1 Corinthians 12:14-16
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
Good morning Zebras,
On Tuesday I wrote a z-mail about watching what you say. I knew it sounded a little harsh but I had my husband and another Zebra read it and they both said it was fine. I knew it was what I was supposed to write about, so I sent it, but I still had a nagging feeling that it wasn’t quite right.
When I went to check the “watering hole” on Facebook to see if any Zebras had responded, I saw that God had prompted Laura, a Zebra I’ve never met, to soften the edges. Her response was perfect. I copied it and sent it out to the women of my church who do use Facebook, so they could have the additional insight.
The only concern I had left was the blog. I thought about posting Laura’s comment but it seemed like a lot of work, so I said a quick prayer and trusted God to take care of it.
Yesterday, I found out that I forgot to post the blog on Tuesday. I wrote it, I saved it, but I never pushed the publish button. Maybe my z-mail without Laura’s response would have been too harsh for some people and I think God intervened.
I could have done nothing Wednesday, I could have said “This just doesn’t seem right. I know it is a little off. I don’t think I’ll send it.”
But if I had given in to those thoughts, I would’ve missed a great reminder from God: “It’s not about you.”
God doesn’t ask that we be perfect, He only asks that we be willing to try. He has given all of us different abilities, personalities and talents. No one is an island, no one is always “right” and everyone is important to the Body.
It is easy to say “I’m not good enough, I think I’ll quit.” It is much harder to know you are not “good enough” and try anyway.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Acceptable Offering
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."
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday I woke up depressed. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and be left alone. But of course I didn’t. I knew it was self-pity, which is a sin, so I got out of bed and fled to the Bible to talk to God.
He took me to this verse. A very familiar verse to me, one God has used many times when I am depressed. It always makes me look at what I am doing that is causing me to feel so sad.
Yesterday I thought it was because I haven’t been going to the gym. I know I am supposed to go to the gym to strengthen the muscles in my leg before surgery, but I don’t like the gym and I find every excuse in the book not to go.
But this morning I realized it wasn’t the gym at all, it was the fact that I was hanging on to a ministry that God had clearly told me to let go.
The funny thing about all of this is, of course, that is the context of the verse. Cain has brought an offering to the Lord. He has “done” something for God, but the problem is he hasn’t done the thing God asked him to do. Either he did what was easier or he did what he wanted to do, we're not sure, but we know it was wrong because the text says: The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
And look how Cain reacted: So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Cain got angry and depressed.
Doing God’s work without God’s blessings is tiring, draining and depressing. But doing God’s work with God is the most amazing experience in the world.
Leaving a ministry that you love, that you know God called you to is never easy, but it is Biblical and necessary if you want God’s blessings upon the work.
Love,
Jill
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."
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday I woke up depressed. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and be left alone. But of course I didn’t. I knew it was self-pity, which is a sin, so I got out of bed and fled to the Bible to talk to God.
He took me to this verse. A very familiar verse to me, one God has used many times when I am depressed. It always makes me look at what I am doing that is causing me to feel so sad.
Yesterday I thought it was because I haven’t been going to the gym. I know I am supposed to go to the gym to strengthen the muscles in my leg before surgery, but I don’t like the gym and I find every excuse in the book not to go.
But this morning I realized it wasn’t the gym at all, it was the fact that I was hanging on to a ministry that God had clearly told me to let go.
The funny thing about all of this is, of course, that is the context of the verse. Cain has brought an offering to the Lord. He has “done” something for God, but the problem is he hasn’t done the thing God asked him to do. Either he did what was easier or he did what he wanted to do, we're not sure, but we know it was wrong because the text says: The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
And look how Cain reacted: So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Cain got angry and depressed.
Doing God’s work without God’s blessings is tiring, draining and depressing. But doing God’s work with God is the most amazing experience in the world.
Leaving a ministry that you love, that you know God called you to is never easy, but it is Biblical and necessary if you want God’s blessings upon the work.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Say What???
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. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Good morning Zebras,
Over six months ago I prayed to see God as He is and not through my American eyes and the result has been that God has “grown.”
Of course we all know that God doesn’t really grow, He’s as “big” today as He was yesterday and just as big as He will be tomorrow because He is unchanging. Immutable is one of His attributes, but my perception of Him has certainly grown and I don’t believe I am anywhere near finished.
This has all made me very sensitive to certain words and phrases Christians say, words that are really quite harmless but perpetuate our misunderstanding about God.
For example, someone shared on Sunday “It is difficult to trust God.” And I heard God say: “It shouldn’t be.” I have said those exact same words a hundred times, but is it really difficult to trust God? I don’t think it is IF we really know who He is. If we know He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving, trusting Him should come easy.
Secondly, Christians sometimes say “God needs me to ....” No, He doesn’t. It doesn’t matter what you are talking about God didn’t need you to do it. In His sovereignty He allows you to do things, He desires for you to do things, but He doesn’t need you to do things. God can use rocks-He really doesn’t NEED our help.
A related thought is “God has to…” as if God owes us something. He doesn’t, we owe Him. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, it is our responsibility to add to it. He has already given us eternal life, and He didn’t have to give us that, everything else is just gravy.
And finally, Christians love to pray “God be with us.” God is always with us. He lives inside of us. He walks with us every day, through everything, at all times. We never need to pray that God will be with us.
As I read the New Testament, I am constantly challenged by Paul, Peter, John and the rest of the apostles. I keep thinking “How did they do it?” How did they stand up to torture and persecution and hardships? How did they keep going and not get discouraged.
What I have decided is that they knew God.
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. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Good morning Zebras,
Over six months ago I prayed to see God as He is and not through my American eyes and the result has been that God has “grown.”
Of course we all know that God doesn’t really grow, He’s as “big” today as He was yesterday and just as big as He will be tomorrow because He is unchanging. Immutable is one of His attributes, but my perception of Him has certainly grown and I don’t believe I am anywhere near finished.
This has all made me very sensitive to certain words and phrases Christians say, words that are really quite harmless but perpetuate our misunderstanding about God.
For example, someone shared on Sunday “It is difficult to trust God.” And I heard God say: “It shouldn’t be.” I have said those exact same words a hundred times, but is it really difficult to trust God? I don’t think it is IF we really know who He is. If we know He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving, trusting Him should come easy.
