Have you considered your year-end giving options? If Victory Call has encouraged you, would you please encourage us with a year-end gift for the ministry of addiction recovery. You can donate online (www.americaskeswick.org) or call 800-453-7942. Thanks for your consideration.
Recently, spending some time with my sister and her 6 children, I witnessed some of the difficulties she has daily with a particularly bright but strong-willed son. He just turned 11 and is the second oldest with 4 younger siblings (2 sets of twins). He wishes he was an only child.
To give you a glimpse of what I'm talking about let me share my observation. My nephew can be a delight. He's smart, observant, and his smile can light up a room-when things are going in his favor. But, when things are not going as he would like- he's still smart, he's still observant but his scowl and angry, hurtful words bring a dark cloud over a room.
When he's asked to do something he doesn't want to do, he resists, argues and his behavior progressively becomes angrier as he doesn't get his way.
In a sense, he's rebelling against my sister's authority in his life. He wants his own way and will fight tooth and nail to try to get it.
I share all that because in observing that in my nephew, God clearly showed me my own heart. Oh, sure I've got 40 years on him, and I've matured along the way so my heart of rebellion is not so blatant - to people, but to God - He sees even what others don't. In fact, I believe every one of us is very much like my nephew every time we chose sin. Am I right? When we chose our own way over God's aren't we in action, doing what my nephew is doing in words?
Aren't we "saying" to God - "you're not the boss of me." "What is it to you?" "What do you care?" "Leave me alone." "You can't do that!" "I don't care." "So?" "So what?"
Even as I write this now, weeks after God showing this to me - my heart is pricked anew.
Lord, forgive my arrogance, my rebellion, my sin. Let me see my sin in all its ugly reality. I love you Lord. May my attitudes and actions reflect that every day.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Living the Amen
Have you considered your year-end giving options? If Victory Call has encouraged you, would you please encourage us with a year-end gift for the ministry of addiction recovery. You can donate online (www.americaskeswick.org) or call 800-453-7942. Thanks for your consideration.
Did you ever notice how we sometimes say "AMEN" to indicate our agreement with something someone says? For example, the Pastor during a sermon may say something that really strikes our heart and we agree with either an audible or silent AMEN!! By that we mean, "Yes", "I agree", "Let it be so." But when the service is over, we go home and forget all about it.
I want to challenge us to start living the AMEN. What I mean by that is that we give more than lip service to the truths that we hear. It's easy to agree, but how are we allowing those truths to change us, to make a difference, to draw us into greater obedience?
It's easy to fall into habits that become less and less meaningful over time. Let our AMEN be more that a habit or an emotional response to truth. Let our AMEN be a true, enthusiastic agreement and embrace of the truth of God. When God's Spirit prompts our spirit with a revelation of truth, let's not allow it to be a momentary experience of agreement, but rather a life-changing experience of obedience.
My question to you today is, are you living the AMEN?
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Did you ever notice how we sometimes say "AMEN" to indicate our agreement with something someone says? For example, the Pastor during a sermon may say something that really strikes our heart and we agree with either an audible or silent AMEN!! By that we mean, "Yes", "I agree", "Let it be so." But when the service is over, we go home and forget all about it.
I want to challenge us to start living the AMEN. What I mean by that is that we give more than lip service to the truths that we hear. It's easy to agree, but how are we allowing those truths to change us, to make a difference, to draw us into greater obedience?
It's easy to fall into habits that become less and less meaningful over time. Let our AMEN be more that a habit or an emotional response to truth. Let our AMEN be a true, enthusiastic agreement and embrace of the truth of God. When God's Spirit prompts our spirit with a revelation of truth, let's not allow it to be a momentary experience of agreement, but rather a life-changing experience of obedience.
My question to you today is, are you living the AMEN?
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
The Whole Counsel of God
Deuteronomy 13:1
"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams."
There is a warning here for discernment. Just because a prophet or dreamer of dreams accurately communicates a future event, and it 'comes to pass' does not mean necessarily that they were sent from God.
The real test requires that that which they foretold is accurate AND that it fits with the Word of God. If the event is not validated by Scripture, flee sister flee. I did not say if the prophetic word or dream validated Scripture because God's Word is true and does not need validation. But events are open to interpretation. For a word to be from God it must meet two criteria - one: it must come to pass and two: it must be validated by Scripture. We interpret our experience through Scripture not Scripture though our experience.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass and if he says, 'Let us go after other gods,' which you have not known, 'and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams."
There is a warning here for discernment. Just because a prophet or dreamer of dreams accurately communicates a future event, and it 'comes to pass' does not mean necessarily that they were sent from God.
The real test requires that that which they foretold is accurate AND that it fits with the Word of God. If the event is not validated by Scripture, flee sister flee. I did not say if the prophetic word or dream validated Scripture because God's Word is true and does not need validation. But events are open to interpretation. For a word to be from God it must meet two criteria - one: it must come to pass and two: it must be validated by Scripture. We interpret our experience through Scripture not Scripture though our experience.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Secret Things
Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all of the words of this law.
We have many questions - why is there cancer? Why is there Alzheimer's? Why are there floods, hurricanes and typhoons? Why do children die way too young? Why do some reject Christ and chose hell? Why? Why? Why?
There are some things, indeed many, many things that in our humanness we do not, cannot understand - the secret things belong to the Lord. Knowing that God is sovereign and good, not just sovereign and not just good, but both sovereign and good, we can believe, trust, and rest in knowing God knows all things and in His economy it all fits.
That is not to say we don't struggle, question or grieve -- we are, after all, human. But not all things are secret. God has revealed much through His Son Jesus - the Living Word, and through the Bible - His written Word.
God is knowable, not comprehendible. "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it." Psalm 139:6
Though we don't understand the secret things of God, we do have those things revealed to us, and it is those things we are to obey.
Isn't it good to know that God is greater than we can imagine or comprehend?
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all of the words of this law.
We have many questions - why is there cancer? Why is there Alzheimer's? Why are there floods, hurricanes and typhoons? Why do children die way too young? Why do some reject Christ and chose hell? Why? Why? Why?
There are some things, indeed many, many things that in our humanness we do not, cannot understand - the secret things belong to the Lord. Knowing that God is sovereign and good, not just sovereign and not just good, but both sovereign and good, we can believe, trust, and rest in knowing God knows all things and in His economy it all fits.
That is not to say we don't struggle, question or grieve -- we are, after all, human. But not all things are secret. God has revealed much through His Son Jesus - the Living Word, and through the Bible - His written Word.
God is knowable, not comprehendible. "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it." Psalm 139:6
Though we don't understand the secret things of God, we do have those things revealed to us, and it is those things we are to obey.
Isn't it good to know that God is greater than we can imagine or comprehend?
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Monday, December 27, 2010
"I Will Not Forget Your Word"
Today, as I was driving to work, I was practicing my memory verses for the week. Along with a few others at America's Keswick, this has been a life-impacting journey that I have been on this year.
At the beginning of the year the President and CEO of America's KESWICK issued a challenge to the entire staff. We were given a charge to intentionally commit Scripture to memory. Granted, there was an added perk of a carrot dangled before us. Yet, in my mind, this in no way diminished the fact that the Word of God would be hid in my heart and the heart of many others. Some have tried to minimize this exercise by pointing out the fact that it's being done for the proverbial carrot. Regardless, my conscious is clear before God, in part, because this challenge was brought to us; we didn't seek it.
God's Word commands us to hide His Word in our heart. I know that, for me, as a believer and follower of Christ, to do so is great reward on many levels in and of itself. On an earthly level, the reward, if looked at through the eyes of the flesh, is seemingly shallow and entirely material. In other words, it's all about me. However, through the eyes of faith, it is simultaneously of major benefit to my soul (on every level) and is the only food from which my spirit derives lasting reward and eternal benefit. Therefore, from a perspective of faith, it is all about the Savior who blesses whom He blesses however He chooses!
Try as they might, no one will ever be able to take that away from me/us or ever conceive of a way to undo the Word hidden more deeply in my/our heart this year purely as a result of being challenged.
I wish I'd thought to do this before, but the truth is I didn't think I had the ability to commit so much of God's Word to memory! Who knew? God certainly did and what He has shown me about Himself and about my own heart this year is priceless.
At the same time I have sought and gained the rewards found in the Word, there has also been the realization of much indwelling sin and strongholds that God by His Spirit wants to tear down and demolish.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word."
~Psalm 119:11-16
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
At the beginning of the year the President and CEO of America's KESWICK issued a challenge to the entire staff. We were given a charge to intentionally commit Scripture to memory. Granted, there was an added perk of a carrot dangled before us. Yet, in my mind, this in no way diminished the fact that the Word of God would be hid in my heart and the heart of many others. Some have tried to minimize this exercise by pointing out the fact that it's being done for the proverbial carrot. Regardless, my conscious is clear before God, in part, because this challenge was brought to us; we didn't seek it.
God's Word commands us to hide His Word in our heart. I know that, for me, as a believer and follower of Christ, to do so is great reward on many levels in and of itself. On an earthly level, the reward, if looked at through the eyes of the flesh, is seemingly shallow and entirely material. In other words, it's all about me. However, through the eyes of faith, it is simultaneously of major benefit to my soul (on every level) and is the only food from which my spirit derives lasting reward and eternal benefit. Therefore, from a perspective of faith, it is all about the Savior who blesses whom He blesses however He chooses!
Try as they might, no one will ever be able to take that away from me/us or ever conceive of a way to undo the Word hidden more deeply in my/our heart this year purely as a result of being challenged.
I wish I'd thought to do this before, but the truth is I didn't think I had the ability to commit so much of God's Word to memory! Who knew? God certainly did and what He has shown me about Himself and about my own heart this year is priceless.
At the same time I have sought and gained the rewards found in the Word, there has also been the realization of much indwelling sin and strongholds that God by His Spirit wants to tear down and demolish.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.
With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word."
~Psalm 119:11-16
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Digging Deeper John 1:6-14* Points to Ponder
John 1:6-14
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
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.
