Recently, I have found myself dealing with that stronghold of fear again. Without warning, it will creep back up and before I know it, anxious thoughts are buzzing around in my head. Can you relate? But, praise be to God, He is patient with me and continually speaks to me to teach me to trust Him more.
Back in August, I began reading through the Bible chronologically. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to get too much out of the book of Numbers. But, as 2 Timothy 4:16 says, "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (NIV) A couple weeks ago, I was reading the passage for the day, which included Numbers 14. The 12 spies had just returned from scoping out the Promised Land and 10 of them brought a bad report. The negative attitude spreads like wildfire and before you know it, the people begin to grumble and complain and want to go back to Egypt. (Did they forget that they were slaves there?) "Losing their perspective, the people were caught up in the emotion of the moment, forgetting what they knew about God's character." 1 Spiritual amnesia. Fear makes us forget. I forget what I know about God and I forget all that He has done for me and around me. I become fixated on my fear and lose perspective of the big picture.
The Lord responds to the people's grumbling in verse 11: "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?" I don't want God to say that about me. I'm sure you don't either. God did so very much for the Israelites, and He's done so much for me. I, too, have witnessed miracles! Why do I at times act as if I want to go back to Egypt (slavery), instead of on to the Promised Land (of His rest)? I believe it often comes down to one word - UNBELIEF. I would like to look more at the subject of unbelief tomorrow.
In the meantime, may our prayer be, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 (NIV) As we learn to believe Him more and more, fear will give way to His perfect peace "which transcends all understanding, and will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7 (NIV)
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:30-34
The holidays are upon us and the calendar is getting more and more scribbles. Shopping goes into hyperdrive and it seems that there is way too much to do and way too little time to do it. Oh, forgive me, perhaps that's just me. It is too easy to lose track of what is most important. Our verses this week are a gentle reminder of God's care and provision.
Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Commentary:
There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. ... Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, ... Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. [http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Matt/Trust-God-Commended] accessed 11/23/10
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:30-34
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Commentary:
There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus more warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life. This often ensnares the poor as much as the love of wealth does the rich. But there is a carefulness about temporal things which is a duty, though we must not carry these lawful cares too far. Take no thought for your life. Not about the length of it; but refer it to God to lengthen or shorten it as he pleases; our times are in his hand, and they are in a good hand. Not about the comforts of this life; but leave it to God to make it bitter or sweet as he pleases. Food and raiment God has promised, therefore we may expect them. Take no thought for the morrow, for the time to come. Be not anxious for the future, how you shall live next year, or when you are old, or what you shall leave behind you. As we must not boast of tomorrow, so we must not care for tomorrow, or the events of it. ... Thoughtfulness for our souls is the best cure of thoughtfulness for the world. Seek first the kingdom of God, ... Happy are those who take the Lord for their God, and make full proof of it by trusting themselves wholly to his wise disposal. [http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Matt/Trust-God-Commended] accessed 11/23/10
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:25-29 Points to Ponder
Are you anxious? Do you fret and worry? Remember God's word - He cares for all of His creation.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Points to Ponder:
How often do we get worried about the minor things in life? Not that there are not major things, but we need to remind ourselves that God has the big and the small well in hand. His word is filled with verses reminding us that He is in control. He is good. He is loving. He is all-powerful and He is paying attention. Rest, sister, rest. He has His eyes on you.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Points to Ponder:
How often do we get worried about the minor things in life? Not that there are not major things, but we need to remind ourselves that God has the big and the small well in hand. His word is filled with verses reminding us that He is in control. He is good. He is loving. He is all-powerful and He is paying attention. Rest, sister, rest. He has His eyes on you.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Cry Out
Psalm 142:1-2
I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
Do you struggle with praying out loud? For years I did. I was always afraid I wouldn't say the right words, or sound "spiritual enough." What that really boils down to is fear of people - and the only One who should command our fear is God. After all, He is the one to Whom we're speaking anyway. When we pray out loud, we're inviting others to join in with us as we pray, but we aren't really talking to them.
I've recently been reading a little book by Bill Gothard titled "The Power of Crying Out." While I've somewhat conquered my fears of praying out loud in groups of people, I had never thought about praying out loud when I'm by myself. After all, God knows my thoughts, right? Psalm 139:2b says "You understand my thought afar off." So when I'm praying in my heart and my mind and my spirit, God hears me. But the Scripture is full of verses indicating we are to cry out to God with our voice.
So, I've started praying out loud. It was really weird at first. Kind of makes me feel like I'm talking to myself. My dad says only little old ladies with money talk to themselves - and I'm neither! But the truth is, I'm not talking to myself - I'm talking to my Father, and I know He hears me. "I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes" (Psalm 119:145).
I was sharing with a friend about this "new" concept and she reminded me that, while God can hear my prayers whether silent or spoken out loud, Satan can only hear what I speak with my voice. So when I pray out loud, I'm also letting him know what I'm asking God to do - and he knows I have the power of God on my side.
Is there a burden on your heart that you've been praying about? Cry out to God - He will hear!
Ruth Schmidt
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
Do you struggle with praying out loud? For years I did. I was always afraid I wouldn't say the right words, or sound "spiritual enough." What that really boils down to is fear of people - and the only One who should command our fear is God. After all, He is the one to Whom we're speaking anyway. When we pray out loud, we're inviting others to join in with us as we pray, but we aren't really talking to them.
I've recently been reading a little book by Bill Gothard titled "The Power of Crying Out." While I've somewhat conquered my fears of praying out loud in groups of people, I had never thought about praying out loud when I'm by myself. After all, God knows my thoughts, right? Psalm 139:2b says "You understand my thought afar off." So when I'm praying in my heart and my mind and my spirit, God hears me. But the Scripture is full of verses indicating we are to cry out to God with our voice.
