Early in Ezekiel's writing, in the book with his name, God calls him to speak forth whatever words He puts in his mouth. At the time Ezekiel was in exile in Babylon along with the other displaced people.
Chapter 1 describes the first recorded vision Ezekiel had of God's glorious presence. If you have time, read it trying to picture this vision as described. It isn't an easy task. As I read it, probably more closely than I ever had, I couldn't help but imagine the task it must have been for Ezekiel to put into words the glorious vision. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he recorded, in words, what must have generated a mixture of awe, confusion and reverent fear.
Ez. 1:28 Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Chapters 2 and 3 record God's directions to Ezekiel to go to "...the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me." 2:3
"The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord God, ' And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them...And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house." 2:4-7
God clearly is telling Ezekiel to speak forth the words He puts in his mouth - even to this rebellious people, whether they will listen or not.
"...all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears. And go to the exiles, to your people, and speak to them and say to them, "Thus says the Lord God,' Whether they hear or refuse to hear." 3:10-11
When God calls us to share His word with another person - our responsibility is obedience to our Savior, our commander, our God. It is not our responsibility to discern their response; that's God's responsibility.
The people described in verse 4-7 don't sound all that different from many people we know.
I think often what happens when prompted by God to share the gospel is we clam up because "what if they get mad or make fun of me or reject me or ask questions I don't know the answers to..." So rather than step out in faith, we disobey in fear (in other words we rebel in our refusal).
If God calls us to share His truth with those that will refuse it - let US obey and let THEM be the rebels.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
No Place Like Home
2 Corinthians 5:8b (NLT)
...for then we will be at home with the Lord.
It was a rainy night, cold and dark, and we needed to head out right after a long day at work... to attend to our many errands we had scheduled for that night. The rain and the darkness added to the mood of the night. I leaned over to my husband and said, "Tonight is a night that I really feel like just going home." It was one of those intense nights when you just needed to be "home."
There is no place like home....how many times have we heard this phrase or even shared this thought with someone. As children we watched a show where it was stated over and over again ..."there's no place like home, there's no place like home." The older I get the more tender those words have become for me.
What is "home" to you? It is a feeling, a place or a building or maybe something that is so indescribable but so wonderful to you? Home is what makes you feel good, safe, secure and warm...as they say a place to hang your hat. Home is what we long for or we would not get "homesick" at times.
Home to me is my safe haven, a warm cozy place, a place where I feel like I belong, and a place like no other. It is a place where I can feel welcomed every time I walk in the front door. I can be greeted by a family who loves and accepts me for who I am. It is a place that feels familiar, and the sights, sounds and even smells are something that I enjoy and long to be around.
How many times have we been at the bedside of a sick friend or relative or at their funeral and heard it said that they are in a better place....that they are "home" now. Or even a person who is not well has referred to the fact that they just want to go "home". Where is this "home" that they are referring to? That feeling or longing to go home to a safe, secure place, a place with a sense of freedom, a place again so indescribable, but you know that you want to be there.
Take a minute and imagine with me a new home...will you be there with me? I am in the process of having a mansion built for me. I know it will be just the right size, shape and color. The builder knows my every need and He will have prepared a place for me that is so perfect that I could not want anything else. The minute I walk through the gate I will know that I am "Home". I will be surrounded by my brothers and sisters. I will love the sights, sounds and smells to the point that I will want to stay there for eternity. Someday I will walk streets made of gold and call it home. Are you ready to go to this home if the Lord were to call you? Have you done your housework so to speak? Have you made things right with Him so that when it is time to go "Home", you will be ready? As the verse above states.......for then we will be at home with the Lord.
Lynn Wilson
Lynn Wilson a wife and a mother of two boy; currently on Staff at America's Keswick. For several years she has been involved in her local church and hosts her own women's ministry in her home, called Thumb Print Ministries. Her mission statement would be to...touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and cook up soups from scratch and other homemade goodies for her family.
...for then we will be at home with the Lord.
It was a rainy night, cold and dark, and we needed to head out right after a long day at work... to attend to our many errands we had scheduled for that night. The rain and the darkness added to the mood of the night. I leaned over to my husband and said, "Tonight is a night that I really feel like just going home." It was one of those intense nights when you just needed to be "home."
There is no place like home....how many times have we heard this phrase or even shared this thought with someone. As children we watched a show where it was stated over and over again ..."there's no place like home, there's no place like home." The older I get the more tender those words have become for me.
What is "home" to you? It is a feeling, a place or a building or maybe something that is so indescribable but so wonderful to you? Home is what makes you feel good, safe, secure and warm...as they say a place to hang your hat. Home is what we long for or we would not get "homesick" at times.
Home to me is my safe haven, a warm cozy place, a place where I feel like I belong, and a place like no other. It is a place where I can feel welcomed every time I walk in the front door. I can be greeted by a family who loves and accepts me for who I am. It is a place that feels familiar, and the sights, sounds and even smells are something that I enjoy and long to be around.
How many times have we been at the bedside of a sick friend or relative or at their funeral and heard it said that they are in a better place....that they are "home" now. Or even a person who is not well has referred to the fact that they just want to go "home". Where is this "home" that they are referring to? That feeling or longing to go home to a safe, secure place, a place with a sense of freedom, a place again so indescribable, but you know that you want to be there.
Take a minute and imagine with me a new home...will you be there with me? I am in the process of having a mansion built for me. I know it will be just the right size, shape and color. The builder knows my every need and He will have prepared a place for me that is so perfect that I could not want anything else. The minute I walk through the gate I will know that I am "Home". I will be surrounded by my brothers and sisters. I will love the sights, sounds and smells to the point that I will want to stay there for eternity. Someday I will walk streets made of gold and call it home. Are you ready to go to this home if the Lord were to call you? Have you done your housework so to speak? Have you made things right with Him so that when it is time to go "Home", you will be ready? As the verse above states.......for then we will be at home with the Lord.
Lynn Wilson
Lynn Wilson a wife and a mother of two boy; currently on Staff at America's Keswick. For several years she has been involved in her local church and hosts her own women's ministry in her home, called Thumb Print Ministries. Her mission statement would be to...touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and cook up soups from scratch and other homemade goodies for her family.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Transformation Life Resource: Acceptance
FYI...If you are not aware, Keswick has numerous resource brochures on topics ranging from Abuse to Worry. They are available for download on our website or you can contact me to order them. Today I want to focus on the one entitled Acceptance. I have to say that it's not normally the one on the literature rack that empties out the most. This is one of the reasons I'm choosing it.
I don't know about you, but I'm not always as accepting as the Lord would like me to be. I'm not talking about acceptance of just any old thing that comes your way. But there are things that the Lord is doing in my life and in yours that, like it or not, He is doing them. HE IS. Should we not accept all that comes from and though His nail-scarred, loving hands? Job's wife didn't think so, but Job did.
Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all of this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10 (NKJV)
This is a small excerpt from the resource Acceptance written by Diane Hunt:
"Discontentment, anger, frustration, distraction, worry, strife, depression, etc., can all be indicative of a person who has failed to accept God, his circumstances, or other people...
It highlights areas such as:
Accepting Our Circumstances,
Accepting Others and Five Hindrances to Accepting Others: Pride, Self-righteousness, Anger, Unforgiveness, and Disobedience
Take heart...it also covers:
How to Change: Repent, Pray, Check your second thought, Be thankful.
And it closes with a challenge:
"Change is possible. Not until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing will we ever change. Start today."
I hope you'll consider looking into this further and all the other resources we have available.
Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer
I don't know about you, but I'm not always as accepting as the Lord would like me to be. I'm not talking about acceptance of just any old thing that comes your way. But there are things that the Lord is doing in my life and in yours that, like it or not, He is doing them. HE IS. Should we not accept all that comes from and though His nail-scarred, loving hands? Job's wife didn't think so, but Job did.
Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all of this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:9-10 (NKJV)
This is a small excerpt from the resource Acceptance written by Diane Hunt:
"Discontentment, anger, frustration, distraction, worry, strife, depression, etc., can all be indicative of a person who has failed to accept God, his circumstances, or other people...
