Press In To Grace
"Breaking Satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party 'feels' like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred."1
This quote, from an online devotional sent to me this morning by a brother in the faith, is so timely and without question, I know it's sent to me, among many others, because God is all about refining us and ridding us of all our foolishness and pride.
Our Holy and Sovereign God is calling for and asking all of His children to grow up and out of kindergarten faith. He has pursued and called us and it is time for us to press hard into grace, making known to each other the truth and love that is firmly established by grace alone.
There have been quite a few moments these past few days and weeks where the Holy Spirit has quickened in me an awareness which has enabled me to catch myself in the act of "stinking thinking." You know what? Like month-old garbage on a hot summer day, the aroma of some of my thinking has been extremely unpleasant...and I praise God all the more for grace, and for the reminder that grace, HIS GRACE, is sufficient.
So much of the small stuff that we sweat about is not worth the energy that we expend on it. Grace, marvelous grace has saved us and allows us to see and know that change needs to take place. Put another way, I need to press into the grace that saved me, lest I forget who I am, where I have come from and where I would be...WERE IT NOT FOR GRACE!!
Whether you have been saved a minute or a multitude of years, pressing into grace is not an option. We need the salve and the healing which grace accomplishes in our hearts and we need to never-no-never forget to extend grace -in all its forms- toward others. "
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of______________________."2"
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth...and from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." John 1:14, 16 Selah...Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 Today God is First by Os Hillman, a free devotional from Crosswalk.com2 ibid
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
But I Said ...
But I said...
"But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, 'Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.'" Acts 11:4-8 (emphasis mine)
Peter was in a trance and saw a vision. He said, "When I observed it intently and considered..." I believe there are times that God wants to communicate to us but we don't hesitate long enough to observe intently or consider. I'm no referring to visions and trances; I'm referring to the gentle and sometime not-so-gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit that we brush off. Peter said it was when he observed it intently and considered He saw and heard. He saw the particulars of the vision and then heard a voice saying - implying it was the very voice of God. I wonder how much we miss because we do not look intently or consider.
The account is Acts, which was written by Dr. Luke, records this interaction as in the first person and Peter's account of his response to God's voice was: But I said...BUT I SAID. Does that stop you in your tracks? When God communicates with us, if we recount "But I said..." we have just disagreed with the Creator, Sustainer, Almighty One Who governs the universe. The word "but" implies that everything that preceded the "but", has been called into question.
How about you? How are you living your day to day life Coram Deo - before the face of God? Are you responding to God with a "but I say"? I'm sure I have responded just like Peter, more often that I care to admit.
Lord, teach me to look intently into your word, to consider Your truth. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that responds "yes, Lord" rather than "But I say". -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
"But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, 'Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.'" Acts 11:4-8 (emphasis mine)
Peter was in a trance and saw a vision. He said, "When I observed it intently and considered..." I believe there are times that God wants to communicate to us but we don't hesitate long enough to observe intently or consider. I'm no referring to visions and trances; I'm referring to the gentle and sometime not-so-gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit that we brush off. Peter said it was when he observed it intently and considered He saw and heard. He saw the particulars of the vision and then heard a voice saying - implying it was the very voice of God. I wonder how much we miss because we do not look intently or consider.
The account is Acts, which was written by Dr. Luke, records this interaction as in the first person and Peter's account of his response to God's voice was: But I said...BUT I SAID. Does that stop you in your tracks? When God communicates with us, if we recount "But I said..." we have just disagreed with the Creator, Sustainer, Almighty One Who governs the universe. The word "but" implies that everything that preceded the "but", has been called into question.
How about you? How are you living your day to day life Coram Deo - before the face of God? Are you responding to God with a "but I say"? I'm sure I have responded just like Peter, more often that I care to admit.
Lord, teach me to look intently into your word, to consider Your truth. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that responds "yes, Lord" rather than "But I say". -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle
God dwells among His people. We can see the thread of relationship from the Old Testament to the New, Genesis right through Revelation. God desires relationship with us. "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."1
In the Old Testament, God dwelt among His people in the Tabernacle. "You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel."2
In the New Testament, God dwelt among His people in the Person of Jesus Christ. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."3 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."4
In the current age, God dwells among His people by dwelling IN His people. We are the tabernacle. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? "5 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."6 "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith... "7 "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."8
In the age to come, in heaven, God will dwell among His people. "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'"9Some day heaven. Are you looking forward to that day?-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 1 Corinthians 1:9 2 Exodus 25:21-223 John 1:144 Matthew 1:235 1 Corinthians 6:19 6 Galatians 2:207 Ephesians 3:178 Colossians 1:279 Revelation 21:3
God dwells among His people. We can see the thread of relationship from the Old Testament to the New, Genesis right through Revelation. God desires relationship with us. "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."1
In the Old Testament, God dwelt among His people in the Tabernacle. "You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel."2
In the New Testament, God dwelt among His people in the Person of Jesus Christ. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."3 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."4
In the current age, God dwells among His people by dwelling IN His people. We are the tabernacle. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? "5 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."6 "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith... "7 "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."8
In the age to come, in heaven, God will dwell among His people. "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.'"9Some day heaven. Are you looking forward to that day?-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 1 Corinthians 1:9 2 Exodus 25:21-223 John 1:144 Matthew 1:235 1 Corinthians 6:19 6 Galatians 2:207 Ephesians 3:178 Colossians 1:279 Revelation 21:3
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Salvation Outweighs Suffering
Salvation Outweighs Suffering
Habakkuk has come full circle. He has come to a place of trust in the sovereignty of God in all of his circumstances. He may be watching his world fall apart. He doesn't have the answers he would have hoped for. He may not see a quick resolution to life's problems. As a matter of fact, he may think they will get worse. YET he declares his choice to rejoice in the Lord and to joy in the God of his salvation. He chooses worship over worry. He chooses to remember and joy in the simple fact that God is his salvation. He chooses to trust that the Lord will be his strength in the days ahead and that the outcome will be a greater confidence in God. He trusts that where He leads will be good.
You and I have choices to make when we see things beginning to crumble or when things come out of nowhere and knock us off our feet. No one desires to suffer, but how we will suffer can be something we prepare for. Habakkuk is preparing for the unknown. "Though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls" (Habakkuk 3:18,19). These are the things that may or may not happen. He doesn't know for sure. What he does know for sure is that regardless of what is to come he has made up his mind- YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
Regardless of the unknowns you and I face, may we choose to worship and choose to rejoice that we are His! We can have joy because no matter what, God is our salvation!
C.J. Mahaney in "Living The Cross Centered Life" says, "He (Habakkuk) turned his attention away from suffering and fixed it upon the more vital issue of salvation. In your own times of severe distress which are you more aware of- your suffering or your salvation?"
