Ladies - the men are beating us! Please see the Upcoming Event information at the bottom of today's Victory Call. Only a few days remain!!!
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
for my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; p
our out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Ponder This:
David waited silently and he waited expectantly. Hmm...when is the last time you or I waited in expectant silence?"
When a child rests in the arms of the mother or father, there is no need to make noise. Much time is sometimes evidence of little faith."1
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
"God will work as you trust Him and let Him have His way."2
Stephanie Paul
1 With the Word-A Devotional Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
2 ibid
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
See Him, Hear Him, Praise Him
Two days ago, I was frustrated because I wasn't able to hear a certain song. And yesterday I shared how we need to do battle with the unseen reality. So today let's get into it!
It was a Monday morning and I was getting the kids ready for school. I put on pandora.com in hopes that I might hear the song sometime during the day! So after all the kids left I was ready to do battle!
I took my Sword of the Spirit, my Bible, and headed to the attic. I had felt like God wanted me to cleanse our home of unseen evil. So I began to pray for Him to cleanse our attic and anything not of Him. Then I came down to the bedrooms and prayed over them. Then to the bathroom, closets and halls! I wanted every inch of the home cleansed and covered by the blood of Christ! I came down to the living room and then to the dining room. I walked over to the computer to turn down the music while I prayed. As I walked up to the computer a song was just starting to play...do you know what song it was??At that EXACT moment it began playing "Your Grace Still Amazes Me" BY Philips, Craig and Dean!!!!!! I was floored!! Literally! I dropped to my knees and began sobbing!! That song could have played when I was upstairs or later in the day but it DIDN'T!! It played RIGHT THEN!! It's like God wanted me to know that He SAW me, HE knows me. How humbling!! It was also like He was saying, "You have delighted in Me so here is the desire of your heart." Ps. 37:4
But the COOLEST thing about this is that it was not just for me! He CAN and DOES do that for EACH of us!! That blows my mind!! If we will LOOK for HIM and LISTEN to Him we will in turn PRAISE Him!! And He is SO worthy of our praise!
May each of us seek to "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to YOU!" James 4:8
Blessings to each of you...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
It was a Monday morning and I was getting the kids ready for school. I put on pandora.com in hopes that I might hear the song sometime during the day! So after all the kids left I was ready to do battle!
I took my Sword of the Spirit, my Bible, and headed to the attic. I had felt like God wanted me to cleanse our home of unseen evil. So I began to pray for Him to cleanse our attic and anything not of Him. Then I came down to the bedrooms and prayed over them. Then to the bathroom, closets and halls! I wanted every inch of the home cleansed and covered by the blood of Christ! I came down to the living room and then to the dining room. I walked over to the computer to turn down the music while I prayed. As I walked up to the computer a song was just starting to play...do you know what song it was??At that EXACT moment it began playing "Your Grace Still Amazes Me" BY Philips, Craig and Dean!!!!!! I was floored!! Literally! I dropped to my knees and began sobbing!! That song could have played when I was upstairs or later in the day but it DIDN'T!! It played RIGHT THEN!! It's like God wanted me to know that He SAW me, HE knows me. How humbling!! It was also like He was saying, "You have delighted in Me so here is the desire of your heart." Ps. 37:4
But the COOLEST thing about this is that it was not just for me! He CAN and DOES do that for EACH of us!! That blows my mind!! If we will LOOK for HIM and LISTEN to Him we will in turn PRAISE Him!! And He is SO worthy of our praise!
May each of us seek to "Draw near to Him and He will draw near to YOU!" James 4:8
Blessings to each of you...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
...And He will draw near to YOU.
Yesterday we left off with me being frustrated! So hopefully today you'll be blessed by God!
I've been going to a women's Bible study called, "Lord, is it warfare? Teach me to stand" by Kay Arthur. We're not doing the videos, but my friend is doing an excellent job teaching.
This study begins by explaining that in battle it is good to know your enemy, his tactics and schemes. It has brought out the facts that Satan is a LIAR, schemer and will do whatever he can to DIVIDE, either God and man or man vs. man.
There IS an invisible REALITY, the spirit world, and if we don't "feel" like we are in a battle then we won't feel the need to fight. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Eph. 6:12
This made me start thinking about my family. There is division among us and a lot of stuff that is not God honoring is going on in our home. And I began to think about doing "battle" with the unseen world.The study also has pointed out that as a believer we have the Almighty Power of God within us!! HE is MORE powerful than Satan. Christ has broken the power of sin and death! We are positionally seated with Him in the heavenlies!!! Kay said we should be looking down, seeing our feet dangling from heaven! LOL! It gave me a whole new perspective!!
The God story is not finished!! But hang in there! Tomorrow we shall see how awesome God is!
For today, picture yourself seated in the heavenlies with our Savior! HE has conquered the power of sin and death!! Are you walking in that TRUTH today?! Let it sink in...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:6,7
6He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
I've been going to a women's Bible study called, "Lord, is it warfare? Teach me to stand" by Kay Arthur. We're not doing the videos, but my friend is doing an excellent job teaching.
This study begins by explaining that in battle it is good to know your enemy, his tactics and schemes. It has brought out the facts that Satan is a LIAR, schemer and will do whatever he can to DIVIDE, either God and man or man vs. man.
There IS an invisible REALITY, the spirit world, and if we don't "feel" like we are in a battle then we won't feel the need to fight. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Eph. 6:12
This made me start thinking about my family. There is division among us and a lot of stuff that is not God honoring is going on in our home. And I began to think about doing "battle" with the unseen world.The study also has pointed out that as a believer we have the Almighty Power of God within us!! HE is MORE powerful than Satan. Christ has broken the power of sin and death! We are positionally seated with Him in the heavenlies!!! Kay said we should be looking down, seeing our feet dangling from heaven! LOL! It gave me a whole new perspective!!
The God story is not finished!! But hang in there! Tomorrow we shall see how awesome God is!
For today, picture yourself seated in the heavenlies with our Savior! HE has conquered the power of sin and death!! Are you walking in that TRUTH today?! Let it sink in...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:6,7
6He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Draw Near To Him ...
A good friend of mine suggested I try pandora.com. It is an online radio station where they let you put together artists that you like and then it plays that genre of music.
