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About Jill Richard

My name is Jill Richard. I'm a life long Christian. Trying to live my life for my Lord everyday. I've been working in internet marketing since 2003. I want people to look at me and think - What an amazing God she believes in! I want all of my actions to point back to my Lord. They don't always, and for that I am grateful for the Grace of my Lord Jesus Christ.

God is … The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

22 Sep

And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

What is peace?

Is it simply not having wars? That may be what the Jews at the time of Jesus thought. They wanted a Prince of Peace to come and free them from the Roman Empire. And God can do that no doubt. But they were looking for a political figure, a warrior or a rebel that would come up from God and lead them to victory as a nation.

For me when I read about God being the Prince of Peace, I think more of another part of the definition of peace – cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension. You know, the Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

I’m kind of a mess mentally

That’s not very fun to write, but it’s even worse to live. I let the worries of this world get in my way. I let them stop me from enjoying the moment, from letting my boys grow comfortably without a helicopter mom, and my husband from having me second guess him. I live in worry.

I strive to know Him more

The peace of the Lord is one of the things that I long for most. I have glimpses of it, and it’s glorious. To be able to fully rely on God. Trusting that no matter what everything I do is in His hands and will work for His glory. Amazing.

So what does it take to have this Peace that surpasses all understanding? 

Ok – truthfully this is coming from a girl that doesn’t always get it, but not because I couldn’t. God’s promises are always true. I could have that peace right now. It’s available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. I trust the Lord. I love Him, but then… then I take things back. I think I should be able to handle them. That God doesn’t want to be bothered. I lie to myself and say but this isn’t important enough for Him to focus on (disregarding the fact that He can do infinitely more than I can, all at the same time). His peace is available for us if we let go of the worries.

Do we stop working or striving to get better?

Whenever I’ve had a conversation like this before (usually with women who are pretty in control of their lives), the next question is – how do I do that and keep working and raising my family. How do I get rid of the worry and stress. Anyone who knows me will know that I’m not perfect at this – especially if you ask my boys. But I think the key is to keep our eyes on the prize. Keep our eyes on Christ and that all things on this earth are temporary. We’re going to heaven one day, and all of this will be in the past.

So put off your old ways – work hard, but leave the results up to God. Spend time with him, pray, read the Bible and soak in the peace. Stop and Breathe. Allow the Lord to work his peace that surpasses all understanding in your life today and heaven tomorrow (ok, not literally tomorrow – I don’t want you to die tomorrow).

How would having peace that surpasses all understanding change your life? 

 
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Posted by on September 22, 2011 in God is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah

 

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My God is…There Deuteronomy 31:6

20 Sep

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

My God is there for me! Jehovah Shammah – The Lord is there

This name “Jehovah Shammah” embodies the verse from Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” He is with me. He comforts me and supports me. He is part of my community. When I am with other Christians, He is not just a thought. He promises to be there. In our midst.

My God goes with me

In Deuteronomy 31:6 we are promised that God will not fail or forsake us. We can be strong and courageous. Imagine yourself little again. Walking with your mom or dad. You get distracted, and you suddenly find your self lost. You’re looking everywhere. Suddenly from out of nowhere you feel a hand take yours. Your parent is right there by your side making sure you are safe and secure. God too is with us, and He is even more reliable than our parents. He will never fail or forsake us. He doesn’t get distracted. Even when we are, He is right there with his hand out waiting for us to cling to Him.

Are you taking God’s hand? Are you going to walk with Him?

 
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Posted by on September 20, 2011 in God is There

 

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God is … Good Psalm 25:8

16 Sep

Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8

God is Good

I know I’ve already written about why God is good, but the complexity of His goodness warrants more than one look at each part of His character. Besides, I have more to learn about each part of His character – so thanks for learning with me (or at least putting up with me).

God instructs

God instructs, but am I a good pupil? Do I always gladly do the practice or homework He’s given me? Am I grateful for the lessons, or am I bitter.