Secondly, Christians sometimes say “God needs me to ....” No, He doesn’t. It doesn’t matter what you are talking about God didn’t need you to do it. In His sovereignty He allows you to do things, He desires for you to do things, but He doesn’t need you to do things. God can use rocks-He really doesn’t NEED our help.
A related thought is “God has to…” as if God owes us something. He doesn’t, we owe Him. God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, it is our responsibility to add to it. He has already given us eternal life, and He didn’t have to give us that, everything else is just gravy.
And finally, Christians love to pray “God be with us.” God is always with us. He lives inside of us. He walks with us every day, through everything, at all times. We never need to pray that God will be with us.
As I read the New Testament, I am constantly challenged by Paul, Peter, John and the rest of the apostles. I keep thinking “How did they do it?” How did they stand up to torture and persecution and hardships? How did they keep going and not get discouraged.
What I have decided is that they knew God.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 25, 2010
Choices
Jonah 1:2
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Good morning Zebras,
There are a lot of lessons in the book of Jonah, but I think my current favorite is: Just because the ship is at the dock doesn’t mean you should get on it.
We all know the story. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to repent but Jonah didn’t want to go. He had his reasons. The footnote in my Bible says:
Nineveh was a powerful and wicked city. Jonah had grown up hating the Assyrians and fearing their atrocities. His hatred was so strong that he didn’t want them to receive God’s mercy.
So Jonah ran. I can just see him running to Joppa, praying all the way. Maybe he was praying as I do when I don’t want to do something. “Dear Lord I know you told me to go to Nineveh, but maybe I heard You wrong. If You really want me to go, close the door to my escape and don’t provide a ship. Then I will KNOW You want me to go to Nineveh”
I can just imagine his relief when he saw that ship! “Yeah, I don’t have to go! God provided a ship and I can sail in the other direction!”
We all know the rest of the story. God really did want Jonah to go to Nineveh so He provided a storm, a big fish and a little readjustment to Jonah’s attitude.
In life we are all faced with choices. One looks hard and one looks easy. One is the way God wants us to go and one is the way that makes sense. Following God and obeying His commands does not appear to make sense. It does not appear logical to the world and sometimes it doesn’t even appear logical to other Christians.
That’s why we have to rely on God. James writes: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
Often times as Christians we pray for open and closed doors, clear signs of God’s purpose for our life, and that’s good, but I think it is even a greater test of our faith if He leaves both doors open and trusts us to pick the right one.
Love,
Jill
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
Good morning Zebras,
There are a lot of lessons in the book of Jonah, but I think my current favorite is: Just because the ship is at the dock doesn’t mean you should get on it.
We all know the story. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to repent but Jonah didn’t want to go. He had his reasons. The footnote in my Bible says:
Nineveh was a powerful and wicked city. Jonah had grown up hating the Assyrians and fearing their atrocities. His hatred was so strong that he didn’t want them to receive God’s mercy.
So Jonah ran. I can just see him running to Joppa, praying all the way. Maybe he was praying as I do when I don’t want to do something. “Dear Lord I know you told me to go to Nineveh, but maybe I heard You wrong. If You really want me to go, close the door to my escape and don’t provide a ship. Then I will KNOW You want me to go to Nineveh”
I can just imagine his relief when he saw that ship! “Yeah, I don’t have to go! God provided a ship and I can sail in the other direction!”
We all know the rest of the story. God really did want Jonah to go to Nineveh so He provided a storm, a big fish and a little readjustment to Jonah’s attitude.
In life we are all faced with choices. One looks hard and one looks easy. One is the way God wants us to go and one is the way that makes sense. Following God and obeying His commands does not appear to make sense. It does not appear logical to the world and sometimes it doesn’t even appear logical to other Christians.
That’s why we have to rely on God. James writes: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
Often times as Christians we pray for open and closed doors, clear signs of God’s purpose for our life, and that’s good, but I think it is even a greater test of our faith if He leaves both doors open and trusts us to pick the right one.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 22, 2010
Honor God
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
Good morning Zebras,
I did something yesterday I never do I sat down in the middle of the day and watched a movie. For some reason I was tired and when I got home from running errands I popped Facing the Giants into the DVD player and plopped down on the couch.
Now I figured most Christians had seen this movie, but I guess I was wrong. Last night at Awana I mentioned it to two ladies and neither one of them had seen it. It is a great movie, and I recommend you watch it, not because of its acting or its cinematography but because of the truths about God it contains.
I think there are three main truths in this movie: nothing is impossible with God; do not be afraid because God is with you, and if you honor God He will honor you. Truths, when applied to our lives, will transform it from the mundane to the spectacular.
Last week I read the life story of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner who refused to run on Sunday giving up his chance at a gold medal rather than dishonor God. His country, which up until that point had loved him, turned on him. They wanted their medal and they wrote horrible things about him in their papers. But Eric would not be swayed. He knew that honoring God was more important than peoples’ opinions or a gold medal.
Since he wouldn’t run on Sunday he was given the opportunity to run in a different race on Monday. It was a long distance race and Eric was a sprinter but Eric agreed and God honored his obedience. Not only did he win the race, he set a new World Record. If this sounds familiar it is because his life story was made into the movie Chariots of Fire.
Facing the Giants is a fictional story, Chariots of Fire is not, yet they both teach the same truth, if you honor God He will honor you.
God does not need hugely talented people, He does not need the “best and the brightest", He does not need people who think they are doing Him a favor by helping Him out. He needs us, people whose hearts are set upon honoring Him above all else, because it’s not about us, it’s about Him. He is Sovereign Lord, able to do anything He desires to do. And amazingly He desires to honor us when we honor Him.
Jesus said: So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. And I think that is the ultimate honor.
Love,
Jill
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,
Good morning Zebras,
I did something yesterday I never do I sat down in the middle of the day and watched a movie. For some reason I was tired and when I got home from running errands I popped Facing the Giants into the DVD player and plopped down on the couch.
Now I figured most Christians had seen this movie, but I guess I was wrong. Last night at Awana I mentioned it to two ladies and neither one of them had seen it. It is a great movie, and I recommend you watch it, not because of its acting or its cinematography but because of the truths about God it contains.
I think there are three main truths in this movie: nothing is impossible with God; do not be afraid because God is with you, and if you honor God He will honor you. Truths, when applied to our lives, will transform it from the mundane to the spectacular.
