James 5:10 with Commentary
Several of you have shared that God has brought James into your life on several different levels this year. Like me, your pastor has preached through the book or parts of the book this year, or perhaps you have heard messages on the radio. Any way you look at it God is speaking through James to us. We are closing in on the last portions of chapter 5. This week we will look at verse 10.
James 5:10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Commentary
"We are encouraged to be patient by the example of the prophets (v.10). When we think that the best men have the hardest usage in this world, we should hereby be reconciled to affliction. Those who were the greatest examples of suffering affliction were also the best and greatest examples of patience." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1937].
"The example of the prophets centers on the many who suffered and died...for speaking in the name of the Lord." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2398]
Have a good week. Keep your eyes open this week to ways that you can practice patience. There will be opportunities all around you.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:9 Points to Ponder
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9
Points to Ponder:
Do not grumble against one another. This is not always an easy command to obey, is it? Perhaps you have reached a place in your Christian walk that you have matured enough to know when to keep your mouth closed. You know that grumbling and complaining is sinful and an offense to God. Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or questioning," So perhaps, just perhaps, you don't grumble or complain OUT LOUD, but my question this Friday morning is do you have a grumbling and complaining heart? Do you guard your lips but not your heart and mind?
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
My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34
God is not just interested in our words but also what rattles around in our minds, what we dwell on.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar... Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-2, 4
Are you guarding your heart and mind today from grumbling and complaining? If not, ask God to give you new thoughts, thoughts that are pleasing to Him.
Have a great weekend. We will be celebrating the amazing grace of God in Steve and Ruth's life as they will be remarried this weekend. Ruth has been a contributor to Victory Call and does all our postings to the internet for the distribution of Victory Call. "See" you Monday. Have a holy and restful Lord's Day.
Blessings,
Diane
Points to Ponder:
Do not grumble against one another. This is not always an easy command to obey, is it? Perhaps you have reached a place in your Christian walk that you have matured enough to know when to keep your mouth closed. You know that grumbling and complaining is sinful and an offense to God. Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without grumbling or questioning," So perhaps, just perhaps, you don't grumble or complain OUT LOUD, but my question this Friday morning is do you have a grumbling and complaining heart? Do you guard your lips but not your heart and mind?
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
My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding. Psalm 49:3
May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. Psalm 104:34
God is not just interested in our words but also what rattles around in our minds, what we dwell on.
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar... Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-2, 4
Are you guarding your heart and mind today from grumbling and complaining? If not, ask God to give you new thoughts, thoughts that are pleasing to Him.
Have a great weekend. We will be celebrating the amazing grace of God in Steve and Ruth's life as they will be remarried this weekend. Ruth has been a contributor to Victory Call and does all our postings to the internet for the distribution of Victory Call. "See" you Monday. Have a holy and restful Lord's Day.
Blessings,
Diane
Thursday, October 27, 2011
ARE YOUR SCARS SHOWING?
Gal 6:17 "On my own body are scars that prove I belong to Christ Jesus."
Do you like to watch the TV program Dancing With The Stars? Oh, come on. It's OK to admit it. My husband and I do enjoy watching the program. I suppose the main reason I like to watch is because I envy the rhythm that seems to be a natural asset for most of the contestants. The 2011 season is especially interesting. The dancer of interest is J. R. Martinez. J.R. was a soldier in Iraq when his vehicle drove over a landmine. J.R. was seriously injured; he has severe scarring on his face. In spite of his disfigurement, J.R. has become a television actor and a very active spokesperson for the military persons who did not come home. I thought of the above verse when I read this quote from J.R.: "My uniform is now my scars and my weapon is my words, so I'm still serving."
Paul stated that his scars proved that he belonged to Christ. That caused me to wonder, What scars do I have?
Years ago I had the privilege of meeting Richard Wurmbrand, the author of "Tortured for Christ." His scars were obvious. That man had suffered because he belonged to Christ! When I shook his hand, I felt his suffering flow through me. That was more than 50 years ago, but I shall always remember meeting him.
The above verse caused me to ponder, I don't suppose many of us in America will have visible scars showing because we are Christians, but do we have scars that don't show?
Nearly all of us have experienced a crisis of faith. So do others know the pain we have experienced? Most Christians seem to hide their pain as though that were more noble.
My crisis of faith happened when three of my children died. Knowing Christ did make a difference for me. Knowing Him made a difference in how I responded to my pain and my grief. Did I still hurt? Of course I did, but I knew my strength came from my faith in God, not from me. When others ask, "How did you have the strength to continue on?" I have a choice. I could just smile and say, "It was really hard, but I knew I had to keep going," or I can say, "I made it because of my faith in God. God has always been faithful, and I trust in Him."
According to what my Bible says, I believe we need to let our scars show. Give credit to Him for your survival. He will always be faithful.
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGINGDEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Do you like to watch the TV program Dancing With The Stars? Oh, come on. It's OK to admit it. My husband and I do enjoy watching the program. I suppose the main reason I like to watch is because I envy the rhythm that seems to be a natural asset for most of the contestants. The 2011 season is especially interesting. The dancer of interest is J. R. Martinez. J.R. was a soldier in Iraq when his vehicle drove over a landmine. J.R. was seriously injured; he has severe scarring on his face. In spite of his disfigurement, J.R. has become a television actor and a very active spokesperson for the military persons who did not come home. I thought of the above verse when I read this quote from J.R.: "My uniform is now my scars and my weapon is my words, so I'm still serving."
Paul stated that his scars proved that he belonged to Christ. That caused me to wonder, What scars do I have?
Years ago I had the privilege of meeting Richard Wurmbrand, the author of "Tortured for Christ." His scars were obvious. That man had suffered because he belonged to Christ! When I shook his hand, I felt his suffering flow through me. That was more than 50 years ago, but I shall always remember meeting him.
The above verse caused me to ponder, I don't suppose many of us in America will have visible scars showing because we are Christians, but do we have scars that don't show?
Nearly all of us have experienced a crisis of faith. So do others know the pain we have experienced? Most Christians seem to hide their pain as though that were more noble.
