Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11
Most of us at some point in our lives will experience some form of depression. It may be mild, moderate or severe but we will experience it. In Psalm 42, it appears that David is struggling with depression. You might want to get out your Bible and read the whole chapter at this point.
I'd like to point out six ways David chooses to deal with his fight with depression.
1. Ask God why? David asked God in verse 9: I will say unto God my rock, why hast thou forgotten me? Why do I mourn because of the oppression of the enemy? The very fact that David went to God with this question tells us that he knew where his help would come from. He took his case directly to God and so should you. Go ahead have a talk with God and leave your entire repertoire of why questions at His feet.
2. Remember God's steadfast love. In verse 8 he exclaims, Yet the LORD will command his loving-kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Although he was going through a terribly discouraging circumstance he held fast to the truth that God is sovereign and His love is steadfast. Sometimes just rehearsing the names of God keeps who He is alive in our lives.
3. Sing to yourself. In verse 8 David says in the night his song shall be with me. This psalm is a song. Oh the power of a song! Oh, the release that takes place as we pour out our souls through the melody of a song. Try singing the words to "It is Well with my Soul." Maybe you have another favorite; whatever it is there are some mighty powerful songs out there reminding us of God's constant presence in our lives.
4. Have a good talk with yourself. That's right - I said have a good strong conversation with none other than yourself and make sure you listen to yourself. That is exactly what David did in verse 5 when he says, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Take control of yourself by talking to yourself based on God's Word instead of listening to the garbage you are currently listening to yourself say.
5. Recall past worship experiences. In verse 4 David says When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. During hard times, it is important to reflect on God's past provisions and times of great worship, which will enable us to believe that He can and will keep His promises to us during our current struggles.
6. Recognize your need for God. In verses one and two David cries, As deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? David realized that his greatest need in the midst of this depression was for God's presence. Are you keeping yourself in God's presence? Are you searching out ways to be connected to Him? As water fills the thirsty soul, so God can fill our hurting soul.
David, a man after God's own heart, struggled. Don't beat yourself up for having "down days," follow David's example then watch God work at putting a new song in your mouth!
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 193
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Laughter is The Best Medicine
Proverbs 15:13 A happy heart makes the heart cheerful, but heart ache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
There are many things that are contagious. If you hang around with someone who has a cold or flu, chances are you will come down with those symptoms. It's not that we want to share our "germs" with those around us but it happens. While there are illnesses that may be contagious, I have found that moods can be contagious as well. I had a family member who was very rarely in a "good" mood. She complained about everything and everyone. She rarely found joy in anything or anyone. After a visit with her you found yourself moody and grouchy. It was contagious too, just like "germs" due to an illness. I guess in a way this too was illness...that of a hard and ungrateful heart. Most often these are the people we have a difficult time hanging around with. Like the verses say, this tends to crush the spirit and dry up the bones. I love the two verses above from Proverbs. And I find these verses to be so true! I'm not suggesting that we should all go around laughing all the time and never be serious, but smiles and laughter go a long way. As believers in Christ, we have so much to be cheerful and smiling about. I have the privilege of working with one of the most joyful people I have ever known. This man always has a smile to greet you with. He loves to tell silly jokes that make you laugh. Maybe it's not the joke itself that is so funny but you just can't help laughing because it is shared with so much joy and sunshine. His life isn't a bed of roses, he is in pain most of the time as his hands are bent from arthritis. Yet, he can't hold his joy inside and it spills onto everyone he meets. I call him Happy Feet. His joy comes from the Lord. It naturally flows from the joy of his salvation.
Psalm 71:23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed.
He simply can't contain himself! And you know... that joy is contagious as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful for us all to be contagious with the joy of the Lord? That others would want to be in our company because of the joy that naturally flows from our hearts? I pray that each of us would catch this "bug" and pass it along to all we meet. Psalm 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mary Ann
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
Monday and Tuesday's Victory Calls were not sent out, however, they are available on the website. Go to www.americaskeswick.org and click on "blogs" in the upper right of the screeen.
There are many things that are contagious. If you hang around with someone who has a cold or flu, chances are you will come down with those symptoms. It's not that we want to share our "germs" with those around us but it happens. While there are illnesses that may be contagious, I have found that moods can be contagious as well. I had a family member who was very rarely in a "good" mood. She complained about everything and everyone. She rarely found joy in anything or anyone. After a visit with her you found yourself moody and grouchy. It was contagious too, just like "germs" due to an illness. I guess in a way this too was illness...that of a hard and ungrateful heart. Most often these are the people we have a difficult time hanging around with. Like the verses say, this tends to crush the spirit and dry up the bones. I love the two verses above from Proverbs. And I find these verses to be so true! I'm not suggesting that we should all go around laughing all the time and never be serious, but smiles and laughter go a long way. As believers in Christ, we have so much to be cheerful and smiling about. I have the privilege of working with one of the most joyful people I have ever known. This man always has a smile to greet you with. He loves to tell silly jokes that make you laugh. Maybe it's not the joke itself that is so funny but you just can't help laughing because it is shared with so much joy and sunshine. His life isn't a bed of roses, he is in pain most of the time as his hands are bent from arthritis. Yet, he can't hold his joy inside and it spills onto everyone he meets. I call him Happy Feet. His joy comes from the Lord. It naturally flows from the joy of his salvation.