Last week I read the life story of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner who refused to run on Sunday giving up his chance at a gold medal rather than dishonor God. His country, which up until that point had loved him, turned on him. They wanted their medal and they wrote horrible things about him in their papers. But Eric would not be swayed. He knew that honoring God was more important than peoples’ opinions or a gold medal.
Since he wouldn’t run on Sunday he was given the opportunity to run in a different race on Monday. It was a long distance race and Eric was a sprinter but Eric agreed and God honored his obedience. Not only did he win the race, he set a new World Record. If this sounds familiar it is because his life story was made into the movie Chariots of Fire.
Facing the Giants is a fictional story, Chariots of Fire is not, yet they both teach the same truth, if you honor God He will honor you.
God does not need hugely talented people, He does not need the “best and the brightest", He does not need people who think they are doing Him a favor by helping Him out. He needs us, people whose hearts are set upon honoring Him above all else, because it’s not about us, it’s about Him. He is Sovereign Lord, able to do anything He desires to do. And amazingly He desires to honor us when we honor Him.
Jesus said: So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. And I think that is the ultimate honor.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Give An Answer
1 Peter 3:15b
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night I had to take my mother-in-law to the emergency room. She was having an irregular heartbeat, which thankfully turned out to be nothing, but it gave me some time to sit and pray about my talk for Saturday at the Ladies’ Tea.
As I’d shared earlier this week, I think I’m going to be talking about the hope Christians have and what that means, so of course today’s verse came to mind. The more I prayed and thought about it the more I realized it is quite a challenging verse.
First, as Christians it’s assumed the “hope we have” will be evident to others. Peter said “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks.” That means people are supposed to be asking. Do people ask you? They don’t ask me.
And second we are to have an answer when we are asked. Do you have one? A good one? Or is it just “I have hope because Jesus loves me.” That’s true, but incomplete. Jesus loves everyone; remember He came to save the whole world not just us.
This morning I decided I needed more information so I did a word search on “hope.”
This is what I found. Our hope is in Jesus, but not just because He loved us and died on the cross for our sins, but because in doing so He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. When God made man it was intended they would “walk together.” God would provide all their needs and they in turn would worship and love Him.
The Fall ended that. Instead of the perfect life God designed for us, we got a life riddled with sin, AND we got separated from God. A holy God cannot indwell a sinful people.
That is what Jesus fixed and I believe, the real reason for our hope.
I have hope because I know that Jesus’ finished work on the cross allows me to approach the throne of God, to take every concern and request to God, who will hear my prayers, not because of me, but because of His Son and He will answer them. I have hope because I know God, the maker of heaven and earth, who holds in His hands all power and authority, loves me because I love His Son and put my faith, not in my abilities, but in Christ’s. I have hope because God put inside of me the Holy Spirit, the power that raised Christ from the dead, allowing me to live a victorious life and sealing me for all eternity as His. And I have hope because I know if I needed God to part the Red Sea for me, He would. He’s just like that.
Love,
Jill
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Good morning Zebras,
Last night I had to take my mother-in-law to the emergency room. She was having an irregular heartbeat, which thankfully turned out to be nothing, but it gave me some time to sit and pray about my talk for Saturday at the Ladies’ Tea.
As I’d shared earlier this week, I think I’m going to be talking about the hope Christians have and what that means, so of course today’s verse came to mind. The more I prayed and thought about it the more I realized it is quite a challenging verse.
First, as Christians it’s assumed the “hope we have” will be evident to others. Peter said “be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks.” That means people are supposed to be asking. Do people ask you? They don’t ask me.
And second we are to have an answer when we are asked. Do you have one? A good one? Or is it just “I have hope because Jesus loves me.” That’s true, but incomplete. Jesus loves everyone; remember He came to save the whole world not just us.
This morning I decided I needed more information so I did a word search on “hope.”
This is what I found. Our hope is in Jesus, but not just because He loved us and died on the cross for our sins, but because in doing so He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. When God made man it was intended they would “walk together.” God would provide all their needs and they in turn would worship and love Him.
The Fall ended that. Instead of the perfect life God designed for us, we got a life riddled with sin, AND we got separated from God. A holy God cannot indwell a sinful people.
That is what Jesus fixed and I believe, the real reason for our hope.
I have hope because I know that Jesus’ finished work on the cross allows me to approach the throne of God, to take every concern and request to God, who will hear my prayers, not because of me, but because of His Son and He will answer them. I have hope because I know God, the maker of heaven and earth, who holds in His hands all power and authority, loves me because I love His Son and put my faith, not in my abilities, but in Christ’s. I have hope because God put inside of me the Holy Spirit, the power that raised Christ from the dead, allowing me to live a victorious life and sealing me for all eternity as His. And I have hope because I know if I needed God to part the Red Sea for me, He would. He’s just like that.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Getting It Right
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good morning Zebras,
I sure can see how Christians get confused.
I was taking my son to school this morning and he was dreading the day before him. It is cardio day in PE which means a LONG run and then he has a presentation in ACDECA that he stayed up until 1:00 am preparing. Public speaking isn’t his favorite thing and no sleep is only making it worse.
So being the good little godly mom that I am I tried to encourage him with wisdom from the Bible.
I started off with today’s verse. God has made this day and we are command to rejoice. But that didn’t seem to help so I pulled out: As a man thinketh so he is, and went on to expound on the fact that if he thinks he is going to have a bad day he will, but if he changes his thinking, he can change his day.
After I dropped him off I started thinking about what I had said. It sounded way too pop culture to be from the Bible so I came home and looked the verse up in context. I don’t want to explain what it says, but trust me it doesn’t say what I just told Nick.
Then I looked up today’s verse as well.
Psalm 118 starts with: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. And includes such wonderful truths as: In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. And The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Ending as it begun with: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
After reading the whole Psalm I was sure it must have been written by David after one of his many victories, but again I was wrong. The author is unknown and the theme is listed as: Confidence in God’s eternal love. God’s love is unchanging in the midst of changing situations. This gives us security.
The Bible says All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. But I think that only works when we actually know what it says.
Love,
Jill
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good morning Zebras,
I sure can see how Christians get confused.
I was taking my son to school this morning and he was dreading the day before him. It is cardio day in PE which means a LONG run and then he has a presentation in ACDECA that he stayed up until 1:00 am preparing. Public speaking isn’t his favorite thing and no sleep is only making it worse.