My crisis of faith happened when three of my children died. Knowing Christ did make a difference for me. Knowing Him made a difference in how I responded to my pain and my grief. Did I still hurt? Of course I did, but I knew my strength came from my faith in God, not from me. When others ask, "How did you have the strength to continue on?" I have a choice. I could just smile and say, "It was really hard, but I knew I had to keep going," or I can say, "I made it because of my faith in God. God has always been faithful, and I trust in Him."
According to what my Bible says, I believe we need to let our scars show. Give credit to Him for your survival. He will always be faithful.
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGINGDEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Readjust For a New Normal
Guess what? Stuff happens. Good stuff and bad stuff happens, to the unregenerated and to the redeemed sinner. Stuff just happens, and we often don't have a clue as to the "why" question. The Lord knows we want an answer, and He knows how we will spin our wheels sorting it out, trying to come up with a reason why "bad" stuff is happening in our lives.
We have so many questions we might ask, like, "Haven't I been good? Haven't I tithed and been to church and Sunday School every week? Don't I pray and give to the poor and needy? Didn't I raise my kids right? Why? Why? Why is bad stuff happening to me?!"
A few years ago the worst thing ever occurred in the life of our family. My daughter attempted to kill herself. She wanted her inner turmoil, her unhappiness over life choices to simply be over, over, over. There was no pre-thought-out plan. No, it wasn't anything like that. What it was, was a moment in time when a number of circumstances converged with some stinking thinking and crashed into more feelings than could be felt at one time. Add to that the fact that we have a very real enemy who seeks to destroy the seed of those who belong to God, and you have a decision which altered and changed our lives overnight.
Since that day, I am not the same and neither is the rest of my family. One could easily think we are worse off than before, but that wouldn't be true. The truth is God, our Sovereign and Holy God, used every bit of our pain, and all the craziness of the ensuing hours, days, months and now years to mold and shape us more into the image and likeness of the Son.
He didn't leave us alone. Not once did I feel lost, alone or forsaken. Not once did I ask God "why." I think I went into shock for a bit as my mind attempted to adjust to the initial news. I know for a while my prayers were stuck in my mouth. I thank God that He can read the heart and the deepest cries of an anguished soul. I praise Him that when all that stuff happened in our lives, sisters and brothers from East to West and abroad filled the gap and interceded for the life of our precious daughter.
Life has gone on in the days since June 3, 2006 and we have all slowly but surely readjusted our lives to a new normal. God has loved us through encouragement, exhortation, discipline and fire. He continues to carefully peel back the layers of our hearts to reveal the enemy within. And then He masterfully aims His arrow of grace, shooting the arrow of His Word to pierce, destroy and mercifully deliver us and therefore equip us to do what He has called us to do.
He leads and we follow. He is our Great Shepherd and we walk or fall down, He leads, restores, comforts all, walks with us through it all NO MATTER WHAT!! Selah
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~ Psalm 23
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
We have so many questions we might ask, like, "Haven't I been good? Haven't I tithed and been to church and Sunday School every week? Don't I pray and give to the poor and needy? Didn't I raise my kids right? Why? Why? Why is bad stuff happening to me?!"
A few years ago the worst thing ever occurred in the life of our family. My daughter attempted to kill herself. She wanted her inner turmoil, her unhappiness over life choices to simply be over, over, over. There was no pre-thought-out plan. No, it wasn't anything like that. What it was, was a moment in time when a number of circumstances converged with some stinking thinking and crashed into more feelings than could be felt at one time. Add to that the fact that we have a very real enemy who seeks to destroy the seed of those who belong to God, and you have a decision which altered and changed our lives overnight.
Since that day, I am not the same and neither is the rest of my family. One could easily think we are worse off than before, but that wouldn't be true. The truth is God, our Sovereign and Holy God, used every bit of our pain, and all the craziness of the ensuing hours, days, months and now years to mold and shape us more into the image and likeness of the Son.
He didn't leave us alone. Not once did I feel lost, alone or forsaken. Not once did I ask God "why." I think I went into shock for a bit as my mind attempted to adjust to the initial news. I know for a while my prayers were stuck in my mouth. I thank God that He can read the heart and the deepest cries of an anguished soul. I praise Him that when all that stuff happened in our lives, sisters and brothers from East to West and abroad filled the gap and interceded for the life of our precious daughter.
Life has gone on in the days since June 3, 2006 and we have all slowly but surely readjusted our lives to a new normal. God has loved us through encouragement, exhortation, discipline and fire. He continues to carefully peel back the layers of our hearts to reveal the enemy within. And then He masterfully aims His arrow of grace, shooting the arrow of His Word to pierce, destroy and mercifully deliver us and therefore equip us to do what He has called us to do.
He leads and we follow. He is our Great Shepherd and we walk or fall down, He leads, restores, comforts all, walks with us through it all NO MATTER WHAT!! Selah
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~ Psalm 23
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sacrifices Pleasing to God
"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" Hebrews 13:15-16 NASB.
As the temperatures cool and Fall approaches, it will not be long until we are gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving it may be difficult to find things to be grateful for. My family faces our first Thanksgiving since the homegoing of my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. This will not be an easy day to celebrate. You and I will need to practice how to "offer up a sacrifice of praise to God." But thanks we can and we will give if we are willing to look for God's provision in the midst of our circumstances. It is a sacrifice to turn our eyes away from what we don't have to what we are blessed to still have and to know that if we only had Jesus, He would be enough. In the midst of grief I have 25 years of memories and I have the hope of seeing family, now with Christ, again.
Asking why and complaining would be easy. Choosing to praise by giving thanks is a sacrifice we give, not in our own strength, but through Him. We need to practice what we sing:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
Recently, I had a phone conversation with one of our Visionary Partners. For as long as I have known Mrs. J she has been unemployed. Each phone call would end with her saying, "I will give as long as I can!" For two years she has been unemployed. For two years we have prayed for her situation to change. For two years she has continued to support this ministry. During our last conversation Mrs. J. once again, with joy, said "I will give as long as I can!" But this time she also shared that she would be going out later that day to pick up some free food. The extent of her situation was apparent. But the extent of her obedience and sacrifice also became crystal clear. This is what it means to give sacrificially. I know this is pleasing to God.