So, I've started praying out loud. It was really weird at first. Kind of makes me feel like I'm talking to myself. My dad says only little old ladies with money talk to themselves - and I'm neither! But the truth is, I'm not talking to myself - I'm talking to my Father, and I know He hears me. "I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes" (Psalm 119:145).
I was sharing with a friend about this "new" concept and she reminded me that, while God can hear my prayers whether silent or spoken out loud, Satan can only hear what I speak with my voice. So when I pray out loud, I'm also letting him know what I'm asking God to do - and he knows I have the power of God on my side.
Is there a burden on your heart that you've been praying about? Cry out to God - He will hear!
Ruth Schmidt
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 6
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Don't be disheartened. We're not home yet.
I have found myself the past two months in the grips of despond. I didn't know how to move past the emotions and inner pain I was dealing with. I found this poem and it brought great comfort to my heart that through the furnace, it is there that God strips us of who we are that we may grow in Him. Don't be disheartened. We're not home yet. Although weeping may last for the night, joy everlasting cometh in the morning.
Oh, the furnace of suffering! How it hurts and brings us pain!
It is there that the Lord trains us for battle.
It is there that we learn to pray.
It is there that God gets alone with us
and reveals to us who we really are.
It is there where He prunes away our comforts
and burns away the sin in our lives.
It is there, in the furnace, that we drench our pillow with tears
when in agony of soul we cry out to Him,
"Oh Lord, if it be possible, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will but thine be done."
It is there that He uses our failures to prepare us for His work.
It is there, in the furnace, when we have nothing to offer,
when we have no song in the night.
It is there that we feel like our life is over
when every thing we enjoy is being taken away from us.
It is then that we begin to realize
that we are under the wings of the Lord.
He will take care of us.
It is there that we often fail to recognize
the hidden work of God in our most barren times.
It is there, in the furnace, that no tear is wasted
but fulfills His purposes in our lives.
It is there that He weaves the black thread
into the tapestry of our life.
It is there where He reveals that all things work together
for good to those who love Him.
It is there that we get real with God, when all else is said and done.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him."
It is when we fall out of love with this life,
and live in the light of eternity to come.
It is there that He reveals the depths of love that He has for us,
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18
It is there, in the furnace, that we realize
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17
It is there that we fall in love with Jesus
and appreciate the depth of our eternal home,
knowing that the sufferings of our past won't cause us pain,
but would rather enhance His glory.
It is when we come out of the furnace that spring begins to blossom.
After He reduces us to tears we offer liquidified prayers
that touch the heart of God.
It is there that we shed tears of intercession
that will not be forgotten by God.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him."
~ Psalm 126:6
"...but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
and patience, experience;
and experience, hope."
~ Romans 5:3-4
Author unknown
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 6
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Oh, the furnace of suffering! How it hurts and brings us pain!
It is there that the Lord trains us for battle.
It is there that we learn to pray.
It is there that God gets alone with us
and reveals to us who we really are.
It is there where He prunes away our comforts
and burns away the sin in our lives.
It is there, in the furnace, that we drench our pillow with tears
when in agony of soul we cry out to Him,
"Oh Lord, if it be possible, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will but thine be done."
It is there that He uses our failures to prepare us for His work.
It is there, in the furnace, when we have nothing to offer,
when we have no song in the night.
It is there that we feel like our life is over
when every thing we enjoy is being taken away from us.
It is then that we begin to realize
that we are under the wings of the Lord.
He will take care of us.
It is there that we often fail to recognize
the hidden work of God in our most barren times.
It is there, in the furnace, that no tear is wasted
but fulfills His purposes in our lives.
It is there that He weaves the black thread
into the tapestry of our life.
It is there where He reveals that all things work together
for good to those who love Him.
It is there that we get real with God, when all else is said and done.
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him."
It is when we fall out of love with this life,
and live in the light of eternity to come.
It is there that He reveals the depths of love that He has for us,
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18
It is there, in the furnace, that we realize
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17
It is there that we fall in love with Jesus
and appreciate the depth of our eternal home,
knowing that the sufferings of our past won't cause us pain,
but would rather enhance His glory.
It is when we come out of the furnace that spring begins to blossom.
After He reduces us to tears we offer liquidified prayers
that touch the heart of God.
It is there that we shed tears of intercession
that will not be forgotten by God.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed,
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him."
~ Psalm 126:6
"...but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
and patience, experience;
and experience, hope."
~ Romans 5:3-4
Author unknown
Patsy Foley
Women of Character Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 6
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Wait on the Lord
Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)
Have you been in prayer for a loved one or a dear friend for a long time? Have you sought the Lord on how to pray? Have you searched the scriptures, declaring and believing the truth of the Word? Have you fasted in an effort to break the stronghold that seems to have a grip on someone you love? Have you longed in desperation and cried out for the mercy of God to set someone free? Have you done all of these things and yet you are still waiting to see the fruit of your prayers?
The Word of the Lord is true. When you are in the place of "waiting" it does take strength and courage of heart to wait and press on in faith. It is my personal belief that not one tear, nor one prayer goes into some void. God hears it all. He answers our prayers for our loved ones. Things are happening that may be unseen to our eyes but God is always faithful to hear the prayers of His children.
God Himself knows how painful "waiting" can be. We cannot even imagine the pain of waiting and watching as His only Son bore the physical pain of the beatings and crucifixion not to mention the horror of taking on our sin on the cross.
Be encouraged today dear one, the Word of God in Jeremiah says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." (29:11-14a). God has a good plan for your loved one, don't give up.