So I gave it a try. I typed in Twila Paris, one of my favorite artists, and they began playing one of her songs followed by other worship type songs. I cannot tell you how my spirits were lifted having that music play in my home while I was doing housework. And that day my weary soul was blessed over and over with WONDERFUL worship music.
A number of songs caught my attention but one in particular was of interest. It was "Your Grace Still Amazes Me" by Philips, Craig, and Dean.
I wish they had a repeat button because I would have played it over and over! It has stuck in my head and I've wanted to hear it again. So I tried to put that in to pandora but it wouldn't play that exact song!! I was frustrated so I went to another sight to see if they would play it. I typed in song title and saw Philips, Craig and Dean but when I went to play it, it was some choir singing it! I didn't want to hear them! I wanted to hear Philips, Craig and Dean! I tried typing in their name but came up with the same choir! Needless to say I was about to go to Walmart to see if they had the CD! But for monetary reasons I chose to ignore immediate gratification!
I would like to finish my story but will continue it tomorrow...but for now, is your heart weary?
Is it restless? Let me suggest that you draw near to Him by just listening...either through reading His Word or listening to worship music. Songs that speak of the wonders of God, HIS faithfulness to us, and His character. Draw near to Him...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:5
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
So I gave it a try. I typed in Twila Paris, one of my favorite artists, and they began playing one of her songs followed by other worship type songs. I cannot tell you how my spirits were lifted having that music play in my home while I was doing housework. And that day my weary soul was blessed over and over with WONDERFUL worship music.
A number of songs caught my attention but one in particular was of interest. It was "Your Grace Still Amazes Me" by Philips, Craig, and Dean.
I wish they had a repeat button because I would have played it over and over! It has stuck in my head and I've wanted to hear it again. So I tried to put that in to pandora but it wouldn't play that exact song!! I was frustrated so I went to another sight to see if they would play it. I typed in song title and saw Philips, Craig and Dean but when I went to play it, it was some choir singing it! I didn't want to hear them! I wanted to hear Philips, Craig and Dean! I tried typing in their name but came up with the same choir! Needless to say I was about to go to Walmart to see if they had the CD! But for monetary reasons I chose to ignore immediate gratification!
I would like to finish my story but will continue it tomorrow...but for now, is your heart weary?
Is it restless? Let me suggest that you draw near to Him by just listening...either through reading His Word or listening to worship music. Songs that speak of the wonders of God, HIS faithfulness to us, and His character. Draw near to Him...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 62:5
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 62:5-8
This is one of several portions of Scripture that I quote often in counseling. In the NKJV verse 5 reads: "My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him." I refer to it often because we can get so mixed up and messed up by having expectations and when those expectations go unmet we get angry, demanding or sullen. I remind myself often that my expectations of people will often be disappointed but that when my expectations are in God He always provides what is best for me.
The ESV says "wait in silence." I have to ask myself, do I wait patiently in silence? Typically not. I whine and complain and try to rush things along. The Psalmist reminds us to wait, hope, rest, trust, and pour out our heart because He is our rock, salvation, fortress, glory, mighty rock, and refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Selah
COMMENTARY: "David writes this psalm while facing treason from someone. David embraces the problem of his adversaries forthrightly (vv. 3,4), but his thoughts focus primarily on God..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary ~ John MacArthur]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
The ESV says "wait in silence." I have to ask myself, do I wait patiently in silence? Typically not. I whine and complain and try to rush things along. The Psalmist reminds us to wait, hope, rest, trust, and pour out our heart because He is our rock, salvation, fortress, glory, mighty rock, and refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Selah
COMMENTARY: "David writes this psalm while facing treason from someone. David embraces the problem of his adversaries forthrightly (vv. 3,4), but his thoughts focus primarily on God..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary ~ John MacArthur]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 51:14-19
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart-
These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Ponder This:
As we have spent time in these past few weeks going to God in confessions, I hope and pray that we have been mindful and sensitive to hear the Spirit speak and in knowing that He is present, active and alive I hope we have been unashamedly praising Him with our lips and our mouths!! He is worthy to praised! He delights in a broken and contrite heart.
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Today, set your heart and mind on this truth: God inhabits the praises of His people!
Stephanie
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
These, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Ponder This:
As we have spent time in these past few weeks going to God in confessions, I hope and pray that we have been mindful and sensitive to hear the Spirit speak and in knowing that He is present, active and alive I hope we have been unashamedly praising Him with our lips and our mouths!! He is worthy to praised! He delights in a broken and contrite heart.
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Today, set your heart and mind on this truth: God inhabits the praises of His people!
Stephanie
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Feed on His faithfulness
Don't forget Family Freedom Walk is coming up on May 8th!!
Stressed, strained, and stretched this morning, I am teetering between trust and self-pity.
Psalm 57:1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.
Ah ~ just the reminder that I am safe in the shadow of His wings begins to give my heart rest. I've been a believer long enough to know it is a very real place; I've been there many times. My problem is I don't STAY there!
Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
I have taught this truth dozens of time, yeah, probably hundreds - but, here's a true confession from a counselor - sometimes I forget myself that God is in the process of fulfilling His purpose in my life. I needed to be reminded of that this morning.
Psalm 57:3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
God is my rescuer. His love for me does not wax or wane based on my mood, attitude or behavior. His love is steadfast and He is always faithful.
I remember in Psalm 37:3 it says, Trust in the Lord, and do good: dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness (NKJV).
The best path out of my personal pity party is right there - feed on His faithfulness.
When life seems to have gone awry... feed on His faithfulness.
When conflict arises... feed on His faithfulness.
When jobs threaten to be lost... feed on His faithfulness.
When there are more bills than money... feed on His faithfulness.
When deadlines loom large and there is not enough time in your day... feed on His faithfulness.
When worry and anxiety come knocking on your door... feed on His faithfulness.
When worry and anxiety don't bother to knock but just barge in... feed on His faithfulness.
When the sun shines... feed on His faithfulness.
When the crocus peek through the early spring ground... feed on His faithfulness.
Psalm 57:9-10 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Stressed, strained, and stretched this morning, I am teetering between trust and self-pity.
Psalm 57:1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.
