Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Spiritual Fruit

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:8

I am going to attempt to do several Victory Calls on the Fruit of the Spirit. Last summer I did a seminar on this topic and we decided to call it "Juicy Fruit". That is what God desires from us, fruit that is juicy and pleasant. Not dry and wilted.

Let us start out with pronunciation; it is FRUIT, not FRUITS. A tree bears one fruit, it may bear many apples, but it is the fruit of the tree. The Holy Spirit in the same way is the source of our fruit. The apple has several parts, such as core, seeds, flesh, peel - but it is all one piece of the fruit. So it is with the fruit of the spirit - it is all one fruit, with many parts. All of the components must be present if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us. For example, if you examine a cluster of grapes, each grape is same fruit yet each may differ slightly in size, shape and taste. One fully ripened, full of sweet taste - others less ripe, green, sour, shrunken and shriveled - still they are the same grape growing on a single stem.

As a way of introduction, it is important to know why we bear fruit. The verse above is clear in that our spiritual fruit first gives glory to God and second, demonstrates that we are His disciples. We shall be known by our fruit. When people see, taste or experience the fruit in our lives they are seeing, tasting and experiencing God at work.

Next, what purpose does my fruit play in God's grand scheme of things? First, it is designed so that we can be God's instruments and meet the needs of others. Fruit trees do not eat their own fruit; they bear fruit for our benefit. Our fruit is not for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. Galatians 6:10 tells us to do good to others. In Philippians 4:19 we are told that God supplies our needs - and one of the ways He does that is through our fruit.

Finally, let's look at the predators of our spiritual fruit. All fruit has predators: cold, bugs, heat, drought, fire, wind, etc... Our spiritual fruit also has predators. Galatians 5:16-17 and Romans 8:5 tell us that the flesh and our sinful desires can destroy our fruit. The next one is no surprise... Satan is looking to destroy us (1 Peter 5:18) and if he can't destroy us totally, he can render our fruit ineffective for God.

Each succeeding Victory Call on this topic will look at the different parts of the Fruit.

The first 3 relate to our relationship to God: Love, Joy, and Peace.
The next 3 relate to our relationship to others: Patience, Kindness and Goodness.
The last 3 relate to our relationship to ourselves, or what kind of people we are: Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.

I want to end with a poem, maybe it can be your prayer for this study. Source is unknown.

We who were once wilderness can become the garden of God.

My life is a garden.
Your life is a garden.

Is it a waste, untilled and wild?
Like an untaught, untrained child?

Or is it good soil under the Master's hand?
Is my soul His own cherished land?

Is it thick with thistles and weed?
Or has it been sown with His good seed?

What is the harvest that comes from this life?
Goodness and love, or hatred and strife?

O Lord, take this stony ground of mine.
Make it all, completely Thine!

Only then can it ever yield,
The pleasant fruit of a godly field.

Lynne Jahns

Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies

DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

Monday, May 30, 2011

Digging Deeper James 3:1 with Commentary

I love the practicality of the book of James. There are so many nuggets of truth and wisdom within its pages. I hope you are being blessed by the intentional study and meditation on the Word.

This weeks verse is James 3:1
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

Commentary
"Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11), and those who were ambitious sought teacher status for the wrong reasons. However, with greater responsibility comes greater expectations by God (Luke 12:48; Heb. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., "greater judgment"), since they are accountable for more." ESV Study Bible, study notes pg. 2395.

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Modest Check Part 2

Yesterday I shared the first portion of a brochure called Modesty Check written by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw. Today I share the remaining portion for your encouragement and challenge:

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check. (What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)

Starting at the top...
* When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.
* If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons.
* The same check is needed if I am wearing sleeveless. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.
* Am I wearing spaghetti-strap, halter-top or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet.
* Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.
* More key questions: Does it reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer is "yes" to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving on down...
* Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.
* I also have to turn around to see if what I'm wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what I have to do!
* And for my shorts - I can't just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.
* The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I'm seated.
* And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are helpful here.
* Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a "sunlight check." Is it see-through? If so, I need a slip.
* Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.
* And don't forget - this all applies to formal wear as well.
* A note on swimwear: It's not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren't cut high on the leg or and don't have a low neckline.

