Our son, Matt, has often said, "Our family can go into Grief Mode at the drop of a hat." Unfortunately, he is right. If the phone rings at an unexpected hour, my first thought is "Someone died." Before I answer the phone, I can be planning a funeral. If one of our children is not home by the expected hour, I immediately start imagining they are in trouble. If someone states that they need to talk to me, I immediately imagine I am in trouble. I spend the ensuing time thinking, "What did I do wrong?"
A verse that I often quote is Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in You." Recently as I was reading My Utmost for His Highest, Chambers presents a different view of this verse for me: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose imagination is stayed on Thee" (Isaiah 26:3, R.V. margin). As I studied the commentaries and research books, I learned that many times, especially in the Old Testament, the words mind and imagination are considered to be interchangeable. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge by R. A. Torrey states that the usage of mind can be interchanged with thought or imagination. So now the Lord wants me to give Him my imagination as well as my mind? How do I do that? When the phone rings, I must give my imagination over to Jesus. No more planning quickly how I will deal with the bad news that is possibly waiting for me as I answer the phone. I am learning to thank God for whatever news might be waiting for me. I can count on Him to walk with me all of the way through the situation. My mother often said, "Remember, it came to pass; it didn't come to stay!" Turn your imagination over to Him. Ask God to step into your imaginations with you. Don't let your imagination control you.
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 128:1-2
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER PSALM 128:1-5
Our focus this summer is Digging Deeper into God's Word. Are you taking, making time to ingest God's Word? To meditate and savor it? You may say you don't have time, you're too busy. I was reminded again this week that we do what is most important to us at any given moment. I have told myself that sometimes my schedule makes it hard to spend time with the Lord, in His Word. I'm just letting myself off the hook. If it was most important to me, I know there would be time. I always find time to eat. I want spending time with Jesus, in the Word, to be of as vital to me as my next breath. How eager are you to Dig Deeper into God's Word? Take a step today, feeble or not, take time to be in the Word.
Our meditation passage this week is Psalm 128:1-5.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
COMMENTARY:"This... is a psalm for families. In that we were taught that the prosperity of our families depends upon the blessing of God; in this we are taught that the only way to obtain that blessing which will make our families comfortable is to live in the fear of God and in obedience to him. Those that do so, in general, shall be blessed...In particular, I. They shall be prosperous and successful in their employments, ver. 2. II. Their relations shall be agreeable, ver. 3. III.They shall live to see their families brought up, ver. 6. IV. They shall have the satisfaction of seeing the church of God in a flourishing condition, ver. 5, 6." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume, pg.117].
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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.
Our meditation passage this week is Psalm 128:1-5.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
COMMENTARY:"This... is a psalm for families. In that we were taught that the prosperity of our families depends upon the blessing of God; in this we are taught that the only way to obtain that blessing which will make our families comfortable is to live in the fear of God and in obedience to him. Those that do so, in general, shall be blessed...In particular, I. They shall be prosperous and successful in their employments, ver. 2. II. Their relations shall be agreeable, ver. 3. III.They shall live to see their families brought up, ver. 6. IV. They shall have the satisfaction of seeing the church of God in a flourishing condition, ver. 5, 6." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume, pg.117].
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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, August 27, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 127 Points to Ponder
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Points to Ponder: How interesting that the Psalmist combines verses on restlessness, anxious toil, sleeplessness, and the blessing of children. If you are a parent you surely have lost sleep over your children, whether it was due to crying, hungry newborns, a sick toddler, or a late night waiting for your new driver coming home. Oh, I remember those sleepless nights. God's Word says children are a heritage from the LORD, a reward. Many times it sure doesn't FEEL like a reward. A wise man (Jack Noel) once told me that our children are the LORD's. They are only on loan to us and we are to serve as good stewards in their lives. That really impacted me, because there were times I would go to the LORD and ask what He wanted me to do with HIS child. We cannot possess our children. They are the LORD'S. That brings relief and rest knowing that God has never taken His eyes off of our children and He is more interested in their well-being than we are. He also has the power to change and transform them. We do not. The greatest gift you can give your children, especially your adult or near-adult children, is to pray for them. Be blessed today, Mom. Ours is a great calling.
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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.
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Points to Ponder: How interesting that the Psalmist combines verses on restlessness, anxious toil, sleeplessness, and the blessing of children. If you are a parent you surely have lost sleep over your children, whether it was due to crying, hungry newborns, a sick toddler, or a late night waiting for your new driver coming home. Oh, I remember those sleepless nights. God's Word says children are a heritage from the LORD, a reward. Many times it sure doesn't FEEL like a reward. A wise man (Jack Noel) once told me that our children are the LORD's. They are only on loan to us and we are to serve as good stewards in their lives. That really impacted me, because there were times I would go to the LORD and ask what He wanted me to do with HIS child. We cannot possess our children. They are the LORD'S. That brings relief and rest knowing that God has never taken His eyes off of our children and He is more interested in their well-being than we are. He also has the power to change and transform them. We do not. The greatest gift you can give your children, especially your adult or near-adult children, is to pray for them. Be blessed today, Mom. Ours is a great calling.
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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, August 26, 2010
The Push to be Palatable
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
A few years ago, I had an opportunity to have some of my writing critiqued by some Christian editors. One in particular was a past Victory Call: "My Neighbor the Evangelist." It refers to a conversation I had with my then, five-year-old neighbor, who I believe has the gift of evangelism.
In the Victory Call I quoted her saying that she was so glad she would be with God forever some day, but was especially thrilled she wouldn't go to hell which she explained to me was a burning lake of fire. She was speaking the truth written in the book of Revelation. If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life he was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15
Unfortunately, for the editor of this Christian publication, it was a bit too "negative" as she put it. She suggested I focus a bit more on the positive, like heaven. I guess you could look at it that way. Or...you could praise the Lord for the truth. We are all sinners, and the wages for our sin is death. Oops, I'm also not really supposed to say "we"...OK, I am a sinner and the wages for my sin is death. But wait a minute... that's only part of the truth. You deserve the whole truth. You are a sinner and the wages for your sin is death. But the Good News is that we all have had our debt paid by the spilled blood of Jesus Christ. Believing in that sets us FREE! Oh no, I wasn't supposed to mention "blood" either. Are you offended? Don't be. Be grateful! God loved us enough to send His Son. I love you enough to tell you the whole truth!
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8
Now that is palatable.