Paul says this. "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" Philippians 4:11-12 NEV.
Twice Paul shares the secret - I have learned. Between now and Thanksgiving you and I have time to learn to be content, to live with much or little, to offer praise and thanksgiving, to continue to do good, to share AND please God!
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
As the temperatures cool and Fall approaches, it will not be long until we are gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving it may be difficult to find things to be grateful for. My family faces our first Thanksgiving since the homegoing of my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. This will not be an easy day to celebrate. You and I will need to practice how to "offer up a sacrifice of praise to God." But thanks we can and we will give if we are willing to look for God's provision in the midst of our circumstances. It is a sacrifice to turn our eyes away from what we don't have to what we are blessed to still have and to know that if we only had Jesus, He would be enough. In the midst of grief I have 25 years of memories and I have the hope of seeing family, now with Christ, again.
Asking why and complaining would be easy. Choosing to praise by giving thanks is a sacrifice we give, not in our own strength, but through Him. We need to practice what we sing:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
Recently, I had a phone conversation with one of our Visionary Partners. For as long as I have known Mrs. J she has been unemployed. Each phone call would end with her saying, "I will give as long as I can!" For two years she has been unemployed. For two years we have prayed for her situation to change. For two years she has continued to support this ministry. During our last conversation Mrs. J. once again, with joy, said "I will give as long as I can!" But this time she also shared that she would be going out later that day to pick up some free food. The extent of her situation was apparent. But the extent of her obedience and sacrifice also became crystal clear. This is what it means to give sacrificially. I know this is pleasing to God.
Paul says this. "I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" Philippians 4:11-12 NEV.
Twice Paul shares the secret - I have learned. Between now and Thanksgiving you and I have time to learn to be content, to live with much or little, to offer praise and thanksgiving, to continue to do good, to share AND please God!
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Cross references:
A. James 5:9 : Matt 7:1
B. James 5:9 : 1 Pet 4:5; Rev 22:12
C. James 5:9 : Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; 1 Cor 4:5
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:9 with Commentary
It is hard to believe we are just 5 weeks from Thanksgiving and 9 weeks from Christmas. I remember thinking about this year back in November and December of last year wondering what Book would bless the Victory Call readers through 2011. I believe James has been a good place to dig deeper. One of my favorite Bible books and one with much practical theology. I hope you have joined us when you could and have been blessed by God’s Word as you considered, pondered and applied its truths – His words, not mine. This week we touch on a topic that applies to all of us to some degree.
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9
Commentary
“Fretfulness and discontent expose us to the just judgment of God, and we bring more calamities upon ourselves by our groans and grudgings against one another, than we are aware of.”[Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume – pg. 1937]
“Do not grumble sums up the divisive complaining behind 3:1-4:12, it can be particularly painful in times of suffering when people explode in frustration and turn upon each other.” [ESV Study Bible study notes – pg. 2398]
Happy Monday. Please take a moment and pray for Keswick’s finances, that God would provide the resources so that we can be current with our bills. We so appreciate your partnership.
Blessings,
Diane
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:9
Commentary
“Fretfulness and discontent expose us to the just judgment of God, and we bring more calamities upon ourselves by our groans and grudgings against one another, than we are aware of.”[Matthew Henry’s Commentary in One Volume – pg. 1937]
“Do not grumble sums up the divisive complaining behind 3:1-4:12, it can be particularly painful in times of suffering when people explode in frustration and turn upon each other.” [ESV Study Bible study notes – pg. 2398]
Happy Monday. Please take a moment and pray for Keswick’s finances, that God would provide the resources so that we can be current with our bills. We so appreciate your partnership.
Blessings,
Diane
Friday, October 21, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:8 Points to Ponder
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Points to ponder
Establish your hearts. As I consider that encouragement, I am reminded that we, as women, can be prone to 'follow our hearts' perhaps being led by our emotions. That is not to say there are not men that do the same or women who don't but, generally speaking, women can be inclined to be more influenced by emotions than our male counterpart.
When I think of the admonition to establish our hearts, I realize it's important that we establish it based on truth rather than anything else. In so doing, we narrow our focus and reduce extraneous distractions. It's work for sure because it just feels better to follow our emotions. Doesn't it?
James not only tells us to establish (to make firm or stable1) our hearts but to be patient because the Lord is returning.
Have you ever gotten a bad report from the doctor or perhaps the anticipation of one? If so, my experience has been that in the immediate aftermath of the news, all kinds of things that seemed so very important just 24 hours ago, in fact 24 minutes ago, seem to fade into being the very unimportant. In an instant, many things we took for granted, like marriage, family, life, health, relationships, hugging, laughing and caring, become very important.
I think this is what James is saying. The thing that can refocus our hearts and minds to be patient with others is that the coming of the Lord is at hand, because in light of eternity, all those things that cause us to be impatient with others fade in comparison.
Blessings,
Diane
Cross references:
A. James 5:8 : 1 Thess. 3:13
B. James 5:8 : 1 Pet. 4:7; Rom. 13:11, 12; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 10:25, 37
1 Merriam-Webster online Dictionary 10.7.11
Points to ponder
Establish your hearts. As I consider that encouragement, I am reminded that we, as women, can be prone to 'follow our hearts' perhaps being led by our emotions. That is not to say there are not men that do the same or women who don't but, generally speaking, women can be inclined to be more influenced by emotions than our male counterpart.
When I think of the admonition to establish our hearts, I realize it's important that we establish it based on truth rather than anything else. In so doing, we narrow our focus and reduce extraneous distractions. It's work for sure because it just feels better to follow our emotions. Doesn't it?
James not only tells us to establish (to make firm or stable1) our hearts but to be patient because the Lord is returning.
Have you ever gotten a bad report from the doctor or perhaps the anticipation of one? If so, my experience has been that in the immediate aftermath of the news, all kinds of things that seemed so very important just 24 hours ago, in fact 24 minutes ago, seem to fade into being the very unimportant. In an instant, many things we took for granted, like marriage, family, life, health, relationships, hugging, laughing and caring, become very important.
I think this is what James is saying. The thing that can refocus our hearts and minds to be patient with others is that the coming of the Lord is at hand, because in light of eternity, all those things that cause us to be impatient with others fade in comparison.
