These are the words that our Lord Jesus speaks to the disciples at their last Passover dinner together before He is crucified. They are words that have comforted many of us over the years, not so much the "mansions" part, but where He says He is going to prepare a place for us and then return for us (John 14:1-3).
But I was speaking with a Keswick staff member a few days ago, and she shared that someone had said to her that we couldn't take the word "mansion" literally. That the men who translated the Bible might not have translated the word accurately and we might not be living in heavenly "mansions" at all. However, she did go on to say that IF we were going to have a mansion to dwell in when we get to heaven, she would love hers to be beachfront because she loves the ocean and boats and being at the shore. I told her that maybe her mansion would be beside the crystal sea (Rev. 4:6). I guess a little spiritual dreaming is OK.
But as we talked a little more, we all agreed that whether our dwelling place in heaven is or isn't a "mansion," or whether our dwelling is or isn't "beachfront property," it doesn't matter. The only thing that will matter is that we are IN heaven and that we will be rejoicing in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and basking in His reflected glory for all eternity.
So read the words of Christ in John 14 and be encouraged, not because you may be living in a mansion, but remember that He has gone ahead and prepared the place for us where He wants us to be and where we can praise His name for ever and ever.
Lynn Randall
Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America's KESWICK. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
What Remains?
Where have we compromised? What has God left in our lives to test us, to see if we will obey or not?
The Israelites compromised, failing to drive out the enemy in the land they were taking possession of. Instead they chose to live among them.
Judges 1:28 "When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. Judges 1:29, "And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them."
Judges 1:33 "Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitant of Beth-shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, so they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land." Where have we failed to obey God's instructions, commands?
Judges 3:1, 4 "Now these are the nations that the LORD left, to test Israel by them... They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses."
Deuteronomy 8:2 "And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."
What has God left in our lives to test us, to see if we will obey or not? We may have dealt with some of the "bigger" stuff but what have we chosen to live with rather than drive out? Are we willing to take up the cause and face those areas left in our lives that we have tucked away and ignored long enough that they have become comfortable with?
Can we rouse ourselves from sleep to do battle, with God's grace and strength to drive out the enemy we have allowed to live in our midst?
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
The Israelites compromised, failing to drive out the enemy in the land they were taking possession of. Instead they chose to live among them.
Judges 1:28 "When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. Judges 1:29, "And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them."
Judges 1:33 "Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitant of Beth-shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, so they lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land." Where have we failed to obey God's instructions, commands?
Judges 3:1, 4 "Now these are the nations that the LORD left, to test Israel by them... They were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses."
Deuteronomy 8:2 "And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."
What has God left in our lives to test us, to see if we will obey or not? We may have dealt with some of the "bigger" stuff but what have we chosen to live with rather than drive out? Are we willing to take up the cause and face those areas left in our lives that we have tucked away and ignored long enough that they have become comfortable with?
Can we rouse ourselves from sleep to do battle, with God's grace and strength to drive out the enemy we have allowed to live in our midst?
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.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Hearing Test
"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger..." James 1:19
Have you ever had a hearing test? I remember them from elementary school, but I also had one about 10 years ago when there was a question about whether I could hear certain tones. As it turns out my physical hearing is fine - I can hear... if I choose to! Get it, most of us have the capabilities of hearing, but often we fail at hearing. OK, ladies, not to throw my husband under the bus here, but he has been known to not "hear". You know the "you never told me" response, when you know darn well that you did. Not to make him seem like the bad guy - I know that at times I am also guilty of not hearing what he has said to me. As a counselor, I am in some ways being paid to listen and yet I am sure there are times when my listening skills need help and need to be more focused on my client rather than wherever else my brain wants to go.
Why do we not listen? When do we fail to hear? I'm going to guess that the following may be playing a part: we are too busy or in a hurry, our thoughts are focused on defending ourself or getting our point across, we don't believe the person or issue is worth our time, we are lazy, we are preoccupied with our stuff, or maybe we do not want to hear what the person has to say. As I might suspect, the Bible has a few things to say about our listening skills. Take some time to check out these verses, or you can just take my word for it that they communicate the following principles of listening.
1. Listen to the counsel of others.
* Prov. 15:31-32
* Prov. 19:20, 27
* Prov. 22: 17-18
* Prov. 25: 12
* Prov. 24:6
* Prov. 13:1
2. Listen before you respond.
* Prov. 18:13
* Prov. 29:20
* James 1:19
3. Hold your tongue.
* Prov. 10:19
* Prov. 17:27
* Prov. 18:2
* Prov. 17:28
* Prov. 11:12
So, how did you do? Did you fail your hearing test? I hope not, but if you did - it is reversible - you can pass the next time you take the test. Godly communication comes when we learn to listen and minimize our speech. The next time we chat we'll talk about the biblical principles of speech. Happy Listening!
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Have you ever had a hearing test? I remember them from elementary school, but I also had one about 10 years ago when there was a question about whether I could hear certain tones. As it turns out my physical hearing is fine - I can hear... if I choose to! Get it, most of us have the capabilities of hearing, but often we fail at hearing. OK, ladies, not to throw my husband under the bus here, but he has been known to not "hear". You know the "you never told me" response, when you know darn well that you did. Not to make him seem like the bad guy - I know that at times I am also guilty of not hearing what he has said to me. As a counselor, I am in some ways being paid to listen and yet I am sure there are times when my listening skills need help and need to be more focused on my client rather than wherever else my brain wants to go.
Why do we not listen? When do we fail to hear? I'm going to guess that the following may be playing a part: we are too busy or in a hurry, our thoughts are focused on defending ourself or getting our point across, we don't believe the person or issue is worth our time, we are lazy, we are preoccupied with our stuff, or maybe we do not want to hear what the person has to say. As I might suspect, the Bible has a few things to say about our listening skills. Take some time to check out these verses, or you can just take my word for it that they communicate the following principles of listening.
1. Listen to the counsel of others.
* Prov. 15:31-32
* Prov. 19:20, 27
* Prov. 22: 17-18
* Prov. 25: 12
* Prov. 24:6
* Prov. 13:1
2. Listen before you respond.
* Prov. 18:13
* Prov. 29:20
* James 1:19
3. Hold your tongue.
* Prov. 10:19
* Prov. 17:27
* Prov. 18:2
* Prov. 17:28
* Prov. 11:12
So, how did you do? Did you fail your hearing test? I hope not, but if you did - it is reversible - you can pass the next time you take the test. Godly communication comes when we learn to listen and minimize our speech. The next time we chat we'll talk about the biblical principles of speech. Happy Listening!
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:7-9 with Commentary
Our tongues can be so difficult to contain. You've heard the saying "talking out of both sides of the mouth" which means the person says opposite things. One day it's yes and the next it's no. This week's verse refers to the inconsistency of our tongue.
James 3:7-9 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Commentary:
"no man can tame the tongue. Only God by His power can do this. Bless...curse. It was traditional for Jews to add "blessed be He" to a mention of God's name...However, the tongue also wishes evil on people made in God's image. This points out the hypocritical inconsistency of the tongue's activities. made in the similitude of God. Man was made in God's image..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur, pg. 1889-1890]
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.
James 3:7-9 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Commentary:
"no man can tame the tongue. Only God by His power can do this. Bless...curse. It was traditional for Jews to add "blessed be He" to a mention of God's name...However, the tongue also wishes evil on people made in God's image. This points out the hypocritical inconsistency of the tongue's activities. made in the similitude of God. Man was made in God's image..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur, pg. 1889-1890]
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, June 24, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:6
I ended last week with this statement:
Have you ever noticed the entire mood of your home can be turned around by some kind words? Or the opposite? A pleasant day suddenly goes sour because of some careless or hurtful words? Our words are very powerful, not just on those around us but on us as well. You can make or break your mood by the words you say to yourself. This is a very important principle. The verse said it can stain the whole body. The NKJV says "defiles the whole body." Ladies, as we complain or whine or rehearse hurts, we are heaping those very things back on our own heads, reinforcing them in our minds over and over. We inadvertently strengthen the very things we are trying to be free of.
The opposite is also true. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Speak truth to your heart and it will breathe life into your soul.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Points to ponder
So many things come to mind relative to our tongues. We can cause much hurt with our tongues or we can bless and encourage with our tongues. Do we use our words to bring life or death?
Here are some ways we can bring death:
Sarcasm, gossip, nagging, deception, idle words or coarse jesting, insisting on making our point, telling it "like it is"- speaking truth without love, inappropriate humor, grumbling and complaining, and criticism just to name a few.
Here are some ways we can bring life:
Speaking the truth in love, encouragement, edification, blessing, instruction, exhortation, admonishment, rebuke, comfort, and appropriate humor are a few examples.
So today, how will you use your words, to build up and bless or tear down and discourage? You chose.
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.
Have you ever noticed the entire mood of your home can be turned around by some kind words? Or the opposite? A pleasant day suddenly goes sour because of some careless or hurtful words? Our words are very powerful, not just on those around us but on us as well. You can make or break your mood by the words you say to yourself. This is a very important principle. The verse said it can stain the whole body. The NKJV says "defiles the whole body." Ladies, as we complain or whine or rehearse hurts, we are heaping those very things back on our own heads, reinforcing them in our minds over and over. We inadvertently strengthen the very things we are trying to be free of.
The opposite is also true. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Speak truth to your heart and it will breathe life into your soul.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Points to ponder
So many things come to mind relative to our tongues. We can cause much hurt with our tongues or we can bless and encourage with our tongues. Do we use our words to bring life or death?
Here are some ways we can bring death:
Sarcasm, gossip, nagging, deception, idle words or coarse jesting, insisting on making our point, telling it "like it is"- speaking truth without love, inappropriate humor, grumbling and complaining, and criticism just to name a few.
Here are some ways we can bring life:
Speaking the truth in love, encouragement, edification, blessing, instruction, exhortation, admonishment, rebuke, comfort, and appropriate humor are a few examples.
So today, how will you use your words, to build up and bless or tear down and discourage? You chose.