It highlights areas such as:
Accepting Our Circumstances,
Accepting Others and Five Hindrances to Accepting Others: Pride, Self-righteousness, Anger, Unforgiveness, and Disobedience
Take heart...it also covers:
How to Change: Repent, Pray, Check your second thought, Be thankful.
And it closes with a challenge:
"Change is possible. Not until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing will we ever change. Start today."
I hope you'll consider looking into this further and all the other resources we have available.
Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
COURAGE
So sorry yesterday's Victory Call did not go out. Please go to www.americaskeswick.org and click on blogs at the top of the page to read it - it was a good one!
Deut. 31:6 (LBT) "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
I love the statement "Do not panic before them." I think this should be the official verse for speakers and preachers. The earlier part of the verse says we should be strong and courageous. I wrote previously about being strong and showing strength.
In our Christian lives, we can show courage by being willing to take a stand as a Christian. At times, that takes a lot of courage, such as when others are watching or when others say something about being a Christian.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines courage as: "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty"1
Do you have the courage to take a Christian position on a controversial issue?
We stay in the same RV park in mid-state California at basically the same time each year. A few years back we arrived at the park earlier than normal. We saw people hanging a banner that was very familiar to us. It was a banner for a national homosexual group. I didn't see this as an issue until a man whom I assumed was a homosexual parked right next to us. My husband reached out to him by helping him park and talking with him at length. However, I stayed in our motorhome, and I did not feel very friendly toward him.
The following Sunday, God spoke to me during the service. On the way home from church, I said, "God wants me to be friendly to my neighbor." I asked God to show me ways I could be friendly to my neighbor. I baked a loaf or bread for him, and my husband offered to be his photographer and take his picture. With the bread, we included a copy of Roses In December and a business card which included my e-mail address.
The next morning, the man tapped on my window and mouthed "thank you." I later received an e-mail from him in which he listed every kindness we had offered toward him. He also stated that this was his first trip since his partner had died. Regardless of the fact that he was living the homosexual lifestyle, he was grieving! And God knew I knew how to help him! For the past three years, we have been in regular contact via e-mail.
Did it take courage to befriend this man? You bet! Would it seemingly have been easier to remain in my RV and not extend myself? Oh my, yes. After a few e-mails he commented, "It's so nice to find someone who thinks like I do." Once again I had to call on the courage that God had promised. I wrote back, "I must make this very clear; I DO NOT think as you do. I believe the Bible states you are living in sin by living in a homosexual lifestyle, but I also believe that the Bible instructs me as a Christian that I am to show love to you, NOT your lifestyle." I did not feel very courageous and I had no idea how he would respond to my position. I soon got an e-mail back, "I respect you telling me of your position, and I love you!"
Remember the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6: "For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." And He will never break His promise.
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.
1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage
Deut. 31:6 (LBT) "So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
I love the statement "Do not panic before them." I think this should be the official verse for speakers and preachers. The earlier part of the verse says we should be strong and courageous. I wrote previously about being strong and showing strength.
In our Christian lives, we can show courage by being willing to take a stand as a Christian. At times, that takes a lot of courage, such as when others are watching or when others say something about being a Christian.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines courage as: "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty"1
Do you have the courage to take a Christian position on a controversial issue?
We stay in the same RV park in mid-state California at basically the same time each year. A few years back we arrived at the park earlier than normal. We saw people hanging a banner that was very familiar to us. It was a banner for a national homosexual group. I didn't see this as an issue until a man whom I assumed was a homosexual parked right next to us. My husband reached out to him by helping him park and talking with him at length. However, I stayed in our motorhome, and I did not feel very friendly toward him.
The following Sunday, God spoke to me during the service. On the way home from church, I said, "God wants me to be friendly to my neighbor." I asked God to show me ways I could be friendly to my neighbor. I baked a loaf or bread for him, and my husband offered to be his photographer and take his picture. With the bread, we included a copy of Roses In December and a business card which included my e-mail address.
The next morning, the man tapped on my window and mouthed "thank you." I later received an e-mail from him in which he listed every kindness we had offered toward him. He also stated that this was his first trip since his partner had died. Regardless of the fact that he was living the homosexual lifestyle, he was grieving! And God knew I knew how to help him! For the past three years, we have been in regular contact via e-mail.
Did it take courage to befriend this man? You bet! Would it seemingly have been easier to remain in my RV and not extend myself? Oh my, yes. After a few e-mails he commented, "It's so nice to find someone who thinks like I do." Once again I had to call on the courage that God had promised. I wrote back, "I must make this very clear; I DO NOT think as you do. I believe the Bible states you are living in sin by living in a homosexual lifestyle, but I also believe that the Bible instructs me as a Christian that I am to show love to you, NOT your lifestyle." I did not feel very courageous and I had no idea how he would respond to my position. I soon got an e-mail back, "I respect you telling me of your position, and I love you!"
Remember the promise in Deuteronomy 31:6: "For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." And He will never break His promise.
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.
1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage
Monday, March 26, 2012
Hold Fast
In numerous places in the Scripture we are told to HOLD FAST - Hang on, don't let go, no matter what, cling, cleave, hang on tight. What are you holding tight today?
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 10:21
You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
...hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God. Hosea 12:6
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 1:1
...test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thess 5:21
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
...hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Only hold fast what you have until I come. Revelation 2:25
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11
Hold fast sister till your knuckles are white!! Don't let go. Hold HIM fast.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 10:21
You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
...hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God. Hosea 12:6
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 1:1
...test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thess 5:21
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
...hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Only hold fast what you have until I come. Revelation 2:25
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11
Hold fast sister till your knuckles are white!! Don't let go. Hold HIM fast.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Friday, March 23, 2012
WHO IS YOUR STRENGTH?
Ps. 71:18 "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."
Well, I finished! The rewrite of Becoming A Woman Of Honor is done. It is now called Profound Common Sense and is written to both men and women. So wouldn't you know that Psalm 71:18 was the first verse I saw after I finished the laborious work of compiling the book. I AM old (at least I feel old) and grayheaded (in case you haven't noticed.) That is my heartfelt cry, "O God, forsake me not" at least "not until I have shown your strength to this generation, and to all generations that are to come." So how do you show "strength"?
I think I show the strength that God has given me by being known as a "survivor." People can see that God has given me endurance. I have walked through a great deal of trauma. I can show God's strength also through my faith in my God. I often think of Job's statement, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:"
I can also show His strength through my actions. When I am facing trouble, do I show strength by showing faith in God? Do you turn to God immediately when you are facing trouble, or is He turned to as your last resort?
"Dear Lord, help me think of You immediately rather than trying to solve my problems on my own. Please help me not to treat you as my last resort, but I want my very first response to be to turn to You. Thank You, 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.
Well, I finished! The rewrite of Becoming A Woman Of Honor is done. It is now called Profound Common Sense and is written to both men and women. So wouldn't you know that Psalm 71:18 was the first verse I saw after I finished the laborious work of compiling the book. I AM old (at least I feel old) and grayheaded (in case you haven't noticed.) That is my heartfelt cry, "O God, forsake me not" at least "not until I have shown your strength to this generation, and to all generations that are to come." So how do you show "strength"?
I think I show the strength that God has given me by being known as a "survivor." People can see that God has given me endurance. I have walked through a great deal of trauma. I can show God's strength also through my faith in my God. I often think of Job's statement, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:"
I can also show His strength through my actions. When I am facing trouble, do I show strength by showing faith in God? Do you turn to God immediately when you are facing trouble, or is He turned to as your last resort?
"Dear Lord, help me think of You immediately rather than trying to solve my problems on my own. Please help me not to treat you as my last resort, but I want my very first response to be to turn to You. Thank You, 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.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Fingerprint of God
Many of us pray for unsaved loved ones for long periods of time. It can easily become discouraging when we see nothing happening in their lives that would indicate God was at work. I found myself in that place recently. As a matter of fact, by all indications, I not only didn't see God at work but I saw things get a bit darker.
As I listened to the radio one morning I heard the testimony of Lysa Terkurst. She had gone through a period of rebellion in her life and is currently the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. A woman who turned away from God and did her own thing is now being used of the Lord in a wonderful way. God had continued to work in her heart through every circumstance and poor choice. After sharing her rebellious days as an athiest she stopped and said, "even a person who doesn't believe has the fingerprints of God all over them." For me, the picture that came to mind was each prayer that is prayed puts another fingerprint on our loved one. I was so encouraged, knowing how many people are praying for my children and knowing that God's work is often unseen. Just as a fingerprint doesn't always show, it nevertheless is there. I believe that God's hands are at work in the lives of those I desperately want to see come back to fellowship with Jesus. Today, trust that your loved one is in God's hands. Know He is at work! Keep praying!