Blessings,
Diane
Cross references:
A. James 5:8 : 1 Thess. 3:13
B. James 5:8 : 1 Pet. 4:7; Rom. 13:11, 12; Phil. 4:5; Heb. 10:25, 37
1 Merriam-Webster online Dictionary 10.7.11
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Responding Biblically...in the Midst of It All
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you. ~Proverbs 2:6-11
Do you know that your responses to all that comes your way in this life matter to God? Do you believe that He has equipped you through the indwelling Holy Spirit with everything you need to walk in wisdom with grace and truth?
Do you think and believe it's possible to be in a bad situation with a person or persons who are behaving badly and not forget that you are God's daughter; that you are equipped by and through the Word of God to respond well?
If your answer is yes, praise the Lord! If your answer is no, praise the Lord!
My answer is yes, yes, yes! I do believe it's possible and I believe God has not set anything before me that He can't or won't enable me, by His Word, to respond well to.
At the same time I say my answer is yes, it's also true that there are many times my answer is no. Those are the times when I know I've blown it and the enemy of my soul is whispering to me that I'm a fake and I may as well give up and stop going to God about the difficult person, situation or circumstance in my life. He, the enemy, tells me I'll never really change or I'll never see change in the person who's giving me angina, so why bother. Just go back to the old way and forget trying to do it God's way, it's just too hard."
Am I making sense here? Do ya know what I'm talking about?
That's why I said praise God whether your answer is yes or no. Because, even when we're not doing it right, all we have to do is pause, consider Abba Father, and praise His name just because HE IS!
Remember that it's Him in us, through the Holy Spirit who is at work, willing us to do His good pleasure.
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" ~ Philippians 1:3-6
And when you're having victory and remembering what His Word has taught you about imaging Christ in a lost and dying world, the response is the same, praise Him! Praise Him just because HE IS!!
"...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." ~ Philippians 2:13-16
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you. ~Proverbs 2:6-11
Do you know that your responses to all that comes your way in this life matter to God? Do you believe that He has equipped you through the indwelling Holy Spirit with everything you need to walk in wisdom with grace and truth?
Do you think and believe it's possible to be in a bad situation with a person or persons who are behaving badly and not forget that you are God's daughter; that you are equipped by and through the Word of God to respond well?
If your answer is yes, praise the Lord! If your answer is no, praise the Lord!
My answer is yes, yes, yes! I do believe it's possible and I believe God has not set anything before me that He can't or won't enable me, by His Word, to respond well to.
At the same time I say my answer is yes, it's also true that there are many times my answer is no. Those are the times when I know I've blown it and the enemy of my soul is whispering to me that I'm a fake and I may as well give up and stop going to God about the difficult person, situation or circumstance in my life. He, the enemy, tells me I'll never really change or I'll never see change in the person who's giving me angina, so why bother. Just go back to the old way and forget trying to do it God's way, it's just too hard."
Am I making sense here? Do ya know what I'm talking about?
That's why I said praise God whether your answer is yes or no. Because, even when we're not doing it right, all we have to do is pause, consider Abba Father, and praise His name just because HE IS!
Remember that it's Him in us, through the Holy Spirit who is at work, willing us to do His good pleasure.
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" ~ Philippians 1:3-6
And when you're having victory and remembering what His Word has taught you about imaging Christ in a lost and dying world, the response is the same, praise Him! Praise Him just because HE IS!!
"...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." ~ Philippians 2:13-16
Stephanie
Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
SHINE ON
When our grandson was only a few months old (he is now 22 years old!) our daughter sent us a video in which she sang "This Little Light of Mine. I'm going to let it shine; Let it shine; Let it shine." Every time our daughter would hold up her index finger, symbolic of a candle, our grandson would giggle. His giggle became contagious and soon I was giggling, too. Then my husband joined me in watching our grandson, and soon my husband was giggling, too. Not only was our grandson giggling, but he was SHINING!
Several years ago, my husband and I attended a conference led by Mrs. Leanne Paine. While we were there, we learned a new song, "Shine, Jesus, Shine!"
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light.1
How do we shine for Jesus? First, we make sure that Christ is Lord of our lives. Then we become very familiar with Scripture. We then ask God to help us to never miss an opportunity to shine for Him. It is now our responsibility not to pass up any chance we have to shine for Him. That means as we are driving...do we represent Him well? When we are in a store, do we shine because we know Jesus? In our casual conversations do we take the credit for our "nice" behavior, or do we Shine?
I mentioned in an earlier devotional about finding a beautiful rose centerpiece. I shared the story with several clerks before I left the store, and then I even had my husband take the centerpiece out of the bag and show it to a man at the bus stop, and of course, he heard my "roses" story and was told of God's faithfulness. That's what I call "Letting my light shine for Jesus!"
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
SHINE, SHINE, SHINE!!!
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
1 http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/cliff+richard/shine+jesus+shine_20032227.html
Several years ago, my husband and I attended a conference led by Mrs. Leanne Paine. While we were there, we learned a new song, "Shine, Jesus, Shine!"
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze,
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your word
Lord and let there be light.1
How do we shine for Jesus? First, we make sure that Christ is Lord of our lives. Then we become very familiar with Scripture. We then ask God to help us to never miss an opportunity to shine for Him. It is now our responsibility not to pass up any chance we have to shine for Him. That means as we are driving...do we represent Him well? When we are in a store, do we shine because we know Jesus? In our casual conversations do we take the credit for our "nice" behavior, or do we Shine?
I mentioned in an earlier devotional about finding a beautiful rose centerpiece. I shared the story with several clerks before I left the store, and then I even had my husband take the centerpiece out of the bag and show it to a man at the bus stop, and of course, he heard my "roses" story and was told of God's faithfulness. That's what I call "Letting my light shine for Jesus!"
Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
SHINE, SHINE, SHINE!!!