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.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Winning the Battle to Gain the Victory
After reading 1 Kings 20-21 I turned to my favorite Warren Wiersbe Commentary. There are many things we could glean from these chapters but Mr. Wiersbe's comments on 1 Kings 20:31-33 made me pause.
"When God sent King Saul to fight the Amalekites, He made it clear that He wanted the Israelites to completely destroy them (1 Sam.15). Saul disobeyed the Lord and as a result lost his kingdom. The Lord must have given a similar command to King Ahab (v.42), but he, too, disobeyed. Ahab won the battle but lost the victory. What the enemy couldn't accomplish with their weapons, they accomplished with their deception. If Satan can't succeed as the lion that devours (1 Peter 5:8), he will come as a serpent who deceives (2 Cor. 11:3). Even Joshua fell into a similar trap (Josh. 9).
Ben-hadad's officers were clever men who knew it was worth the risk to appeal to Ahab's pride. God had given the victory, but Ahab would take credit and claim the spoils. In their dress and their attitude, the officers pretended to show humble submission to Ahab as he waited in his chariot (v 33). Ahab certainly enjoyed the "honor" he was receiving after the great victory, but not once did he give the glory to the Lord."
Some things never change! Have you and I ever been commanded to completely destroy a besetting sin? Sure, some days we seem to win the battle but others ...we fall back and seem to never gain the victory. Perhaps we, too, think that just holding on to a little bit is okay. That is our prideful unwillingness to obey. Have you ever thought "Sure, God gives others victory but not me"? Maybe we really prefer to cling to our sin, not believing that God has a victory for us too?
Over the last week I have also been reading a book called "Never Quit" by Edwin Cole. Just last night I read that we can not rest after the victory. Before the victory we are focused, determined, strong and rested. But the day after the victory we become lazy, tired and an easy prey for the enemy. Could it be that we have had a number of victories and we have gotten comfortable and prideful?
We also may need to consider if we are thankful to the Lord. It is easy to say "I did ..." and take the credit that is rightfully reserved for God because it was ALL Him and NOTHING of ourselves!
Today let's pause and consider:
Am I in disobedient in an area that God has asked me to destroy?
Have I gotten lazy, prideful and self-reliant?
Am I truly giving credit to the Lord knowing that the battles and the victories are HIS?
Blessings!
Kathy
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 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
"When God sent King Saul to fight the Amalekites, He made it clear that He wanted the Israelites to completely destroy them (1 Sam.15). Saul disobeyed the Lord and as a result lost his kingdom. The Lord must have given a similar command to King Ahab (v.42), but he, too, disobeyed. Ahab won the battle but lost the victory. What the enemy couldn't accomplish with their weapons, they accomplished with their deception. If Satan can't succeed as the lion that devours (1 Peter 5:8), he will come as a serpent who deceives (2 Cor. 11:3). Even Joshua fell into a similar trap (Josh. 9).
Ben-hadad's officers were clever men who knew it was worth the risk to appeal to Ahab's pride. God had given the victory, but Ahab would take credit and claim the spoils. In their dress and their attitude, the officers pretended to show humble submission to Ahab as he waited in his chariot (v 33). Ahab certainly enjoyed the "honor" he was receiving after the great victory, but not once did he give the glory to the Lord."
Some things never change! Have you and I ever been commanded to completely destroy a besetting sin? Sure, some days we seem to win the battle but others ...we fall back and seem to never gain the victory. Perhaps we, too, think that just holding on to a little bit is okay. That is our prideful unwillingness to obey. Have you ever thought "Sure, God gives others victory but not me"? Maybe we really prefer to cling to our sin, not believing that God has a victory for us too?
Over the last week I have also been reading a book called "Never Quit" by Edwin Cole. Just last night I read that we can not rest after the victory. Before the victory we are focused, determined, strong and rested. But the day after the victory we become lazy, tired and an easy prey for the enemy. Could it be that we have had a number of victories and we have gotten comfortable and prideful?
We also may need to consider if we are thankful to the Lord. It is easy to say "I did ..." and take the credit that is rightfully reserved for God because it was ALL Him and NOTHING of ourselves!
Today let's pause and consider:
Am I in disobedient in an area that God has asked me to destroy?
Have I gotten lazy, prideful and self-reliant?
Am I truly giving credit to the Lord knowing that the battles and the victories are HIS?
Blessings!
Kathy
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 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Life or Death?
"The tongue has the power of life and death." (Proverbs 18:21)
So, which is it for you? Do the words that come out of your mouth lift up and build or do they destroy and tear down? I would love to tell you that my words only uplift and build, but that would be a lie. If we were all honest with ourselves, our speech needs correction and improvement. As a counselor, so much of what I hear when dealing with relationships is that what we say to one another can be the biggest culprit in the destruction of that relationship. If only (and I hate "If only's") we thought more carefully about our words and we had chosen our communication more wisely, then so many of our relationships would have never fallen away and we would be basking in the sunshine of strong healthy friendships and marriages. In Proverbs 12:18 we read "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Think about these words found in Ephesians 4:29 "do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." It reminds me of the saying "if you don't have anything nice to say - don't say anything at all."
Whenever I heard a message on the tongue, more often than not we ended up reading from James 3. With verses such as "how great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." Just a few verses down we read that "with it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing."
Did you know that in the book of Proverbs how we communicate is a persistent theme? I have not personally counted myself, but according to Ray Pritchard the book refers to the mouth/tongue over 150 times. I encourage you to read Proverbs and underline references to our speech. Each verse you come upon you can ask yourself two questions... How am I failing in my speech? And what specific kinds of words and speech do I need to add to my vocabulary or do more of? I'll get you started by suggesting you check out Proverbs chapter 10.
It is easy for us to point out those with a filthy or dirty mouth, and to feel righteous because we don't use foul language. But what about insults, anger or harsh words, name calling, gossip, spreading rumors, criticism, cutting remarks, sarcasm, exaggeration, and the list goes on. Clearly, scriptures teach that they, too, are inappropriate and destructive. God calls us to a "healing" tongue (James 3:5-6). What kind of tongue do you have?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
So, which is it for you? Do the words that come out of your mouth lift up and build or do they destroy and tear down? I would love to tell you that my words only uplift and build, but that would be a lie. If we were all honest with ourselves, our speech needs correction and improvement. As a counselor, so much of what I hear when dealing with relationships is that what we say to one another can be the biggest culprit in the destruction of that relationship. If only (and I hate "If only's") we thought more carefully about our words and we had chosen our communication more wisely, then so many of our relationships would have never fallen away and we would be basking in the sunshine of strong healthy friendships and marriages. In Proverbs 12:18 we read "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Think about these words found in Ephesians 4:29 "do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." It reminds me of the saying "if you don't have anything nice to say - don't say anything at all."
Whenever I heard a message on the tongue, more often than not we ended up reading from James 3. With verses such as "how great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." Just a few verses down we read that "with it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing."
Did you know that in the book of Proverbs how we communicate is a persistent theme? I have not personally counted myself, but according to Ray Pritchard the book refers to the mouth/tongue over 150 times. I encourage you to read Proverbs and underline references to our speech. Each verse you come upon you can ask yourself two questions... How am I failing in my speech? And what specific kinds of words and speech do I need to add to my vocabulary or do more of? I'll get you started by suggesting you check out Proverbs chapter 10.
It is easy for us to point out those with a filthy or dirty mouth, and to feel righteous because we don't use foul language. But what about insults, anger or harsh words, name calling, gossip, spreading rumors, criticism, cutting remarks, sarcasm, exaggeration, and the list goes on. Clearly, scriptures teach that they, too, are inappropriate and destructive. God calls us to a "healing" tongue (James 3:5-6). What kind of tongue do you have?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Light Sensitivity Syndrome
Years ago I was introduced to a problem that many children who find reading uncomfortable struggle with, light sensitivity. Today it is called Irlen Syndrome. For children with this problem words on a page are unclear, may move, jiggle, dance or even shake. As they attempt to read it is very uncomfortable and children may suffer headaches, stomach-aches and overall weariness. It is almost impossible to comprehend what they are reading as so much energy is taken to physically read the page. Sadly, many parents assume their child is lazy. For the child with this problem it can be exasperating. As far as they know, everyone must see as they do so why can't they read. They may even go to an eye doctor who will not find a problem, which only adds to the struggle for all concerned. However if that child's problem is identified and given the right tool on the page, reading can become clear, sharp and far more comfortable.
Many people in our world today have been going to church, trying to be a good person and may even want desperately to honor God but they have no clue what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is as if they have a "light" sensitivity blockage. It may be hard to identify these folks because they look, sound and do live their lives as a fellow believer. And yet they don't know Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, faithful Lord who will never leave or forsake those who invite Him to be Lord of their lives (Isaiah 9:6; Deut. 31:6). They have not received Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Spirit of Truth who Jesus promised would remain with His people forever (John 14:16-17).
A friend of mine recently went to a graduation at a Christian College. The speaker gave an altar call and invited graduates to come forward and invite Jesus to be Lord of their lives. Apparently this had never been done before at the school graduation. I am sure the leadership assumed all of their students had made a profession of faith. Yet, young men and women who appeared fully ready to step out into a big world came forward to receive the most important thing they would ever need to survive in whatever the future would hold for them...Jesus.
When I give a student a color overlay and it is placed on a page with words that finally stop moving, reading becomes clear, sharp, comfortable and the child can now comprehend what they are reading. It is a wonderful thing to see. When someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and begins a personal relationship, the light of truth is open wide. Suddenly words on a page in the Bible come alive and relevant. Holy Spirit is with them revealing Truth (John 14:26). For the child who has Irlen Syndrome, reading simply isn't so impossible anymore. For the person who has been working so hard to be good, life will never be the same. They have made a commitment to make Jesus their Lord. They will live life meeting the various challenges of life by casting anxiety on the Lord (Phil 4:6), seeking counsel from His Word, the Holy Spirit and mature believers (Ps. 1:1-3). They are never alone . They now have a Savior who they have invited to be their ever faithful, loving Lord. Amazing GRACE!!