The Puritan Thomas Watson says, "Your sufferings are not so great as your salvation. Put these two in the balances and see which weighs heaviest."
The choice is ours. How will you and I choose to suffer? -- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Habakkuk has come full circle. He has come to a place of trust in the sovereignty of God in all of his circumstances. He may be watching his world fall apart. He doesn't have the answers he would have hoped for. He may not see a quick resolution to life's problems. As a matter of fact, he may think they will get worse. YET he declares his choice to rejoice in the Lord and to joy in the God of his salvation. He chooses worship over worry. He chooses to remember and joy in the simple fact that God is his salvation. He chooses to trust that the Lord will be his strength in the days ahead and that the outcome will be a greater confidence in God. He trusts that where He leads will be good.
You and I have choices to make when we see things beginning to crumble or when things come out of nowhere and knock us off our feet. No one desires to suffer, but how we will suffer can be something we prepare for. Habakkuk is preparing for the unknown. "Though the fig tree may not blossom nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls" (Habakkuk 3:18,19). These are the things that may or may not happen. He doesn't know for sure. What he does know for sure is that regardless of what is to come he has made up his mind- YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
Regardless of the unknowns you and I face, may we choose to worship and choose to rejoice that we are His! We can have joy because no matter what, God is our salvation!
C.J. Mahaney in "Living The Cross Centered Life" says, "He (Habakkuk) turned his attention away from suffering and fixed it upon the more vital issue of salvation. In your own times of severe distress which are you more aware of- your suffering or your salvation?"
The Puritan Thomas Watson says, "Your sufferings are not so great as your salvation. Put these two in the balances and see which weighs heaviest."
The choice is ours. How will you and I choose to suffer? -- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Living By Faith
Living By Faith
Habakkuk asked questions, received answers he would not have chosen, and then he is instructed to live by faith(Habakkuk 2:4). God's instruction to Habakkuk contrasts the way of the proud Babylonian king with the just that shall live by faith (or more literally- by his faith the just shall live). God continues to list for Habakkuk the sins of the Chaldeans. Drunkenness, pride, ill-gotten gain, inhumanity, murder, corruption of other nations, and idol worship. Sound familiar? Do we not face these in our world today? Do we find some of these in the smaller "worlds" we live in? Is there one struggling with addiction in your world? Is pride rearing its ugly head? Do you see injustice at your child's school or at your workplace? Is there an idol in your life that seems too large to overcome? The answer for us today remains the same- by faith the just shall live. That means we may not have all the answers we want or get them when we want them. It means regardless of the answer we will live by faith. We will know God and understand His sovereignty, our trust is in Him and we will wait for Him though it seems He tarries too long at times.
Recently I had a prayer answered regarding one of my children. I had initially expressed gratitude for this answer but then later caught myself wishing for more evidence of God's working in her life. My question was - "How much longer, Oh God?" As I repented of my short-lived gratitude and quickness to point out my lack of satisfaction for what He had done, I was reminded to wait and watch and walk by faith. This is not how to live until you have the answer you want. It is not the way to live only when facing the most urgent of circumstances but the way to live moment by moment, every day.
Habakkuk got this way of living by faith. By verse 17 of chapter 3 Habakkuk declares, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor the fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls- YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (NKJV)
Again we learn that the most important thing is our relationship to God and who He is, regardless of our circumstances. After all his wrestling Habakkuk knew God more intimately, trusted God in a deeper way and learned to live by faith.
Today will you and I choose to know God, trust Him, submit to Him and make living by faith a way of life? -- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Habakkuk asked questions, received answers he would not have chosen, and then he is instructed to live by faith(Habakkuk 2:4). God's instruction to Habakkuk contrasts the way of the proud Babylonian king with the just that shall live by faith (or more literally- by his faith the just shall live). God continues to list for Habakkuk the sins of the Chaldeans. Drunkenness, pride, ill-gotten gain, inhumanity, murder, corruption of other nations, and idol worship. Sound familiar? Do we not face these in our world today? Do we find some of these in the smaller "worlds" we live in? Is there one struggling with addiction in your world? Is pride rearing its ugly head? Do you see injustice at your child's school or at your workplace? Is there an idol in your life that seems too large to overcome? The answer for us today remains the same- by faith the just shall live. That means we may not have all the answers we want or get them when we want them. It means regardless of the answer we will live by faith. We will know God and understand His sovereignty, our trust is in Him and we will wait for Him though it seems He tarries too long at times.
Recently I had a prayer answered regarding one of my children. I had initially expressed gratitude for this answer but then later caught myself wishing for more evidence of God's working in her life. My question was - "How much longer, Oh God?" As I repented of my short-lived gratitude and quickness to point out my lack of satisfaction for what He had done, I was reminded to wait and watch and walk by faith. This is not how to live until you have the answer you want. It is not the way to live only when facing the most urgent of circumstances but the way to live moment by moment, every day.
Habakkuk got this way of living by faith. By verse 17 of chapter 3 Habakkuk declares, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor the fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls- YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (NKJV)
Again we learn that the most important thing is our relationship to God and who He is, regardless of our circumstances. After all his wrestling Habakkuk knew God more intimately, trusted God in a deeper way and learned to live by faith.
Today will you and I choose to know God, trust Him, submit to Him and make living by faith a way of life? -- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Receiving the Answers
Receiving the Answers
I hope you asked God some questions! Now we need to prepare to hear the answers. Most commonly we have heard that God answers us in three ways- Yes, no and wait! In a recent teaching by Erwin Lutzer, he used these words to describe some answers to our prayers- "Sometimes the answer is disguised, sometimes the answer disappoints, sometimes the answer is a disaster and at times the answer is denied." Ouch!
Habakkuk asked the questions and now in chapter 1 verses 5-11 he gets a response. God tells him "Yes, Habakkuk, I have seen the sin, the trouble and the utter chaos going on. Yes, I have a plan and I am up to something." Sounds good so far! Then God reveals His plan. God is going to use the Chaldeans, a nation more unrighteous then Judah, to rise up and punish the evil of the land. Can you picture Habakkuk with his fingers in his ears at this point? But he listens and he responds differently. He still asks "why" a few times but we start to see a change of attitude. In Habakkuk 2:1 we find that Habakkuk has changed from his initial time of questioning to a time of determination. "I will stand my watch, and set myself on the rampart (tower) and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected." He becomes determined to stand watch and continue to seek God. He will set himself in the tower to hear what God will say. He gets alone to listen to God's voice. He becomes expectant knowing God has more to say to him. Habakkuk becomes submissive and we see Habakkuk's will fade and God's will prevail.