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16b
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 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.
As I listened to the radio one morning I heard the testimony of Lysa Terkurst. She had gone through a period of rebellion in her life and is currently the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. A woman who turned away from God and did her own thing is now being used of the Lord in a wonderful way. God had continued to work in her heart through every circumstance and poor choice. After sharing her rebellious days as an athiest she stopped and said, "even a person who doesn't believe has the fingerprints of God all over them." For me, the picture that came to mind was each prayer that is prayed puts another fingerprint on our loved one. I was so encouraged, knowing how many people are praying for my children and knowing that God's work is often unseen. Just as a fingerprint doesn't always show, it nevertheless is there. I believe that God's hands are at work in the lives of those I desperately want to see come back to fellowship with Jesus. Today, trust that your loved one is in God's hands. Know He is at work! Keep praying!
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16b
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Blood type = A +
Like our blood, our attitude is best displayed when we are cut, scraped, or injured. When things don't go our way, our attitude is most evident to others.
My son gave me a copy of his dog tags for Christmas. The tags have his name first, his identification number and then his blood type and his religion. His reads:
A Positive
Christian
I couldn't help but think that is the way I want to be known: A positive person who follows Jesus Christ. Too often I fall into a pattern of negativity and criticism. Like our blood type, our attitude isn't something that we put on, it's the life that flows through us.
If you hold up a new bottle of water and you shake it with the cap off, what comes out? Why? Water comes out of course, because water was inside. When we are shaken, what comes out? Does negativity and poison flow out of you or does pure fresh, life-giving water flow out?
Maybe you would have to answer that a negative attitude would come out. You might say, I'm a pessimistic person, that's just the way I am. The fact is you can be transformed inside.
Romans 1:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
How do we do that? By practicing Phil 4:8-9...
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
If you had a spiritual dog tag, what would it say? A negative Christian, or A Positive Christian?
Joyce Hayes
Artist-in-residence
My son gave me a copy of his dog tags for Christmas. The tags have his name first, his identification number and then his blood type and his religion. His reads:
A Positive
Christian
I couldn't help but think that is the way I want to be known: A positive person who follows Jesus Christ. Too often I fall into a pattern of negativity and criticism. Like our blood type, our attitude isn't something that we put on, it's the life that flows through us.
If you hold up a new bottle of water and you shake it with the cap off, what comes out? Why? Water comes out of course, because water was inside. When we are shaken, what comes out? Does negativity and poison flow out of you or does pure fresh, life-giving water flow out?
Maybe you would have to answer that a negative attitude would come out. You might say, I'm a pessimistic person, that's just the way I am. The fact is you can be transformed inside.
Romans 1:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
How do we do that? By practicing Phil 4:8-9...
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
If you had a spiritual dog tag, what would it say? A negative Christian, or A Positive Christian?
Joyce Hayes
Artist-in-residence
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
My Walk
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it." Matthew 7:13-14
I was walking last week during the afternoon near the upper lake; it felt like a spring day, it was beautiful out. The sun was brilliant and warm against my face, and then I was so absorbed by the moment that I kept on walking towards the woods. I walked into the woods, the entrance was broad, easy to enter, and this is something that I don't do often. I kept walking and came upon the small bridge looking onto the lake in which the men were working, not sure what the men were doing. I stood there for awhile and talking with God I then realized I went too far, I have to get back.
I wanted to get closer to the lake, to observe the work that was being done. I saw a very narrow path close to the lake, as I walked towards the path and entered it I looked behind and saw the path that I first entered in was broad and inviting. I thought, I should have taken that path to go back, it was much easier. As I walked, it was difficult, I had to be careful of my steps, of my surroundings and I had to stay focused to get to the end of the path. I stopped for a moment to look at the lake, it seemed audible, the Lord was speaking; this is the way our Lord wants His children to walk. The Lord reminded me of the verse, walk the narrow path it leads to life. As I walked out, I was joyful to have spent time with the Lord and feeling the sun on my face again. My confidence is in the Lord, always guiding and protecting me.
May I encourage all, no matter how difficult our situations can be, to keep our eyes focused on the Lord. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." James 1:2-3
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
Glory to God
Sandra Valdes
WOC Graduate
I was walking last week during the afternoon near the upper lake; it felt like a spring day, it was beautiful out. The sun was brilliant and warm against my face, and then I was so absorbed by the moment that I kept on walking towards the woods. I walked into the woods, the entrance was broad, easy to enter, and this is something that I don't do often. I kept walking and came upon the small bridge looking onto the lake in which the men were working, not sure what the men were doing. I stood there for awhile and talking with God I then realized I went too far, I have to get back.
I wanted to get closer to the lake, to observe the work that was being done. I saw a very narrow path close to the lake, as I walked towards the path and entered it I looked behind and saw the path that I first entered in was broad and inviting. I thought, I should have taken that path to go back, it was much easier. As I walked, it was difficult, I had to be careful of my steps, of my surroundings and I had to stay focused to get to the end of the path. I stopped for a moment to look at the lake, it seemed audible, the Lord was speaking; this is the way our Lord wants His children to walk. The Lord reminded me of the verse, walk the narrow path it leads to life. As I walked out, I was joyful to have spent time with the Lord and feeling the sun on my face again. My confidence is in the Lord, always guiding and protecting me.
May I encourage all, no matter how difficult our situations can be, to keep our eyes focused on the Lord. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." James 1:2-3
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
Glory to God
Sandra Valdes
WOC Graduate
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sorrow for Sin?
I started reading through the Bible again this year and I am currently in Leviticus. It's tough reading -- the Lord is giving Moses all of the very specific, detailed instructions regarding the different sacrifices Aaron and the priests would need to make in order to make atonement for themselves and for the people. There is a lot of reference to blood, internal organs, etc. Because I believe the Word when it says, "ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis mine), I was really struggling with what exactly the Lord would have me to learn through my reading in Leviticus. As I was meditating and praying this morning, He brought the following thoughts to my mind and heart.
Throughout these instructions, there is the often repeated direction that the animal must be "free from blemish" or "without defect." These flawless animals were to bear the judgment for the sins of the people. How seriously would I take my sin, and how careful would I be not to sin, if I knew that an innocent animal would need to be slaughtered to pay the price? I would feel terrible knowing that animal's death was my fault.
For all of us believers living under the new covenant, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, free from blemish and without defect. He bore God's judgment and wrath for all of my sins, and for yours. How much more sorrow should I feel for my sin, knowing it put my precious Lord and Savior on a cross to die an unthinkable death, to have His Father turn His back on Him, to bear the weight of all that guilt and shame? Knowing that my sin has already been paid for, that I am forgiven, because of what Christ did for me on that cross as the once-for-all sacrifice who was the only perfect sinless One is cause to rejoice, but it should also cause me to take my sin very seriously. Out of deep heartfelt love and gratitude, I should seek, by His grace and strength, to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Romans 6:1&2 "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
Romans 6:15-16 "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey-whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"
Oh Lord, forgive me for the times I have taken my sin too lightly. "Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me........May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Ps. 19:12b-13a, 14)
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
Throughout these instructions, there is the often repeated direction that the animal must be "free from blemish" or "without defect." These flawless animals were to bear the judgment for the sins of the people. How seriously would I take my sin, and how careful would I be not to sin, if I knew that an innocent animal would need to be slaughtered to pay the price? I would feel terrible knowing that animal's death was my fault.