So being the good little godly mom that I am I tried to encourage him with wisdom from the Bible.
I started off with today’s verse. God has made this day and we are command to rejoice. But that didn’t seem to help so I pulled out: As a man thinketh so he is, and went on to expound on the fact that if he thinks he is going to have a bad day he will, but if he changes his thinking, he can change his day.
After I dropped him off I started thinking about what I had said. It sounded way too pop culture to be from the Bible so I came home and looked the verse up in context. I don’t want to explain what it says, but trust me it doesn’t say what I just told Nick.
Then I looked up today’s verse as well.
Psalm 118 starts with: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. And includes such wonderful truths as: In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. And The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Ending as it begun with: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
After reading the whole Psalm I was sure it must have been written by David after one of his many victories, but again I was wrong. The author is unknown and the theme is listed as: Confidence in God’s eternal love. God’s love is unchanging in the midst of changing situations. This gives us security.
The Bible says All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. But I think that only works when we actually know what it says.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
You'll Get In!
Ephesians 2:8-9
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,
This morning I had to run off to the doctor’s and get a “medical screening” to see if I am healthy enough to have surgery next month. To be honest I was a little nervous, I wasn’t sure I was going to pass.
So I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when the doctor said I didn’t need to come in because all we had to talk about was how healthy I am. He told me I have absolutely nothing wrong with me and my cholesterol and blood pressure are both really low. In fact my “bad cholesterol” is exactly what doctors hope for. Then he went on to say, “You just got good genes.”
And that is the truth. I have done nothing to warrant test results like that.
I do not eat five fruits and vegetables a day and exercise thirty minutes a day. I do not avoid fatty foods or sugar. I do nothing different than the average person and yet I am, according to the doctor, REALLY, REALLY healthy.
We have been studying The Book of The Revelation, (as Precepts calls it,) some of us are struggling with the fact it can be depressing. Since Revelations was written to encourage believers, it seems wrong that we are finding it depressing. This morning I was praying about why we’re discouraged by this study.
“Dear Lord,” I asked, “Why are we not encouraged about a book that reassures us You win?”
And this is what I came up with, maybe somewhere deep down inside we have a little doubt about whether or not we are on “the winning side” Maybe we are afraid, like I was today that we are “not going to pass” the test.
But just like the test today was not dependent upon what I had done, being on the winning side or God’s side is not dependent on us.
I think inside all of us are afraid we’re not “good enough” to be on “God’s Side” or to get into heaven. We aren’t. But Jesus is and He’s our ticket in.
From the very beginning it was never about us, it was always about God. God chose Abraham, He chose David, and He chose us. All we have to do is believe.
Love,
Jill
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,
This morning I had to run off to the doctor’s and get a “medical screening” to see if I am healthy enough to have surgery next month. To be honest I was a little nervous, I wasn’t sure I was going to pass.
So I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when the doctor said I didn’t need to come in because all we had to talk about was how healthy I am. He told me I have absolutely nothing wrong with me and my cholesterol and blood pressure are both really low. In fact my “bad cholesterol” is exactly what doctors hope for. Then he went on to say, “You just got good genes.”
And that is the truth. I have done nothing to warrant test results like that.
I do not eat five fruits and vegetables a day and exercise thirty minutes a day. I do not avoid fatty foods or sugar. I do nothing different than the average person and yet I am, according to the doctor, REALLY, REALLY healthy.
We have been studying The Book of The Revelation, (as Precepts calls it,) some of us are struggling with the fact it can be depressing. Since Revelations was written to encourage believers, it seems wrong that we are finding it depressing. This morning I was praying about why we’re discouraged by this study.
“Dear Lord,” I asked, “Why are we not encouraged about a book that reassures us You win?”
And this is what I came up with, maybe somewhere deep down inside we have a little doubt about whether or not we are on “the winning side” Maybe we are afraid, like I was today that we are “not going to pass” the test.
But just like the test today was not dependent upon what I had done, being on the winning side or God’s side is not dependent on us.
I think inside all of us are afraid we’re not “good enough” to be on “God’s Side” or to get into heaven. We aren’t. But Jesus is and He’s our ticket in.
From the very beginning it was never about us, it was always about God. God chose Abraham, He chose David, and He chose us. All we have to do is believe.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hope
Hebrews10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
Good morning Zebras,
Awana conference season is over so my focus is shifting away from training the faithful to my next task which is the outreach event for our church. On the way home from Reno I was praying about what I should say and trying to switch gears in my head. You don’t say the same thing to the lost as you do to the believer. Or do you?
Jesus chastised the religious leaders for their hardened hearts and religious rituals. He trained, warned and encouraged the disciples and He taught forgiveness to the lost. But to everyone He gave a message of hope.
And that is what I think God wants me to talk about on Saturday-hope.
From the time we were little girls we all had hopes, but too often those hopes are not fulfilled. Maybe Prince Charming never came or he came and he wasn’t enough. Maybe we didn’t become the doctor, or lawyer, or Indian Chief that we dreamed of or we did and we found out that it was just a “job”. Maybe God did not give us the family we had hoped for or He did but then He allowed them to be taken away. Or even worse maybe everything is “perfect”, but something inside of us is still sad and often times we don’t even know why.
I have a friend that used to say, ‘Low expectations are the key to happiness.” Basically if you don’t hope for a lot then you are happy with what you get. And I have found that to be true. There is nothing worse than dashed hopes. But I don’t think it is Biblical.
I think God would say that the key to happiness is hoping in the right thing.
As Christians our hope is in Heaven where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our hope is in the Supreme Ruler of this world who created all things for His pleasure and continues to guide and direct the events of this world. Our hope is in something far greater than anything our eyes can see. It is in Jesus, the Son of God, the author and perfecter of our faith, the perfect High priest who lives to intercede for us with the Father, who is faithful and able to do everything that He has promised and He promised would never leave us nor forsake us.
The lost don’t know the hope we have in Christ, but too often, I think we forget.
Love,
Jill
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful
Good morning Zebras,
Awana conference season is over so my focus is shifting away from training the faithful to my next task which is the outreach event for our church. On the way home from Reno I was praying about what I should say and trying to switch gears in my head. You don’t say the same thing to the lost as you do to the believer. Or do you?