Has your answer come in a disguise? Left you disappointed? Facing a disaster? Was the answer denied? This is not the time to crumble. This is the time to stand firm, get alone with God, and submit your will to His.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble... Cease striving and know that I am God." Psalm 46:1, 10 (NASB) Take a moment and read Psalm 46 in its entirety. No matter the answer He will get you through!--Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible
I hope you asked God some questions! Now we need to prepare to hear the answers. Most commonly we have heard that God answers us in three ways- Yes, no and wait! In a recent teaching by Erwin Lutzer, he used these words to describe some answers to our prayers- "Sometimes the answer is disguised, sometimes the answer disappoints, sometimes the answer is a disaster and at times the answer is denied." Ouch!
Habakkuk asked the questions and now in chapter 1 verses 5-11 he gets a response. God tells him "Yes, Habakkuk, I have seen the sin, the trouble and the utter chaos going on. Yes, I have a plan and I am up to something." Sounds good so far! Then God reveals His plan. God is going to use the Chaldeans, a nation more unrighteous then Judah, to rise up and punish the evil of the land. Can you picture Habakkuk with his fingers in his ears at this point? But he listens and he responds differently. He still asks "why" a few times but we start to see a change of attitude. In Habakkuk 2:1 we find that Habakkuk has changed from his initial time of questioning to a time of determination. "I will stand my watch, and set myself on the rampart (tower) and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected." He becomes determined to stand watch and continue to seek God. He will set himself in the tower to hear what God will say. He gets alone to listen to God's voice. He becomes expectant knowing God has more to say to him. Habakkuk becomes submissive and we see Habakkuk's will fade and God's will prevail.
Has your answer come in a disguise? Left you disappointed? Facing a disaster? Was the answer denied? This is not the time to crumble. This is the time to stand firm, get alone with God, and submit your will to His.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble... Cease striving and know that I am God." Psalm 46:1, 10 (NASB) Take a moment and read Psalm 46 in its entirety. No matter the answer He will get you through!--Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible
Monday, September 22, 2008
Asking Questions
Asking Questions
I was never one to raise my hand in class to ask a lot of questions. I don't remember being shy and I don't remember being so smart that I understood all my lessons either. But as a student of Jesus Christ, I ask my Teacher a lot of questions! As I read the book of Habakkuk I find that he asked some questions we may be familiar with. In Habakkuk 1: 1-2 we read his questions. As he sees all the sin and trouble around him his first question is, "How long?" and the second is, "Why?" In my times of trouble my hand quickly raises and these two questions are first and foremost in my mind. Usually the "why?" is first and the "how long?" is second. Even if I don't find out why I just want to know how long it will be! Is this a quick lesson or this going to be a long, drawn out process?
How about you? Do you find that you are too shy, too scared or too proud to ask God questions? As I read the Bible I see many godly people who dared to ask these questions and more. Moses, David, Hagar, and Hannah all prayed boldly and honestly. They were unafraid to approach God with their questions. Habakkuk's name means "to embrace" but more literally it means "wrestler." It is okay to wrestle with God and ask Him questions. This may seem irreverent to you. Believe me, I am not asking you to go shake a fist at God nor can you go to God and blame Him for your circumstance. But even with our hurt and our emotions pouring out we can approach God and ask Him "Why?" and "How long?" He is not offended. The key is that when we wrestle we know up front who is going to win the match. Our hearts must know and trust that God is sovereign and in control of all that we see happening around us. We must be prepared to know that God doesn't owe us an answer. Why bother asking then? Because even in our asking we are drawing close to Him and He promises to draw close to us.
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Would you bring your questions boldly and honestly to your Lord and Savior? He knows you. He welcomes you. He is waiting for you to ask.-- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
I was never one to raise my hand in class to ask a lot of questions. I don't remember being shy and I don't remember being so smart that I understood all my lessons either. But as a student of Jesus Christ, I ask my Teacher a lot of questions! As I read the book of Habakkuk I find that he asked some questions we may be familiar with. In Habakkuk 1: 1-2 we read his questions. As he sees all the sin and trouble around him his first question is, "How long?" and the second is, "Why?" In my times of trouble my hand quickly raises and these two questions are first and foremost in my mind. Usually the "why?" is first and the "how long?" is second. Even if I don't find out why I just want to know how long it will be! Is this a quick lesson or this going to be a long, drawn out process?
How about you? Do you find that you are too shy, too scared or too proud to ask God questions? As I read the Bible I see many godly people who dared to ask these questions and more. Moses, David, Hagar, and Hannah all prayed boldly and honestly. They were unafraid to approach God with their questions. Habakkuk's name means "to embrace" but more literally it means "wrestler." It is okay to wrestle with God and ask Him questions. This may seem irreverent to you. Believe me, I am not asking you to go shake a fist at God nor can you go to God and blame Him for your circumstance. But even with our hurt and our emotions pouring out we can approach God and ask Him "Why?" and "How long?" He is not offended. The key is that when we wrestle we know up front who is going to win the match. Our hearts must know and trust that God is sovereign and in control of all that we see happening around us. We must be prepared to know that God doesn't owe us an answer. Why bother asking then? Because even in our asking we are drawing close to Him and He promises to draw close to us.
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Would you bring your questions boldly and honestly to your Lord and Savior? He knows you. He welcomes you. He is waiting for you to ask.-- Kathy Withers is on staff full-time at the Keswick Book and Gift Shop. She is married to her husband, Dave, and has two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church. Her passion is the Word of God and encouraging women to dig deeper into the truths of the Bible.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Heaven Part V
Heaven V
Friday's Truth: We will be fully satisfied in Jesus Christ, forever.
As I was preparing this lesson I came across this verse: Revelation 7:16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;"
Which reminded me of this verse:
Psalm 63:1 "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water."
It made me realize that when we get to heaven, we will no longer be longing for God, thirsting for Him as in a dry and thirsty land where there Is no water because:
Revelation 7:17 "the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters."
For all eternity we will be fully satisfied in Jesus Christ alone. Never hungry, never thirsty, neve in want. Fully satisfied. Even so, Come Lord Jesus. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Friday's Truth: We will be fully satisfied in Jesus Christ, forever.
As I was preparing this lesson I came across this verse: Revelation 7:16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;"
Which reminded me of this verse:
Psalm 63:1 "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water."
It made me realize that when we get to heaven, we will no longer be longing for God, thirsting for Him as in a dry and thirsty land where there Is no water because:
Revelation 7:17 "the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters."
For all eternity we will be fully satisfied in Jesus Christ alone. Never hungry, never thirsty, neve in want. Fully satisfied. Even so, Come Lord Jesus. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Heaven IV
Heaven IV
Thursday's Truth: What is heaven like?
There will be eternal praise-
Psalm 148:2,4 "Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!... Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!"