For all of us believers living under the new covenant, Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, free from blemish and without defect. He bore God's judgment and wrath for all of my sins, and for yours. How much more sorrow should I feel for my sin, knowing it put my precious Lord and Savior on a cross to die an unthinkable death, to have His Father turn His back on Him, to bear the weight of all that guilt and shame? Knowing that my sin has already been paid for, that I am forgiven, because of what Christ did for me on that cross as the once-for-all sacrifice who was the only perfect sinless One is cause to rejoice, but it should also cause me to take my sin very seriously. Out of deep heartfelt love and gratitude, I should seek, by His grace and strength, to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Romans 6:1&2 "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
Romans 6:15-16 "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey-whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"
Oh Lord, forgive me for the times I have taken my sin too lightly. "Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me........May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Ps. 19:12b-13a, 14)
Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate
Friday, March 16, 2012
Saint Patrick Part 2
Yesterday I shared about the story of Saint Patrick's captivity into the land of Ireland. You were challenged to believe that TRUTH set Patrick free from slavery and can set you free from whatever may be holding you captive. Today let us continue to review the life of Saint Patrick.
After Patrick found his way home, he felt a strong calling to return to Ireland. Although his family begged him to never leave them again, he could not forsake the call on his life. Patrick returned to Ireland. Ireland was a pagan nation and Patrick used a pagan feast to demonstrate the power of the one true God.
"All over Ireland fires were to be extinguished until a signal blaze was lit by Druidic priests at Tara, the seat of the kings where the chieftains of Ireland had gathered. On the hill opposite the valley from Tara, Patrick lit a fire to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The Druids warned King Laoghaire that the fire would blaze forever in this land unless it be this very night extinguished. Repeated efforts were made to put out the fire and to kill the one who had ignited it (Patrick). The Druids and magicians used all of their black magic and occult powers, but they had no effect on the one who represented the all-powerful God. As a result, Laoghaire, supreme monarch of Ireland, gave Patrick permission to preach his faith throughout the land. The sacred fire of evangelism burned brightly, dispelling the darkness of paganism." It seems the prophesy of the Druids came true, the fire of TRUTH that was lit never was extinguished. In fact it spread far from the nation of Ireland -- missionaries were sent to Scotland, England, France, Belgium and Germany, preaching the TRUTH of Jesus Christ.
When the Lord is so gracious as to set us free, what a blessing it is to then go and share the TRUTH. To bless others and most especially those who hurt us, can bring amazing healing into our lives. Dear one, as the Lord sets you free and you become grounded in the TRUTH, know that a most wonderful joy awaits you. It is an amazing joy to be used to minister TRUTH to those in need. As you go forth you may want to pray as Patrick did when he fought the powers of darkness to bring Christ's light to the Emerald Isle:
"Christ, as a light,Illumine and guide!
Christ, as a shield, o'ershadow and cover me!
Christ, be under me! Christ, be over me!
Christ, be beside me, On left hand and right!
Christ, be before me, behind me, about me
Christ, this day be within and without me!
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC graduate
Material taken from The Power of One Christ-Like Life by Francis Frangipane
After Patrick found his way home, he felt a strong calling to return to Ireland. Although his family begged him to never leave them again, he could not forsake the call on his life. Patrick returned to Ireland. Ireland was a pagan nation and Patrick used a pagan feast to demonstrate the power of the one true God.
"All over Ireland fires were to be extinguished until a signal blaze was lit by Druidic priests at Tara, the seat of the kings where the chieftains of Ireland had gathered. On the hill opposite the valley from Tara, Patrick lit a fire to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The Druids warned King Laoghaire that the fire would blaze forever in this land unless it be this very night extinguished. Repeated efforts were made to put out the fire and to kill the one who had ignited it (Patrick). The Druids and magicians used all of their black magic and occult powers, but they had no effect on the one who represented the all-powerful God. As a result, Laoghaire, supreme monarch of Ireland, gave Patrick permission to preach his faith throughout the land. The sacred fire of evangelism burned brightly, dispelling the darkness of paganism." It seems the prophesy of the Druids came true, the fire of TRUTH that was lit never was extinguished. In fact it spread far from the nation of Ireland -- missionaries were sent to Scotland, England, France, Belgium and Germany, preaching the TRUTH of Jesus Christ.
When the Lord is so gracious as to set us free, what a blessing it is to then go and share the TRUTH. To bless others and most especially those who hurt us, can bring amazing healing into our lives. Dear one, as the Lord sets you free and you become grounded in the TRUTH, know that a most wonderful joy awaits you. It is an amazing joy to be used to minister TRUTH to those in need. As you go forth you may want to pray as Patrick did when he fought the powers of darkness to bring Christ's light to the Emerald Isle:
"Christ, as a light,Illumine and guide!
Christ, as a shield, o'ershadow and cover me!
Christ, be under me! Christ, be over me!
Christ, be beside me, On left hand and right!
Christ, be before me, behind me, about me
Christ, this day be within and without me!
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC graduate
Material taken from The Power of One Christ-Like Life by Francis Frangipane
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Saint Patrick
Part 1
The month of March can be a long, wet month as the earth begins its transformation from winter to spring. It can, as the saying goes, "come in like a lion and (thankfully) out like a lamb". Perhaps that is why many look forward to March 17th when many celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.
There is good reason to celebrate the TRUTH of what we know about Saint Patrick. Legend and historical facts have become intertwined over the years, yet from information I can gather, he was surely used mightily to turn the nation of Ireland from idolatry to TRUTH. Let me share a few pieces of that information.
Patrick was the son of a nobleman who was captured by a band of pirates from his homeland in Britain and was taken to Ireland. Not unlike the story of Joseph in the scripture, he was sold into slavery. As with Joseph and true to His Word, the Lord never left or forsook Patrick (Hebrews 13:5). Patrick had a cruel master who was a pagan warlord. Yet, even at the young age of 16, TRUTH had been planted in his heart. Later in life he wrote of this time, "The love and the fear of God and faith increased so much, and the spirit of prayer so grew within me, that I often prayed a hundred times in the day....The Spirit was burning within me." Patrick so developed his personal relationship with God that he heard what the Spirit of the Lord was saying to him. One day he heard a voice in his dreams telling him, "Behold, the ship is ready for you." Patrick escaped and made a miraculous journey home.
Have you or someone you love been taken captive? Perhaps not sold into slavery as Joseph or Patrick, but held captive by a behavior pattern, a sin, that you/they just can't seem to break. What set Patrick free will set each of us free today. It is TRUTH. The TRUTH was planted in the heart of Patrick. It led him to his freedom. The Word of God tells us: "And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:32). Patrick made a choice to believe that TRUTH. He did not allow his heart to harden and so he developed an ear to hear what the Spirit of God was saying to him. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal 5:16). I am sure he battled the thoughts in his mind. The enemy of our soul loves to deceive us and engage us in a battle in our mind. He wants us to think that we should rely on ourselves rather than the Word of God. That, my friend leads to nothing but a dead end or complete frustration.
Let me encourage you today to rely on God. Here is something I did long ago and I will invite you to do today. Get a small brown paper lunch bag. Write "GOD" on the bag in big letters. Keep it somewhere where you will see it. Next, write on pieces of paper those things you want to get free of. Put them into the bag and say "Dear God I turn my struggle with _______ over to You. I know You are the One Who can set me free, for You are the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set me free. Thank you Lord, I will walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of my flesh by the power of Jesus name." You may need to say that prayer every morning for awhile. Little by little, day by day as you are faithful to turn your mind and will over to TRUTH you will have a testimony to share about how Jesus set you free.
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Material taken from The Power of One Christ-Like Life by Francis Frangipane
The month of March can be a long, wet month as the earth begins its transformation from winter to spring. It can, as the saying goes, "come in like a lion and (thankfully) out like a lamb". Perhaps that is why many look forward to March 17th when many celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.
There is good reason to celebrate the TRUTH of what we know about Saint Patrick. Legend and historical facts have become intertwined over the years, yet from information I can gather, he was surely used mightily to turn the nation of Ireland from idolatry to TRUTH. Let me share a few pieces of that information.
Patrick was the son of a nobleman who was captured by a band of pirates from his homeland in Britain and was taken to Ireland. Not unlike the story of Joseph in the scripture, he was sold into slavery. As with Joseph and true to His Word, the Lord never left or forsook Patrick (Hebrews 13:5). Patrick had a cruel master who was a pagan warlord. Yet, even at the young age of 16, TRUTH had been planted in his heart. Later in life he wrote of this time, "The love and the fear of God and faith increased so much, and the spirit of prayer so grew within me, that I often prayed a hundred times in the day....The Spirit was burning within me." Patrick so developed his personal relationship with God that he heard what the Spirit of the Lord was saying to him. One day he heard a voice in his dreams telling him, "Behold, the ship is ready for you." Patrick escaped and made a miraculous journey home.
