CityLine Women — Volume 17
Teach Me, Lord!
As summer winds down and the tips of the trees begin to blush, my heart is often conflicted. “I’m not ready, Lord, to let go of these sweet summer days and face the changes ahead!” Although my student days are long behind me, inevitably, I begin to catch the excitement of fall’s fresh start. Like the crisp blank pages of newly purchased notebooks, our lives are poised with possibilities. What will the Lord be teaching us next? What will He be writing on our hearts? What new thing is He doing? How will we be changed? God’s word in Isaiah comes to mind:
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
I remind myself, “God is never satisfied with our status quo”. When my children were young, every night we would pray, “Lord help us become more like Jesus.”
That is a bold request.
More like Jesus in the way we respond.
More like Jesus in the way we love.
More like Jesus in the way we surrender, a seemingly impossible goal.
But, thank God, we do not have to strive alone. God does it. He makes the way! It is all Him–His power, His Spirit, His will, His way.
How fitting that again in Revelation, God reminds us,
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:5
Our faithful God is positioning us to grow. Through circumstances, through people, through pain, through joy. Sometimes, He graciously loops back to make sure we have learned the lessons well, the only limitation being our own resistance or fear of change. He is the master teacher. So, as we enter this fall, CityLine Women, let us position ourselves to learn and may our hearts be ready to respond, “Teach me, Lord!”
CityLine Women, this fall, we will have many opportunities to delve into the book of Revelation. In these uncertain times and seemingly careening chaos, this book is filled with timely truths. God is in control. He has a plan for us. How are we to respond? Join us, as we dig deeper into this often misunderstood and mysterious book. I am confident His word will anchor and encourage your hearts. Come to our Sunday Well Nights and bring a friend. Join the six-week Monday night Revelation class or participate along with your community group. Please register online. Book distribution will be after service, September 4 and 11.
Prayer
Almighty God, you are all knowing, all powerful. So much is out of our control and unknown-but this we know, you are the great “I am”. Present. Eternal. The Alpha and Omega. When the road ahead seems uncertain, when times are tumultuous, remind me of your faithfulness. When my heart grows faint. Bring to mind truth. You are in control. You are working. You never fail us. In your lovingkindness, you prune and pry open our clenched fists so that we can be stretched. Change us Lord, to reflect your heart in the spaces you have placed us. May we be open to learn the lessons. What do you have next for us Lord? Our hands are open. Our hearts are surrendered. Fill us with your Spirit. Guide us by your word to the next steps of obedience. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Susan Zachariah
About the Writer
Susan and her husband, Pastor Mo, have been serving at CityLine Bible Church in Niles since 2006. Susan lives at home with her mother, Glory, and two of their three young adult children, Alisha, Nathan, and Josiah. Susan enjoys teaching the Word of God and caring for the families of CityLine Bible Church. Over the years, God has been teaching her to be open-handed in life and ministry. After moving 10 times in their initial 14 years of marriage, the Zachariahs reside in Glenview. Susan has been a stay-at-home mom and has also worked as speech-language pathologist for over 18 years privately, and in a variety of school settings. Their family is excited to celebrate the wedding of their oldest son, Josiah, in September, and to welcome Isabella, as another daughter, into their family.
Serving Opportunities
As CityLine Women, it’s important to us not only to grow personally in our walks with God, but also to be the hands and feet of Jesus outside of our local church community. Here are two serving opportunities you can take advantage of:
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Frances Jimenez.
Studies
Revelation: All Things New 9/12
Community Groups
Join a Women’s Community Group today and be part of Bible study, fellowship, accountability, and fun!
Ministry Needs
If you have the heart to serve women and are interested in joining our women’s ministry events/hospitality team, we would love to connect with you.
If you have a gift in the fine arts (painting, spoken word, dance, writing, etc.), we would love to hear from you.
External Event
Refuge for Women Chicago invites you to the “Gala at the Farmstead” on Thursday, September 15, 2022 to raise life-transforming funds for survivors of sexual exploitation. Join us at the stunning Lincoln Farmstead in Huntley, IL.