Revelation 5:8,9 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints....And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation...'"
There will be no hunger or thirst-
Revelation 7:16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;There will be no more tears- NO sorrow, no pain, no death."
Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
There will be no sun or moon - God illuminates heaven-
Revelation 21:23 "The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light."
It will be eternal-
Revelation 22:5 "There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."Some day...heaven. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Thursday's Truth: What is heaven like?
There will be eternal praise-
Psalm 148:2,4 "Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!... Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!"
Revelation 5:8,9 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints....And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation...'"
There will be no hunger or thirst-
Revelation 7:16 "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;There will be no more tears- NO sorrow, no pain, no death."
Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
There will be no sun or moon - God illuminates heaven-
Revelation 21:23 "The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light."
It will be eternal-
Revelation 22:5 "There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever."Some day...heaven. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Heaven III
Heaven III
Wednesday’s Truth: God will create new heavens and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."
Isaiah 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD, So shall your descendants and your name remain."
2 Peter 3:13 "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Revelation 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."
The heavens and the earth, impacted by the fall of man, are in the process of decay and destruction. They will not be cleaned up, but destroyed and replaced by new heavens and new earth that will not deterioate nor decay but will remain perfect forever.
Hang in there… it gets even better. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Wednesday’s Truth: God will create new heavens and a new earth.
Isaiah 65:17 "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."
Isaiah 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD, So shall your descendants and your name remain."
2 Peter 3:13 "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Revelation 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."
The heavens and the earth, impacted by the fall of man, are in the process of decay and destruction. They will not be cleaned up, but destroyed and replaced by new heavens and new earth that will not deterioate nor decay but will remain perfect forever.
Hang in there… it gets even better. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Heaven Part 2
Heaven II
Tuesday's truth: The present Heavens and earth shall be destroyed.
Job 14:12 "So man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, They will not awake Nor be roused from their sleep."
Psalm 102: 25-26 "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed."
Isaiah 34:4 "All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, And the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down As the leaf falls from the vine, And as fruit falling from a fig tree."
Isaiah 51:6 "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;"
Revelation 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."
The heavens and the earth, as we know them, will pass away.
Stay tuned...it gets better.-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Tuesday's truth: The present Heavens and earth shall be destroyed.
Job 14:12 "So man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, They will not awake Nor be roused from their sleep."
Psalm 102: 25-26 "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed."
Isaiah 34:4 "All the host of heaven shall be dissolved, And the heavens shall be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down As the leaf falls from the vine, And as fruit falling from a fig tree."
Isaiah 51:6 "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;"
Revelation 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."
The heavens and the earth, as we know them, will pass away.
Stay tuned...it gets better.-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Monday, September 15, 2008
Heaven
Heaven
In July, I wrote a 3 part series on the reality of a literal hell. I received numerous responses and wrote a follow-up Victory Call in the beginning of August. It sparked such interest that I taught on the topic of hell at Higher Ground (women's support group) and followed it up with a teaching on heaven. I would like to share with you some basic thoughts and relevant Scriptures.
Monday's Truth: God created the heaven's and they display His glory.
Genesis 1:1, 2:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished."
Job 9:8 "He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea;"
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."
Psalm 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory
Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You."The heavens were created by God. "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
John 1:3Stay tuned...it just gets better. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
In July, I wrote a 3 part series on the reality of a literal hell. I received numerous responses and wrote a follow-up Victory Call in the beginning of August. It sparked such interest that I taught on the topic of hell at Higher Ground (women's support group) and followed it up with a teaching on heaven. I would like to share with you some basic thoughts and relevant Scriptures.
Monday's Truth: God created the heaven's and they display His glory.
Genesis 1:1, 2:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished."
Job 9:8 "He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea;"
Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork."
Psalm 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory
Nehemiah 9:6 "You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You."The heavens were created by God. "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
John 1:3Stay tuned...it just gets better. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Friday, September 12, 2008
Joking, Kidding or Coarse Jesting
Joking, Kidding, or Coarse Jesting?
To joke or not to joke...ah, that is the question. Are you a joker? What I mean is, are you prone to joke or poke fun at other people? Do you have a tendency to point out characteristics which other people possess? If so, maybe you should ask yourself, "why? Why do I tend to or need to make comments that are at the expense of others?"
I find it very helpful and necessary to ask myself this question from time to time. In part because, all too often, I find myself the target of such comments, and also because I find myself hyper-aware of this tendency towarding "poking fun" when other people are doing it...and even when they are not.
Hopefully, at this point, you aren't thinking, "O, brother, what's the big deal?" Whether or not you are, let me share "the big deal." The big deal is L-O-V-E. The even bigger deal is we are ALL made in the image and likeness of a Holy, Holy, Holy God!!
"...neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." NKJV "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving..." ESV "Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect." The Message1
What is the point and does it matter? After all we ought to be able to take a little joking and jesting -- right? On the one hand maybe, yes, and on the other hand maybe, no. God's Word is clear that we speak gracefully to one another, that thanksgiving be our dialet.
After all, what is coarse jesting? Coarseness is "without fineness or refinement, rudely, inelegantly, meanly, uncivilly, without art or polish"...and a jest is "a witty saying, the object of laughter or sport, one given to sarcasm...jesting is talking for diversion or merriment."2
"...I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak," 3
Let it be said of us that the Lord is our passion....and with that being said and true...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen...Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift."4 Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 Ephesians 5:4 2 www.dictionary.com 3 Matthew 12:36 4 Ephesians 4:29 ESV and The Message
To joke or not to joke...ah, that is the question. Are you a joker? What I mean is, are you prone to joke or poke fun at other people? Do you have a tendency to point out characteristics which other people possess? If so, maybe you should ask yourself, "why? Why do I tend to or need to make comments that are at the expense of others?"
I find it very helpful and necessary to ask myself this question from time to time. In part because, all too often, I find myself the target of such comments, and also because I find myself hyper-aware of this tendency towarding "poking fun" when other people are doing it...and even when they are not.
Hopefully, at this point, you aren't thinking, "O, brother, what's the big deal?" Whether or not you are, let me share "the big deal." The big deal is L-O-V-E. The even bigger deal is we are ALL made in the image and likeness of a Holy, Holy, Holy God!!
"...neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." NKJV "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving..." ESV "Don't talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn't fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect." The Message1
What is the point and does it matter? After all we ought to be able to take a little joking and jesting -- right? On the one hand maybe, yes, and on the other hand maybe, no. God's Word is clear that we speak gracefully to one another, that thanksgiving be our dialet.