Have you or someone you love been taken captive? Perhaps not sold into slavery as Joseph or Patrick, but held captive by a behavior pattern, a sin, that you/they just can't seem to break. What set Patrick free will set each of us free today. It is TRUTH. The TRUTH was planted in the heart of Patrick. It led him to his freedom. The Word of God tells us: "And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:32). Patrick made a choice to believe that TRUTH. He did not allow his heart to harden and so he developed an ear to hear what the Spirit of God was saying to him. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal 5:16). I am sure he battled the thoughts in his mind. The enemy of our soul loves to deceive us and engage us in a battle in our mind. He wants us to think that we should rely on ourselves rather than the Word of God. That, my friend leads to nothing but a dead end or complete frustration.
Let me encourage you today to rely on God. Here is something I did long ago and I will invite you to do today. Get a small brown paper lunch bag. Write "GOD" on the bag in big letters. Keep it somewhere where you will see it. Next, write on pieces of paper those things you want to get free of. Put them into the bag and say "Dear God I turn my struggle with _______ over to You. I know You are the One Who can set me free, for You are the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set me free. Thank you Lord, I will walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of my flesh by the power of Jesus name." You may need to say that prayer every morning for awhile. Little by little, day by day as you are faithful to turn your mind and will over to TRUTH you will have a testimony to share about how Jesus set you free.
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Material taken from The Power of One Christ-Like Life by Francis Frangipane
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
"Took the World to Church"
A CNN commentator recently made that observation while covering the homegoing of Whitney Houston.
Whatever your opinion of the coverage or the situation itself, you are certainly entitled to have it. I just want to make this observation: Jesus Christ continues to amaze me! Only He could take a tragic loss of life and turn it into a church service that lifted up His Name as the world watched.
The statement about the world going to church has a lot of truth to it. Millions of people, who might ordinarily never have watched a church service, tuned in to see the coverage given to a star. She was respectfully honored. More importantly, God was honored. The One Who made her and hung the stars took center stage. The whole truth is that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for loving the world so much and for using whatever and whomever You want to make Your Name known.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer
Whatever your opinion of the coverage or the situation itself, you are certainly entitled to have it. I just want to make this observation: Jesus Christ continues to amaze me! Only He could take a tragic loss of life and turn it into a church service that lifted up His Name as the world watched.
The statement about the world going to church has a lot of truth to it. Millions of people, who might ordinarily never have watched a church service, tuned in to see the coverage given to a star. She was respectfully honored. More importantly, God was honored. The One Who made her and hung the stars took center stage. The whole truth is that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for loving the world so much and for using whatever and whomever You want to make Your Name known.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)
Dina Seaton
Marketing Assistant, Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Making my Words and my Life Memorable......
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a livingsacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
The Words we say and the life we share with others can touch a heart and person in ways that we might not ever know. Your words and life can cut like a knife, they can refresh like the smell of rain on a new spring morning, they can put you to sleep like a warm glass of milk (or maybe like a harsh sleeping pill), or they can drive you crazy like an itch you cannot reach.
Words.....what are they and what were they meant for? They are group of letters that can form a word that can form a sentence, which can form a memory. We all have words but how do we use them? Some of us enjoy using them as a knife and love to watch them cut someone down. Some of us use them to encourage people like the smell of a spring rain. Some of us use them to annoy others so that they itch so much they cannot stand the sound of our voice. What do you use them for?
How many times do we refer to a preacher we heard and we quote..."I don't remember his name but what he said changed my life." Or maybe it was the older lady who lived down the street that showed you a memorable moment in time. This event stuck with you for years and although you don't remember her name, you remember her words and life example.
I learned a lesson a few years ago that has stayed with me.......I used to speak at a church twice a month for a ladies event. Never really putting too much thought into what an impact I could be having, I added this to my monthly routine of events. Each month I would share the gospel and a short devotion to these women. Nothing out of the ordinary, or so I thought....just a quick devotion that the Lord would lay on my heart. Well...it was an early, hot Saturday morning and we decided to hit the garage sales in a town we don't frequent. We all headed around to the different tables and I spotted something that I knew I just had to show to my husband....I called for him and we started chatting. Just then a woman came over to me and said, "Are you the lady that is the speaker at ABC church". I greeted her hesitantly, not sure of how she knew me or why she was asking. I was not in a fimilar place and I felt out of my comfort zone to greet her. After chatting with her ...her response to me was that she recognized my voice.....not me or what I looked like but the sound of my voice. My tones and sounds left an impression on her. She also said she was watching me walk around with my family and she said you are like when you speak....kind. Wow, what a rude awakening for me....someone listened to my voice and remembered it and watched my life and it was "kind". Can I say that my tones, and sounds and life are always kind and are they something that I want everyone to remember?
I gave a message last year at a ladies event here at Keswick....I talked about attitude and how it affects so many in our lives. I also referred to that I have now set myself up, since I am the one who will answer your call when you phone Keswick. My attitude behind a platform can be professional, poised, and well delivered but when I have had a bad day, how will it be when I answer the phone and greet you? What words will you hear and how will my life impact you today? Again, I had someone say one day when I answered the phone..."are you the woman who did the seminar in October?" Oh boy, my first thought was how "did I answer the phone?" People do watch and listen to your words and life.
You know....more than just being a professional person in speaking engagements, or on the phone in guest services, I must be a picture of Christ and also be an example with my words and life all the time. How have your words and life example made a memory in someone else's life? Can they say you were kind, even when you didn't know that anyone was watching or listening? Can they see a kind person even on a bad day, or better yet a picture of Christ?
Lynn Wilson
Lynn is a wife and a mother of two boys & is currently on staff at America's Keswick. For several years she has been involved in her local church and hosts her own women's ministry in her home called Thumb Print Ministries. Her mission statement would be to...touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and cook up soups from scratch and other homemade goodies for her family.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow'r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
by Frances R. Havergal
The Words we say and the life we share with others can touch a heart and person in ways that we might not ever know. Your words and life can cut like a knife, they can refresh like the smell of rain on a new spring morning, they can put you to sleep like a warm glass of milk (or maybe like a harsh sleeping pill), or they can drive you crazy like an itch you cannot reach.
Words.....what are they and what were they meant for? They are group of letters that can form a word that can form a sentence, which can form a memory. We all have words but how do we use them? Some of us enjoy using them as a knife and love to watch them cut someone down. Some of us use them to encourage people like the smell of a spring rain. Some of us use them to annoy others so that they itch so much they cannot stand the sound of our voice. What do you use them for?
How many times do we refer to a preacher we heard and we quote..."I don't remember his name but what he said changed my life." Or maybe it was the older lady who lived down the street that showed you a memorable moment in time. This event stuck with you for years and although you don't remember her name, you remember her words and life example.
I learned a lesson a few years ago that has stayed with me.......I used to speak at a church twice a month for a ladies event. Never really putting too much thought into what an impact I could be having, I added this to my monthly routine of events. Each month I would share the gospel and a short devotion to these women. Nothing out of the ordinary, or so I thought....just a quick devotion that the Lord would lay on my heart. Well...it was an early, hot Saturday morning and we decided to hit the garage sales in a town we don't frequent. We all headed around to the different tables and I spotted something that I knew I just had to show to my husband....I called for him and we started chatting. Just then a woman came over to me and said, "Are you the lady that is the speaker at ABC church". I greeted her hesitantly, not sure of how she knew me or why she was asking. I was not in a fimilar place and I felt out of my comfort zone to greet her. After chatting with her ...her response to me was that she recognized my voice.....not me or what I looked like but the sound of my voice. My tones and sounds left an impression on her. She also said she was watching me walk around with my family and she said you are like when you speak....kind. Wow, what a rude awakening for me....someone listened to my voice and remembered it and watched my life and it was "kind". Can I say that my tones, and sounds and life are always kind and are they something that I want everyone to remember?
