Holy Week Exercise by Jill Krueger Wagner

Yesterday our Sunday school class studied Matthew 11:16-28. In these Scriptures, Jesus was denouncing the Jewish cities for unbelief. He told them it would be better at the final judgment for immoral cities than for them because even though they lived by a moral code, they refused to acknowledge Jesus. We talked about how we as Christians are more closely aligned morally to the Jewish cities and how sometimes we, too, don’t live our lives in full repentance before Jesus.

I then passed out this exercise to be done this Holy Week because I do believe that sometimes we merrily go on our way thinking that we are pleasing to the Lord when we are in bondage to sins that don’t please him. What better time to repent and renounce our sins than the week when Jesus died to set us free from every habit that enslaves us? I pray you’ll find the freedom Jesus died to purchase.

Holy Week Exercise by Jill Krueger Wagner

Take some time during this Holy Week (at the very least 30 minutes) to get alone with God to honor what Jesus did on Good Friday. Read Matthew 26:57-27:54 to be reminded of what Jesus went through on that day. Thank Him for His sacrifice.

Ask Him to reveal to you in what area(s) of your life are still under bondage to Satan. Write the answer here.

Repent from whatever He reveals to you. To repent means to turn away from whatever is keeping you in bondage. Then ask Him how to gain victory over what He has revealed. Remember that the enemy comes to “kill, steal and destroy” but Jesus came so we “might have life and have it more abundantly.”  (I have found one book that has helped me in this area in “The Bondage Breaker” by Neil Anderson.)

Where are you when this happens? Can you avoid that place?

When does it happen? Can you preempt the attack in some way?

Is another person tempting you? Can you avoid them?

What will you do to avoid the situation?

What can you do or say to diffuse the situation?

Is there a Scripture you need to memorize to equip you to resist?

If you need support, is there someone that can help you? Ask them today.

After He has revealed a plan to you for victory, praise Him with at least one of your favorite songs, hymns or Psalm. Remember “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 …”you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“Not This German Girl!”

By Jill Krueger Wagner

From the time I was a little girl I had a fascination with the Bible yet it wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I actually ever read it. I’d heard that nobody’s education was complete without knowledge of the New Testament. So after Ray and Todd came to live with us I went back to church because, at that time, most moral people took their children to church to learn right from wrong. Common sense seemed to dictate that a child who every week got a lesson on morality would be better prepared to navigate the temptations of the world without being destroyed by them.

After reading the Word of God I became aware of just how sinful I was – certain I was headed to Hell because I learned that God’s standards were impossibly high and my life had gotten pretty low. This led to my “Jesus moment” when I was deciding between committing suicide and committing my life to God. Obviously I choose to submit my life to God and all went well, at first. My hunger for the Bible became insatiable. I loved reading the Proverbs – so black and white on morality. I also loved the Psalms – many of David’s woes and his response really spoke to me. But then…

I started reading the New Testament letters of Paul and I read these words, “Wives submit to your husbands as unto the Lord.” My immediate response was, “Not this German girl!” Those of you who are German know that a German submitting so just about anyone is highly unlikely unless they are holding a gun to your head. We are a hard-headed, stubborn lot. Add to that the fact that at the time my husband was not the loving man he is today. We fought pretty regularly and he could be just as stubborn and unreasonable as I was. He has a little German blood running through his veins as well.

So I made a decision – I could just do everything else in the Bible and just ignore that particular instruction, after all that was written long ago and things were different in the 1970s. 

Funny things started to happen. When I was disrespectful to Ray little things started to go wrong. When I insisted on my own way things really fell apart. At first I figured it was just coincidence – not at all connected but after a while I couldn’t miss the correlation. I started to wonder if God was trying to tell me something but, since I still wasn’t about to submit, I just ignored the facts and went about my not so merry way. Then finally Ray and I had a blow up – I wanted to go somewhere – he didn’t want me to go. I went. I ended up with a flat tire. Now I knew a lot of people in my home town but couldn’t get ahold of anyone and I sure didn’t want to change it myself. So I called Ray who came and changed it.

After that I heard that still quiet voice that every Christian knows is God say. “Are you ready to obey My Word or do you want to find out what happens after the flat tire?” I couldn’t deny that responses to my rebellion were escalating – each response was bigger than the last. I didn’t want to submit but I also didn’t want to see the next response from God. So the next time we had a difference of opinion I “submitted data” but then I submitted. Funny thing happened after that – Ray was less unreasonable – listened more to my objections offered in a more respectful way. He even changed his mind on a few things and let me have my way.

Now don’t get me wrong – I am no doormat – that’s not what God wants or requires but He does insist that wives respect their husbands (and that husband love their wives like Jesus loves the Church.) But He is a God of order and he likes things done a certain way – His way. And, trust me, “your arms are too short to box with God!”

  That’s the Reader’s Digest version of how I went from, “Not this German girl” to “Okie-dokie!”

God is Speaking to You - Are You Listening?

What would your reaction be if someone claimed that God had spoken to them?