The Word says in Matthew, "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened" (7:7-8). EVERYONE who asks, EVERYONE who seeks, EVERYONE who knocks......don't give up.
The Word says in Proverbs "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight" (3:5-6). What you see in the natural may not make any sense at all, but God is worthy of your trust despite what you see in the natural. Don't give up.
Dear one, while you are waiting press on toward the goal, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1c-2). "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9). DON'T GIVE UP, WAIT ON THE LORD.
God bless you, keep you, may His face shine upon you and encourage you this day as you wait on Him, Who is faithful, Who is able, Who is worthy of your praise and your trust. God bless you with the grace to stand strong and courageous while you wait for the fullness of His plan, His future, His hope to be released into the life of your loved one.
To Him be all the glory and honor and praise.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Scripture is from the New American Standard Translation 1978
DIGGING DEEPER
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Have you been in prayer for a loved one or a dear friend for a long time? Have you sought the Lord on how to pray? Have you searched the scriptures, declaring and believing the truth of the Word? Have you fasted in an effort to break the stronghold that seems to have a grip on someone you love? Have you longed in desperation and cried out for the mercy of God to set someone free? Have you done all of these things and yet you are still waiting to see the fruit of your prayers?
The Word of the Lord is true. When you are in the place of "waiting" it does take strength and courage of heart to wait and press on in faith. It is my personal belief that not one tear, nor one prayer goes into some void. God hears it all. He answers our prayers for our loved ones. Things are happening that may be unseen to our eyes but God is always faithful to hear the prayers of His children.
God Himself knows how painful "waiting" can be. We cannot even imagine the pain of waiting and watching as His only Son bore the physical pain of the beatings and crucifixion not to mention the horror of taking on our sin on the cross.
Be encouraged today dear one, the Word of God in Jeremiah says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord..." (29:11-14a). God has a good plan for your loved one, don't give up.
The Word says in Matthew, "Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened" (7:7-8). EVERYONE who asks, EVERYONE who seeks, EVERYONE who knocks......don't give up.
The Word says in Proverbs "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight" (3:5-6). What you see in the natural may not make any sense at all, but God is worthy of your trust despite what you see in the natural. Don't give up.
Dear one, while you are waiting press on toward the goal, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1c-2). "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we shall reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9). DON'T GIVE UP, WAIT ON THE LORD.
God bless you, keep you, may His face shine upon you and encourage you this day as you wait on Him, Who is faithful, Who is able, Who is worthy of your praise and your trust. God bless you with the grace to stand strong and courageous while you wait for the fullness of His plan, His future, His hope to be released into the life of your loved one.
To Him be all the glory and honor and praise.
Patricia L. Wenzel
Graduate, Women of Character
Scripture is from the New American Standard Translation 1978
DIGGING DEEPER
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 6:25-29
One of the number one issues women seek counseling for is worry, anxiety and fear. As the economy and world events spin seemingly out of control, there is a place of steadfast peace. These are great verses to commit to memory.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Commentary:
"Men can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both. Everyone must decide his own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from worry." [EERDMANS' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 265]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 6:25-29
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Commentary:
"Men can choose what to set their hearts on. They can go all out for money and material things, or for God and spiritual things. But not for both. Everyone must decide his own priorities. Those who put God first can rest assured he knows all their needs and will not fail to supply them. They can be free from worry." [EERDMANS' Concise Bible Handbook pg. 265]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:10-16 Points to Ponder
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Points to Ponder
Who has your back? When we are confronted or misunderstood, it's natural to want to defend ourself, our name. We want to explain ourselves but God's Word tells us we are in good company with the prophets. These Scripture remind us that life is not about us, but about His glory, His honor and His reputation. When we step back and remember the vertical perspective a settledness comes over our heart. Take time to remember.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Points to Ponder
Who has your back? When we are confronted or misunderstood, it's natural to want to defend ourself, our name. We want to explain ourselves but God's Word tells us we are in good company with the prophets. These Scripture remind us that life is not about us, but about His glory, His honor and His reputation. When we step back and remember the vertical perspective a settledness comes over our heart. Take time to remember.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Half-sister/Half-truth
Abraham and his half-sister-wife Sarah journeyed in Garar. In his mind, the safest way to explain their relationship to the King of Gerar, Abimelech, was to say Sarah was his sister, which was indeed truth. But it was only half the truth. When this was revealed to Abimelech by God in a dream he returned Sarah to Abraham unharmed. When he asked Abraham why he did such a thing, Abraham said, "I did it because I thought, there is no fear of God at all in this place, they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife (21:11-12).
Why did Abraham offer only half the truth? Fear. In this case he feared for his safety, his life.
Why do we tell half-truths? Typically out of fear.
I remember many years ago when I was working as a systems engineer, my boss asked me about a particular project I was working on and I emphasized all the positive things I had accomplished, not really addressing his question because truth be told I had not completed the part he was asking about. I was afraid of his criticism or correction so it was easier to place myself in the most favorable light. Interesting that I specifically remember that 25 years later.
Even as I sit here writing this, the Lord is challenging me regarding those ever-so-subtle forms of lying. In addition to half-truths, how about when we exaggerate? Or when we say something to make someone feel good but it isn't necessarily true? When we say something because it's what we are expected to say? And I am sure there are many more.
To not make ourselves crazy about every word that comes out of our mouths we should probably yield to two things:
1. What mom said - think before you speak and
2. What God's Word says- "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Why did Abraham offer only half the truth? Fear. In this case he feared for his safety, his life.
Why do we tell half-truths? Typically out of fear.
I remember many years ago when I was working as a systems engineer, my boss asked me about a particular project I was working on and I emphasized all the positive things I had accomplished, not really addressing his question because truth be told I had not completed the part he was asking about. I was afraid of his criticism or correction so it was easier to place myself in the most favorable light. Interesting that I specifically remember that 25 years later.