This is part two of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries

Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.
If you are interested the Modest Heart Check brochure can be found in PDF form, as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Modest Check Part 1

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

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

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

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

* What statement do my clothes make about my heart?
* In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?
* Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?
* Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is it the latest fashion?
* Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
* Does my clothing reveal an allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

This is part one of a two part series from the Modesty Check (c) Sovereign Grace Ministries

Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney, and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)~~ used with permission.
If you are interested the Modest Heart Check brochure can be found in PDF form, as a free download at: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1170-06-59.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Get Dressed Intentionally

Steph once made the statement that "people get dressed intentionally."

If you do not think you dress intentionally perhaps it is time to start dressing intentionally to the glory of God. Many girls/women dress intending to turn a head, to draw the eye a particular man, or men in general. A woman can feel a sense of excitement from getting a positive reaction from a member of the opposite sex. My theory is that this sense of excitement is the female form of lust. Lust is defined as personal inclination or intense desire (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). For men, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes. For women, I would say the same is true with a significant variation. For women, lust is an issue of the heart but is typically enticed through the eyes LOOKING AT HER. For men, lust is passive in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what he takes in from outside of himself, what he sees or looks at and then mulls over in his mind. For women, lust is active in the sense that it is fanned into flame through what she sends out from inside herself, how she dresses, sits, or moves her body which results in a reaction from a man. The power to entice and the intense longing for attention can cause women to dress in a sensual way.

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

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

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

Which do you choose today?

Diane

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Some Cold Hard Facts

Yesterday I shared about the attitude of our hearts regarding the battle the enemy has mounted in the area of lust and sexual immorality. I believe he is gaining ground. Lest you think I'm wrong consider these pornography statistics 1
The United States ranks 4th in the world in revenue made on pornography
The United States is ranked #1 in pornographic video production
Each day there are 68,000,000 pornographic search engine requests
Each day there are 2.5 Billion pornographic emails
42.7% of all internet users view pornography
35% of all internet downloads are pornographic
The average age of internet pornography exposure 11 years old
26 Children's character names linked to thousands of pornography links
72% of visitors to pornographic websites are male; 28 % female
17% of women reported having a pornography addiction
53% Promise Keeper men reported having viewed pornography in the past week


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


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



Diane

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



Monday, May 23, 2011

An Attitude of the Heart

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

Another year has passed already. This is the week for the past 4 years that I have shared a series on modesty and purity. Memorial Day typically kicks off the summer with warmer temperatures and sticky humidity and people wear lighter and less clothing. It is not that modesty is only an issue in the summer, it is God's desire for us all 365 days of the year. However, I doubt anyone would argue that it becomes a more evident issue with the warmer weather. The beaches and pools are packed to overflowing, and the amusement parks and ice cream stands have long lines. People are out and about.

It is disheartening when I see young women (and some not-so-young) wearing attire that would have only appeared in pornographic magazines 30 or 40 years ago. If it is catching my attention, you can be sure it is turning almost every male's head. Sure there are men out there intentionally looking, ogling anything female, but I would venture to guess that they are not the majority. I think the majority are men with wives and families and daughters who are accosted with sensually and scantly dressed girls and women everywhere they go. I wish I could say, they could just flee to the church but sadly, it is not safe even in the churches.

Women of God, it is time to stand up and battle the enemy as he is gaining ground in the hearts and lives of the men of our churches, our husbands, our sons, our brothers, our pastors. We need a new attitude of compassion and support rather than condemnation and irritation.

Please hear my heart. I am not blaming scantly dressed women for any man's sinful attitudes or actions! Each man is 100% responsible for where he allows his eyes and heart to linger. I would also say each woman is 100% responsible for her own attire and her attitude towards this whole area of struggle for her male counterpart. It is a cop-out to chalk it up to being "his problem". More than that, it is short-sighted, superficial and flat out sinful.

Which one of us would sit in the foxhole painting our nails when our fellow soldier was waging war against our enemy who appeared to be gaining the upper hand? NOT A ONE! I believe every one of us would jump to the aid of another in our company doing battle alongside them rather than against them. Let's carry this word picture into the modesty, lust and purity battle. Can you see how God calls us alongside rather than against our brothers in Christ?

How do your wardrobe choices reflect love for Jesus Christ? How does your attire reflect love for your brothers in Christ? How does the way you dress reflect your heart?

Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor...
Luke 10:27 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind," and "your neighbor as yourself."

Diane

Friday, May 20, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:20-26 Points to Ponder

James 2:20-26
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"-and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Points to Ponder
Isn't the point in these verses that faith results in action? Faith without action is not action and action without faith is not faith. To know a truth doesn't necessarily lead to obedience to the truth, but to believe a truth, leads to active obedience in light of that truth.

This litmus test can give us a glimpse into our own hearts. What we know we may say with our lips, but what we believe is only evident through our attitudes and actions. "We act upon what we believe not upon what we know."1 Understanding that distinction has greatly impacted my life as I have gained greater understanding of my own heart.

How about you? What does your life say about what you truly believe?
Some food for thought today.

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

1 Vicki Arudda, quoted in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore


Thursday, May 19, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:20-26 Points to Ponder

James 2:20-26
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"-and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Points to Ponder
Isn't the point in these verses that faith results in action? Faith without action is not action and action without faith is not faith. To know a truth doesn't necessarily lead to obedience to the truth, but to believe a truth, leads to active obedience in light of that truth.

This litmus test can give us a glimpse into our own hearts. What we know we may say with our lips, but what we believe is only evident through our attitudes and actions. "We act upon what we believe not upon what we know."1 Understanding that distinction has greatly impacted my life as I have gained greater understanding of my own heart.

How about you? What does your life say about what you truly believe?
Some food for thought today.

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

1 Vicki Arudda, quoted in Praying God's Word by Beth Moore

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Coming back for more vs. Coming back no more...

Remember records, the ones that go round and round on a turn table? Oh boy, my age is showing! I can remember when they'd break or skip and you'd just keep hearing the same thing over and over again, and so came the phrase; "You sound like a broken record." It's enough to drive someone crazy! Or drive them away.

I was part of a family conversation where a mom and daughter were visiting after being apart for some time. They live a few states away from each other and are more than that distance apart in terms of what decisions are best for the daughter's life (an adult woman).

I listened patiently, and did not interrupt. No one really could, because the mom was intent on being heard again and again and again. Same words, just repeated again and again. This conversation was one that had been happening for years. Each time they had a chance to be together, most of that time was spent with the mom stating her case and the daughter trying to respectfully state hers and yet not be moved from her choices.

When there seemed to be a way to get a word in edgewise, I asked if I could say something. They both said yes.

I shared with the mom that I knew her daughter had heard her. She knew exactly how her mom felt, where she stood and so on...that was crystal clear. I also shared with the daughter that she was very much loved and confirmed that she understood the options available to her from the family should she choose their help. I made one other point that seemed obvious to me, but not to them.

"You both spend precious time together disagreeing about the same things over and over again. Mom, she has heard you, but you insist on telling her the same thing each time she comes. Sooner or later she may stop coming. I know that's not what either of you want, but you seem to be headed in that direction. (They had both recently lost their husband and father, an unexpected death.) Time is precious! I'm not suggesting you compromise values but I am suggesting you accept each other and move forward."

This led to her daughter asking me what I thought she should do. I didn't tell her what I thought. I told her what I thought the Lord would have her do. "He wants you to die, die to yourself so He can live through you." He is all about hope! My hope is that she will accept Him as her Savior and the Lord over her life.
As we walked along the beach she loves so much she said to me; "Look at that (the ocean). It is something else!" I pointed at her and replied; "Look at you- you're something more amazing than that ocean and all that is in it. You are made in His image." What a blessing to share the love of Christ with her just like someone did for me. I pray she will be coming back for more...
Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:2( NKJV)
Dina Seaton
DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:18,19
18But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!



Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:18-19 Points to Ponder

Remember this week we will be doing 4 Digging Deeper Victory Call's to clear the way next week for the series on modesty.

James 2:18-19
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!

Points to Ponder
I grew up believing I was a Christian because I believed in Jesus Christ. I knew He died on the cross for my sins. I knew He was the Son of God. I believed in heaven and hell. I believed all that. But in July 1983, God touched my life and gave life to my dead spirit; I was born-again. I was saved by His grace. All those things I knew became more than head knowledge; they became heart truths that I believed by faith.