Do you have a "light sensitivity disorder"? Do you read the Word but just don't understand it? Have you invited Jesus to be your Savior and your Lord? Does the Holy Spirit abide with you? If you have never accepted Jesus Christ, the Son of God, today can be the day of salvation for you.
1. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Confess that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
2. Praise God for even though He knows you are a sinner, He prepared for you the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ long before you were born (Romans 6:23 b).
3. Confess now with your mouth Jesus as your Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:9; Romans 10:13).
4. Present your body to Him and ask that He begin the work of transformation in you, that you may live fully in the perfect will of God (Rom. 12: 1-2).
5. Invite the Helper, Holy Spirit to be with you forever, revealing truth, bringing conviction and guidance into all truth (John 16:7-13).
6. Finally give thanks and praise to the Lord your God. Bless His Holy Name(Ps. 100:4).
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
NOTE: For those looking for more information on Irlen Syndrome feel free to learn more at: www.irlen.org
Many people in our world today have been going to church, trying to be a good person and may even want desperately to honor God but they have no clue what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is as if they have a "light" sensitivity blockage. It may be hard to identify these folks because they look, sound and do live their lives as a fellow believer. And yet they don't know Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, faithful Lord who will never leave or forsake those who invite Him to be Lord of their lives (Isaiah 9:6; Deut. 31:6). They have not received Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Spirit of Truth who Jesus promised would remain with His people forever (John 14:16-17).
A friend of mine recently went to a graduation at a Christian College. The speaker gave an altar call and invited graduates to come forward and invite Jesus to be Lord of their lives. Apparently this had never been done before at the school graduation. I am sure the leadership assumed all of their students had made a profession of faith. Yet, young men and women who appeared fully ready to step out into a big world came forward to receive the most important thing they would ever need to survive in whatever the future would hold for them...Jesus.
When I give a student a color overlay and it is placed on a page with words that finally stop moving, reading becomes clear, sharp, comfortable and the child can now comprehend what they are reading. It is a wonderful thing to see. When someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and begins a personal relationship, the light of truth is open wide. Suddenly words on a page in the Bible come alive and relevant. Holy Spirit is with them revealing Truth (John 14:26). For the child who has Irlen Syndrome, reading simply isn't so impossible anymore. For the person who has been working so hard to be good, life will never be the same. They have made a commitment to make Jesus their Lord. They will live life meeting the various challenges of life by casting anxiety on the Lord (Phil 4:6), seeking counsel from His Word, the Holy Spirit and mature believers (Ps. 1:1-3). They are never alone . They now have a Savior who they have invited to be their ever faithful, loving Lord. Amazing GRACE!!
Do you have a "light sensitivity disorder"? Do you read the Word but just don't understand it? Have you invited Jesus to be your Savior and your Lord? Does the Holy Spirit abide with you? If you have never accepted Jesus Christ, the Son of God, today can be the day of salvation for you.
1. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Confess that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
2. Praise God for even though He knows you are a sinner, He prepared for you the gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ long before you were born (Romans 6:23 b).
3. Confess now with your mouth Jesus as your Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:9; Romans 10:13).
4. Present your body to Him and ask that He begin the work of transformation in you, that you may live fully in the perfect will of God (Rom. 12: 1-2).
5. Invite the Helper, Holy Spirit to be with you forever, revealing truth, bringing conviction and guidance into all truth (John 16:7-13).
6. Finally give thanks and praise to the Lord your God. Bless His Holy Name(Ps. 100:4).
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:7-9
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
NOTE: For those looking for more information on Irlen Syndrome feel free to learn more at: www.irlen.org
Monday, June 20, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:6
I got a little ahead of myself last week including vs. 6 in the Friday devotional. I would go ahead and skip to the next verses but I think it's important enough to feature verse 6 by itself this week. Please bear with me. I trust this repetition will be an encouragement not a burden.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Commentary
"tongue is a fire." Like fire, the tongue's sinful words can spread destruction rapidly, or as its accompanying smoke, those words can permeate and ruin everything around it. "defiles." This means "to pollute or contaminate"... the course of nature. Better translated "the circle of life," that underscored that the tongue's evil can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in his sphere of influence. "hell." ...A translation of the Greek word gehenna (or valley of Hinnom). In Christ's time, this valley that lay southwest of Jerusalem's walls served as the city dump and was known for its constantly burning fire. Jesus used the place to symbolize the eternal place of punishment and torment... To James, hell conjures up not just the place but the satanic host that will some day inherit it. They use the tongue as a tool for evil. The Mac Arthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur, Pg. 1889
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.
James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Commentary
"tongue is a fire." Like fire, the tongue's sinful words can spread destruction rapidly, or as its accompanying smoke, those words can permeate and ruin everything around it. "defiles." This means "to pollute or contaminate"... the course of nature. Better translated "the circle of life," that underscored that the tongue's evil can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in his sphere of influence. "hell." ...A translation of the Greek word gehenna (or valley of Hinnom). In Christ's time, this valley that lay southwest of Jerusalem's walls served as the city dump and was known for its constantly burning fire. Jesus used the place to symbolize the eternal place of punishment and torment... To James, hell conjures up not just the place but the satanic host that will some day inherit it. They use the tongue as a tool for evil. The Mac Arthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur, Pg. 1889
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, June 17, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:2-6
Points to Ponder
James 3:2-6
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Points to Ponder:
Have you ever noticed the entire mood of your home can be turned around by some kind words? Or the opposite? A pleasant day suddenly goes sour because of some careless or hurtful words? Our words are very powerful not just on those around us but on us as well. You can make or break your mood by the words you say to yourself. This is a very important principle. The verse said it can stain the whole body. The NKJV says "defiles the whole body". Ladies, as we complain or whine or rehearse hurts we are heaping those very things back on our own heads reinforcing them in our minds over and over. We inadvertently strengthen the very things we are trying to be free of.
The opposite is also true. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14 Speak truth to your heart and it will breathe life into your soul.
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.
James 3:2-6
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Points to Ponder:
Have you ever noticed the entire mood of your home can be turned around by some kind words? Or the opposite? A pleasant day suddenly goes sour because of some careless or hurtful words? Our words are very powerful not just on those around us but on us as well. You can make or break your mood by the words you say to yourself. This is a very important principle. The verse said it can stain the whole body. The NKJV says "defiles the whole body". Ladies, as we complain or whine or rehearse hurts we are heaping those very things back on our own heads reinforcing them in our minds over and over. We inadvertently strengthen the very things we are trying to be free of.
The opposite is also true. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14 Speak truth to your heart and it will breathe life into your soul.
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.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Leaving Your Legacy
While reading Proverbs 31 I took notice of verse one. "The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him." On May 9th my mother in-law went home to be with Jesus. I am privileged to have known Mom for over 25 years and to have learned much from her in that time. I imagine that King Lemuel also learned much from his mother, more than just what we read in this Proverb. However, the advice given encourages this son to be ethical, discerning, sober and compassionate. There seems to be no way to know if the King's mother was alive as he shared these words. It probably is not important. If she were living, he recited what he knew from his mother's teachings. If she were dead; he remembered well what she had taught. This made me think about the legacy we will each leave behind. What will our children, grandchildren and friends remember about us? I have some random ideas floating around in my head so I will just share them with you. I hope that today you will consider the legacy you leave behind. And some unique ways you can leave that legacy for your family to remember you by.
1) The Christmas after my husband's grandfather passed away, each family member received a copy of Pop's journal. Nothing too personal was in the journal. Just a daily inventory of what he had done. Sometimes it simply read "went to store." Still, it is a precious gift.
2) Three years ago we celebrated Dad's 80th birthday and Mom and Dad's 60th Anniversary. My niece is incredibly good with technology. She produced a beautiful DVD of my in-law's life together. Full of great pictures and great songs, this is a treasure to Dave and me. I have not watched since Mom's homegoing but I know it is there when I need to remember.
3) My niece is also researching her roots on an ancestry website. I know that a few years back she sat with my mother and father in-law and video taped them answering her questions about family and their memories. Unfortunately, she is also working on restoring that after her computer crashed! OH, NO!
4) While working at a local Christian bookstore a customer came in every year to purchase a new Bible. She had eight grandchildren. Her project was to use a new Bible each year with one grandchild in mind. As she read through the Bible in a year, had her devotions, and took notes from church she prayerfully would highlight verses she wanted that child to know. She would write notes in the margins to that grandchild and write prayers on the inside covers. On that grandchild's 18th birthday they would receive their Bible from Grandma.
5) There are books available that ask pointed questions so that you can write your personal history. From "What is your favorite color?" to "How did you come to know Jesus?" questions are asked with a space for you to provide your story.
6) Although only a thought, I have been thinking about writing letters to my children. They are not walking with the Lord. What if I don't live to see them come to Jesus? What would I want to tell them?
7) Marilyn Heavilin, author, speaker and friend of America's Keswick, loves to write her prayers in a journal. BUT, I heard her say that at year's end she destroys her prayer journals so nothing too personal gets published! Share only what you would want them to know! Not every detail needs to be shared. Use your discernment.
These are just some ideas on how you might leave your teachings, beliefs and history as a gift to your loved ones. What legacy do you desire to leave? What legacy have you been given? While discussing this with Stephanie Paul, she noted how important it is for us to remember what we have been taught. Even if your parents were not Christians what did they teach you that was good? All too often we hear about how our parents did us wrong. Maybe we need to recall what they did right.
"How important it is to share with our children our own personal scrapbook of the faithfulness of God - the different ways He has led us, provided for us, and sheltered us. Our children need to hear again and again our gratitude to God for His gifts of friends and family and the awesome privilege of freedom. Then they, too, will come to depend upon Him personally, knowing He will also be ever faithful to them. Remember ...and tell it to your children and your children's children." Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham
Blessings,
Kathy
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 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members,staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
1) The Christmas after my husband's grandfather passed away, each family member received a copy of Pop's journal. Nothing too personal was in the journal. Just a daily inventory of what he had done. Sometimes it simply read "went to store." Still, it is a precious gift.