Yesterday my son was frustrated because he had some homework to do, but he didn’t have the words he needed to define, because he was in the bathroom during the time she had them on the board. He missed the instruction. She was instructing, but he left the room. He missed the opportunity to learn from that teacher. Now there was seemingly no way for him to do that work. He’s in a new school and doesn’t have the phone numbers of any kids in his class, and his email for school wasn’t working. Finally he decided to call his teacher. She gave him the words and he gladly got his homework done in time for school.

Am I a good pupil?

How often do I “leave the room” while the Lord is instructing me. I don’t leave because I have to go to the bathroom, but I may leave because I don’t want to learn what He’s teaching me. I don’t want to learn that I need to take better care of my body. That I need to get help for my addiction to food. That I may need some counseling to help me control my temper when helping my boys with their homework. I don’t want to hear that I need improvement. I don’t like to be wrong.

I seek out other people who will tell me what I want to hear – “You look fine”, or “Oh, don’t worry, I get mad at my kids sometimes too”. Or those who will let me get away with “I’m going to start thinking about my weight tomorrow”. Those people have good intentions, but they are not Good like my God is Good. He is Good and upright. Those are His credentials. He is who I should take instruction from and whom I should follow.

What if I am a bad pupil?

I’m not always going to get it right. I’m not going to be perfect. Fortunately this verse promises to instruct us in the way. Jesus says “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” in John 14:6. The Lord instructs me about Jesus. About the one who takes all my short-comings and makes me measure up. He saves me from failing. He takes me to the top of the class so I may one day be with Him in paradise. That’s a lesson I always want to remember!

Are you a good pupil? 

 
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Posted by on September 16, 2011 in God is Good, Psalm

 

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God is Omniscient (All Knowing) Psalm 44:21

14 Sep

God would surely have known it, for he knows the secrets of every heart. Psalm 44:21

My God is Omniscient

om·nis·cient [om-nish-uh-nt] adjective – having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness or understanding; perceiving all things

God knows everything. That’s a bummer.

He knows how I’ve failed. He knows every time I’ve used His name in vain. He knows that I sometimes use bad language … in front of my mother. He knows I’m weak-minded. He knows.

He Knows

He knows how I feel. He knows the love I have for Him in my heart. He knows my repentance is true though I fall again. He knows me. He gets me.

God Knows – It’s a good thing

God knows that I’ve done bad things – but because I’m forgiven, He remembers my sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). But the other stuff He knows and remembers. He knows that I want to do what’s right. That I want to be respectful of my husband and children. God knows I love Him above all else. God knows – And it’s a good thing. A very good thing. I can have peace knowing God knows. He has a complete understanding. That means it’s not just head knowledge. He gets it. He gets me. Isn’t it amazing that we have a God that knows us.

God is Omniscient Is that a good thing to you?

 
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Posted by on September 14, 2011 in My God is Omniscient, Psalm

 

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God is…My Strength Isaiah 40:28-31

09 Sep

Isaiah 40:28-31

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Do you get tired or weary?

I have a condition (ok it’s a disease) called Multiple Sclerosis. I have been very fortunate that I have not had many long-term effects. At least not visibly. My MS can cause me to be fatigued. This is its own kind of fatigued. It was worst before I began taking medication, but on hot days or sometimes for no reason, my mind and my body are both fatigued. It can be hard for me to get work done. To be productive and contribute to my family.

My strength is renewed

In MS (at least relapsing remitting MS), your symptoms can subside for a while. They can go away with little or no trace. I have gone ten years without a major relapse. Even with my fatigue, my strength can often be renewed by a nap.

I am spiritually renewed by God. God sees my weaknesses. Sees my mental and spiritual fatigue, and he gives me renewal. He allows me to refocus my attention on Him. Much like the nap helps me feel refreshed and able to go on another day, His word and sacraments keep me renewed in my faith. He knows the renewal that awaits us by being closer to Him. The refreshing of the Spirit that comes only from the Lord. It is our hope in the Lord, our trust that His promises are true that help us to continue on even when hard things happen to us.

