As I sat down to write the Victory for this week, I had to chuckle at my own verse division. I thought, "why on earth did I choose to break the verse there?" But I trust the Lord knew all that when I set up the year's verses. Let's rely on the commentary to help this week.
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation (ESV)
James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, (NKJV)
James 1:9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. (NIV)
James 1:9 When down-and-outers get a break, cheer! (The Message)
Commentary:
"glory. The word refers to the boasting of a privilege or possession; it is the joy of the legitimate pride. Although having nothing in this world, the poor believer can rejoice in his high spiritual standing before God by grace and the hope which that brings (cf. Rom. 8:17, 18; 1 Peter 1:4) [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John Mac Arthur, pg. 1882]
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:6-8 with Commentary
I hope you have joined us in our journey through James this year. We are taking it in small morsels so it should not be overwhelming. May I encourage you to meditate on the Scripture selection each week and by year's end you will have meditated your way through the book of James.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Commentary:
"There is one thing necessary to be observed in our asking, v. 6. There must be no wavering, no staggering at the promise of God through unbelief....Sincerity of intention, and steadiness of mind, constitute another duty required under affliction...To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust - this is very fitly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. The success of prayer is spoiled hereby, b. 7. Such a distrustful shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations, v. 8. There will be great unsteadiness in all our conversations and actions. He that is unstable as water shall not excel." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930-1931]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Commentary:
"There is one thing necessary to be observed in our asking, v. 6. There must be no wavering, no staggering at the promise of God through unbelief....Sincerity of intention, and steadiness of mind, constitute another duty required under affliction...To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust - this is very fitly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. The success of prayer is spoiled hereby, b. 7. Such a distrustful shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations, v. 8. There will be great unsteadiness in all our conversations and actions. He that is unstable as water shall not excel." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930-1931]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Walk on Water
I get several e-devotionals and one I just read made me stop and think, and I just had to pass it on. The writer was talking about Peter walking on the water to Jesus and after he starts to sink and Jesus saves him, Jesus asks him, "Why did you doubt?" (See Matthew 14:22-32) So the question is, who did Peter doubt, Jesus or himself? And the answer.... Same thing. If God lives in us (Galatians 2:20), then when we say we can't do something, we're really saying we don't believe God can.
And yet, just a few short chapters later, Jesus said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). That doesn't necessarily mean that everything we plan or attempt will work out. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." So if it is the Lord's will, and He lives in us and empowers us, why are we doubting that we (He!) can do what He's directed us to do?
So here we are at the beginning of a new year. What is God calling you to do this year? It's doubtful He's asking you to actually walk on water, or slay a giant with one stone, or lead an entire nation through the desert, but even if He was, couldn't He give you all you need to do it? Oh yeah, He's already done all those things!
"This seems impossible for me. But nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me. That means all things really are possible for me too. I can do this with Him."
Now that's good news for a new year!
Can I get an "amen" and a "woo-hoo" too?1
Ruth
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
1 copied from Heart to Heart with Holley
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
And yet, just a few short chapters later, Jesus said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). That doesn't necessarily mean that everything we plan or attempt will work out. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." So if it is the Lord's will, and He lives in us and empowers us, why are we doubting that we (He!) can do what He's directed us to do?
So here we are at the beginning of a new year. What is God calling you to do this year? It's doubtful He's asking you to actually walk on water, or slay a giant with one stone, or lead an entire nation through the desert, but even if He was, couldn't He give you all you need to do it? Oh yeah, He's already done all those things!
"This seems impossible for me. But nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me. That means all things really are possible for me too. I can do this with Him."
Now that's good news for a new year!
Can I get an "amen" and a "woo-hoo" too?1
Ruth
Ruth Schmidt is on full-time staff at America's Keswick, and grateful to be a daughter of the King.
1 copied from Heart to Heart with Holley
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A Time for Action
"I'm praying about that." Prayer is good and vital, so don't misunderstand what I am about to say. We should pray, and pray without ceasing. However, I think sometimes we are delaying what we know we should do or stalling obedience to God's instruction.
We sound so spiritual because we are praying about something or perhaps even praying about everything but if we don't act when God instructs us, we are most likely disobeying or sinning in our unbelief.
There is a time for prayer and there is a time for action - let us not confuse the two. Far too often I act when I should be praying (following my own agenda) or praying when I should take action (disobeying and stalling).
As God led Moses and the people of Israel up out of Egypt thy found themselves trapped between the advancing Egyptian chariots and the very wet Red Sea.