Points to Ponder
Oh, the love of Christ, to come to the very people He created and to be rejected. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This phraseology is difficult to wrap our minds around but by faith we accept the truth. Jesus came to earth to offer a gift. The best gift ever offered and it's free.
If you have been enjoying the Victory Calls this year, as many have shared with me when I've seen you, may I ask you to stop for a moment today - Christmas Eve - and ponder the Christ Child. Perhaps you know Jesus Christ personally and have experience a new spirit, a regenerated spirit or in other words are born again. For others of you, this is foreign thinking; you are not sure what it means. If you would like to be born of God, as our verse for this week references, but don't know how or you have questions, please email or call me or one of our Victory Call writers; we would love to share with you. Only those that have received and believed are called children of God. Are you in the family? If you are not sure, please contact us.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity.)
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
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.
Points to Ponder
Oh, the love of Christ, to come to the very people He created and to be rejected. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This phraseology is difficult to wrap our minds around but by faith we accept the truth. Jesus came to earth to offer a gift. The best gift ever offered and it's free.
If you have been enjoying the Victory Calls this year, as many have shared with me when I've seen you, may I ask you to stop for a moment today - Christmas Eve - and ponder the Christ Child. Perhaps you know Jesus Christ personally and have experience a new spirit, a regenerated spirit or in other words are born again. For others of you, this is foreign thinking; you are not sure what it means. If you would like to be born of God, as our verse for this week references, but don't know how or you have questions, please email or call me or one of our Victory Call writers; we would love to share with you. Only those that have received and believed are called children of God. Are you in the family? If you are not sure, please contact us.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity.)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Family
The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America's Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men's Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on "Give Now" - in the Designation box - indicate "Victory Tree" and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little while ago I arrived at work and within moments was greeted by a brother (in the faith) who was a previous resident in the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery program. We chatted for bit, about family and the blessing of God in our lives, then we bid each other farewell giving glory to God for everything.
As I continued on into my office I couldn't resist a smile as my heart warmed over that simple exchange. The word that immediately leapt to my mind was FAMILY. Simply because God saw fit to bring me to this place called Keswick, I have a bigger family of sisters and brothers than I could ever have imagined. They come in all shapes, sizes, tones, hues, traits, characteristics, personalities, etc., and I get to call them family!
Dear sisters, once again it's the time of year where many of us will be gathering with family. For some this will be a long anticipated time of joy. Yet for many others it will be a time filled with anxiety and dread as well as much sorrow.
The reasons for the joy and the sorrow are as varied as the individual. The details of each situation can evoke strong emotions as memories from the past bringing laughter and tears.
Be it sorrow or joy, my encouragement to you is to pause and see the bigger who and whom of your family. See God in the very center of it providing for you, His child.
If your sorrowing is due to loss, be it divorce or death, and you are feeling alone and lonely, see the reality of FAMILY and rejoice! Be glad with the provision God has given you, knowing that even now, in the midst of the sorrow you experience His favor. You, dear one, are most certainly not alone!
"You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear."
Chorus
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God.
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God."1
No matter what, let's each one of us purpose to keep the Christ in Christmas; to keep each other in prayer; to remember that all is not well for some of our brothers and sisters and one of them may need us to be "Jesus with skin" for them. In other words, they may need us to be FAMILY.
More than anything else, let's remember to praise God!!
"My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He revealed His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love." ~~Psalm 103:1-82
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
14And 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.
1 http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/family.html
2 http://www.biblestudytools.com/csb/psalms/103.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little while ago I arrived at work and within moments was greeted by a brother (in the faith) who was a previous resident in the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery program. We chatted for bit, about family and the blessing of God in our lives, then we bid each other farewell giving glory to God for everything.
As I continued on into my office I couldn't resist a smile as my heart warmed over that simple exchange. The word that immediately leapt to my mind was FAMILY. Simply because God saw fit to bring me to this place called Keswick, I have a bigger family of sisters and brothers than I could ever have imagined. They come in all shapes, sizes, tones, hues, traits, characteristics, personalities, etc., and I get to call them family!
Dear sisters, once again it's the time of year where many of us will be gathering with family. For some this will be a long anticipated time of joy. Yet for many others it will be a time filled with anxiety and dread as well as much sorrow.
The reasons for the joy and the sorrow are as varied as the individual. The details of each situation can evoke strong emotions as memories from the past bringing laughter and tears.
Be it sorrow or joy, my encouragement to you is to pause and see the bigger who and whom of your family. See God in the very center of it providing for you, His child.
If your sorrowing is due to loss, be it divorce or death, and you are feeling alone and lonely, see the reality of FAMILY and rejoice! Be glad with the provision God has given you, knowing that even now, in the midst of the sorrow you experience His favor. You, dear one, are most certainly not alone!
"You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear."
Chorus
I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God.
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God."1
No matter what, let's each one of us purpose to keep the Christ in Christmas; to keep each other in prayer; to remember that all is not well for some of our brothers and sisters and one of them may need us to be "Jesus with skin" for them. In other words, they may need us to be FAMILY.
More than anything else, let's remember to praise God!!
"My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within me, praise His holy name. My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He revealed His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love." ~~Psalm 103:1-82
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
14And 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.
1 http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis2/family.html
2 http://www.biblestudytools.com/csb/psalms/103.html
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bringing Christ to the World on Christmas
The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America's Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men's Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on "Give Now" - in the Designation box - indicate "Victory Tree" and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you ever feel really sorry for the those in our world who celebrate "x-mas" every year? Do you wonder what the hustle and bustle must be like for those who are going through the tradition of celebrating gift giving and partying just because it is "holiday time"? It must be so empty.
This year I would like to place a challenge before you and myself. Seek the Lord as to how you might serve the world by bringing Christ into Christmas. For God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
I know He has a plan and if we ask, He will reveal it. I am NOT talking about the old "invite the unsaved to church" tradition. That is surely great but I am talking about reaching people where they are. Something new, something positive, something fruitful, something prayed for and covered in prayer.
Below is a link to a video for your prayerful consideration. It reveals what one group of people did. Enjoy. And please do let us know what God revealed to you and what you did to bring Christ to the world this Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/user/AlphabetPhotography
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you ever feel really sorry for the those in our world who celebrate "x-mas" every year? Do you wonder what the hustle and bustle must be like for those who are going through the tradition of celebrating gift giving and partying just because it is "holiday time"? It must be so empty.
This year I would like to place a challenge before you and myself. Seek the Lord as to how you might serve the world by bringing Christ into Christmas. For God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
I know He has a plan and if we ask, He will reveal it. I am NOT talking about the old "invite the unsaved to church" tradition. That is surely great but I am talking about reaching people where they are. Something new, something positive, something fruitful, something prayed for and covered in prayer.
Below is a link to a video for your prayerful consideration. It reveals what one group of people did. Enjoy. And please do let us know what God revealed to you and what you did to bring Christ to the world this Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/user/AlphabetPhotography
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas,
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
"Let Christ Live"
The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America's Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men's Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on "Give Now" - in the Designation box - indicate "Victory Tree" and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Let Christ Live"
Over the past couple years, God has been patiently been teaching me and reminding me to trust Him in an area I've been struggling with for a long time ~~ my time and timing. I've tried numerous times and various ways without success in mastering it. Some people call it "time management"; I like the phrase "time efficiency" better.
My conclusion ~~ It's all part of submission and faith; giving over my "trying" to manage my time and seeking God's "time efficiency" by trusting His direction for accomplishing the tasks that are before me day by day, moment by moment. Am I 100% there yet? No! Do I still have times of struggling with time? Yes! Will I ever be 100% "time efficient"? I doubt it!! But I am coming to know His peace in the busyness of my life.
Especially at this time of year I, we, can become overwhelmed with much to do, and neglect to keep focused on Christ's birth and the reason for His coming to earth ~~ to die for our sins and to be our Savior. This is the Gospel, not only God's Plan for our salvation, but also our ongoing transformation into Christlikeness (Romans 8:29).
How does this tie together with my "time efficiency" need? ~~ As I trust the truths of God's Word and speak them to myself, I am reminded of His Grace defined as God's unmerited favor for my salvation and also, His divine enablement. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). And, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." My need...His grace.
Dr. Charles Solomon, while speaking at America's Keswick to some of the staff, said, "Let Christ live." He was referring to the Victorious Life Message of which Galatians 2:20 speaks, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." As I seek to put self aside and seek His mind, His Spirit will guide me. 1 Corinthians 2:16, says I have "the mind of Christ" to guide me. Something I've learned though is that I must listen and be obedient, or I can get into big trouble. As He directs, I must just "do the next thing". I thank Elisabeth Elliot for sharing that phrase once when I heard her speak; first, pray about all that you have to do, she said, and then just "do the next thing" as God directs your thinking.
A scripture that brings peace to my life, Philippians 4:4 - 7, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Another scripture verse that I came across a few years ago and claimed as my "life verse" is a reminder to me of Who is in charge and I have personalized it. "Yet for (me) there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom I live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom (I) live" (1 Corinthians 8:6).
"Let Christ Live"...
An exercise found in Devotional Classics has been helpful to me also: ".... rely on the strength of God.... Allow Christ to rescue you. Resolve not to resolve, but instead, resign."1 (emphasis mine) See Romans 7:21 - 8:2. I've added some other "r" words to the list as reminders of how to live in victory: to break bad habits - renounce Satan's control and reclaim surrendered ground, then relinquish to Christ sins, hurt, guilt, anger, bitterness, hatred, and resentment through confession and repentance~~ the debt had been paid! ~~ This is Grace!! ~~ This is Victory!!
These things I must continue remind myself and ask Christ for~~ His strength, His peace, His love, His mercy, His grace, all for His Glory!!
"Let Christ Live!!!"
DeEtta Marsh
DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, asCoordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on Staff at America's KESWICK since summer, 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8.