Psalm 71:23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed.
He simply can't contain himself! And you know... that joy is contagious as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful for us all to be contagious with the joy of the Lord? That others would want to be in our company because of the joy that naturally flows from our hearts? I pray that each of us would catch this "bug" and pass it along to all we meet. Psalm 126:3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mary Ann
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 36 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
Monday and Tuesday's Victory Calls were not sent out, however, they are available on the website. Go to www.americaskeswick.org and click on "blogs" in the upper right of the screeen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Too Blessed to be Stressed?
Wish I had a nickel, no - a five dollar bill, for how many times I've heard that said. Maybe then I wouldn't be so stressed? If I had more money, or God forbid everything I ever wanted. I praise the Lord He hasn't given me everything I've ever wanted. A train wreck comes to mind.
I also praise Him that He has given me everything I've ever needed and then some! Yes, I can say I am blessed. I also can say at times, I am stressed. Answers.com records this as one definition of stress: "A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression." Ok, I'll buy that. But what about the adverse internal influences? I must admit, as is often the case, the source of my stress is...wait for it...ME. Just when I think I'm content- BAMM! Something grabs my attention and I'm back on the wrestling matt with a formidable opponent - Discontented Spirit. It's my eyes, that's it. If I could just keep them focused then I wouldn't end up here again. Maybe I should get blinders like they put on horses. They'd have to be nice of course, no faux leather, I want the real thing.
The truth is I want a lot of things. Uhh, Lord...if I could only be content. Only content? No...He wants more than that. Let's see just what it is He wants: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6 1-11 (NKJV)
I wouldn't say I'm too blessed to be stressed. Too blessed? I don't think anyone can be too blessed. "No thanks Lord...I'm sufficiently blessed today." I don't think so. No stress? That would mean I'm in control of all that happens, be it an internal or external source of stress. What I will say is that when I'm stressed I can remember that I am also blessed.
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 139
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
I also praise Him that He has given me everything I've ever needed and then some! Yes, I can say I am blessed. I also can say at times, I am stressed. Answers.com records this as one definition of stress: "A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression." Ok, I'll buy that. But what about the adverse internal influences? I must admit, as is often the case, the source of my stress is...wait for it...ME. Just when I think I'm content- BAMM! Something grabs my attention and I'm back on the wrestling matt with a formidable opponent - Discontented Spirit. It's my eyes, that's it. If I could just keep them focused then I wouldn't end up here again. Maybe I should get blinders like they put on horses. They'd have to be nice of course, no faux leather, I want the real thing.
The truth is I want a lot of things. Uhh, Lord...if I could only be content. Only content? No...He wants more than that. Let's see just what it is He wants: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6 1-11 (NKJV)
I wouldn't say I'm too blessed to be stressed. Too blessed? I don't think anyone can be too blessed. "No thanks Lord...I'm sufficiently blessed today." I don't think so. No stress? That would mean I'm in control of all that happens, be it an internal or external source of stress. What I will say is that when I'm stressed I can remember that I am also blessed.
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 139
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
Digging Deeper Psalm 139:17-22 - Monday, September 27
We continue our mediation this week in Psalm 139.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Commentary: "This psalm is concerned with God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', not in an abstract, but in a highly personal way. God is all-knowing: he knows me through and through, even my thoughts. He has known me from before the day I was born...God is present everywhere: wherever I go, he is there. He is always with me... I will align myself with him in the fight against evil. Let him search out and deal with all that is wrong in me." Eerdmans Concise Bible Handbook pg.180-181
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
20 They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
22 I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Commentary: "This psalm is concerned with God's all-knowingness and 'everywhere-presentness', not in an abstract, but in a highly personal way. God is all-knowing: he knows me through and through, even my thoughts. He has known me from before the day I was born...God is present everywhere: wherever I go, he is there. He is always with me... I will align myself with him in the fight against evil. Let him search out and deal with all that is wrong in me." Eerdmans Concise Bible Handbook pg.180-181
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, September 24, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:13-16
Points to Ponder
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Points to ponder: I know many women struggle with insecurity about their looks or abilities. When you consider that God has formed you as you are intentionally, and with great delight, it seems we can rest in knowing that we are created as we are because it is thus that brings God the greatest glory. He formed you, He knows you and He loves you. He has numbered your days. Praise Him every one of them.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Points to ponder: I know many women struggle with insecurity about their looks or abilities. When you consider that God has formed you as you are intentionally, and with great delight, it seems we can rest in knowing that we are created as we are because it is thus that brings God the greatest glory. He formed you, He knows you and He loves you. He has numbered your days. Praise Him every one of them.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Making Choices
During the last couple of months since my husband graduated from the Colony, I have seen on a number of occasions how easily, but for God's grace and strength, I can default back to my old way of doing things. You know the drill -worry, anxiety, fear, control -all those things that don't work and make us, and our husbands, crazy!