Jesus chastised the religious leaders for their hardened hearts and religious rituals. He trained, warned and encouraged the disciples and He taught forgiveness to the lost. But to everyone He gave a message of hope.
And that is what I think God wants me to talk about on Saturday-hope.
From the time we were little girls we all had hopes, but too often those hopes are not fulfilled. Maybe Prince Charming never came or he came and he wasn’t enough. Maybe we didn’t become the doctor, or lawyer, or Indian Chief that we dreamed of or we did and we found out that it was just a “job”. Maybe God did not give us the family we had hoped for or He did but then He allowed them to be taken away. Or even worse maybe everything is “perfect”, but something inside of us is still sad and often times we don’t even know why.
I have a friend that used to say, ‘Low expectations are the key to happiness.” Basically if you don’t hope for a lot then you are happy with what you get. And I have found that to be true. There is nothing worse than dashed hopes. But I don’t think it is Biblical.
I think God would say that the key to happiness is hoping in the right thing.
As Christians our hope is in Heaven where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our hope is in the Supreme Ruler of this world who created all things for His pleasure and continues to guide and direct the events of this world. Our hope is in something far greater than anything our eyes can see. It is in Jesus, the Son of God, the author and perfecter of our faith, the perfect High priest who lives to intercede for us with the Father, who is faithful and able to do everything that He has promised and He promised would never leave us nor forsake us.
The lost don’t know the hope we have in Christ, but too often, I think we forget.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 15, 2010
Fear NOT!!!
Psalm 34:7-9
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Good morning Zebras,
Anyone who does not study the Old Testament is robbing themselves of some amazing truths. It is where we see the power, holiness and majesty of God, but it is also where we see His grace.
Over and over again God told His people “do not be afraid.” He knew facing the enemy was frightening but He wanted to reassure them He was with them and He would take care of them.
But often they didn’t listen.
In this week’s BSF lesson Ahaz, the king of Judah is told not to be afraid of the advancing armies and to “ask the LORD your God for a sign” and trust Him. But he didn’t. Even after the LORD said “It will not take place, it will not happen” he did not believe and chose instead to place his trust in men and made a treaty with the enemy.
How stupid we think …but really, are we any different?
If we were faced with an advancing army how many of us would have the faith to stand and wait for the deliverance of the Lord, without trying to help Him out just a little?
Not me, at least not usually.
But I think that’s what God is trying to teach me. He keeps painting me into a corner and watching to see if I will wait for Him to rescue me. Do I believe He loves me and will do what is best for me or is it all just talk?
Paul wrote, in his last letter to Timothy, the following words which clarify for me his ability to stand up for the gospel, to suffer any hardship, punishment or shame, and to go beyond what seems humanly possible for his faith: I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
Do I know God that well? I’m not sure, but I know I want to. So I pray boldly like Moses when he requested to see the glory of God: Dear Lord, if you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you (more) and continue to find favor with you
Love,
Jill
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Good morning Zebras,
Anyone who does not study the Old Testament is robbing themselves of some amazing truths. It is where we see the power, holiness and majesty of God, but it is also where we see His grace.
Over and over again God told His people “do not be afraid.” He knew facing the enemy was frightening but He wanted to reassure them He was with them and He would take care of them.
But often they didn’t listen.
In this week’s BSF lesson Ahaz, the king of Judah is told not to be afraid of the advancing armies and to “ask the LORD your God for a sign” and trust Him. But he didn’t. Even after the LORD said “It will not take place, it will not happen” he did not believe and chose instead to place his trust in men and made a treaty with the enemy.
How stupid we think …but really, are we any different?
If we were faced with an advancing army how many of us would have the faith to stand and wait for the deliverance of the Lord, without trying to help Him out just a little?
Not me, at least not usually.
But I think that’s what God is trying to teach me. He keeps painting me into a corner and watching to see if I will wait for Him to rescue me. Do I believe He loves me and will do what is best for me or is it all just talk?
Paul wrote, in his last letter to Timothy, the following words which clarify for me his ability to stand up for the gospel, to suffer any hardship, punishment or shame, and to go beyond what seems humanly possible for his faith: I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
Do I know God that well? I’m not sure, but I know I want to. So I pray boldly like Moses when he requested to see the glory of God: Dear Lord, if you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you (more) and continue to find favor with you
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Getting Up Early
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning Zebras,
I have gotten lazy and quit taking my own advice, or I should say I have quit taking God’s advice.
I have been a firm believer for years that it’s REALLY important to get up early in the morning and set your day before God, but lately because of my schedule, I have gotten rather lax. Since I don’t have a fixed schedule to keep now, I’d slipped into the REALLY bad habit of doing my quiet time after I got my family out the door.
I would never have done that when I was working because I knew if I didn’t get my quiet time in first thing in the morning there was a good possibility I wouldn’t get it in at all. But since I have time, I figured there was no reason for me to get up at 5:00 in the morning to spend time with God when I can just do it at 8:00 after they leave. That lets me have a whole extra hour of sleep. (Yippee!)
This morning God showed me my error. For some reason when I woke at 5:00, I didn’t roll over and go back to sleep like I have been doing, I got up and wandered downstairs to chat with God. And I then realized what I’d been missing.
There is something so special about having the first thoughts that go into your head be from God. It sets the tone for the whole day and it gives God a chance to speak to me before I get distracted.
How could I have forgotten how wonderful it is?
When I did a word search on “early in the morning” I found Abraham got up early in the morning to sacrifice Isaac, Moses got up early in the morning to confront Pharaoh, David got up early in the morning to go meet Goliath, Joshua and Gideon both got up early in the morning to lead the Israelites into battle, Job got up early in the morning to offer daily sacrifices for his children and according to Luke 21 all the people came early in the morning to hear him (Jesus teach) at the temple.
Isn’t that amazing!
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Now I don’t know about the healthy or wealthy part but if you get up early and seek God I know it will make you wise.
Love,
Jill
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Good morning Zebras,
I have gotten lazy and quit taking my own advice, or I should say I have quit taking God’s advice.
I have been a firm believer for years that it’s REALLY important to get up early in the morning and set your day before God, but lately because of my schedule, I have gotten rather lax. Since I don’t have a fixed schedule to keep now, I’d slipped into the REALLY bad habit of doing my quiet time after I got my family out the door.