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
1 http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/cliff+richard/shine+jesus+shine_20032227.html
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
KEEP LOOKING FOR THE ROSES
Many of you know my "Roses" story already, but for those who don't I feel I need to share it. When our 17-year-old son Nate was killed by a drunk driver, our son's friends asked, "What are we going to do with Christmas?" since Christmas day would be his 18th birthday? My personal thought was, "Can't we just cancel December?" His 18th birthday, and he would not be here! Actually, Nate was our third child to die; Jimmy died when he was 7 weeks old; Ethan, Nate's twin, died when he was 10 days old, and now Nate was killed when he was 17 years old. It would be my vote to just cancel the whole month. Everyone is so "Jolly, Ho, Ho, Ho" in December, and I see nothing to celebrate.
Shortly after, I saw a poster that said, "God gives us memories, so we might have Roses In December."1 My first thought was, "You've got to be kidding. Roses in December? I really doubt that I will see any roses in my December. "
But slowly I did begin to see that God had given me roses in meaningful Scripture, in people, in memories, and even in little treasures that kept appearing. Such as the plant of miniature roses that appeared at my door on a day I was really struggling to sense God's love for me, or the day the bouquet of roses was sent to me claiming I had been a blessing to someone who was almost a stranger to me.
It has been 28 years since Nate was killed; could God still be sending roses my way?
Recently I had need of a cane. We are in a small town, and the likelihood of finding any kind of cane seemed slim, but wouldn't you know that the first cane my husband found had a rose print over the entire cane! God still remembered!
Just a short time ago, as we were traveling through a tourist town, I was tired and about to end my day of sight-seeing when I entered a lovely gift shop. While I was still in the entry, I spotted a Christmas sleigh with an arrangement in it that included many red roses and THREE white roses. Since we normally supplied our church with an arrangement of red roses and three white roses each Christmas season, I knew that centerpiece was MINE!!! God still remembered me and my need for roses. Thank You, Jesus. He knew my need and met it. He is faithful!
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for caring for me and remembering my occasional need for roses as a reminder of my boys and of Your love for me. Amen
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
1 This quote is attributed to Sir James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.
Shortly after, I saw a poster that said, "God gives us memories, so we might have Roses In December."1 My first thought was, "You've got to be kidding. Roses in December? I really doubt that I will see any roses in my December. "
But slowly I did begin to see that God had given me roses in meaningful Scripture, in people, in memories, and even in little treasures that kept appearing. Such as the plant of miniature roses that appeared at my door on a day I was really struggling to sense God's love for me, or the day the bouquet of roses was sent to me claiming I had been a blessing to someone who was almost a stranger to me.
It has been 28 years since Nate was killed; could God still be sending roses my way?
Recently I had need of a cane. We are in a small town, and the likelihood of finding any kind of cane seemed slim, but wouldn't you know that the first cane my husband found had a rose print over the entire cane! God still remembered!
Just a short time ago, as we were traveling through a tourist town, I was tired and about to end my day of sight-seeing when I entered a lovely gift shop. While I was still in the entry, I spotted a Christmas sleigh with an arrangement in it that included many red roses and THREE white roses. Since we normally supplied our church with an arrangement of red roses and three white roses each Christmas season, I knew that centerpiece was MINE!!! God still remembered me and my need for roses. Thank You, Jesus. He knew my need and met it. He is faithful!
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for caring for me and remembering my occasional need for roses as a reminder of my boys and of Your love for me. Amen
Marilyn Willett Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
1 This quote is attributed to Sir James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:8 with Commentary
Each week as I prepare the Digging Deeper Victory Calls, I find my eyes darting to the end of Chapter 5; the end of the book of James is fast approaching. It is hard to believe in just a few months we will have worked through the entire book of James verse by verse. If you have been reading it each week, you will have read the entire book 52 times by the end of the year. I trust your heart has been blessed through your time in the word. If not, it's not too late to start.
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Commentary:
Establish your hearts. A call for resolute, firm courage and commitment. James exhorts those about to collapse under the weight of persecution to store up their hearts with the hope of the Second Coming. at hand. The imminency of Christ's return is a frequent theme in the NT. [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg 1896)
Have a good week. In the midst of your busyness, stop and look around. God didn't just create beauty; He gave us the ability to appreciate it. Don't waste it.
Blessings,
Diane
Cross references:
A. James 5:8 : 1 Thess 3:13
B. James 5:8 : 1 Pet 4:7; Rom 13:11, 12; Phil 4:5; Heb 10:25, 37
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Commentary:
Establish your hearts. A call for resolute, firm courage and commitment. James exhorts those about to collapse under the weight of persecution to store up their hearts with the hope of the Second Coming. at hand. The imminency of Christ's return is a frequent theme in the NT. [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg 1896)
Have a good week. In the midst of your busyness, stop and look around. God didn't just create beauty; He gave us the ability to appreciate it. Don't waste it.
Blessings,
Diane
Cross references:
A. James 5:8 : 1 Thess 3:13
B. James 5:8 : 1 Pet 4:7; Rom 13:11, 12; Phil 4:5; Heb 10:25, 37
Friday, October 14, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:7 with Points to Ponder
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
I remember 25 years ago, planting my own first and only garden. I was a newlywed and living in a townhouse. I planted... well... I can't remember what I planted other than the sole plant that came up and the 1 eggplant it bore which I picked and gave to my neighbor. Thus my only garden. Starting about a week after planting my little garden, I would go out every few days to look to see if the plants had started to sprout. Day after day, week after week, I looked with anticipation, anxious to see evidence of success. I watered and watched, watered and watched. Gardening takes patience and apparently something else I didn't have.
James uses a farmer's waiting and watching to illustrate patience and calls us to be patient until the Lord comes, perhaps in light of the Lord's coming.
I hope you had a great week.
Have a good weekend. Be blessed in the Lord's House on Sunday. Be refreshed as you rest.
Blessings,
Diane
I remember 25 years ago, planting my own first and only garden. I was a newlywed and living in a townhouse. I planted... well... I can't remember what I planted other than the sole plant that came up and the 1 eggplant it bore which I picked and gave to my neighbor. Thus my only garden. Starting about a week after planting my little garden, I would go out every few days to look to see if the plants had started to sprout. Day after day, week after week, I looked with anticipation, anxious to see evidence of success. I watered and watched, watered and watched. Gardening takes patience and apparently something else I didn't have.