Ah ~ just the reminder that I am safe in the shadow of His wings begins to give my heart rest. I've been a believer long enough to know it is a very real place; I've been there many times. My problem is I don't STAY there!
Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
I have taught this truth dozens of time, yeah, probably hundreds - but, here's a true confession from a counselor - sometimes I forget myself that God is in the process of fulfilling His purpose in my life. I needed to be reminded of that this morning.
Psalm 57:3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
God is my rescuer. His love for me does not wax or wane based on my mood, attitude or behavior. His love is steadfast and He is always faithful.
I remember in Psalm 37:3 it says, Trust in the Lord, and do good: dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness (NKJV).
The best path out of my personal pity party is right there - feed on His faithfulness.
When life seems to have gone awry... feed on His faithfulness.
When conflict arises... feed on His faithfulness.
When jobs threaten to be lost... feed on His faithfulness.
When there are more bills than money... feed on His faithfulness.
When deadlines loom large and there is not enough time in your day... feed on His faithfulness.
When worry and anxiety come knocking on your door... feed on His faithfulness.
When worry and anxiety don't bother to knock but just barge in... feed on His faithfulness.
When the sun shines... feed on His faithfulness.
When the crocus peek through the early spring ground... feed on His faithfulness.
Psalm 57:9-10 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
By His Grace, with Praise
Psalm 7:17 - I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High (NKJV).
The Word of God in the book of James promises us that in this life we will have many trials. With that in mind I want to take the time to share with you an effective tool I have learned to use while walking through those trials.
Not too long ago I was scheduled to go see my grandson. The drive is normally 5 hours. The snow was falling but my husband and I thought if I got on the road right away I would be ok. So off I went. It likely was a mistake but nevertheless I was on the road. The snow was coming so hard in NJ and NY, the roads could not be plowed. I passed cars in ditches or stuck in snow. But I pressed on. In CT the rain was so hard it was blinding. In MA the rain wasn't quite so bad but the wind was pushing hard against the car. Trees and power lines were down. I thought about turning back at various points along the way but something inside of me kept pressing on toward the goal. The weather was so bad that I didn't dare put the radio on, or talk on the cellphone. What I did do was hold the steering wheel tight and praise the Lord continually. It became an incredibly profound time of praise. I reached my destination by His grace with praise.
When my husband was living at the Colony at Keswick, I wasn't sure if our marriage could be saved. Some nights fear would grip me and I would lay on the couch and fill my house with praise music. I refused to move until the fear would leave me alone and my heart was filled with praise. We reached our destination by His grace with praise.
Praise the Lord and He will lift you up.
I found in the Scripture others who seem to have found the blessing of praise. Moses was a man who faced many trials as he led the Israelites through the wilderness. He praised the Lord, "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a man of war; The LORD is His name"
Ex.15:2-3 NKJV. He completed the task the Lord gave him by His grace with praise.
Deborah and Barak tell us of their battle in the book of Judges along with their song of praise, "Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel" Judges 5:3 NKJV. Deborah and Barak won a victory by His grace and with praise.
David was a man after God's own heart. He was a mighty warrior and he surely sinned against God. Yet he confessed his sin, he gave thanks for his deliverance from death and from being rescued from his enemies with praise. "And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long" Ps. 35:28 NKJV. David completed His assignment by His grace and with praise.
Let me close with this final word of wisdom.....let praise be continually flowing from your mouth as the Lord's servant David encourages us: "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed" Ps. 34:1-5 NKJV.
It is in the world you will have many trials. Let your mouth be filled with praise. It will be your source of peace, strength, deliverance, and direction. Reach your destination, get the victory, complete your assignment by His grace and with Praise to His Holy Name.
Patricia Wenzel
DIGGING DEEPER
15O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
The Word of God in the book of James promises us that in this life we will have many trials. With that in mind I want to take the time to share with you an effective tool I have learned to use while walking through those trials.
Not too long ago I was scheduled to go see my grandson. The drive is normally 5 hours. The snow was falling but my husband and I thought if I got on the road right away I would be ok. So off I went. It likely was a mistake but nevertheless I was on the road. The snow was coming so hard in NJ and NY, the roads could not be plowed. I passed cars in ditches or stuck in snow. But I pressed on. In CT the rain was so hard it was blinding. In MA the rain wasn't quite so bad but the wind was pushing hard against the car. Trees and power lines were down. I thought about turning back at various points along the way but something inside of me kept pressing on toward the goal. The weather was so bad that I didn't dare put the radio on, or talk on the cellphone. What I did do was hold the steering wheel tight and praise the Lord continually. It became an incredibly profound time of praise. I reached my destination by His grace with praise.
When my husband was living at the Colony at Keswick, I wasn't sure if our marriage could be saved. Some nights fear would grip me and I would lay on the couch and fill my house with praise music. I refused to move until the fear would leave me alone and my heart was filled with praise. We reached our destination by His grace with praise.
Praise the Lord and He will lift you up.
I found in the Scripture others who seem to have found the blessing of praise. Moses was a man who faced many trials as he led the Israelites through the wilderness. He praised the Lord, "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a man of war; The LORD is His name"
Ex.15:2-3 NKJV. He completed the task the Lord gave him by His grace with praise.
Deborah and Barak tell us of their battle in the book of Judges along with their song of praise, "Hear, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel" Judges 5:3 NKJV. Deborah and Barak won a victory by His grace and with praise.
David was a man after God's own heart. He was a mighty warrior and he surely sinned against God. Yet he confessed his sin, he gave thanks for his deliverance from death and from being rescued from his enemies with praise. "And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long" Ps. 35:28 NKJV. David completed His assignment by His grace and with praise.
Let me close with this final word of wisdom.....let praise be continually flowing from your mouth as the Lord's servant David encourages us: "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed" Ps. 34:1-5 NKJV.
It is in the world you will have many trials. Let your mouth be filled with praise. It will be your source of peace, strength, deliverance, and direction. Reach your destination, get the victory, complete your assignment by His grace and with Praise to His Holy Name.
Patricia Wenzel
DIGGING DEEPER
15O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sticks and Stones......
Remember the old expression you used to hear as a child, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"? Our moms would tell us that to try to ease the pain of siblings or peers who would tease us or make fun of us. But we know the truth is, physical wounds heal much faster than the wounds on our hearts.
