Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What if God Does Save "This One" (Part 2)

What do we do after God saves the one we thought was un-savable? If it's not someone we know on a personal level, we might be amazed and think how great is the love and grace of God. If it's someone we know personally we might really be celebrating over this "lost" one who has been found. But what if the "one" who has come to know Jesus as Savior is someone who has hurt you or someone you love deeply? What if this person was responsible for the death or permanent injury of someone you love? What if God calls you to minister to this person in some way? It sure is easier to rejoice from a distance in that case. But it just may be that God calls you come along side this person in some way. Well, what then?

That is what happened to Ananias. We really don't know much about him except that he was a follower of Jesus Christ. We also know that he was very acquainted with Saul and he was afraid of him because he knew that Saul was a ruthless persecutor of Christians. The Lord called Ananias to minister to this terrorist Saul.

Acts 9:10-12 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.

He must have been shocked, frightened and bewildered. And I'm thinking he wasn't too happy that Saul was dreaming about him!

Acts 9:13-16 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Then the Lord said "go!" It was one thing for Ananias to dream about Saul, it was another to actually go to him and minister to this murderer! I'm sure he personally knew of families that were forever changed by Saul's persecution. Yet, he answers the Lord's call to minister to Saul. But also implied in these verses is that the Lord is calling for Ananias to forgive and love Saul. There is no way Ananias would have the ability to serve Saul with unforgiveness or hate in his heart. Acts 9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Yes, this sure seems impossible...first for Saul to become a follower of Jesus and second for Ananias to love, forgive and be a servant to Paul.

The good thing is we don't do this impossible work through our own willpower or strength. The only way we could ever do something like this is because as believers we have the Spirit of Christ in us and it is through that Spirit that we have the power to do the impossible that the Lord calls us to do.

At some point in our faith journey we will be called to do the impossible in some way. Although it may be frightening, we need to trust God and HIS promises that He will do through us what we could never do on our own.

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 100
3 Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

God, You Can't Save This One (Part 1)

My apologies if you did you get Monday's Victory Call. You can go to www.americaskeswick.org and click on "blogs" at the top of the page to read it.

There are some people that seem so hardened against the Lord it seems impossible that they would ever respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit. I'm sure each of us knows someone who is hostile to the Gospel of Jesus. It could be a friend, family member or even some public figure. Maybe this thought brings to mind some murderer, perhaps like a Susan Smith who drowned her two small boys or some terrorist, like an Osama Bin Laden. Yet are these people beyond the grace and mercy of our God?

There was a terrorist who called himself a devoted follower of God who believed he was doing God a favor by getting rid of as many Jesus lovers as he could find. He was ruthless and just the mention of his name made men and women tremble with terror. There wasn't a soul who thought this guy would ever come to know Jesus as Savior...certainly not Christians...not even his family or friends. His heart was stone cold against Jesus.

But even when this terrorist wasn't looking for Jesus, Jesus found him. Who was this terrorist? Saul of Tarsus.

Acts 9:1-4 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

The man, who was one of the greatest persecutors of Christians of his day, was just going around being his hateful self when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus the Messiah. Saul was never the same. He was struck blind by Jesus and told to go to Damascus and wait to hear what to do next. Saul answered the call of Jesus and became a new creation in Christ. He became Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Recently a young man brought another man into the intake office at the Colony of Mercy. He was weeping. He said he would never again say that God couldn't "save this one." This young man was a graduate of the Colony, who had gone on to serve the Lord in a powerful way through a recovery ministry. The man that he brought to my office was his former drug dealer...a really tough guy. This man had seen the transformation of his former client and showed up at his recovery meeting telling him that he wanted what he had. This former drug dealer sat in front of me and said "I want Jesus, I need Jesus." Only God can take a heart of stone and transform it to a heart of clay.

This former drug dealer came to the Colony and smiled every day...he was the first to memorize his daily scripture passage...he devourered the Bible...he wanted all of Jesus and nothing less. Who is the man or woman who you think is beyond coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior? Instead of doubting we should be trusting. Instead of thinking that God "can't" reach "this one" we should be lifting them in prayer all the more. You may be the only one praying for them. So...Who is the Saul in your life? Pray, trust God and don't doubt.