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
1 Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster & James Bryan Smith, HarperSanFrancisco, p. 57
Monday, December 20, 2010
Digging Deeper John 1:6-14* with commentary
The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America's Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men's Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on "Give Now" - in the Designation box - indicate "Victory Tree" and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is it. The final Digging Deeper verse this year. If you have tracked with us, you have meditated on a number of verses that will continue to bless your heart over the coming months and years. This is a very familiar portion of Scripture. Pray and ask God to give you fresh eyes to see.
John 1:6-14
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
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.
Commentary:
"John begins his gospel with a tremendous statement about Jesus Christ: on these truths his whole case rests. In him (the Word) God speaks to man. He is the most perfect and complete expression of the Person of God we can ever know. He is far and away above all humanity - God's executive in creation. When God spoke (see Genesis 1), his Word brought life itself into existence. And it was this Supreme Being who became man - the man we know as Jesus Christ. His life shone out - and still shines - against the darkness of a world which failed to recognize him. But to individuals who give him their allegiance he makes available all God's loving forgiveness.... And he makes a new, transformed life possible..
John (6): John the Baptist ... the herald sent by God to tell people of the coming Christ and prepare for his arrival.
Verse 14: John may be thinking especially of the transfiguration - the time when he and Peter and James saw something of Jesus' supernatural spendour (Matthew 17:1-8)." [Eerdmans' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 303]
*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity. )
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is it. The final Digging Deeper verse this year. If you have tracked with us, you have meditated on a number of verses that will continue to bless your heart over the coming months and years. This is a very familiar portion of Scripture. Pray and ask God to give you fresh eyes to see.
John 1:6-14
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
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.
Commentary:
"John begins his gospel with a tremendous statement about Jesus Christ: on these truths his whole case rests. In him (the Word) God speaks to man. He is the most perfect and complete expression of the Person of God we can ever know. He is far and away above all humanity - God's executive in creation. When God spoke (see Genesis 1), his Word brought life itself into existence. And it was this Supreme Being who became man - the man we know as Jesus Christ. His life shone out - and still shines - against the darkness of a world which failed to recognize him. But to individuals who give him their allegiance he makes available all God's loving forgiveness.... And he makes a new, transformed life possible..
John (6): John the Baptist ... the herald sent by God to tell people of the coming Christ and prepare for his arrival.
Verse 14: John may be thinking especially of the transfiguration - the time when he and Peter and James saw something of Jesus' supernatural spendour (Matthew 17:1-8)." [Eerdmans' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 303]
*(There is some overlap from last week just to add clarity. )
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Digging Deeper John 1:1-7 Points to Ponder
The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America’s Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men’s Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on “Give Now” – in the Designation box – indicate “Victory Tree” and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
Points to Ponder
Jesus existed before He was begotten. His pre-incarnate state was eternally with the Father and Spirit. He didn't just come on the scene at Christmas. He was there before. Before His Christmas birth. He was there before Moses crossed the Red Sea with a bunch of scared Israelites. He was there before Adam and Eve fell into sin. He was there before ... "In the beginning." He has enjoyed eternal perfect fellowship with the Father and Spirit. Yet He came to earth that we might enjoy perfect eternal fellowship with Him.
Relish that thought.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
Points to Ponder
Jesus existed before He was begotten. His pre-incarnate state was eternally with the Father and Spirit. He didn't just come on the scene at Christmas. He was there before. Before His Christmas birth. He was there before Moses crossed the Red Sea with a bunch of scared Israelites. He was there before Adam and Eve fell into sin. He was there before ... "In the beginning." He has enjoyed eternal perfect fellowship with the Father and Spirit. Yet He came to earth that we might enjoy perfect eternal fellowship with Him.
Relish that thought.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thankfulness
A seed that was planted deep in my heart when I asked Jesus to be my Savior had appeared to stop growing. I looked in my heart to see where the problem was lying. It was there that I found the things of this world were taking root. There was despair, anger, love of money, distrust, overeating.
I thought to myself, "how am I to grow if I have allowed these things to take root in my heart?" I looked around to find help and saw the Word of God. I started to read every day the Word of God and was gaining knowledge, but that was not enough to remove the deep roots that were causing me to slide downwards. No, I had to move the roots and dig out the issues. I started to pray and seek God's way instead of my own together with daily use of God's Word.
Over time, I saw the roots being dug up out of my heart and in its place fruit began to grow. I often remember the song "the blessings will come down as the prayers go up." This was true, I found myself thanking God for my family, hard situations, children, job, food. It was there that I saw the fruit of the Spirit come alive with love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness.
I trust this will help you in your walk to allow the things of God to take root with thankfulness. Thankfulness flows out of a heart that is rooted in Christ.
"An evidence that our will has been broken is that we begin to thank God for that which once seemed so bitter, knowing that His will is good and that, in His time and in His way, He is able to make the most bitter waters sweet." Nancy Leigh DeMoss, A Place of Quiet Rest.
Patsy Foley
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
I thought to myself, "how am I to grow if I have allowed these things to take root in my heart?" I looked around to find help and saw the Word of God. I started to read every day the Word of God and was gaining knowledge, but that was not enough to remove the deep roots that were causing me to slide downwards. No, I had to move the roots and dig out the issues. I started to pray and seek God's way instead of my own together with daily use of God's Word.
Over time, I saw the roots being dug up out of my heart and in its place fruit began to grow. I often remember the song "the blessings will come down as the prayers go up." This was true, I found myself thanking God for my family, hard situations, children, job, food. It was there that I saw the fruit of the Spirit come alive with love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness.
I trust this will help you in your walk to allow the things of God to take root with thankfulness. Thankfulness flows out of a heart that is rooted in Christ.
"An evidence that our will has been broken is that we begin to thank God for that which once seemed so bitter, knowing that His will is good and that, in His time and in His way, He is able to make the most bitter waters sweet." Nancy Leigh DeMoss, A Place of Quiet Rest.
Patsy Foley
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Second Year
Many people think the first year after the death of a loved one, or a divorce, is the hardest. Those "firsts" are big hurdles to get over - first birthday, anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas.... Each one is a challenge to get through. I think most of us try to gather 'round those we know and love who have experienced a deep loss and extend extra care at those times. But after a year has passed, we tend to forget, and life goes on.
But I've often heard people say that the second year is even harder than the first. Maybe it's because most people don't remember to extend that same care the second year. After all, most of us are so busy, especially at the holidays. Maybe it's that, while the wounds are no longer fresh, the scars remain as a reminder of what was but is no longer.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (New King James Version).
Maybe you're one of those who has experienced loss and know what I'm talking about. One of the best bits of advice I've ever received is to get my eyes off myself and focus on others. Now is the time to find others who need to know the comfort that you've received. Send a card or an email. Make a phone call. Send flowers. Drop by for a visit. Invite someone over for coffee or dinner.
As we approach Christmas and New Year's, reach out to someone you know who may be having a difficult time getting through the holidays, and bless them with the love of Jesus. You'll be blessed in return.
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
But I've often heard people say that the second year is even harder than the first. Maybe it's because most people don't remember to extend that same care the second year. After all, most of us are so busy, especially at the holidays. Maybe it's that, while the wounds are no longer fresh, the scars remain as a reminder of what was but is no longer.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (New King James Version).
Maybe you're one of those who has experienced loss and know what I'm talking about. One of the best bits of advice I've ever received is to get my eyes off myself and focus on others. Now is the time to find others who need to know the comfort that you've received. Send a card or an email. Make a phone call. Send flowers. Drop by for a visit. Invite someone over for coffee or dinner.
As we approach Christmas and New Year's, reach out to someone you know who may be having a difficult time getting through the holidays, and bless them with the love of Jesus. You'll be blessed in return.
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
John 1:
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Christmas Challenge
As Christmas approaches each and every year I am challenged to keep Christ on the throne of Christmas. It is so easy to get distracted with so very many things. This year I am going to do something a little different and I would like to share it with you. Perhaps you may want to join me.
I am a visual learner who generally benefits from visual reminders. This year I have placed three styrofoam cups where I can see them clearly.
In cup number one I have broken up a fourth cup and used it to fill the first one. This one will represent filling the season with "self." I can really ruin Christmas by wanting things to go "my way." Christmas is not about pleasing "me" My old "self" with my selfish ways has been crucified with Christ. Praise God. By His grace that old "self" will stay crucified. I do not want "self" on the throne this Christmas. (Consider Romans 6:6)
In the second cup I have cut out pictures of worldly things. For me worldly pictures represent vacation spots, free time, a good book, etc. The things of the world will grow strangely dim as I keep my eyes upon Jesus. I do not want the things of the world on the throne this Christmas. (Consider 1 John 2:15-17)
In the third cup is water. The water in the cup represents living water. This Christmas I want to be reminded every day to choose to be filled up with the living water of Christlikeness. When people come into my presence this Christmas I would like them to find Christ. Christ is on the throne this Christmas. (Consider John 4:10)
Perhaps you might want to find a place in your home to set out three cups. Allow the first to represent "self," the second the things of the world that distract or pull at you, and the third to represent Christlikeness. Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus likely was not born on December 25th. Mary and Joseph did not live by a Roman calendar. It is far more likely that Christ was born during the feast of Tabernacles. Nevertheless, any day is a good day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that those of us who call Jesus our Messiah, our Lord, our Savior will honor Him and keep Him on the throne of our Christmas. (Heb 12:2)
Merry CHRISTmas,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
For those who want to dig a little deeper:
Listen to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" sung by Alan Jackson at www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4uIyz_d90&feature=fvw
Prayerfully consider the chorus:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will go strangely dim;
In the light of His glory and grace."
DIGGING DEEPER
Jonn 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God.
I am a visual learner who generally benefits from visual reminders. This year I have placed three styrofoam cups where I can see them clearly.