In all those years prior to my conversion, it never occurred to me that the demons knew all the things that I knew. They knew Jesus died; that He is the Son of God. They knew there is a heaven and there is a hell. They had experienced both. Yet, for all their knowledge, they are not saved.

So let me ask you today. Do you know Jesus personally or do you just know all about Him? If you never have asked Jesus to save you, trusting and believing that only He can, won't you today? You won't get into heaven by chance or accident. You are not saved by any of your own efforts, good works or good intentions. You are not saved because you are the right religion, or in the right family. There is nothing you can do that will surpass the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just necessary for your salvation it is also sufficient. If you would like to know how you can be saved please email me at dhunt@americaskeswick.org and I will gladly share with you the gospel that can set you free. It's not my opinion that matters it is God's truth and His power that saves.

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:18-19

I just wanted to give you ladies an update on our recent Family Freedom Walk. As you know we had a little competition between the Freedom Fighters men and the Victory Call women. And may I humbly say, "Ladies, we skunked them!!" The Victory Call ladies donated $5,350 to the Walk and the men? Well, the men donated $100. It's not too late ladies; if your husband is a Freedom Fighter reader, he can still make a donation to the cause via the website. I'm not sure but a little poking and prodding might be in order, and if that doesn't work then a little guilt and shame.

Just kidding. We had fun raising funds for the Addiction Recovery Ministries through the Family Freedom Walk. We raised $40,000 and it's still climbing. Thank you to each one of you that walked, rocked and/or sponsored the event.

This week we are going to do 4 Digging Deeper with 2 sections of Scripture. Today and tomorrow we will cover James 2:18-19 with the commentary and points to ponder and James 2:20-26 on Thursday and Friday. We are doing that because next week we will be running our annual 5 day series on modesty as we approach the warmer summer months. Probably more than any other series I have written, the series on modesty has gotten a great deal of response. But alas, that is not our task for today; today we will look at James 2:18-19:

But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!

Commentary:
"But someone will say." As was common in Hellenistic rhetoric, James introduces a hypothetical respondent into his discussion of faith and works, continuing his argument against those who think that faith can save without works. God is one. This affirmation of monotheism stems from the core Jewish creed called the Shema (Deut. 6:4; see Mark 12:29; Rom. 3:30). But James stresses its inadequacy, since even the demons believe this, and they shudder. Mere mental assent to the Christian faith does not save anyone. The faith that saves, as both Paul and James affirm, embraces the truth of the gospel and acts accordingly." [ESV Study Bible notes pg. 2394]

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:14-17

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Points to ponder
I grew up believing that "if I lived a good enough life" I'd go to heaven. It was a works-based theology, and I didn't know any different. As I came to Christ in my 20s I learned of faith and salvation freely given by Jesus Christ, not earned or warranted. Sounds simple enough but honestly there are times that the "doing" in my life still silently gives me a sense of righteousness. Old habits die hard.

Faith is a verb not a noun. Faith isn't just thinking something is true. Faith, genuine faith, results in action. Likewise, action can be action through sheer act of human will void of any Holy Spirit power. Faith without works does not save (it's not really faith) and works without faith do not save because they are merely a result of human effort.

Let our faith shine through the works the Father has given us to do in His Holy Spirit power. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Eph 2:10

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Lessons from Mark 5 (Part 2)

Referring again to the study of Mark 5:21-43, I would like to share with you a different perspective-that of our teacher, Dot Elwood, with her permission.
She learned much from this passage from the perspective of Jairus, the synagogue ruler and dying girl's father.

How difficult it must have been for this man, who after pleading for Jesus' help and convincing Jesus to come with Him, to wait for Jesus to actually get to his house. This was urgent! His precious daughter was on the verge of death! He was probably wishing Jesus would run - FAST! Yet, in the midst of the crowd pressing in all around Him, He stops to see who touched Him. I'm sure in such a crowd, many people had touched Him, but verse 30 says, "At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?'" Jesus knew who touched Him, because He knows all things. He stopped in order to minister to this woman. Great for the woman, but what about Jairus who was standing there.......waiting? He probably wanted to physically pull Jesus along! Then, Jairus' worst fears are realized. "While Jesus was still speaking (with the woman), some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher any more?'" (Mark 5:35)

But wait, the story doesn't end there. Verse 36: "Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'" Jesus then proceeds to Jairus' house. He moves right past the mourners who were "crying and wailing loudly." (vs. 38) And, "He took her by the hand and said to her, 'Talitha koum!' (which means , 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!'). Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished." (Mark 5:41-42) Think about that for a moment. NOW how do you think Jairus felt? Talk about an emotional roller coaster!
Dot gleaned some really insightful lessons from this passage that really spoke to me and blessed my heart. I trust they will for you as well.