After all, what is coarse jesting? Coarseness is "without fineness or refinement, rudely, inelegantly, meanly, uncivilly, without art or polish"...and a jest is "a witty saying, the object of laughter or sport, one given to sarcasm...jesting is talking for diversion or merriment."2
"...I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak," 3
Let it be said of us that the Lord is our passion....and with that being said and true...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen...Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift."4 Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 Ephesians 5:4 2 www.dictionary.com 3 Matthew 12:36 4 Ephesians 4:29 ESV and The Message
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Eviction
The eviction notice
Over the years our houses have ranged from an 8' by 28' mobile home to a 2400 square foot house, and now we live in a 38' motor home. All of these houses have had several characteristics in common. We purchased each house, we furnished it, we cared for it, and each dwelling was our HOME, a safe haven, a place where we could take our shoes off and just be us.
Recently we discovered our house had been invaded.....there was a MOUSE in our HOUSE! Before we entered the motor home, we made lots of noise to make sure our invader was duly warned. No more taking our shoes off. No more nonchalantly walking around in the dark. At least one light stayed on all of the time. We did not feel comfortable until the varmint had been evicted.
When sin enters our Christian life, it has the same effect as the unwelcome mouse. Our peace is gone. Church or times of worship are no longer our safe haven. Our fellowship with God and with Christian friends is broken. Guilt causes us to look over our shoulder to make sure we aren't being observed in our sinful acts or that our secrets are not being uncovered. Our prayer life and communication with God are hindered.
We do not feel comfortable until the sin has been confessed and evicted from our lives.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Marilyn Heavilin is a speaker, author, and friend of America's KESWICK. Marilyn and Glen serve as Counselors-in-residence each summer at America's KESWICK and will be returning in February 2009.
Over the years our houses have ranged from an 8' by 28' mobile home to a 2400 square foot house, and now we live in a 38' motor home. All of these houses have had several characteristics in common. We purchased each house, we furnished it, we cared for it, and each dwelling was our HOME, a safe haven, a place where we could take our shoes off and just be us.
Recently we discovered our house had been invaded.....there was a MOUSE in our HOUSE! Before we entered the motor home, we made lots of noise to make sure our invader was duly warned. No more taking our shoes off. No more nonchalantly walking around in the dark. At least one light stayed on all of the time. We did not feel comfortable until the varmint had been evicted.
When sin enters our Christian life, it has the same effect as the unwelcome mouse. Our peace is gone. Church or times of worship are no longer our safe haven. Our fellowship with God and with Christian friends is broken. Guilt causes us to look over our shoulder to make sure we aren't being observed in our sinful acts or that our secrets are not being uncovered. Our prayer life and communication with God are hindered.
We do not feel comfortable until the sin has been confessed and evicted from our lives.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Marilyn Heavilin is a speaker, author, and friend of America's KESWICK. Marilyn and Glen serve as Counselors-in-residence each summer at America's KESWICK and will be returning in February 2009.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
No Matter What
No matter what
Fifty-nine years ago today, my mother and father said their "I do's." I remember, growing up, how I used to love to look at my parent's wedding picture. There were 2 brides and 2 grooms since mom and her sister chose a double ceremony (unheard of today). Dad and Uncle Prunes (not sure where that came from) were decked out in their tuxes. On that day, September 10, 1949 these two couples vowed before God and friends to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death.
For my aunt and uncle, they kept that vow right up until Uncle Prunes died of cancer many years ago. For Mom and Dad, 59 years of life have come and gone and many joys and trials have become part of our family story, and they continue to honor their vow (a rarity these days). I can't even begin to recount all that life has brought across their path. Besides, it would only have meaning to us who know them.
I will say this: as they celebrate 59 years together, life has taken a difficult turn over the last number of years as Dad suffers from dementia. Some days are painfully difficult for both of them. As I watch them, I see 2 people committed to one another for life. I see Mom choosing to keep her vow to Dad, NO MATTER WHAT. I see Dad keeping his vow to my mother even when it is more to the memory of his bride than the woman standing before him.
Mom and Dad have taught me much over the years, but one thing I continue to admire is their commitment to one another, to keep that vow they made 59 years ago. When they vowed to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, they were not saying that is was their preference to stay together, but that it was their commitment. NO MATTER WHAT.
In my opinion, in my generation, more often than not, what we think is commitment or conviction is really nothing more than preference. When things become difficult or painful, we look for a way out. Does this characterize our relationships? Does our word hold any weight because others know we are committed to keep our word, NO MATTER WHAT? Does this characterize our relationship with Jesus? Are we fully committed to Him? NO MATTER WHAT?
2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV)
Give some thought today as to what your convictions are, what are you committed to NO MATTER WHAT, and what truly are just your preferences. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Fifty-nine years ago today, my mother and father said their "I do's." I remember, growing up, how I used to love to look at my parent's wedding picture. There were 2 brides and 2 grooms since mom and her sister chose a double ceremony (unheard of today). Dad and Uncle Prunes (not sure where that came from) were decked out in their tuxes. On that day, September 10, 1949 these two couples vowed before God and friends to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, till death.
For my aunt and uncle, they kept that vow right up until Uncle Prunes died of cancer many years ago. For Mom and Dad, 59 years of life have come and gone and many joys and trials have become part of our family story, and they continue to honor their vow (a rarity these days). I can't even begin to recount all that life has brought across their path. Besides, it would only have meaning to us who know them.
I will say this: as they celebrate 59 years together, life has taken a difficult turn over the last number of years as Dad suffers from dementia. Some days are painfully difficult for both of them. As I watch them, I see 2 people committed to one another for life. I see Mom choosing to keep her vow to Dad, NO MATTER WHAT. I see Dad keeping his vow to my mother even when it is more to the memory of his bride than the woman standing before him.
Mom and Dad have taught me much over the years, but one thing I continue to admire is their commitment to one another, to keep that vow they made 59 years ago. When they vowed to love and honor one another in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, they were not saying that is was their preference to stay together, but that it was their commitment. NO MATTER WHAT.
In my opinion, in my generation, more often than not, what we think is commitment or conviction is really nothing more than preference. When things become difficult or painful, we look for a way out. Does this characterize our relationships? Does our word hold any weight because others know we are committed to keep our word, NO MATTER WHAT? Does this characterize our relationship with Jesus? Are we fully committed to Him? NO MATTER WHAT?
2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." (NIV)
Give some thought today as to what your convictions are, what are you committed to NO MATTER WHAT, and what truly are just your preferences. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Competitve or Not!
Competitive or Not
I'm not usually a competitive person. However, I do have moments when I feel compelled to win. It's in those sometimes moments when, for the pure delight of shutting the bragging mouth of a fellow game player, that the competitive edge comes out and I want to win because the game is no longer fun.
The context for this competitive display is most likely some sort of board game which I may be playing but NOT winning. (99% of the time I play for fun. I usually quit if it gets ugly, because I don't like ugly.)