In cup number one I have broken up a fourth cup and used it to fill the first one. This one will represent filling the season with "self." I can really ruin Christmas by wanting things to go "my way." Christmas is not about pleasing "me" My old "self" with my selfish ways has been crucified with Christ. Praise God. By His grace that old "self" will stay crucified. I do not want "self" on the throne this Christmas. (Consider Romans 6:6)
In the second cup I have cut out pictures of worldly things. For me worldly pictures represent vacation spots, free time, a good book, etc. The things of the world will grow strangely dim as I keep my eyes upon Jesus. I do not want the things of the world on the throne this Christmas. (Consider 1 John 2:15-17)
In the third cup is water. The water in the cup represents living water. This Christmas I want to be reminded every day to choose to be filled up with the living water of Christlikeness. When people come into my presence this Christmas I would like them to find Christ. Christ is on the throne this Christmas. (Consider John 4:10)
Perhaps you might want to find a place in your home to set out three cups. Allow the first to represent "self," the second the things of the world that distract or pull at you, and the third to represent Christlikeness. Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus likely was not born on December 25th. Mary and Joseph did not live by a Roman calendar. It is far more likely that Christ was born during the feast of Tabernacles. Nevertheless, any day is a good day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let us pray that those of us who call Jesus our Messiah, our Lord, our Savior will honor Him and keep Him on the throne of our Christmas. (Heb 12:2)
Merry CHRISTmas,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
For those who want to dig a little deeper:
Listen to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" sung by Alan Jackson at www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO4uIyz_d90&feature=fvw
Prayerfully consider the chorus:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will go strangely dim;
In the light of His glory and grace."
DIGGING DEEPER
Jonn 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Digging Deeper John 1:1-7 with Commentary
I have found that there are times that the Scripture for the week is exactly what I need at that time. If I may diverse for just a moment, I'd like to share a personal testimony from last week.
I was at the doctor early in the week and she has concerns and has ordered some tests. Now 15 years ago, I would have fallen apart, but alas I do see evidence of God's grace and growth in my life.
I was walking on the treadmill a day or two after my visit and memorizing Matthew 6:30-34. As I rehearsed verse 34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for it will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble", I was encouraged again that God has my back. He holds tomorrow, I do not. Some of the best Biblical counsel I can give people who worry is to stay in the moment. Some think that "one day at a time" is an AA phrase, but it is actually Biblical. I want to say God thought of it first but that sounds like it occurred to Him, and that would not be accurate, but the truth is He has always known it. So try it. For today, stay in the moment.
This week our meditation passage is:
John 1:1-7
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
Commentary:
Three "basic truths about Christ as the Son of God are featured in the prologue: (1) the eternal Christ (vv. 1-3); (2) the incarnate Christ (vv. 4,5); (3) the forerunner of Christ (vv.6-8)..." if you read further through verse 18 there are 3 additional basic truths,"(4) the unrecognized Christ (vv.9-11); (5) the omnipotent Christ (vv.12, 13); and (6) the glorious Christ (vv.14-18)" [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1343]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
I was at the doctor early in the week and she has concerns and has ordered some tests. Now 15 years ago, I would have fallen apart, but alas I do see evidence of God's grace and growth in my life.
I was walking on the treadmill a day or two after my visit and memorizing Matthew 6:30-34. As I rehearsed verse 34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for it will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble", I was encouraged again that God has my back. He holds tomorrow, I do not. Some of the best Biblical counsel I can give people who worry is to stay in the moment. Some think that "one day at a time" is an AA phrase, but it is actually Biblical. I want to say God thought of it first but that sounds like it occurred to Him, and that would not be accurate, but the truth is He has always known it. So try it. For today, stay in the moment.
This week our meditation passage is:
John 1:1-7
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
Commentary:
Three "basic truths about Christ as the Son of God are featured in the prologue: (1) the eternal Christ (vv. 1-3); (2) the incarnate Christ (vv. 4,5); (3) the forerunner of Christ (vv.6-8)..." if you read further through verse 18 there are 3 additional basic truths,"(4) the unrecognized Christ (vv.9-11); (5) the omnipotent Christ (vv.12, 13); and (6) the glorious Christ (vv.14-18)" [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1343]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 7:7-11 Points to Ponder
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Points to Ponder:
I don't believe this is expressing a "name it and claim it" philosophy. Sure you could take the first sentence out of context and come to that conclusion but when you take the paragraph in its entirety it seems the Scripture is expressing the goodness of God. That He is the giver of good gifts. The phrase "how much more" causes us to reflect on our own feeble efforts to bless others that we love. We are not going to intentionally give a poor gift or something we know will disappoint our loved one, are we? NO. Of course not. If we as humans understand the delight in giving pleasure to a friend with a gift, HOW MUCH MORE does God. He loves to give us good things. We can trust His heart.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Points to Ponder:
I don't believe this is expressing a "name it and claim it" philosophy. Sure you could take the first sentence out of context and come to that conclusion but when you take the paragraph in its entirety it seems the Scripture is expressing the goodness of God. That He is the giver of good gifts. The phrase "how much more" causes us to reflect on our own feeble efforts to bless others that we love. We are not going to intentionally give a poor gift or something we know will disappoint our loved one, are we? NO. Of course not. If we as humans understand the delight in giving pleasure to a friend with a gift, HOW MUCH MORE does God. He loves to give us good things. We can trust His heart.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Looking Beyond the Truck
On my way to work I often run the chance of getting behind some slow pokes on the road. This morning I was behind a large work truck that was barely doing the speed limit. I was impatient as I had a hot coffee to deliver to a co-worker. It was not long before my mind started asking, "Couldn't you just speed it up a bit?" Then to add fuel to my impatience his brake lights came on and off and on and off. No longer contained in my head, out of my mouth came my next thoughts. "Buddy, are you kidding me? What is your problem?" Just ahead the car in front of the truck made a right hand turn and the truck picked up to a normal and legel speed limit. God revealed my impatience but He also asked, "Who or what are you mad at?" My anger was misplaced and an innocent driver was victim to my wrath. The Lord began to show me my anger and how I can express that emotion to my husband and children. It's like my family is the truck. They are the big thing that's in my way. But there are unseen things that are at the root cause of my frustration and it is usually that I don't like to take a good look at myself. It is easier to yell at the truck than to see beyond to the car. My husband recently said it best. "Our frustration with the kids is because we see so much of ourselves in them." Very true, yet I hate to admit that my anger comes from me. How easy it is to point the finger and blame others for the way we feel. How often do you and I wrongly lash out and accuse the innocent party rather than facing the real and true cause? It is quicker to act out than react properly. It is easier to speak than to hold the tongue. It is more comforting to blame and deflect then to admit and search our own hearts. Often, we shoot first and ask questions later.
As this incident just took place an hour ago I have no words of wisdom to lend. No scriptures to offer at the moment. Just a challenge that you and I take the time to see beyond the truck.
Kathy Withers
Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
11 If you then,who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
As this incident just took place an hour ago I have no words of wisdom to lend. No scriptures to offer at the moment. Just a challenge that you and I take the time to see beyond the truck.
Kathy Withers
Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
11 If you then,who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving!!
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I get to know myself and see me apart from grace, the more I am on my face before God crying out for mercy.
The truth is, on any given day I probably give everyone that knows me at least one reason to be annoyed, perturbed, irritated, and flat out angry with me. In fact, for every person who says they like me there are likely a whole bunch of others who do not.
All by itself that could be distressing to my heart and provoking to my flesh and yet, in the midst of these days we are in, when troubles and trials of various kinds abound, there is a hope to be found, a relief and release from the frailties of the humanity which constrains us.
In a word, it is Jesus!
Lately, my eyes have been locked with the eyes of the Savior seeking to see me in light of His saving, redeeming and sustaining Gospel. Therein, I have found much to hope and glory in; I have found much to lift my heavy heart. The simple and profound way that the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in me is praise, prayer and thanksgiving!!
Certainly it is not magic. God forbid that I would treat His Word so carelessly! What it is though, is powerful above and beyond what I'll ever be able to explain to you. His Word is deeply penetrating, even into my inmost parts.
My life verse, Philippians 4:4-9, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Sisters, are you troubled with the cares of broken relationships? Do your so-called friends shun you with or without cause? Do you feel alone and in need of a boost?
Lift your head and say, "Jesus, thank You! Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being my Kinsman Redeemer; the Restorer of all breaches; the One Who Is, Who Was and Who Is to come! Thank You for grace upon grace upon grace; grace which has saved me from the uttermost darkness and depravity of my own soul.
Go and pray to this Jesus Who sits at the throne and intercedes! Cry out to Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise!
He is the Rock of our salvation and in Him there is no shadow of turning for He is indeed faithful!
Selah,
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
The truth is, on any given day I probably give everyone that knows me at least one reason to be annoyed, perturbed, irritated, and flat out angry with me. In fact, for every person who says they like me there are likely a whole bunch of others who do not.
All by itself that could be distressing to my heart and provoking to my flesh and yet, in the midst of these days we are in, when troubles and trials of various kinds abound, there is a hope to be found, a relief and release from the frailties of the humanity which constrains us.
In a word, it is Jesus!
Lately, my eyes have been locked with the eyes of the Savior seeking to see me in light of His saving, redeeming and sustaining Gospel. Therein, I have found much to hope and glory in; I have found much to lift my heavy heart. The simple and profound way that the Holy Spirit accomplishes this in me is praise, prayer and thanksgiving!!
Certainly it is not magic. God forbid that I would treat His Word so carelessly! What it is though, is powerful above and beyond what I'll ever be able to explain to you. His Word is deeply penetrating, even into my inmost parts.
My life verse, Philippians 4:4-9, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."
Sisters, are you troubled with the cares of broken relationships? Do your so-called friends shun you with or without cause? Do you feel alone and in need of a boost?
Lift your head and say, "Jesus, thank You! Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for being my Kinsman Redeemer; the Restorer of all breaches; the One Who Is, Who Was and Who Is to come! Thank You for grace upon grace upon grace; grace which has saved me from the uttermost darkness and depravity of my own soul.
Go and pray to this Jesus Who sits at the throne and intercedes! Cry out to Him with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise!
He is the Rock of our salvation and in Him there is no shadow of turning for He is indeed faithful!