Dina Seaton
Dina serves on staff in Marketing and as a staff writer. She is currently working on her first book, Do It Again LORD, Do It Again...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
A few years ago, I had an opportunity to have some of my writing critiqued by some Christian editors. One in particular was a past Victory Call: "My Neighbor the Evangelist." It refers to a conversation I had with my then, five-year-old neighbor, who I believe has the gift of evangelism.
In the Victory Call I quoted her saying that she was so glad she would be with God forever some day, but was especially thrilled she wouldn't go to hell which she explained to me was a burning lake of fire. She was speaking the truth written in the book of Revelation. If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life he was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:15
Unfortunately, for the editor of this Christian publication, it was a bit too "negative" as she put it. She suggested I focus a bit more on the positive, like heaven. I guess you could look at it that way. Or...you could praise the Lord for the truth. We are all sinners, and the wages for our sin is death. Oops, I'm also not really supposed to say "we"...OK, I am a sinner and the wages for my sin is death. But wait a minute... that's only part of the truth. You deserve the whole truth. You are a sinner and the wages for your sin is death. But the Good News is that we all have had our debt paid by the spilled blood of Jesus Christ. Believing in that sets us FREE! Oh no, I wasn't supposed to mention "blood" either. Are you offended? Don't be. Be grateful! God loved us enough to send His Son. I love you enough to tell you the whole truth!
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8
Now that is palatable.
Dina Seaton
Dina serves on staff in Marketing and as a staff writer. She is currently working on her first book, Do It Again LORD, Do It Again...
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Blessed is the Man Whom You Instruct
Psalm 94:12-14 (New International Version)
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
"Blessed is the man (woman) you discipline, O Lord." The NKJV says, "Blessed is the man whom you instruct." I don't know about you, but I think I prefer the word "instruct" over "discipline." But no matter the word you use, the idea is the same. We are blessed when the Lord disciplines us and teaches us from His Word. There are times that I certainly haven't felt blessed when the Lord was disciplining me. This is a further reminder that we need to base our lives on the truth of God's Word, not on how we feel, because our feelings will so often mislead us.
And what is one of the benefits of His discipline? He will "grant (us) relief from days of trouble." Yes, the Bible tells us "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33), as I am sure we can all attest to. And some trouble we encounter is through no fault of our own. But, this passage caused me to stop and think, how many times do I cause, or at least contribute to, my "days of trouble"? We need to be thankful for His discipline & instruction which teaches us right from wrong. We need to realize that He is "urging us to follow His paths instead of stubbornly going our own way,"1 which inevitably leads to "days of trouble." "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).
Someday a pit will be dug for the evil one and all who do his bidding, and all trouble (& sin) will be done. In the meantime, let us allow the Lord to discipline, instruct, and teach us. Recognize it as proof of His love for us, loving us too much to allow us to go our own way. As His children, He will not reject us, He will not forsake us, and sometimes this means disciplining us. Ladies, by His grace and in His strength, let's embrace it and allow Him to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in our lives.
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD,
the man you teach from your law;
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance.
"Blessed is the man (woman) you discipline, O Lord." The NKJV says, "Blessed is the man whom you instruct." I don't know about you, but I think I prefer the word "instruct" over "discipline." But no matter the word you use, the idea is the same. We are blessed when the Lord disciplines us and teaches us from His Word. There are times that I certainly haven't felt blessed when the Lord was disciplining me. This is a further reminder that we need to base our lives on the truth of God's Word, not on how we feel, because our feelings will so often mislead us.
And what is one of the benefits of His discipline? He will "grant (us) relief from days of trouble." Yes, the Bible tells us "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33), as I am sure we can all attest to. And some trouble we encounter is through no fault of our own. But, this passage caused me to stop and think, how many times do I cause, or at least contribute to, my "days of trouble"? We need to be thankful for His discipline & instruction which teaches us right from wrong. We need to realize that He is "urging us to follow His paths instead of stubbornly going our own way,"1 which inevitably leads to "days of trouble." "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).
Someday a pit will be dug for the evil one and all who do his bidding, and all trouble (& sin) will be done. In the meantime, let us allow the Lord to discipline, instruct, and teach us. Recognize it as proof of His love for us, loving us too much to allow us to go our own way. As His children, He will not reject us, He will not forsake us, and sometimes this means disciplining us. Ladies, by His grace and in His strength, let's embrace it and allow Him to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in our lives.
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Our God is an Awesome God
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Psalm 66:3a - Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! (NKJ)
Psalm 99:3 - Let them praise Your great and awesome name-- He is holy. (NKJ)
Psalm 145:6 - Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. (NKJ)
Years ago I taught Kindergarten in a small Christian School. It was one of the most physically demanding jobs I ever had and yet in all my years of working in education, those seven years in Kindergarten were my favorite. We had a theme song; you may know it: "Our God is an Awesome God." We sang it every day. Those precious little ones loved to sing and praise the Lord. Every time we sang, can you picture this, little arms and little hands were lifted in praise proclaiming, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God."
I think of those little ones proclaiming our God is awesome and find myself singing that song either to myself or shouting it out loud. Today I want to invite you to sing that simple song if you know it or if you can't sing it, say the words.
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" while you look at a flower and think about our God who created zillions of flowers. Think of the many shapes, colors, seasons. Varieties of flowers grow where there is plenty of water while different flowers grow in the desert. There are flowers for each season. Amazing. Such a creative God who can make zillions of flowers in all different climates continues to be a God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could think or ask (Eph. 3:20).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" while you look at people. Many different people groups, with all the same body parts, fearfully and wonderfully made within the womb of their mother. Many colors, shapes and sizes are represented yet each unique. Amazing. He knows you full well. Trust Him with your body and its struggles. He is the One who can heal all of your diseases both physical and emotional (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 103:3).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" as you gaze upon the sunrise, the sunset or the stars in the night sky. Each day a little different, each day right on time. Who could be so ordered and come up with such an array of color and leave us with night lights so beautiful? His timing is perfect. There is a time for every purpose under heaven. Do not grow weary; wait on Him to provide what you need and you shall be blessed (Eccl. 3:1-8; Gal. 6:9).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" as you look upon the ocean. How wide, how deep, how powerful, how full, how amazing is the ocean that takes up so much of our earth yet we truly have so much to learn about the life it holds and the beauty within it. So too with our God. Our God created it and all it contains. Dear one, seek to know Him a little more each day. He is an all powerful, all mighty, able God (Psalm 29).
"Our God is an awesome God
He reigns in heaven above
With wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God."
Patricia L. Wenzel
Woman of Character Graduate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awesome_God: Awesome God" is an American worship song which became popular in the United States during the late 1980s, composed by Rich Mullins. Its title is inspired by a biblical expression (Nehemiah 1:5, Nehemiah 9:32, Psalm 47, Daniel 9:4, etc.), variously translated as "Awesome God"..............