In the case of this game the person winning is -in my opinion- talking way too much (bragging if you will) and carrying on some verbal nonsense, at the expense of everyone else in the game.
Something rises up in me (my flesh perhaps) and I want to win in a really big way...and when I do, the feeling of satisfaction is oh, so sinfully sweet. My desire, in this situation, is to hopefully get back to the fun of the game. It is, after all, just a game. One of Webster's definitions calls games "an amusement or pastime".1
What is my point here? Sometimes in life we can feel the need to compete against others, be it to get ahead for a job position, to prove something to ourself or others, etc. The reasons can be as varied as we all are in personality OR by what rules our hearts.
One question I often have is, "Is being competitive a godly attribute?" And to flip the coin, "is it godly to be uncompetitive?"
Any number of scenarios can present themselves that may have an impact on our sense of worth, or value. I think it's vitally important that we regularly examine who we are, whose we are, and why we are. Then, with our true identify firmly in place, make decisions about why we are going to pursue a particular course of action.
I should never pursue any venture or expansion of ministry to prove my worth to another human being. To do so is to allow that individual's value system to define who I am and thus influence the decisions and choices I make. For example, the way I allowed myself to be influenced by a simple game was pitiful to say the least.
Sisters, let it be said of us - whether we are competitive or not - that we pursue growth, change, expansion, promotion, for the glory of the Lord and the prize that is set before us; and not for any prize or kudos "the game" may offer.
"Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/game 2 www.biblegateway.com
I'm not usually a competitive person. However, I do have moments when I feel compelled to win. It's in those sometimes moments when, for the pure delight of shutting the bragging mouth of a fellow game player, that the competitive edge comes out and I want to win because the game is no longer fun.
The context for this competitive display is most likely some sort of board game which I may be playing but NOT winning. (99% of the time I play for fun. I usually quit if it gets ugly, because I don't like ugly.)
In the case of this game the person winning is -in my opinion- talking way too much (bragging if you will) and carrying on some verbal nonsense, at the expense of everyone else in the game.
Something rises up in me (my flesh perhaps) and I want to win in a really big way...and when I do, the feeling of satisfaction is oh, so sinfully sweet. My desire, in this situation, is to hopefully get back to the fun of the game. It is, after all, just a game. One of Webster's definitions calls games "an amusement or pastime".1
What is my point here? Sometimes in life we can feel the need to compete against others, be it to get ahead for a job position, to prove something to ourself or others, etc. The reasons can be as varied as we all are in personality OR by what rules our hearts.
One question I often have is, "Is being competitive a godly attribute?" And to flip the coin, "is it godly to be uncompetitive?"
Any number of scenarios can present themselves that may have an impact on our sense of worth, or value. I think it's vitally important that we regularly examine who we are, whose we are, and why we are. Then, with our true identify firmly in place, make decisions about why we are going to pursue a particular course of action.
I should never pursue any venture or expansion of ministry to prove my worth to another human being. To do so is to allow that individual's value system to define who I am and thus influence the decisions and choices I make. For example, the way I allowed myself to be influenced by a simple game was pitiful to say the least.
Sisters, let it be said of us - whether we are competitive or not - that we pursue growth, change, expansion, promotion, for the glory of the Lord and the prize that is set before us; and not for any prize or kudos "the game" may offer.
"Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." 1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Stephanie Paul is Director of Women's Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
1 http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/game 2 www.biblegateway.com
Monday, September 08, 2008
Caution! Children Watching!
Caution! Children Watching!
On a trip to an amusement park with my grandson, Elijah, I was truly amazed at how closely he watched the other children. When waiting in line, Elijah would watch the child next to him and do exactly what he was doing. When another child would cross his hands or lean on the fence or even try to climb up on the barriers....there was Elijah doing his best to mirror the actions of the other child. I knew that kids watch other kids and try to mimic them but I never realized how strong the desire to "do" and to "be" like others is there even in very young children.
It really got me thinking about how important it is for me, as a grandmother, to be aware that little eyes are watching my every move. I never gave this a lot of thought as my sons were growing up. And I have to admit I wasn't always the best example. Now that I'm a little older and a little wiser, but most importantly of all, I am a born again believer, I can see the importance of living my life imitating Christ in a whole new light. Just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ," in all my interactions with my grandchildren, Elijah or Joshua (and any future grandchildren), I want them to see Christ living through me because I am living my life imitating Jesus and being a godly example for them. Whew! That's seems like a pretty tall order to fill until I remember that, of course, it is, if I'm trying to do it in my own abilities! I can be a godly example ONLY because Christ lives in me and through me. I just need to be yielded to His Spirit.
I can learn quite a bit from my grandson...I need to closely watch Jesus and imitate Him so that my grandchildren might see Jesus in me...and follow me as I follow Christ. That's a pretty good legacy to leave behind.
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Mary Ann Kiernan is the Intake Manager at the Colony of Mercy
On a trip to an amusement park with my grandson, Elijah, I was truly amazed at how closely he watched the other children. When waiting in line, Elijah would watch the child next to him and do exactly what he was doing. When another child would cross his hands or lean on the fence or even try to climb up on the barriers....there was Elijah doing his best to mirror the actions of the other child. I knew that kids watch other kids and try to mimic them but I never realized how strong the desire to "do" and to "be" like others is there even in very young children.
It really got me thinking about how important it is for me, as a grandmother, to be aware that little eyes are watching my every move. I never gave this a lot of thought as my sons were growing up. And I have to admit I wasn't always the best example. Now that I'm a little older and a little wiser, but most importantly of all, I am a born again believer, I can see the importance of living my life imitating Christ in a whole new light. Just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ," in all my interactions with my grandchildren, Elijah or Joshua (and any future grandchildren), I want them to see Christ living through me because I am living my life imitating Jesus and being a godly example for them. Whew! That's seems like a pretty tall order to fill until I remember that, of course, it is, if I'm trying to do it in my own abilities! I can be a godly example ONLY because Christ lives in me and through me. I just need to be yielded to His Spirit.
I can learn quite a bit from my grandson...I need to closely watch Jesus and imitate Him so that my grandchildren might see Jesus in me...and follow me as I follow Christ. That's a pretty good legacy to leave behind.
Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Mary Ann Kiernan is the Intake Manager at the Colony of Mercy
Friday, September 05, 2008
Reality of Rest
Reality of Rest
We have spent a week thinking through the redemptive power of rest. We considered three types of rest: Regeneration rest; Relational rest; and Restorative rest. Today let's thinking of ways to make rest redemptive in your life in practical ways.
Here are some ideas:
1. What's on your plate? God things, my things, other's things, Satan's things. God will never fill your plate beyond what He will empower you to do.
