Jillyshelly: Proverbially Speaking » Bible Study

Christ Centered Childbirth

jillyshelly — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:42:33 +0000

The Holy Spirit has been reeling me back again and helping me battle against the fear and anxiety that I have let rule me lately (mainly regarding my upcoming childbirth). Thanks to those of you who have been praying for me and sending me words of encouragement, appropriate rebuke, and offers of help and general support. I have such wonderful friends and family! I have also been getting more sleep this past week and catching up on lost sleep through lengthy naps. I was battling a sinus cold last week too that made me even more anxious and “out of it.” Thankfully it has passed! I feel much more “normal” now.

Most importantly, in an attempt to really focus on Christ – the author and perfector of my faith – my savior, redeemer and Lord… I have been studying scripture regarding fear, trust, hope, etc. I have been making a notebook full of scripture that I hope to focus on during my labor instead of focusing on the fears and lies of the enemy. I have also been creating a music play list filled with worship music and other songs that bring me comfort and help me to lean into the Lord instead of prayer.

I have also been reading a book called Christ Centered Childbirth. It’s been helpful in redirecting me toward scripture reading and meditating on Christ. I wish I would’ve started reading it earlier in my pregnancy (when my dear friend originally loaned it to me).

Anyway, thanks be to God for once again reeling me back in. I am experiencing PEACE AND JOY AND HOPE regarding this birthing process and meeting my Baby Girl!

Ladies Livin it Out!

jillyshelly — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:00:50 +0000

Acts 2:42-47

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

If you read Acts 2 in its entirety, it seems that the generosity that flowed out of the community of believers was from their awareness of God’s generosity through Christ toward them:

Acts 2: 23-24

“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.”

I have some awesome friends who live generous lives within and beyond their fellow community of Christ followers. Wilson’s Mom has clothed our boys with hand-me-downs for years, Northside Squirrel keeps my hair cut and colored (often times providing lunch as she does so). She along with my Waynesville friend have given me tons of prayer support and encouragement during this pregnancy. Norwood Mama has given and loaned me things ever since I first told her I was pregnant with Justice. Adelaide’s Mama is one of the most hospitable and welcoming people I have ever met. These women along with so many more (like my “Macedonian Princess” and Anna’s Mom) have prayed for me, encouraged me, and taught me so much about what it looks like to love Jesus and depend upon Him to meet the needs of me and my family. My mom belongs at the top of this list for Christian generosity – not just for all that she does for me, but for the way she sacrifices her time and comfort to serve and encourage the ladies in her immediate church family! I am so thankful for my community of believers – both locally and globally!

These women encourage me to be more generous (something that I desire to be but seldom do). They encourage me to look at possessions and time not as my own, but as that which belongs to the body of believers for the sake of the gospel. Please join me in offering up a prayer of thanksgiving for these women and the women in your life who are living out their faith and doing it right!

Why We Should Read and Study the Old Testament

jillyshelly — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:43:19 +0000

Last week I started developing a blog post in my head regarding why I am interested in my hubby’s “faux seminary” that will be studying the Old Testament. I’m not a theologian and rarely want to dive into the Bible on the level Hubby enjoys. I tend to prefer reading the New Testament because it portrays God and Christ in ways that are “easier” for me to understand and accept.

However, I want to know God (my Creator and Savior) as fully as possible, so it makes sense that I should study the OT to do so. It seems that is ultimately why my hubby wants to study to the OT as well. You can read his evolution regarding the purpose of OT study here: YouSeeDryBones.

Accountability Group

jillyshelly — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:04:44 +0000

Our church really encourages community and relationship building founded on Jesus Christ. One aspect of these relationships is through an accountability triad. This Friday I will begin meeting with two other women in the church to help us develop honest and fruitful lives with Christ. I have been looking up typical questions asked in accountability sessions and found Ed Stetzer’s blog post listing a bunch written by some well-known Christians. Wow. Some of these questions are really intimidating (because they don’t let me hide an ugly thing). Please pray I lean into the Lord and this process instead of running and hiding!

Where is the Love?

jillyshelly — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:37:03 +0000

…Not solely in correct doctrine and well-written gospel statements. Not entirely in random acts of kindness and community service. The Love is found in Christ. The Love was displayed through Christ. I can only display the Love through God’s supernaural power. Holy Spirit, help me to be clothed in Christ. May my eyes be fixed upon Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith. May I walk in love.

Ephesians 5: 1-2 (as found on biblegateway.com)!

¹^(A) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ²And^(B) walk in love,^(C) as Christ loved us and^(D) gave himself up for us, a^(E) fragrant^(F) offering and sacrifice to God.

Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)

jillyshelly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:57 +0000

¹¹Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you^(M) to wake from sleep.^(N) For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. ¹²^(O) The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us^(P) cast off^(Q) the works of darkness and^(R) put on the armor of light. ¹³^(S) Let us walk properly as in the daytime,^(T) not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality,^(U) not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴But^(V) put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh,^(W) to gratify its desires.

May be wrapped up in Christ this holiday season!

Church Prayer

jillyshelly — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:20:44 +0000

Acts 2:42-47 (English Standard Version)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together andhad all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Lord, please bless this church (http://www.churchofthebroken.com), may we follow your model of teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, unity, and thankfulness. May your lost people be saved!!!!