To view and hear "Awesome God" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalm 66:3a - Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! (NKJ)
Psalm 99:3 - Let them praise Your great and awesome name-- He is holy. (NKJ)
Psalm 145:6 - Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. (NKJ)
Years ago I taught Kindergarten in a small Christian School. It was one of the most physically demanding jobs I ever had and yet in all my years of working in education, those seven years in Kindergarten were my favorite. We had a theme song; you may know it: "Our God is an Awesome God." We sang it every day. Those precious little ones loved to sing and praise the Lord. Every time we sang, can you picture this, little arms and little hands were lifted in praise proclaiming, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heaven above, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God."
I think of those little ones proclaiming our God is awesome and find myself singing that song either to myself or shouting it out loud. Today I want to invite you to sing that simple song if you know it or if you can't sing it, say the words.
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" while you look at a flower and think about our God who created zillions of flowers. Think of the many shapes, colors, seasons. Varieties of flowers grow where there is plenty of water while different flowers grow in the desert. There are flowers for each season. Amazing. Such a creative God who can make zillions of flowers in all different climates continues to be a God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you could think or ask (Eph. 3:20).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" while you look at people. Many different people groups, with all the same body parts, fearfully and wonderfully made within the womb of their mother. Many colors, shapes and sizes are represented yet each unique. Amazing. He knows you full well. Trust Him with your body and its struggles. He is the One who can heal all of your diseases both physical and emotional (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 103:3).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" as you gaze upon the sunrise, the sunset or the stars in the night sky. Each day a little different, each day right on time. Who could be so ordered and come up with such an array of color and leave us with night lights so beautiful? His timing is perfect. There is a time for every purpose under heaven. Do not grow weary; wait on Him to provide what you need and you shall be blessed (Eccl. 3:1-8; Gal. 6:9).
Sing, say or shout "Our God is an Awesome God" as you look upon the ocean. How wide, how deep, how powerful, how full, how amazing is the ocean that takes up so much of our earth yet we truly have so much to learn about the life it holds and the beauty within it. So too with our God. Our God created it and all it contains. Dear one, seek to know Him a little more each day. He is an all powerful, all mighty, able God (Psalm 29).
"Our God is an awesome God
He reigns in heaven above
With wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God."
Patricia L. Wenzel
Woman of Character Graduate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awesome_God: Awesome God" is an American worship song which became popular in the United States during the late 1980s, composed by Rich Mullins. Its title is inspired by a biblical expression (Nehemiah 1:5, Nehemiah 9:32, Psalm 47, Daniel 9:4, etc.), variously translated as "Awesome God"..............
To view and hear "Awesome God" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 27
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Monday, August 23, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 127
With the hectic pace of summer, I have found it difficult to keep up with my Scripture memorization. I know, as do you, that the effort is not in vain. This week's Scripture refers to the vanity of building a house without the Lord, watchfulness without the Lord, restlessness void of the rest that God gives. Though those things are vain efforts, memorizing the Word is not in vain. If you have not yet joined our journey, perhaps today you will. If 5 verses are too overwhelming, pick one. Our theme this year is digging deeper into God's Word. What better way than to hide it in your heart? Join us... it will change your life.
Psalm 127
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Commentary:"The basic theme of this wisdom psalm is that without the Lord's blessing, all human toil is worthless. This is explicit in vv. 1-2, and implicit in vv. 3-5, where the pious are to see their children as the Lord's gift. Psalms 127-128 are wisdom poems in the Songs of Ascents. Wisdom themes are suited to worshipful pilgrims, because in the OT, faithfulness in everyday life (the emphasis of wisdom) and vitality in worship go together...Christians need the same reminders. This psalm...is attributed to Solomon. "[ESV Study Bible notes Pg 1106].
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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.
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Psalm 127
1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Commentary:"The basic theme of this wisdom psalm is that without the Lord's blessing, all human toil is worthless. This is explicit in vv. 1-2, and implicit in vv. 3-5, where the pious are to see their children as the Lord's gift. Psalms 127-128 are wisdom poems in the Songs of Ascents. Wisdom themes are suited to worshipful pilgrims, because in the OT, faithfulness in everyday life (the emphasis of wisdom) and vitality in worship go together...Christians need the same reminders. This psalm...is attributed to Solomon. "[ESV Study Bible notes Pg 1106].
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery Ministries and 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.
Join us this week for Victory Week 5 with Rev. Tony Hart and Rev. Wilbur Winborne. If you're unable to join us in person, watch live at www.americaskeswick.org Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Digging Deeper Psalm 103:20-22
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Points to ponder: As I sit here and ponder this Psalm, words cannot describe the blessing they are to my soul. I know I am blessed every time I stop long enough to tarry at His feet and gaze into His face. I believe this Psalm ushers us into His presence. Sit a while and enjoy!!!
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.
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Points to ponder: As I sit here and ponder this Psalm, words cannot describe the blessing they are to my soul. I know I am blessed every time I stop long enough to tarry at His feet and gaze into His face. I believe this Psalm ushers us into His presence. Sit a while and enjoy!!!
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.
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
TRUST
This man is blessed because he trusts in the Lord; his confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
If you are like me it is truly hard to know who to trust these days. Recently I bought a car - sorry, I don't trust car dealers - you think you are working hard to keep them on the up and up and you still walk away thinking - I just got taken. Politics today is another area where we don't know who to trust, or who to listen to regarding our government and future. I am sure each of you can list additional examples of who you don't feel like you can trust: friends, salesmen, car repair shops, children, spouses, maybe even pastors. Today in my GriefShare group this same topic came up - as they asked who can you trust these days? Simply speaking we can only trust God fully. But, I won't end there, let me explore this idea just a little more with you.
The Bible does not encourage us to trust one another; in fact almost the opposite is true. * Psalm 118:8-9 tells us that it is better to trust God than man. * Psalm 41:9, Jer. 2:37 paints the picture of someone losing our trust. * Isaiah 2:22, Jer. 9:4, 12:6, Micah 7:5 reminds us not to put any regard in man.* Jer. 17:5 tells us that our strength and trust should not come from man.
God also instructs us not to put our trust in objects, things, or our own strength. These things will fail us or God will judge us for our dependence on these things. (Psalm 20:7, Job 31:24)
We are to trust in God ALONE: Psalm 56, Proverbs 29:25, Jeremiah 17:5-7, because God will never fail us. If we were all honest, we can recall times when people have failed us or not come through for us when we were really counting on them. Unfortunately I can recall times that I have let others down even though it was not deliberate or intentional. It is very comforting to know that God never FAILS us; He never FORSAKES a promise (Psalm 145:13).