2) Three years ago we celebrated Dad's 80th birthday and Mom and Dad's 60th Anniversary. My niece is incredibly good with technology. She produced a beautiful DVD of my in-law's life together. Full of great pictures and great songs, this is a treasure to Dave and me. I have not watched since Mom's homegoing but I know it is there when I need to remember.
3) My niece is also researching her roots on an ancestry website. I know that a few years back she sat with my mother and father in-law and video taped them answering her questions about family and their memories. Unfortunately, she is also working on restoring that after her computer crashed! OH, NO!
4) While working at a local Christian bookstore a customer came in every year to purchase a new Bible. She had eight grandchildren. Her project was to use a new Bible each year with one grandchild in mind. As she read through the Bible in a year, had her devotions, and took notes from church she prayerfully would highlight verses she wanted that child to know. She would write notes in the margins to that grandchild and write prayers on the inside covers. On that grandchild's 18th birthday they would receive their Bible from Grandma.
5) There are books available that ask pointed questions so that you can write your personal history. From "What is your favorite color?" to "How did you come to know Jesus?" questions are asked with a space for you to provide your story.
6) Although only a thought, I have been thinking about writing letters to my children. They are not walking with the Lord. What if I don't live to see them come to Jesus? What would I want to tell them?
7) Marilyn Heavilin, author, speaker and friend of America's Keswick, loves to write her prayers in a journal. BUT, I heard her say that at year's end she destroys her prayer journals so nothing too personal gets published! Share only what you would want them to know! Not every detail needs to be shared. Use your discernment.
These are just some ideas on how you might leave your teachings, beliefs and history as a gift to your loved ones. What legacy do you desire to leave? What legacy have you been given? While discussing this with Stephanie Paul, she noted how important it is for us to remember what we have been taught. Even if your parents were not Christians what did they teach you that was good? All too often we hear about how our parents did us wrong. Maybe we need to recall what they did right.
"How important it is to share with our children our own personal scrapbook of the faithfulness of God - the different ways He has led us, provided for us, and sheltered us. Our children need to hear again and again our gratitude to God for His gifts of friends and family and the awesome privilege of freedom. Then they, too, will come to depend upon Him personally, knowing He will also be ever faithful to them. Remember ...and tell it to your children and your children's children." Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham
Blessings,
Kathy
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 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members,staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Fruit of God's Spirit and Proverbs 31
Today I'd like to share some thoughts on the "Fruit of the Spirit", Galatians 5:22, 23, and the "Proverbs 31 Woman", Proverbs 31:10-31. Hang in there with me, I believe that God gave me these thoughts almost a year ago, but I've not been able to put them down in writing before, but now I am attempting to pass them along to you with God's guidance.
Read through these Scripture portions as we consider them together.
These verses from Proverbs 31 can be an encouragement and also a challenge to us. As I look at the Proverbs 31 wife (woman) from time to time, I am encouraged to see that God is working some of these qualities into my life. Also, over the years I have been challenged by these verses to continue walking in faithfulness to the Lord and to my husband, family, and friends. But the question is, "How?" The answer seems to have a correlation to the Fruit of God's Spirit being produced in my, in our, beings ~~ our countenance, our manner, our words, our attitude, our motives, our life...
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. (HCSB)
10 Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
12 She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her servants.
16 She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
17 She draws on her strength
and reveals that her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 Her hands reach out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.
22 She makes her own bed coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and loving instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the activities of her household
and is never idle.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
29 "Many women are capable,
but you surpass them all!"
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31 Give her the reward of her labor
and let her works praise her at the city gates.1 (HCSB)
Verses 11 - 12, reveal how the fruit of "love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" can produce trust and bring "goodness" to the husband; good and not evil to the lives that we touch, and particularly those we love.
Looking at verses 13 - 22, we find that generally we might not be required to do most of these things anymore as wives, women, and mothers, but we do have chores that would be the equivalent. Such as shopping wisely for clothing and food, preparing meals for our family, considering prayerfully household needs, and/or large household purchases. The fruit of "love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" also are needed in these everyday tasks that we face.
Verse 23 says, "Her husband is known at the city gates" and "he sits among the elders of the land." Sounds like he doesn't do much, right? But this really indicates that he is a prominent business man. The city gates were where the city business was conducted. Revisit the story from the book of Ruth concerning Boaz seeking to become Ruth's redeemer/husband.
Verse 24 indicates that she was also involved in the business of making and selling items of clothing to the merchants. It seems there was "goodness" in the relationships they both have with others in the workplace and community. What opportunities does God give each of us to demonstrate "goodness" in our relationships and in our community with others?
The fruit of "faith" is described in verse 25, that she is clothed with "strength and honor" and is not afraid of what might come in the future, "can laugh at the time to come." Verses 20 and 21 also indicate that she reaches out to the needy and the poor as well as taking care of the needs of her own family, not fearing for the time of winter, or hardship, but has been faithfully trusting God to meet these needs as they come.
"Kindness, gentleness and goodness" are demonstrated in verse 26, "she opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue." She gives good counsel to those with whom she speaks. "Self-control, joy and peace" are the fruit that blossoms through her supervision of "the activities of her household" and the productiveness of her life "which is never idle" (verse 27). In the busyness of our lives, do we stop to take time to focus on the joy and peace that God wants us to experience through the opportunities to minister to and bless others in various ways?
The final verses (28 - 31) reveal the reward, the blessings, and, yes, the fruit, resulting from the overflow of the "Fruit of the Spirit" from the life of "a woman who fears the Lord" as she is known and praised by her works, her children, and her husband.
The "fruit" produced from within, the "Fruit of God's Spirit" within us, is the fruit that will remain and be a blessing in the lives of others. And as with the fruit of an apple tree, the Fruit of the Spirit takes time to develop and mature in each of our lives; this is the "patience" part. But that fruit also is able to nourish others with the encouragement of "kindness, goodness, and gentleness", and to reproduce fruit after its own kind through discipleship ministry of "faith, joy, and love" to a new believer. Also, as with the apple tree there are times in our lives when the "fruit" is not so visible, and evident, but God is still at work teaching us and growing the fruit of "peace" and "self-control", as we learn to wait on His timing, and His Sovereignty, even in this area of our lives. Thinking of this, I'm reminded of the Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." The work and the "fruit" is His, not ours.
For this I am grateful and blessed......
DeEtta Marsh
DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, as Coordinators 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, and great grandmother of 1.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
1 Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN; 2003; Bible Gateway.com
Read through these Scripture portions as we consider them together.
These verses from Proverbs 31 can be an encouragement and also a challenge to us. As I look at the Proverbs 31 wife (woman) from time to time, I am encouraged to see that God is working some of these qualities into my life. Also, over the years I have been challenged by these verses to continue walking in faithfulness to the Lord and to my husband, family, and friends. But the question is, "How?" The answer seems to have a correlation to the Fruit of God's Spirit being produced in my, in our, beings ~~ our countenance, our manner, our words, our attitude, our motives, our life...
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. (HCSB)
10 Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
12 She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her servants.
16 She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
17 She draws on her strength
and reveals that her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 Her hands reach out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.
22 She makes her own bed coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and loving instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the activities of her household
and is never idle.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
29 "Many women are capable,
but you surpass them all!"
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31 Give her the reward of her labor
and let her works praise her at the city gates.1 (HCSB)
Verses 11 - 12, reveal how the fruit of "love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" can produce trust and bring "goodness" to the husband; good and not evil to the lives that we touch, and particularly those we love.
Looking at verses 13 - 22, we find that generally we might not be required to do most of these things anymore as wives, women, and mothers, but we do have chores that would be the equivalent. Such as shopping wisely for clothing and food, preparing meals for our family, considering prayerfully household needs, and/or large household purchases. The fruit of "love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control" also are needed in these everyday tasks that we face.
Verse 23 says, "Her husband is known at the city gates" and "he sits among the elders of the land." Sounds like he doesn't do much, right? But this really indicates that he is a prominent business man. The city gates were where the city business was conducted. Revisit the story from the book of Ruth concerning Boaz seeking to become Ruth's redeemer/husband.
Verse 24 indicates that she was also involved in the business of making and selling items of clothing to the merchants. It seems there was "goodness" in the relationships they both have with others in the workplace and community. What opportunities does God give each of us to demonstrate "goodness" in our relationships and in our community with others?
The fruit of "faith" is described in verse 25, that she is clothed with "strength and honor" and is not afraid of what might come in the future, "can laugh at the time to come." Verses 20 and 21 also indicate that she reaches out to the needy and the poor as well as taking care of the needs of her own family, not fearing for the time of winter, or hardship, but has been faithfully trusting God to meet these needs as they come.
"Kindness, gentleness and goodness" are demonstrated in verse 26, "she opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue." She gives good counsel to those with whom she speaks. "Self-control, joy and peace" are the fruit that blossoms through her supervision of "the activities of her household" and the productiveness of her life "which is never idle" (verse 27). In the busyness of our lives, do we stop to take time to focus on the joy and peace that God wants us to experience through the opportunities to minister to and bless others in various ways?
The final verses (28 - 31) reveal the reward, the blessings, and, yes, the fruit, resulting from the overflow of the "Fruit of the Spirit" from the life of "a woman who fears the Lord" as she is known and praised by her works, her children, and her husband.
The "fruit" produced from within, the "Fruit of God's Spirit" within us, is the fruit that will remain and be a blessing in the lives of others. And as with the fruit of an apple tree, the Fruit of the Spirit takes time to develop and mature in each of our lives; this is the "patience" part. But that fruit also is able to nourish others with the encouragement of "kindness, goodness, and gentleness", and to reproduce fruit after its own kind through discipleship ministry of "faith, joy, and love" to a new believer. Also, as with the apple tree there are times in our lives when the "fruit" is not so visible, and evident, but God is still at work teaching us and growing the fruit of "peace" and "self-control", as we learn to wait on His timing, and His Sovereignty, even in this area of our lives. Thinking of this, I'm reminded of the Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." The work and the "fruit" is His, not ours.