Selah,
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Stop the Hail
You recall the story of Pharaoh in the time of Moses when God was preparing to bring the Israelites out of Egypt after 430 years of bondage. If not, let me encourage you to read Exodus 3-14. It is that story that is the basis of our Victory Call today.
As the Scriptures go, Moses, called by God to represent Him to Pharaoh, goes into the Ruler to demand that he release the Israelites that they may go into the wilderness to worship their Lord God. Pharaoh rejects his request, so God brings the plagues.
1. He turns water into blood - "So Pharaoh's heart remained hardened" (Ex 7:22)
2. Frogs - "But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them" (Ex 8:15)
3. Gnats - "But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them..." (Ex 8:19)
4. Flies - "But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go" (Ex 8:32)
5. Livestock die - "But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go." (Ex 9:7)
6. Boils - "But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them..." (Ex 9:12)
7. Hail - "Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, 'This time I have sinned: The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.'....But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants."(Ex 9:27)
8. Locusts - "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go." (Ex 10:20)
9. Darkness - "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go." (Ex 10:27)
10. Death of the first born -(Ex 12)
I would like to focus for a moment on #9, the seventh plague. Pharaoh indicates that he finally gets it. He finally understands. He even seems to acknowledge his sin. This is an important observation about human behavior. In the midst of his suffering, he "repents." He appears to understand and acknowledge his own fault and sin. He admits he is wrong. From Moses' seat it seems like it is finally happening. So he prays that the hail stop, and God stops the hail. When the source of Pharaoh's suffering is removed, he has yet again a change of heart. "But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased...he hardened his heart."
(9:27)
What's my point? Two-fold:
1. Our inclination is to be very motivated to change in the midst of suffering, but when that suffering is removed, we revert to our old ways. Our repentance and desire for change is situational, not genuine.
2. When loved ones seem to repent of attitudes or actions in the midst of their suffering, the only way we can know if that brokenness is genuine is if they follow through on their word. If the immediate suffering is removed and they return to their old ways, their repentance was not from the heart.
Counsel we often give family members of prodigal children, addicted family or friends when they are wringing their hands because they just don't know what to do is this: You will know that their repentance is real when they follow through with their promises. People caught in the bondage of addiction often make promises they do not keep. The only way to know when genuine change has taken place is not through their words (though you would really like to believe them and have made that mistake many, many, many times), it is through persistence to keep their word over a significant period of time that gives evidence of genuine change.
We are all like Pharaoh in some ways. Let's be people of our word in suffering and out.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
As the Scriptures go, Moses, called by God to represent Him to Pharaoh, goes into the Ruler to demand that he release the Israelites that they may go into the wilderness to worship their Lord God. Pharaoh rejects his request, so God brings the plagues.
1. He turns water into blood - "So Pharaoh's heart remained hardened" (Ex 7:22)
2. Frogs - "But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them" (Ex 8:15)
3. Gnats - "But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them..." (Ex 8:19)
4. Flies - "But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go" (Ex 8:32)
5. Livestock die - "But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go." (Ex 9:7)
6. Boils - "But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them..." (Ex 9:12)
7. Hail - "Then Pharaoh sent and called Moses and Aaron and said to them, 'This time I have sinned: The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.'....But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants."(Ex 9:27)
8. Locusts - "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go." (Ex 10:20)
9. Darkness - "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go." (Ex 10:27)
10. Death of the first born -(Ex 12)
I would like to focus for a moment on #9, the seventh plague. Pharaoh indicates that he finally gets it. He finally understands. He even seems to acknowledge his sin. This is an important observation about human behavior. In the midst of his suffering, he "repents." He appears to understand and acknowledge his own fault and sin. He admits he is wrong. From Moses' seat it seems like it is finally happening. So he prays that the hail stop, and God stops the hail. When the source of Pharaoh's suffering is removed, he has yet again a change of heart. "But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased...he hardened his heart."
(9:27)
What's my point? Two-fold:
1. Our inclination is to be very motivated to change in the midst of suffering, but when that suffering is removed, we revert to our old ways. Our repentance and desire for change is situational, not genuine.
2. When loved ones seem to repent of attitudes or actions in the midst of their suffering, the only way we can know if that brokenness is genuine is if they follow through on their word. If the immediate suffering is removed and they return to their old ways, their repentance was not from the heart.
Counsel we often give family members of prodigal children, addicted family or friends when they are wringing their hands because they just don't know what to do is this: You will know that their repentance is real when they follow through with their promises. People caught in the bondage of addiction often make promises they do not keep. The only way to know when genuine change has taken place is not through their words (though you would really like to believe them and have made that mistake many, many, many times), it is through persistence to keep their word over a significant period of time that gives evidence of genuine change.
We are all like Pharaoh in some ways. Let's be people of our word in suffering and out.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 7
7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 7:7-11 with Commentary
How are you doing? Have you been tracking with us for the last 11 months? Perhaps you have opted to skip over the Monday and Friday Digging Deeper Victory Calls. Let me encourage you to join the journey even now. Perhaps you have been meditating and memorizing right along with us. Kudos. The value of doing such a discipline will be well worth the effort. We have only a few weeks left. Finish strong. Finish well.
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Commentary:
"ASK: Disciples should come to God in humility and conscious of need. SEEK connects one's prayer with responsible action in pursuing the will of God. KNOCK suggests perseverance. Disciples are to persist in prayer, confident that their Father will provide whatever is best for them, according to his sovereign, gracious will." [ESV Study Bible notes, Page 1834]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Commentary:
"ASK: Disciples should come to God in humility and conscious of need. SEEK connects one's prayer with responsible action in pursuing the will of God. KNOCK suggests perseverance. Disciples are to persist in prayer, confident that their Father will provide whatever is best for them, according to his sovereign, gracious will." [ESV Study Bible notes, Page 1834]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:30-34
Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Points to Ponder:
We fret; we stew about what might happen. The "what-if" question races around our thoughts like a hamster running on his exercise wheel. This Scripture reminds us that we need to stay in today. Tomorrow is not promised. We would eliminate so much of our stress, anxiety and worry if we rest in knowing that our lives are in God's hands. Whatever comes, so does His grace. We can't borrow grace. We get it when we need it, not a moment before. God's grace is sufficient for our reality not our fantasy (those things we THINK MIGHT happen).
Oh, my friend, rest. Rest in knowing that HE IS ALL Sufficient. He IS Enough. He cares for you. Nothing has slipped by His notice. Nothing that has or will happen to you has caught Him by surprise. Nothing is beyond His redemptive power. Rest. Rest. Rest.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Points to Ponder:
We fret; we stew about what might happen. The "what-if" question races around our thoughts like a hamster running on his exercise wheel. This Scripture reminds us that we need to stay in today. Tomorrow is not promised. We would eliminate so much of our stress, anxiety and worry if we rest in knowing that our lives are in God's hands. Whatever comes, so does His grace. We can't borrow grace. We get it when we need it, not a moment before. God's grace is sufficient for our reality not our fantasy (those things we THINK MIGHT happen).
Oh, my friend, rest. Rest in knowing that HE IS ALL Sufficient. He IS Enough. He cares for you. Nothing has slipped by His notice. Nothing that has or will happen to you has caught Him by surprise. Nothing is beyond His redemptive power. Rest. Rest. Rest.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Face to face with Truth
Have you ever heard someone say something like, "you wouldn't know the truth if it was staring you in the face"? In today's society or culture, "truth" is no longer Truth. It has become a relative term, something that might have many interpretations depending on your point of view. The famous line I hear over and over again is "you have your truth and I have mine." Today when THE TRUTH is right there in front of a person, their heart may be so blinded by the world or hardened that they can't recognize it for what it is.
There was a man of power and position who stood face to face with Truth and never recognized it ... never acknowledged it. That man was Pilate. He stood before Jesus... the Christ, looked Him in the eyes, and missed it. John 18:33, 36-38(ESV)
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" ...
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."
Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
What an opportunity Pilate missed. Here was the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior... and Pilate missed it.
Haven't we all been like that at one time or another? I was there for over 40 years! The funny thing is I can't really recall a time that I really "heard" the Gospel. As a child I went to Sunday school and church until I was about 18 or 19. I heard the pastor read from the Bible and heard his sermons. The Truth was right there in my face and I couldn't see it or hear it.
Webster's definition of truth:
1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.
It seems pretty clear to me that truth is "fact" and unchangeable. There is much comfort in this reality for if it was changeable then chaos would rule and we would be lost and hopeless.
I take great comfort in the Truth. The Truth in the Word of God is just as true today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow...His salvation plan through Jesus, His great and precious promises for you and for me.
I can only pray for my loved ones who have been face to face with Truth and until now have chosen to reject it for their own "truth." I pray they would come to know the Truth and that the Truth "would set them free."
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
There was a man of power and position who stood face to face with Truth and never recognized it ... never acknowledged it. That man was Pilate. He stood before Jesus... the Christ, looked Him in the eyes, and missed it. John 18:33, 36-38(ESV)
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" ...
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."
Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"
What an opportunity Pilate missed. Here was the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior... and Pilate missed it.
Haven't we all been like that at one time or another? I was there for over 40 years! The funny thing is I can't really recall a time that I really "heard" the Gospel. As a child I went to Sunday school and church until I was about 18 or 19. I heard the pastor read from the Bible and heard his sermons. The Truth was right there in my face and I couldn't see it or hear it.
Webster's definition of truth:
1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.
It seems pretty clear to me that truth is "fact" and unchangeable. There is much comfort in this reality for if it was changeable then chaos would rule and we would be lost and hopeless.
I take great comfort in the Truth. The Truth in the Word of God is just as true today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow...His salvation plan through Jesus, His great and precious promises for you and for me.
I can only pray for my loved ones who have been face to face with Truth and until now have chosen to reject it for their own "truth." I pray they would come to know the Truth and that the Truth "would set them free."