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Digging Deeper Psalm 100

If you have not yet joined our journey through meditation and memorization, let me invite you to do so this week. This is a brief Psalm, just 5 verses. If you memorize one verse a day, by Friday you will have memorized the whole Psalm. You may be thinking, I can't memorize, I have such a bad memory. I understand, really I do. I have thought the same thing for a long time, but in January when Bill Welte put the challenge before the staff, I took the challenge and thus far, by God's grace, I have memorized verses (some lengthy) for 25 weeks. Why memorize Scripture? Because we are supposed to? NO. Because we are better Christians? NO. Because we ought to? NO. Because others will be impressed with our Bible knowledge? NO. Because someone asked you? NO,NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! Memorize Scripture so that you may KNOW God more sweetly. It is the very Word of God, inspired by His Holy Spirit - God exhaled His Word.

Psalm 100
1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

If you memorize this Psalm this week, would you zip me an email and let me know how your week went. I would love to hear how God is working in your life. My email is dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Digging Deeper Psalm 96:1-9

Points to Ponder

God seems to be an All or Nothing God, in this sense.

Verse 1 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Verse 3 Declare his glory ... among all the peoples!
Verse 4 he is to be feared above all gods.
Verse 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,

1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!

Wow! Most gracious and glorious God, hear our worship this morning. Forgive our foolish wanderings and sin. Forgive the times we chose to worship self rather than You. You are high above the heavens, and You alone are most worthy of our praise and worship.

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Forgiveness

Quoting Wikipedia: "Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution." The Oxford English Dictionary defines forgiveness as "to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offense or debt."

Is that the kind of forgiveness God calls us to when He says???: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you Colossians 3:13 (NIV).

Yes, I believe God means what He says. We are to let go of resentments, anger, offenses and lay the one who has offended us before the Lord.

The longer I live the more I understand that when God tells us to do something it is totally for our own good. He calls us to forgive. It is a tall order. It does not come "naturally" to most people. It sure hasn't come naturally for me. I would rather punish the one who hurts me or separate myself from that person so as not to get hurt again. But no matter what our flesh may want to do, there is no denying that God calls us to forgive.

In my personal walk I have found that, apart from God, there is simply no way I can forgive. When I was a new Christian attending a ladies Bible study I became very angry with someone from my neighborhood that had spread false rumors about me. I sought counsel from an older woman in the Lord from the Bible study. She wisely advised me to pray for that woman who was gossiping. Pray for her, what a crazy idea I thought, but praise God I did as she advised. Soon after on a Sunday morning pastor told every one in the congregation to think of a person who had wronged them and do a kindness to that person. Ugh!! Now I not only had to pray for her I had to do a kindness for her. I made banana bread and brought it to her home. I was thankful she wasn't home, so I left the bread at her door. A few weeks went by and she came to my door. To my surprise I hugged her and welcomed her into our home. I knew then it was God's gift to me. There was no anger, no resentment, I actually hugged her. It was a lesson I would apply many times over.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (NKJV).

Jesus took on our sin. Surely I can at the very least pray for the one who has sinned against me.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing (NKJV).

I am called to bless the one who hurts me, and lo and behold it is I who inherit a blessing. However, let me be clear, if you are living with someone who is hurting you, God is not saying you must bless that person by staying in a place where you will continue to be in danger. Sisters, seek the Lord as to how you are to bless the one who has hurt you. For me, I have a husband who was active in his addiction. I blessed him by praying for each and every part of his body while I did his laundry, I prayed for his mind as I made the bed. When I cleaned the house you can just imagine the opportunities to pray for him throughout the house. Even when I cooked his meals I prayed that every morsel would bear good fruit in his members. Yet, for another person who hurt me, I never came in contact with him again but I faithfully prayed for his salvation.

Dear ones, allow your heart to be set free of bitterness, anger, resentments, trauma.......forgive, bless and you will be blessed with freedom.