For this I am grateful and blessed......
DeEtta Marsh
DeEtta Marsh is presently serving as Women's Ministry Assistant P/T, and with her husband, Stan, as Coordinators 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, and great grandmother of 1.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
1 Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN; 2003; Bible Gateway.com
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God is at Work
Recently my husband and I were at the Colony Reunion at America's Keswick. What a wonderful weekend!! We enjoyed great teaching from Dr. Tuttle of Walk Through the Bible Ministries, we had fun renewing friendships and we had beautiful weather. However, a few days before we went I was notified that I was fired from my job. I was not told that there was a reduction in staff or that the services I provided were being privatized. I was told that I was not getting along with administration and staff and had to be let go. They felt they could do better. I was shocked and dumb founded. When I asked who had a problem with me, as I had not a clue, my evaluator told me that he was not at liberty to tell me. Of course I could request "a hearing" and all would be revealed. A hearing.......yikes........who could I have possibly offended and what on earth did I do? I honestly had no idea.
Needless to say, I needed to go to America's Keswick. I don't think I shared those details with anyone over the weekend but I did ask for prayer as I had lost my job. God was at work.
Exactly one day before I was fired I had begun to fill out an application for an opening I saw that is closer to home. I prayed and asked God to make it clear if He would release me from my present place of employment to pursue another place. WOW, did I get my answer. Although I kept telling myself God knows all, He has a plan, I put my trust in Him.......a battle was raging in my mind. I could not sleep. Who did I offend? What did I do? There was that time I could have spoken with more compassion to...........and then there was that time.............you can surely fill in the blanks. Francis Frangipane says, "Negative experiences can drain faith from your heart. You lose the anticipation and power of faith and a spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul." That is what was happening in me. But God was at work.
During the weekend we had about 5 minutes of rain. After the rain a double rainbow appeared in the sky. Not one rainbow but two. God knows I love rainbows. Did He do that for me?? Well, I am sure it wasn't just for me, but I am also sure it was for me. I smiled to myself and said, "Your promises are yes and amen. You have a future and hope for me." Proverb 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Hope deferred can cripple our walk with God. No, I will not lose hope. I will walk in FAITH. Yes, God was at work.
Our speaker spent some time speaking about our Goliath. We have a choice to respond as David did with FAITH or as Saul did with FEAR. He advised us to find a stone, carry it and remember to defeat our Goliath. I thought I had rid myself of fear and hope deferred. We have been through addiction, cancer, job losses etc., etc. I know God is faithful. God was still at work.
I came home and while reading I learned that Goliath had a brother and sons. YIKES!! "Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary. The Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant....intended to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him." 2 Sam. 21:15-17 Ok, I did kill Goliath and now I have the opportunity to kill his descendants. I shall respond by FAITH, not by sight, not with fear, not without hope. My whole countenance changed. I went to work ready to do the best work ever until my last day. I went with a smile on my face. I slept that night. God is at work.
As the week unfolded, every day more and more people were fired. With every one it was the same story. They had never had a bad evaluation, until this last one. The accusation could not be confirmed except for one........a girl was given a negative evaluation for having taken too many sick days. She did and she too was fired. The district knew she would be out and using her sick days as she donated her kidney to her bother. How could they do such a thing? They even fired a young man who just lost everything he owned in a fire. The list and the stories go on and on. Every one was up for tenure. For every one, tenure was denied. And so.....every day someone came to me with their story, their tears and fears. Every day I was blessed to minister life. I am giving out Bibles, prayer and words of encouragement. I am even planning a party for our first day unemployed..........July 1. God is at work.
Once again God has shown me, no matter what the circumstances, I can trust in Him. By His grace I can rise above the circumstances and be a blessing in the midst while waiting for Him to show me the way. Praise God who continues a good work in you and me until the day of Christ Jesus.
Perhaps you are finding yourself under the circumstances of your life and would like to join me in the following prayer, part of which was written by Francis Frangipane:
"Father, I come to you as Your servant. Like David, I have become weary fighting an enemy I thought I defeated. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus, I rebuke the enemies of doubt, fear and unbelief. I ask You, Lord, to cause faith to arise and the enemies of my soul to be shattered, for you are the Lord of Hosts. By your grace, show me the way to glorify you and rise above the circumstances of my life. By your grace, may I have eyes to see and a heart to receive the fullness of the future and the hope filled plan you have for my life. In the name of Jesus who is the lover of my soul I pray, Amen."
Pat Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Needless to say, I needed to go to America's Keswick. I don't think I shared those details with anyone over the weekend but I did ask for prayer as I had lost my job. God was at work.
Exactly one day before I was fired I had begun to fill out an application for an opening I saw that is closer to home. I prayed and asked God to make it clear if He would release me from my present place of employment to pursue another place. WOW, did I get my answer. Although I kept telling myself God knows all, He has a plan, I put my trust in Him.......a battle was raging in my mind. I could not sleep. Who did I offend? What did I do? There was that time I could have spoken with more compassion to...........and then there was that time.............you can surely fill in the blanks. Francis Frangipane says, "Negative experiences can drain faith from your heart. You lose the anticipation and power of faith and a spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul." That is what was happening in me. But God was at work.
During the weekend we had about 5 minutes of rain. After the rain a double rainbow appeared in the sky. Not one rainbow but two. God knows I love rainbows. Did He do that for me?? Well, I am sure it wasn't just for me, but I am also sure it was for me. I smiled to myself and said, "Your promises are yes and amen. You have a future and hope for me." Proverb 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Hope deferred can cripple our walk with God. No, I will not lose hope. I will walk in FAITH. Yes, God was at work.
Our speaker spent some time speaking about our Goliath. We have a choice to respond as David did with FAITH or as Saul did with FEAR. He advised us to find a stone, carry it and remember to defeat our Goliath. I thought I had rid myself of fear and hope deferred. We have been through addiction, cancer, job losses etc., etc. I know God is faithful. God was still at work.
I came home and while reading I learned that Goliath had a brother and sons. YIKES!! "Now when the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David went down and his servants with him; and as they fought against the Philistines, David became weary. The Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant....intended to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him, and struck the Philistine and killed him." 2 Sam. 21:15-17 Ok, I did kill Goliath and now I have the opportunity to kill his descendants. I shall respond by FAITH, not by sight, not with fear, not without hope. My whole countenance changed. I went to work ready to do the best work ever until my last day. I went with a smile on my face. I slept that night. God is at work.
As the week unfolded, every day more and more people were fired. With every one it was the same story. They had never had a bad evaluation, until this last one. The accusation could not be confirmed except for one........a girl was given a negative evaluation for having taken too many sick days. She did and she too was fired. The district knew she would be out and using her sick days as she donated her kidney to her bother. How could they do such a thing? They even fired a young man who just lost everything he owned in a fire. The list and the stories go on and on. Every one was up for tenure. For every one, tenure was denied. And so.....every day someone came to me with their story, their tears and fears. Every day I was blessed to minister life. I am giving out Bibles, prayer and words of encouragement. I am even planning a party for our first day unemployed..........July 1. God is at work.
Once again God has shown me, no matter what the circumstances, I can trust in Him. By His grace I can rise above the circumstances and be a blessing in the midst while waiting for Him to show me the way. Praise God who continues a good work in you and me until the day of Christ Jesus.
Perhaps you are finding yourself under the circumstances of your life and would like to join me in the following prayer, part of which was written by Francis Frangipane:
"Father, I come to you as Your servant. Like David, I have become weary fighting an enemy I thought I defeated. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus, I rebuke the enemies of doubt, fear and unbelief. I ask You, Lord, to cause faith to arise and the enemies of my soul to be shattered, for you are the Lord of Hosts. By your grace, show me the way to glorify you and rise above the circumstances of my life. By your grace, may I have eyes to see and a heart to receive the fullness of the future and the hope filled plan you have for my life. In the name of Jesus who is the lover of my soul I pray, Amen."
Pat Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-6
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:2-5 with commentary
The tongue. Being silent isn't always the solution. I discovered that I could keep my mouth shut but my heart was whining and complaining. Our tongues are powerful within and without. Our words not only affect others that hear, but they affect us as well. I have used this week's verse many times in counseling and to remind myself the tongue can make or break a day. The tongue betrays our heart, and the tongue affects our heart.
James 3:2-5
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
Commentary:
...bits in a horse's mouth and the small rudder on a ship are examples of very small things that control large objects. The tongue, one of the smaller organs of the body, has a similar control over everything a person is and does.
...boasts of great things. Pride... is a major cause of the misuse of the tongue. In a progressive series framed by the imagery of fire, the tongue is presented in all its terrible potential. The small fire is the proud "boast" or other careless use of the tongue, and the great forest fire is the resulting conflagration. (I had to look conflagration up in the dictionary. It means: "fire, especially: a large disastrous fire"1) [ESV Study Bible, study notes pg. 2395]
In other words, our tongues may seem small and insignificant but can have a deleterious impact.
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 www.merriam-webster.com
James 3:2-5
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
Commentary:
...bits in a horse's mouth and the small rudder on a ship are examples of very small things that control large objects. The tongue, one of the smaller organs of the body, has a similar control over everything a person is and does.
...boasts of great things. Pride... is a major cause of the misuse of the tongue. In a progressive series framed by the imagery of fire, the tongue is presented in all its terrible potential. The small fire is the proud "boast" or other careless use of the tongue, and the great forest fire is the resulting conflagration. (I had to look conflagration up in the dictionary. It means: "fire, especially: a large disastrous fire"1) [ESV Study Bible, study notes pg. 2395]
In other words, our tongues may seem small and insignificant but can have a deleterious impact.
