Monday, November 29, 2010

Please Join Me for the 90 Day Challenge


I can’t believe I am saying this but January 2011 is right around the corner! That means we will be starting our “Read the Bible in 90 days.”

Let me explain the process. You can either use your own Bible or you can purchase one in the picture, either way is just fine. I purchased the Bible in 90 days for around 14$ on Amazon. It is the entire text of the Bible but it marks out the day by day reading in 12 page increments. It makes it easier to keep track. Have no fears though, I will send out a new sheet each week that has the Bible readings for each day laid out for you. We will average 12 pages a day.

Depending on how fast you read it will average about an hour each day. We all have 24 hours in the day. I know it can be tough to carve out 1 hour a day. It will be a big commitment but the rewards are “out of this world! “

The whole purpose of the 90 days is simple. Reading straight through the scriptures from cover to cover will give us a great overview of the entire Bible. We will witness the character of God in how he deals with pagans and with his chosen ones. We will learn what honors God and what displeases him greatly.

Why don’t you spend some time in prayer this week and consider my invitation? I would love for you to join me.

In Christ Alone,

Jill

Jiller

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Please Discipline That Child!

For those of us who are parents we can relate to this girl in the picture. Defiant, rebellious and just plain ornery! My fleshly self would want to smack that little stinker if she were my child! The LORD has something to say about children and discipline.

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Heb 12:5-6 (ESV)

I certainly can’t speak for you but I can tell you that I hate being disciplined. My flesh sure gets in the way. Recently I experienced the Lord’s discipline and I struggled for days before I could submit, it was not a pretty picture. The Hebrew writer talks about the feelings of being disciplined, we all hate it when it happens to us.

“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

I want more than anything to be holy. Many times in scripture we are told to strive for holiness. The challenge is what it takes to become holy. No pain, no gain! The writer here in Hebrews tells us that God’s discipline is the entrance to holiness.

Heb 12:7-11 (ESV)

Next time God wants to discipline you, remember he only disciplines those he loves. I am so thankful God loves you and me. J

Till tomorrow.

Jiller

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"

Saturday, November 27, 2010

A Thankful Heart


Yes, I am very late! However, I have achieved a small victory. My computer has not let me on the site for a week now and I finally figured out how to clear my cache and my cookies. Although I was about to lose my cookies if I didn't get fixed pretty soon :) Back to Thanksgiving.

I have a theory so tell me what you think. The powers that be (and I am not sure who they are) have decided that Halloween and Christmas are THE holidays. Thanksgiving is just an excuse to move straight to Christmas. Shops are now open on Thanksgiving. Black Friday is now going to be Black Thursday. Every turkey should be afraid, very afraid. They are about to go the way of the dinosaurs.

I think the first Pilgrims who celebrated would roll over in their graves if they saw what Thanksgiving looked like now. As a nation we barely give a nod this day for what we are thankful for. Zoom right to the Christmas shopping spree, after stuffing ourselves with all the trimmings.

For me this is a special holiday. The fist Pilgrim were thankful that they were all still standing upright since most of the group had died. Vertical, horizontal, you chose. Since I am still vertical I will give my list of what I am truly thankful for.

1. God still loves Jill Roper, inspite of the fact that I mess up on a daily basis, The Master of the Universe still loves me, amazing

2. I have my husband vertical.

3. We are not homeless even though we have lost our home.

4. I have two boys left at home that give me great joy.

5. I have my husband living and breathing next to me.

6. I have the coolest grandchildren who also happen to be talented and cute to boot!

7. I have a daughter and son-in-law who were willing to give up their privacy so we weren't homeless.

8. We have prayer warriors in several countries who petition God on our behalf daily

9. I have the most amazing siblings who also give me great joy!

10. I have three grown children who love the LORD and have good solid marriages, thank you Jesus.

So think about it dear reader, there is much to be thankful for this holiday season. What does your list look like?

God's richest blessings on you.

Friday, November 19, 2010

God is Our Refuge


1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Psalms 46:1-11 (ESV)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Gratituesday November 16th

There was a feeling of deep reverence as I watched the scene unfold. One by one the men started filling the room. Every seat was taken. We shared our struggles, our fears and our wishes. These men walked in as fellow believers eager to plead at the throne of God on our behalf. When they walked out an hour later they were my shepherds.

They gathered around us and started anointing us with oil just like the scriptures teach. With hands on our shoulders prayers rose to our Father. Pleading for restoration, pleading for the ultimate healing that only God can give and in the end acknowledging that God’s wishes will be done.