I will close this Word from Romans 12:14-21: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (NIV).

Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Woman of Character

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 96:7-9
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Secret Place

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Psalm 91:1-7

One of my first thought the dozens of times I've read this in the past few weeks has been -"where is the secret place of the Most High?"

This is one of the answers I found: "The 'secret place of the Most High is a place of intimacy where only you and the Lord can dwell. It is truly one of a kind. There is no other place like it. It is unique, because we are unique and our relationship with Him is unique. It is a place where we can come apart from the world, its cares and distractions, and concentrate only on being with Him. This place needs to be cultivated so it becomes a way of life, a lifestyle, to be in His presence continually. No matter what is around us or what we face, nothing will be able to break the intimacy that we have found in Him."1

Many other thoughts have come to mind, but I seem to come back to this one regarding the "secret place of the Most High" and more than anything else today, I long for a deeper sense of Him that I believe will only come when I abide and truly dwell in that "secret place."

Something else which draws my attention is the word "dwell." It, too, keeps popping out at me. That word means: to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside; to live or continue in a given condition or state.2

Lord help me today to grasp how wide, how deep, how vast, how broad is Your love for me. May we, your daughters have intentional dwelling moments today in Your secret place. Selah

Stephanie Paul

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiciton Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

1 http://www.ourchurch.com/member/g/GraceNglory/index.php?p=1_10_MEDITATION-ON-PSALM-91
2 http://dictionary.reference.com/

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 96:4-6
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

YOU ARE LOVED

As I have talked with hundreds of men and women, I have begun to realize that many people do not see themselves as valuable. But we are valuable to God whether we feel like it or not. And what could be more important than knowing we are loved by God?

What does it mean to be valuable, valued by others? It means that we matter. We matter to God, the Creator of the universe. WE ARE VALUABLE. We should require respect because we are valuable. We should not allow our bodies to be used or abused because WE ARE VALUABLE. And we are LOVED. The Bible tells us so:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).

The Lord tells us how valuable we are to Him. Remember the story of the ninety and nine sheep? We are so valuable as individuals that He would leave the flock to find us and restore us back to fellowship with Him because WE ARE VALUABLE.

Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Take time to consider just how valuable you are to the Lord and please take time to consider what He has done for you because YOU ARE VALUABLE TO HIM!

Isaiah 40:3 He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him.

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband, Glen, serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.

DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 96:1-3
1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Digging Deeper Psalm 96:1-9

We are approaching the half-way mark in our journey through Scripture this year. Have you joined us on that journey? I am surprised when I hear that so many followers of Jesus Christ do not spend regular time in the Word. Do I read daily? I wish I could say I do, but I miss days here and there. But, I desire to be a student of the Word. Do you?

I saw a church sign this morning that said, "Many books inform, only the Bible transforms." Do you long for your life to be different? Do you long to be different? Then come join us. Pick up your Bible today. Select a verse from the several shared below and meditate on it and memorize it this week.

1 Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!

Now, go back and slowly read these verses out loud several times and meditate on them. Consider the truth within and allow your heart to sing praises to our God, Who is most worthy of our worship.

Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and Acting Director of Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Modest Check Part 2

Yesterday I shared the first portion of a brochure called Modesty Check written by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw.

Today I share the remaining portion for your encouragement and challenge:Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)

Starting at the top...

* When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.

* If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.*

The same check is needed if I am wearing sleeveless. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.

* Am I wearing spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet.

* Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.

* More key questions: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is "yes" to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down...

* Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.

* I also have to turn around to see if what I'm wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what I have to do!

* And for my shorts - I can't just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.

* The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I'm seated.

* And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are helpful here.

* Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a "sunlight check." Is it see-through? If so, I need a slip.

* Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.

* And don't forget - this all applies to formal wear as well.

* A note on swimwear: It's not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren't cut high on the leg or and don't have a low neckline.

This is part two of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries; Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.