A couple months ago at our Friday night women's meeting during FFC weekend we talked about how our brain has certain "well-worn paths" that it likes to take. (I know mine does. How about you?) And, like getting out of a deep rut on an old west wagon train trail, to go a different way takes a lot of effort at first. But, if you keep persisting in that new path, eventually that will become the well-worn one, and the one you more automatically "default" to. I have found myself in the position of making choices - old path or new path? My way or God's way? Way of confusion and unrest, or way of peace? Seems like a no-brainer doesn't it? It IS a no-brainer, yet sometimes I still find myself on that old path of worry.
The Lord keeps bringing to mind a passage that DeEtta had me memorize. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The NKJV says, I will even make a road in the wilderness. I have been looking at those verses in terms of my husband - to forget the things that happened before because he is a new creation in Christ! Old things are past, all things have become new! (2 Cor. 5:17) Praise the Lord!
But, even just this morning, the Lord is showing me those verses in light of me. I don't need to do things the way I did them before. He has done a new thing, not just in my husband's life, but in my life as well! And He is making that new way, that new road, in my mind - that new "wagon trail." He is doing the same for you! Sisters, let's keep our eyes fixed on the roadmap of God's Word. He shows us the new path, the better path. Let's make sure we choose it.
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
From Fear to Faith ~ Part Two
Yesterday's Victory Call ended with me being afraid, much afraid to get into the lake with my friends. All I could think was, "If I let go of the ladder to hold one of their hands that meant that I wouldn't be safe; I wouldn't be secure. I could sink, drown or die." That is what I thought. So I made a decision and made up my mind. I got out of the water and I was on my way back to my room, but God sent me a reminder. One of the girls that I came to the lake with me took hold of me, looked me in the eye and said "Antionetta, yes you can! You can do this! God has not given you the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. When we open our hands and let go of the very things that we think we have to hold on to, the things that we think will keep us safe and secure, then there is room for God to hold our hand, room for blessings and love. The Word of God helped me decide to go back in to the water. I put on a float, went slowly down the ladder and into the water. Step by step, I took my time moving away from my comfort zone. As I floated and pushed myself out towards the other girls, I felt a sense of freedom! I thought, "My God is bigger than the sea and yet close enough to carry me."
The very thing that I was afraid of gave me peace. When we try to control our own circumstances, we go against the will of God. I've learned, when we let go, God has our back. How about you? Are there areas in your life that you might be trying to control? Are there any circumstances in your life where you are afraid to trust God, because you don't feel secure? How many times have you said, "Because I am not comfortable, I'm not going to do this or that?" How will you trust God to have your back?
Antionetta Allen
America's Keswick Summer Staff
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
The very thing that I was afraid of gave me peace. When we try to control our own circumstances, we go against the will of God. I've learned, when we let go, God has our back. How about you? Are there areas in your life that you might be trying to control? Are there any circumstances in your life where you are afraid to trust God, because you don't feel secure? How many times have you said, "Because I am not comfortable, I'm not going to do this or that?" How will you trust God to have your back?
Antionetta Allen
America's Keswick Summer Staff
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
From Fear to Faith ~ Part One
Growing up in Staten Island, swimming wasn't one of the activities that was a part of my life. There was a neighborhood pool, but I never thought much about swimming, because I was busy doing so many other fun things. Then I came to America's Keswick, and guess what, there is a lake and a pool! Have you ever been too afraid to do something because you didn't feel secure? Well, I confess, I have. Let me share a moment where God took me from fear to faith.
One day, the girls and I were coming from the prayer tower, which is on the grounds near the upper lake. As we were walking along the Keswick beach I couldn't help but notice how peaceful and cool the water looked. My thoughts were interrupted as some of the girls suggested that we should go swimming off the deep dock. I said, "Okay, you girls go ahead and I'm going to go back to my room, because I can't swim." They said, "Ah, come on, you can use a life jacket. It will hold you up." So, very reluctantly, I agreed. At the dock they secured me in a floatation device. Then ever so carefully, I began to descend the ladder, holding on to it as tightly as I possibly could - hands as well as feet. I knew the ladder was secure, so that meant I was safe. I knew that as long as I held on tightly to the cold poles, I wasn't going to sink. I wasn't going to drown or die because I was holding on, I felt secure. Anyway, as the dock became a little bit more hectic with the other girls, I was in the way of traffic. They urged me to let go and hold onto their hands, but none of us could touch the bottom. All I could think was, "If I let go of the ladder to hold one of their hands that meant that I wouldn't be safe; I wouldn't be secure. I could sink, drown or die." That is what I thought....
Tomorrow, I'll share the conclusion of how God led me from fear to faith. Until then, ask yourself, are there any circumstances in your life where you are afraid to trust God, because you don't feel secure? Talk to Him and allow the truth of His indwelling Word to minister grace and truth to your hearts.