Exodus 14:10, "The people of Israel...feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord." This seems appropriate to me. They immediately complained and blamed Moses who then called them to stand firm and watch the hand of God deliver them. "And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (vs. 13-14).
Then... "The LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward."
God called them to action. There is a time to pray being still and a time to get moving while we pray.
If I am stomping on your toes, I cannot apologize because I have stomped all over my own in the process.
Ladies, pray and when God says move, move.
Love you,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
We sound so spiritual because we are praying about something or perhaps even praying about everything but if we don't act when God instructs us, we are most likely disobeying or sinning in our unbelief.
There is a time for prayer and there is a time for action - let us not confuse the two. Far too often I act when I should be praying (following my own agenda) or praying when I should take action (disobeying and stalling).
As God led Moses and the people of Israel up out of Egypt thy found themselves trapped between the advancing Egyptian chariots and the very wet Red Sea.
Exodus 14:10, "The people of Israel...feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord." This seems appropriate to me. They immediately complained and blamed Moses who then called them to stand firm and watch the hand of God deliver them. "And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (vs. 13-14).
Then... "The LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward."
God called them to action. There is a time to pray being still and a time to get moving while we pray.
If I am stomping on your toes, I cannot apologize because I have stomped all over my own in the process.
Ladies, pray and when God says move, move.
Love you,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
SPEAKING THE TRUTH
Twice in the past week I have heard the question posed on TV "And what caused the turning point in your life?" The question was asked of a woman dealing with anorexia and of a man conquering an addiction to drugs. They both answered the question with basically the same answer: "When someone finally spoke the truth to me."
"I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right" (Isaiah 45:18, NIV).
"These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment" (Zechariah 8:16, NIV).
Now the secret is that as Christians we are to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15, NIV). But how do we do that?
The Bible is quite clear. We are to give the truth to a person without a lot of personal opinion. Our back up should always be scripture.
I recall many years ago when a Christian friend spoke the truth to me. My friend and I were both on the PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) board and attended an integration meeting for our children's school together. I was convinced I was not racist, but I was actively working against integration and felt very justified in my position. As we were driving home after the meeting, my friend said to me, "Marilyn, I know you are very sincere in your position, but I believe you have a racist attitude and your position is not honoring to God."
Now I can't say I was thrilled to hear her statement, but I knew my friend was trying to speak the truth to me. My responsibility was to receive her words and try to decide just exactly what I was going to do with her words. I took her words to the Lord and prayed for God to show me what He wanted me to do and how I could represent Him best.
God began to speak to my heart and I began to see that I was afraid of those who were obviously different from me. I asked God to change my heart and help me welcome change in my life and in our home.
I could spend hours telling you how God expanded my views and subsequently my life. One of the greatest things that happened was when an African-American young man said to me, "You know the thing I like about the way you raised your kids? You raised them to be color-blind!"
How grateful I am that my friend spoke the truth to me in love. I can't imagine what I would be like if she hadn't spoken the truth to me that day. My friend did not preach or condemn, but she spoke the truth lovingly. I'm sure she had no idea how God would expand my life's experiences and break down the walls of prejudice that I was convinced were justified and acceptable for a Christian to have.
Perhaps you need to speak the truth to someone and perhaps that someone is you!
Dear Jesus,
Open my eyes to truth and break down the walls of untruth with which I have surrounded myself. Help me to speak truth in love. Amen
Marilyn Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
"I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right" (Isaiah 45:18, NIV).
"These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment" (Zechariah 8:16, NIV).
Now the secret is that as Christians we are to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15, NIV). But how do we do that?
The Bible is quite clear. We are to give the truth to a person without a lot of personal opinion. Our back up should always be scripture.
I recall many years ago when a Christian friend spoke the truth to me. My friend and I were both on the PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) board and attended an integration meeting for our children's school together. I was convinced I was not racist, but I was actively working against integration and felt very justified in my position. As we were driving home after the meeting, my friend said to me, "Marilyn, I know you are very sincere in your position, but I believe you have a racist attitude and your position is not honoring to God."
Now I can't say I was thrilled to hear her statement, but I knew my friend was trying to speak the truth to me. My responsibility was to receive her words and try to decide just exactly what I was going to do with her words. I took her words to the Lord and prayed for God to show me what He wanted me to do and how I could represent Him best.
God began to speak to my heart and I began to see that I was afraid of those who were obviously different from me. I asked God to change my heart and help me welcome change in my life and in our home.
