Ignorance can kill you.

Have you ever heard “What you don’t know can’t hurt you”? Well, that’s a lie. What you don’t know can absolutely hurt you. It can kill you. Not knowing fire is hot can result in much pain and possible death. Not knowing kingdom truth will severe you from the joy of fellowship with God. It will disconnect you from the abundant life available in Jesus Christ. The motto “ignorance is bliss” is naive. Ignorance is not bliss in the kingdom. Truth brings freedom. Freedom doesn’t come from a failure to educate yourself in the ways of God.

A kingdom principle that many of us overlook, much to our detriment, is that our vision and revelation of God corresponds directly to the way we receive and handle people. Our reception of people God has sent into our lives communicates something about the way we receive God. It’s a fallacy to think we have our own thing going with God that requires no visible community of people. There’s no such thing as lone rangers in the kingdom.

Like many of us, the Pharisees assumed they could claim to love the God in heaven while rejecting the sent man, Jesus, that was standing in front of them. They liked the God who was invisible because they could make up their own rules and portray to everyone on the outside that they were committed. But when that invisible God sent someone in flesh and blood to confront their compromise, their true hearts were revealed.

If you find yourself claiming to have a great relationship with God, and, yet, resisting spiritual authority, it’s time to check your heart again. Those who have no problem receiving correction from flesh and blood have no problem receiving correction from their invisible Father. However, if you can’t hear godly counsel about relationships, time, and money, then it’s quite possible your “devotion” to the invisible Father is really something you just do on your own terms. Resistance to flesh and blood reveals resistance to the Spirit.

Remember, the way we handle sent ones into our lives reveals the way we handle the One who is sending them. Resistance reveals resistance. But reception reveals reception. As you open your heart to correction from flesh and blood, you are really opening your heart to the love of the Father guiding you in the way you should go. When you open your heart to correction from the Father, you open yourself to affirmations of sonship: “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:6). Receive spiritual fathers and mothers today, and let the affirmation of heavenly sonship invade your life, bringing freedom and abundant life.

God bless,

Jenna

Deeper...deeper...deeper...

The more I read the Bible, the more I realize how shallow I am in understanding the basic "steps" of our Christian faith. Words like “atonement” and “redemption” are honestly foreign to me. Sure, I’ve heard them my whole life, but if you asked me to start writing a book about either topic, I’d hardly make it through the Preface. This is not good.

However, recognizing my lack of depth has awakened new hunger in me. I may not have understanding, but I’ve been given every necessary tool to remedy that problem. The Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures, and the grace of God leave me without excuse. God’s “divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness . . . ” (2 Peter 1:3). I simply must lay hold of the tools God has made available.

So, let’s start with “atonement.” It’s an intimidating word, I agree. But remember, we’ve been given power to deal with “all things.” In Leviticus 16, God prescribes to Moses the day of atonement. Many, many activities happen on that day that you could spend years of your life unfolding. We’re just going to look at one element.
As part of the day of atonement, Aaron had to select two goats from the congregation of Israel. One would serve as a sin offering, sacrificed on the altar in the tabernacle. The other would serve as the scapegoat. This is where is gets really interesting.

Upon the scapegoat, Aaron would lay his hands and pronounce the sins of the children of Israel. Then, a “suitable man” would lead the goat to an uninhabited place, bearing the iniquities of the children of Israel. Do you see what has happened here? The goat would bear their iniquities, carry their iniquities upon him, just as he would blankets or supplies for a traveler. He carried their iniquities and took them to an uninhabited place–a place where no person dwelt or lived.

Therefore, within the idea of atonement is not only a release from the consequences of sin, but is also the power to live without the sin that has plagued our lives. When Jesus accomplished atonement, it wasn’t just spilling blood to cover our mistakes. Peter tells us that Jesus “bore our sins in His own body . . . that we, having died to our sins, might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus carried our sins and took them to an uninhabited place–a place that is separated from us. He is the suitable man that led away our goat nature.
This one shade of atonement makes my heart much more deeply in love with our Savior.

The sin that has plagued my actions and mind, He bore them on His body and took them away from me. He removed not only the consequence, but the action that demanded the consequence. Today, you can also live with deeper love, knowing that sin’s harassment of your mind is illegal. Jesus took it to a uninhabited place, far from your dwelling. Through faith, seize this reality and let your heart burn in peaceful communion.

~Jenna

Why did God give us siblings?

If you have siblings, you've probably secretly wished you were an only child at least a time or two. I have two brothers and I am stuck right in the middle.  Through the years we've had our share of disagreements, frustrations, knock down drag-outs, and misunderstandings. But that's what siblings are supposed to do, right?

Our culture touts sibling rivalry as "normal" and says that friends, not siblings, are the natural choice for support. But does that line up with God's plan for siblings?

Here's a sweet little kernel of truth that jumped off the page at me recently.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" (Prov. 17:17).

I've heard the first half of that verse quoted often. It's certainly good advice to note that good friends stick close by no matter what. But I've never really noticed the second half of the verse until recently. It's a powerful truth.

"A brother is born for a time of adversity."

These few words give us a glimpse at God's plan for our families, especially our sibling relationships. Why were your siblings born? To provide support when life goes haywire. Essentially God has given you a built-in support system. He knows that life isn't easy and trials will inevitably come, and He's given you siblings to support you, cheer you on, listen to you, and pray for you during times of trouble.