Antionetta Allen
America's Keswick Summer Staff
DIGGING DEEPER - Psalm 139
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
One day, the girls and I were coming from the prayer tower, which is on the grounds near the upper lake. As we were walking along the Keswick beach I couldn't help but notice how peaceful and cool the water looked. My thoughts were interrupted as some of the girls suggested that we should go swimming off the deep dock. I said, "Okay, you girls go ahead and I'm going to go back to my room, because I can't swim." They said, "Ah, come on, you can use a life jacket. It will hold you up." So, very reluctantly, I agreed. At the dock they secured me in a floatation device. Then ever so carefully, I began to descend the ladder, holding on to it as tightly as I possibly could - hands as well as feet. I knew the ladder was secure, so that meant I was safe. I knew that as long as I held on tightly to the cold poles, I wasn't going to sink. I wasn't going to drown or die because I was holding on, I felt secure. Anyway, as the dock became a little bit more hectic with the other girls, I was in the way of traffic. They urged me to let go and hold onto their hands, but none of us could touch the bottom. All I could think was, "If I let go of the ladder to hold one of their hands that meant that I wouldn't be safe; I wouldn't be secure. I could sink, drown or die." That is what I thought....
Tomorrow, I'll share the conclusion of how God led me from fear to faith. Until then, ask yourself, are there any circumstances in your life where you are afraid to trust God, because you don't feel secure? Talk to Him and allow the truth of His indwelling Word to minister grace and truth to your hearts.
Antionetta Allen
America's Keswick Summer Staff
DIGGING DEEPER - Psalm 139
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:13-16
I remember clearly when I was pregnant with my son, Jake. I was having an ultrasound and the doctor said, "Mrs. Hunt, you are 17 1/2 weeks pregnant." My first reaction was to be amazed at the evidence of God. They did not tell me I was 17 weeks or 18 weeks but 17 1/2. That is how precise God's design is. Our daughter is expecting her 3 child right now and we pray often this prayer for our newest grandson as God knits him together in secret.
This week's meditation is a continuation of Psalm 139 Vs. 13-16
13For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
COMMENTARY: "God was active as the unformed substance (embryo) grew and developed; indeed he is the one who formed my inward parts and knitted me together. God saw him and even had written in his book, every one of ...the days that were formed for me. The worshiper realizes that even before his mother knew she was pregnant, the Lord was already showing his care for him. His personal life began in the womb..., and God had already laid out its course." [ESV Study Bible notes: pg. 1116]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
This week's meditation is a continuation of Psalm 139 Vs. 13-16
13For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
COMMENTARY: "God was active as the unformed substance (embryo) grew and developed; indeed he is the one who formed my inward parts and knitted me together. God saw him and even had written in his book, every one of ...the days that were formed for me. The worshiper realizes that even before his mother knew she was pregnant, the Lord was already showing his care for him. His personal life began in the womb..., and God had already laid out its course." [ESV Study Bible notes: pg. 1116]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, September 17, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:7-12
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Points to ponder: Ever feel all alone? Like no one understands or cares? Like you could fall off the boat and no one would yell, "woman overboard?" My sister, God never, never, ever takes His eyes off you. And better than that, you are never, ever, ever out of His presence. There is no place you can go that would remove you from His presence. In the darkest dark, He sees you. In the fiercest storm, He sees you. In the deepest pit, He sees you. In the latest hour, He sees you. On the coldest night, He sees you. In the busiest room, He sees you. In the middle of the night, He sees you. You notice that the verse says "even there your hand shall lead me." He doesn't just see you, He's with you, close enough to hold your hand. He is your Environment. Praise be to the Lord.
Love ya,
Diane
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.
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Points to ponder: Ever feel all alone? Like no one understands or cares? Like you could fall off the boat and no one would yell, "woman overboard?" My sister, God never, never, ever takes His eyes off you. And better than that, you are never, ever, ever out of His presence. There is no place you can go that would remove you from His presence. In the darkest dark, He sees you. In the fiercest storm, He sees you. In the deepest pit, He sees you. In the latest hour, He sees you. On the coldest night, He sees you. In the busiest room, He sees you. In the middle of the night, He sees you. You notice that the verse says "even there your hand shall lead me." He doesn't just see you, He's with you, close enough to hold your hand. He is your Environment. Praise be to the Lord.
Love ya,
Diane
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, September 16, 2010
Our Everlasting Light
Isaiah 60:19c ...but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.
As Christ-followers we are different. Yes, we seek purity. Yes, we seek truth. Yes, we choose to obey. Yes, we die to self. Yes, we read our Bibles and pray. Yes, we love. But none of those things are the real difference in us. They are all a result or evidence of the real difference in us.
We are different not because of what we do! Hear me, my friend. We do differently because of HE Who dwells within our very soul. He whose Spirit dwells within.
We are different because He Who is light (John 8:12- I am the Light of the world) resides within us. He is our glory. He makes us different.
As we nurture our relationship with Him - He is our delight. That love relationship is evident to those around us because His light, His glory cannot be hidden - it is bursting out all over our face. He is our everlasting light, He is our glory.
Diane 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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
As Christ-followers we are different. Yes, we seek purity. Yes, we seek truth. Yes, we choose to obey. Yes, we die to self. Yes, we read our Bibles and pray. Yes, we love. But none of those things are the real difference in us. They are all a result or evidence of the real difference in us.
We are different not because of what we do! Hear me, my friend. We do differently because of HE Who dwells within our very soul. He whose Spirit dwells within.