If you are interested the Modest Heart Check brochure can be found in PDF form, as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Modest Check Part 1

I found this Modesty Heart Check brochure very insightful and helpful. I pass it along in two parts for your consideration and edification.

Modesty Heart Check By Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw

"...Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Start with a heart check..."How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance." John MacArthur

* What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

*In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?

* Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

* Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is it the latest fashion?

* Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?

* Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

This is part one of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries; Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.

If you are interested the Modest Heart Check brochure can be found in PDF form, as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Get Dressed Intentionally

Steph once made the statement that "people get dressed intentionally." If you do not think you dress intentionally perhaps it is time to start dressing intentionally to the glory of God. Many girls/women dress intending to turn a head, to draw the eye a particular man, or men in general. A woman can feel a sense of excitement from getting a positive reaction from a member of the opposite sex. My theory is that this sense of excitement is the female form of lust.

Lust is defined as personal inclination or intense desire (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). For men, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes. For women, I would say the same is true with a significant variation. For women, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes LOOKING AT HER. For men, lust is passive in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what he takes in from outside of himself, what he sees or looks at and then mulls over in his mind. For women, lust is active in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what she sends out from inside herself, how she dresses, sits, or moves her body which results in a reaction from a man. The power to entice and the intense longing for attention can cause women to dress in a sensual way.

The styles today can create a problem simply because of the fabric they are made with. I know a lot of women who do not wear slips. Sometimes that can create a less than desirable result. I saw a woman recently in a cute modest dress but she wasn't wearing a slip and that dress clung in all the wrong places, and I doubt she was even aware of it.

Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

I only see two options: either we will present ourselves to God as an instrument of righteousness and dress to glorify Him, or we will present ourselves as an instrument of unrighteousness and dress to glorify self. Not choosing to dress intentionally to glorify God will, by default, result in dressing to glorify self. Which do you choose today?

Diane

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Some Cold Hard Facts

Yesterday I shared about the attitude of our hearts regarding the battle the enemy has mounted in the area of lust and sexual immorality. I believe he is gaining ground. Lest you think I'm wrong, consider these pornography statistics (1):

The United States ranks 4th in the world in revenue made on pornography

The United States is ranked #1 in pornographic video porn production

Each day there are 68,000,000 pornographic search engine requests

Each day there are 2.5 billion pornographic emails

42.7% of all internet users view pornography

35% of all internet downloads are pornographic

The average age of internet pornography exposure 11 years old

26 children's character names linked to thousands of pornography links

72% of visitors to pornographic websites are male; 28% female

17% of women reported having a pornography addiction

53% Promise Keeper men reported having viewed pornography in the past week

Here are two Hunt statistics: We are 100% responsible for where our eyes go and hearts linger. We are 100% responsible for our choice to be women of modesty, purity and dignity.

Women, will you step up and join the battle against evil by dressing intentionally to the Glory of God?

Diane

1 http://familysafemedia.com/pornography_statistics.html#anchor4 (accessed 5 22 08)

Monday, June 14, 2010

An Attitude of the Heart

This week our Victory Calls will focus on "Modesty" - "How do your wardrobe choices reflect love for Jesus Christ?

An Attitude of the Heart

Another year has passed already. This is the week for the past 4 years that I have shared a series on modesty and purity. Memorial Day typically kicks off the summer with warmer temperatures and sticky humidity and people wear lighter and less clothing. It is not that modesty is only an issue in the summer, it is God's desire for us all 365 days of the year. However, I doubt anyone would argue that it becomes a more evident issue with the warmer weather. The beaches and pools are packed to overflowing, and the amusement parks and ice cream stands have long lines. People are out and about. It is disheartening when I see young women (and some not-so-young) wearing attire that would have only appeared in pornographic magazines 30 or 40 years ago. If it is catching my attention, you can be sure it is turning almost every male's head. Sure there are men out there intentionally looking, ogling anything female, but I would venture to guess that they are not the majority. I think the majority are men with wives and families and daughters who are accosted with sensually and scantly dressed girls and women everywhere they go.