1. Don't listen to the enemy around us. (Telling us not to bother the teacher, that there is no hope.)
2. God's delays are faith-stretching opportunities!
3. God's delays don't always mean "no".
4. On the other side of my delay may be an answer so much better than we anticipated.

Dear sister, may this encourage you today as you wait on the Lord. He has not forgotten you!

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

(All Scripture taken from the NIV)

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:14-17 (ESV)
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Lessons from Mark 5

Recently, I was studying Mark 5:21-43 in preparation for the Ladies Bible Study I attend. It is the account of Jesus healing a bleeding woman and restoring a girl to life. I would encourage you to read it as you have opportunity.

As I was meditating on the passage, two things really jumped out at me and I would like to share them with you.

First, the tremendous faith of both the girl's father (Jairus) and the bleeding woman.

"Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with Him, 'My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.'" (Mark 5:22-23, emphasis mine)

"When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.'" (Mark 5:27-28, emphasis mine)

They both KNEW that just a touch from Jesus, not could, but WOULD bring healing. And their faith prompted them to action. They both sought Him out, even though there was risk involved. As a synagogue ruler, Jairus risked persecution and ridicule for seeking out this man, Jesus, that many were cynical of and hostile toward. As someone with a chronic bleeding condition, the woman risked making Jesus ritually unclean under Jewish law by touching Him. But their steadfast faith caused them to take that risk-and the woman was healed and Jairus' daughter was not just healed, but raised from the dead!

Secondly, they both fell at His feet.

"Seeing Jesus, he fell at His feet and pleaded earnestly with Him." (Mark 5:22b-23a, emphasis mine)

"Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told Him the whole truth." (Mark 5:33, emphasis mine)

To me, this shows reverence, humility, and desperation. The woman was definitely desperate. As verse 26 says, "She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse." They both realized the power and the greatness of the One they approached, prompting humility and reverence.

The study of this passage caused me to ask myself three questions:
1. Do I truly believe that Jesus is sufficient to heal and to help? (He may use different methods, tools and people in our lives, but ultimately our help is from Him.)
2. How often am I getting down on my knees in total desperation, awed reverence, and complete humility before Him?
3. When things get crazy, do I seek Him first, falling on my knees before Him, or do I exhaust all other options first?

Lord, may we find ourselves often on our knees before You, in reverence, humility, and a knowledge of our desperate need for You in all things, and with a faith that is steadfast, knowing You are sufficient for all of our needs.

God's Word is alive and active. Tomorrow I would like to share with you how the Lord spoke to the woman teaching the Bible Study using the very same passage-and it is a very different perspective from mine.

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

(All Scripture taken from the NIV)

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:14-17 (ESV)
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Monday, May 09, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:14-17

Friends, how are you doing? Have you been taking time to tarry at the Lord's feet? Are you delighting in the Word? Are you spending time with Jesus or simply reading your Bible? I know I can be guilty of approaching the Bible like an item on my task list. I have been asking the Lord to teach me to read His Word with my heart not my head. How about you?

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Commentary:
"if someone says. This important phrase governs the interpretation of the entire passage. James does not say that this person actually has faith, but that he claims to have it. faith. This is best understood in a broad sense, speaking of any degree of acceptance of the truths of the gospel. does not have. Again, the verb's form describes someone who continually lacks any external evidence of the faith he routinely claims. works. This refers to all righteous behavior that conforms to God's revealed Word, but specifically, in the context, to acts of compassion (v. 15). Can faith save him? Better translated, "Can that kind of faith save?" James is not disputing the importance of faith. Rather, he is opposing the notion that saving faith can be a mere intellectual exercise void of a commitment to active obedience...James illustrates his point by comparing faith without works to words of compassion without acts of compassion...faith by itself...is dead. Just as professed compassion without action is phony, the kind of faith that is without works is empty profession, not genuine saving faith." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John Mac Arthur pg 1887-1888].