I gave a message last year at a ladies event here at Keswick....I talked about attitude and how it affects so many in our lives. I also referred to that I have now set myself up, since I am the one who will answer your call when you phone Keswick. My attitude behind a platform can be professional, poised, and well delivered but when I have had a bad day, how will it be when I answer the phone and greet you? What words will you hear and how will my life impact you today? Again, I had someone say one day when I answered the phone..."are you the woman who did the seminar in October?" Oh boy, my first thought was how "did I answer the phone?" People do watch and listen to your words and life.
You know....more than just being a professional person in speaking engagements, or on the phone in guest services, I must be a picture of Christ and also be an example with my words and life all the time. How have your words and life example made a memory in someone else's life? Can they say you were kind, even when you didn't know that anyone was watching or listening? Can they see a kind person even on a bad day, or better yet a picture of Christ?
Lynn Wilson
Lynn is a wife and a mother of two boys & is currently on staff at America's Keswick. For several years she has been involved in her local church and hosts her own women's ministry in her home called Thumb Print Ministries. Her mission statement would be to...touch one life so in turn they can touch a life for eternity. Her greatest joy is to go home at the end of her work day and cook up soups from scratch and other homemade goodies for her family.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow'r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
by Frances R. Havergal
Monday, March 12, 2012
COMPASSION
Luke 7:13 "When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" He said" (NLT).
I realize that this verse is referring to another situation involving Christ, but the picture this passage describes always touches me. Do we as Christians tend to show this kind of tender compassion?
I think of my dear friend who didn't attend church for years. The reason? When my friend was quite young she had a therapeutic abortion at a doctor's suggestion. This was long before Roe vs. Wade and long before the protestant Christians were known to take a stand against abortion. My friend had no one to guide her; she was frightened and uninformed. She had no hesitation in telling people of her decision. I am certain she would not choose to abort at this time.
Years later she heard a woman from her church call her a "baby killer." Instead of drawing my friend towards the church and other Christians, that lady's comment drove my friend away from church and the love and compassion she needed so badly. My friend was hurting so deeply. Because she did not find compassion within the church, she stopped attending church. Years later, my friend finally returned to a new church where she found true compassion and acceptance and almost NO judgment!
Do people who have strayed from God's plan know they will find compassion with you? Can you honestly give the person a compassionate hug and say "Don't cry! God still loves you!"
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.
I realize that this verse is referring to another situation involving Christ, but the picture this passage describes always touches me. Do we as Christians tend to show this kind of tender compassion?
I think of my dear friend who didn't attend church for years. The reason? When my friend was quite young she had a therapeutic abortion at a doctor's suggestion. This was long before Roe vs. Wade and long before the protestant Christians were known to take a stand against abortion. My friend had no one to guide her; she was frightened and uninformed. She had no hesitation in telling people of her decision. I am certain she would not choose to abort at this time.
Years later she heard a woman from her church call her a "baby killer." Instead of drawing my friend towards the church and other Christians, that lady's comment drove my friend away from church and the love and compassion she needed so badly. My friend was hurting so deeply. Because she did not find compassion within the church, she stopped attending church. Years later, my friend finally returned to a new church where she found true compassion and acceptance and almost NO judgment!
Do people who have strayed from God's plan know they will find compassion with you? Can you honestly give the person a compassionate hug and say "Don't cry! God still loves you!"
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.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Ask great things...
"I ask great things of a great God." The Valley of Vision pg. 6
When was the last time you asked a great thing of God? Something you CAN'T do, make happen or accomplish? Something that, humanly speaking, is downright impossible?
Are you praying big prayers? I'm not suggesting an arrogant heart or demanding anything of God but rather a humble request made to a great God fully aware of His greatness, goodness and sovereignty.
Every time you pray for an unsaved family member or friend, you are praying a great prayer. For any soul to be saved, God must act by His Spirit to regenerate that one's dead spirit. There is nothing they can say or do, there is nothing you can say or do to make that happen. When that loved one comes to Christ it is a result of the working of the Holy Spirit giving them life leading to their faith response. That is a great prayer - let us never forget we are asking God a humanly impossible thing when we pray for one's soul.
When we ask God great things we need to persist in hope, believing Him for His promises and goodness and that He is able to do abundantly above all we ask or imagine. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Ask great things of a great God.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Footnotes:
a. James 1:17 Some manuscripts variation due to a shadow of turning
Cross references:
A. James 1:17 : Ps. 85:12; John 3:27; 1 Cor. 4:7
B. James 1:17 : 1 John 1:5
C. James 1:17 : Mal. 3:6
When was the last time you asked a great thing of God? Something you CAN'T do, make happen or accomplish? Something that, humanly speaking, is downright impossible?
Are you praying big prayers? I'm not suggesting an arrogant heart or demanding anything of God but rather a humble request made to a great God fully aware of His greatness, goodness and sovereignty.
Every time you pray for an unsaved family member or friend, you are praying a great prayer. For any soul to be saved, God must act by His Spirit to regenerate that one's dead spirit. There is nothing they can say or do, there is nothing you can say or do to make that happen. When that loved one comes to Christ it is a result of the working of the Holy Spirit giving them life leading to their faith response. That is a great prayer - let us never forget we are asking God a humanly impossible thing when we pray for one's soul.
When we ask God great things we need to persist in hope, believing Him for His promises and goodness and that He is able to do abundantly above all we ask or imagine. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Ask great things of a great God.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Footnotes:
a. James 1:17 Some manuscripts variation due to a shadow of turning
Cross references:
A. James 1:17 : Ps. 85:12; John 3:27; 1 Cor. 4:7
B. James 1:17 : 1 John 1:5
C. James 1:17 : Mal. 3:6
Thursday, March 08, 2012
An Evening Psalm
Psalm 4
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent (quiet/still).
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!"
7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
"Since ancient times, Psalm 3 has been entitled "a morning Psalm" and Psalm 4 "an evening Psalm".
*When a person receives material gain such as a bountiful harvest (v7), there is gladness of heart. David wants us to know that there is available from the Lord an inner gladness of heart that transcends any elation obtained from material gain. The evidence of such gladness is peace and security and a good night's sleep! Our God supplies the best brand of sleeping pills!
Application - "The work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever" (Isaiah 32:17). Whether it be peace among nations, peace within the family circle, or peace within the heart, there is no peace apart from righteousness because peace is a product of righteousness."
Pat Spies
Women's Ministry Volunteer
*The Psalms, Expositional Devotional Studies by Don Kelso
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent (quiet/still).
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
6 There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!"
7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
"Since ancient times, Psalm 3 has been entitled "a morning Psalm" and Psalm 4 "an evening Psalm".
*When a person receives material gain such as a bountiful harvest (v7), there is gladness of heart. David wants us to know that there is available from the Lord an inner gladness of heart that transcends any elation obtained from material gain. The evidence of such gladness is peace and security and a good night's sleep! Our God supplies the best brand of sleeping pills!
Application - "The work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever" (Isaiah 32:17). Whether it be peace among nations, peace within the family circle, or peace within the heart, there is no peace apart from righteousness because peace is a product of righteousness."
Pat Spies
Women's Ministry Volunteer
*The Psalms, Expositional Devotional Studies by Don Kelso
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Difficult Passages
I have reached Leviticus in my daily reading!!! While it is difficult to read through Leviticus, I found it interesting that my New Testament reading was Matthew 26:26-29. In the Old Testament I was reading about various sacrifices for sins of omission and commission. In Matthew I read the account of the Lord's Supper. While the instructions in the Old Testament may keep my mind running in circles trying to follow the law's every detail, I was comforted in the New Testament to know that Jesus' body and blood were given as a sacrifice once and for all.
Warren Weirsbe comments on Matthew's passage with this: "The Lord's Supper reminds us to look ahead for Christ's return. We will observe this supper until He comes (1 Cor. 11:26). The Passover pointed ahead to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). The Lord's Supper announces that this great work has been accomplished." Just as difficult and messy as the work of sacrificing was in the Old Testament, the work of Jesus Christ on the cross was also a difficult and messy work. If you are able and can handle reading the description of a crucifixion, I encourage you to do so. (Just search Jesus' crucifixion online.) I don't want you to read because of the gory details but just so that you will understand just how much our Lord suffered. We never want to say that the blood of Christ didn't matter or in any way cheapen what it meant for Christ to shed His blood. It cost Him everything to die for us.