I wish I could say, they could just flee to the church but sadly, it is not safe even in the churches. Women of God, it is time to stand up and battle the enemy as he is gaining ground in the hearts and lives of the men of our churches, our husbands, our sons, our brothers, our pastors. We need a new attitude of compassion and support rather than condemnation and irritation. Please hear my heart.

I am not blaming scantly dressed women for any man's sinful attitudes or actions! Each man is 100% responsible for where he allows his eyes and heart to linger. I would also say each woman is 100% responsible for her own attire and her attitude towards this whole area of struggle for her male counterpart. It is a cop-out to chalk it up to being "his problem." More than that, it is short-sighted, superficial and flat out sinful. Which one of us would sit in the foxhole painting our nails when our fellow soldier was waging war against our enemy who appeared to be gaining the upper hand? NOT A ONE! I believe every one of us would jump to the aid of another in our company doing battle alongside them rather than against them.

Let's carry this word picture into the modesty, lust and purity battle. Can you see how God calls us alongside rather than against our brothers in Christ? How do your wardrobe choices reflect love for Jesus Christ? How does your attire reflect love for your brothers in Christ? How does the way you dress reflect your heart?

Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor...

Luke 10:27 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.

Diane

Friday, June 11, 2010

DIGGING DEEPER - POINTS TO PONDER

PSALM 91:11-16
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Points to Ponder: Taken at face value, this sounds like an end-all-be-all promise that we, as Christians, will not suffer. But we know that is not true for even within the Psalm it tells us we will have trouble (v. 15) and that we will need rescue (v. 15).

In addition, we need to always view Scripture in view of Scripture. We can expect persecution: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12) We will have tribulation: " I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) We will face suffering: "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake" Philippians 1:29

I believe the psalm emphasizes a few things that will strengthen us during those difficult times:
1. dwell
2. abide [abide in the shadow of the Almighty - you have to be pretty close to abide in someone's shadow and you have to mimic their movements to stay in their shadow]
3. trust
4. take refuge
5. hold fast
6. know Him

This psalm exhudes 'relationship with' not just 'knowledge of' the Holy One. What are you doing today to deepen that relationship with Jesus?

Diane

Thursday, June 10, 2010

By Faith Alone - Two

Through faith alone:

Kingdoms were subdued... Righteousness was worked... Promises were obtained... The mouths of lions were stopped... The violence of fire was quenched... The edged of the sword was escaped... The weak were made strong and became valiant in battle... Enemy armies were fought... Women once again received their dead.


By faith alone:
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. ~Hebrews 11

Again I ask, are we living by faith? Are we enduring the shame, carrying our cross and following hard after the one who saved us?

Would it be said of us that "the Lord was our passion; that we bore with gladness every cross we were given; headed unity's call; were marked by forgiveness; known by love ruled by peace...?2


Would our observable lives be known to bear the mark of faith - lives lived believing without seeing the substance of all that we hope for in Christ?

Father God, it is true that all too often we have so little faith and believe. Lord God above we believe little and we want to believe and have faith in and for more. Would you help our unbelief and increase our faith that you alone might be exalted and made famous in all the earth. Amen.


S. Paul

DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 91:15-16
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."


1 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011-13&version=NKJV

2 http://couragetotremble.wordpress.com/2009/06/01/let-it-be-said-of-us/

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

By Faith Alone - One

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." ~Hebrews 11:1-3(NKJV)1

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." ~Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see." ~The Message

It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him. ~Hebrews 11:6 (The Message)

"By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.""By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death.""By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land and acted on what he was told.""By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home...he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents.""By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant."'By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.""By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.""By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.""By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel."By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents.""By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter""By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king...he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood...they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land.""By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.""By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace."All of the above is found in Hebrews chapter eleven, which I read today and was greatly encouraged by.

The question for us to ponder is this. Are we, who have received the promised Messiah, living in faith and by faith? Selah

S. Paul

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 91
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.

1 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011-13&version=NKJV

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

ARE YOU WEARY?