Even as I sit here writing this, the Lord is challenging me regarding those ever-so-subtle forms of lying. In addition to half-truths, how about when we exaggerate? Or when we say something to make someone feel good but it isn't necessarily true? When we say something because it's what we are expected to say? And I am sure there are many more.
To not make ourselves crazy about every word that comes out of our mouths we should probably yield to two things:
1. What mom said - think before you speak and
2. What God's Word says- "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 "Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Evidence of God's Grace
If we were to pause for a second and consider the grace that saved us, that fact alone is enough to bring us to our knees in worship of the One True God. Taken a step further: considering our own individual life situations and circumstances, pause and reflect on the present-tense evidence of God's grace.
Psalm 139:1-3 says, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Powerful words from Scripture to remind us in the simplicity of our humanness that God is ever-present, all the time, and intimately acquainted with us in the inward details of our thinking, feeling and being.
To me, that fact alone is evidence of His grace, and I don't ever want to lose sight of it!
Today, I invite you to get still and quiet with me. Consider the God you love and serve and allow more of Him to invade your thinking and feeling. Let Him show you the error in your ways, the stink in your thinking. After all, that too is grace. He loved us with Calvary's Cross! He is therefore committed to molding and shaping us into the image and likeness of Himself in and through the Son, which is all the more evidence of His grace in our lives.
He sees, He hears and He knows us. He is with us always, which means, we are never ever alone. In or out of distress He is near.
Be intentional today to see new evidence of God's loving care and faithfulness on display in the details of your life.
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 5
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
Psalm 139:1-3 says, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Powerful words from Scripture to remind us in the simplicity of our humanness that God is ever-present, all the time, and intimately acquainted with us in the inward details of our thinking, feeling and being.
To me, that fact alone is evidence of His grace, and I don't ever want to lose sight of it!
Today, I invite you to get still and quiet with me. Consider the God you love and serve and allow more of Him to invade your thinking and feeling. Let Him show you the error in your ways, the stink in your thinking. After all, that too is grace. He loved us with Calvary's Cross! He is therefore committed to molding and shaping us into the image and likeness of Himself in and through the Son, which is all the more evidence of His grace in our lives.
He sees, He hears and He knows us. He is with us always, which means, we are never ever alone. In or out of distress He is near.
Be intentional today to see new evidence of God's loving care and faithfulness on display in the details of your life.
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "intrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthey 5
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Compelled...
This is a very strong and interesting word. Somehow I have overlooked the impact of it before, but this past weekend at a women's conference, it sort of hit me right between the eyes. Have you ever been "compelled" to do something? Have you ever known someone who was "compelled" to do or say something?
The online dictionary definition for compel:i
1. To force, drive, or constrain.
2. To necessitate or pressure by force; exact.
3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway.
From the definition, it seems evident, that if someone is compelled, it is beyond their control to constrain themselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:16 the Apostle Paul says, "...for I am compelled to preach."
Also in Acts 20:22 Paul says this:
"And now I am compelled by the Spirit. I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."
Paul could not help himself or constrain himself. He had to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and eventually he had to, was compelled to, go to Jerusalem no matter what happened to him. It was the Holy Spirit that placed this passion, this compulsion, to preach the Gospel.
I had a chance to speak one on one with the speaker in regard to this verse. I realized that the Lord has "compelled" me do what I do at the Colony of Mercy. I have a great passion to bring hope to those who feel hopeless. And especially those who have been deeply impacted by addiction, whether it is the addict himself or those that love him. The past several months have not been easy with disappointments and sorrows. The Intake Office has been very busy. I have gone home exhausted both mentally and spiritually. But each morning when I open my eyes, I have joy in my heart for the day ahead. I walk through the Colony doorway with a smile on my face. I must admit there are times when joy and strength are gone by 4:00 p.m. Then I have to seek the Lord and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that I can do what is on God's "to do" list for the day.
The speaker shared with me that she is also compelled to teach truths from the Word of God that are sometimes hard for others to accept. She gets great opposition yet she is compelled to put any fears aside and teach the Truth. There were those that were not happy with her this past weekend, but her challenge was for us to search the Scriptures ourselves and not take her word for it.
When the Holy Spirit compels you to do what God has called you to do there is nothing else to do but be obedient and follow the Spirit's leading. God promises that His grace is sufficient to accomplish the task because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
This is true for the speaker of the women's weekend. This is true for me.
This is also true for you.
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
i http://www.thefreedictionary.com/compel, retrieved 10/20/10
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
The online dictionary definition for compel:i
1. To force, drive, or constrain.
2. To necessitate or pressure by force; exact.
3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway.
From the definition, it seems evident, that if someone is compelled, it is beyond their control to constrain themselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:16 the Apostle Paul says, "...for I am compelled to preach."
Also in Acts 20:22 Paul says this:
"And now I am compelled by the Spirit. I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there."
Paul could not help himself or constrain himself. He had to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and eventually he had to, was compelled to, go to Jerusalem no matter what happened to him. It was the Holy Spirit that placed this passion, this compulsion, to preach the Gospel.
I had a chance to speak one on one with the speaker in regard to this verse. I realized that the Lord has "compelled" me do what I do at the Colony of Mercy. I have a great passion to bring hope to those who feel hopeless. And especially those who have been deeply impacted by addiction, whether it is the addict himself or those that love him. The past several months have not been easy with disappointments and sorrows. The Intake Office has been very busy. I have gone home exhausted both mentally and spiritually. But each morning when I open my eyes, I have joy in my heart for the day ahead. I walk through the Colony doorway with a smile on my face. I must admit there are times when joy and strength are gone by 4:00 p.m. Then I have to seek the Lord and ask for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that I can do what is on God's "to do" list for the day.