I would never have done that when I was working because I knew if I didn’t get my quiet time in first thing in the morning there was a good possibility I wouldn’t get it in at all. But since I have time, I figured there was no reason for me to get up at 5:00 in the morning to spend time with God when I can just do it at 8:00 after they leave. That lets me have a whole extra hour of sleep. (Yippee!)
This morning God showed me my error. For some reason when I woke at 5:00, I didn’t roll over and go back to sleep like I have been doing, I got up and wandered downstairs to chat with God. And I then realized what I’d been missing.
There is something so special about having the first thoughts that go into your head be from God. It sets the tone for the whole day and it gives God a chance to speak to me before I get distracted.
How could I have forgotten how wonderful it is?
When I did a word search on “early in the morning” I found Abraham got up early in the morning to sacrifice Isaac, Moses got up early in the morning to confront Pharaoh, David got up early in the morning to go meet Goliath, Joshua and Gideon both got up early in the morning to lead the Israelites into battle, Job got up early in the morning to offer daily sacrifices for his children and according to Luke 21 all the people came early in the morning to hear him (Jesus teach) at the temple.
Isn’t that amazing!
Ben Franklin is quoted as saying: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. Now I don’t know about the healthy or wealthy part but if you get up early and seek God I know it will make you wise.
Love,
Jill
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Great News!
Revelation 4:1-2
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
Good morning Zebras,
I know God is laughing at me.
For fourteen years I have avoided the book of Revelation. There was no way I wanted to read that “dark and scary” book. But God had other plans and I am so glad He did.
During the summer we did the first part of Revelation: Chapters 1-3 and now we are studying Chapters 4-22 and it has been one of the most encouraging studies I have done in a long time.
First there was Revelation 3 where God tells the faithful church at Philadelphia He has put before them an open door no man can shut. What an encouragement! If you are faithfully doing what God has called you to do, no man will be able to stop you, because God has gone before you and cleared the way.
And then last night we had this beautiful picture of heaven with God in control and on the throne. The video tape was excellent; Wayne Barber was so excited about God being on the throne it was impossible not to get excited with him. He said “If you can catch of glimpse of God on the throne you will never worry about anything again.”
So true.
Really understanding God is in control and this life is just a wisp frees you up from worrying about a WHOLE bunch of things that do not really matter.
The Bible says God knows what we need and He will give it to us. In Matthew 6 Jesus tells the disciples: So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
None of us know what tomorrow will bring. But God does and even if the very worst thing you could possibly imagine happens, God is STILL in control.
Love,
Jill
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
Good morning Zebras,
I know God is laughing at me.
For fourteen years I have avoided the book of Revelation. There was no way I wanted to read that “dark and scary” book. But God had other plans and I am so glad He did.
During the summer we did the first part of Revelation: Chapters 1-3 and now we are studying Chapters 4-22 and it has been one of the most encouraging studies I have done in a long time.
First there was Revelation 3 where God tells the faithful church at Philadelphia He has put before them an open door no man can shut. What an encouragement! If you are faithfully doing what God has called you to do, no man will be able to stop you, because God has gone before you and cleared the way.
And then last night we had this beautiful picture of heaven with God in control and on the throne. The video tape was excellent; Wayne Barber was so excited about God being on the throne it was impossible not to get excited with him. He said “If you can catch of glimpse of God on the throne you will never worry about anything again.”
So true.
Really understanding God is in control and this life is just a wisp frees you up from worrying about a WHOLE bunch of things that do not really matter.
The Bible says God knows what we need and He will give it to us. In Matthew 6 Jesus tells the disciples: So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
None of us know what tomorrow will bring. But God does and even if the very worst thing you could possibly imagine happens, God is STILL in control.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 11, 2010
God's Gift
Ephesians 2:8-9
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,
When Nick, my son, was eight he got me a concordance for Christmas. I asked him to write something inside to help me remember when he had given it to me and maybe a favorite verse. So he wrote: “2003 and 2004 I hope you like it. I wanted to write my favorite verse Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
I was looking at it the other morning and I thought that is a funny verse for a kid to have as a favorite. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it is probably a very comforting verse, especially for a kid.
Kids are in the position of constantly being corrected. As parents we are always telling them what they are doing wrong. Hopefully, we are also telling them what they are doing right, but if we are honest with ourselves we might have to admit the corrections outweigh the praises.
Since we don’t correct other adults in the same way, kids might begin to feel like they are the only ones who mess up.
The truth is we all “mess” up. The Bible says There is no one righteous, not even one and If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
I think, too often, we think of sin only in terms of what we do. If we are doing “good” things we are good and if we are doing “bad” things we are bad. But it isn’t what we do that makes us sinful and unrighteous it is who we are. Since the Fall each of us were born with a sin nature. Nothing we did, just who we are. And the only way to change that is by accepting Christ’s finished work on the cross.
All of us, no matter how “good” we were, were sinners, and all of us, no matter how bad we were, can be saints. Because none of it is dependent upon us, it depends upon God.
That is why Paul can write with such conviction: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And really understanding that will set you free.
Love,
Jill
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,
When Nick, my son, was eight he got me a concordance for Christmas. I asked him to write something inside to help me remember when he had given it to me and maybe a favorite verse. So he wrote: “2003 and 2004 I hope you like it. I wanted to write my favorite verse Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
I was looking at it the other morning and I thought that is a funny verse for a kid to have as a favorite. But the more I thought about it the more I realized it is probably a very comforting verse, especially for a kid.
Kids are in the position of constantly being corrected. As parents we are always telling them what they are doing wrong. Hopefully, we are also telling them what they are doing right, but if we are honest with ourselves we might have to admit the corrections outweigh the praises.
Since we don’t correct other adults in the same way, kids might begin to feel like they are the only ones who mess up.
The truth is we all “mess” up. The Bible says There is no one righteous, not even one and If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
I think, too often, we think of sin only in terms of what we do. If we are doing “good” things we are good and if we are doing “bad” things we are bad. But it isn’t what we do that makes us sinful and unrighteous it is who we are. Since the Fall each of us were born with a sin nature. Nothing we did, just who we are. And the only way to change that is by accepting Christ’s finished work on the cross.
All of us, no matter how “good” we were, were sinners, and all of us, no matter how bad we were, can be saints. Because none of it is dependent upon us, it depends upon God.
That is why Paul can write with such conviction: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And really understanding that will set you free.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 8, 2010
Good News!