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 www.merriam-webster.com
Friday, June 10, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:2 with points to ponder
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." James 3:2
Points to Ponder:
Oh, how often I find myself not with just one foot in my mouth but two. I am often reminded of the Scripture that says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19 NIV). I have spoken to many, many people who have shared that they will walk away from a conversation and mull it over in their minds over and over rehearsing what they said and how it might have been taken. Our words have power for good or ill.
Have you noticed how a few words of encouragement can bring a smile to someone's heart? Or a harsh word deflates their spirit? Sometimes our words are intentional and precise with the intent to hurt. Shocking? Not if your experience is anything like mine. I have been counseling 20 years, and I have witnessed it hundreds of times and if I were to be honest, I'm guilty of it myself.
James confirms that our tongue is an unruly member of our body, difficult if not impossible to perfectly control. It is such a powerful member that as it goes, so does the body. Pretty powerful member.
What hope do we have? "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
To be continued...
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.
Points to Ponder:
Oh, how often I find myself not with just one foot in my mouth but two. I am often reminded of the Scripture that says, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Proverbs 10:19 NIV). I have spoken to many, many people who have shared that they will walk away from a conversation and mull it over in their minds over and over rehearsing what they said and how it might have been taken. Our words have power for good or ill.
Have you noticed how a few words of encouragement can bring a smile to someone's heart? Or a harsh word deflates their spirit? Sometimes our words are intentional and precise with the intent to hurt. Shocking? Not if your experience is anything like mine. I have been counseling 20 years, and I have witnessed it hundreds of times and if I were to be honest, I'm guilty of it myself.
James confirms that our tongue is an unruly member of our body, difficult if not impossible to perfectly control. It is such a powerful member that as it goes, so does the body. Pretty powerful member.
What hope do we have? "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalm 141:3
To be continued...
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.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
"He will supply all you need - just in time..."
During my first reading of Corrie ten Boom's amazing book "The Hiding Place", I was struck by the following story that she shared:
"Several years ago I was in Africa in a nation where a new government had come into power. The first night I was there some of the Christians were commanded to come to the police station to register. When they arrived they were arrested and that same night they were executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. All the Christians in the district were being systematically murdered. The fourth day I was to speak in a little church. The people came, but they were filled with fear and tension. All during the service they were looking at each other, their eyes asking, "Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one killed? Will I be the next one?" The room was hot and stuffy with insects that came through the screenless windows and swirled around the naked bulbs over the bare wooden benches.
I told them a story out of my childhood."When I was a little girl," I said, "I went to my father and said, 'Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.''Tell me,' said Father, 'When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?' 'No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.' 'That is right,' my father said, 'and so it is with God's strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need - just in time....'"
My African friends were nodding and smiling. Suddenly a spirit of joy descended upon that church and the people began singing, "In the sweet, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore." Later that week, half the congregation of that church was executed. I heard later that the other half was killed some months ago. But I must tell you something. I was so happy that the Lord used me to encourage these people, for unlike many of their leaders, I had the word of God. I had been to the Bible and discovered that Jesus said He had not only overcome the world, but to all those who remained faithful to the end, He would give a crown of life."
Although in 21st century America, we are blessed to not live in constant fear of becoming a martyr for Jesus Christ, we still do a whole lot of worrying. How many hours of our lives are consumed by anxiety? Why do we keep worrying about ourselves, our families, our friends, and all the what-ifs that life can bring our way when Scripture promises us that "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Those of us with Type A personalities (yes, I admit I am one of them) don't always accept this promise as enough. We want to know when and how God will supply all our needs. In contrast, God's word commands us to "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7).
Corrie ten Boom's story clearly illustrates that God wants us to not only trust that He will provide for us, but also trust that He knows when to provide for us, and that He may not provide for us until the very moment when we need it. When we are tempted to worry and fret, we can find encouragement in the words of the psalmist, "In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:4). We will go through difficult trials in this world, but if God is our rock and our salvation, we can look forward to an eternity spent with Him.
Andrea Poeth
Guest Services
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
"Several years ago I was in Africa in a nation where a new government had come into power. The first night I was there some of the Christians were commanded to come to the police station to register. When they arrived they were arrested and that same night they were executed. The next day the same thing happened with other Christians. The third day it was the same. All the Christians in the district were being systematically murdered. The fourth day I was to speak in a little church. The people came, but they were filled with fear and tension. All during the service they were looking at each other, their eyes asking, "Will this one I am sitting beside be the next one killed? Will I be the next one?" The room was hot and stuffy with insects that came through the screenless windows and swirled around the naked bulbs over the bare wooden benches.
I told them a story out of my childhood."When I was a little girl," I said, "I went to my father and said, 'Daddy, I am afraid that I will never be strong enough to be a martyr for Jesus Christ.''Tell me,' said Father, 'When you take a train trip to Amsterdam, when do I give you the money for the ticket? Three weeks before?' 'No, Daddy, you give me the money for the ticket just before we get on the train.' 'That is right,' my father said, 'and so it is with God's strength. Our Father in Heaven knows when you will need the strength to be a martyr for Jesus Christ. He will supply all you need - just in time....'"
My African friends were nodding and smiling. Suddenly a spirit of joy descended upon that church and the people began singing, "In the sweet, by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore." Later that week, half the congregation of that church was executed. I heard later that the other half was killed some months ago. But I must tell you something. I was so happy that the Lord used me to encourage these people, for unlike many of their leaders, I had the word of God. I had been to the Bible and discovered that Jesus said He had not only overcome the world, but to all those who remained faithful to the end, He would give a crown of life."
Although in 21st century America, we are blessed to not live in constant fear of becoming a martyr for Jesus Christ, we still do a whole lot of worrying. How many hours of our lives are consumed by anxiety? Why do we keep worrying about ourselves, our families, our friends, and all the what-ifs that life can bring our way when Scripture promises us that "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Those of us with Type A personalities (yes, I admit I am one of them) don't always accept this promise as enough. We want to know when and how God will supply all our needs. In contrast, God's word commands us to "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7).
Corrie ten Boom's story clearly illustrates that God wants us to not only trust that He will provide for us, but also trust that He knows when to provide for us, and that He may not provide for us until the very moment when we need it. When we are tempted to worry and fret, we can find encouragement in the words of the psalmist, "In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56:4). We will go through difficult trials in this world, but if God is our rock and our salvation, we can look forward to an eternity spent with Him.
Andrea Poeth
Guest Services
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
PRODUCING THE FRUIT
In this final devotional on the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives, let me just discuss briefly some of the things we can do to help with crop production. First and foremost we must plant the Word (Luke 8:11, Psalm 1:2). Nothing can grow without coming from seed. The Word is the seed which produces the fruit.
Now if you are like me, the next step is actually harder than the first, both in my life and my garden. We need to be plucking weeds. That is the weeds that grow up in our hearts (Matt. 13:18-23). We need to be careful of what wealth or the desire for wealth can do in our lives (1 Tim. 6:9). "So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin" (James 4:17). Sin comes into our lives and literally chokes away all good that is trying to grow.
After planting and in the process of weeding, we need to continually water our garden. How do we do that? We do so by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds. We need to make room for the Spirit through the putting off process. For everything we put off in our lives - we make room for the Holy Spirit to put things into our lives (Col. 3). We especially have to put off bitterness, rage and malice because they choke out love and can eat away at even the good in our lives. With those things out of our lives we can be blessed with kindness and forgiveness, which acts like fertilizer in our lives to help our fruit produce in abundance and quality.
Once our fruit is produced, God can harvest it to feed others, to bless others, to glorify Him and bring praise to His name. Remember we reap what we sow!
"The growing of fruit does not happen in a day - the process is a slow but steady unfolding of the blossom, the formation of the fruit and at last its ripening. Luscious grapes are not produced in one week nor does a gracious mind mature in a moment." (W. Phillip Keller)
Take a look at your garden
1. What is it producing?
2. What kind of crop?
3. Is the Master satisfied?
4. Is He getting what He hoped?
5. Is the fruit marketable?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
Now if you are like me, the next step is actually harder than the first, both in my life and my garden. We need to be plucking weeds. That is the weeds that grow up in our hearts (Matt. 13:18-23). We need to be careful of what wealth or the desire for wealth can do in our lives (1 Tim. 6:9). "So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin" (James 4:17). Sin comes into our lives and literally chokes away all good that is trying to grow.
After planting and in the process of weeding, we need to continually water our garden. How do we do that? We do so by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds. We need to make room for the Spirit through the putting off process. For everything we put off in our lives - we make room for the Holy Spirit to put things into our lives (Col. 3). We especially have to put off bitterness, rage and malice because they choke out love and can eat away at even the good in our lives. With those things out of our lives we can be blessed with kindness and forgiveness, which acts like fertilizer in our lives to help our fruit produce in abundance and quality.
Once our fruit is produced, God can harvest it to feed others, to bless others, to glorify Him and bring praise to His name. Remember we reap what we sow!
"The growing of fruit does not happen in a day - the process is a slow but steady unfolding of the blossom, the formation of the fruit and at last its ripening. Luscious grapes are not produced in one week nor does a gracious mind mature in a moment." (W. Phillip Keller)
Take a look at your garden
1. What is it producing?
2. What kind of crop?
3. Is the Master satisfied?
4. Is He getting what He hoped?
5. Is the fruit marketable?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control
This group of fruit pertains to our relationship to our inner selves, which speaks volumes about our character and inner life.
FAITHFULNESS is loyalty or trustworthiness - Heb. 12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author of faithfulness. Not only is the Lord our best example (Lam 3:22-23, Isaiah 25:1), but His name means Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). I like this quote regarding faithfulness from Phillip Keller: "I actively, energetically give of my best to another outside of and apart from myself".
Why be faithful? Because the Bible commands faithfulness (Prov. 3:3), and because it brings to us the blessings of God and man (Prov. 3:4). There are many ways to demonstrate the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. We need to be truthful in our words and promises (Prov. 12:22). Our work needs to be exemplary - without question (Col. 3:22-24). Showing faithfulness and stewardship in our finances is another way we display this fruit in our lives (Luke 16:11, Psalms 37:21). Most of all we want to be known for our faithfulness to the Lord. It will be grand to someday hear well done thou good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:21).
