have told her I would help later and that I really needed to get my z-mail done, but I remembered the scathing little talk Jesus had with the Pharisees in Matthew 15 about honoring parents that ended with today’s verses. And I knew I needed to go help her.
This morning the second phase of her crisis continued. The insurance adjuster was coming to see if they would pay the claim and she needed someone to keep her company and give her moral support. So I went again.
This afternoon things have finally calmed down and I have time to write, but I was going to just skip it and take a nap, but once again God had different plans. So, here I am.
There was a time when I would have told my mother-in-law to wait. I would have said I was too busy with important work for God to go and help her. And I would’ve expected her to understand, after all, shouldn’t God come first?
But ministry is not God. God is God and He thinks people come first.
It is so easy when you are involved in running a ministry to forget that. There are always a hundred things that need to be done. But none of them are as important as the one person who needs to know the love of Christ.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Approval of Men
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good morning Zebras,
I hope you had a nice weekend.
I usually don’t read Time magazine, I am not a very political person. (On Facebook where it asks for your political view, I wrote” God is in charge.”) But this morning a copy was lying open on the bathroom counter and the headline “Don’t Wait for a Thank You, Mr. President” caught my eye.
The article said Americans do not appreciate their presidents, even the REALLY good ones, when they are in office. Washington almost quit in frustration after one term, Jefferson was hated by the Federalists, and FDR was referred to as “that man” by his enemies. It is only in hindsight that people appreciate what they have done.
“If a president can accept that his friends will always bay for more and his foes will always bay, he stands a better chance of remaining vaguely sane than if he makes the (totally understandable) mistake of expecting people to thank him for his work.”
I think that is good advice for everyone. The desire to be appreciated is a common human emotion and it can lead to anger, frustration and self-pity if it is not fulfilled.
But that is sin.
Everyone can probably relate to the “what have you done for me lately syndrome.” You have just pulled off some herculean task, at home or at work, and ten minutes later they want something else. It is easy to feel under-appreciated.
But we need to remember who we are really serving.
As Christians we should not seek our approval and appreciation from men, children, friends, or husbands. In fact, Jesus is recorded as saying in John 5:41 "I do not accept praise from men.” And the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians “We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.”
Wanting the approval of men is normal, needing it is deadly. Even the best person may forget to thank you. God never will.
Love,
Jill
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good morning Zebras,
I hope you had a nice weekend.
I usually don’t read Time magazine, I am not a very political person. (On Facebook where it asks for your political view, I wrote” God is in charge.”) But this morning a copy was lying open on the bathroom counter and the headline “Don’t Wait for a Thank You, Mr. President” caught my eye.
The article said Americans do not appreciate their presidents, even the REALLY good ones, when they are in office. Washington almost quit in frustration after one term, Jefferson was hated by the Federalists, and FDR was referred to as “that man” by his enemies. It is only in hindsight that people appreciate what they have done.
“If a president can accept that his friends will always bay for more and his foes will always bay, he stands a better chance of remaining vaguely sane than if he makes the (totally understandable) mistake of expecting people to thank him for his work.”
I think that is good advice for everyone. The desire to be appreciated is a common human emotion and it can lead to anger, frustration and self-pity if it is not fulfilled.
But that is sin.
Everyone can probably relate to the “what have you done for me lately syndrome.” You have just pulled off some herculean task, at home or at work, and ten minutes later they want something else. It is easy to feel under-appreciated.
But we need to remember who we are really serving.
As Christians we should not seek our approval and appreciation from men, children, friends, or husbands. In fact, Jesus is recorded as saying in John 5:41 "I do not accept praise from men.” And the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians “We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.”
Wanting the approval of men is normal, needing it is deadly. Even the best person may forget to thank you. God never will.
Love,
Jill
Friday, September 3, 2010
Remember
Good morning Zebras,
I wasn’t going to write to you this morning. I was just going to use one of the really old z-mails that were written before I started posting them on the blog. But a funny thing happened as I read them, I encouraged myself. Or maybe I should say God used them to encourage me. He reminded me of a truth He taught me last year.
That's why I encourage people to journal. It helps us remember what we already know to be true and it reminds us of God's past faithfulness.
God commanded His children to remember but how often we still forget.
