Zebra Ministries: Hearts

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Hearts

1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB95)

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Good morning Zebras,

Have you ever thought about the fact that today’s verse can either be terrifying or comforting depending upon the condition of your heart? I hadn’t not really until God gave me a visual.

I have two dogs that have very different personalities, but as their master I think I know them rather well. I think, as much as humanly possible, I know my dog’s hearts and that influences how I interact with them.

For example, On Wednesday Joshua was in a rather lazy mood. He came downstairs for breakfast and then went immediately back to bed. When I went up to tell him it was time for our walk, something he really loves to do, I was met with complete disinterest. I tried to coax him off the bed, but he really wanted to sleep so I decided to let him.

But in my heart I knew he would be disappointed if he missed his walk, so I gave him a little time to think about it and then I went back. When I opened the door I was not met with the lazy disinterested dog I had left, instead he sprung off the bed without me even saying a word, eager and ready to go.

I think he thought he had missed his chance.

And I realized that is how God deals with us. He knows our hearts, He knows what we REALLY want to do and He loves us enough to give us a second chance. He knows that sometimes we are tired and lazy, indulging our sinful nature rather than walking in the spirit, but because of His great love for us He doesn’t leave us that way. He keeps coming back offering us a chance to “get off the bed.”

Then yesterday Abigail got “misplaced.” It didn’t take me long to notice she was gone but when I did, I didn’t panic. Unlike Joshua who would wander off if given half a chance, Abigail doesn’t have a restless spirit. So I knew she had to be trapped somewhere and I went to find her.

And again God had a lesson for me.

God knows the hearts of His people. He knows those who are trying to run away from Him, and those who just get misplaced. And when we are misplaced, off track or otherwise distracted, He lovingly comes looking for us. He knows we don’t really want to wander around lost, so He comes to show us the way home.

The condition of our heart is very important to God and in theory it should be comforting to us knowing that God looks at our hearts rather than how we “sometimes” behave.

Love,
Jill

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Why Zebras?

In the summer of 2008 I was looking at a herd of zebras in a wild animal park and commented to my son that I didn’t understand why the lions didn’t just eat the zebras because their markings make them so obvious. He told me that the opposite was actually true. God has marked zebras so when they hang together in a herd, their stripes create the illusion they are one large animal and therefore too big to attack. It is the lone zebra that is usually eaten. The same is true of Christians; we must hang together and encourage each other to fight off the lions. The lone Christian is easy prey.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Therefore:

Zebras was started to encourage women who desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, who want their lives to be transformed to honor God and who are willing to be “zebras” in a world of “horses”. Zebras exists to reassure you that you are not alone and that God has called you to be peculiar. As a peculiar person you should look different than the world

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Pastor Endorsement

Jill Getchell speaks from her heart and from God’s word in a way that brings encouragement and hope to God’s people. I’ve been blessed to hear her at Awana conferences, a women’s retreat, and from the pulpit of our church. I am confident your people will be equally blessed by spending the day with Jill at We Have Hope...your church will be blessed as well.

Pastor Al Marks

First Baptist Church Vallejo

I have known Jill for many years now. She truly desires to encourage the churches in our community and to strengthen the believers that attend our churches. Her passion for Jesus comes out in her ability to speak, and her heart is to encourage all those that attend to go back into their churches and be a blessing.

Pastor Kelly Patchin

New Harbor Community Church, Benicia

I believe women are vital to the unity and health of the church. They bear the image of God and serve Him in a great way within His church. Zebras has the ability to unite and excite women to grow in their faith and in their relationships with each other. In John 17:20 Jesus says, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” One of Christ’s last prayers for His church is that they would be one as He is with the Father. And through our unity the world can come to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Unity is essential for a healthy church and healthy relationships between women. Zebras can stimulate healthy growth in the spiritual lives of the women in your church too. It is a blessing at New Harbor and I believe it would be a blessing for any pastor to have in their church.

Kelly Patchin, Pastor
New Harbor Community Church

Testimonies

The Zebra herd has given me the opportunity to be myself. I think we all have a face we put on for others, especially on Sunday. We don’t want to let anyone see the pain or hurt we’re suffering because we feel that it’s a reflection on our walk with Christ. I now have a group of loving Christian women with whom to share the joys and sorrows equally… Without the Zebras, I’d still be wearing my Sunday face. ...............Dawn C.

The Zebra ministry has deepened my relationship with Christ and the women at my church beyond what I thought possible... Most importantly, it has given me a safe place to be very, very real… I have learned how to be transparent and allow my fellow Zebra sisters to support me in prayer and God to minister to the deepest part of my soul--the part that needed it the most.................... Jennifer H.

When I came to New Harbor Church I was so lonely. I knew I needed the fellowship of other Christian women but did not know if I could break out of my self-imposed isolation. I felt unworthy of anyone’s friendship, let alone" godly people"... But Zebras has made me feel the true acceptance of these wonderful women. I have slowly opened my heart to them, with their encouragement and love! I don't have that heavy ache of solitude anymore. ................Barbara B.

I was with you in the beginning meetings of the herd and watched it evolve into a place where we as sisters in Christ could share our burdens without judgment. Being a Zebra helped me through a very trying time- Leap of Faith– leaving a relationship, selling my home and trusting in God. It was encouraging to know that I was not alone and being a part of a group where women could feel understood, comforted, and lifted up spiritually. .................Tracy M.

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