GENTLENESS is "power under control." A gentle person is not weak, but very strong and able to control their emotions and actions - this is also referred to as spiritual tenderness. Think of it this way: MEEK MEN are not WEAK MEN. If we are not gentle then fruit flies or weeds begin to spring up in our lives: pride, self-assertion, arrogance, self-indulgence, aggressive and abrasive behaviors - which overwhelm the other fruit.
To be Gentle we need to: Tame our tongues (Prov. 15:1 and Psalms 141:3), some of the ways we do this is by:
o Blessing Others - Luke 6:28
o Refusing to retaliate with words - I Peter 2:23
o Avoiding gossip - Prov. 16:28B
o Being strong enough to forgive and not hold grudges - Matt. 18:22, Gal 6:1 (restore in Love)
We must deny ourselves, take up the Cross...
SELF-CONTROL is also known as "Temperance" in scripture (Gal. 5:16, 2 Peter 1:5-7).
Prov. 25:28 tells us that self-control is that wall that protects from temptations of the evil one like the ancient walls that kept the enemy out. When I have self-control over my emotions, passions and appetites (1 Cor. 13: 1-7) then my whole self comes under the control and surrender of Christ. I become governed by God.
If you have "wild vines" you are not self-controlled. Areas in our lives that especially need to be tamed:
* Our tempers: Prov. 29:22
* Our words: Prov. 12:18a
* Our responses: Eph. 4:26
* Our appetites and rights when we refuse to concentrate on temptation: Eph 4:27
* Our finances: Ecc 5:10 and 1 Tim. 6:10a
The Good Gardener wants to come into your garden gates. He wants to be given the ground of your entire being to do with as He wishes to do, to produce what His will is, the way that He wills. He wants to be the controller of crop production in our lives, not us. Who are you allowing to cultivate your inner self?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
FAITHFULNESS is loyalty or trustworthiness - Heb. 12:2 tells us that Jesus is the author of faithfulness. Not only is the Lord our best example (Lam 3:22-23, Isaiah 25:1), but His name means Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11). I like this quote regarding faithfulness from Phillip Keller: "I actively, energetically give of my best to another outside of and apart from myself".
Why be faithful? Because the Bible commands faithfulness (Prov. 3:3), and because it brings to us the blessings of God and man (Prov. 3:4). There are many ways to demonstrate the fruit of faithfulness in our lives. We need to be truthful in our words and promises (Prov. 12:22). Our work needs to be exemplary - without question (Col. 3:22-24). Showing faithfulness and stewardship in our finances is another way we display this fruit in our lives (Luke 16:11, Psalms 37:21). Most of all we want to be known for our faithfulness to the Lord. It will be grand to someday hear well done thou good and faithful servant (Matt. 25:21).
GENTLENESS is "power under control." A gentle person is not weak, but very strong and able to control their emotions and actions - this is also referred to as spiritual tenderness. Think of it this way: MEEK MEN are not WEAK MEN. If we are not gentle then fruit flies or weeds begin to spring up in our lives: pride, self-assertion, arrogance, self-indulgence, aggressive and abrasive behaviors - which overwhelm the other fruit.
To be Gentle we need to: Tame our tongues (Prov. 15:1 and Psalms 141:3), some of the ways we do this is by:
o Blessing Others - Luke 6:28
o Refusing to retaliate with words - I Peter 2:23
o Avoiding gossip - Prov. 16:28B
o Being strong enough to forgive and not hold grudges - Matt. 18:22, Gal 6:1 (restore in Love)
We must deny ourselves, take up the Cross...
SELF-CONTROL is also known as "Temperance" in scripture (Gal. 5:16, 2 Peter 1:5-7).
Prov. 25:28 tells us that self-control is that wall that protects from temptations of the evil one like the ancient walls that kept the enemy out. When I have self-control over my emotions, passions and appetites (1 Cor. 13: 1-7) then my whole self comes under the control and surrender of Christ. I become governed by God.
If you have "wild vines" you are not self-controlled. Areas in our lives that especially need to be tamed:
* Our tempers: Prov. 29:22
* Our words: Prov. 12:18a
* Our responses: Eph. 4:26
* Our appetites and rights when we refuse to concentrate on temptation: Eph 4:27
* Our finances: Ecc 5:10 and 1 Tim. 6:10a
The Good Gardener wants to come into your garden gates. He wants to be given the ground of your entire being to do with as He wishes to do, to produce what His will is, the way that He wills. He wants to be the controller of crop production in our lives, not us. Who are you allowing to cultivate your inner self?
Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor
Director, KESWICK Institute of Biblical Studies
DIGGING DEEPER
James 3:2-5 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yetit boasts of great things.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:2 with Commentary
As we launch this week into the section in James regarding the tongue, I am excited because I love this section of scripture - I use it often in counseling; but I am also wary because I know that God still has much to teach me about my own.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." James 3:2
Commentary:
in what he says. A person's words reflect his character and thus are a key to his whole being. James emphasizes the importance of good works but also acknowledges that all Christians stumble (a metaphor for sinning; ...) in many ways. James's call for good works, therefore, must not be seen as expecting perfection. When James says that a person who can control his mouth is a perfect man, he probably has absolute perfection in view. It is a perfection, however, that will be attainable only in heaven. Still, believers should always seek to grow in holiness." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2395]
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.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." James 3:2
Commentary:
in what he says. A person's words reflect his character and thus are a key to his whole being. James emphasizes the importance of good works but also acknowledges that all Christians stumble (a metaphor for sinning; ...) in many ways. James's call for good works, therefore, must not be seen as expecting perfection. When James says that a person who can control his mouth is a perfect man, he probably has absolute perfection in view. It is a perfection, however, that will be attainable only in heaven. Still, believers should always seek to grow in holiness." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2395]
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, June 03, 2011
Digging Deeper James 3:1 with Points to Ponder
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."
Points to ponder:
For many years I had the privilege to teach women's Bible study. I loved the interaction and opportunity to share God's Word. I have many fond memories of past groups I had the honor to study with. It has been about 18 months since I had to stop teaching due to other demands on my time. Several years ago, a few women joined me to write a Bible study to be used with the wives of the men in the Colony of Mercy. It was an intense and lengthy process of writing. After 5 years we completed the 14-chapter topical study and started using it as the foundation for the Women of Character program for the wives. We have been amazed and humbled by how God has seen fit to use it far beyond the walls of America's Keswick.
Recently, we were offered the opportunity to publish the book and I am currently in the process of working with the publishing house editors. Honestly, it is overwhelming, not just the process but because of the truth of this week's Scripture. The Bible study is a form of teaching and once published we do not have control over who reads it or how they interpret the words or intents. As I review each chapter, I am prayerfully asking God to guide my thoughts and to keep me from error. One day I will stand before God and answer for the words on those pages. I covet your prayers along with me that every word, every thought, every concept be rooted in truth - God's truth - and not my human opinion. God knows who will read it and what life struggles they will be dealing with. Please pray He will guide my pen.
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.
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
Points to ponder:
For many years I had the privilege to teach women's Bible study. I loved the interaction and opportunity to share God's Word. I have many fond memories of past groups I had the honor to study with. It has been about 18 months since I had to stop teaching due to other demands on my time. Several years ago, a few women joined me to write a Bible study to be used with the wives of the men in the Colony of Mercy. It was an intense and lengthy process of writing. After 5 years we completed the 14-chapter topical study and started using it as the foundation for the Women of Character program for the wives. We have been amazed and humbled by how God has seen fit to use it far beyond the walls of America's Keswick.
Recently, we were offered the opportunity to publish the book and I am currently in the process of working with the publishing house editors. Honestly, it is overwhelming, not just the process but because of the truth of this week's Scripture. The Bible study is a form of teaching and once published we do not have control over who reads it or how they interpret the words or intents. As I review each chapter, I am prayerfully asking God to guide my thoughts and to keep me from error. One day I will stand before God and answer for the words on those pages. I covet your prayers along with me that every word, every thought, every concept be rooted in truth - God's truth - and not my human opinion. God knows who will read it and what life struggles they will be dealing with. Please pray He will guide my pen.
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.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Sowing and Reaping Fruit
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7 (King James Version)
In this devotional look at the Fruit of the Spirit, we will examine the three fruits that are designed to enhance our relationships with others.
PATIENCE: There are two words in the New Testament for patience, one which means to "abide under" or "endure" trials. The other word is longsuffering or our more modern translation that talks of a person that has a "long fuse". I think having a long fuse also pertains to enduring under trials, since having a long fuse would mean that we have a longer ability to wait before we explore or respond inappropriately to our situations and problems. Does it seem strange to you that patience under trials is put with the fruit that deals with other people? Not to me, seems most of my trials or problems in life involve other people. If we are patient with people (Eph. 4:2), we are willing to understand awkward people or disturbing events which involve others. Paul in his first letter to Timothy (1:16) tells us that God gives us the ability to be patient so that Jesus' example can be seen in us.
What is reaped from sowing patience? First, others gain a perspective of Christ that is often not displayed in others. We gain strength and endurance from God and discover His faithfulness to us through our times of patiently waiting. Last, we learn that troubles are the fruit press of God, life compresses on us so that there will flow from us refreshment for the weary, thirsty world (1 Thess. 5:14; Rom. 12:12; James 1:2-4).
KINDNESS: Sowing and Reaping... Proverbs 11:17 says it all "A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself." Compassion and mercy are two additional words that mean the same as kindness. Kindness is a compassionate response to people in need. Our best example in Scripture is the Good Samaritan story. At the end of the story, Jesus tells those listening to him to go and do likewise (Luke 10:37). We are to be kind to others, because Christ demonstrated that kind of mercy and kindness to us when He chose to come and save us and forgive us our sins (Eph. 4:32). Kindness is love in action (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:4).