The speaker shared with me that she is also compelled to teach truths from the Word of God that are sometimes hard for others to accept. She gets great opposition yet she is compelled to put any fears aside and teach the Truth. There were those that were not happy with her this past weekend, but her challenge was for us to search the Scriptures ourselves and not take her word for it.
When the Holy Spirit compels you to do what God has called you to do there is nothing else to do but be obedient and follow the Spirit's leading. God promises that His grace is sufficient to accomplish the task because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
This is true for the speaker of the women's weekend. This is true for me.
This is also true for you.
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
i http://www.thefreedictionary.com/compel, retrieved 10/20/10
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:10-16
We are quickly approaching year end and if you have joined us on our journey this year, I trust your heart has been blessed by the Word. I have been. This week we are meditating on the latter part of the Beatitude passage in Matthew 5.
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Commentary:
"Those who are persecuted are those who have been wrongly treated because of their faith. God is pleased when his people show that they value him above everything in the world, and this happens when they courageously remain faithful amid opposition for righteousness sake."...Just as Jesus experiences opposition and persecution, his disciples can expect the same. Their reward may not come on earth, but it surely will be theirs in heaven...Throughout history, beginning with Cain's murder of Abel..., there have been those who oppose God's people...As salt is beneficial in a number of ways...so are disciples of Jesus who influence the world for good...Jesus' disciples have the kingdom life within them as a living testimony to those in the world who do not yet have the light. The typical lamp in a Jewish home was fairly small and was placed on a stand to give maximum illumination. The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified. [ESV Study Notes ~ pg. 1828.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 5:10-16
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness´ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people´s feet.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Commentary:
"Those who are persecuted are those who have been wrongly treated because of their faith. God is pleased when his people show that they value him above everything in the world, and this happens when they courageously remain faithful amid opposition for righteousness sake."...Just as Jesus experiences opposition and persecution, his disciples can expect the same. Their reward may not come on earth, but it surely will be theirs in heaven...Throughout history, beginning with Cain's murder of Abel..., there have been those who oppose God's people...As salt is beneficial in a number of ways...so are disciples of Jesus who influence the world for good...Jesus' disciples have the kingdom life within them as a living testimony to those in the world who do not yet have the light. The typical lamp in a Jewish home was fairly small and was placed on a stand to give maximum illumination. The world will see the light of the kingdom through the good works done by Jesus' disciples (and believers today), with the result that the Father who is in heaven will be glorified. [ESV Study Notes ~ pg. 1828.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:1-9 Points to Ponder
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Points to ponder:
I have memorized portions of the beatitudes over the years, but I have enjoyed reviewing them and re-committing them to memory. What has impressed my heart as I have done so is the delight, beauty and faithfulness of our God. There is no question that as Christ-followers we are all blessed simply because of our salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. But as I reviewed these "Blessed are.." statements I am reminded that God meets us at EVERY point of need. Thank you, Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Points to ponder:
I have memorized portions of the beatitudes over the years, but I have enjoyed reviewing them and re-committing them to memory. What has impressed my heart as I have done so is the delight, beauty and faithfulness of our God. There is no question that as Christ-followers we are all blessed simply because of our salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. But as I reviewed these "Blessed are.." statements I am reminded that God meets us at EVERY point of need. Thank you, Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Long Way Out of Bondage
We have all heard stories of people who seemed to have been delivered in an instant from their bondage, the idols and desires of their hearts. We all wish that was us. But it isn't. Can God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God deliver in an instant? Absolutely! Does God ALWAYS deliver in an instant? No.
Sometimes God leads us the long way out of bondage for our own good. What? How can that be? That doesn't sound right.
Exodus 13:17-18 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea..."
The advancing chariots blocked their way back to Egypt but that did not stop them from wanting to go back. Exodus 14:10-12 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. After crossing the Red Sea - it blocked their way back to Egypt.
Whichever way God chooses to lead you out of bondage is the most excellent way for you. It may be, and is likely to be, different than the way He delivered your sister, mother, brother, friend or the person that gave testimony in church Sunday. God knows those things that will cause you to "change your mind and return to Egypt."
Will you trust Him today? Will you trust that His path of deliverance for you is perfect, even if it is the long way out of bondage?
Stop waiting for instant deliverance (disobeying in the process) and start walking the daily path the Lord has given you out of His wisdom, His foreknowledge and His steadfast love for you.
Love,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Sometimes God leads us the long way out of bondage for our own good. What? How can that be? That doesn't sound right.
Exodus 13:17-18 "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.' But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea..."
The advancing chariots blocked their way back to Egypt but that did not stop them from wanting to go back. Exodus 14:10-12 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. After crossing the Red Sea - it blocked their way back to Egypt.
Whichever way God chooses to lead you out of bondage is the most excellent way for you. It may be, and is likely to be, different than the way He delivered your sister, mother, brother, friend or the person that gave testimony in church Sunday. God knows those things that will cause you to "change your mind and return to Egypt."
Will you trust Him today? Will you trust that His path of deliverance for you is perfect, even if it is the long way out of bondage?
Stop waiting for instant deliverance (disobeying in the process) and start walking the daily path the Lord has given you out of His wisdom, His foreknowledge and His steadfast love for you.
Love,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
God's Grace
Recently, the Lord has allowed me to be put in some situations for which I have felt woefully inadequate. Have you ever felt that way?