We are different because He Who is light (John 8:12- I am the Light of the world) resides within us. He is our glory. He makes us different.
As we nurture our relationship with Him - He is our delight. That love relationship is evident to those around us because His light, His glory cannot be hidden - it is bursting out all over our face. He is our everlasting light, He is our glory.
Diane 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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Christian Victory Code
My husband and I had opportunity to visit the Air Force Academy during our recent trip in Colorado. The Academy is situated on the mountainside overlooking the trees and city below. The chapel itself is magnificent - beyond adequate description. Several new recruits were running through drills and we were impressed to watch for a short while. One thing we learned while at the Academy was their honor code - "I will not lie, cheat or steal nor will tolerate those who do." This is very much a part of their training for the four years they are at the Academy.
It got me thinking, IF we as Christians had an honor code what might it be? Perhaps we could call it a Victory Code. It would need to be something simple and foundational to our beliefs, a statement that would direct our attitudes and actions. After some thought, this is what came to me: I will love Jesus. I will love others. I will die to self.
Think about it a moment. If we considered these three statements every time we made a decision, every time we interacted with another person, or even as we plan out our days - If we live out the truth of these three simple statements through the power and presence of His indwelling Spirit - I believe we will daily walk in gracious obedience and Christ-like love.
Diane
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
It got me thinking, IF we as Christians had an honor code what might it be? Perhaps we could call it a Victory Code. It would need to be something simple and foundational to our beliefs, a statement that would direct our attitudes and actions. After some thought, this is what came to me: I will love Jesus. I will love others. I will die to self.
Think about it a moment. If we considered these three statements every time we made a decision, every time we interacted with another person, or even as we plan out our days - If we live out the truth of these three simple statements through the power and presence of His indwelling Spirit - I believe we will daily walk in gracious obedience and Christ-like love.
Diane
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Are You Being Fed?
The lips of the righteous feed many... Prov. 10:21
What kind of "food" have you been eating lately?
I have been richly "fed" by words that I've been hearing lately.
There was a time in my life when I was longing for friends. A good friend of mine left for the mission field and I felt alone. Time of adjustment. She came home on furlow and I remember her asking me who I was hanging with now. And I didn't have an answer.
But OVER TIME God has seen fit to open my world to numerous friends that have
truely been blessings to me. I must say that technology has helped with this! However, there
is nothing like being able to SIT in the presence of a sister in Christ and be "fed" by her
words.
I recently sent this verse to a friend and told her that I have been "fed" by her lips and she
in turn told me that I don't serve up a bad meal myself! LOL!
Lately, I've found myself in conversations about Scripture and what God has been teaching
me and others. My soul has been "fed"!
How is your soul? Are you being "fed" by the company you keep? Are you longing for
fellowship? Sometimes God wants just you, so He allows you to be alone, to get your attention.
And there are times when He wants you to be "fed" by others and you in turn feed them..
There is nothing like speaking the wonders of God with other sisters in the LORD! It's a
little "taste" of heaven!! May your words today "feed" many.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
What kind of "food" have you been eating lately?
I have been richly "fed" by words that I've been hearing lately.
There was a time in my life when I was longing for friends. A good friend of mine left for the mission field and I felt alone. Time of adjustment. She came home on furlow and I remember her asking me who I was hanging with now. And I didn't have an answer.
But OVER TIME God has seen fit to open my world to numerous friends that have
truely been blessings to me. I must say that technology has helped with this! However, there
is nothing like being able to SIT in the presence of a sister in Christ and be "fed" by her
words.
I recently sent this verse to a friend and told her that I have been "fed" by her lips and she
in turn told me that I don't serve up a bad meal myself! LOL!
Lately, I've found myself in conversations about Scripture and what God has been teaching
me and others. My soul has been "fed"!
How is your soul? Are you being "fed" by the company you keep? Are you longing for
fellowship? Sometimes God wants just you, so He allows you to be alone, to get your attention.
And there are times when He wants you to be "fed" by others and you in turn feed them..
There is nothing like speaking the wonders of God with other sisters in the LORD! It's a
little "taste" of heaven!! May your words today "feed" many.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
Monday, September 13, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:7-12
If ever you considered meditating on Scripture or memorizing the Word, this would be in the top 10 Scriptures I would recommend you memorize, Psalm 139. We are in week 2of a 5 week series on this Psalm. It is packed full of truths that are so often misunderstood or unknown. I believe several of the basic counseling issues I have dealt with over the years are addressed in this Psalm. Venture forth...