If we had to choose someone hitting us over calling us a hurtful name, we'd probably choose being hit. It would hurt for a few moments, maybe even a day or two, but would eventually fade. The names people call us stay in our minds forever. And they come back to taunt us - when we fail at something, when we're tired but can't sleep, when we're feeling discouraged. You know the ones - loser, ugly, failure...
Sometimes it can be so hard to block out those voices that tell us we've failed again, we'll never amount to anything. God's Word tells us that we are justified before Him, so who can condemn us (Romans 8:33-34, Isaiah 50:9). Satan, who is called the "accuser" (Rev. 12:10) and "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44) is the one who calls us names and tries to make us believe them . We have a choice about who we will listen to. The words of a song by Casting Crowns encourage me:
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy[girl], you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth (1)
It is a choice! We CHOOSE who to listen to and who to believe. Who will you listen to? The one who is a liar and the father of lies, or the One who IS Truth (John 14:6). I choose Truth.
RS
1 Written by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman (c) 2003 Club Zoo Music/SWECS Music Admin by Club Zoo Music/BMI/Sparrow Song/Peach Hill Songs admin by EMI Christian Music Publishing/BMI
DIGGING DEEPER
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
If we had to choose someone hitting us over calling us a hurtful name, we'd probably choose being hit. It would hurt for a few moments, maybe even a day or two, but would eventually fade. The names people call us stay in our minds forever. And they come back to taunt us - when we fail at something, when we're tired but can't sleep, when we're feeling discouraged. You know the ones - loser, ugly, failure...
Sometimes it can be so hard to block out those voices that tell us we've failed again, we'll never amount to anything. God's Word tells us that we are justified before Him, so who can condemn us (Romans 8:33-34, Isaiah 50:9). Satan, who is called the "accuser" (Rev. 12:10) and "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44) is the one who calls us names and tries to make us believe them . We have a choice about who we will listen to. The words of a song by Casting Crowns encourage me:
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy[girl], you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth (1)
It is a choice! We CHOOSE who to listen to and who to believe. Who will you listen to? The one who is a liar and the father of lies, or the One who IS Truth (John 14:6). I choose Truth.
RS
1 Written by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman (c) 2003 Club Zoo Music/SWECS Music Admin by Club Zoo Music/BMI/Sparrow Song/Peach Hill Songs admin by EMI Christian Music Publishing/BMI
DIGGING DEEPER
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 51:14-19
This is the forth and final week of our meditation in Psalm 51. I trust you have been blessed as we have been blessed.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
COMMENTARY:
"The terms in this section, such as sing aloud (v.14), declare (v. 15), and sacrifice (vv.16-17), all point to activities of public worship. The person who has used this psalm to confess his sins and to receive God's assurance of pardon is the one who can genuinely worship the gracious God of the covenant." [ESV Study Bible notes pg. 1000]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
then will you delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
COMMENTARY:
"The terms in this section, such as sing aloud (v.14), declare (v. 15), and sacrifice (vv.16-17), all point to activities of public worship. The person who has used this psalm to confess his sins and to receive God's assurance of pardon is the one who can genuinely worship the gracious God of the covenant." [ESV Study Bible notes pg. 1000]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 51:10-13
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.
Ponder This:
There is a joy just knowing that I can go to God and ask whatever I will, according to His will and He will give it to me. In these verses David asks for a clean heart and the renewing of a steadfast spirit. He asks not to be cast away for the sins he's committed against God and others. He asks that the joy of his salvation be restored to him and most boldly he asked for the Lord God to uphold Him by His generous Spirit.
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Isn't it super cool to know that the generous spirit of God wants to tarry with us even as we sin?! This truth is mind-boggling to say the least! Let's purpose today to remember that we serve a holy God; let's be mindful to see Him present and at work in our lives teaching us His ways, so that we might teach others who don't know Him.
Let's be most mindful to teach or image His ways and not our ways masking as His. Selah...
Stephanie
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Ponder This:
There is a joy just knowing that I can go to God and ask whatever I will, according to His will and He will give it to me. In these verses David asks for a clean heart and the renewing of a steadfast spirit. He asks not to be cast away for the sins he's committed against God and others. He asks that the joy of his salvation be restored to him and most boldly he asked for the Lord God to uphold Him by His generous Spirit.
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Isn't it super cool to know that the generous spirit of God wants to tarry with us even as we sin?! This truth is mind-boggling to say the least! Let's purpose today to remember that we serve a holy God; let's be mindful to see Him present and at work in our lives teaching us His ways, so that we might teach others who don't know Him.
Let's be most mindful to teach or image His ways and not our ways masking as His. Selah...
Stephanie
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
You Want me to Read That??
Recently, Diane and I were traveling for business and we began to discuss some of the books we have enjoyed reading. Diane asked if I had ever read any Karen Kingsbury novels. I had not. I explained that I really didn't enjoy novels and found them to be a waste of time. At the same time I had been experiencing a reading dry spell. One evening I was scanning my bookshelf hoping to be inspired to read something. Then I saw it...a novel...and a Karen Kingsbury novel at that! I took it from the shelf and decided to try it. Since then I not only read the first series but I am now on book two of the second series. I am shocked that I am enjoying novels when previously they made me gag.
I got thinking about other books that I tend to ignore. As I continue to read through the Bible this year I have already come across some books that are hard and even tedious to read. I even found some books where the pages were stuck together because I don't spend too much time in them. Then there are the books we can easily ignore. They are too hard to understand... Ezekiel anyone? We know that the whole counsel of the Word of God is good for us but we tend to stick to our favorites.
Perhaps today you are in a section of the Bible that is difficult and challenging. On more then one occasion I have been tempted to skip over certain sections. But let's keep reading! I trust that you will find a nugget of gold when you least expect it. Who knows, you may just find out that the books you have ignored for so long may turn out to be the ones that end up blessing you the most!
Kathy Withers
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:12,13
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
I got thinking about other books that I tend to ignore. As I continue to read through the Bible this year I have already come across some books that are hard and even tedious to read. I even found some books where the pages were stuck together because I don't spend too much time in them. Then there are the books we can easily ignore. They are too hard to understand... Ezekiel anyone? We know that the whole counsel of the Word of God is good for us but we tend to stick to our favorites.