So what does it mean to Trust God? Let me just point out a few that come to mind. * Listen to Him (2 Kings 17:14)* Believe in His unfailing Love (Psalm 13:5)* Acknowledge who He is (Psalm 31:14)* Turn our ways to His ways (Psalm 37:5)* Believe in His Word (Psalm 56:4)* Believe He will help (Psalm 115)* Know His names (Psalm 118, Is. 50:10)* Turn over your heart to Him (Pro. 3:5)* Wait and Hope in Him (Isaiah 8:17, 40:31)
Now, before I end I want to go back to the beginning when I stated that the Bible tells us not to put our trust in man. And I know some of you are thinking, but there are those that we trust. God tells us that it is a different kind of trust, more a confidence in their abilities to help. We can also feel confident in some because we know that they are walking close with God and are His servants in our lives (Judges 9:26; 2 Thess. 3:4, Dan. 6:4, Luke 19:17, 1 Cor. 7:25).
Who or what are you trusting in for today? - For tomorrow? If it is not God and God alone, you are trusting in sinking sand. Put your trust in Him and you will stand on the solid rock when life gets stormy and uncertain.
LDJ
Lynne Jahns, Christian Counselor; Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:22
22 Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
If you are like me it is truly hard to know who to trust these days. Recently I bought a car - sorry, I don't trust car dealers - you think you are working hard to keep them on the up and up and you still walk away thinking - I just got taken. Politics today is another area where we don't know who to trust, or who to listen to regarding our government and future. I am sure each of you can list additional examples of who you don't feel like you can trust: friends, salesmen, car repair shops, children, spouses, maybe even pastors. Today in my GriefShare group this same topic came up - as they asked who can you trust these days? Simply speaking we can only trust God fully. But, I won't end there, let me explore this idea just a little more with you.
The Bible does not encourage us to trust one another; in fact almost the opposite is true. * Psalm 118:8-9 tells us that it is better to trust God than man. * Psalm 41:9, Jer. 2:37 paints the picture of someone losing our trust. * Isaiah 2:22, Jer. 9:4, 12:6, Micah 7:5 reminds us not to put any regard in man.* Jer. 17:5 tells us that our strength and trust should not come from man.
God also instructs us not to put our trust in objects, things, or our own strength. These things will fail us or God will judge us for our dependence on these things. (Psalm 20:7, Job 31:24)
We are to trust in God ALONE: Psalm 56, Proverbs 29:25, Jeremiah 17:5-7, because God will never fail us. If we were all honest, we can recall times when people have failed us or not come through for us when we were really counting on them. Unfortunately I can recall times that I have let others down even though it was not deliberate or intentional. It is very comforting to know that God never FAILS us; He never FORSAKES a promise (Psalm 145:13).
So what does it mean to Trust God? Let me just point out a few that come to mind. * Listen to Him (2 Kings 17:14)* Believe in His unfailing Love (Psalm 13:5)* Acknowledge who He is (Psalm 31:14)* Turn our ways to His ways (Psalm 37:5)* Believe in His Word (Psalm 56:4)* Believe He will help (Psalm 115)* Know His names (Psalm 118, Is. 50:10)* Turn over your heart to Him (Pro. 3:5)* Wait and Hope in Him (Isaiah 8:17, 40:31)
Now, before I end I want to go back to the beginning when I stated that the Bible tells us not to put our trust in man. And I know some of you are thinking, but there are those that we trust. God tells us that it is a different kind of trust, more a confidence in their abilities to help. We can also feel confident in some because we know that they are walking close with God and are His servants in our lives (Judges 9:26; 2 Thess. 3:4, Dan. 6:4, Luke 19:17, 1 Cor. 7:25).
Who or what are you trusting in for today? - For tomorrow? If it is not God and God alone, you are trusting in sinking sand. Put your trust in Him and you will stand on the solid rock when life gets stormy and uncertain.
LDJ
Lynne Jahns, Christian Counselor; Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:22
22 Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Upside-Down World
When my children were little I remember they played a game called "opposite world," where everything they said was the opposite of what they meant. I was reminded of that when I read today's Scripture: Isaiah 29:16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me";or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
Doesn't this describe our heart every time we sin? Every time we say I'm going to do this my way. I'm going to do or get what I want. Every time I think, "I hear you Lord, but I can't, it's too hard." For certain---- in those moments we are believing we are the potter rather than the clay, the maker rather than the made, the one who formed rather than the one formed. Father, I see myself here as clear as clear can be. Thank you that the cross paid for ALL my sins. I don't want to live in the Upside-Down World where I am king of my own life. Lord, I pray that daily I remember and live in light of the reality that You are the Potter and I the clay, You are the Maker, and I the made, You are the One that forms and I the formed one.
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Doesn't this describe our heart every time we sin? Every time we say I'm going to do this my way. I'm going to do or get what I want. Every time I think, "I hear you Lord, but I can't, it's too hard." For certain---- in those moments we are believing we are the potter rather than the clay, the maker rather than the made, the one who formed rather than the one formed. Father, I see myself here as clear as clear can be. Thank you that the cross paid for ALL my sins. I don't want to live in the Upside-Down World where I am king of my own life. Lord, I pray that daily I remember and live in light of the reality that You are the Potter and I the clay, You are the Maker, and I the made, You are the One that forms and I the formed one.
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
No Hiding From God
And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:13-16
"Meaning that there is no hiding! We will be held accountable for our sins before God and it is only because of Jesus' payment on our behalf (done because of God's love for us) that we are deemed righteous."1
Dear sisters, my encouragement to you today is to lavish in this truth. We, you and I, are deemed righteous because Jesus paid the price, ALL OF IT, on our behalf!! We bring nothing to the table!! No amount of good works or deeds! Apart from His perfect righteousness WE ALL STINK!!
Come! Shower with me in the abundance of His tender mercy, lovingkindness and His sufficient, amazing grace!! Let this truth motivate us to obey the living God and live according to His Word.
Stephanie Paul
Stephnie 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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:20
20Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
1 Brie Burggraf
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
"Meaning that there is no hiding! We will be held accountable for our sins before God and it is only because of Jesus' payment on our behalf (done because of God's love for us) that we are deemed righteous."1
Dear sisters, my encouragement to you today is to lavish in this truth. We, you and I, are deemed righteous because Jesus paid the price, ALL OF IT, on our behalf!! We bring nothing to the table!! No amount of good works or deeds! Apart from His perfect righteousness WE ALL STINK!!