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Commentary:
"The next section makes it clear that there is no way the singer can escape such knowledge; there is nowhere in the universe that God will not be present to lead and hold the believer (vv.7-10), and nowhere too dark for God to see him (vv.11-12). Some have supposed that the impulse to flee (v.7) comes from a guilty conscience, or from a desire for independence, but this is unlikely; these verses take delight in the fact that God will "lead" him, an entirely positive benefit...and "hold" him...There is no play where he is beyond God's care..." [ESV Study Bible-Study notes pg. 1116]
Love ya,
Diane
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.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Commentary:
"The next section makes it clear that there is no way the singer can escape such knowledge; there is nowhere in the universe that God will not be present to lead and hold the believer (vv.7-10), and nowhere too dark for God to see him (vv.11-12). Some have supposed that the impulse to flee (v.7) comes from a guilty conscience, or from a desire for independence, but this is unlikely; these verses take delight in the fact that God will "lead" him, an entirely positive benefit...and "hold" him...There is no play where he is beyond God's care..." [ESV Study Bible-Study notes pg. 1116]
Love ya,
Diane
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, September 10, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:1-6
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Points to Ponder:
Just considering the truths in these few verses gives us pause. God knows you. He KNOWS you. Every detail, every thought, every struggle, every concern, every delight, every smile, every tear. He surrounds you. The God of the universe KNOWS you. Meditate on that simple yet profound thought today.
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.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Points to Ponder:
Just considering the truths in these few verses gives us pause. God knows you. He KNOWS you. Every detail, every thought, every struggle, every concern, every delight, every smile, every tear. He surrounds you. The God of the universe KNOWS you. Meditate on that simple yet profound thought today.
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, September 09, 2010
Abide and Be Fruitful
While reading John 15:1-17 recently, the word "abide(s)" caught my attention. Of course I have read or heard this scripture many times over the years, but then I began to dig a little deeper. Jesus is speaking and teaching His followers by using the example of the vine and the branch, saying, in verse 1, that He is the true vine and His Father is the vinedresser; those who are not bearing fruit will be taken away, but those branches that are bearing fruit will be pruned that they may produce more fruit. And just how will there be "more fruit"?? By staying connected to the vine; Charles Stanley once said by just "hanging on the Vine"; abiding. Exactly how many times does the Lord use the word "abide" in this scripture? I counted 11 as I was reading the English Standard Version translation; the NIV uses the word "remain"; KJV and NKJV say "abide".
And what does the word, "abide" really mean?? What is Jesus instructing us to do? I went to the online dictionary and looked up: abide:
1. tolerate, suffer, accept, bear, endure, put up with, take, stand, stomach;
2. last, continue, remain, survive, carry on, endure, persist, keep on
Preferring to accept the second meaning, I had to take notice that some of those listed as the first might also be applied as possibilities for the one who is "abiding" in Christ. I also thought of the word "dwell" as a meaning for abide and did see it in one of the other definitions.Thinking about dwelling and remaining in Christ and His words in us, reminded me of a story I heard once to describe the word, "abide." Just as a tea bag just sits in the water (and most of the time it's hot water) that flows through it to make the tea, we are to "abide" in Christ in all situations and as He flows through us, and lives His life through us, fruit will be produced. The tea bag doesn't and can't make the tea without "abiding" in the water, just resting there all the while. The tea bag doesn't jump around or busying itself with making the tea, but remains, enduring the heat of the water until it turns into delightful, refreshing tea in the end. Remember Christ said, "...apart from me you can do nothing" (v.5).
These verses contain a few commands concerning "abiding"and "loving": "Abide in me" v.4, "Abide in my love" v.9, "...love one another" v. 12, "...bear fruit...that should abide...ask the Father in my name" (abide and pray), v. 16. Remembering that these commands are not a choice, let's go back and look at some of the results of "abiding":
>Fruit bearing - "...As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (v. 4).
>Much fruit - "...Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit..." (v.5).
>Answers to prayer - "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (v.7); "...abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (v. 16).
>The Father is glorified - "By this my Father is glorified, ...bear much fruit...prove to be my disciples" (v.8).
>Obedience/Love - "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love..." (v.10); "These things I command you, so that you will love one another" (v. 17).
>Joy - "...that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (v.11).
>Called friends - "You are my friends if you do what I command you....I have called you friends..." (v. 14, 15).
>Chosen to bear fruit - "...I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide..." (discipling others) (v. 16).
As we depend on Christ, the Vine, living His life through us, the branches, He also gives us a promise of the fruit of His love and His joy in our lives, and His example to follow, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full"(vs. 10, 11).
Abide and be fruitful!
1 Collins Thesaurus of the English Language - Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 (c) HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
And what does the word, "abide" really mean?? What is Jesus instructing us to do? I went to the online dictionary and looked up: abide:
1. tolerate, suffer, accept, bear, endure, put up with, take, stand, stomach;
2. last, continue, remain, survive, carry on, endure, persist, keep on
Preferring to accept the second meaning, I had to take notice that some of those listed as the first might also be applied as possibilities for the one who is "abiding" in Christ. I also thought of the word "dwell" as a meaning for abide and did see it in one of the other definitions.Thinking about dwelling and remaining in Christ and His words in us, reminded me of a story I heard once to describe the word, "abide." Just as a tea bag just sits in the water (and most of the time it's hot water) that flows through it to make the tea, we are to "abide" in Christ in all situations and as He flows through us, and lives His life through us, fruit will be produced. The tea bag doesn't and can't make the tea without "abiding" in the water, just resting there all the while. The tea bag doesn't jump around or busying itself with making the tea, but remains, enduring the heat of the water until it turns into delightful, refreshing tea in the end. Remember Christ said, "...apart from me you can do nothing" (v.5).