Dancing with God

Shortly after I was diagnosed with MS, my husband was out-of-town at a training school for the Air Force. I was fatigued. My brain wasn’t working the way it should. I was putting away the food from the lunch I had made my boys, but something was wrong. Putting away the food was harder than it should be. I had to think about what I was doing. I went to put the lid on the milk bottle. It wasn’t working. After what seemed like an eternity, I figured out what was wrong. I was trying to put the peanut butter lid on my milk bottle.

I couldn’t believe that this kind of mental struggle was what my future held. I was so upset. I began crying and praying out loud to God. Perhaps even swearing during my prayer. I was exasperated. I was at the lowest point I think I’ve ever been. But then it was as if the Lord took my chin and lifted it up. Putting my focus back on Him and his hope for me. I looked up and felt God telling me (I didn’t hear Him – I felt Him say it), “This body is only temporary. You’ll have a good body here in heaven, this won’t be forever.” My spirit was renewed. I had hope. The next thing I remember was that I felt I was dancing with God in my Kitchen. Joyously singing “I’m going to heaven, I’m going to heaven, I’m going to heaven.” He is my strength when I am weak.

How has the Lord renewed your strength? Do you have hope in His promises?

 
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Posted by on September 9, 2011 in God is My Strength, Isaiah

 

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My God is Righteousness 1 John 2:1-2

06 Sep

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2

Jesus is My Righteousness

I screw up. Quite regularly in fact. I don’t always use kind words when talking to the ones I love (Sorry Don). I have done a lot of things in my life I wish I couldn’t remember. But alas I can. But God doesn’t remember them. He casts my sins as far as the east is from the west.

Living in Guilt

One of my biggest sins is living in guilt. I beat myself up for sins from my past that no one but me remembers. I often remind myself what a loser I am for all of the things I’ve done. This is not the Lord’s way. He doesn’t want me to live in guilt, but to live for Him. Live freed from my sins that my actions might be a blessing to those around me.

Living in Grace

Fortunately for me, the devil doesn’t win this one. Though I spend some time in self loathing, I am reminded by the Holy Spirit, my husband and especially by scriptures like the one from 1 John that my sins have been atoned for by Jesus Christ. I no longer have to live like a slave to sin, but as one freed to live the life Christ has called me to lead.

Unforgivable Sins

Perhaps you feel like you have an unforgivable sin. It’s not true. The Bible tells us he came to redeem everyone. Call on Him for forgiveness and start living the life He wants for you.

It is finished. Your sins and mine (yep all of them) have been washed away. How great is our God!

 
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Posted by on September 6, 2011 in 1 John, God is my Righteousness

 

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God is … My Savior Psalm 68:19-20

02 Sep

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20

My God Saves

Funny how I have to be reminded of that so often. I wallow. I wallow in guilt and self loathing. That may be a surprise to some of my friends, while others will have seen me do it way too often. I’m not someone who lives with cheap Grace. The kind of person who says, “It doesn’t matter if I do it, the Lord will forgive me”. I don’t say that because I think I’m better than those people. I’m sinning in a different way. I deny the salvation Jesus secured for me on the cross. I don’t know which is worse, but I do know I’m not proud that I do this.

Satan knows how to get to me

Satan likes to remind me daily of the stupid things I’ve done in my past. I let him dredge them up and show them to me like they happened yesterday. These are not sins I have ignored or not acknowledged. These are sins I have confessed and that have been forgiven. I wallow. I hang out in those sins, starting negative self talk that the devil rejoices over. I think and act as if those sins are still with me. Not shedding them and releasing myself from them, but beating myself up as if the work Jesus did was not enough.

Forgiveness is for everyone else

It’s bizarre really. I believe that the Lord forgives all who believe that He died and rose for them. That we are washed clean and are no longer considered sinful after we have confessed and do not continue in that sin. Unless of course you’re mean me. I somehow linger outside of the forgiveness. Obviously I know that’s not true, but that’s the game the Devil tries to play with me. He shows me my sin, not to make me turn from it (as other Christians and the Holy Spirit might), but to make me wallow. To get my focus off the Lord and what He has done for me. He doesn’t want me to have the joy, security and blessing that comes from being a forgiven follower of Jesus – My savior. The one who died and rose again that I might have a place in heaven with Him when I die.