James uses a farmer's waiting and watching to illustrate patience and calls us to be patient until the Lord comes, perhaps in light of the Lord's coming.
I hope you had a great week.
Have a good weekend. Be blessed in the Lord's House on Sunday. Be refreshed as you rest.
Blessings,
Diane
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Crossing the Jordan
This Victory Call is a little different from our typical VC. We have gotten some questions about the Crossing the Jordan Bible Study, so I share this with you.
Imagine for a moment standing on the side of a raging river at flood stage, which is threatening, at any moment, to overtake you right where you are. As you stand there, you can see on the other side of the river that there is higher ground where you would be safe from the torrents and threat of where you are.
This is exactly how many women feel. Difficult life circumstances happen to everyone, male and female, young and old, married and single.
God not only desires for women to have abundant life and to live in victory, but He also made a way through His Son Jesus Christ. "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10; "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Crossing the Jordan is a topical Bible Study workbook designed for individual or small group study. It was written by women for women in all stages and phases of life. Originally written for women whose husbands were part of the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Program of America's Keswick, we soon realized the principles and Biblical truths of the study apply to all women with 11 of the 14 chapters applying to any woman, while the remaining 3 chapters apply specifically to a marriage relationship.
The title Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships was chosen because it beautifully depicts the life of freedom that awaits those who choose to get their feet wet and to cross that raging river knowing that on the other side there is higher ground of hope, freedom and victory. Much like the Israelites who had to cross the Jordan River at flood stage BEFORE God parted the waters, by faith the priests had to step into the water and get their feet wet. It was the only way for them to finally leave their wilderness wanderings and enter the promised land, "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Deut. 23:7).
"So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose up in a heap...and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. " Joshua 3:14-16
Just like the Israelites, as we choose to step out in faith to move from our wilderness wanderings to lay hold of the promised land in our lives, God will go with us. He will empower us moment by moment to lay claim to the promises of freedom and hope awaiting us on the other side of the Jordan.
Crossing the Jordan is already impacting women's lives, leading them in an encounter with the transforming power of the Living God.
Imagine for a moment standing on the side of a raging river at flood stage, which is threatening, at any moment, to overtake you right where you are. As you stand there, you can see on the other side of the river that there is higher ground where you would be safe from the torrents and threat of where you are.
This is exactly how many women feel. Difficult life circumstances happen to everyone, male and female, young and old, married and single.
God not only desires for women to have abundant life and to live in victory, but He also made a way through His Son Jesus Christ. "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10; "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Crossing the Jordan is a topical Bible Study workbook designed for individual or small group study. It was written by women for women in all stages and phases of life. Originally written for women whose husbands were part of the Colony of Mercy Addiction Recovery Program of America's Keswick, we soon realized the principles and Biblical truths of the study apply to all women with 11 of the 14 chapters applying to any woman, while the remaining 3 chapters apply specifically to a marriage relationship.
The title Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships was chosen because it beautifully depicts the life of freedom that awaits those who choose to get their feet wet and to cross that raging river knowing that on the other side there is higher ground of hope, freedom and victory. Much like the Israelites who had to cross the Jordan River at flood stage BEFORE God parted the waters, by faith the priests had to step into the water and get their feet wet. It was the only way for them to finally leave their wilderness wanderings and enter the promised land, "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Deut. 23:7).
"So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose up in a heap...and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. " Joshua 3:14-16
Just like the Israelites, as we choose to step out in faith to move from our wilderness wanderings to lay hold of the promised land in our lives, God will go with us. He will empower us moment by moment to lay claim to the promises of freedom and hope awaiting us on the other side of the Jordan.
Crossing the Jordan is already impacting women's lives, leading them in an encounter with the transforming power of the Living God.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Real Rest
Recently, I was doing some reading about "Finding Peace in Life's Busy Seasons" by Jackie M. Johnson. I am in the midst of a very high pressure time with more to do than I can humanly do and my to-do list seems to get longer and longer. We have all been there. I am not unique by any means.
So, how do we find rest in the midst of hectic lives?
Mt. 11:28 says, "Come to my, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." In the midst of reading the article I read this quote: "bottom line: Rest is not a reward, "she* continues. "you can't earn it. You don't deserve it. It's not a sign of weakness or inability. Rest is a matter of obedience, stewardship and delight."
Our culture values non-stop work. Being a work-a-holic is more a badge of honor rather than an addiction to work and busyness.
I appreciate her statement that "rest is a matter of obedience, stewardship and delight."1 Rest is God's plan. Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.
I was very touched by this Jank statement in the article, "The hard work of rest is the holy work of God." 2 Think about that and let it sink in for a moment. "The hard work of rest is the holy work of God."
Remember this: Work hard. Play hard. Rest hard.
Blessings,
Diane
*(Brenda Jank, director of Rest and Renewal Ministries at Camp Luther - Haven (Albion, Ind)
1 Jank, Brenda - quoted in "Finding Peace in Life's Busy Seasons" by Jackie M. Johnson.
2 Ibid
So, how do we find rest in the midst of hectic lives?
Mt. 11:28 says, "Come to my, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." In the midst of reading the article I read this quote: "bottom line: Rest is not a reward, "she* continues. "you can't earn it. You don't deserve it. It's not a sign of weakness or inability. Rest is a matter of obedience, stewardship and delight."
Our culture values non-stop work. Being a work-a-holic is more a badge of honor rather than an addiction to work and busyness.
I appreciate her statement that "rest is a matter of obedience, stewardship and delight."1 Rest is God's plan. Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.
I was very touched by this Jank statement in the article, "The hard work of rest is the holy work of God." 2 Think about that and let it sink in for a moment. "The hard work of rest is the holy work of God."
Remember this: Work hard. Play hard. Rest hard.
Blessings,
Diane
*(Brenda Jank, director of Rest and Renewal Ministries at Camp Luther - Haven (Albion, Ind)
1 Jank, Brenda - quoted in "Finding Peace in Life's Busy Seasons" by Jackie M. Johnson.
2 Ibid
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Love of God
"By this the love of God was manifested in us that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at anytime; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us; God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us"
1 John 4:9-19.
God your love is perfect, and it is perfected in me. Lord thank you for loving me. As imperfect as I am, I am Blessed to be loved by you.