These verses contain a few commands concerning "abiding"and "loving": "Abide in me" v.4, "Abide in my love" v.9, "...love one another" v. 12, "...bear fruit...that should abide...ask the Father in my name" (abide and pray), v. 16. Remembering that these commands are not a choice, let's go back and look at some of the results of "abiding":
>Fruit bearing - "...As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (v. 4).
>Much fruit - "...Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit..." (v.5).
>Answers to prayer - "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (v.7); "...abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." (v. 16).
>The Father is glorified - "By this my Father is glorified, ...bear much fruit...prove to be my disciples" (v.8).
>Obedience/Love - "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love..." (v.10); "These things I command you, so that you will love one another" (v. 17).
>Joy - "...that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (v.11).
>Called friends - "You are my friends if you do what I command you....I have called you friends..." (v. 14, 15).
>Chosen to bear fruit - "...I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide..." (discipling others) (v. 16).
As we depend on Christ, the Vine, living His life through us, the branches, He also gives us a promise of the fruit of His love and His joy in our lives, and His example to follow, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full"(vs. 10, 11).
Abide and be fruitful!
1 Collins Thesaurus of the English Language - Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 (c) HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
God-Fearing
Isaiah 29:13 ...and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men...
One night a few weeks ago, I attended TNT (Text and Testimony) - which is our Wednesday evening service for the Colony men and guests. It is a precious time when the men have opportunity to share a text of Scripture and a testimony of what God has been doing in their lives. This particular evening, one of the men stood up and said, "I want to be a God-fearing man" which raised the question in my own mind. "Am I a God-fearing woman?" Really? Do I fear God? Or is it more an effort on my part to comply because I know I should rather than a true, biblical heart perspective that results in a genuine - holy - inspired fear of God? Let me answer my own question - I confess I am guilty of the former - compliance. My fear of God is more a commandment of men rather than an overflow of a sincere heart. Though I desire and yearn for a righteous fear of God, I am not there yet. How about you? Are you a God-fearing woman?
Diane
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
One night a few weeks ago, I attended TNT (Text and Testimony) - which is our Wednesday evening service for the Colony men and guests. It is a precious time when the men have opportunity to share a text of Scripture and a testimony of what God has been doing in their lives. This particular evening, one of the men stood up and said, "I want to be a God-fearing man" which raised the question in my own mind. "Am I a God-fearing woman?" Really? Do I fear God? Or is it more an effort on my part to comply because I know I should rather than a true, biblical heart perspective that results in a genuine - holy - inspired fear of God? Let me answer my own question - I confess I am guilty of the former - compliance. My fear of God is more a commandment of men rather than an overflow of a sincere heart. Though I desire and yearn for a righteous fear of God, I am not there yet. How about you? Are you a God-fearing woman?
Diane
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 139
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
HOPE
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. ~Heb. 6:13-20
"It is impossible for God to lie. He will keep his word. So I have His hope - hope, that no matter what the circumstances, struggles or yet unanswered prayers HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD. I can run to Him, find refuge in Him, look to the hope set before me IN and THROUGH Christ, and in the Presence, behind the veil, I can rest."1
Sisters, are you having a day where your mind is troubled? Are you struggling to believe in the midst of circumstances which threaten to overwhelm? My encouragement to you is this: cling to hope!! You have an anchor for your soul which is both steadfast and sure and His name is JESUS!!
He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ~ Isaiah 53:3-5
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 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
1 Sharon Misiak
"It is impossible for God to lie. He will keep his word. So I have His hope - hope, that no matter what the circumstances, struggles or yet unanswered prayers HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD. I can run to Him, find refuge in Him, look to the hope set before me IN and THROUGH Christ, and in the Presence, behind the veil, I can rest."1
Sisters, are you having a day where your mind is troubled? Are you struggling to believe in the midst of circumstances which threaten to overwhelm? My encouragement to you is this: cling to hope!! You have an anchor for your soul which is both steadfast and sure and His name is JESUS!!
He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ~ Isaiah 53:3-5
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 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
1 Sharon Misiak
Monday, September 06, 2010
DIGGING DEEPER Psalm 139:1-6
This is the first week of 5 weeks where we will be considering and meditating on Psalm 139. Are you being blessed by meditating on Scripture? Have you been memorizing along with us? Let me encourage you to pick a verse or two that specifically speak to your heart and allow it to sink deeply into your spirit. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16) Let it touch you in the innermost part of your spirit. Breathe deeply.
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Commentary:"This intensely personal, Davidic psalm expresses the psalmist's awe that God knew him, even to the minutest detail. David might have remembered the Lord's words, 'the Lord looks a the heart' (1 Sam. 16:7). The exact occasion is unknown. I. God's Omniscience (139:1-6) II. God's Omnipresence (139:7-12) III. God's Ominpotence (139:13-18)IV. David's Obedience (139:19-24)" [The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur].
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.
1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Commentary:"This intensely personal, Davidic psalm expresses the psalmist's awe that God knew him, even to the minutest detail. David might have remembered the Lord's words, 'the Lord looks a the heart' (1 Sam. 16:7). The exact occasion is unknown. I. God's Omniscience (139:1-6) II. God's Omnipresence (139:7-12) III. God's Ominpotence (139:13-18)IV. David's Obedience (139:19-24)" [The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur].