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
UNBELIEF (Part 2)
The Lord has really been teaching me much when it comes to the warning against unbelief and the consequences it can bring. In my quiet time the other day I was reading Hebrews 3:7-19. In my Bible (and maybe in yours), the section is actually entitled "Warning Against Unbelief." Verse 19 says, "So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief." (NIV-emphasis mine) Where were they not able to enter? It is referring back to what we were reading yesterday - that generation of Israelites did not enter the Promised Land where the Lord would bring them rest, but rather wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
I KNOW my unbelief definitely leads to lack of rest and peace. If I truly believe in God's sovereignty and that He is aware and in control of everything that happens, then I can rest in Him. As Ephesians 1:11 says, He "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." (NIV-emphasis mine)
When things are tough, will I keep His commands or will I buckle under pressure and revert back to my fleshly way of doing things? "Unbelief is the root of many sins and problems. When you feel lost, it may be because you're looking everywhere but to God for your help and guidance." 1
Where do you look when you are under pressure, when you feel lost? How many times do I look to other people, other things, even to myself, thinking that God is either unaware of or just not handling things in the way, or as quickly, as I think He should. Of course, I say that I believe God is in control, but do I really believe it? Does my theology match my reality?
May we not be like the Israelites who wandered 40 years in the wilderness because of their fear and unbelief, but rather "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)
Lord, please help us to believe You, and to keep on believing You, even when times are tough, so that we may enter Your rest, AND so we may experience Your incomparably great power in our lives - that power that is only available to us who BELIEVE (Eph. 1:19).
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
I KNOW my unbelief definitely leads to lack of rest and peace. If I truly believe in God's sovereignty and that He is aware and in control of everything that happens, then I can rest in Him. As Ephesians 1:11 says, He "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." (NIV-emphasis mine)
When things are tough, will I keep His commands or will I buckle under pressure and revert back to my fleshly way of doing things? "Unbelief is the root of many sins and problems. When you feel lost, it may be because you're looking everywhere but to God for your help and guidance." 1
Where do you look when you are under pressure, when you feel lost? How many times do I look to other people, other things, even to myself, thinking that God is either unaware of or just not handling things in the way, or as quickly, as I think He should. Of course, I say that I believe God is in control, but do I really believe it? Does my theology match my reality?
May we not be like the Israelites who wandered 40 years in the wilderness because of their fear and unbelief, but rather "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5&6 (NIV)
Lord, please help us to believe You, and to keep on believing You, even when times are tough, so that we may enter Your rest, AND so we may experience Your incomparably great power in our lives - that power that is only available to us who BELIEVE (Eph. 1:19).
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
FEAR (Part 1)
Recently, I have found myself dealing with that stronghold of fear again. Without warning, it will creep back up and before I know it, anxious thoughts are buzzing around in my head. Can you relate? But, praise be to God, He is patient with me and continually speaks to me to teach me to trust Him more.
Back in August, I began reading through the Bible chronologically. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to get too much out of the book of Numbers. But, as 2 Timothy 4:16 says, "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (NIV) A couple weeks ago, I was reading the passage for the day, which included Numbers 14. The 12 spies had just returned from scoping out the Promised Land and 10 of them brought a bad report. The negative attitude spreads like wildfire and before you know it, the people begin to grumble and complain and want to go back to Egypt. (Did they forget that they were slaves there?) "Losing their perspective, the people were caught up in the emotion of the moment, forgetting what they knew about God's character." 1 Spiritual amnesia. Fear makes us forget. I forget what I know about God and I forget all that He has done for me and around me. I become fixated on my fear and lose perspective of the big picture.
The Lord responds to the people's grumbling in verse 11: "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" I don't want God to say that about me. I'm sure you don't either. God did so very much for the Israelites, and He's done so much for me. I, too, have witnessed miracles! Why do I at times act as if I want to go back to Egypt (slavery), instead of on to the Promised Land (of His rest)? I believe it often comes down to one word - UNBELIEF. I would like to look more at the subject of unbelief tomorrow.
In the meantime, may our prayer be, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 (NIV) As we learn to believe Him more and more, fear will give way to His perfect peace "which transcends all understanding, and will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7 (NIV)
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Back in August, I began reading through the Bible chronologically. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to get too much out of the book of Numbers. But, as 2 Timothy 4:16 says, "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (NIV) A couple weeks ago, I was reading the passage for the day, which included Numbers 14. The 12 spies had just returned from scoping out the Promised Land and 10 of them brought a bad report. The negative attitude spreads like wildfire and before you know it, the people begin to grumble and complain and want to go back to Egypt. (Did they forget that they were slaves there?) "Losing their perspective, the people were caught up in the emotion of the moment, forgetting what they knew about God's character." 1 Spiritual amnesia. Fear makes us forget. I forget what I know about God and I forget all that He has done for me and around me. I become fixated on my fear and lose perspective of the big picture.
The Lord responds to the people's grumbling in verse 11: "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" I don't want God to say that about me. I'm sure you don't either. God did so very much for the Israelites, and He's done so much for me. I, too, have witnessed miracles! Why do I at times act as if I want to go back to Egypt (slavery), instead of on to the Promised Land (of His rest)? I believe it often comes down to one word - UNBELIEF. I would like to look more at the subject of unbelief tomorrow.
In the meantime, may our prayer be, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 (NIV) As we learn to believe Him more and more, fear will give way to His perfect peace "which transcends all understanding, and will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7 (NIV)
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:30-34
The holidays are upon us and the calendar is getting more and more scribbles. Shopping goes into hyperdrive and it seems that there is way too much to do and way too little time to do it. Oh, forgive me, perhaps that's just me. It is too easy to lose track of what is most important. Our verses this week are a gentle reminder of God's care and provision.
Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Commentary:
There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. ... Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, ... Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. [http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Matt/Trust-God-Commended] accessed 11/23/10
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Commentary:
There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. ... Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, ... Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. [http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Matt/Trust-God-Commended] accessed 11/23/10
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:25-29 Points to Ponder
Are you anxious? Do you fret and worry? Remember God's word - He cares for all of His creation.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Points to Ponder:
How often do we get worried about the minor things in life? Not that there are not major things, but we need to remind ourselves that God has the big and the small well in hand. His word is filled with verses reminding us that He is in control. He is good. He is loving. He is all-powerful and He is paying attention. Rest, sister, rest. He has His eyes on you.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Points to Ponder:
How often do we get worried about the minor things in life? Not that there are not major things, but we need to remind ourselves that God has the big and the small well in hand. His word is filled with verses reminding us that He is in control. He is good. He is loving. He is all-powerful and He is paying attention. Rest, sister, rest. He has His eyes on you.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Cry Out
Psalm 142:1-2
I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
Do you struggle with praying out loud? For years I did. I was always afraid I wouldn't say the right words, or sound "spiritual enough." What that really boils down to is fear of people - and the only One who should command our fear is God. After all, He is the one to Whom we're speaking anyway. When we pray out loud, we're inviting others to join in with us as we pray, but we aren't really talking to them.
I've recently been reading a little book by Bill Gothard titled "The Power of Crying Out." While I've somewhat conquered my fears of praying out loud in groups of people, I had never thought about praying out loud when I'm by myself. After all, God knows my thoughts, right? Psalm 139:2b says "You understand my thought afar off." So when I'm praying in my heart and my mind and my spirit, God hears me. But the Scripture is full of verses indicating we are to cry out to God with our voice.
So, I've started praying out loud. It was really weird at first. Kind of makes me feel like I'm talking to myself. My dad says only little old ladies with money talk to themselves - and I'm neither! But the truth is, I'm not talking to myself - I'm talking to my Father, and I know He hears me. "I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes" (Psalm 119:145).
I was sharing with a friend about this "new" concept and she reminded me that, while God can hear my prayers whether silent or spoken out loud, Satan can only hear what I speak with my voice. So when I pray out loud, I'm also letting him know what I'm asking God to do - and he knows I have the power of God on my side.
Is there a burden on your heart that you've been praying about? Cry out to God - He will hear!
Ruth Schmidt
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
Do you struggle with praying out loud? For years I did. I was always afraid I wouldn't say the right words, or sound "spiritual enough." What that really boils down to is fear of people - and the only One who should command our fear is God. After all, He is the one to Whom we're speaking anyway. When we pray out loud, we're inviting others to join in with us as we pray, but we aren't really talking to them.
I've recently been reading a little book by Bill Gothard titled "The Power of Crying Out." While I've somewhat conquered my fears of praying out loud in groups of people, I had never thought about praying out loud when I'm by myself. After all, God knows my thoughts, right? Psalm 139:2b says "You understand my thought afar off." So when I'm praying in my heart and my mind and my spirit, God hears me. But the Scripture is full of verses indicating we are to cry out to God with our voice.
So, I've started praying out loud. It was really weird at first. Kind of makes me feel like I'm talking to myself. My dad says only little old ladies with money talk to themselves - and I'm neither! But the truth is, I'm not talking to myself - I'm talking to my Father, and I know He hears me. "I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes" (Psalm 119:145).
I was sharing with a friend about this "new" concept and she reminded me that, while God can hear my prayers whether silent or spoken out loud, Satan can only hear what I speak with my voice. So when I pray out loud, I'm also letting him know what I'm asking God to do - and he knows I have the power of God on my side.
Is there a burden on your heart that you've been praying about? Cry out to God - He will hear!
Ruth Schmidt
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Don't be disheartened. We're not home yet.
I have found myself the past two months in the grips of despond. I didn't know how to move past the emotions and inner pain I was dealing with. I found this poem and it brought great comfort to my heart that through the furnace, it is there that God strips us of who we are that we may grow in Him. Don't be disheartened. We're not home yet. Although weeping may last for the night, joy everlasting cometh in the morning.
Oh, the furnace of suffering! How it hurts and brings us pain!
It is there that the Lord trains us for battle.
It is there that we learn to pray.
It is there that God gets alone with us
and reveals to us who we really are.
It is there where He prunes away our comforts
and burns away the sin in our lives.
It is there, in the furnace, that we drench our pillow with tears
when in agony of soul we cry out to Him,
"Oh Lord, if it be possible, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will but thine be done."