Glory to God.
Sandra Roman
Staff Member - WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:4-6
4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
6You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
1 John 4:9-19.
God your love is perfect, and it is perfected in me. Lord thank you for loving me. As imperfect as I am, I am Blessed to be loved by you.
Glory to God.
Sandra Roman
Staff Member - WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 5:4-6
4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
6You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Digging Deeper Jams 5:7 with Commentary
People can really try our patience can't they? Not everyone got the memo about doing things our way. Why do we grow impatient with people? They are not living up to our expectations. People cut in line at the deli, people cut us off on the highway. People disagree with our political preferences and don't hesitate to voice them...strongly. We do not like being mistreated whether by someone we know or someone we don't know. James challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstance to the bigger picture and the Lord's return.
James 5:7, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains."
Commentary:
...patient. The word emphasizes patience with people...not trials or circumstances (as in 1:3). Specifically, James has in mind patience with the oppressive rich.
...the coming. The Second Coming of Christ." "Realizing the glory that awaits them at Christ's return should motivate believers to patiently endure mistreatment
...the early and later rains. The early rain falls in Israel during October and November and softens the ground for planting. The latter rain falls in March and April, immediately before the spring harvest. Just as the farmer waits patiently from the early rain to the latter for his crop to ripen, so must Christians patiently wait for the Lord's return... [The MacArthur Bible Commentary, by John MacArthur pg. 1896]
Have a great week.
Blessings,
Diane
James 5:7, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains."
Commentary:
...patient. The word emphasizes patience with people...not trials or circumstances (as in 1:3). Specifically, James has in mind patience with the oppressive rich.
...the coming. The Second Coming of Christ." "Realizing the glory that awaits them at Christ's return should motivate believers to patiently endure mistreatment
...the early and later rains. The early rain falls in Israel during October and November and softens the ground for planting. The latter rain falls in March and April, immediately before the spring harvest. Just as the farmer waits patiently from the early rain to the latter for his crop to ripen, so must Christians patiently wait for the Lord's return... [The MacArthur Bible Commentary, by John MacArthur pg. 1896]
Have a great week.
Blessings,
Diane
Friday, October 07, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:4-6 with Points to Ponder
James 5:4-6
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Points to Ponder
Please understand when James wrote this he was communicating something the Lord put in him to write. There is one true, accurate interpretation of these verses and I am not learned enough to know what that is specifically. Though there is one interpretation there may be various different applications.
What attitude do we have towards others? Are we givers or keepers at heart? Isn't this the very thing these landowners were struggling with? Their greatest priority was their own comfort, convenience, luxury and pleasure even at the expense of others. Are we willing to go without so others have what they need or have earned? When we give, do we give sacrificially putting our own comfort, convenience, luxury and pleasure second?
Are we self-indulgent? One of the commentators in Monday's Victory Call said, "a life without self-denial soon becomes out of control in every area" (MacArthur). Do we practice restraint? Do we practice self-denial? Do we live the crucified life?
Blessings,
Diane
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Points to Ponder
Please understand when James wrote this he was communicating something the Lord put in him to write. There is one true, accurate interpretation of these verses and I am not learned enough to know what that is specifically. Though there is one interpretation there may be various different applications.
What attitude do we have towards others? Are we givers or keepers at heart? Isn't this the very thing these landowners were struggling with? Their greatest priority was their own comfort, convenience, luxury and pleasure even at the expense of others. Are we willing to go without so others have what they need or have earned? When we give, do we give sacrificially putting our own comfort, convenience, luxury and pleasure second?
Are we self-indulgent? One of the commentators in Monday's Victory Call said, "a life without self-denial soon becomes out of control in every area" (MacArthur). Do we practice restraint? Do we practice self-denial? Do we live the crucified life?
Blessings,
Diane
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Trusting God
Psalm 78:18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
There are times when, dealing with children, they want something you know either isn't good for them or that isn't going to be all they think it will be. YOU know that because you have the eyes of experience and maturity. THEY do not see that because they lack experience and maturity.
There are times when wisdom warrants giving them what they want because it will only be through experience that they will realize for THEMSELVES that this is NOT really what they want. You can tell them and tell them and tell them but they will not really understand until they experience it.
Much the same with the Israelites.
God knew He alone was sufficient to meet all their needs but they whined and complained craving more, craving food then meat.
Numbers 11: 4-6 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."
Psalm 78:29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
Psalm 78:30-31 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
God gave them what they craved and they reveled in the quail and stuffed themselves...to death.
Numbers 11:18-20 "And say to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt." Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, "Why did we come out of Egypt?"'"
God knew HE was enough-The Israelites rejected Him and craved meat and He gave it to them.
The result? God killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
We may not always get what we want and often we get what we want but not the way we expected.
As I think about that statement, "for he gave them what they craved", I don't want God to give me what I crave if in the end it will draw my eyes and heart away from Him.
You and I lack the perspective of God. He alone can determine what truly is in our best interest - will we trust Him in that?
Blessings,
Diane
There are times when, dealing with children, they want something you know either isn't good for them or that isn't going to be all they think it will be. YOU know that because you have the eyes of experience and maturity. THEY do not see that because they lack experience and maturity.
There are times when wisdom warrants giving them what they want because it will only be through experience that they will realize for THEMSELVES that this is NOT really what they want. You can tell them and tell them and tell them but they will not really understand until they experience it.
Much the same with the Israelites.
God knew He alone was sufficient to meet all their needs but they whined and complained craving more, craving food then meat.
Numbers 11: 4-6 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."
Psalm 78:29 And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved.
Psalm 78:30-31 But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, the anger of God rose against them, and he killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
God gave them what they craved and they reveled in the quail and stuffed themselves...to death.
Numbers 11:18-20 "And say to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt." Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, "Why did we come out of Egypt?"'"
God knew HE was enough-The Israelites rejected Him and craved meat and He gave it to them.
The result? God killed the strongest of them and laid low the young men of Israel.
We may not always get what we want and often we get what we want but not the way we expected.
As I think about that statement, "for he gave them what they craved", I don't want God to give me what I crave if in the end it will draw my eyes and heart away from Him.