I could spend hours telling you how God expanded my views and subsequently my life. One of the greatest things that happened was when an African-American young man said to me, "You know the thing I like about the way you raised your kids? You raised them to be color-blind!"
How grateful I am that my friend spoke the truth to me in love. I can't imagine what I would be like if she hadn't spoken the truth to me that day. My friend did not preach or condemn, but she spoke the truth lovingly. I'm sure she had no idea how God would expand my life's experiences and break down the walls of prejudice that I was convinced were justified and acceptable for a Christian to have.
Perhaps you need to speak the truth to someone and perhaps that someone is you!
Dear Jesus,
Open my eyes to truth and break down the walls of untruth with which I have surrounded myself. Help me to speak truth in love. Amen
Marilyn Heavilin
Marilyn is a wife and mother, author, and international conference and retreat speaker. She and her husband Glen serve as Counselors-in-Residence at America's KESWICK during the summer months.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:6-8 with Commentary
I hope you have joined us in our journey through James this year. We are taking it in small morsels so it should not be overwhelming. May I encourage you to meditate on the Scripture selection each week and by years end you will have meditated your way through the book of James.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Commentary:
"There is one thing necessary to be observed in our asking, v. 6. There must be no wavering, no staggering at the promise of God through unbelief....Sincerity of intention, and steadiness of mind, constitute another duty required under affliction...To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust - this is very fitly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. The success of prayer is spoiled hereby, b. 7. Such a distrustful shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations, v. 8. There will be great unsteadiness in all our conversations and actions. He that is unstable as water shall not excel." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930-1931]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Commentary:
"There is one thing necessary to be observed in our asking, v. 6. There must be no wavering, no staggering at the promise of God through unbelief....Sincerity of intention, and steadiness of mind, constitute another duty required under affliction...To be sometimes lifted up by faith, and then thrown down again by distrust - this is very fitly compared to a wave of the sea, that rises and falls, swells and sinks, just as the wind tosses it higher or lower, that way or this. The success of prayer is spoiled hereby, b. 7. Such a distrustful shifting, unsettled person is not likely to value a favour from God as he should do, and therefore cannot expect to receive it. A wavering faith and spirit has a bad influence upon our conversations, v. 8. There will be great unsteadiness in all our conversations and actions. He that is unstable as water shall not excel." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930-1931]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:5 Points to Ponder
I hope you are joining us on our journey through James this year. Sometimes we race through our Bible reading so we can check it off our "to-do" list and on to the next thing. My selection of a book with only 5 chapters was intentional so that we could nibble small morsels and really savor them. You will notice each week, we will only be considering 1, 2 or 3 verses. I trust you will allow that verse or two to really sink in and ruminate in your heart every day of the week. As God to show you ways to apply His truth and to grow your faith in His Word.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Points to Ponder:
I don't know about you but sometimes this verse is difficult to believe because it doesn't always FEEL like God is giving us wisdom generously, does it? Faith, however, requires that we CHOOSE to believe even when we don't FEEL it.
We lack wisdom every day. Daily, hourly we should be asking God for His wisdom, His insight, His guidance. As we walk obediently in His presence, He will guide, and give us wisdom. It isn't likely to show up on a black board or in your mailbox. God is relational; His wisdom will become evident as we walk with Him.
This is a great promise. God's promises are true and He has never failed to keep His Word. Ask, believe and receive His wisdom.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Points to Ponder:
I don't know about you but sometimes this verse is difficult to believe because it doesn't always FEEL like God is giving us wisdom generously, does it? Faith, however, requires that we CHOOSE to believe even when we don't FEEL it.
We lack wisdom every day. Daily, hourly we should be asking God for His wisdom, His insight, His guidance. As we walk obediently in His presence, He will guide, and give us wisdom. It isn't likely to show up on a black board or in your mailbox. God is relational; His wisdom will become evident as we walk with Him.
This is a great promise. God's promises are true and He has never failed to keep His Word. Ask, believe and receive His wisdom.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
War Part II
Yesterday I shared a story... Here's a recap... (for the full story see yesterday's Victory Call)
(I was) awakened from my slumber... I recognized the person at the door but the look on his face was alarming..."Quick, The enemy is on the prowl. Where is your battle armor? Your weapons? You must stay alert." ...I remember sitting down for just a moment... I was so tired.... I was too tired to pick them up, too tired to remember, we are at war... How did I forget all that?