Perhaps today you are in a section of the Bible that is difficult and challenging. On more then one occasion I have been tempted to skip over certain sections. But let's keep reading! I trust that you will find a nugget of gold when you least expect it. Who knows, you may just find out that the books you have ignored for so long may turn out to be the ones that end up blessing you the most!
Kathy Withers
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:12,13
12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Is your heart full of Joy?
...the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 b
I remember one speaker we had at church asked ..."Do you still have a tear in the corner of your eye for the things of the Lord"? Have we become so complacent that we no longer have a tear of joy in the corner of our eye when we see Christ at work? The Bible talks about how Heaven rejoices when one person comes to the Lord. (Luke 15:7) Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) The joy of the Lord is..."Strength". (Nehemiah 8:10)
Growing up you probably heard the acrostic, "J.O.Y.", Jesus first, others second and yourself last. If we are truthful with each other, it is all about US most of the time. What we want, what we need, what we desire, our rights and the "why me" concept that we have bought into. We tend to put ourselves first, others second and Jesus last, and we wonder why we do not have joy in our lives anymore.
If we have established our hearts (James 5:8), and focus on putting Christ first, we then will have a heart to serve others and the joy will be in our hearts once again. (Mark 10:45)
We are in a unique position today to show joy to others. Life around us is falling apart. The economy is failing, jobs are being lost, children are involved in things we never thought we would see, and there are wars, earthquakes, floods and disasters all around us. And yet we can have the JOY of the Lord in our hearts even though we have experienced some tragedy or disappointment ourselves.
I am sure that you know of someone in your life who you would consider as an example, someone who has real joy. Someone that you like to be around even when the chips are down, because they seem to have a certain something or a certain joy that you want. They might be the same someone that when you have good news to share, you just can't wait to tell them because you know they will be truly excited along with you. We need to be that same example to all who are around us.
The JOY that comes from Him is OUR strength. When we are weak, He is strong. Has the joy left your heart, have your tears dried up? Remind yourself that joy comes from the Lord and He is your strength today. Open your eyes wide and look for the work He is completing in front of you. Get those tears of joy flowing once again. Get the joy deep in your heart.
Lynn A Wilson
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:
7Purge me with hyssop,and shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones
that you have broken rejoice.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
I remember one speaker we had at church asked ..."Do you still have a tear in the corner of your eye for the things of the Lord"? Have we become so complacent that we no longer have a tear of joy in the corner of our eye when we see Christ at work? The Bible talks about how Heaven rejoices when one person comes to the Lord. (Luke 15:7) Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) The joy of the Lord is..."Strength". (Nehemiah 8:10)
Growing up you probably heard the acrostic, "J.O.Y.", Jesus first, others second and yourself last. If we are truthful with each other, it is all about US most of the time. What we want, what we need, what we desire, our rights and the "why me" concept that we have bought into. We tend to put ourselves first, others second and Jesus last, and we wonder why we do not have joy in our lives anymore.
If we have established our hearts (James 5:8), and focus on putting Christ first, we then will have a heart to serve others and the joy will be in our hearts once again. (Mark 10:45)
We are in a unique position today to show joy to others. Life around us is falling apart. The economy is failing, jobs are being lost, children are involved in things we never thought we would see, and there are wars, earthquakes, floods and disasters all around us. And yet we can have the JOY of the Lord in our hearts even though we have experienced some tragedy or disappointment ourselves.
I am sure that you know of someone in your life who you would consider as an example, someone who has real joy. Someone that you like to be around even when the chips are down, because they seem to have a certain something or a certain joy that you want. They might be the same someone that when you have good news to share, you just can't wait to tell them because you know they will be truly excited along with you. We need to be that same example to all who are around us.
The JOY that comes from Him is OUR strength. When we are weak, He is strong. Has the joy left your heart, have your tears dried up? Remind yourself that joy comes from the Lord and He is your strength today. Open your eyes wide and look for the work He is completing in front of you. Get those tears of joy flowing once again. Get the joy deep in your heart.
Lynn A Wilson
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:
7Purge me with hyssop,and shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones
that you have broken rejoice.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Words
Hosea 14:2 Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips."
There are some silly statistics out there that I have heard at least a dozen times about words. I'm sure you have heard this one as well...that during the course of a day, a woman speaks thousands of words more than a man. I tried to find some validation for this but couldn't find one. It really doesn't matter how many words either you or I use per day. What does matter is...how are we using the words we speak on a daily basis either to one another or to God?
Our words can share love or hate. They can be used to build up or tear down one another. Words can be used to lie or speak the truth. Our words can instruct or teach one another. When we've hurt someone with our words, more words are necessary to ask forgiveness. At other times someone else's words have hurt or cut us deeply and we can offer the gift of forgiving words to them.
Words are necessary; words are needed in every aspect of our lives. When we go to the Lord in prayer, we offer words of praise and thanksgiving, we ask our Father to hear the cries of our afflictions. And when we sin, the Lord wants us to humbly go to Him...and to "take words" with us. The Lord already knows our sin but wants to hear the words of repentance from our lips. It's not easy to go to another and admit our wrong and ask forgiveness...it is a humbling experience...and it is what we are called to do in scripture.
Hosea 14:2 (Amplified Bible) Take with you words and return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all our iniquity; accept what is good and receive us graciously; so will we render [our thanks] as bullocks [to be sacrificed] and pay the confession of our lips.
In the Amplified Bible "the fruit of our lips" is rendered "bullocks" which is a young bull. The King James Version says "calves of our lips." This seems rather strange but I believe that what the Lord is requiring of us is a "sacrifice." In the Old Testament there could be no forgiveness of sin unless there was a sacrifice. When we "take words" of confession and repentance to the Lord we are actually sacrificing the "fruit" of our lips.
It is clear the Lord puts an emphasis on our words and how we use them in interacting with God and other people. He doesn't want idle words or words full of excuses. He wants words that come from deep within our hearts.
The Lord is waiting for the fruit of our lips...for our "sacrifice."
What are we waiting for?