2. Declutter - get rid of stuff. I don't think I need to say any more on that.
3. Disconnect - in a world of Iphones, Ipods, cell phones, instant messaging, internet, television, etc. our minds are in the process of constant stimulation. Not good.
4. Say "NO" - that's right. Say "no." As Christians, I think we fall into the trap of thinking that saying "no" is somehow ungodly, disobedient. Consider that saying "yes" may be disobedient if it was not something God had planned for you.
5. Live with a margin - schedule into your day extra time to get places, to complete tasks, etc. Procrastination adds stress!
6. Have a plan -
7. Be flexible. If it doesn't happen this week, don't beat yourself up. Remember, this is for your good.
8. In addition to putting off some activities, you may want to put on others such as reading Scripture for an extended period, listen to and meditate on praise music, go to a quite place and consider the attributes of God, nap, pray, read a good book...
Allow God to restore you in whatever way He deems appropriate.
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
Redeem the time through practicing the Sabbath Principle. Why not step out in faith this week and practice the Sabbath principle?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
We have spent a week thinking through the redemptive power of rest. We considered three types of rest: Regeneration rest; Relational rest; and Restorative rest. Today let's thinking of ways to make rest redemptive in your life in practical ways.
Here are some ideas:
1. What's on your plate? God things, my things, other's things, Satan's things. God will never fill your plate beyond what He will empower you to do.
2. Declutter - get rid of stuff. I don't think I need to say any more on that.
3. Disconnect - in a world of Iphones, Ipods, cell phones, instant messaging, internet, television, etc. our minds are in the process of constant stimulation. Not good.
4. Say "NO" - that's right. Say "no." As Christians, I think we fall into the trap of thinking that saying "no" is somehow ungodly, disobedient. Consider that saying "yes" may be disobedient if it was not something God had planned for you.
5. Live with a margin - schedule into your day extra time to get places, to complete tasks, etc. Procrastination adds stress!
6. Have a plan -
7. Be flexible. If it doesn't happen this week, don't beat yourself up. Remember, this is for your good.
8. In addition to putting off some activities, you may want to put on others such as reading Scripture for an extended period, listen to and meditate on praise music, go to a quite place and consider the attributes of God, nap, pray, read a good book...
Allow God to restore you in whatever way He deems appropriate.
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
Redeem the time through practicing the Sabbath Principle. Why not step out in faith this week and practice the Sabbath principle?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."-- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Restorative Rest
Restorative Rest
As we consider restorative rest, a red flag goes up in my mind. Can we become legalistic about this? Absolutely! From my chair, I'd say if we CAN become law-keepers over something, we most likely WILL or at least be tempted to be. So take heed to my warning. I am not suggesting getting rest become one more thing on your to-do list. That seems counter-productive. What is the Sabbath principle?
Ex. 20: 8-11, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."The Sabbath principle is not intended to give us one more thing to do. It is for our benefit, restorative in nature.
What does a 21st century Sabbath Rest look like? What does it mean to keep it holy? One definition of the word "Holy" is "to sanctify." Sanctify is to set apart to a sacred purpose or to a religious use.1
So to answer this question for you, ask what it would look like in YOUR life to have one day set apart that is different from the other six days of the week. You may wonder how you will get everything done if you have only six days to do what you used to do in seven. Based on this excerpt from Leviticus it appears the Israelites wondered the same thing...
Leviticus 25: 1-4, 20-22, "And the LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: "When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to the LORD. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard..." And if you say, 'What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?' Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. And you shall sow in the eighth year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.'"
God increased the productivity of the land to produce in six years what they would have produced in seven. God will increase your productivity to accomplish in six days what you used to do in seven.
I wrote a Victory call 8.23.07 about how the Lord challenged me and taught me to trust him to do this very thing. 2 It requires trust, faith and obedience. To enjoy the benefits of a Sabbath rest will require that you step out in faith. It is a step of faith... will you believe? Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK.
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
As we consider restorative rest, a red flag goes up in my mind. Can we become legalistic about this? Absolutely! From my chair, I'd say if we CAN become law-keepers over something, we most likely WILL or at least be tempted to be. So take heed to my warning. I am not suggesting getting rest become one more thing on your to-do list. That seems counter-productive. What is the Sabbath principle?
Ex. 20: 8-11, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."The Sabbath principle is not intended to give us one more thing to do. It is for our benefit, restorative in nature.
What does a 21st century Sabbath Rest look like? What does it mean to keep it holy? One definition of the word "Holy" is "to sanctify." Sanctify is to set apart to a sacred purpose or to a religious use.1
So to answer this question for you, ask what it would look like in YOUR life to have one day set apart that is different from the other six days of the week. You may wonder how you will get everything done if you have only six days to do what you used to do in seven. Based on this excerpt from Leviticus it appears the Israelites wondered the same thing...
Leviticus 25: 1-4, 20-22, "And the LORD spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: "When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to the LORD. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard..." And if you say, 'What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?' Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. And you shall sow in the eighth year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.'"
God increased the productivity of the land to produce in six years what they would have produced in seven. God will increase your productivity to accomplish in six days what you used to do in seven.
I wrote a Victory call 8.23.07 about how the Lord challenged me and taught me to trust him to do this very thing. 2 It requires trust, faith and obedience. To enjoy the benefits of a Sabbath rest will require that you step out in faith. It is a step of faith... will you believe? Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK.
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Relational Rest
Relational Rest
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
It is through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can rest in Him. As we grow in that relationship and know Him more fully, we can rest in Him because we know Him.
We can be assured that:He is sovereign1 Corinthians 15:27-28 "For 'He has put all things under His feet.' But when He says 'all things are put under Him,' it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
I had written numerous other truths about God that usher in rest to our heart through our relationship with Him. He is good, trustworthy and faithful, and He is our peace. But the more I thought about it, I believe when we embrace the truth of God's sovereignty we can take a deep breath and rest in Him. I would venture a guess that 85%, if not more, of the situations that come into the counseling office are in someway rooted in failure to understand or believe in the sovereignty of God. As we know the God of the Bible we will find abiding rest when we:
Believe Him Ephesians 1:19 "What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."
Obey Him Hebrews 3:17-19 "Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Trust Him 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."
Rest in Him 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
Rest comes through an intimate, personal Knowledge of and relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ. Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
For more information go to our website www.americaskeswick.org, "Keswick Today."To make reservations please call 1.800.453.7942, Reservations accepted on a "space available" basis. If you come, be sure to introduce yourself. I look forward to seeing you there.
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
It is through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we can rest in Him. As we grow in that relationship and know Him more fully, we can rest in Him because we know Him.
We can be assured that:He is sovereign1 Corinthians 15:27-28 "For 'He has put all things under His feet.' But when He says 'all things are put under Him,' it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.
