"Let Christ Live"

The Victory Tree: an opportunity to support the men in the Colony of Mercy. This year we have made available sponsorships for the men in the Colony. It costs the ministry of America's Keswick $65 a day per man. If you would like to sponsor one (or more) man for a gift of $65, we will send you a Keswick collectible tree ornament as our thank you. The ornament has a tag with information about one of the men in the Colony. We ask that you pray for that man for the next 30 days. The funds go to the Colony of Mercy fund. This is a great way to partner with us to make the men's Christmas special. To sponsor a man, please contact Guest Services at 732.350.1187 ext. 10 or visit our website www.americaskeswick.org go to the Support drop down menu and click on "Give Now" - in the Designation box - indicate "Victory Tree" and we will mail your ornament to you. Thank you for your partnership both financially and in prayer. Merry Christmas, Diane
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"Let Christ Live"

Over the past couple years, God has been patiently been teaching me and reminding me to trust Him in an area I've been struggling with for a long time ~~ my time and timing. I've tried numerous times and various ways without success in mastering it. Some people call it "time management"; I like the phrase "time efficiency" better.

My conclusion ~~ It's all part of submission and faith; giving over my "trying" to manage my time and seeking God's "time efficiency" by trusting His direction for accomplishing the tasks that are before me day by day, moment by moment. Am I 100% there yet? No! Do I still have times of struggling with time? Yes! Will I ever be 100% "time efficient"? I doubt it!! But I am coming to know His peace in the busyness of my life.

Especially at this time of year I, we, can become overwhelmed with much to do, and neglect to keep focused on Christ's birth and the reason for His coming to earth ~~ to die for our sins and to be our Savior. This is the Gospel, not only God's Plan for our salvation, but also our ongoing transformation into Christlikeness (Romans 8:29).

How does this tie together with my "time efficiency" need? ~~ As I trust the truths of God's Word and speak them to myself, I am reminded of His Grace defined as God's unmerited favor for my salvation and also, His divine enablement. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). And, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." My need...His grace.

Dr. Charles Solomon, while speaking at America's Keswick to some of the staff, said, "Let Christ live." He was referring to the Victorious Life Message of which Galatians 2:20 speaks, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." As I seek to put self aside and seek His mind, His Spirit will guide me. 1 Corinthians 2:16, says I have "the mind of Christ" to guide me. Something I've learned though is that I must listen and be obedient, or I can get into big trouble. As He directs, I must just "do the next thing". I thank Elisabeth Elliot for sharing that phrase once when I heard her speak; first, pray about all that you have to do, she said, and then just "do the next thing" as God directs your thinking.

A scripture that brings peace to my life, Philippians 4:4 - 7, says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understand will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Another scripture verse that I came across a few years ago and claimed as my "life verse" is a reminder to me of Who is in charge and I have personalized it. "Yet for (me) there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom I live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom (I) live" (1 Corinthians 8:6).

"Let Christ Live"...

An exercise found in Devotional Classics has been helpful to me also: ".... rely on the strength of God.... Allow Christ to rescue you. Resolve not to resolve, but instead, resign."1 (emphasis mine) See Romans 7:21 - 8:2. I've added some other "r" words to the list as reminders of how to live in victory: to break bad habits - renounce Satan's control and reclaim surrendered ground, then relinquish to Christ sins, hurt, guilt, anger, bitterness, hatred, and resentment through confession and repentance~~ the debt had been paid! ~~ This is Grace!! ~~ This is Victory!!

These things I must continue remind myself and ask Christ for~~ His strength, His peace, His love, His mercy, His grace, all for His Glory!!

"Let Christ Live!!!"
DeEtta Marsh

DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, asCoordinators for Families For Christ ministry to Colony of Mercy residents and wives, and Colony Graduate Couples. Serving the Lord on Staff at America's KESWICK since summer, 1995. Wife, mother, teacher, grandmother of 8.

DIGGING DEEPER
John 1
6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

1 Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster & James Bryan Smith, HarperSanFrancisco, p. 57