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. 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
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
There are some silly statistics out there that I have heard at least a dozen times about words. I'm sure you have heard this one as well...that during the course of a day, a woman speaks thousands of words more than a man. I tried to find some validation for this but couldn't find one. It really doesn't matter how many words either you or I use per day. What does matter is...how are we using the words we speak on a daily basis either to one another or to God?
Our words can share love or hate. They can be used to build up or tear down one another. Words can be used to lie or speak the truth. Our words can instruct or teach one another. When we've hurt someone with our words, more words are necessary to ask forgiveness. At other times someone else's words have hurt or cut us deeply and we can offer the gift of forgiving words to them.
Words are necessary; words are needed in every aspect of our lives. When we go to the Lord in prayer, we offer words of praise and thanksgiving, we ask our Father to hear the cries of our afflictions. And when we sin, the Lord wants us to humbly go to Him...and to "take words" with us. The Lord already knows our sin but wants to hear the words of repentance from our lips. It's not easy to go to another and admit our wrong and ask forgiveness...it is a humbling experience...and it is what we are called to do in scripture.
Hosea 14:2 (Amplified Bible) Take with you words and return to the Lord. Say to Him, Take away all our iniquity; accept what is good and receive us graciously; so will we render [our thanks] as bullocks [to be sacrificed] and pay the confession of our lips.
In the Amplified Bible "the fruit of our lips" is rendered "bullocks" which is a young bull. The King James Version says "calves of our lips." This seems rather strange but I believe that what the Lord is requiring of us is a "sacrifice." In the Old Testament there could be no forgiveness of sin unless there was a sacrifice. When we "take words" of confession and repentance to the Lord we are actually sacrificing the "fruit" of our lips.
It is clear the Lord puts an emphasis on our words and how we use them in interacting with God and other people. He doesn't want idle words or words full of excuses. He wants words that come from deep within our hearts.
The Lord is waiting for the fruit of our lips...for our "sacrifice."
What are we waiting for?
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. 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
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 51:10-13
For the last 2 weeks we have been meditating and memorizing portions of Psalm 51. This will be our third week of four.
I don't know about you but it's real easy for me to fall into a mindset that my sin doesn't matter THAT much because it's forgiven, all forgiven at the cross. I know that "good" Christians don't admit such offensive thinking but alas it is true. I lose sight of the heinousness of my sin. I become way too comfortable with it. I don't mean to, it's not intentional but by not intentionally focusing on the cost of my sin, Christ's brutal death on the cross, I lose sight of how despicable my sin is to God.
Sometimes it takes something outside of ourselves, such as a friend or a Sunday morning message, to point out our sin to us before we give our sin due consideration for what it is, repulsive.
Nathan, the prophet, was that friend to David. He confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah before David finally repented and penned Psalm 51 as an outpouring of his broken heart and spirit, pleading with God for restoration.
Psalm 51:10-13:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Recently, I was reminded once again of a wonderful book of Puritan prayers, The Valley of Vision. I would like to share just a portion of the prayer called "Continual Repentance":
"Grant me never to lose sight of
the exceeding sinfulness of sin,
the exceeding righteousness of salvation,
the exceeding glory of Christ,
the exceeding beauty of holiness,
the exceeding wonder of grace."
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
I don't know about you but it's real easy for me to fall into a mindset that my sin doesn't matter THAT much because it's forgiven, all forgiven at the cross. I know that "good" Christians don't admit such offensive thinking but alas it is true. I lose sight of the heinousness of my sin. I become way too comfortable with it. I don't mean to, it's not intentional but by not intentionally focusing on the cost of my sin, Christ's brutal death on the cross, I lose sight of how despicable my sin is to God.
Sometimes it takes something outside of ourselves, such as a friend or a Sunday morning message, to point out our sin to us before we give our sin due consideration for what it is, repulsive.
Nathan, the prophet, was that friend to David. He confronted David regarding his sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah before David finally repented and penned Psalm 51 as an outpouring of his broken heart and spirit, pleading with God for restoration.
Psalm 51:10-13:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Recently, I was reminded once again of a wonderful book of Puritan prayers, The Valley of Vision. I would like to share just a portion of the prayer called "Continual Repentance":
"Grant me never to lose sight of
the exceeding sinfulness of sin,
the exceeding righteousness of salvation,
the exceeding glory of Christ,
the exceeding beauty of holiness,
the exceeding wonder of grace."
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 09, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 51:5-9
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Ponder This:
One thing we see from these few verse is that David did not want "cheap forgiveness," he came with a broken heart. Last week the encouragement for us was to go to God, confess and repent.
In seeking His forgiveness do we do so casually, or do we bow the knee before Him with our hearts, wrenched with the knowledge that we have allowed sin to dwell in our members?
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
"Sin makes us dirty (v.2,7), Sin is rebellion against God's holy law. If you want to know how much sin hurts God, go to Calvary and see His Son dying for the sins of the world. God is love and our selfish sin breaks his heart."1
Stephanie
1 With the Word-A Devotional Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Ponder This:
One thing we see from these few verse is that David did not want "cheap forgiveness," he came with a broken heart. Last week the encouragement for us was to go to God, confess and repent.
In seeking His forgiveness do we do so casually, or do we bow the knee before Him with our hearts, wrenched with the knowledge that we have allowed sin to dwell in our members?
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
"Sin makes us dirty (v.2,7), Sin is rebellion against God's holy law. If you want to know how much sin hurts God, go to Calvary and see His Son dying for the sins of the world. God is love and our selfish sin breaks his heart."1
Stephanie
1 With the Word-A Devotional Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Get Away...
You will also defile the covering of your images of silver, And the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an unclean thing; You will say to them, "Get away!" Isaiah 30:22 (NKJV)
When I came to know Who Jesus really was - the Living God! - I did some house cleaning. I had some religious items that in the past I looked to as more than symbols. I knew they weren't actually God, but I believed they had "some" power, some connection to God. For example, I had a wall statue of Mary the mother of Jesus holding the baby Jesus, around her neck I had hung a strand of pink rosary beads and a white strand given to me after my communion ceremony. I also had a cross with an image of Christ on it that I received as a wedding gift. (I even had it blessed by a religious official). As if that might give it that little extra something.