Have you ever had a week , or day, or month, or year when nothing seemed to go right? Well, I think I've had a week like that. I'm weary. Have you ever felt that way? Did you want to look for the EJECT button? I didn't want to be ejected from life, just from the very frustrating situation,

So what can I do to get on top of or get control? My first option is to turn to God's Word. I looked up the word "weary" in my Bible's concordance. Here is the first verse I found. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest " (Matthew 11:28). Ok, so I went to the right place; so I kept looking for more help!

Here is a verse that was encouraging to me, and this particular translation came from The Message. "But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind" (Isaiah 40:31, The Message). Fresh strength, that's what I needed. Have you ever had the privilege of watching an eagle fly? Actually, they glide. They make flying look so easy. I think that's what God wants us to do. We are to let God give us fresh strength and teach us to let Him do the living.

There is no doubt we are in a war and living life is not easy, but it is true that we know who wins the war! Dear Jesus, I am weary and wish I could find the Eject button. But, Father, I do know that You will ultimately win the war. Please help me live in a way that shows I know Who ultimately wins. Please help me turn to You when I feel weary. Please give me fresh strength. Help me remember to turn to You. I love You, Jesus. Amen

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

Marilyn Willett Heavilin

Author of Roses In December, December's Song,When Your Dreams Die, I'm Listening, Lord,Becoming A Woman of Honor, and Grief Is A Family Affair.

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 91:11-12
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Monday, June 07, 2010

DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 91:11-16

Are you enjoying this Psalm as much as I am? I have been memorizing it on the road (safely). I so appreciate the reminder that God has my back. I am in His constant care. Are you making this Psalm your own? How about taking 10 minutes today to meditate on the truth within?

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
1 6With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Commentary: "Psalm 91. This tender and intimate psalm describes the confidence that the believer may have through all manner of dangers and challenges. The psalm speaks about the faithful person as "he" (vv. 1, 14-16), addresses him directly as "you" (singular; vv. 3-13), and gives him words to say as "I" (v.2). Some have suggested that all of these are Israel speaking as a whole, but the situations in view in the psalm (e.g., pestilence, vv. 3,6; terrors by night and arrows, v. 5; one's fellows falling, v. 7) are those primarily faced by particular persons. Of course, Israel as a whole finds refuge in God and is covered by his divine wings, but the nation's members see this in their individual lives as well." ESV study Bible ~ notes, pg. 1054.

Diane

Friday, June 04, 2010

DIGGING DEEPER ~ POINTS TO PONDER

Psalm 91:5-105
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-
the Most High, who is my refuge-
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.

It is so easy these days to fall prey to the temptation to fear. Am I right ladies? The magnitude of those fears range from seemingly small and insignificant to large and looming, threatening to cut off our very breath. Yet, over and over again in the Scriptures we are told not to fear or be anxious.

How can we NOT fear? Given the choice every one of us would chose faith and peace over fear.

I believe the answer lies in verse 9 that is to make God your dwelling place, your refuge. Trust the God of all the earth with your problems. Rest in knowing that He has not taken His eyes off of you... ever. Sister, would you tarry right there for a moment? Close your eyes and meditate on this truth. "God sees me. He sees my circumstances. He sees my struggles and problems. He sees those things which concern me. He sees all. He sees me." AND He is already at work in those circumstances, those struggles and those problems.

Friend, Run to Him. Hide in the shadow of His wings. Dwell there.

Diane

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Encouragement

So many people are hurting....going through trials, times of illness, times of sadness, times of disappointment....especially in these "last days." Family members, friends, co-workers and even those you have never spoken to before are looking to be encouraged in the midst of their trials.

The Word calls us to be encouragers, to give godly encouragement, not false hope but encouragement. The Lord has especially blessed some with the gift of encouragement. These are the people you like to hang around with. These are the people that always seem to have those who are going through difficult times seeking them out, looking to hang around them. The Bible gives us examples of encouragers, and one of those was Barnabas.