Romans 6:11-13
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up this morning in a bad mood.
The moodles had eaten some “unguarded” chocolate last night while we were at Awana and even though we called the vet and they said it would be fine, I didn’t sleep well because I was worried about them. Plus I had been doing geometry, my least favorite subject in math, with Nick before I went to bed and when I was wasn’t awake worrying about the moodles, I was having math nightmares. Then, even though I didn’t sleep well, I didn’t get up during the night and take anything for the pain in my hip so when I woke up this morning it was on fire.
When the alarm went off, I got up and limped my way downstairs in a really FOUL mood.
I knew I was irritated so I tried not to say too much because I know James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires and Ephesians 4:26a In your anger do not sin, but the mountain of laundry that needed to be done BEFORE I left at 11:30 and the sink piled with dirty dishes didn’t really help the situation.
As soon as I could I fled to the Bible.
No sooner had my bottom hit the chair before today’s’ verse came to mind. Do not let sin reign in your mortal body and I thought that is just what this feels like. It feels like every cell of my body is irritable and riddled with sin. And I needed it to stop.
So I looked the passage up. Basically what Paul is saying is because we are in Christ Jesus we have a choice. We can resist sin IF we want to. We do not have to obey its evil desires even if it feels that way because we are dead to sin and alive in Christ.
And that is the REALLY good news of the gospel!!!
Love,
Jill
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
Good morning Zebras,
I woke up this morning in a bad mood.
The moodles had eaten some “unguarded” chocolate last night while we were at Awana and even though we called the vet and they said it would be fine, I didn’t sleep well because I was worried about them. Plus I had been doing geometry, my least favorite subject in math, with Nick before I went to bed and when I was wasn’t awake worrying about the moodles, I was having math nightmares. Then, even though I didn’t sleep well, I didn’t get up during the night and take anything for the pain in my hip so when I woke up this morning it was on fire.
When the alarm went off, I got up and limped my way downstairs in a really FOUL mood.
I knew I was irritated so I tried not to say too much because I know James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires and Ephesians 4:26a In your anger do not sin, but the mountain of laundry that needed to be done BEFORE I left at 11:30 and the sink piled with dirty dishes didn’t really help the situation.
As soon as I could I fled to the Bible.
No sooner had my bottom hit the chair before today’s’ verse came to mind. Do not let sin reign in your mortal body and I thought that is just what this feels like. It feels like every cell of my body is irritable and riddled with sin. And I needed it to stop.
So I looked the passage up. Basically what Paul is saying is because we are in Christ Jesus we have a choice. We can resist sin IF we want to. We do not have to obey its evil desires even if it feels that way because we are dead to sin and alive in Christ.
And that is the REALLY good news of the gospel!!!
Love,
Jill
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Real Love
Mark 14:28-30
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth,"
Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
Good Morning Zebras!
I am studying Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship and the book of Revelation in Precepts so I am struggling with writing “encouraging” and light-hearted z-mails.
When you spend a lot of time reading about God’s judgment and wrath it is difficult to switch gears and write about His love and forgiveness.
Last night I asked Gary, my husband, what he thought of yesterday’s z-mail and he said it was a little dark. Persecution is just not a happy topic.
So this morning I woke up determined to write you something light and fluffy. Something that would make you feel good all day!
That was what was on my mind as I started making breakfast for my family.
Every morning I make breakfast for my family. But this morning I realized I won’t be able to after I have surgery. They will have to fend for themselves for a few weeks until I get back on my feet. As soon as I realized that, I told Nick, who was sitting at the table waiting for his food, because I love him and I wanted him to know a change was coming so that he would be prepared.
Then I realized that is what God has done as well.
God warned the Israelites of His impending judgment because He loved them and wanted to give them one last chance to change. He didn’t want to bring judgment on them, He wanted them to repent, but they didn’t, so He did what He said He was going to do. Not because He hated them, but because He loved them.
And He didn’t give us the book of Revelation to scare us or to make us worry but to let us know what is going to happen as well. He wants us to be able to stand up through the end times. He wants us to be prepared. He wants us to turn back to Him if we have wandered away or grown lukewarm. He knows many are going to fall away and He doesn’t want that to be you.
God loves us. He does. And He shows that love by telling us the truth.
Love,
Jill
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth,"
Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
Good Morning Zebras!
I am studying Isaiah in Bible Study Fellowship and the book of Revelation in Precepts so I am struggling with writing “encouraging” and light-hearted z-mails.
When you spend a lot of time reading about God’s judgment and wrath it is difficult to switch gears and write about His love and forgiveness.
Last night I asked Gary, my husband, what he thought of yesterday’s z-mail and he said it was a little dark. Persecution is just not a happy topic.
So this morning I woke up determined to write you something light and fluffy. Something that would make you feel good all day!
That was what was on my mind as I started making breakfast for my family.
Every morning I make breakfast for my family. But this morning I realized I won’t be able to after I have surgery. They will have to fend for themselves for a few weeks until I get back on my feet. As soon as I realized that, I told Nick, who was sitting at the table waiting for his food, because I love him and I wanted him to know a change was coming so that he would be prepared.
Then I realized that is what God has done as well.
God warned the Israelites of His impending judgment because He loved them and wanted to give them one last chance to change. He didn’t want to bring judgment on them, He wanted them to repent, but they didn’t, so He did what He said He was going to do. Not because He hated them, but because He loved them.
And He didn’t give us the book of Revelation to scare us or to make us worry but to let us know what is going to happen as well. He wants us to be able to stand up through the end times. He wants us to be prepared. He wants us to turn back to Him if we have wandered away or grown lukewarm. He knows many are going to fall away and He doesn’t want that to be you.
God loves us. He does. And He shows that love by telling us the truth.
Love,
Jill
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Limiting the Pain
2Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Good morning Zebras,
A few months ago my friend Janet became convinced that everyone who lived a godly life would suffer persecution. It was obviously something God showed her because she was adamant about it.
In my head I agreed with her, but in my heart I had doubts. I know that is what the Word of God says but I just don’t see that much persecution in the United States. Does that mean there are no godly people here?
Monday night during our study on Revelation the speaker said the same thing. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted.” So I had to think about it again and here is my conclusion.