That night was the start of healing a deep wound to my soul. I will always be grateful for these shepherds who truly shepherd the flock.


Jiller

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"

Monday, November 15, 2010

A Lost Son

I have spent quite a bit of time the past several days staring at the ceiling and praying. Any parent can understand the loss of sleep for a child that breaks your heart. I am reminded today that God never, ever makes mistakes.

Our journey with son #7 started at age 10. By the time we met he had spent the first 9 years with an alcoholic mom and grandma. Men came in and out quickly. All of his siblings were fathered by different men. He spent years being abused in all ways that are possible. Severe neglect would best describe his journey. Born three months early to a drunken mom who cared little for the welfare of this baby he was born already physically beaten with multiple bruises on his face and chest. My heart breaks for what he went through.

I am reminded of the scripture that says this,;
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:2-6


Someday justice will be served but till then our family, our community and our nation will have to find a way to come to grips with this loss. As harsh as son's life was he was offered a new beginning. He was taught that God loves him. We shared that we all have choices in this life and we can rise above our past and move forward to a bright future. We spoke God's truth into his life.

This battle like all battles belong to the LORD, God Almighty. God knows the potential this son of ours has. He knows he could choose to be a mighty warrior for the LORD. Imagine such a young man traveling the country telling his story one of redemption, of love and mercy. God can take a broken vessel and make it whole again.

God is in the heart mending business. All son has to do is surrender. Don't we all need this lesson. It can be so hard to surrender our will to the Father's. It is scary! What if God chooses something I don't like? God whispers gently into our ears, "dear child, trust me, I have good things for you"

May our son and those like him listen to that voice that is calling him home.

In Christ Alone,
Jill

Friday, November 12, 2010

Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts Week 4

Good morning everyone. Today we start week 4 of our series “Live the New Life”. Remember that each 6 weeks we have a new category we will be memorizing. Under the “Live the New Life” this week we memorize scriptures on prayer. I can’t begin to express my thankfulness for prayer. God has never left us without the capacity to talk with Him, the Master of the Universe. Prayer is such an intimate setting to be with God and share our hearts. With that in mind, here are the two verses.

Prayer- John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

Prayer- Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

A couple of things to remember. First say the topic first, that way you will have that in your head already when you want to find a scripture. Then say where it is found. We can be literate in our Bible’s and know where to find things. Say it out loud, write it down or sing it. Whatever you have to do to be successful.

Happy memorizing!


"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Freedom

The work hours are long, the pay will never make you rich but the satisfaction of defending this great nation is well worth it. Veterans Day is today. I personally would like to say thank you to each and every person who has defended this country.

I think of the Mom’s and Dad’s who are grieving today for that son or daughter who will never walk through the door again. I think of the spouse who sleeps alone at night because their lifelong partner made the ultimate sacrifice and is gone.

Freedom has never ever been free. I am reminded of Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for each and every one of us so that we too could be free.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery Gal 5:1
Now go live like you believe it!

In Christ Alone
Jill

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Gratituesday November 9



Good morning everyone. Today is Tuesday which means it is Gratituesday. A day each week that we set aside to thank God for our blessings. If you have never posted on the blog I would encourage you to post today under mine what you are grateful for this week.

This past Saturday our family was invited to an Eagle Court of Honor. Having three Eagles ourselves we know this is such a big celebration. Most young men who have achieved the rank of Eagle have spent a lot of time focusing on developing character and following through on serving others.

This was a very special day for one of our church families. Brennan is an amazing young man that comes from a family who truly pursues God. Brennan’s dad and grandfather are both elders at the congregation. It was so obvious in the ceremony that this young man has been raised to honor our Father.

Godly young men are going to be the future of our churches and our nation. Thank you God for this wonderful family that is truly salt and light.

What are you thankful for today? Let me know.



"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"


Monday, November 8, 2010

Remember the Pit

Remember the Pit

Good morning ladies. I hope you spent some time in worship to the LORD God Almighty.
I spent some time in Ephesians this weekend and chapter 2 verses 11-13 jumped out at me.


Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace.
Eph 2:12-14 (ESV)

Do you remember what it was like when you were without God? One time in my life I felt a total absence of God and I have to admit it was the most miserable time of my life. I was in a dark pit and I could not see ahead. There was nothing but empty darkness. Being without God is a place I never want to be in.