Would you write them off as a nut job? Would you be intrigued? Would you want some proof?

I remember the first time I heard someone say, “God said I should…” I don’t remember what it was God said but I do remember my reaction. I was intrigued because the woman who said this had an aura about her – not an actual halo-like glow but a joy that I simply couldn’t deny. I wanted to know more. I wanted to hear God speak.

As I came to know this woman I discovered that there are certain “rules” about God speaking.

·  
God will never tell you to do anything contrary to the Bible

·  
God often says things non-audibly – like you speaking to yourself – but says things you would never say like, “forgive the unforgivable.”

·  
God often uses our Bible reading to speak to us

·  
God sometimes uses other people to speak to us

·  
God sometimes whispers a Scripture reference that “just happens” to speak to the issue

Now I’m the one who is going to tell you that God has spoken to me. Most often He has spoken through his Word. Once when I left my husband in a fit of rage I opened my Bible and this is what I read, “The anger of man (or in this case woman) doesn’t bring about the righteous life God desires.” I went home to my husband.

Another time I actually planned to do something contrary to what God had revealed to be right in the Bible. That day I read, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” I knew in my
spirit that God was telling me to obey His rules.

Once when I was furious with someone I very clearly heard God say (not audibly but in my head), “Jill, pray for her.” There is no way I would have thought that - I was entirely too angry.

My husband and I went through a really rough time after I became a Christian because, as he put it, “that wasn’t what I signed up for.” I prayed about it ALL the time and one day I again heard that voice in my head saying, “1 Corinthians 13.” Now many of you
automatically know that that is the love chapter but I was new to reading the Bible and I didn’t know what that chapter was about so I read it in my Bible. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” So I read that and I was feeling very unloved so my response was, “Oh yes Lord, that is how I want to be love.” He clearly responded, “No Jill that is how I want you to love Ray.” I argued, “He doesn’t deserve it.” He said, “Do it anyway.” Now I know that wasn’t me because at that point I pretty
much hated my husband. I knew God had spoken to me and so I tried to do what He
asked but boy was that hard!

Another time I was so angry with someone that I told her off royal. I’d been a Christian only a short time and when she started to cry I felt triumphant – I know I’d hit the mark and hurt her as she had hurt me. But in the back of my mind I knew that I
probably shouldn’t have been so happy about bringing another person to tears. I
called a friend who knew the grief this woman had caused me. I expected her to
back me up but instead I heard her say, “Not exactly the way Jesus would have
handled it.” I knew God had spoken through my friend and I apologized to the
woman I hurt.

Finally there was the day when I was feeling pretty drained – I felt I was working really hard for the Lord but didn’t feel I was doing enough to please Him. I reached a limit and I stomped my foot looked up to heaven and asked,” What do you want from me, Lord?” Again I heard that voice say, “Micah 6:8.” I looked it up in my Bible
and it said, “What does the Lord require of you, O man, but to act justly, love
mercy and walk humbly before your God.” I knew God had spoken to me.  

God doesn’t play favorites so if He’s spoken to my friend and He’s spoken to me, He also speaks to you – you just have to recognize His voice.

Why I Love Organized Religion

You hear a lot of negative things about the church but there are plenty of good things to be said for a group of people who long to do good works and be holy. I’ve been part of three different churches in my life (one Episcopalian, one Quaker and one Methodist) and although they all had “issues,” I grew in each one. 

Although the Jewish religion at the time of Christ was riddled with problems, Jesus, who NEVER sinned, felt it was important to gather with believers in the synagogue(Luke 4:16). I believe that’s a pretty good example to follow. :)

So here are a few reasons I love organized religion.

• The Love – it is the glue that holds the church (and me) together
• The support – when I’m in a jam there are people who are there to help me
• The opportunity to do good works – to make our community a better place to live
• The Disaster relief – when something like a devastating typhoon or hurricane occurs  anywhere in the world there is a way for you to help, either money wise or even a mission trip
• The socialization – God’s people are a built in family for those moving from far away
• The teaching about God’s Word – no matter how well you know the Bible you can always learn more and grow
• The Encouragement – God’s people are like a group of cheerleaders helping you to overcome life’s issues
• The humor – God’s people make me laugh
• It spurs you on to be a better you – growing is a good thing and we all could be better
• The acceptance – God’s people accept me for who I am, though I am far from perfect
• The prayer power – I have seen unbelievable answers to prayer through the church
•  The advice – sometimes you just need a listening ear and a fresh idea to handle an old issue
• The Worship – I love to sing!
• It helps you to grow positive kids in a negative world – a child who hears a sermon once a week all their life is probably better able to handle temptation than one who doesn’t

How about you? What are your reasons for loving organized religion?

If you've had a negative experience with a church it might have been a "bad fit." AND there are very bad churches like Westboro Baptist that are a bad fit for anyone wanting to live a life of love. Don't stop looking - seek the right fit.

Sixty Days Until Christmas?