Come! Shower with me in the abundance of His tender mercy, lovingkindness and His sufficient, amazing grace!! Let this truth motivate us to obey the living God and live according to His Word.
Stephanie Paul
Stephnie 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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:20
20Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
1 Brie Burggraf
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Digging Deeper 103:20-22
Last week, when Dr. Zimmerman was our conference speaker at America's KESWICK, he shared an illustration that I would like to paraphrase. He said we are not hoses, we are trees. What is the difference between a hose and a tree? A hose has water come in one end and out the other end, unchanged. A tree, on the other hand, takes in water at the roots and sprouts fruit from the top. He said a hose-type takes in Scripture and can spout Scripture, but it is merely words, the person remains unchanged by the words. However, a tree-type takes in Scripture and is affected and changed by the truth and produces fruit. I think that is a wonderful truth that gives us pause. I know I am surely guilty of far too often being more a hose than a tree. As we start another week, would you ask God to make your meditation and memorization of Scripture fruit-bearing in your life?
This week completes our consideration of Psalm 103:20-22
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word!Bless the LORD, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Commentary:"After listing all these benefits, the psalm returns to urging various creatures to bless the Lord, echoing vv.1-2. The addressees go beyond the individual "soul" to include the angels and mighty ones (vv.20-21) and even the material creation (all his works, in all places of his dominion; cf. v. 19). The overflow of goodness and steadfast love that God's works reveal compels his people to call on the angels and all of nature (cf. 19:1) to join in their celebration. The song closes with the singer returning to urge his own soul to bless the Lord, with a deeper appreciation of how much praise and admiration he owes." ESV Study Bible study notes Pg. 1069
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.
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
This week completes our consideration of Psalm 103:20-22
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word!Bless the LORD, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Commentary:"After listing all these benefits, the psalm returns to urging various creatures to bless the Lord, echoing vv.1-2. The addressees go beyond the individual "soul" to include the angels and mighty ones (vv.20-21) and even the material creation (all his works, in all places of his dominion; cf. v. 19). The overflow of goodness and steadfast love that God's works reveal compels his people to call on the angels and all of nature (cf. 19:1) to join in their celebration. The song closes with the singer returning to urge his own soul to bless the Lord, with a deeper appreciation of how much praise and admiration he owes." ESV Study Bible study notes Pg. 1069
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.
Join us this week, live or on our website, for messages from Rev. Harold Vaughan and Dr. Bob Alderman, Monday through Thursdsay at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm; www.americaskeswick.org.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Digging Deeper Psalm 103:15-19
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from
everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Points to ponder: The brevity of life. I don't know about you but there are parts of my lawn that are pretty brown right now, and my hanging flower pots have gone the way of most of my plants.... dried up and gone. A two-week vacation left them unattended with no rain. They did not survive my thoughtlessness. There is nothing permanent about grass or flowers. Likewise, we pass this way ever so briefly. Years from now, there will be little or no evidence that we have passed this way at all, other than our children and grandchildren. But, in contrast, the evidence of God's love and of His presence remains the same forever, steadfast, unshrinking, unpassing, and undying. It is this God who rules and reigns over all. Amen.
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.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from
everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Points to ponder: The brevity of life. I don't know about you but there are parts of my lawn that are pretty brown right now, and my hanging flower pots have gone the way of most of my plants.... dried up and gone. A two-week vacation left them unattended with no rain. They did not survive my thoughtlessness. There is nothing permanent about grass or flowers. Likewise, we pass this way ever so briefly. Years from now, there will be little or no evidence that we have passed this way at all, other than our children and grandchildren. But, in contrast, the evidence of God's love and of His presence remains the same forever, steadfast, unshrinking, unpassing, and undying. It is this God who rules and reigns over all. Amen.
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.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Don't Assume Anything!
Recently I had lunch with two dear ladies. One I know well and the other I am beginning to know better. The lady I am getting to know better serves every summer at America's KESWICK. Last summer was a very tough summer for her. Physical illness kept her from being out and about most of the season. During our lunch she shared that she had been lonely at times during the ups and downs of her illness. I remembered thinking last year that I should go see her. However, I assumed that many others were by her side and caring for her. I felt that I was just one more person and I really wasn't needed. On the way home from lunch I repented to my new friend of my assumption. To now know that she could have used another visitor and would have welcomed more company convicted my heart. I had heard and not acted on what God asked me to do. I felt that I had not helped a dear sister when I had the chance. My apology was graciously accepted. Still, I was reminded not to question the tug of the Holy Spirit as if it were merely a suggestion. I was invited to join God at work. I was invited to be used by Him. This invitation required obedient action and follow through; not a response that was logical to my perceptions and then so easily dismissed.
Today you may feel the same tug to make a visit or to give someone a phone call. It is easy to think that the one God placed on your heart has plenty of other friends tending to their needs. Don't assume that others are doing what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do!
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14 "Serve the Lord with gladness." Psalm 100:2
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for almost 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Today you may feel the same tug to make a visit or to give someone a phone call. It is easy to think that the one God placed on your heart has plenty of other friends tending to their needs. Don't assume that others are doing what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do!
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14 "Serve the Lord with gladness." Psalm 100:2
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for almost 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Victim or Victor...You be the Judge
For I know the plans I have for declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
It's the middle of the night and my mind is running fast, reviewing the painful memories from the past. As a child I considered myself a victim. A victim of circumstances, body and soul raped, innocence lost. My childhood was snatched away; no longer was I a pure little girl with precious treasure, but rather an object used for the gratification of others. Physically, emotionally, mentally broken, thinking this is what I was created for, this is my life, and it's my fault. Bearing a burden of guilt and shame, my very character called into question. God of heaven above, You are Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient. You are my hope, my peace, my refuge and strength, my deliverer, strong tower, my present help in times of trouble. If this is who You say You are then where are You? Why God? Why me? You've made a mistake. My innocence is gone! I'm useless, worthless, unwanted, and unlovable. The pain and suffering has left my soul scarred. There are painful memories that still lurk within a torched and searching soul. I searched for love, freedom, protection, comfort and acceptance from the very God Who said when thy father and thy mother forsake thee He would take me up. I searched for the God who said that He would never leave me nor forsake me or give me more than I could bear; the same God who told the storm to HUSH and it ceased. I searched for Him, asking Him to take me away from my misery and HE FOUND ME!!