The Lord brought me to 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV), "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
What a reassuring promise! His grace isn't given sparingly, it abounds to us. Not in some things, but in all things. Not sometimes, but all the time. Not some of what we need, but all that we need. We will abound, not in some good works, but in every good work. If God gives us a divine appointment, He will enable us to do what He asks. And the weaker I am for the task, the more I need to rely on Him! And doing something in His strength is always better than trying to do it in mine. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses......For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV).
So when we feel we are inadequate to help someone, when we don't know what to say, when we don't have the answers, remember, we know the One who does have all the answers. We can seek Him for wisdom and guidance, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5 NIV). And we can point others to Him.
"(We) can do everything through Him who gives (us) strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV).
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
The Lord brought me to 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV), "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
What a reassuring promise! His grace isn't given sparingly, it abounds to us. Not in some things, but in all things. Not sometimes, but all the time. Not some of what we need, but all that we need. We will abound, not in some good works, but in every good work. If God gives us a divine appointment, He will enable us to do what He asks. And the weaker I am for the task, the more I need to rely on Him! And doing something in His strength is always better than trying to do it in mine. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses......For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV).
So when we feel we are inadequate to help someone, when we don't know what to say, when we don't have the answers, remember, we know the One who does have all the answers. We can seek Him for wisdom and guidance, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5 NIV). And we can point others to Him.
"(We) can do everything through Him who gives (us) strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV).
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN
I sat mesmerized as I watched that gorgeous old historic school building crumble in the jaws of the demolition excavator. That machine opened its jaws and took a huge bite out of the building. I could almost see it gulp, chew and then spew the remains onto the ground. Then it was ready for the next huge bite. I was in shock. How could it not be a mistake to demolish that wonderful old building? Then that building-eating monster headed toward the landmark tower. NOT THE TOWER!!! I gasped in horror as that monster of a machine tugged at the tower. The tower groaned some, then tumbled to the ground. The monster machine was not content just to pull the tower off its moorings, but once the tower was on the ground, that awful machine pounded on the tower until it succumbed to the pounding and broke into many smaller pieces. THE TOWER WAS GONE! Oh, oh, oh, I was devastated. How could that happen to such a beautiful old building that looked so steady and firm? The building needed to be made "earthquake safe," and it was actually cheaper to tear the structure down and start over. The city felt that building's structure would not withstand a strong earthquake. But it looked so good on the outside!
Have you ever felt that way, personally? I have. First, I have felt that way about others. They looked so solid, firm and predictable, but they fell, and they fell hard.
I have felt that way about me. I thought I was so strong, steady, and predictable, but I stumbled, and then I fell...flat on my face. What happened?
Well, I don't have the answer for anyone but myself, but I can tell you that I thought I had my reputation and my success all wrapped up. I was a tower of predictability, of success. I had great faith in me! But the Bible says I need to place my faith in Jesus. My facade may look really strong, but when the earthquakes of life came, I rattled, I shook, and I fell. We must make sure that our faith is placed in Jesus, not in us!
How do we do that? First, we make sure that we know Christ personally. Do you know for sure that He is your personal Savior? If not, stop right now and invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior forever.
Second, we get to know what God's Word says. We read His Word faithfully. By studying His Word, we get to know God better, too. We pray to Him and talk with Him.
Thirdly, we follow His directions. We become followers of Him. We show we are Christ followers by our daily behavior.
Then we become strong. Our life isn't a facade; we are solid through and through. We are ready for the "earthquakes of life."
Mat 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn Heavilin
author of Roses In December, December's Song, Becoming A Woman of Honor, When Your Dreams Die, Grief Is A Family Affair, I'm Listening, Lord
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Have you ever felt that way, personally? I have. First, I have felt that way about others. They looked so solid, firm and predictable, but they fell, and they fell hard.
I have felt that way about me. I thought I was so strong, steady, and predictable, but I stumbled, and then I fell...flat on my face. What happened?
Well, I don't have the answer for anyone but myself, but I can tell you that I thought I had my reputation and my success all wrapped up. I was a tower of predictability, of success. I had great faith in me! But the Bible says I need to place my faith in Jesus. My facade may look really strong, but when the earthquakes of life came, I rattled, I shook, and I fell. We must make sure that our faith is placed in Jesus, not in us!
How do we do that? First, we make sure that we know Christ personally. Do you know for sure that He is your personal Savior? If not, stop right now and invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior forever.
Second, we get to know what God's Word says. We read His Word faithfully. By studying His Word, we get to know God better, too. We pray to Him and talk with Him.
Thirdly, we follow His directions. We become followers of Him. We show we are Christ followers by our daily behavior.
Then we become strong. Our life isn't a facade; we are solid through and through. We are ready for the "earthquakes of life."
Mat 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn Heavilin
author of Roses In December, December's Song, Becoming A Woman of Honor, When Your Dreams Die, Grief Is A Family Affair, I'm Listening, Lord
DIGGING DEEPER
Matthew 5:
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Digging Deeper Matthew 5:1-9
Again this week we are in a very familiar portion of Scripture. I hope you have been following along with our year-long journey of digging deeper into the Word of God. I was reminded this week of John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Every moment we spend in the Word is enriching our lives in ways we might not see immediately but will reap fruit in years to come. Our verses this week are from the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:1-9
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Commentary:
In his Beatitudes, Jesus makes pronouncements to the crowds and religious leaders and gives instructions to his disciples concerning the nature of life in the kingdom (vv.3-12). He follows this with two piercing metaphors on salt and light to illustrate the impact that the disciples will have on the world around them (vv. 13-16). [ESV Study Bible notes - pg. 1827]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Matthew 5:1-9
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Commentary:
In his Beatitudes, Jesus makes pronouncements to the crowds and religious leaders and gives instructions to his disciples concerning the nature of life in the kingdom (vv.3-12). He follows this with two piercing metaphors on salt and light to illustrate the impact that the disciples will have on the world around them (vv. 13-16). [ESV Study Bible notes - pg. 1827]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Digging Deeper Isaiah 40:28-31 Points to Ponder
I trust you have been blessed this week as you have paused and lingered with the Savior.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Points to Ponder
Are you tired and weary today? Wait for the Lord.