In Acts 4:36 it is written that his very name means "son of encouragement." This name seemed to describe Barnabas very well indeed. He certainly was an encouragement to Paul and the other apostles...but especially Paul in the beginning of his ministry. After Paul met Jesus on the road to Emmaus, he was never the same. But Paul still had a reputation of persecuting the believers and everyone was frightened of him...rightly so. But Barnabas comes along and encourages Paul and goes before the Apostles and allays their fears by speaking on his behalf. The result is, Paul is accepted and even assumes a great leadership role.

Later on, before their second missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas have a difference of opinion over Barnabas's cousin Mark. Mark had been with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but for some reason Mark left them and returned home. We aren't told the details but we know Paul was not happy because when it came time for the second missionary journey, Paul refused to take him.

But Barnabas! He steps in and what an encouragement to Mark! Mark and Barnabas go off in one direction and Paul and Silas go in another. It is amazing how Barnabas encouraged both of these men. Both had made errors in judgment yet Barnabas, the "son of encouragement," encouraged each man and then in later years both of them became leaders and even reunited. In Colossians 4:10 Paul even recommends Mark to the church there.

We all need encouragement but we are all called to encourage. Who can you encourage today? Who among the many people that will cross your path today needs to hear a word of encouragement, a word from the Lord? The funny thing about encouragement is that when you encourage someone else the Lord seems to encourage your heart. Today keep your eyes and heart open, seek to encourage...You may be encouraging the next great evangelist or preacher!

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Mary Ann

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons and one long awaited granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

Digging Deeper
Psalm 95:10
For forty years I loathed that generation
and said, "They are a people who go astray in their heart,
and they have not known my ways."

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Shut My Mouth

Most of my life, I've been the "good girl." I always thought I didn't have a testimony, or at least not a particularly interesting one. When I was younger and I would hear a testimony of someone who had been saved out a life of drug addiction, or immorality, or criminal acts, I would bemoan my uninteresting life. But God doesn't have a ranking system of sins. In His eyes, my "good girl" behavior was the same as all the actions of those whose testimonies I kind of envied.

If there's one thing I've battled most of my life, it's my mouth. I am much too quick to say things I regret, to cut other people down with my tongue, to criticize, judge, insult.... You get the picture.

James 3:5-10 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Ouch! I'd have a whole lot less confessing to do, and a whole lot less asking people's forgiveness, if I could just get my mouth under control. My one encouragement is in knowing I'm not alone in the battle. Just do a word search on "the tongue" in Biblegateway.com and see how many verses show up. While many of them speak of using our tongues for praise, there are a great many warnings and rebukes for misuse of the tongue.

Psalm 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."

Psalm 141:3 (NKJV) Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
I like this one in the New Living Translation: Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.

Oh, may I learn to let Him control what I say, and keep my tongue from sin!

Ruth S.

Digging Deeper
Psalm 95:7,8 & 9
7For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9when your fathers put me to the test
and put me to the proof,
though they had seen my work.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Time Off With Jesus

Back in January, Dave and I needed to plan our vacations and hand in our requests for the year. We planned out the weeks that we were able to take off and discussed what we would do with our vacation time. We have no set plans to travel but I came up with a nice "honey do list." We have plans to clean out and get some projects accomplished. In November we will be married 25 years and we are already saving and making plans for a few days away next year to celebrate that milestone.

So many plans... so little time. Yesterday, I heard of a man who was celebrating a milestone in his life. He planned to take the day to spend with Jesus. I began to think of how often I plan my days and forget to include Jesus. I began to think about when the last time was that I planned an entire day alone with just my Bible and a desire to hear from the Lord. The closest I could come was 3 years ago when I went away with my two best friends and took an hour by myself. I am challenged to make a plan.

Most of us have our vacations scheduled. Our calendars reflect upcoming events and appointments, work related, church related and personal. You may even have time each day set aside for Jesus, but when have you ever spent a day with Jesus? An entire day to slow down, focus, and be still? It won't happen if you and I don't plan for it.

Before the year flies by, and you know that it will, review your calendar and see when you can take a day with Jesus. I took the first step - the date is set. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:2-3

Kathy Withers

DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 95:5,6
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!