There was a time when I asked Him, "Why have you made me the victim?" I've heard that a victim is an unfortunate person who suffers from adversity. They are weak, powerless and live in fear. That is who I was!! "Lord above!! I thank you that today because of YOU I am no longer a victim! I am a new creation in Christ! Old things are passed away! Today, I am a victor!! I have victory in Jesus! I no longer look through the eyes of a victim who asks God "why me?" Instead I look through the eyes of a victor. A victor is a combatant who is able to defeat such adversity. They endure and grow strong in You through their pain, for Your glory. Today as a conqueror I can look through the eyes of a victor who asks God "Why did this come my way, what do You want to change in me? How will Your Name be glorified through this?" I've come to understand that what we go through is simply a part of life in a fallen world filled with sin.
The Question Is: Knowing that victory can come through our adversity, how will we respond to it? Will we let the distress or the trouble define our character, or will we stand in the midst of it and be free in Christ?
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free; and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~ Galatians 5:1
I am a victor who has found her victory in Jesus! So I ask you today, which are you...Victim or Victor...You be the Judge!!!!
Zakira Whitaker
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:17,18
17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,
18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The 21st Century Sabbath
Isaiah 58: 13-14
13 "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the LORD honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
14 then you shall take delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Sisters, as you read this devotional today about the Sabbath I don't want you to read it as Old Testament law. A got-to, have-to, ought-to, boring, stare-at-the-walls day of doing nothing because you are supposed to observe the Sabbath.
More than ever, ladies, we need a day of rest. Have you ever considered that our bodies were not created or designed to work seven days a week? Why would God work six days and rest the seventh if He intended us to work seven? It's not that God couldn't work seven but He got the job done in six and rested on the seventh. Nothing in all of God's creation was unintentional, or accidental. There was a reason He created in six and rested on the seventh. He wasn't tired.
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." Genesis 2:1-3
Our bodies physically need rest. Our brains need a break. Thus the Sabbath. It's not that difficult to do IF we set aside all those things we think we MUST do and IN FAITH honor one day a week as a day holy unto the Lord. I emphasize the part that it must be done IN FAITH. It will take faith to believe that somehow you will still get all those things done that are demanding your time. You may not be able to do it all at once, it may take a few months to whittle down all the things you have been doing on your day of rest. It may be Sunday, or yours may be Tuesday or Friday. It doesn't really matter. PICK ONE. What does a Sabbath look like in the 21st Century? How will you personalize your Sabbath? What can you do different than the other 6 days of the week to cultivate an atmosphere of rest for your body and soul? This is not about a law; it's about God's love and care for us because He knows how He created us.
Rest. Sister, Rest.
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:15,16
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at http://www.americaskeswick.org/ at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
13 "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the LORD honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;
14 then you shall take delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
Sisters, as you read this devotional today about the Sabbath I don't want you to read it as Old Testament law. A got-to, have-to, ought-to, boring, stare-at-the-walls day of doing nothing because you are supposed to observe the Sabbath.
More than ever, ladies, we need a day of rest. Have you ever considered that our bodies were not created or designed to work seven days a week? Why would God work six days and rest the seventh if He intended us to work seven? It's not that God couldn't work seven but He got the job done in six and rested on the seventh. Nothing in all of God's creation was unintentional, or accidental. There was a reason He created in six and rested on the seventh. He wasn't tired.
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." Genesis 2:1-3
Our bodies physically need rest. Our brains need a break. Thus the Sabbath. It's not that difficult to do IF we set aside all those things we think we MUST do and IN FAITH honor one day a week as a day holy unto the Lord. I emphasize the part that it must be done IN FAITH. It will take faith to believe that somehow you will still get all those things done that are demanding your time. You may not be able to do it all at once, it may take a few months to whittle down all the things you have been doing on your day of rest. It may be Sunday, or yours may be Tuesday or Friday. It doesn't really matter. PICK ONE. What does a Sabbath look like in the 21st Century? How will you personalize your Sabbath? What can you do different than the other 6 days of the week to cultivate an atmosphere of rest for your body and soul? This is not about a law; it's about God's love and care for us because He knows how He created us.
Rest. Sister, Rest.
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103:15,16
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at http://www.americaskeswick.org/ at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Digging Deeper Psalm 103:15-19
Oh, dear one, are you growing weary of your meditation and memorizing? Don't give up!! If you have not joined the journey, jump in now. This week we will be meditating on Psalm 103:15-19. If memorizing all 5 verses, select one or two such as 17 +18 or just 19. Every word of Scripture you memorize has eternal value because God's Word is forever settled in heaven, it never changes.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from
everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from
everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Commentary:"As for man, his days are as grass, which grows of out the earth, rises but a little way above it, and soon withers. Man, in his best estate, is but like a flower of the field, which, though distinguished a little from the grass, will wither with it. The flower of the garden is commonly more choice and valuable, and though in its own nature withering, will last the longer for its being sheltered by the garden wall and the gardener's care; but the flower of the field (to which life is compared) is not only withering in itself, but exposed to the cold blasts, and liable to be cropped and trodden on by the beasts of the field. Man's life is not only wasting of itself, but its period may be anticipated by a thousand accidents. God consider this, and pities him; let him consider it himself, and be humble." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 688]
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.
Join us this week for Victory Week 3 with Dr. Glenn Blossom and Dr. Charles Zimmerman. If you can't attend, tune in online at www.americaskeswick.org at 9:30 and and 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Digging Deeper - Psalm 103:11-14 Points to Ponder
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,so great is HIS STEADFAST LOVE TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM;12 as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children,so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Points to Ponder: Have you noticed, as I have, in the verses we have been meditating on and memorizing, the constant reminder of God's steadfast love? Over and over again, the Psalmist refers to the Lord Almighty's steadfast love for us.
Steadfast: firmly fixed in place: immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence [www.merriam-webster.com 7.23.10] God's love for us is firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change - it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Him. His love for you is steadfast, unchanging regardless of what you do or don't do today. God loves you right now, right this minute, both now and forever. His love does not grow, change or wane. It is.
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.
Points to Ponder: Have you noticed, as I have, in the verses we have been meditating on and memorizing, the constant reminder of God's steadfast love? Over and over again, the Psalmist refers to the Lord Almighty's steadfast love for us.
Steadfast: firmly fixed in place: immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence [www.merriam-webster.com 7.23.10] God's love for us is firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change - it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with Him. His love for you is steadfast, unchanging regardless of what you do or don't do today. God loves you right now, right this minute, both now and forever. His love does not grow, change or wane. It is.
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, August 05, 2010
Have a Little Faith...
How many times have I heard that? In fact, I've often been the one saying it. Of course, it is a wonderful exhortation because so often we get snagged in the horizontal and fail to remember the vertical. However, what is the underlying premise of that saying? "Have a little faith"? I believe when we say it, hear it, the implication is - have a little faith that it will turn out okay, you'll get what you want, things will go your way, etc. Right?