You and I lack the perspective of God. He alone can determine what truly is in our best interest - will we trust Him in that?
Blessings,
Diane
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Testing God
Psalm 78:18 They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved.
Of course the Psalmist here is referring to the Israelites in the desert. You remember the Israelites moaned and groaned to and at Moses for taking them from Egypt and the "leeks and onions" of the land. They longed for the meat pots and bread of the land of their captivity (see Ex. 16).
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. How is it they tested God? They were unhappy with His menu selection for them and they repeatedly mumbled, complained and challenged Moses.
Now let's stop, you and I, and consider. What is it we demand either in our attitudes or actions?
When we stop to think about it- every time we complain about what we DON'T have, what we DO have, about our jobs, our bosses, our situation, our income, etc. are we not, in our hearts, complaining against God's provision for us?
Are we not testing God in our hearts?
Blessings, Diane
Of course the Psalmist here is referring to the Israelites in the desert. You remember the Israelites moaned and groaned to and at Moses for taking them from Egypt and the "leeks and onions" of the land. They longed for the meat pots and bread of the land of their captivity (see Ex. 16).
They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. How is it they tested God? They were unhappy with His menu selection for them and they repeatedly mumbled, complained and challenged Moses.
Now let's stop, you and I, and consider. What is it we demand either in our attitudes or actions?
When we stop to think about it- every time we complain about what we DON'T have, what we DO have, about our jobs, our bosses, our situation, our income, etc. are we not, in our hearts, complaining against God's provision for us?
Are we not testing God in our hearts?
Blessings, Diane
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Night Song
Have you ever gone through a season of drought in your spiritual life? If not, wait, you will. A season when God seems silent. Reading the Word seems an exercise in futility. When your cries seem to go unanswered and you have more questions than answers. You wonder...Where are you God? You can see Him at work in others but at least for this season, you feel benched.
The Psalmist was right there.
Psalm 77:6-9
"I said, 'Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart.'
Then my spirit made a diligent search:
'Will the Lord spurn forever,
and never again be favorable?
Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?'"
We all experience times like that, sometimes it is a brief season, sometimes it is long and drawn out. When you find yourself in the desert, remember. Remember as the Psalmist did:
Psalm 77:10-12
"Then I said, 'I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High.'
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Remember. Ponder. Meditate.
Blessings, Diane
The Psalmist was right there.
Psalm 77:6-9
"I said, 'Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart.'
Then my spirit made a diligent search:
'Will the Lord spurn forever,
and never again be favorable?
Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?'"
We all experience times like that, sometimes it is a brief season, sometimes it is long and drawn out. When you find yourself in the desert, remember. Remember as the Psalmist did:
Psalm 77:10-12
"Then I said, 'I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High.'
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Remember. Ponder. Meditate.
Blessings, Diane
Monday, October 03, 2011
Digging Deeper James 5:4-6 with Commentary
Even in a practical book like the book of James there are sections that I need help understanding so I am thankful today we will be looking at what the Commentators have written.
James 5:4-6
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Commentary
Recall that last week the ESV study notes gave an overview of verses 1-6:
"Warning to the Rich. James turns his attention from businesspeople ...to wealthy landowners (5:4) who controlled much of Galilee, and indeed much of the Roman Empire. He denounces them for their materialistic accumulation of wealth, for defrauding their workers, and for their self-indulgent actions that have led to the deaths of innocent, righteous people." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2398]
"wages ... you kept back. The rich had gained some of their wealth by oppressing and defrauding their day laborers - a practice strictly forbidden in the OT...the Lord of Sabbaoth." (Lord of hosts) "An untranslated Greek word meaning 'hosts.' The One who hears the cries of the defrauded laborers, James warns, is the Lord of hosts (a name for God used frequently in the OT), the commander of the armies of heaven (angels)."
"pleasure and luxury. After robbing their workers to accumulate their wealth, the rich indulged themselves in an extravagant lifestyle. Pleasure has the connotation of wanton pleasure. Luxury leads to vice when a person becomes consumed with the pursuit of pleasure, since a life without self-denial soon becomes out of control in every area... a day of slaughter. Like fattened cattle ready to be slaughtered, the rich that James condemns had indulged themselves to the limit. This is a vivid depiction of divine judgment..."
"condemned...murdered. This describes the next step in the sinful progression of the rich. Hoarding led to fraud, which led to self-indulgence. Finally, that overindulgence has consumed the rich to the point that they will do anything to sustain their lifestyle...The implication is that the rich were using the courts to commit judicial murder..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1895-1896]
Blessings,
Diane
James 5:4-6
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Commentary
Recall that last week the ESV study notes gave an overview of verses 1-6:
"Warning to the Rich. James turns his attention from businesspeople ...to wealthy landowners (5:4) who controlled much of Galilee, and indeed much of the Roman Empire. He denounces them for their materialistic accumulation of wealth, for defrauding their workers, and for their self-indulgent actions that have led to the deaths of innocent, righteous people." [ESV Study Bible study notes pg. 2398]
"wages ... you kept back. The rich had gained some of their wealth by oppressing and defrauding their day laborers - a practice strictly forbidden in the OT...the Lord of Sabbaoth." (Lord of hosts) "An untranslated Greek word meaning 'hosts.' The One who hears the cries of the defrauded laborers, James warns, is the Lord of hosts (a name for God used frequently in the OT), the commander of the armies of heaven (angels)."
"pleasure and luxury. After robbing their workers to accumulate their wealth, the rich indulged themselves in an extravagant lifestyle. Pleasure has the connotation of wanton pleasure. Luxury leads to vice when a person becomes consumed with the pursuit of pleasure, since a life without self-denial soon becomes out of control in every area... a day of slaughter. Like fattened cattle ready to be slaughtered, the rich that James condemns had indulged themselves to the limit. This is a vivid depiction of divine judgment..."
"condemned...murdered. This describes the next step in the sinful progression of the rich. Hoarding led to fraud, which led to self-indulgence. Finally, that overindulgence has consumed the rich to the point that they will do anything to sustain their lifestyle...The implication is that the rich were using the courts to commit judicial murder..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1895-1896]
Blessings,
Diane
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