Today we come to the letter Z in our list of attributes of who God is.  It has blessed me beyond measure to write each day.  The last time I wrote on a consistent basis in this format was on my mother’s Caringbridge site back in 2007.  I am hoping to continue writing on my blog which is called ‘When You Pray.’  Here is the link: http://when-you-pray.com  Feel free to subscribe :)

The Normans also known as the Vikings were a germanic tribe of people that were known to be a conquering tribe; a tribe ZEALOUS for their own glory. My dad is named Norman and two of my dearest friends, Gwen & Kelly, have dads named Norman too. These three Normans are men not ZEALOUS for their own glory but are ZEALOUS for the glory of the Lord. 

With that let’s turn, once again, to who God is and who you are in Him.

Who is God?  He is ZEALOUS for His Glory.

Every plan that is purposed by the LORD is purposed with ZEAL for His Glory, even this Covid-19 virus. He has plans in this that go beyond our human understanding. After a month of focusing on just a handful of attributes, we know that He is trustworthy and that we can trust Him in this and in everything.

Isaiah 46:10

‘Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”

Psalm 33:11

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. 

Proverb 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path.”

If you desire to read a wonderful article about the ZEAL of the Lord, I encourage you to read this article written by John Piper.

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/biblical-texts-to-show-gods-zeal-for-his-own-glory

Who are we in Him? We are ZEALOUS for Him.

Romans 12:11

Do not be slothful in ZEAL, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

John Piper, my pastor for many years, unpacks this verse like this,

“The apostle Paul is not saying that there is a general personality trait of passion that has value in itself. He is saying: when it comes to serving Christ, half-heartedness, lukewarmness, laziness, sluggishness, slothfulness are utterly inappropriate. Being saved by Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in the world. It means having eternal life. You cannot die. You will live forever in overwhelming joy. Nothing can separate you from Christ. Everything works for your good. All your troubles and sorrows produce an eternal weight of glory. Not to be passionate about this is a sign of serious blindness or emotional disability.”

This brings me to the back to the three Normans; Gwen’s dad, my dad, and Kelly’s dad :) 

1.  Run the Race Marked Out for You with ZEAL

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance (ZEAL) the race that is set before us,looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Gwen’s dad, Norman, ran his race with a ZEALOUS endurance and looked to Jesus throughout his life; Jesus was the author and perfecter of Norman’s faith. Gwen’s Norman crossed the finished line early this morning and entered into glory. Norman was a man ZEALOUS for the glory of the Lord and his faith has become sight.  Hallelujah! 

2. Love the Lord your God with ZEAL.

Matthew 22:38-39 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (ZEAL) This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

My dad, Norman, is still running his race with ZEAL but he is some difficult miles where his mind is fuzzy and his body is weak.  As I talked with him today via FaceTime, he showed his continued ZEAL for the Lord and said, “Jesus is with me.”  My dad is ZEALOUSLY loving the Lord with all that he can in his weakened state.

3.  Do All Things as Unto the Lord with ZEAL

Colossians 3:23-24 

“Whatever you do, work heartily (ZEAL), as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Kelly’s dad, Norman, is still running his race with ZEAL and he is in the miles of ZEALOUSLY serving the Lord with his carpentry skills.  Kelly’s Norman is a gifted craftsman. (Gwen’s Norman was too.)  I just spoke with Kelly today and she told me that her dad was making little wooden toy cars for Operation Christmas Child.  They will be gifts for children around the world this Christmas. 

May we all be like the three Normans; Normans who ZEALOUSLY have and are serving the Lord. :)

Will we love Him perfectly? No!  Will we run our race perfectly? No!  Will we do all things as unto Him? No!  We will fail.  The good news is that when we fail, we know that in Him, His grace is sufficient for us for His power is made perfect in weakness (II Corinthians 12:9). 

For those of you who are unbelieving or are waffling in your belief, may today be the day that you turn from your sin and look to Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins and begin living a life ZEALOUS for Him.

Here are the songs, “Do Everything” by Steven Curtis Chapman and “Norman” by Sue Thompson

Blessings to you.

When You Pray….

Praise the Lord that He has saved you.

Ask the Lord to help you live for Him and serve Him with ZEAL.

Pray for your spouse and children.

It is Wednesday, so pray for your extended family…grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.