No one told me to dispose of anything, I just knew in my heart and soul that these items had been objects of worship at one time or another in my life. But no more. I had the real deal! Why should I worship, or call on an object made with hands when I had the real living God? I shouldn't and I wouldn't. In the trash they went. Some might say that it's a terrible thing to throw out items such as that. But it's not true. What I was really throwing out was a part of the old self who was as dead as they were. They never really held any power, nor were they God. Their services, which were none up to that point, would no longer be called on. No one ever answered anyway. Sad to think I spent many days looking to something worthless for answers. Then one day, I looked to the God I cannot see except with eyes of faith and HE answered!
Dina Seaton
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:
9) Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
When I came to know Who Jesus really was - the Living God! - I did some house cleaning. I had some religious items that in the past I looked to as more than symbols. I knew they weren't actually God, but I believed they had "some" power, some connection to God. For example, I had a wall statue of Mary the mother of Jesus holding the baby Jesus, around her neck I had hung a strand of pink rosary beads and a white strand given to me after my communion ceremony. I also had a cross with an image of Christ on it that I received as a wedding gift. (I even had it blessed by a religious official). As if that might give it that little extra something.
No one told me to dispose of anything, I just knew in my heart and soul that these items had been objects of worship at one time or another in my life. But no more. I had the real deal! Why should I worship, or call on an object made with hands when I had the real living God? I shouldn't and I wouldn't. In the trash they went. Some might say that it's a terrible thing to throw out items such as that. But it's not true. What I was really throwing out was a part of the old self who was as dead as they were. They never really held any power, nor were they God. Their services, which were none up to that point, would no longer be called on. No one ever answered anyway. Sad to think I spent many days looking to something worthless for answers. Then one day, I looked to the God I cannot see except with eyes of faith and HE answered!
Dina Seaton
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 51:
9) Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Family Freedom Walk
Just in case ANY of you missed this at the bottom of our recent Victory Call’s, we wanted to take a day to encourage you to join the fun. The team needs you.
Family Freedom Walk
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th.
You can help in two ways.
1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a FRIENDLY COMPETITION between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call).
Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website
https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184
fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM.
COME ON, LADIES WE CAN DO IT!!!
Family Freedom Walk
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th.
You can help in two ways.
1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk.
2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a FRIENDLY COMPETITION between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call).
Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team.
If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website
https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184
fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM.
COME ON, LADIES WE CAN DO IT!!!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Exposed!
Springtime is just around the corner and I am looking forward to planting flowers in the garden beds in the front of my house. I don't actually "love" digging around in the dirt but I do love the results!
There are times when I need to move a big rock or some ornamental structure to clean or change things up a bit. Have you ever noticed when you move something like that and expose whatever is underneath to the light, all those creatures of the dark scramble to get back to the darkness? Well, sin is like that.
John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Sin hates the light but loves the darkness. Evil grows and thrives in the cover of darkness. There in the darkness sin finds its companions very easily...lies, sexual immorality, plots, schemes, stealing, cheating, partying, sinful thoughts...you name it...it loves the dark. But take a light and shine on it and it tries to hide...as fast as possible.
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
That "Light" is Jesus and He came to shine His light into the darkness and expose those evil deeds. The evil tries to hide itself but that is impossible. Even when the darkness is just in the heart...thoughts of covetousness, lust, envy, unforgiveness, anger, hate...the light of Christ shines into the heart and exposes it as well.
1 Corinthians 4:5 ...He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motive of men's hearts...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Not only does the Light expose what is hidden in the dark, but the Light will also be our guide to show us the way and to keep us from falling back into the darkness. There is great comfort in this Light because it will always be with us and never leave us.
In this truth, we as believers in Jesus Christ can rejoice! Jesus is "the Light of the world."
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. 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
Psalm 51:
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
There are times when I need to move a big rock or some ornamental structure to clean or change things up a bit. Have you ever noticed when you move something like that and expose whatever is underneath to the light, all those creatures of the dark scramble to get back to the darkness? Well, sin is like that.
John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Sin hates the light but loves the darkness. Evil grows and thrives in the cover of darkness. There in the darkness sin finds its companions very easily...lies, sexual immorality, plots, schemes, stealing, cheating, partying, sinful thoughts...you name it...it loves the dark. But take a light and shine on it and it tries to hide...as fast as possible.
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
That "Light" is Jesus and He came to shine His light into the darkness and expose those evil deeds. The evil tries to hide itself but that is impossible. Even when the darkness is just in the heart...thoughts of covetousness, lust, envy, unforgiveness, anger, hate...the light of Christ shines into the heart and exposes it as well.
1 Corinthians 4:5 ...He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motive of men's hearts...
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Not only does the Light expose what is hidden in the dark, but the Light will also be our guide to show us the way and to keep us from falling back into the darkness. There is great comfort in this Light because it will always be with us and never leave us.
In this truth, we as believers in Jesus Christ can rejoice! Jesus is "the Light of the world."
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. 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
Psalm 51:
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Monday, April 05, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 51:5-9
As of March 31st, for those of us that have been tracking and memorizing the passages, I calculated that we have committed to memory 83 verses the first 3 months of this year!! 83 verses! Perhaps you missed a few here and there or perhaps you selected just one verse out of the passage to memorize. Let me say, FANTASTIC!!! Good job. Keep up the good work! Whether you have memorized 83, 53, 23 or 3, that is more than you would have memorized if you didn't even try. To those of you who haven't yet joined the journey with us, jump right in. It's never too late to start. You don't need to go back, just start right here with us this week.
It's work, I agree, but the benefits will be experienced for the rest of our lives. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
This week's meditation and memorization continues from last week in Psalm 51:5-9:
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
"Psalm 51 is one of seven poems called penitential psalms (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143). To David's credit, he recognized how horrendous his sin against God was, blamed no one but himself, and begged for divine forgiveness." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary ~ John MacArthur, pg. 633]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
It's work, I agree, but the benefits will be experienced for the rest of our lives. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58
This week's meditation and memorization continues from last week in Psalm 51:5-9:
5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
"Psalm 51 is one of seven poems called penitential psalms (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143). To David's credit, he recognized how horrendous his sin against God was, blamed no one but himself, and begged for divine forgiveness." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary ~ John MacArthur, pg. 633]
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Friday, April 02, 2010
Deeper Into Psalm 51:1-4
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight- that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.