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, September 02, 2010
A "Sacrifice of Thanksgiving"
The LORD made this phrase pop out at me as I was reading Psalm 116. "To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the LORD" (vs. 17). When you read that phrase, would you think that those two words would be put together in the same sentence?! Think about how different and opposed they are to one another!
Sacrifice: a. destruction or SURRENDER of something for the sake of something else. b. something GIVEN UP or lost.
Thanksgiving: 1. The act of giving thanks
Thanks: Kindly or GRATEFUL thoughts
Ok, so here we have it: surrender, giving up and grateful thoughts. HOW do they go TOGETHER?
When we are in a difficult situation in life, the LAST thing you want to do is...give thanks, and THAT is why I think God calls it a SACRIFICE of thanksgiving...
May our hearts ponder His truth.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 128
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
Sacrifice: a. destruction or SURRENDER of something for the sake of something else. b. something GIVEN UP or lost.
Thanksgiving: 1. The act of giving thanks
Thanks: Kindly or GRATEFUL thoughts
Ok, so here we have it: surrender, giving up and grateful thoughts. HOW do they go TOGETHER?
When we are in a difficult situation in life, the LAST thing you want to do is...give thanks, and THAT is why I think God calls it a SACRIFICE of thanksgiving...
May our hearts ponder His truth.
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Psalm 128
5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
IS YOUR IMAGINATION WORKING AT ALL?
Yesterday I shared, "Is Your Imagination Working Overtime?" Well, today I want to talk about the positive place the righteous imagination should have in the Christian's life.
Many Christians realize while some of the things we hear and see through the cults may well be real, the power source is Satan rather than God. Since it is rather scary for most of us to think too long about Satan, many in the Christian world have simply decided to throw out all supernatural, assuming it is all satanic. When we do that, Christianity itself becomes more a pared down, mechanical routine than an exciting, beyond-our-understanding kind of experience. Today, it seems if we can't explain it, we negate it.
In the yesterday's devotional, I quoted the verse, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Oswald 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). In his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Chambers asks: "Is your imagination stayed on God or is it starved? The starvation of the imagination is one of the most fruitful sources of exhaustion and sapping in a worker's life. If you have never used your imagination to put yourself before God, begin to do it now...Imagination is the greatest gift God has given us and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him."1
Let me give you some examples of how we can utilize our imagination in getting to know God better. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10:14). "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). What do these verses mean to you? What pictures do they bring to your mind? For me, I see Jesus always with me. I don't think of Him just dwelling in my heart, but He is with me. He walks beside me. He takes my hand and leads me. He listens as I speak. He sits in the front row and encourages me as I speak. His eyes sadden when I fail Him and brighten when I please Him just as a father's should. Is the Word alive to you? Is Jesus alive to you? Ask God to allow your righteous imagination to become active in a way that will give you some excitement in your Christian walk. Keep your imagination stayed on Him and let His Word come alive in your life. In your prayer time today, ask God to allow your imagination to become righteously active. What picture do you get from the verses I included above?2 Dedicate your imagination for God to use positively rather than Satan to use negatively.
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 128:3-4
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.
1 Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost for His Highest
2 Portions of this article were taken from I'm Listening, Lord, by Marilyn Willett Heavilin, pages 27-32.
Many Christians realize while some of the things we hear and see through the cults may well be real, the power source is Satan rather than God. Since it is rather scary for most of us to think too long about Satan, many in the Christian world have simply decided to throw out all supernatural, assuming it is all satanic. When we do that, Christianity itself becomes more a pared down, mechanical routine than an exciting, beyond-our-understanding kind of experience. Today, it seems if we can't explain it, we negate it.
In the yesterday's devotional, I quoted the verse, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Oswald 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). In his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Chambers asks: "Is your imagination stayed on God or is it starved? The starvation of the imagination is one of the most fruitful sources of exhaustion and sapping in a worker's life. If you have never used your imagination to put yourself before God, begin to do it now...Imagination is the greatest gift God has given us and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him."1
Let me give you some examples of how we can utilize our imagination in getting to know God better. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10:14). "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). What do these verses mean to you? What pictures do they bring to your mind? For me, I see Jesus always with me. I don't think of Him just dwelling in my heart, but He is with me. He walks beside me. He takes my hand and leads me. He listens as I speak. He sits in the front row and encourages me as I speak. His eyes sadden when I fail Him and brighten when I please Him just as a father's should. Is the Word alive to you? Is Jesus alive to you? Ask God to allow your righteous imagination to become active in a way that will give you some excitement in your Christian walk. Keep your imagination stayed on Him and let His Word come alive in your life. In your prayer time today, ask God to allow your imagination to become righteously active. What picture do you get from the verses I included above?2 Dedicate your imagination for God to use positively rather than Satan to use negatively.
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 128:3-4
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.
1 Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost for His Highest
2 Portions of this article were taken from I'm Listening, Lord, by Marilyn Willett Heavilin, pages 27-32.
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