Are you faint today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you lack might today? Wait for the Lord.
Are you exhausted today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to soar today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to run without weariness today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to walk without fainting today? Wait for the Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Points to Ponder
Are you tired and weary today? Wait for the Lord.
Are you faint today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you lack might today? Wait for the Lord.
Are you exhausted today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to soar today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to run without weariness today? Wait for the Lord.
Do you want to walk without fainting today? Wait for the Lord.
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 2+ grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
But if not...
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were three young men who totally understood what it meant to have faith in and trust God. In the book of Daniel these three young men had to make a decision that could have led to a very painful end to their lives. They came to a crossroad of either trusting in the One true God or just bowing down, not only to pressure but to a false god. In Daniel 3:15, King Nebuchadnezzar says, "...if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if not you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
They never even blinked an eye when the edict was given to all in Babylon to bow down and worship the "image." They continued to serve and pray to God. So when confronted with the choice of either bowing down to the image or burning in the furnace, they were able to stand firm and say to King Nebuchadnezzar: "...O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king, but even if he does not, we want you to know, O king that we will not serve your gods, or worship the image you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18 Emphasis mine) "But even if he does not." Wow! I don't think you or I will have to make this decision of bowing down to a false god or being burned alive in a blazing furnace, but we are confronted with many other decisions that will have extreme consequences.
In our prayer life, are we able to, in faith and trust, lift our prayers and our requests to the Lord, and believe that He is able to do what we ask for. BUT, if He doesn't answer our prayer to "save" us or our loved ones (whatever the situation), can we, will we, trust God in the midst of the "blazing furnace" anyway? That certainly does require thought. But even more than that, it requires prayer. It requires that we earnestly seek God daily and learn of Him and His promises through His love letter to us, the Bible. Trusting God this deeply doesn't come by with superficial faith or one hour a week in church.
What are you facing today? What is your "blazing furnace?" Is there something you have been praying about? Is there some test result you're waiting for? Is there someone you need to forgive? I could continue asking questions but I think you get the idea. In your prayer can you say to the Lord "but if not," I will still trust you, Lord? It is a question I have to ask myself as well. But there is no other choice than to trust in the only One who is trustworthy in all our trials. What happened to those three young men? Why don't you check it out for yourself?
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Isaiah 40
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
They never even blinked an eye when the edict was given to all in Babylon to bow down and worship the "image." They continued to serve and pray to God. So when confronted with the choice of either bowing down to the image or burning in the furnace, they were able to stand firm and say to King Nebuchadnezzar: "...O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king, but even if he does not, we want you to know, O king that we will not serve your gods, or worship the image you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18 Emphasis mine) "But even if he does not." Wow! I don't think you or I will have to make this decision of bowing down to a false god or being burned alive in a blazing furnace, but we are confronted with many other decisions that will have extreme consequences.
In our prayer life, are we able to, in faith and trust, lift our prayers and our requests to the Lord, and believe that He is able to do what we ask for. BUT, if He doesn't answer our prayer to "save" us or our loved ones (whatever the situation), can we, will we, trust God in the midst of the "blazing furnace" anyway? That certainly does require thought. But even more than that, it requires prayer. It requires that we earnestly seek God daily and learn of Him and His promises through His love letter to us, the Bible. Trusting God this deeply doesn't come by with superficial faith or one hour a week in church.
What are you facing today? What is your "blazing furnace?" Is there something you have been praying about? Is there some test result you're waiting for? Is there someone you need to forgive? I could continue asking questions but I think you get the idea. In your prayer can you say to the Lord "but if not," I will still trust you, Lord? It is a question I have to ask myself as well. But there is no other choice than to trust in the only One who is trustworthy in all our trials. What happened to those three young men? Why don't you check it out for yourself?
MaryAnn
MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.
DIGGING DEEPER
Isaiah 40
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
The Lord Ministered to Me
I ran across an old journal of mine from 1982 and thought I would share about how the Lord ministered to me. I wrote, the Lord ministered to me. Put Me first my child, put Me first for as you put Me first, I will lead you, I will guide you, I will mold you and make you. Put Me first. I have seen your heart. I know the deepest intent of your heart. As you put Me first, I will take you to places you never dreamed you would go. I will use you in ways you don'tknow about, put Me first in all things. Don't look to the arm of flesh, for they will fail you. Don't go by feelings because faith is what I look for. I will guide you by My Word, Stay in My Word. Stay close to Me. Step out My child - you must step out in faith - others will tell you you're wrong, but you're not; just step out and I will provide. I AM God - Provider of all. Put Me first. If you don't put Me first, you will suffer. But when I am first, then I can give you the best - for this is My desire for you. I love you, I called you - I knew you in your mother's womb. I have chosen you - Put Me first. My child, don't look to the past - don't be angry or bitter for that is not my way. I will heal all those feelings, but you must put Me first, for I am God, the Almighty.
This was my prayer thoughts in 1982 and still my prayer in 2010. Thank God, He never changes.
In Christ.
Patsy Foley
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Isaiah 40
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
This was my prayer thoughts in 1982 and still my prayer in 2010. Thank God, He never changes.
In Christ.
Patsy Foley
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
Isaiah 40
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
A Foreteller for Free....
