"let your manner of life be worthy"

This is a great statement by the Apostle Paul in the first chapter of the book of Philippians, verse 27.  It is part of the larger verse where Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi to live their lives in such a way that their godly reputation is known, whether Paul is there in their city or away in some other place.  This is a very important aspect of the Christian life, our reputation.  We should never do things for people in order to "impress them" or to "win their favor", as Christians we are charged by God to do everything for Him and His pleasure not worrying about what others think.  However, as we seek to live our lives for the glory of God the light of God will shine in us and then out from us into to the world.  Jesus himself said in the sermon on the mount (Matt 5:16) "let your light so shine before men and women that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

The problem is that these words are easy to say and to repeat, but hard to live out.  There are so many opportunities in our lives to settle, compromise, "sin a little bit", or even do the external things that look like "light" or a "manner of life worthy" but not really be living it out in our heart.  I always struggle with the temptation to "appear worthy" but know that my heart is not fully there.  That is why this phrase in verse 27 is so encouraging, because Paul is telling us it can be done.  In Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit we can actually have a life worthy.  We don't have to pretend and we don't have to live with the inner knowledge that we are a fake or a spiritual fraud.  Rather, as Paul exhorts us to live, we can take assurance that our lives can be the testimony he is desiring from the believers in Philippi. 

These last several days I have been challenged to look within my heart and ask the honest questions, "Am I living my life in a manner worthy of Jesus?"  In some areas I am doing pretty good, but in many other areas I am settling and not really wanting or asking God to do something "spiritual" in my life day to day.  And yet, He waits...He waits for me, He waits for you, He waits for all His children to come to a point of decision wherein we will humbly ask Him, "Father, you know my sins, but in spite of them will you help me to live a life worthy of Jesus?"  Pray for me when you read this that I would stay close to God so that He can do this work in me.  I pray for you and for all the followers of Jesus that we would want God to do the same in us. 

Back To Africa

Over the next 8 months, before we leave for Africa, a number of things have to get done:

• Raise up a team
• Finalize our agenda and specifically the Youth Retreat we are hosting while there
• Purchase tickets and take care of all traveling logistics
• Help persons who join the team raise the support necessary for the trip
• Learn to drive on the left side of the road better than I did four years ago

I am not a person who often feels overwhelmed, but this trip is a big undertaking.  I believe that God is calling me back to Africa and I know He wants to connect or reconnect others to Zimbabwe as well.  This trip is a big deal and the challenge of it all is very exciting.  At the same time I have my moments of concern and doubt as well.  Please pray for me as I commit to prayer and ask God to lead me and the future team members toward agreement on who should join our team.  I greatly appreciate your prayers and need them in order to hear from God and to follow His leading.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do over the next eight months!!!

Congratulations Julie, David & Jonathan

Several years ago Julie began teaching the Zilkie children to memorize Scripture.  She put together this cool little box with verse cards she had made and it worked great.  About a year ago, as the boys were memorizing these verses I mentioned to Julie that I thought they could memorize a smaller book of the New Testament.  I had done this years ago in bible college and knew it just took time and consistency. 

We decided to select 2 Timothy since it is believed to be the last book written by Paul before losing his life for Christ in the first century.  Well, after a year or so of slowly but steadily plugging away, Julie and the boys just recently completed committing all four chapters of 2nd Timothy to memory.  Way to go you guys!!!

Next up, the book of Philippians...

It Is Official

I am thrilled to announce that after four years since our first visit, I will be heading back to Zimbabwe in August.  I will be raising up and leading a team in support of the churches there who continue to serve God so faithfully.  Again, we will be partnering with Vital Connections, the ministry that sponsored our first trip back in 2007.  Whereas both Julie and I made the trip last time, sadly this time she will not be joining me. 

There will be more info to come, but for now please be praying for me and for those whom God will ask to join this exciting August African endeavor.  If you are interested in more info, please email me at jeremy@rooftop.org

More frequent posts and updates to come...