There are many foreshadowings of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. There is much to learn as we see how well the New Testament completes the Old Testament. While we often will direct an unbeliever or a new believer to the New Testament, let's not neglect the entirety of the Word of God. Let's continue to struggle with pronouncing names and places, understanding and wrestling with difficult passages, and just allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read. It will all come together as we spend more and more time seeking Him!
Blessings,
Kathy
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 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.
Warren Weirsbe comments on Matthew's passage with this: "The Lord's Supper reminds us to look ahead for Christ's return. We will observe this supper until He comes (1 Cor. 11:26). The Passover pointed ahead to the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). The Lord's Supper announces that this great work has been accomplished." Just as difficult and messy as the work of sacrificing was in the Old Testament, the work of Jesus Christ on the cross was also a difficult and messy work. If you are able and can handle reading the description of a crucifixion, I encourage you to do so. (Just search Jesus' crucifixion online.) I don't want you to read because of the gory details but just so that you will understand just how much our Lord suffered. We never want to say that the blood of Christ didn't matter or in any way cheapen what it meant for Christ to shed His blood. It cost Him everything to die for us.
There are many foreshadowings of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. There is much to learn as we see how well the New Testament completes the Old Testament. While we often will direct an unbeliever or a new believer to the New Testament, let's not neglect the entirety of the Word of God. Let's continue to struggle with pronouncing names and places, understanding and wrestling with difficult passages, and just allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read. It will all come together as we spend more and more time seeking Him!
Blessings,
Kathy
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 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.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Live Today
Over the years of serving within the Addiction Recovery ministries at Keswick, I have had many conversations with men whose lives have been radically transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They graduate the program on fire for the Lord and believe God is going to call them to great things such as the mission field, or Bible College, or to be a pastor, all are wonderful callings. Over time, however, when things do not happen as quickly as they would like, they become discouraged because they are certain God is calling them to missions but nothing seems to be falling into place for them. Why? What does God want from them? Some lose their way because they become disheartened, waiting.
How do we do the very same thing? As a follower of Jesus Christ, we have all heard teachings about finishing well, about hearing the Lord say, "Well done" when we see Him face to face. I'm sure you, like me, desire to leave a godly legacy to those that come behind us. Or perhaps you want to go to Bible College or the mission field and don't see things falling into place. Are you discouraged, waiting?
Stop waiting. How often I would remind men that God is not asking them to live to His glory on the mission field, Bible College, or in the pastorate. He is calling all of us to live to His glory TODAY, whatever it holds. I was reminded of this again this week by a quote by Annie Dillard, in "Crazy Love" (by Francis Chan). She said, "How we live our days is ...how we live our lives." That's it.
Let's not lose focus on our todays by yearning for tomorrow. To reach our goal of finishing well, we need to finish each day well, each hour of each day, and each minute of each hour.
How will you live out your minutes today? Live your minutes like you want to live your life. That reminder has challenged my heart. I hope it does yours as well.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
How do we do the very same thing? As a follower of Jesus Christ, we have all heard teachings about finishing well, about hearing the Lord say, "Well done" when we see Him face to face. I'm sure you, like me, desire to leave a godly legacy to those that come behind us. Or perhaps you want to go to Bible College or the mission field and don't see things falling into place. Are you discouraged, waiting?
Stop waiting. How often I would remind men that God is not asking them to live to His glory on the mission field, Bible College, or in the pastorate. He is calling all of us to live to His glory TODAY, whatever it holds. I was reminded of this again this week by a quote by Annie Dillard, in "Crazy Love" (by Francis Chan). She said, "How we live our days is ...how we live our lives." That's it.
Let's not lose focus on our todays by yearning for tomorrow. To reach our goal of finishing well, we need to finish each day well, each hour of each day, and each minute of each hour.
How will you live out your minutes today? Live your minutes like you want to live your life. That reminder has challenged my heart. I hope it does yours as well.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America's Keswick. She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years. She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all. She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Encouragement From One Who Has Gone Before-5
Obedience First!
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written, my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
John 5:1-14 This is one of my favorite miracles recorded in God's Word. It's the story of the invalid of 38 years, lying by the pool called Bethesda. He was with many who were lame, blind and paralyzed. He was hoping to be helped into the stirred waters to be healed. But someone always got into the water before him. He had no one to help him and he couldn't do it himself.
Thirty-eight years is a long time to have to depend on someone else. I wonder if he could recall when he could do things for himself!
Jesus appeared and asked him something that is almost strange to hear: "Do you want to get well?" It has caused me to really look at the passage.
This May of 2005 I have had a muscle disease, Myasthenia Gravis, for 38 years. I know what my answer would be; but do I understand what Jesus was asking? My prayerful study gave me new thoughts to ask myself.
1. Healing? It could be a life-altering event!
The cripple's answer was, "But, Lord, I have no one to help me..." We are always ready with excuses! We fear the unknown, fear changes. Sometimes we find it frightening to move on.
2. Maybe your healing would send you back to work, or you might be required to return to more responsibility with home and family.
3. Maybe healing would bring a life-altering change or event such as moving on to new surroundings or meeting new people.
My husband and I were married ten years, with children just 1, 3 and 5 years old, when I was diagnosed with MG. We remained in our home church, in our home town, serving in Christian Education. We were surrounded by family and friends, all helping. I stayed close to home depending on others.
One day I was asked to come, in my wheelchair, to fill in for the director of the Christian child-care at our church. I had all kinds of excuses, but I thank God I said, "Yes"! I was to stay three weeks, but stayed three years. God knew I would love this ministry and learn from obedience to Him. You see, it removed the fear of going on years later to a new ministry with my husband at America's Keswick.
Obedience was the answer for the man at the pool. In verse 13 he didn't even know who Jesus was, but in verse 15 he is telling others about what Jesus did in his life.
What changes does God need to make in your life? He wants obedience first!
I'm asking God to continue to search my heart and let me be satisfied with his choices and changes. Proverbs 3:5&6 - His word to us!
Dottie
Submitted by Stephanie Paul
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written, my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
John 5:1-14 This is one of my favorite miracles recorded in God's Word. It's the story of the invalid of 38 years, lying by the pool called Bethesda. He was with many who were lame, blind and paralyzed. He was hoping to be helped into the stirred waters to be healed. But someone always got into the water before him. He had no one to help him and he couldn't do it himself.
Thirty-eight years is a long time to have to depend on someone else. I wonder if he could recall when he could do things for himself!
Jesus appeared and asked him something that is almost strange to hear: "Do you want to get well?" It has caused me to really look at the passage.
This May of 2005 I have had a muscle disease, Myasthenia Gravis, for 38 years. I know what my answer would be; but do I understand what Jesus was asking? My prayerful study gave me new thoughts to ask myself.
1. Healing? It could be a life-altering event!
The cripple's answer was, "But, Lord, I have no one to help me..." We are always ready with excuses! We fear the unknown, fear changes. Sometimes we find it frightening to move on.
2. Maybe your healing would send you back to work, or you might be required to return to more responsibility with home and family.
3. Maybe healing would bring a life-altering change or event such as moving on to new surroundings or meeting new people.
My husband and I were married ten years, with children just 1, 3 and 5 years old, when I was diagnosed with MG. We remained in our home church, in our home town, serving in Christian Education. We were surrounded by family and friends, all helping. I stayed close to home depending on others.
One day I was asked to come, in my wheelchair, to fill in for the director of the Christian child-care at our church. I had all kinds of excuses, but I thank God I said, "Yes"! I was to stay three weeks, but stayed three years. God knew I would love this ministry and learn from obedience to Him. You see, it removed the fear of going on years later to a new ministry with my husband at America's Keswick.
Obedience was the answer for the man at the pool. In verse 13 he didn't even know who Jesus was, but in verse 15 he is telling others about what Jesus did in his life.
What changes does God need to make in your life? He wants obedience first!
I'm asking God to continue to search my heart and let me be satisfied with his choices and changes. Proverbs 3:5&6 - His word to us!
Dottie
Submitted by Stephanie Paul
Friday, March 02, 2012
Encouragement From One Who Has Gone Before-4
Study and Pray
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
I enjoyed the book "Words that Hurt - Words that Heal" by Carole Mayhall. It was the first book I had read by Carole, and I enjoyed it! I chose this book to do a report, and I pass its message on to you. It was easy to understand and practical for my life.