I've found you meet some interesting people at bookstores/coffee shops. On one occasion there was a husband and wife having coffee; she knitted while he read the Bible. I thought to myself, "How nice, this sweet couple is out enjoying the day together, having a cup of really good coffee and reading God's Word." My friend and I had made eye contact with him and that opened the door for him to "share." He started to share about the Bible and how he was somewhat of a "foreteller for free." He mentioned the name of a man we all knew who's teaching of the Scriptures focuses mostly on its prophecies. His focus was on discrediting this man's teachings and trying to offer his own. Mind you, I said his own, not the Bible's. Interesting, I thought, he had the Bible open and seemed to know the Scriptures well but had a confusing interpretation; he never once mentioned the Lord.
The encounter left me with an uncomfortable feeling. I've had it before when I've come to meet someone and wondered, even feared for them, whether it is they know the Bible very well but not its Author. I'm ashamed to admit, I was more annoyed with him than anything else. And in hindsight I know I should have shared Christ with him. Why is it we can be so easily impressed by someone who has a great knowledge of the Scriptures? I would guess I'm not alone in that. I've often heard people comment; "Wow, he really knows his Bible." I think that's incredible. I should know mine better than I do; there's no excuse that I don't. I simply haven't taken the time to study. I'm thankful I knew enough to ascertain a lie from the truth when it came to this "foreteller." Having said that, we'd do well to remember that even Satan knows Scripture, and the Scriptures say it is so: Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ' He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, ' In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" Matthew 4: 5-7 (NKJV)
Each time Satan tempted Jesus, even if he quoted Scripture, JESUS rebuked him with Scripture. God's Word is alive, and He wielded it like the sword that it is. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
This "foreteller". I'm not sure of his intent although he kindly offers his interpretation for free, I believe he has missed the point. Is Jesus alive and coming back? Oh yes...He's coming back but the Bible teaches us that not even the Son knows the hour of His return. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32 (NKJV) If God didn't reveal it to Jesus, what makes "foretellers" or anyone think they know when He's coming back? Many will attempt to deceive, even the elect. Thank God for the Bible! Even if the Book were to be burned, as I'm sure in some places it is, the Word can never be destroyed. Heaven and earth will perish and pass away, but My words will not perish or pass away. Mark 13:31 (Amplified Bible). Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! Mark 13:35-37 (NKJV). Are you watching?
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
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
The encounter left me with an uncomfortable feeling. I've had it before when I've come to meet someone and wondered, even feared for them, whether it is they know the Bible very well but not its Author. I'm ashamed to admit, I was more annoyed with him than anything else. And in hindsight I know I should have shared Christ with him. Why is it we can be so easily impressed by someone who has a great knowledge of the Scriptures? I would guess I'm not alone in that. I've often heard people comment; "Wow, he really knows his Bible." I think that's incredible. I should know mine better than I do; there's no excuse that I don't. I simply haven't taken the time to study. I'm thankful I knew enough to ascertain a lie from the truth when it came to this "foreteller." Having said that, we'd do well to remember that even Satan knows Scripture, and the Scriptures say it is so: Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ' He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, ' In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" Matthew 4: 5-7 (NKJV)
Each time Satan tempted Jesus, even if he quoted Scripture, JESUS rebuked him with Scripture. God's Word is alive, and He wielded it like the sword that it is. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
This "foreteller". I'm not sure of his intent although he kindly offers his interpretation for free, I believe he has missed the point. Is Jesus alive and coming back? Oh yes...He's coming back but the Bible teaches us that not even the Son knows the hour of His return. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32 (NKJV) If God didn't reveal it to Jesus, what makes "foretellers" or anyone think they know when He's coming back? Many will attempt to deceive, even the elect. Thank God for the Bible! Even if the Book were to be burned, as I'm sure in some places it is, the Word can never be destroyed. Heaven and earth will perish and pass away, but My words will not perish or pass away. Mark 13:31 (Amplified Bible). Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming-in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! Mark 13:35-37 (NKJV). Are you watching?
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
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Digging Deeper Isaiah 40:28-31
Is memorizing Scripture like reciting your A, B, C's to you? In other words, does it have meaning to you? Are you stopping to meditate and consider the words and meaning? When we come across familiar Scripture it's easy to gloss over it without taking time to Dig Deeper. The Word of God is like a deep, rich mine. Sure there is beauty near the surface but as you plumb the depths, you will see and experience a richness and beauty that will take your breath away. Where are you in your journey through the mine?
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Commentary: Neither faints nor is weary. God was not too weak to act on their behalf, nor was fatigue an obstacle for the Creator in caring for His people ...though even the young and strong become tired and fall, the Ancient of Days never does. Unsearchable. To the human mind, God's wisdom is not fully comprehensible in how He chooses to fulfill His promises to deliver Israel. Paul saw a further illustration of this truth in God's plan for the final restoration of Israel...Wait on the Lord....There is a general principle here that patient, praying believers are blessed by the Lord with strength in their trials...The Lord also expected His people to be patient and await His coming in glory at the end to fulfill the promises of national deliverance, when believing Israel would become stronger than they had ever been. [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 806-807]
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.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
And to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
And young men shall fall exhausted;
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Commentary: Neither faints nor is weary. God was not too weak to act on their behalf, nor was fatigue an obstacle for the Creator in caring for His people ...though even the young and strong become tired and fall, the Ancient of Days never does. Unsearchable. To the human mind, God's wisdom is not fully comprehensible in how He chooses to fulfill His promises to deliver Israel. Paul saw a further illustration of this truth in God's plan for the final restoration of Israel...Wait on the Lord....There is a general principle here that patient, praying believers are blessed by the Lord with strength in their trials...The Lord also expected His people to be patient and await His coming in glory at the end to fulfill the promises of national deliverance, when believing Israel would become stronger than they had ever been. [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 806-807]
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.
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