Why did Paul tell the Christians in Ephesus to remember? Isn’t it so easy to forget? Here is an important truth. If we understand what God has rescued us from, we tend to remember that pit and don’t want to go back to it. Over and over again God reminds His people to follow Him, to move forward since the promised land is in front and not behind.


Are you tempted to go backwards? Sweet sister, the promised land of heaven is forward and not behind us. Remember what He rescued us from and we will never go back again!
Have a wonderful day.



"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning Satan says, "Oh crud, she's up"

Friday, November 5, 2010

Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts week 3


Today is Friday which means we start our third week of memorizing God's Word.
The topic for this week is God's Word!
1. Follow the same pattern- spend the first two days of the week learning 2 Timothy 3:16, and next two days on Joshua 1:8. Use the rest of the week for review.
2. Please remember that it is helpful to write out the verse while you are trying to deepen its impression on your mind.
3. Daily review- Each day this week, review the four verses you have already learned.
The Word 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
The Word Joshua 1:8 "The Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Forgiven at the Cross



My soul is deeply touched when I hear a song called "The Power of the Cross" .
Oh to see my name
Written in the wounds
For through your suffering I am free
Death is crushed to death
Life is mine to live
Won through your selfless love
This the power of the cross
Son of God slain for us
What a love! what a cost!
We stand forgiven at the Cross!
Keith and Kristyn Getty sang this song and you can go to YouTube and listen. I am having a terrible time with posting lately so I am unable to post the link.
When you and I come to the cross we come broken. That brokenness is where we live apart from the cross. We live in such a broken world, each one of us is torn apart by sin. The really good news is that we don't have to stay that way. It is the cross and it's power that makes us whole.
Precious sister, we should never forget the cross. Our sins need to be left right at the foot of the cross. God the Father and God the Son did all the work. I am so humbled when I think of the cross and the amazing work done at Calvary. A simple thank you hardly seems enough. With my knees bent low to the ground and my heart opened bare for the Saviour to see I praise His holy name and then stand forgiven at the cross.
Go live it like you believe it today.
In Christ Alone,
Jill

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Random Thoughts Today





Good morning to each of you. Yesterday was election day. I have always loved politics and I have always felt it a privilege to live in a country where we can exercise our rights and vote. Each of us are just one vote but one vote can make a difference. Hmmm, making a difference has never been easier in today's culture. There is such a stark difference between those who serve the God of the Universe and those who chose a pagan lifestyle.
Speaking of choosing a pagan lifestyle, this morning I read an article sent to all the parents of teens in our congregation. It was about the current culture in student dances. Eye opening for sure. The article was quite long with explicit descriptions of how the guys and gals behaved during the songs. People are shocked when we give teens who have hormones surging through their bodies at lightening speed explicit music screaming at them to "back it up" and then offer them a pitch dark room in which to "back it up". Who are we kidding?
Our culture is screaming for some direction. Salt and light sweetie, that is what God calls us to be. When will we stand up and say enough is enough? Why would any sane parent allow their girls to dress like hookers and their boys to dress and act like pimps? This battle is right before our eyes.
A tidal wave happened last night. Some people said enough is enough. You have gone too far. So, they stood up and one by one their vote was counted. What about our homes? When do we stand up and say enough is enough? When will we have the courage to tell our teens we live by a higher standard, and more importantly God expects us to live above the culture. Courage, that is what it takes.
We learned last night that all it takes it courage to stand up for what is right. Let's all look at our homes and see where we can exercise a little courage and train our children to stand up and be salt and light.
Will you join me in prayer today for our homes and our country?
In Christ Alone,
Jill

Monday, November 1, 2010

Please Call Me!



This is an amazing scripture. Read this slowly and soak it in my dear sister.

"The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: Thus says the LORD who made the earth, and the LORD who formed it to establish it- the LORD is his name. Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:1-3

What a relief, God wants me to call HIM, the Master of the Universe and not only does he want me to call Him but He promises to answer. He also says that he will tell me great and hidden things that I have absolutely no clue about.

Sweet sister, can you wrap your brain around the concept that God is right here waiting for the call? He wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. I marvel at His unmatchless love for his people.

I remember as if it was yesterday when we anxiously awaited the phone call to tell us our children were ready to be adopted. The anticipation is what God goes through. He wants the phone to ring!

Pick it up and dial the number and claim Jeremiah 33:3. Once he answers, stop and listen. He will tell you amazing things, and that is a promise. :)

In Christ Alone,
Jill