I saw this in an advertisement today and thought, “I hope women are getting ready.”

Here are a few things that can help make the holiday happy. For instance:

Do a personal Christmas analysis

WHAT WOULD YOUR “PERFECT” CHRISTMAS LOOK LIKE:

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN, HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE ELEMENTS OF YOUR PAST SEVERAL CHRISTMASES?

1.DISASTER        3.POOR        5.AVERAGE      7.O.K.             10. GREAT

MY ABILITY TO FIND JUST THE RIGHT GIFT FOR EVERYBODY WITH VERY LITTLE STRESS WAS:

MY ADVANCE PLANNING FOR ENTERTAINING WAS:

MY ABILITY TO STAY CALM WAS:

OUR FAMILY TIMES WERE:

MY SPIRITUAL FOCUS WAS:

MY CHILDREN’S APPRECIATION FOR THE TIME I SPENT, AND THE GIFTS THEY RECEIVED FROM US AND OTHERS WAS:

PAST CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS COULD

GENERALLY BE RATED AS:

• Get a 3x5 card and write on it your priorities for making this the best Christmas ever, make a plan and stick to it
• Get a binder and put your list into it along with any gift ideas, card list, anything that has to do with Christmas – if it’s written down you’ll be less likely to forget BUT don’t include your children’s gift ideas – hide those! But still write down so you know you’re not over budget and all the kids are equally covered
• Make a budget and stick to it
• If you bake extra start accumulating flour/sugar, etc. Many baked goods can be made ahead and frozen – Google how!
• My friend Maria starts doubling up her dinners and freezing the second half so she has meals for December when she is too busy to cook
• Even if you don’t usually get the Sunday paper buy it for the next two months – you’ll find deals that will cover the cost of the paper and possibly give you gift ideas – if you clip coupons it pays for the cost of the paper
• To keep reminding you of “The Reason for the Season” find a Christmas devotional and focus on THE Gift! Here’s one I’ve had quite a while:
• Consider shopping at small businesses OR having your friends make things on your list (or make them yourself - I've been reading a book on China's treatment of it's citizen's and I want NOTHING to do with supporting such an evil regime by buying products from China

Christmas Meditations

ON JESUS BIRTH

1. Announcement Luke 1:26-37

2. Mary’s response Luke 1:38-55

3. Joseph’s response Matthew 1:18-25

4. Shepherds told and their response Luke 2:8-20

5. Jesus presented in the temple Luke 2:21-38

6. Visit of the Magi Matthew 2:1-12

7. Flight to Egypt Matthew 2:13-15

ON WHAT JESUS GAVE UP TO BE BORN:

1. His right to be served. Philippians 2:6-8

2. The comforts of heaven. (He knew hunger, pain, weariness, and all human frailties he didn’t know in heaven)

3. The power he had in heaven. (Now restricted by his human body every miracle he did was through the Father’s power, he’d given his own up.)

4. His autonomy. (In heaven he was God, He went from independence to total dependence)

5. His riches (from owning “the cattle on a thousand hills” to the child of a poor carpenter.)

ON PEACE

1. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Is.26: 3

2. Come to me, all you who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you &learn from me, for I am gentle & humble in heart, & you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy & my burden is light. Mt.11: 28-30

3. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, & the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

4. The Lord is my strength & shield; my heart trusts in him, & I am helped. My heart leaps for joy & I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

5. I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints- but let them not return to folly Psalm 85:8

6. Great peace have they who love your law, & nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165

7. Turn from evil & do good; seek peace & pursue it. Psalm 34:14

8. The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness & confidence forever.   Is. 32:17

9. The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, & I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

10. The LORD bless you & keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you & be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you & give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

11. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid. John 14:27

WHEN ANXIOUS

1 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

2...Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, & you will honor me. Psalm 50:15

3. Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1 

4. Cast your cares on the LORD & he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

5. Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

6. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:7

7. Trust in the LORD with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him & he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

8. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms & carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

9. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand & says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

10. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

If you have any ideas let me know!

Reign

I am only truly happy when Jesus is reigning in me so why do I sometimes still resist his rule in my life?

Reign

By Jill Krueger Wagner

King Jesus reign over me

I submit to your rule in my life

Even when I fight against you

I know that “resistance is futile” and

It’s not what I truly want

But although “the spirit is willing,

The flesh is weak”

Sovereign Lord reign in me

I desire to do your will but

I’m “prone to wonder, prone to leave the God I love”

“What I want to do I do not do,

But what I hate I do”

“I have the desire to do what is good

But I cannot carry it out”

I am wretched, rescue me

Almighty One reign through me

“Make me a vessel of your peace”

Fill me so with Your Spirit that

You overflow to those around me

Let me be a living stone building your kingdom

In this fallen world let me be a light

Leading others to “the true light that gives

Light to everyone”

Reign over me, in me and through me

I know that your love pursues me

Reign in the morning, afternoon and night

At all times in my life

Your reign brings peace in the kingdom of my heart

Teach me how to remain in you and never depart