I had written numerous other truths about God that usher in rest to our heart through our relationship with Him. He is good, trustworthy and faithful, and He is our peace. But the more I thought about it, I believe when we embrace the truth of God's sovereignty we can take a deep breath and rest in Him. I would venture a guess that 85%, if not more, of the situations that come into the counseling office are in someway rooted in failure to understand or believe in the sovereignty of God. As we know the God of the Bible we will find abiding rest when we:
Believe Him Ephesians 1:19 "What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."
Obey Him Hebrews 3:17-19 "Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Trust Him 2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."
Rest in Him 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
Rest comes through an intimate, personal Knowledge of and relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ. Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
For more information go to our website www.americaskeswick.org, "Keswick Today."To make reservations please call 1.800.453.7942, Reservations accepted on a "space available" basis. If you come, be sure to introduce yourself. I look forward to seeing you there.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Regeneration Rest
Regeneration Rest
Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
This week we are considering how we can redeem the time through intentional rest. Today, we will look at regeneration rest. God's plan of redemption entailed Jesus doing that which neither the law nor we could do.
Jesus labored on the cross in our place: Romans 8:3-4 "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
Jesus finished the work He was sent to accomplish:John 17:4 "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do."
Not until we are regenerated (made alive in our spirit) will we know true rest:Titus 3:4-7 "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
When we embrace an accurate understanding of the sufficiency of the cross and the unmerited nature of grace, we will begin to experience the peace and rest of God:Romans 4:5-6 "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works."
Until we know for sure our salvation hope, I don't believe we can experience genuine rest in our spirit. If you are reading this today, and are uncertain what I mean by "God's plan of redemption" or "regeneration" or "salvation hope," let me encourage you to email me and ask how you, too, may know for sure that the work of Christ on the cross has been credited to your account. Apart from Jesus Christ you cannot know eternal life; you cannot, will not, go to heaven. Only Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross is necessary AND sufficient for salvation. He said there is no other way. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:16
For those of you that already have experienced the regeneration of your spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are one step closer to knowing true, abiding, redemptive rest. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PAMonday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
For more information go to our website www.americaskeswick.org, "Keswick Today."
Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
This week we are considering how we can redeem the time through intentional rest. Today, we will look at regeneration rest. God's plan of redemption entailed Jesus doing that which neither the law nor we could do.
Jesus labored on the cross in our place: Romans 8:3-4 "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
Jesus finished the work He was sent to accomplish:John 17:4 "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do."
Not until we are regenerated (made alive in our spirit) will we know true rest:Titus 3:4-7 "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
When we embrace an accurate understanding of the sufficiency of the cross and the unmerited nature of grace, we will begin to experience the peace and rest of God:Romans 4:5-6 "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works."
Until we know for sure our salvation hope, I don't believe we can experience genuine rest in our spirit. If you are reading this today, and are uncertain what I mean by "God's plan of redemption" or "regeneration" or "salvation hope," let me encourage you to email me and ask how you, too, may know for sure that the work of Christ on the cross has been credited to your account. Apart from Jesus Christ you cannot know eternal life; you cannot, will not, go to heaven. Only Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross is necessary AND sufficient for salvation. He said there is no other way. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:16
For those of you that already have experienced the regeneration of your spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are one step closer to knowing true, abiding, redemptive rest. -- Diane Hunt is Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PAMonday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
For more information go to our website www.americaskeswick.org, "Keswick Today."
Monday, September 01, 2008
REST
Rest I
Are you tired, weary, and worn-out? Every where I turn, I’m hearing women say: "I’m just tired." This week, we are going to consider the Sabbath principle which empowers us to redeem our time through the restorative power of rest. We must pursue rest intentionally and diligently.
Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."Circumspectly: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent (marked by wisdom and judiciousness).1Redeem: to buy back, to get or wind back, to free from what distresses or harms, to change for the better; to offset the bad effect of; to make worthwhile. Rest: a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities; freedom from activity or labor; peace of mind or spirit.
What interferes with rest?
1. An unregenerate spirit: if a person does not have peace WITH God they will not have the peace OF God.
2. An anxious spirit: a person burdened with worry, anxiety and fear. Coming to terms with our own mortality can calm an anxious spirit.
3. An unsubmissive spirit: When a person refuses to submit to God’s will in their life, they will be in constant battle with God and self, and rest will elude them.
4. A covetous spirit: When a person is discontent they will not find rest.
5. A proud spirit: When a person is continually seeking approval of others they will never rest, because there is always one more person to please.
6. A busy spirit: When a person is in constant motion, racing through days full to overflowing with activity – rest is rarely a significant part of their life.
During this series we will consider 3 types of rest: Regeneration rest, relational rest, restorative rest and then conclude with the reality of rest: practical tips for making rest a reality in your life.
I hope by the end of this week, you will be ready to embrace a life of peace and rest that God intends for you. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Are you tired, weary, and worn-out? Every where I turn, I’m hearing women say: "I’m just tired." This week, we are going to consider the Sabbath principle which empowers us to redeem our time through the restorative power of rest. We must pursue rest intentionally and diligently.
Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."Circumspectly: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudent (marked by wisdom and judiciousness).1Redeem: to buy back, to get or wind back, to free from what distresses or harms, to change for the better; to offset the bad effect of; to make worthwhile. Rest: a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities; freedom from activity or labor; peace of mind or spirit.
What interferes with rest?
1. An unregenerate spirit: if a person does not have peace WITH God they will not have the peace OF God.
2. An anxious spirit: a person burdened with worry, anxiety and fear. Coming to terms with our own mortality can calm an anxious spirit.
3. An unsubmissive spirit: When a person refuses to submit to God’s will in their life, they will be in constant battle with God and self, and rest will elude them.
4. A covetous spirit: When a person is discontent they will not find rest.
5. A proud spirit: When a person is continually seeking approval of others they will never rest, because there is always one more person to please.
6. A busy spirit: When a person is in constant motion, racing through days full to overflowing with activity – rest is rarely a significant part of their life.
During this series we will consider 3 types of rest: Regeneration rest, relational rest, restorative rest and then conclude with the reality of rest: practical tips for making rest a reality in your life.
I hope by the end of this week, you will be ready to embrace a life of peace and rest that God intends for you. -- Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries at America's KESWICK
Will you consider joining us this year for one of our Anniversary Banquets? Tuesday, 9.09.08 Shady Maple Restaurant, East Earl, PA
Thursday, 9.11.08 DockWoods Community, Lansdale, PA
Monday, 9.15.08 Masso’s Crystal Manor, Glassboro, NJ
Tuesday, 9.16.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
Wednesday,9.17.08 America's Keswick, Whiting, NJ
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