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Friday, May 06, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:12-13 points to ponder

James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Points to Ponder
At first read, I thought this verse said, "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law." I thought that odd since we are no longer under the law and living under the law is bondage. "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) When I read more carefully, I realized it said "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law OF LIBERTY." That's a big difference. We are under the law of freedom, not bondage and surely that makes a difference in the way we live. Do our lives reflect our freedom in Christ in our words and actions, especially towards others? In that Christ has set us free, we have been shown mercy by God. When we lose sight of that, we can be prone to be critical and judgmental.

Mercy triumphs over judgment. Judgment is so much easier and self-satisfying, isn't it? Judgment portrays me as the determiner of what's right, it elevates my opinion as most accurate and important. It is self-centered, self-righteous, and self-seeking. Isn't having a critical, judgmental spirit a nuance of a proud heart?

Mercy, on the other hand, removes me from the center of the universe and treats the other person as more important than myself. True mercy is an act of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The next time I am tempted to be judgmental, I pray the Holy Spirit will remind me that I have been shown mercy and that I am no more deserving of it than the other person. I pray that His reminder will humble my heart and lead me to speak and act as one who is judged by the law of freedom and shown the mercy of God.

Blessings,
Diane

PS This is the final week before the Family Freedom Walk (Saturday, May 7th). If you would like to sponsor one of the staff or Colony men, please contact Guest Services at 1.800.453.7942 or go to our website www.americaskeswick.org (Give Now button). By the way: Ladies, we are doing well in the Freedom Fighters/ Victory Call competition.


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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

Thursday, May 05, 2011

It's All Greek To Me

...often an expression we use when we feel like we can't understand something. Have you ever felt intimidated by the Word? When I came to Christ ten years ago, I had a Bible that I rarely read, but never-the-less I owned one. I remember asking my Pastor if the one I had was alright to use. He said; "Sure, just start reading." I did, and God continues to reveal Himself through it. This year I decided to read through the Bible in a year. What a blessing! It's been tough to discipline myself, but I haven't given up. If I miss a day or two, I just start where it begins that day and keep going. Did you know that God made a donkey speak? (Numbers 22) I didn't. It's really an adventure reading through the Bible, but it's not a mystery nor is God the author of confusion.

I read a devotional once that stressed the importance of "really" understanding certain words by looking up their Greek meaning. It was sad that the author seemed to lead the reader to believe that if they didn't understand Greek they really couldn't understand what God was saying. That's just not true. Knowing the Lord Who is the Author of each word is far more important than its Greek root. My fiancé attends Bible College and they have their students dig deep into the Word. I clearly see the benefit in that deeper study and am glad he's the one with the homework!

Please understand, I'm not discouraging a deeper study, but encouraging you to study...study...study, whatever language you speak and trust the Teacher will interpret His Book. After all, His purpose in writing it was to reveal Himself to us.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Practice Makes.....

Everybody knows the expression "practice makes perfect." I was told that over and over as a child taking piano lessons. The need to practice was essential.

However, the expression really is somewhat false. Practice does not make perfect, it just makes permanent. If you practice correctly, whatever it is you practice, then yes, it makes perfect the execution of what we are learning. But if we practice incorrectly, or the wrong way, then that pattern becomes ingrained in us and is very hard to break. Practice something the wrong way and you will always tend to do it the wrong way.

Maybe you've also heard this: Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson1

What we practice spiritually also becomes our habit, our character. What are our daily "practices" as we walk with God? Do we spend time with Him? Do we seek His face daily, in every circumstance? When difficulties come, is it our practice to run to Him? Do we worry, fret, try to figure out how to deal with things - or do we make it a practice to give it to Him?

These are things that I am learning, and working on practicing correctly so that practice truly does make "perfect."

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:7-14 NKJV, emphasis mine)

May we press on as we practice becoming perfect in Him!

Ruth Schmidt

1 http://quotationsbook.com/quote/10741/#ixzz1IwWCZrh6
on Quotations Book

Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Special Project - you're invited!
Calling all cooks! Keswick will be producing its own cookbook (the first new one in many years) and we want YOUR favorite recipes! Please submit your recipes to me by May 15. This can include favorite from the conference kitchen, as well as your own family favorites.