According to Warren Wiersbe: "This Psalm is considered one of the Penitential Psalms as it came out of David's sin with Bathsheba and his attempt to cover it up...David's whole being was affected by his sin. You will discover this as you read the entire chapter: his eyes (v.3), his mind (v.6), his ears (v.8), his heart (v.10), and his mouth (v.13-15)."1
Wiersbe continues: "sin hurts the sinner, hurts others and hurts God."
As you read the account of David's sin in 2 Samuel chapters 11-12 you will see the progression of this sin and the significant impact of one indiscretion. I can't help but wonder about this as it relates to my own life. How often have I sinned and what has been the cost in unrealized blessings?
The one thing I find hope in as I read this account is the fact that God's love for David did not wane in the least. Yes, David most surely suffered the consequence of his sin, and yet we know that David continued to walk in relationship with God and find favor with Him, even in the midst of loss and tragedy.
Ponder This:
Are the pleasures of sin worth paying so high a price? Consider the ways in which you may be tarrying and therefore neglecting the business the Lord has given to your hands.
How often do we rebuke the sin we see in others when we ourselves are guilty?
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Before God let's do inventory and purpose today to confess and repent of all that He reveals to us as sin. Then let's rejoice with Him as He rejoices and sings over us with joy!
Stephanie
1 With the Word-A Devotional Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
According to Warren Wiersbe: "This Psalm is considered one of the Penitential Psalms as it came out of David's sin with Bathsheba and his attempt to cover it up...David's whole being was affected by his sin. You will discover this as you read the entire chapter: his eyes (v.3), his mind (v.6), his ears (v.8), his heart (v.10), and his mouth (v.13-15)."1
Wiersbe continues: "sin hurts the sinner, hurts others and hurts God."
As you read the account of David's sin in 2 Samuel chapters 11-12 you will see the progression of this sin and the significant impact of one indiscretion. I can't help but wonder about this as it relates to my own life. How often have I sinned and what has been the cost in unrealized blessings?
The one thing I find hope in as I read this account is the fact that God's love for David did not wane in the least. Yes, David most surely suffered the consequence of his sin, and yet we know that David continued to walk in relationship with God and find favor with Him, even in the midst of loss and tragedy.
Ponder This:
Are the pleasures of sin worth paying so high a price? Consider the ways in which you may be tarrying and therefore neglecting the business the Lord has given to your hands.
How often do we rebuke the sin we see in others when we ourselves are guilty?
Apply This Truth to Your Thinking:
Before God let's do inventory and purpose today to confess and repent of all that He reveals to us as sin. Then let's rejoice with Him as He rejoices and sings over us with joy!
Stephanie
1 With the Word-A Devotional Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk - call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter's team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the "DESIGNATION" area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America's KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America's KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Did Peter Misunderstand Jesus?
Matthew 14:25-33 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."
And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
I was struck by Peter's statement: "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus replied "Come."
In that moment Peter asked the Lord for confirmation of His presence and essentially as for a sign from God, "Lord if it is you." Jesus gave Peter the sign - He said, "come"
We know that Peter heard and discerned God's calling at that moment, because he stepped out of the boat - he was in God's will - wouldn't you agree? But what happened next? Though Peter clearly heard God's voice from the lips of Jesus, yet he began to doubt. Instead of remaining focused on Christ he started to look around him at the humanly impossible thing he was doing. As his faith waivered, he began to sink. He sank because he lost focus on Christ, not because he misunderstood the voice of the Lord.
We may believe we know God's will or calling in our life, we may start out well but as we begin to do in our strenth that which can only be done in God's strength, we waiver and then ultimately we question if it was God's voice at all. We begin to think we misheard or misunderstood what God's will is. We can be square in the center of God's will and sink because we lost focus on the only One that can accomplish His will in us and through us. We doubt. Do you feel like you are sinking? It may not be because you misunderstood God's call but that you took your eyes off of Him to accomplish it.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
4) Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
I was struck by Peter's statement: "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus replied "Come."
In that moment Peter asked the Lord for confirmation of His presence and essentially as for a sign from God, "Lord if it is you." Jesus gave Peter the sign - He said, "come"
We know that Peter heard and discerned God's calling at that moment, because he stepped out of the boat - he was in God's will - wouldn't you agree? But what happened next? Though Peter clearly heard God's voice from the lips of Jesus, yet he began to doubt. Instead of remaining focused on Christ he started to look around him at the humanly impossible thing he was doing. As his faith waivered, he began to sink. He sank because he lost focus on Christ, not because he misunderstood the voice of the Lord.
We may believe we know God's will or calling in our life, we may start out well but as we begin to do in our strenth that which can only be done in God's strength, we waiver and then ultimately we question if it was God's voice at all. We begin to think we misheard or misunderstood what God's will is. We can be square in the center of God's will and sink because we lost focus on the only One that can accomplish His will in us and through us. We doubt. Do you feel like you are sinking? It may not be because you misunderstood God's call but that you took your eyes off of Him to accomplish it.
Diane
DIGGING DEEPER
4) Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
UPCOMING EVENT
May is fast approaching and we will be hosting our 2nd annual Family Freedom Walk on Saturday, May 8th. You can help in two ways. 1. walk – call guest services to obtain a walk package, solicit sponsors and come to the walk. 2. (this is a fun one) Sponsor Victory Call for the walk. We are having a friendly competition between the 2 groups of devotional readers (Freedom Fighters and Victory Call). Our goal is to raise more funds for the Victory Call team than the men raise for the Freedom Fighter’s team. If you would like to join the fun, simply go to this link on our website https://01.secure.elexio.com/donations.aspx?id=366346&websiteurl=http://www.americaskeswick.org&siteid=2184 fill out the information and indicate in the “DESIGNATION” area : Family Freedom Walk: Victory Call or if you prefer make your check out to America’s KESWICK and put in the memo line: FFW/Victory Call and mail to : America’s KESWICK 601 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759. ALL DONATIONS MUST ARRIVE NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 5TH in order to be counted for our TEAM. Come on ladies, we can do it!!!
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