I think the reason we don’t see more persecution here is because we have the ability to limit it. We only get persecuted if we really stick our necks out for Christ, if we blend in and fit in, the world will love us.
The early church didn’t have that choice. Becoming a Christian was a life changing experience. They were thrown out of the synagogue and often disowned.
Americans don’t like to suffer. We have drugs for just about everything. Most people don’t think twice about taking something for a headache or a stomach ache. Remaining comfortable is a primary goal.
And maybe that mindset has bled over into the church.
We love Jesus, we want to dedicate our lives to Him, but we also want to remain comfortable. I’m just not sure the two really go together.
Jesus said: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
If you feel people dislike you ask God why. If it is because you love Jesus that’s good, but if it is because you are obnoxious you might need to work on it.
And if no one dislikes you, you need to pray about that too.
Love,
Jill
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Good morning Zebras,
A few months ago my friend Janet became convinced that everyone who lived a godly life would suffer persecution. It was obviously something God showed her because she was adamant about it.
In my head I agreed with her, but in my heart I had doubts. I know that is what the Word of God says but I just don’t see that much persecution in the United States. Does that mean there are no godly people here?
Monday night during our study on Revelation the speaker said the same thing. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted.” So I had to think about it again and here is my conclusion.
I think the reason we don’t see more persecution here is because we have the ability to limit it. We only get persecuted if we really stick our necks out for Christ, if we blend in and fit in, the world will love us.
The early church didn’t have that choice. Becoming a Christian was a life changing experience. They were thrown out of the synagogue and often disowned.
Americans don’t like to suffer. We have drugs for just about everything. Most people don’t think twice about taking something for a headache or a stomach ache. Remaining comfortable is a primary goal.
And maybe that mindset has bled over into the church.
We love Jesus, we want to dedicate our lives to Him, but we also want to remain comfortable. I’m just not sure the two really go together.
Jesus said: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
If you feel people dislike you ask God why. If it is because you love Jesus that’s good, but if it is because you are obnoxious you might need to work on it.
And if no one dislikes you, you need to pray about that too.
Love,
Jill
Monday, October 4, 2010
Don't Wait
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,
I had this wonderful z-mail for you. It was all about my freezer and the frost that had built up inside. But when I sat down to write it this morning it just didn’t come out right.
After about an hour of trying to write the stupid thing I gave up and went to take a shower, a wonderful place to pray and talk to God. I asked Him why I was having so much trouble with today’s z-mail.
His reply was pretty quick. “You’re having trouble because I told you to do that on Saturday.”
Which was true.
But since I don’t write z-mails on Saturday I decided to wait until today. And therein lies the mistake.
We do God’s work on God’s timetable not ours. If God wanted me to write on Saturday I should have written on Saturday.
Thomas Jefferson said: "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Good advice based upon Godly principles.
God says in the book of James: "you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow" and "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
I knew I was supposed to write on Saturday, but I figured it could wait. I was wrong.
None of us know what tomorrow holds, only God knows and if He is prompting you to do something today He has a reason.
From personal experience I suggest you obey.
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,
I had this wonderful z-mail for you. It was all about my freezer and the frost that had built up inside. But when I sat down to write it this morning it just didn’t come out right.
After about an hour of trying to write the stupid thing I gave up and went to take a shower, a wonderful place to pray and talk to God. I asked Him why I was having so much trouble with today’s z-mail.
His reply was pretty quick. “You’re having trouble because I told you to do that on Saturday.”
Which was true.
But since I don’t write z-mails on Saturday I decided to wait until today. And therein lies the mistake.
We do God’s work on God’s timetable not ours. If God wanted me to write on Saturday I should have written on Saturday.
Thomas Jefferson said: "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Good advice based upon Godly principles.
God says in the book of James: "you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow" and "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
I knew I was supposed to write on Saturday, but I figured it could wait. I was wrong.
None of us know what tomorrow holds, only God knows and if He is prompting you to do something today He has a reason.
From personal experience I suggest you obey.
Love,
Jill
Friday, October 1, 2010
For Our Good
Romans 8:27-28
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. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday I was working on my Awana order. I had almost finished when the website crashed. I tried logging off and logging back on-no luck the website was down. So I grabbed the phone to call in my order but there was no answer. Too many people had the same idea.
At that moment I had a choice, I could get upset or I could do something else. I decided to do something else and on the advice of my husband I went to the gym.
When I went to get my car keys, I found a piece of paper Nick needed at school. Since the high school is on the way to the gym, I could easily drop it off.
As I was driving, I started thinking about how God works everything to our good. Not just the “BIG” things, but the “little” things as well. A crashed computer gave me the chance to obey my husband, practice my patience, and support my son. All things that are more important to God than an Awana order.
I think part of learning to have a joyful life is learning to look at everything through God’s eyes. Our goal might be to have a problem-free life, God’s goal is to transform us into the image of His Son and use us to save others. The two don’t usually go together.
The following quote, sent to me by a Zebra sister, is from Rick Warren, the author of A Purpose Driven Life: whose wife is battling cancer: Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
It is how we handle the problems and challenges of life that make us who we are.
Nothing happens to us that God does not allow, and everything that happens can be used for His glory. But the last part is up to you.
Love,
Jill
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Good morning Zebras,
Yesterday I was working on my Awana order. I had almost finished when the website crashed. I tried logging off and logging back on-no luck the website was down. So I grabbed the phone to call in my order but there was no answer. Too many people had the same idea.
At that moment I had a choice, I could get upset or I could do something else. I decided to do something else and on the advice of my husband I went to the gym.
When I went to get my car keys, I found a piece of paper Nick needed at school. Since the high school is on the way to the gym, I could easily drop it off.
As I was driving, I started thinking about how God works everything to our good. Not just the “BIG” things, but the “little” things as well. A crashed computer gave me the chance to obey my husband, practice my patience, and support my son. All things that are more important to God than an Awana order.
I think part of learning to have a joyful life is learning to look at everything through God’s eyes. Our goal might be to have a problem-free life, God’s goal is to transform us into the image of His Son and use us to save others. The two don’t usually go together.
The following quote, sent to me by a Zebra sister, is from Rick Warren, the author of A Purpose Driven Life: whose wife is battling cancer: Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
It is how we handle the problems and challenges of life that make us who we are.
Nothing happens to us that God does not allow, and everything that happens can be used for His glory. But the last part is up to you.
Love,
Jill
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