It is there that He uses our failures to prepare us for His work.
It is there, in the furnace, when we have nothing to offer,
when we have no song in the night.
It is there that we feel like our life is over
when every thing we enjoy is being taken away from us.
It is then that we begin to realize
that we are under the wings of the Lord.
He will take care of us.
It is there that we often fail to recognize
the hidden work of God in our most barren times.
It is there, in the furnace, that no tear is wasted
but fulfills His purposes in our lives.
It is there that He weaves the black thread
into the tapestry of our life.
It is there where He reveals that all things work together
for good to those who love Him.
It is there that we get real with God, when all else is said and done.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him."
It is when we fall out of love with this life,
and live in the light of eternity to come.
It is there that He reveals the depths of love that He has for us,
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18
It is there, in the furnace, that we realize
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17
It is there that we fall in love with Jesus
and appreciate the depth of our eternal home,
knowing that the sufferings of our past won't cause us pain,
but would rather enhance His glory.
It is when we come out of the furnace that spring begins to blossom.
After He reduces us to tears we offer liquidified prayers
that touch the heart of God.
It is there that we shed tears of intercession
that will not be forgotten by God.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him."
~ Psalm 126:6
"...but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
and patience, experience;
and experience, hope."
~ Romans 5:3-4
Author unknown
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 6
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Oh, the furnace of suffering! How it hurts and brings us pain!
It is there that the Lord trains us for battle.
It is there that we learn to pray.
It is there that God gets alone with us
and reveals to us who we really are.
It is there where He prunes away our comforts
and burns away the sin in our lives.
It is there, in the furnace, that we drench our pillow with tears
when in agony of soul we cry out to Him,
"Oh Lord, if it be possible, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will but thine be done."
It is there that He uses our failures to prepare us for His work.
It is there, in the furnace, when we have nothing to offer,
when we have no song in the night.
It is there that we feel like our life is over
when every thing we enjoy is being taken away from us.
It is then that we begin to realize
that we are under the wings of the Lord.
He will take care of us.
It is there that we often fail to recognize
the hidden work of God in our most barren times.
It is there, in the furnace, that no tear is wasted
but fulfills His purposes in our lives.
It is there that He weaves the black thread
into the tapestry of our life.
It is there where He reveals that all things work together
for good to those who love Him.
It is there that we get real with God, when all else is said and done.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him."
It is when we fall out of love with this life,
and live in the light of eternity to come.
It is there that He reveals the depths of love that He has for us,
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18
It is there, in the furnace, that we realize
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17
It is there that we fall in love with Jesus
and appreciate the depth of our eternal home,
knowing that the sufferings of our past won't cause us pain,
but would rather enhance His glory.
It is when we come out of the furnace that spring begins to blossom.
After He reduces us to tears we offer liquidified prayers
that touch the heart of God.
It is there that we shed tears of intercession
that will not be forgotten by God.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him."
~ Psalm 126:6
"...but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
and patience, experience;
and experience, hope."
~ Romans 5:3-4
Author unknown
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 6
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wait on the Lord
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)
Have you been in prayer for a loved one or a dear friend for a long time? Have you sought the Lord on how to pray? Have you searched the scriptures, declaring and believing the truth of the Word? Have you fasted in an effort to break the stronghold that seems to have a grip on someone you love? Have you longed in desperation and cried out for the mercy of God to set someone free? Have you done all of these things and yet you are still waiting to see the fruit of your prayers?
The Word of the Lord is true. When you are in the place of "waiting" it does take strength and courage of heart to wait and press on in faith. It is my personal belief that not one tear, nor one prayer goes into some void. God hears it all. He answers our prayers for our loved ones. Things are happening that may be unseen to our eyes but God is always faithful to hear the prayers of His children.
God Himself knows how painful "waiting" can be. We cannot even imagine the pain of waiting and watching as His only Son bore the physical pain of the beatings and crucifixion not to mention the horror of taking on our sin on the cross.
Be encouraged today dear one, the Word of God in Jeremiah says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." (29:11-14a). God has a good plan for your loved one, don't give up.
The Word says in Matthew, "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened" (7:7-8). EVERYONE who asks, EVERYONE who seeks, EVERYONE who knocks......don't give up.
The Word says in Proverbs "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight" (3:5-6). What you see in the natural may not make any sense at all, but God is worthy of your trust despite what you see in the natural. Don't give up.
Dear one, while you are waiting press on toward the goal, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1c-2). "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9). DON'T GIVE UP, WAIT ON THE LORD.
God bless you, keep you, may His face shine upon you and encourage you this day as you wait on Him, Who is faithful, Who is able, Who is worthy of your praise and your trust. God bless you with the grace to stand strong and courageous while you wait for the fullness of His plan, His future, His hope to be released into the life of your loved one.
To Him be all the glory and honor and praise.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Scripture is from the New American Standard Translation 1978
DIGGING DEEPER
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Have you been in prayer for a loved one or a dear friend for a long time? Have you sought the Lord on how to pray? Have you searched the scriptures, declaring and believing the truth of the Word? Have you fasted in an effort to break the stronghold that seems to have a grip on someone you love? Have you longed in desperation and cried out for the mercy of God to set someone free? Have you done all of these things and yet you are still waiting to see the fruit of your prayers?
The Word of the Lord is true. When you are in the place of "waiting" it does take strength and courage of heart to wait and press on in faith. It is my personal belief that not one tear, nor one prayer goes into some void. God hears it all. He answers our prayers for our loved ones. Things are happening that may be unseen to our eyes but God is always faithful to hear the prayers of His children.
God Himself knows how painful "waiting" can be. We cannot even imagine the pain of waiting and watching as His only Son bore the physical pain of the beatings and crucifixion not to mention the horror of taking on our sin on the cross.
Be encouraged today dear one, the Word of God in Jeremiah says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." (29:11-14a). God has a good plan for your loved one, don't give up.
The Word says in Matthew, "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened" (7:7-8). EVERYONE who asks, EVERYONE who seeks, EVERYONE who knocks......don't give up.
The Word says in Proverbs "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight" (3:5-6). What you see in the natural may not make any sense at all, but God is worthy of your trust despite what you see in the natural. Don't give up.
Dear one, while you are waiting press on toward the goal, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1c-2). "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9). DON'T GIVE UP, WAIT ON THE LORD.
God bless you, keep you, may His face shine upon you and encourage you this day as you wait on Him, Who is faithful, Who is able, Who is worthy of your praise and your trust. God bless you with the grace to stand strong and courageous while you wait for the fullness of His plan, His future, His hope to be released into the life of your loved one.
To Him be all the glory and honor and praise.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Scripture is from the New American Standard Translation 1978
DIGGING DEEPER
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:25-29
One of the number one issues women seek counseling for is worry, anxiety and fear. As the economy and world events spin seemingly out of control, there is a place of steadfast peace. These are great verses to commit to memory.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Commentary:
"Men can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both. Everyone must decide his own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from worry." [EERDMANS' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 265]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Commentary:
"Men can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both. Everyone must decide his own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from worry." [EERDMANS' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 265]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:10-16 Points to Ponder
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Points to Ponder
Who has your back? When we are confronted or misunderstood, it's natural to want to defend ourself, our name. We want to explain ourselves but God's Word tells us we are in good company with the prophets. These Scripture remind us that life is not about us, but about His glory, His honor and His reputation. When we step back and remember the vertical perspective a settledness comes over our heart. Take time to remember.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Points to Ponder
Who has your back? When we are confronted or misunderstood, it's natural to want to defend ourself, our name. We want to explain ourselves but God's Word tells us we are in good company with the prophets. These Scripture remind us that life is not about us, but about His glory, His honor and His reputation. When we step back and remember the vertical perspective a settledness comes over our heart. Take time to remember.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Half-sister/Half-truth
Abraham and his half-sister-wife Sarah journeyed in Garar. In his mind, the safest way to explain their relationship to the King of Gerar, Abimelech, was to say Sarah was his sister, which was indeed truth. But it was only half the truth. When this was revealed to Abimelech by God in a dream he returned Sarah to Abraham unharmed. When he asked Abraham why he did such a thing, Abraham said, "I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife (21:11-12).
Why did Abraham offer only half the truth? Fear. In this case he feared for his safety, his life.
Why do we tell half-truths? Typically out of fear.
I remember many years ago when I was working as a systems engineer, my boss asked me about a particular project I was working on and I emphasized all the positive things I had accomplished, not really addressing his question because truth be told I had not completed the part he was asking about. I was afraid of his criticism or correction so it was easier to place myself in the most favorable light. Interesting that I specifically remember that 25 years later.
Even as I sit here writing this, the Lord is challenging me regarding those ever-so-subtle forms of lying. In addition to half-truths, how about when we exaggerate? Or when we say something to make someone feel good but it isn't necessarily true? When we say something because it's what we are expected to say? And I am sure there are many more.
To not make ourselves crazy about every word that comes out of our mouths we should probably yield to two things:
1. What mom said - think before you speak and
2. What God's Word says- "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Why did Abraham offer only half the truth? Fear. In this case he feared for his safety, his life.
Why do we tell half-truths? Typically out of fear.
I remember many years ago when I was working as a systems engineer, my boss asked me about a particular project I was working on and I emphasized all the positive things I had accomplished, not really addressing his question because truth be told I had not completed the part he was asking about. I was afraid of his criticism or correction so it was easier to place myself in the most favorable light. Interesting that I specifically remember that 25 years later.
Even as I sit here writing this, the Lord is challenging me regarding those ever-so-subtle forms of lying. In addition to half-truths, how about when we exaggerate? Or when we say something to make someone feel good but it isn't necessarily true? When we say something because it's what we are expected to say? And I am sure there are many more.
To not make ourselves crazy about every word that comes out of our mouths we should probably yield to two things:
1. What mom said - think before you speak and
2. What God's Word says- "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Evidence of God's Grace
If we were to pause for a second and consider the grace that saved us, that fact alone is enough to bring us to our knees in worship of the One True God. Taken a step further: considering our own individual life situations and circumstances, pause and reflect on the present-tense evidence of God's grace.