I hope you enjoy this "vintage" z-mail from August 2009.
Love,
Jill
Many things in my life are changing right now and today I was feeling unsettled because of it, so I looked up “hope” in my concordance and spent time reading about hope, especially in David’s Psalms.
My favorite was Psalm 25:1-3: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
David, as we all know had enemies, and when I read his Psalms I often skip over those lines thanking God that no one is currently trying to kill me. I may have people who dislike me, but I don’t think I have any enemies.
This morning God showed me that I do. My enemies are not people; they are fear and worry, doubt and discouragement. They are the mind games that Satan plays with me to keep me from being all that God wants me to be.
Ephesians 6:2 says:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Satan loves for us to forget this, but God’s word tells us that this is what we are fighting against. If you are feeling unsettled today or worried or depressed, OPEN the Bible. The best way to combat the lies of Satan is with the truth of God.
Love,
Jill
I wasn’t going to write to you this morning. I was just going to use one of the really old z-mails that were written before I started posting them on the blog. But a funny thing happened as I read them, I encouraged myself. Or maybe I should say God used them to encourage me. He reminded me of a truth He taught me last year.
That's why I encourage people to journal. It helps us remember what we already know to be true and it reminds us of God's past faithfulness.
God commanded His children to remember but how often we still forget.
I hope you enjoy this "vintage" z-mail from August 2009.
Love,
Jill
Many things in my life are changing right now and today I was feeling unsettled because of it, so I looked up “hope” in my concordance and spent time reading about hope, especially in David’s Psalms.
My favorite was Psalm 25:1-3: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
David, as we all know had enemies, and when I read his Psalms I often skip over those lines thanking God that no one is currently trying to kill me. I may have people who dislike me, but I don’t think I have any enemies.
This morning God showed me that I do. My enemies are not people; they are fear and worry, doubt and discouragement. They are the mind games that Satan plays with me to keep me from being all that God wants me to be.
Ephesians 6:2 says:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Satan loves for us to forget this, but God’s word tells us that this is what we are fighting against. If you are feeling unsettled today or worried or depressed, OPEN the Bible. The best way to combat the lies of Satan is with the truth of God.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Running On Empty
Luke 10: 38-40
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up this morning feeling out of sorts, a little grumpy and slightly depressed. It is one of those mornings where I would rather just stay in bed and pull the covers back up over my head. I have nothing left to give to anyone.
Basically I am running on empty.
Yesterday I had a lot of tasks to do. Ministry work that needed to get done but I skipped my quiet time to do it. Even though I spent the whole day doing “Godly stuff” it wasn’t the same as spending time with God. And this morning I’m feeling it.
My tank is dry and I need God to refill it.
I used to go days without opening my Bible, I think I used to live on empty but I didn’t know it because it felt “normal.” But it’s not, at least not for God’s people. God’s people have a never ending power supply.
One of my favorite verses, one that I recite to myself often is Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Don’t you love it!
Even those young men who seem like they can run for miles and lift small cars without even breaking a sweat get tired and weary. But me, a 52 year old housewife, whose “best years” may be behind her, can SOAR and RUN if my hope is in the LORD.
A woman's tendency is to "do"-but we need to remember we have to stop and sit.
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Love,
Jill
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up this morning feeling out of sorts, a little grumpy and slightly depressed. It is one of those mornings where I would rather just stay in bed and pull the covers back up over my head. I have nothing left to give to anyone.
Basically I am running on empty.
Yesterday I had a lot of tasks to do. Ministry work that needed to get done but I skipped my quiet time to do it. Even though I spent the whole day doing “Godly stuff” it wasn’t the same as spending time with God. And this morning I’m feeling it.
My tank is dry and I need God to refill it.
I used to go days without opening my Bible, I think I used to live on empty but I didn’t know it because it felt “normal.” But it’s not, at least not for God’s people. God’s people have a never ending power supply.
One of my favorite verses, one that I recite to myself often is Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Don’t you love it!
Even those young men who seem like they can run for miles and lift small cars without even breaking a sweat get tired and weary. But me, a 52 year old housewife, whose “best years” may be behind her, can SOAR and RUN if my hope is in the LORD.
A woman's tendency is to "do"-but we need to remember we have to stop and sit.
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Love,
Jill
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