KINDNESS is not a tolerance of wrong, that is a disservice (cleaning a wound is necessary for healing). Kindness entails courage, integrity and selflessness. When the seeds of kindness are sown in our garden - there will be a bountiful harvest of blessings for both us and others. Life can be exceedingly rich.
GOODNESS: We are created for good and that which is beneficial in effect (2 Thess. 1:11; Eph. 2:10; Heb13:16). God's goodness demonstrated to us is our salvation (2 Cor. 5:23), our return to God for our salvation is demonstrating goodness to others. This is not a feeling we experience; it is doing good whether we feel like it or not in order to overcome evil.
How do we know what doing good is? First, we live in obedience to the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and, second, we keep eternity and the rewards of eternity in mind (Matt 25:21; John 17:4). We are to do good all the time, but especially when we are wronged (Luke 6:27; Rom. 12:21). If we respond with good to the wrong done to us or the wrong we see in the world, we are acting as God's agents because God is good all the time and is good to us even when we wrong Him.
Goodness is like a juicy piece of fresh fruit on a summer's day. It refreshes in the midst of trouble, heartache and the daily chores of life. You become to others a fresh bowl of fruit on the table verses that plastic fake stuff we try to pass off as fruit. So, is your fruit juicy or stale, old or maybe even fake? If it is the latter, then weed out the sin in your garden and pass on to others the gifts you have been given from God.
Being Patient, Kind and Good to others means that we believe in them and we believe that God can make them great. It means that we will see and treat others as God sees them, not as we see them. Finally, it means that we believe with God all things are possible. The impact of producing this fruit in our lives is that they will want what you have. They will want to have your Gardener in charge of their fruit (get it - they will want God). Think of the harvest for God if we only sowed these fruit on a regular basis in our lives. Happy Planting!
Lynn 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."
In this devotional look at the Fruit of the Spirit, we will examine the three fruits that are designed to enhance our relationships with others.
PATIENCE: There are two words in the New Testament for patience, one which means to "abide under" or "endure" trials. The other word is longsuffering or our more modern translation that talks of a person that has a "long fuse". I think having a long fuse also pertains to enduring under trials, since having a long fuse would mean that we have a longer ability to wait before we explore or respond inappropriately to our situations and problems. Does it seem strange to you that patience under trials is put with the fruit that deals with other people? Not to me, seems most of my trials or problems in life involve other people. If we are patient with people (Eph. 4:2), we are willing to understand awkward people or disturbing events which involve others. Paul in his first letter to Timothy (1:16) tells us that God gives us the ability to be patient so that Jesus' example can be seen in us.
What is reaped from sowing patience? First, others gain a perspective of Christ that is often not displayed in others. We gain strength and endurance from God and discover His faithfulness to us through our times of patiently waiting. Last, we learn that troubles are the fruit press of God, life compresses on us so that there will flow from us refreshment for the weary, thirsty world (1 Thess. 5:14; Rom. 12:12; James 1:2-4).
KINDNESS: Sowing and Reaping... Proverbs 11:17 says it all "A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself." Compassion and mercy are two additional words that mean the same as kindness. Kindness is a compassionate response to people in need. Our best example in Scripture is the Good Samaritan story. At the end of the story, Jesus tells those listening to him to go and do likewise (Luke 10:37). We are to be kind to others, because Christ demonstrated that kind of mercy and kindness to us when He chose to come and save us and forgive us our sins (Eph. 4:32). Kindness is love in action (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:4).
KINDNESS is not a tolerance of wrong, that is a disservice (cleaning a wound is necessary for healing). Kindness entails courage, integrity and selflessness. When the seeds of kindness are sown in our garden - there will be a bountiful harvest of blessings for both us and others. Life can be exceedingly rich.
GOODNESS: We are created for good and that which is beneficial in effect (2 Thess. 1:11; Eph. 2:10; Heb13:16). God's goodness demonstrated to us is our salvation (2 Cor. 5:23), our return to God for our salvation is demonstrating goodness to others. This is not a feeling we experience; it is doing good whether we feel like it or not in order to overcome evil.
How do we know what doing good is? First, we live in obedience to the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and, second, we keep eternity and the rewards of eternity in mind (Matt 25:21; John 17:4). We are to do good all the time, but especially when we are wronged (Luke 6:27; Rom. 12:21). If we respond with good to the wrong done to us or the wrong we see in the world, we are acting as God's agents because God is good all the time and is good to us even when we wrong Him.
Goodness is like a juicy piece of fresh fruit on a summer's day. It refreshes in the midst of trouble, heartache and the daily chores of life. You become to others a fresh bowl of fruit on the table verses that plastic fake stuff we try to pass off as fruit. So, is your fruit juicy or stale, old or maybe even fake? If it is the latter, then weed out the sin in your garden and pass on to others the gifts you have been given from God.
Being Patient, Kind and Good to others means that we believe in them and we believe that God can make them great. It means that we will see and treat others as God sees them, not as we see them. Finally, it means that we believe with God all things are possible. The impact of producing this fruit in our lives is that they will want what you have. They will want to have your Gardener in charge of their fruit (get it - they will want God). Think of the harvest for God if we only sowed these fruit on a regular basis in our lives. Happy Planting!
Lynn 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."
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
The Gardener's Touch
The main ingredients in our fruit are based on our relationship to God.
Love: is like good seed introduced into good soil, it must come from a source outside the garden. It does not, nor can it ever, spring from the soil of our own souls. Agape Love is God's love bestowed on us through His Son. I can only have this kind of love as far as I am connected to and have God in my life. Love is the fruit that is found in all the other fruit (1 Cor. 13:1-7). Without Love, the other fruit cannot be fully functional and productive - it will lack that "sweetening" agent. If we have love, it never fails to produce (1 Cor. 13:8).
Beth Moore explains Agape love in her study on the fruit in the following ways:
* Agape is divine capacity to love. Only God is capable of agape.
* Agape is more a response than a feeling (1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our hearts)
* Agape is fueled by the needs rather than the desires of self or others
* Agape is expressed through me when I surrender to the empowerment and temperament of the Holy Spirit.
Joy: Is "delight - gladness" that is not based on circumstances - Heb. 12:2
The word happiness is found 6 times in NT, and 16 times in OT. Joy shows up 8 x more than happiness in Scripture (176 times). Joy is the grand attributes of God Himself - "God of all Joy". Too often we are looking for joy when we should just be looking towards Jesus Christ - our joy is in Him... not in anything else we can find.
Check out the types of joy that God provides: We are never lacking for joy when we look for it in the right places.
* Joy of salvation - Psalm 51:12a
* Joy of problems - James 1:12
* Joy of worship - Psalm 12 2:1
* Joy of today - Psalm 118:24
* Joy of restoration - Psalm 71:20/Psalm 23:3
* Joy of prayer - John 16:24/Psalm 16:11b
* Joy of God's Word - Psalm 119:111
Peace: is not the absence of problems, but the presence of Jesus in the midst of problems. The fruit of peace is love standing strong and stable in spite of every insult, antagonism and every hate. We are at peace with God (Romans 5:1), we are given the peace of God (Phil. 4:7), which equips us to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), or at least do our part to be a peace with everyone (Romans 14:19). I love this statement: He who throws dirt only loses ground. Let us keep our soil in our godly garden!
Do you need to cultivate the fruit of Love, Joy and Peace? First we need to take a long hard look at ourselves, then cry out to God to change and do what He needs to do to sweeten our fruit, and finally we need to get out of the way (kill the flesh) and give God control. We need to let Him in our fields and hand over the keys to the plow. Being plowed by God will transform your life, your relationships and your attitudes. Allow God to come in and establish His fruit in your life.
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."
Love: is like good seed introduced into good soil, it must come from a source outside the garden. It does not, nor can it ever, spring from the soil of our own souls. Agape Love is God's love bestowed on us through His Son. I can only have this kind of love as far as I am connected to and have God in my life. Love is the fruit that is found in all the other fruit (1 Cor. 13:1-7). Without Love, the other fruit cannot be fully functional and productive - it will lack that "sweetening" agent. If we have love, it never fails to produce (1 Cor. 13:8).
Beth Moore explains Agape love in her study on the fruit in the following ways:
* Agape is divine capacity to love. Only God is capable of agape.
* Agape is more a response than a feeling (1 John 3:20 - God is greater than our hearts)
* Agape is fueled by the needs rather than the desires of self or others
* Agape is expressed through me when I surrender to the empowerment and temperament of the Holy Spirit.
Joy: Is "delight - gladness" that is not based on circumstances - Heb. 12:2
The word happiness is found 6 times in NT, and 16 times in OT. Joy shows up 8 x more than happiness in Scripture (176 times). Joy is the grand attributes of God Himself - "God of all Joy". Too often we are looking for joy when we should just be looking towards Jesus Christ - our joy is in Him... not in anything else we can find.
Check out the types of joy that God provides: We are never lacking for joy when we look for it in the right places.
* Joy of salvation - Psalm 51:12a
* Joy of problems - James 1:12
* Joy of worship - Psalm 12 2:1
* Joy of today - Psalm 118:24
* Joy of restoration - Psalm 71:20/Psalm 23:3
* Joy of prayer - John 16:24/Psalm 16:11b
* Joy of God's Word - Psalm 119:111
Peace: is not the absence of problems, but the presence of Jesus in the midst of problems. The fruit of peace is love standing strong and stable in spite of every insult, antagonism and every hate. We are at peace with God (Romans 5:1), we are given the peace of God (Phil. 4:7), which equips us to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), or at least do our part to be a peace with everyone (Romans 14:19). I love this statement: He who throws dirt only loses ground. Let us keep our soil in our godly garden!
Do you need to cultivate the fruit of Love, Joy and Peace? First we need to take a long hard look at ourselves, then cry out to God to change and do what He needs to do to sweeten our fruit, and finally we need to get out of the way (kill the flesh) and give God control. We need to let Him in our fields and hand over the keys to the plow. Being plowed by God will transform your life, your relationships and your attitudes. Allow God to come in and establish His fruit in your life.
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."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