Psalm 139:1-3 says, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Powerful words from Scripture to remind us in the simplicity of our humanness that God is ever-present, all the time, and intimately acquainted with us in the inward details of our thinking, feeling and being.
To me, that fact alone is evidence of His grace, and I don't ever want to lose sight of it!
Today, I invite you to get still and quiet with me. Consider the God you love and serve and allow more of Him to invade your thinking and feeling. Let Him show you the error in your ways, the stink in your thinking. After all, that too is grace. He loved us with Calvary's Cross! He is therefore committed to molding and shaping us into the image and likeness of Himself in and through the Son, which is all the more evidence of His grace in our lives.
He sees, He hears and He knows us. He is with us always, which means, we are never ever alone. In or out of distress He is near.
Be intentional today to see new evidence of God's loving care and faithfulness on display in the details of your life.
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 5
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
Psalm 139:1-3 says, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Powerful words from Scripture to remind us in the simplicity of our humanness that God is ever-present, all the time, and intimately acquainted with us in the inward details of our thinking, feeling and being.
To me, that fact alone is evidence of His grace, and I don't ever want to lose sight of it!
Today, I invite you to get still and quiet with me. Consider the God you love and serve and allow more of Him to invade your thinking and feeling. Let Him show you the error in your ways, the stink in your thinking. After all, that too is grace. He loved us with Calvary's Cross! He is therefore committed to molding and shaping us into the image and likeness of Himself in and through the Son, which is all the more evidence of His grace in our lives.
He sees, He hears and He knows us. He is with us always, which means, we are never ever alone. In or out of distress He is near.
Be intentional today to see new evidence of God's loving care and faithfulness on display in the details of your life.
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 5
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Compelled...
This is a very strong and interesting word. Somehow I have overlooked the impact of it before, but this past weekend at a women's conference, it sort of hit me right between the eyes. Have you ever been "compelled" to do something? Have you ever known someone who was "compelled" to do or say something?
The online dictionary definition for compel:i
1. To force, drive, or constrain.
2. To necessitate or pressure by force; exact.
3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway.
From the definition, it seems evident, that if someone is compelled, it is beyond their control to constrain themselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:16 the Apostle Paul says, "...for I am compelled to preach."
Also in Acts 20:22 Paul says this:
"And now I am compelled by the Spirit. I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."
Paul could not help himself or constrain himself. He had to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and eventually he had to, was compelled to, go to Jerusalem no matter what happened to him. It was the Holy Spirit that placed this passion, this compulsion, to preach the Gospel.
I had a chance to speak one on one with the speaker in regard to this verse. I realized that the Lord has "compelled" me do what I do at the Colony of Mercy. I have a great passion to bring hope to those who feel hopeless. And especially those who have been deeply impacted by addiction, whether it is the addict himself or those that love him. The past several months have not been easy with disappointments and sorrows. The Intake Office has been very busy. I have gone home exhausted both mentally and spiritually. But each morning when I open my eyes, I have joy in my heart for the day ahead. I walk through the Colony doorway with a smile on my face. I must admit there are times when joy and strength are gone by 4:00 p.m. Then I have to seek the Lord and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that I can do what is on God's "to do" list for the day.
The speaker shared with me that she is also compelled to teach truths from the Word of God that are sometimes hard for others to accept. She gets great opposition yet she is compelled to put any fears aside and teach the Truth. There were those that were not happy with her this past weekend, but her challenge was for us to search the Scriptures ourselves and not take her word for it.
When the Holy Spirit compels you to do what God has called you to do there is nothing else to do but be obedient and follow the Spirit's leading. God promises that His grace is sufficient to accomplish the task because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
This is true for the speaker of the women's weekend. This is true for me.
This is also true for you.
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
i http://www.thefreedictionary.com/compel, retrieved 10/20/10
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
The online dictionary definition for compel:i
1. To force, drive, or constrain.
2. To necessitate or pressure by force; exact.
3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway.
From the definition, it seems evident, that if someone is compelled, it is beyond their control to constrain themselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:16 the Apostle Paul says, "...for I am compelled to preach."
Also in Acts 20:22 Paul says this:
"And now I am compelled by the Spirit. I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."
Paul could not help himself or constrain himself. He had to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and eventually he had to, was compelled to, go to Jerusalem no matter what happened to him. It was the Holy Spirit that placed this passion, this compulsion, to preach the Gospel.
I had a chance to speak one on one with the speaker in regard to this verse. I realized that the Lord has "compelled" me do what I do at the Colony of Mercy. I have a great passion to bring hope to those who feel hopeless. And especially those who have been deeply impacted by addiction, whether it is the addict himself or those that love him. The past several months have not been easy with disappointments and sorrows. The Intake Office has been very busy. I have gone home exhausted both mentally and spiritually. But each morning when I open my eyes, I have joy in my heart for the day ahead. I walk through the Colony doorway with a smile on my face. I must admit there are times when joy and strength are gone by 4:00 p.m. Then I have to seek the Lord and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that I can do what is on God's "to do" list for the day.
The speaker shared with me that she is also compelled to teach truths from the Word of God that are sometimes hard for others to accept. She gets great opposition yet she is compelled to put any fears aside and teach the Truth. There were those that were not happy with her this past weekend, but her challenge was for us to search the Scriptures ourselves and not take her word for it.
When the Holy Spirit compels you to do what God has called you to do there is nothing else to do but be obedient and follow the Spirit's leading. God promises that His grace is sufficient to accomplish the task because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
This is true for the speaker of the women's weekend. This is true for me.
This is also true for you.
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
i http://www.thefreedictionary.com/compel, retrieved 10/20/10
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:10-16
We are quickly approaching year end and if you have joined us on our journey this year, I trust your heart has been blessed by the Word. I have been. This week we are meditating on the latter part of the Beatitude passage in Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Commentary:
"Those who are persecuted are those who have been wrongly treated because of their faith. God is pleased when his people show that they value him above everything in the world, and this happens when they courageously remain faithful amid opposition for righteousness sake."...Just as Jesus experiences opposition and persecution, his disciples can expect the same. Their reward may not come on earth, but it surely will be theirs in heaven...Throughout history, beginning with Cain's murder of Abel..., there have been those who oppose God's people...As salt is beneficial in a number of ways...so are disciples of Jesus who influence the world for good...Jesus' disciples have the kingdom life within them as a living testimony to those in the world who do not yet have the light. The typical lamp in a Jewish home was fairly small and was placed on a stand to give maximum illumination. The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified. [ESV Study Notes ~ pg. 1828.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Commentary:
"Those who are persecuted are those who have been wrongly treated because of their faith. God is pleased when his people show that they value him above everything in the world, and this happens when they courageously remain faithful amid opposition for righteousness sake."...Just as Jesus experiences opposition and persecution, his disciples can expect the same. Their reward may not come on earth, but it surely will be theirs in heaven...Throughout history, beginning with Cain's murder of Abel..., there have been those who oppose God's people...As salt is beneficial in a number of ways...so are disciples of Jesus who influence the world for good...Jesus' disciples have the kingdom life within them as a living testimony to those in the world who do not yet have the light. The typical lamp in a Jewish home was fairly small and was placed on a stand to give maximum illumination. The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified. [ESV Study Notes ~ pg. 1828.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:1-9 Points to Ponder
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Points to ponder:
I have memorized portions of the beatitudes over the years, but I have enjoyed reviewing them and re-committing them to memory. What has impressed my heart as I have done so is the delight, beauty and faithfulness of our God. There is no question that as Christ-followers we are all blessed simply because of our salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. But as I reviewed these "Blessed are.." statements I am reminded that God meets us at EVERY point of need. Thank you, Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Points to ponder:
I have memorized portions of the beatitudes over the years, but I have enjoyed reviewing them and re-committing them to memory. What has impressed my heart as I have done so is the delight, beauty and faithfulness of our God. There is no question that as Christ-followers we are all blessed simply because of our salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. But as I reviewed these "Blessed are.." statements I am reminded that God meets us at EVERY point of need. Thank you, Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Long Way Out of Bondage
We have all heard stories of people who seemed to have been delivered in an instant from their bondage, the idols and desires of their hearts. We all wish that was us. But it isn't. Can God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God ALWAYS deliver in an instant? No.
Sometimes God leads us the long way out of bondage for our own good. What? How can that be? That doesn't sound right.
Exodus 13:17-18 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea..."
The advancing chariots blocked their way back to Egypt but that did not stop them from wanting to go back. Exodus 14:10-12 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. After crossing the Red Sea - it blocked their way back to Egypt.
Whichever way God chooses to lead you out of bondage is the most excellent way for you. It may be, and is likely to be, different than the way He delivered your sister, mother, brother, friend or the person that gave testimony in church Sunday. God knows those things that will cause you to "change your mind and return to Egypt."
Will you trust Him today? Will you trust that His path of deliverance for you is perfect, even if it is the long way out of bondage?
Stop waiting for instant deliverance (disobeying in the process) and start walking the daily path the Lord has given you out of His wisdom, His foreknowledge and His steadfast love for you.
Love,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Sometimes God leads us the long way out of bondage for our own good. What? How can that be? That doesn't sound right.
Exodus 13:17-18 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea..."
The advancing chariots blocked their way back to Egypt but that did not stop them from wanting to go back. Exodus 14:10-12 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. After crossing the Red Sea - it blocked their way back to Egypt.
Whichever way God chooses to lead you out of bondage is the most excellent way for you. It may be, and is likely to be, different than the way He delivered your sister, mother, brother, friend or the person that gave testimony in church Sunday. God knows those things that will cause you to "change your mind and return to Egypt."
Will you trust Him today? Will you trust that His path of deliverance for you is perfect, even if it is the long way out of bondage?
Stop waiting for instant deliverance (disobeying in the process) and start walking the daily path the Lord has given you out of His wisdom, His foreknowledge and His steadfast love for you.
Love,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
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