Carole begins by quoting James 3:3, "The tongue is like a bit in a horse's mouth." She states if we control the bit, we control the horse! God has much to say in His Word concerning this member of our body, the tongue, some things positive and some negative.
The purpose of our lives should be to know God. Philippians 3:10 is Paul's desire for this - even deeper at the end of his life!
As I read, I had to question myself, "Do I have all the areas of my life under the control of the Holy Spirit?...even my mouth? I've learned in sinning with my tongue, it grieves the Holy Spirit. Slander, gossip, and careless, idle speech are sinning by God's rules.
On the other hand, Proverbs 12:25 reads, "Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders!" I've found this true.
Carole's prayer for herself is, "Lord, teach me what it means to have the mouth of the righteous." I would love this, too, but fail so often.
In reading the book of Psalms there is great help: 35:28, "I will praise you all day long"; and 10:11, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." I began to think back just to the past few days and thought, "What words could describe my speech, my conversations?" I need a lot of changes with God's help.
There is a chapter in the book called "Aren't I Terrific?" It caused me to search my heart.
Do I really seek God's glory, or my own? Proverbs 25:27 and 27:1&2 are good verses. Have I learned to be content in whatever circumstances? - Philippians 4:11-12, or do I sound off "woe is me", too often?
Lord, help me to think before I speak. Proverbs 12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Concerning gossip or the love of finding fault was covered by an example given by Carole. "Criticizing is like climbing up on the Judgment Seat on which God alone has the right to sit and to publish judgment upon others which He alone has the right to pronounce!"
I ask myself if I am guilty? - are you?
In closing, Carole's prayer is, "If I dwell deep with you, God, the overflow is going to consistently seep into my conversation. Soon I will be speaking more words that heal - and less that hurt!" We all need to learn His words and speak them.
Study and pray!
Dottie
Submitted by Stephanie Paul
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
I enjoyed the book "Words that Hurt - Words that Heal" by Carole Mayhall. It was the first book I had read by Carole, and I enjoyed it! I chose this book to do a report, and I pass its message on to you. It was easy to understand and practical for my life.
Carole begins by quoting James 3:3, "The tongue is like a bit in a horse's mouth." She states if we control the bit, we control the horse! God has much to say in His Word concerning this member of our body, the tongue, some things positive and some negative.
The purpose of our lives should be to know God. Philippians 3:10 is Paul's desire for this - even deeper at the end of his life!
As I read, I had to question myself, "Do I have all the areas of my life under the control of the Holy Spirit?...even my mouth? I've learned in sinning with my tongue, it grieves the Holy Spirit. Slander, gossip, and careless, idle speech are sinning by God's rules.
On the other hand, Proverbs 12:25 reads, "Anxious hearts are very heavy, but a word of encouragement does wonders!" I've found this true.
Carole's prayer for herself is, "Lord, teach me what it means to have the mouth of the righteous." I would love this, too, but fail so often.
In reading the book of Psalms there is great help: 35:28, "I will praise you all day long"; and 10:11, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." I began to think back just to the past few days and thought, "What words could describe my speech, my conversations?" I need a lot of changes with God's help.
There is a chapter in the book called "Aren't I Terrific?" It caused me to search my heart.
Do I really seek God's glory, or my own? Proverbs 25:27 and 27:1&2 are good verses. Have I learned to be content in whatever circumstances? - Philippians 4:11-12, or do I sound off "woe is me", too often?
Lord, help me to think before I speak. Proverbs 12:18, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Concerning gossip or the love of finding fault was covered by an example given by Carole. "Criticizing is like climbing up on the Judgment Seat on which God alone has the right to sit and to publish judgment upon others which He alone has the right to pronounce!"
I ask myself if I am guilty? - are you?
In closing, Carole's prayer is, "If I dwell deep with you, God, the overflow is going to consistently seep into my conversation. Soon I will be speaking more words that heal - and less that hurt!" We all need to learn His words and speak them.
Study and pray!
Dottie
Submitted by Stephanie Paul
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Encouragement From One Who Has Gone Before-3
God is Big and People Are Small
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
Can I highly recommend a book to you that I was required to read in Bible School? It is, "When People are Big and God is Small" by Edward Welch. It is easy to read and convicting. You should pass it on to another after reading it yourself.
Mr. Welch writes that many people know God loves them, but they think they need love or approval from other people. They are controlled by whomever or whatever they believe can give them what they think they need. Their fear of man includes not only being afraid of someone, but it goes farther - holding someone in awe! They are controlled or mastered by people, maybe worshipping them, putting all their trust in needing people!
As I read this, I had to admit to these things of myself (a lot of times). There are three categories mentioned that we claim. In our teens we call it "peer-pressure"; next we fall into "people-pleasing"; and as we get older we seek "co-dependency". Where does God fit in?
I read that Scripture shows us we shouldn't put a need or want on people; we should love them. Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is kept safe." Great verse! Why do we have to have someone (even Jesus) think we are great?
One whole chapter of Dr. Welch's book deals with a problem many have; it covers self-esteem, low esteem, etc. Not only do we worry about how people see us, but will they reject us? We want acceptance, love and to get rid of worthlessness. We have all that in Christ! We have love and salvation, and He liberates us form sin and guilt. The "gaze of God" should be our first concern, not the gaze of people!
God knew we'd have need in this area. He records many men in Scripture who had thoughts and words for us. Deuteronomy 1:17 - Moses said, 'Do not fear any man, for judgment belongs to God.' King Saul feared rejection; Peter battled as he feared man and denied Christ three times. Imagine Peter as Jesus gazed into His eyes! Read 1 Peter 3:13-14 to see how Peter changed whom he served.
Dr. Welch's book ends by telling us we do have a need for people - for the body of Christ. We need each other. One can't do it alone, so we work together, love each other, and serve for the glory of the Lord.
The "gaze of God" is in His Word. I need to read it, fear Him and do all for His glory, not for people. God is big, people are small. Best of all, God is love!
Dottie
I was recently looking through the Victory Call archives and I came across a number of them that were written by our dear sister Dottie Noel, who went home to be with Jesus on May 21st of last year. I miss her sweet spirit in this place!
As I read through a number of the Victory Call devotions she had written my heart and soul were blessed and I thought, "Why not share the blessing with all of our Victory Call subscribers?"
Can I highly recommend a book to you that I was required to read in Bible School? It is, "When People are Big and God is Small" by Edward Welch. It is easy to read and convicting. You should pass it on to another after reading it yourself.
Mr. Welch writes that many people know God loves them, but they think they need love or approval from other people. They are controlled by whomever or whatever they believe can give them what they think they need. Their fear of man includes not only being afraid of someone, but it goes farther - holding someone in awe! They are controlled or mastered by people, maybe worshipping them, putting all their trust in needing people!
As I read this, I had to admit to these things of myself (a lot of times). There are three categories mentioned that we claim. In our teens we call it "peer-pressure"; next we fall into "people-pleasing"; and as we get older we seek "co-dependency". Where does God fit in?
I read that Scripture shows us we shouldn't put a need or want on people; we should love them. Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is kept safe." Great verse! Why do we have to have someone (even Jesus) think we are great?
One whole chapter of Dr. Welch's book deals with a problem many have; it covers self-esteem, low esteem, etc. Not only do we worry about how people see us, but will they reject us? We want acceptance, love and to get rid of worthlessness. We have all that in Christ! We have love and salvation, and He liberates us form sin and guilt. The "gaze of God" should be our first concern, not the gaze of people!
God knew we'd have need in this area. He records many men in Scripture who had thoughts and words for us. Deuteronomy 1:17 - Moses said, 'Do not fear any man, for judgment belongs to God.' King Saul feared rejection; Peter battled as he feared man and denied Christ three times. Imagine Peter as Jesus gazed into His eyes! Read 1 Peter 3:13-14 to see how Peter changed whom he served.
Dr. Welch's book ends by telling us we do have a need for people - for the body of Christ. We need each other. One can't do it alone, so we work together, love each other, and serve for the glory of the Lord.
The "gaze of God" is in His Word. I need to read it, fear Him and do all for His glory, not for people. God is big, people are small. Best of all, God is love!
Dottie
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