Recently, I was reading through Hebrews 11, the very familiar "faith" chapter. The "who's who" of men and women of faith. The list, though not by any means exhaustive, it is just the same impressive. The chapter starts out great:
By faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice...
By faith, Enoch was taken up so he should not see death...
By faith, Noah...constructed an ark.
By faith, Abraham...went to live in the land of promise...
By faith, Sarah herself received the power to conceive...
By faith, Abraham...offered up Isaac...
By faith, Isaac invoked further blessings on Jacob and Esau...
By faith, Jacob...blessed each of the sons of Joseph...
By faith, Joseph...gave directions concerning his bones...
By faith, Moses...was hidden three months by his parents...
By faith, Moses...refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter...
By faith, the people crossed the Red Sea on dry land...
By faith, the walls of Jericho fell...
By faith, Rahab the prostitute did not perish...
Hebrews 11:32-35a And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection.
This is how we want to view faith, don't we? If the chapter stopped there we could be comforted in believing a little faith would result in things going well with us but half way through verse 35 the tenor of the chapter changes.
Hebrews 11:35b-40 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated- 38of whom the world was not worthy- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Having faith is vital. The righteous shall live by faith....Galatians 3:11
But is faith a magic pill, a rabbit's foot that is our "credit card" to get what we want and how we want? By no means ~ faith is not me-centered it is Christ-centered. It is Christ-centered because He is the Faithful One, worthy of our worship, trust and belief. It is believing that His purpose, His plan, His method is the perfect purpose, plan and method for me specifically. That His way in my life is perfect-EVEN WHEN I CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT. He does. Faith is knowing I can trust Him even when I don't get what I want or how I want it. Faith is about Him not about me.
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
Today is the last day of Victory Week #2. Join us at 9:30 am with Dr. David Epstein or 6:30 pm with Dr. Roger Willmore, either here or on-line at www.americaskeswick.org.
Recently, I was reading through Hebrews 11, the very familiar "faith" chapter. The "who's who" of men and women of faith. The list, though not by any means exhaustive, it is just the same impressive. The chapter starts out great:
By faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice...
By faith, Enoch was taken up so he should not see death...
By faith, Noah...constructed an ark.
By faith, Abraham...went to live in the land of promise...
By faith, Sarah herself received the power to conceive...
By faith, Abraham...offered up Isaac...
By faith, Isaac invoked further blessings on Jacob and Esau...
By faith, Jacob...blessed each of the sons of Joseph...
By faith, Joseph...gave directions concerning his bones...
By faith, Moses...was hidden three months by his parents...
By faith, Moses...refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter...
By faith, the people crossed the Red Sea on dry land...
By faith, the walls of Jericho fell...
By faith, Rahab the prostitute did not perish...
Hebrews 11:32-35a And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection.
This is how we want to view faith, don't we? If the chapter stopped there we could be comforted in believing a little faith would result in things going well with us but half way through verse 35 the tenor of the chapter changes.
Hebrews 11:35b-40 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated- 38of whom the world was not worthy- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Having faith is vital. The righteous shall live by faith....Galatians 3:11
But is faith a magic pill, a rabbit's foot that is our "credit card" to get what we want and how we want? By no means ~ faith is not me-centered it is Christ-centered. It is Christ-centered because He is the Faithful One, worthy of our worship, trust and belief. It is believing that His purpose, His plan, His method is the perfect purpose, plan and method for me specifically. That His way in my life is perfect-EVEN WHEN I CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT. He does. Faith is knowing I can trust Him even when I don't get what I want or how I want it. Faith is about Him not about me.
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
Today is the last day of Victory Week #2. Join us at 9:30 am with Dr. David Epstein or 6:30 pm with Dr. Roger Willmore, either here or on-line at www.americaskeswick.org.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Roots & Weeds
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV) Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled...
I was visiting a friend recently and admiring the garden and landscape work she and her husband have done in front of their home. She pointed out to me a tree that has yet to be removed, and what a bother the roots from it have been as they've tried to put in new plants. It reminded me of a bush I dug out of my yard back in the early summer. It was constantly sending out shoots that I was pulling up to keep it from spreading through the whole yard. It wasn't a particularly pretty bush, or anything special, so I finally cut it down and dug it up and threw it away.
But the funny thing is, everytime I go out and wander in the yard, I still find shoots from that bush that need to be pulled out. There are roots under the ground that keep trying to start a new bush.
As I was telling my friend about this, it reminded me of the verse about not letting any root of bitterness take hold in our lives. It is so easy to let those little thoughts of hurt and resentment to take root, and before long, you've got little shoots of bitterness springing up all over the place. And if we don't keep up with the weed pulling, before long there's a full grown plant that has taken over - springing up to cause trouble.
Pursuing peace with all people is not an easy task. People will disappoint us. Let's face it, we all fall short of the grace of God, and need a daily, fresh supply to keep our hearts soft, and make those roots easy to pull out. I'm going to use my gardening time as an opportunity for the Lord to keep my heart free of the weeds and roots of bitterness. How about you? Need to do some gardening?
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
I was visiting a friend recently and admiring the garden and landscape work she and her husband have done in front of their home. She pointed out to me a tree that has yet to be removed, and what a bother the roots from it have been as they've tried to put in new plants. It reminded me of a bush I dug out of my yard back in the early summer. It was constantly sending out shoots that I was pulling up to keep it from spreading through the whole yard. It wasn't a particularly pretty bush, or anything special, so I finally cut it down and dug it up and threw it away.
But the funny thing is, everytime I go out and wander in the yard, I still find shoots from that bush that need to be pulled out. There are roots under the ground that keep trying to start a new bush.
As I was telling my friend about this, it reminded me of the verse about not letting any root of bitterness take hold in our lives. It is so easy to let those little thoughts of hurt and resentment to take root, and before long, you've got little shoots of bitterness springing up all over the place. And if we don't keep up with the weed pulling, before long there's a full grown plant that has taken over - springing up to cause trouble.
Pursuing peace with all people is not an easy task. People will disappoint us. Let's face it, we all fall short of the grace of God, and need a daily, fresh supply to keep our hearts soft, and make those roots easy to pull out. I'm going to use my gardening time as an opportunity for the Lord to keep my heart free of the weeds and roots of bitterness. How about you? Need to do some gardening?
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 103
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
In An Instant...
Psalm 103:14-16 "...for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more." 1 Corinthians 15:53 "For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality."