No limitations: appetizers, salads, soups/stews, casseroles, entrees/meats, vegetables/side dishes, breads/muffins/etc, desserts (cakes/pies/puddings/cookies/candy/etc.)

Please submit typed or CLEARLY printed recipes – check your measurements for accuracy. Include your name, and if there is a SHORT personal story about the recipe, include that as well (i.e. something you always have Christmas morning).

So start digging through those recipes cards and find your favorite. Email them to rschmidt@americaskeswick.org

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Spring Cleaning

Even though the skies have been gray and dreary I have attempted to do some spring cleaning. I can not tell you how much I dread the change-over of clothes, the cleaning of windows and so much more. It is not the act of doing these chores that I can't stand. It is what I see and feel about myself that frustrates me.

Let's begin in the closet. I think there is something about playing dress-up as a child that I never got over. I am at the point where I am ashamed at ALL that I have. I always see my heart when I open my closet. I see the little girl who was mocked for having her pants too short. (Today they are called ankle pants. I can't wear them because to me they are "flood" pants and people laugh when you wear them!) I see the fourth daughter who always had hand-me-downs. (I would do well to shop more thrift stores!) I see the woman who is afraid, insecure and defines herself often by an outward appearance.

Moving on to the blinds and windows that hang in my bedroom I see last year's pollen and dust. A swiffer will not be sufficient. Hot water, Mr. Clean and a rag will be needed. I begin this chore and get frustrated with the fact that if I did this more often it wouldn't be so hard. I begin to think of the time I wasted when I could have been doing something productive. Although I am cleaning now, I feel like a lazy bum who spent too much time doing insignificant things that ate away at my time. As I lift the clean window into place, I find that I did something wrong. The window will not lock into its upright position. Now I am mad that I broke the window and wonder why I attempt to do anything at all! By time the first window is clean I have turned myself into an unworthy wife, a rotten mother and a complete failure at life!

Whether it be spring, summer, fall or winter I find it hard to live in my true identity. I fall back on what the world tells me more often. My false thinking tends to be like the pollen and dirt stuck to my windowsill. It takes a lot for me to get rid of it.

Lately, when I open my closet, I am convicted of my abundance of "stuff." I need to heed the warning that my life does not consist of my possessions and I better be on guard against my greed (Luke 12:15). We, as women, are told it is about how we look, what we wear, what we have, blah,blah,blah! But we need to cling to truth more then we cling to our "stuff."

When I clean a window I think about the lack of repentance in my heart. How much junk has lived and lurked in there without being cleaned out? The truth be told, if I spent more time on my heart being right and in alignment with Christ, the cleaning out would not be so heavy and burdensome.

Regardless of what we still have to clean this spring it may be time to sit and reflect. Forget the closets, the windows and let's not even think about the garage! Let's do some inner cleaning and ponder on this truth.

"Behold, you desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:6,7,10,17

Kathy Withers

Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Monday, May 02, 2011

Digging Deeper James 2:12-13 with Commentary

This is the final week before the Family Freedom Walk (Saturday, May 7th). If you would like to sponsor one of the staff or Colony men, please contact Guest Services at 1.800.453.7942 or go to our website www.americaskeswick.org (Give Now button). By the way: Ladies, we are doing well in the Freedom Fighters/ Victory Call competition.

The whole idea of focusing on a short passage of Scripture each week is to allow time for us to dig deeper. Many of us, myself included, skim along the surface of the Word like a stone skipping on the water, hesitating just long enough to get wet but not coming to rest in that spot. Do you savor the Word? Do you mull it over, meditating on its meaning and truth? Do you embrace it and allow it to dwell in you richly? I am speaking to myself first. I am, far too often, the skipping stone, but I want to dig deeper.

James 2:12-13
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Commentary:
"A person who shows no mercy and compassion for people in need demonstrates that he has never responded to the great mercy of God and, as an unredeemed person, will receive only strict, unrelieved judgment in eternal hell (cf. Matt. 5:7). Mercy triumphs over judgment. The person whose life is characterized by mercy is ready for the day of judgment, and will escape all the charges that strict justice might bring against him because, by showing mercy to others, he gives genuine evidence of having received God's mercy." The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1887.

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 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.