Thank God for other Christians

One of the biggest blessings the Lord has given me is a husband who trusts in the Lord. As I was struggling last night with all sorts of demons, my husband reminded me that Jesus is the answer. To keep my focus on the one who forgives. The one who gives me strength and cares about me more than anyone else. Without the support of other Christians, I would wallow a lot longer. I’m grateful for all the blessings my Lord has given me, and that I have Christians around me who are there to remind me that I am forgiven.

Do you Wallow? Do you know you’re forgiven? 

 

 
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Posted by on September 2, 2011 in God is a Savior, Psalm

 

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God is … My Provider Psalm 111:5

31 Aug

He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. Psalm 111:5

The Lord is my provider

Throughout my life I have had so much evidence to support this verse. My family has never had much money, but we’ve always had what we need, and more. The Lord has miraculously provided for our family when we didn’t know how you will get the food, money or clothes would come from.

While my husband was in school, there was a resell it shop that sold clothes at such a low price it made Goodwill look expensive. They also had a food bank to help us with the cost of groceries. Throughout my life my parents have made it possible for me and my children to attend Christian schools. Even paying for school (which we’re not done with) came in ways we didn’t expect. Support from our congregations (past and present), contributions from strangers, and having items we could sell that brought exactly the amount we needed for the next payment. Over and over again the Lord has proved that He can handle all that we cannot.

Why don’t I trust the Lord?

Even with all this evidence, I am constantly trying to take control of the situation. Instead of trusting him with the outcome of the situation, I worry and fret over what is the best thing to do, how the money, clothes or item will appear.

He Promises to Provide for us

In Psalm 111, God’s provision for us is well documented. The way He has always been faithful in providing for His people (past, present and future) is clear. So how do I turn myself over to trusting Him more? Last Night at Bible Study, we were discussing this issue as we looked at simplifying our lives (the Bible Study is called “The Beauty of a Simple Life”). One of the things that stuck with me the most is being present in the moment.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

How often do you live in the moment? I know for me I’m often stuck in the past or worrying about how not to ruin my future. I am not often in the moment. I move quickly through the present, not enjoying the good things nor really experiencing the pain. I panic and stress over what is to come, though when it is actually here it is never as bad as I imagined. No problem though, I’m no longer thinking about that situation when it’s happening, because I’m to busy worrying about the next thing on the horizon.

What does it mean to be in the moment?

I think it means to breathe. I have been working on my speaking skills, and one of the most common constructive criticisms for me is that I need to breathe. What I need to do is take a breath and enjoy the moment. Not rushing through it, but fully experiencing the emotions (good and bad) of the moment. This seems like it would be a miraculous thing if I could do it! I found it interesting that the concept of being in the moment (or increasing flow) was mentioned in an article of 12 things happy people do differently. I’m going to give it a try. I’m going to try to be in the moment, focus on the Lord in that moment. Perhaps my happiness and trust in the Lord will increase, while my worry for things out of my control will decrease.

Do you live in the past? Do you worry about your future? What does God want for you?

 
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Posted by on August 31, 2011 in God is my Provider, Psalm

 

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My God is … a Communicator 1 Samuel 3:9-10

29 Aug

1 Samuel 3:9-10 – And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

My God is a communicator.

God talks to me. That’s right, I said it. God talks to me. Is it audible like in the story of Eli and Samuel? No, I guess not. But He does communicate with me in so many ways. He shows me the options I have, the path I should (or shouldn’t) take and communicates forgiveness to me too.

God communicates to me through His Word – The Bible

The first and foremost way God communicates with me is through the Bible. It’s our best resource for hearing the word of God. If you do feel like the Lord is communicating verbally with you, make sure to check it against scripture. If it goes against scripture, you should rethink who’s speaking to you.

The Bible is full of information on how to live, how to forgive, and most importantly professes God’s great love for us. In the Bible you’re able to find answers to most of your concerns. It’s amazing how scripture can seem new each time you read it. It’s amazing.