There comes a time in each person's life when you finally realize your mortality. A point that you come to...oh, somewhere around the age of fifty...that you realize there is probably more years behind you than you have ahead of you. For the one who knows Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life, they know this is not the end, only the beginning.
In an instant our eyes will no longer see this world but the next. In an instant we will no longer hear or see the loved ones we leave behind but see the face of Jesus. In an instant we will leave behind our earthly bodies and receive our eternal body. In an instant we become a memory.
Even so as we live our day to day lives we tend to forget where we came from and that each one of us has a date and time when we will finally see Jesus face to face. God never forgets that we are dust. In the midst of that I realize that God so loved this piece of dust....me...that He sent his precious Son to die for me so that I might live not as dust in eternity, but as an heir of the Father! This just boggles my mind! Talk about your upgrades! I do have His promise of eternal life. Psalm 49:15 "But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself." John 11:25 "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."
These are great words of assurance...and there are so many more in His Word. Because of His Word I know where I'm going someday. What is so very sad is that not everybody has that assurance. Some believe everybody goes to heaven. Some believe that when you die you are no more...there is no heaven or hell. What about you? What do you believe?
I know most of you reading this devotional know Jesus as Lord and Savior, but I'm speaking to the one that has never made a profession of faith. You can be assured of where you will be when you take your last breath here on the earth and your first breath in heaven. Jesus said in John 11:26: "Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior you can remedy that today...right now...if you don't know what to pray, call your pastor, your believer friend, call us at America's Keswick and someone would love to share the gospel with you and His promises will be yours. It will all happen in an instant.
DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 103 - 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
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.
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
There comes a time in each person's life when you finally realize your mortality. A point that you come to...oh, somewhere around the age of fifty...that you realize there is probably more years behind you than you have ahead of you. For the one who knows Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life, they know this is not the end, only the beginning.
In an instant our eyes will no longer see this world but the next. In an instant we will no longer hear or see the loved ones we leave behind but see the face of Jesus. In an instant we will leave behind our earthly bodies and receive our eternal body. In an instant we become a memory.
Even so as we live our day to day lives we tend to forget where we came from and that each one of us has a date and time when we will finally see Jesus face to face. God never forgets that we are dust. In the midst of that I realize that God so loved this piece of dust....me...that He sent his precious Son to die for me so that I might live not as dust in eternity, but as an heir of the Father! This just boggles my mind! Talk about your upgrades! I do have His promise of eternal life. Psalm 49:15 "But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself." John 11:25 "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."
These are great words of assurance...and there are so many more in His Word. Because of His Word I know where I'm going someday. What is so very sad is that not everybody has that assurance. Some believe everybody goes to heaven. Some believe that when you die you are no more...there is no heaven or hell. What about you? What do you believe?
I know most of you reading this devotional know Jesus as Lord and Savior, but I'm speaking to the one that has never made a profession of faith. You can be assured of where you will be when you take your last breath here on the earth and your first breath in heaven. Jesus said in John 11:26: "Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior you can remedy that today...right now...if you don't know what to pray, call your pastor, your believer friend, call us at America's Keswick and someone would love to share the gospel with you and His promises will be yours. It will all happen in an instant.
DIGGING DEEPER: Psalm 103 - 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
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.
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Digging Deeper
Psalm 103: 11-14
This week, we continue in Psalm 103, by the time we are done we will have considered/memorized the entire Psalm.
My husband was commenting the other night as I shared my verse with him how UN-poetic I am. He is very poetic. He loves poetry and on occasion writes beautiful poetry. I, on the other hand, have always struggled with poetry. Not to make fun, but in my mind there are simpler, clearer ways to say things. I don't believe it is sin on my part, but rather more the way I'm wired. All that to say, memorizing Psalms, which are poetic in nature, has really stretched me. Poor Allen, Bill and Jim as they listen to me share my verses. I may have the words right but I know it does not sound like piety coming out of my mouth. Are you like me? Press on. Don't give up. There is ALWAYS value to memorizing the WORD of GOD. Press on sister. Ask the Lord to help you "get it." I have to.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Commentary:
"Where is poetry found in the OT? ...songs and prayers of praise and lament most naturally cluster in the book of Psalms, although they can be found elsewhere in the OT as well." 1
Psalm 103:11-14 "These are three comparisons for the kindness of God toward his people, to show its abundance...decisiveness...and enduring quality... God is father to his people as a whole ...and to the particular faithful members. .." "He knows our frame. As the ESV footnote explains, this could also be 'he knows how we are formed,' which, together with we are dust looks back to Gen. 2:7. The Lord remembers the finiteness of the human perspective ("dust" is not eternal or omniscient), and he is patient with his people." 2
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.
1 ESV Study Bible "Poetic and Wisdom Literature" pg. 866
2 ESV Study Bible Study notes - pg. 1068
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
This week, we continue in Psalm 103, by the time we are done we will have considered/memorized the entire Psalm.
My husband was commenting the other night as I shared my verse with him how UN-poetic I am. He is very poetic. He loves poetry and on occasion writes beautiful poetry. I, on the other hand, have always struggled with poetry. Not to make fun, but in my mind there are simpler, clearer ways to say things. I don't believe it is sin on my part, but rather more the way I'm wired. All that to say, memorizing Psalms, which are poetic in nature, has really stretched me. Poor Allen, Bill and Jim as they listen to me share my verses. I may have the words right but I know it does not sound like piety coming out of my mouth. Are you like me? Press on. Don't give up. There is ALWAYS value to memorizing the WORD of GOD. Press on sister. Ask the Lord to help you "get it." I have to.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
Commentary:
"Where is poetry found in the OT? ...songs and prayers of praise and lament most naturally cluster in the book of Psalms, although they can be found elsewhere in the OT as well." 1
Psalm 103:11-14 "These are three comparisons for the kindness of God toward his people, to show its abundance...decisiveness...and enduring quality... God is father to his people as a whole ...and to the particular faithful members. .." "He knows our frame. As the ESV footnote explains, this could also be 'he knows how we are formed,' which, together with we are dust looks back to Gen. 2:7. The Lord remembers the finiteness of the human perspective ("dust" is not eternal or omniscient), and he is patient with his people." 2
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.
1 ESV Study Bible "Poetic and Wisdom Literature" pg. 866
2 ESV Study Bible Study notes - pg. 1068
Join us for VICTORY WEEK #2. Drs. David Epstein and Roger Willmore will be sharing the WORD at America's KESWICK. If you can't drive in for a meeting, you can watch the morning and evening services right from our website: www.americaskeswick.org beginning at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm.
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