How would it change your family dynamics if you saw your siblings as a God-given gift? What if you looked at them less like an annoyance and more like a support system that you've always had and always will have? How would it change things if you stopped seeing your brothers and sisters as a source of adversity and started seeing them as the solution when adversity comes?

Here's an even more important question: How would it impact your family if you became intentional about being a support system for your siblings when they face tough times?

Notice that the way that you answer that last question has nothing to do what kind of siblings you have. So ... your siblings aren't Christians? That doesn't mean you can't pray for them. Your siblings don't want to talk to you about their problems? That doesn't mean you can't be a source of constant encouragement. Your sibling won't make an effort to get along? That doesn't mean you can't offer forgiveness freely and be a safe place for your sibling to turn if/when they decide they want to chat.

And for those of you who do not have siblings, God's hasn't left you without somewhere to turn in times of trouble. As an only child, you may have felt the void that not having a built-in support system can cause, but God has provided the church to be like a family to you.

"Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises'" (Heb. 2:11-12).

I want to encourage you to re-think your sibling relationships. Instead of seeing your brothers and sisters as an annoyance, believe God's Word that they are His provision for support when life is hard. Sibling rivalry may be normal, but sibling friendship is God's original plan.

How can you live out God's plan for siblings today?

Be blessed.
-Jenna-Girl <3

Standing up and Standing out

Do you tend to blend into the scenery? Are you an “average” Christian? Do you prefer to not make waves? Peter’s answers to these questions would be an obvious “NO!” Peter is one of those characters in the Bible who really stands out—he’s hard not to miss. But his standing out on the day of Pentecost was pivotal to the success of the early church.
A little background on Peter is needed. Peter was a common fisherman that Jesus called to be one of His disciples. There certainly wasn’t anything spectacular or special about him. In fact, there were many weaknesses and flaws in this man; a fiery temper and a loud mouth being a few of the shortcomings. Probably Peter’s greatest shortcoming was his inability to stand true to Jesus at His greatest point of need when Jesus was falsely accused and condemned to die by the Roman leaders. Peter totally flamed out. He denied that he even knew Jesus.
But something happened to Peter in the 7 weeks that led up to Pentecost Sunday—he developed a backbone; he learned to stand up and stand out. He was empowered by a Holy Spirit infused boldness to rise above the common and ordinary and become a powerful leader for Christ.
Jesus is looking to make you, yes you, to be one who stands up and stands out for Him…In your home, in your youth group, with your friends, wherever He puts you. Someone that He can use to shine His light into dark places. Someone who’ll boldly speak His word to your generation. Someone that’ll bring healing and deliverance to the sick and oppressed. You may ask, “Why, me?” The better question should be, “Why NOT me?”
“Inspirational Idea”: In the next 7 days, stand up and stand out in 3 areas that God speaks to you. Maybe it’s witnessing to someone. Maybe it’s bringing justice to an unjust situation. Maybe it’s simply offering a VERBAL prayer at a restaurant where you’re eating. Allow God to embolden you with courage to stand up & stand out.

There is no one else like you...no other person just like you. So use your talents!

This is a song that has got me through some very hard times...this might help :)

Be blessed,
Jenna

Who are you?

We all make mistakes. I for one feel like I am THE master at making them. Sometimes I define myself as those "mistakes" over who God has called me to be. As I ponder this "thought" it has become clear to me that I am not my mistakes, or the bad choices I have made. I am God's daughter.

2 Corinthians 5:17-Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Who am I? I am accepted, friends of God, loved, forgiven, wanted, significant, child of God, complete, and so much more. I am more then words can say.  YOU are more then anyone could ever tell you, you are.

When you are in Christ you are a new creation, the old has passed away. It's time to stop living out of who people say you are and take hold of the truth of God's word.

You are more then the choices you have made, you are more then the person that has made mistakes, and more then the problems that you create and face. You are remade! Its not about where you have been, where you went, or what you have done. Whose perfect? Not me. BUT I am trying and you should too ;) 

This song says it all. I encourage you to listen to it.

Be blessed,

Jenna

Waiting...

Ever get tired of waiting for God? Maybe you’ve prayed so hard every day and all the answers you got was “Wait?”. It’s actually what I’ve been experiencing at the moment too for a couple of months and I’m not sure why I need to wait or why I am still waiting. All I know is at the end, it’ll always be beautiful in His time, if we follow and rest in Him.  It made me realize that God's timing in my life is perfect. I just need to go with it. Its not easy but in the end its going to be glorious :)


 I think of the time I was praying and praying I could babysit, and people would know that I love kids. I don't know why, but it was a talent I was scared to use, but I knew I had it...and when God gave me the first opprotunity to use it I did. For some reason it stuck. And I will forever be known as the church nanny. I am not even kidding you, and I love it! But sometimes its not that little..its harder, bigger, and you don't have forever to wait to figure out what you need to do with the situation..

Here is a really cool encouragement post that I got from a friend’s wall on Facebook.I had to share it with you guys:
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried,
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, “Child, you must wait.”

“Wait? You say, wait! ” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By Faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to WAIT?
I’m needing a ‘yes’, a go-ahead sign,
Or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, “You must wait.”
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting … for what?”

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And he tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want – But, you wouldn’t know Me.
You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You’d not know the power that I give to the faint.

You’d not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there;
You’d not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You’d never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You’d know that I give and I save… (for a start),
But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that “My grace is sufficient for Thee.”
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I’m doing in you!

So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still, “WAIT.”

-Author Unknown

Be blessed,
Jenna