God Communicates to me through other Christians

Surrounding myself with other Christians who spend time in God’s word is another way the Lord communicates with me. From my counselor, my friends and pastors at my church, I’m surrounded by people who are able to talk to me about the way the Lord has worked in their lives, and I can see His work in my life more clearly.

Through their support, wisdom and knowledge, I am strengthened in my faith and encouraged to continue on faithfully following the Lord. Again, always checking their ideas against God’s word so as to not be lead astray.

God communicates to me through His Creation

I’m not an outdoorsy person. I don’t like bugs, dirt or sweating, but the beauty of the Lord’s creation still moves me. It’s amazing what He has created. The complexity and diversity of each creation is amazing. Now forgive me if this sounds a bit hokey or crazy (I’ve been called worse), but I feel that when nature or the world around me draws my attention to something beautiful or unique, I feel as if the Lord has pointed it out to me so that we can share in that moment. It’s kind of like going on a day trip with your best friend, and they know the area better than you. They point out the good bits and you’re able to enjoy them together and build a memory. When I am spiritually prompted to notice something, I feel like that’s God showing me something he knows better than me, enjoying it with me, so that our relationship might grow deeper and be strengthened by our time together. Ok, laugh if you want to, but I figure if those moments point me to God and help me to praise Him (even if they weren’t divinely inspired moments), then at least I’m still praising God and giving Him the Glory. End result – still ok (even if it’s a bit wacky).

 

How does God communicate with you?

 
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Posted by on August 29, 2011 in my god is a communicator

 

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God is … My Counselor Psalm 119:24

18 Aug

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. Psalm 199:24

God is My Counselor

I have a tendency to be lazy. I have a tendency to avoid doing the things that I need to do. When I don’t do certain things, my well-being is compromised.

There are three main things that I need to do to have a positive state of mind:

  • Be in the word
  • Exercise
  • Eat right

I feel the first one is reflected in this Bible verse.

Indeed, your written instructions make me happy. They are my best friends.
(God’s Word Version of Psalm 119:24)

I love this version of Psalm 119:24. Do you know the feeling of wishing you could see your best friend? That’s how I feel when I’ve been neglecting my relationship with the Lord and reading His word. I feel like I’m missing that part of me. The best part of me. I’m only my best me when I’m focused on the Lord, and getting to know Him better.

What more could I learn?

I’ve been a Christian all my life, and it amazes me how God’s word is new each time I read it. How he uses His word to communicate with me in a new way every time. The words aren’t different – God’s promises and his word is always true. I am different every time. I am changed when I read His word. I’m changed by the circumstances of my life. I’m changed by the people the Lord puts in my life, especially the fellow believers he puts in my life.

Being part of a Bible Study

I had gone nearly two years (maybe more) since I had been in a woman’s Bible study on a consistent basis. I know I hadn’t been to one since I had moved to Oregon. It was like I was starving to death. My heart was a mess. I was in a world of loneliness and self loathing. I didn’t know what I was going to do.
Reflecting on the problems and sadness in my life, I took stock of the three things I need in my life, and realized none of them were in balance. Because I was so out of balance spiritually, I was becoming out of balance with the people who matter most to me – my family. Yes I went to church every Sunday. I prayed a lot, but I wasn’t in the word as much as I should have been, and I wasn’t in a close relationship with others where the Word of God was in the middle.

I started attending a women’s Bible study, and it was as if the heavens opened and angels started singing. The Lord had drawn me back into relationship with Him and with my fellow believers.

I am changed by the Word of God

It’s true each time I read the Bible, I am different. I am also different after a Bible study. The Lord is working on my heart, helping me to learn and grow. I know I don’t always get it the first time, but He keeps working on me. I know I am far from perfect, but He delights in me and is pleased when we get time to connect. I love my Lord.

Have you ever felt pulled away from the Lord? How did He draw you back? Is He pulling you closer to Him now?
 
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Posted by on August 18, 2011 in God is my counselor, Psalm

 

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