This is a fabricated story to express how I felt on a recent Sunday morning when Pastor Tim Shorey started what will be an 18-month sermon series through the book of Revelation. He said, "We are in a war zone." "We must stand ready to fight...not a fighting with guns, weapons and bombs ...but with words, with grace and with truth... fighting for the soul... it is a war..." "Fight against sin...fight for holiness" "Two great kingdoms are in conflict and we are in the middle of war...there is an enemy raging against us... we are at war everyday. Your entertainment center is a war zone. The mall is a war zone...your diet is a war zone...your tastes are a war zone...your work place is a war zone...your bank book, your devotions are war zones.... There is no safe place on planet earth."
I realized I had drifted off to sleep in my spiritual walk and let my weapons fall to the ground. If obedience was "easy" I obeyed; but if it was too hard, I made excuses. Fight against sin? Fight for holiness? How did I forget?
Dear fellow believers: AWAKE. ARISE. We are at war. BE ALERT. FIGHT. PERSEVERE.
Fight the good fight of the faith. 1 Timothy 6:12
If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all... Isaiah 7:9b
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, Revelation 2:26
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelation 3:12
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
(I was) awakened from my slumber... I recognized the person at the door but the look on his face was alarming..."Quick, The enemy is on the prowl. Where is your battle armor? Your weapons? You must stay alert." ...I remember sitting down for just a moment... I was so tired.... I was too tired to pick them up, too tired to remember, we are at war... How did I forget all that?
This is a fabricated story to express how I felt on a recent Sunday morning when Pastor Tim Shorey started what will be an 18-month sermon series through the book of Revelation. He said, "We are in a war zone." "We must stand ready to fight...not a fighting with guns, weapons and bombs ...but with words, with grace and with truth... fighting for the soul... it is a war..." "Fight against sin...fight for holiness" "Two great kingdoms are in conflict and we are in the middle of war...there is an enemy raging against us... we are at war everyday. Your entertainment center is a war zone. The mall is a war zone...your diet is a war zone...your tastes are a war zone...your work place is a war zone...your bank book, your devotions are war zones.... There is no safe place on planet earth."
I realized I had drifted off to sleep in my spiritual walk and let my weapons fall to the ground. If obedience was "easy" I obeyed; but if it was too hard, I made excuses. Fight against sin? Fight for holiness? How did I forget?
Dear fellow believers: AWAKE. ARISE. We are at war. BE ALERT. FIGHT. PERSEVERE.
Fight the good fight of the faith. 1 Timothy 6:12
If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all... Isaiah 7:9b
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, Revelation 2:26
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelation 3:12
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
WAR Part I
I was sleeping fitfully, drifting in and out of awareness of my surroundings. My dreams were pleasant but interrupted periodically with shouts and noises. I was relatively unconcerned and rolled over and drifted back to sleep.
It was early morning when in my dream my husband and I were enjoying a very relaxing canoe trip on a warm sunny day when I heard banging. My first thought was that my husband was somehow banging his paddle on the side of the canoe for some reason, but that thought quickly passed as I became aware that the banging was not in my dream but at my door.
Somewhat groggy and irritated that I was being awakened from my slumber, I put on my robe and made my way to the door hoping I didn't look like I had just gotten out of bed.
I peered out the window to see who was so bold to be waking me this early in the morning. I recognized the person at the door but the look on his face was alarming. My heart went into double-time as I quickly opened the door.
He was frantic. "You are in danger. Quick, The enemy is on the prowl. Where is your battle armor? Your weapons? You must stay alert." Suddenly, every one of my senses was at the ready. My presence of mind returned as my groggy mind cleared. "We are at war," he said. As we stood at the door, I could hear explosions and gunfire in the background. Fear was palatable.
I shook my head. What could I have been thinking? I knew we were in a war. How could I have drifted off to such blissful sleep? I remember sitting down for just a moment, with my battle armor in hand. I was so tired; I just wanted to rest for a moment. I would keep my weapons ready. I wanted to rest just for a moment. Just for a moment... just for a moment.
It's coming back to me, sometime during the night, my armor was getting heavy and my weapons slipped from my hands. The sound as they hit the floor roused me from sleep but only momentarily. I was too tired to pick them up, too tired to remember, we are at war.
Fully awake now, I wanted to kick myself. How could I forget? There was a time that I fought tirelessly, following my orders from the Commander - I didn't hesitate to carry them out. I knew being in His army was the best choice and in the end I was assured of His victory. I was excited that He wanted me in His army. I was a novice and knew nothing of war, but He assured me He would not only teach me everything I needed to know, but He would also provide the power to accomplish all He asked and that He would never abandon me. How did I forget all that?
Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."
Tune in tomorrow for Part II...
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
It was early morning when in my dream my husband and I were enjoying a very relaxing canoe trip on a warm sunny day when I heard banging. My first thought was that my husband was somehow banging his paddle on the side of the canoe for some reason, but that thought quickly passed as I became aware that the banging was not in my dream but at my door.
Somewhat groggy and irritated that I was being awakened from my slumber, I put on my robe and made my way to the door hoping I didn't look like I had just gotten out of bed.
I peered out the window to see who was so bold to be waking me this early in the morning. I recognized the person at the door but the look on his face was alarming. My heart went into double-time as I quickly opened the door.
He was frantic. "You are in danger. Quick, The enemy is on the prowl. Where is your battle armor? Your weapons? You must stay alert." Suddenly, every one of my senses was at the ready. My presence of mind returned as my groggy mind cleared. "We are at war," he said. As we stood at the door, I could hear explosions and gunfire in the background. Fear was palatable.
I shook my head. What could I have been thinking? I knew we were in a war. How could I have drifted off to such blissful sleep? I remember sitting down for just a moment, with my battle armor in hand. I was so tired; I just wanted to rest for a moment. I would keep my weapons ready. I wanted to rest just for a moment. Just for a moment... just for a moment.
It's coming back to me, sometime during the night, my armor was getting heavy and my weapons slipped from my hands. The sound as they hit the floor roused me from sleep but only momentarily. I was too tired to pick them up, too tired to remember, we are at war.
Fully awake now, I wanted to kick myself. How could I forget? There was a time that I fought tirelessly, following my orders from the Commander - I didn't hesitate to carry them out. I knew being in His army was the best choice and in the end I was assured of His victory. I was excited that He wanted me in His army. I was a novice and knew nothing of war, but He assured me He would not only teach me everything I needed to know, but He would also provide the power to accomplish all He asked and that He would never abandon me. How did I forget all that?
Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..."
Tune in tomorrow for Part II...
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
God's Refreshment
My younger daughter and I were riding in our car one day. It was rather warm especially in the sun. We drove past an eighteen wheeler truck and I heard my daughter mumble something. So I asked her what she said and she replied, "I said thank you to the truck." I said, "Why would you do that?" She said the truck gave her some shade and it felt good. It made me think about shade...how it feels to get some relief from the hot sun.
There was a time when I had been at the beach and had gotten very bad sunburn and every time the sun would come across my legs it would just burn! So that evening walking the boardwalk I would run from awning to awning to get to the SHADE so that my legs would not burn.
Have you ever run to the shade? Have you ever been at a baseball game wishing you had worn some kind of hat with a brim on it?! I've taken umbrellas to some of my kid's baseball games! There's something about getting out of the bright sunlight that just makes you take a sigh of relief!
It also made me think of a verse that had been discussed in the past few months. Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the SHADOW of the Almighty."
When I think about that I think, "What a great God we have!! He provides SHADE for us - RELIEF from the heat of battle!!" We can run to His shade and rest. May we continue to dwell in His shelter so that we will get relief from the daily battle. Next time you put your hand up to shade your eyes, thank Him for the SHADE!
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
There was a time when I had been at the beach and had gotten very bad sunburn and every time the sun would come across my legs it would just burn! So that evening walking the boardwalk I would run from awning to awning to get to the SHADE so that my legs would not burn.
Have you ever run to the shade? Have you ever been at a baseball game wishing you had worn some kind of hat with a brim on it?! I've taken umbrellas to some of my kid's baseball games! There's something about getting out of the bright sunlight that just makes you take a sigh of relief!
It also made me think of a verse that had been discussed in the past few months. Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the SHADOW of the Almighty."
When I think about that I think, "What a great God we have!! He provides SHADE for us - RELIEF from the heat of battle!!" We can run to His shade and rest. May we continue to dwell in His shelter so that we will get relief from the daily battle. Next time you put your hand up to shade your eyes, thank Him for the SHADE!
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:5 with Commentary
Already I am hearing back from you how the truths of the book of James are impacting your lives in very practical ways. What an encouragment to hear how God is using His word in everyday situations. Share your stories.
Take God at His Word. Believe Him, not just IN Him. Fight the fight of faith. Without faith, His Word will just be words on a page to us. "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV).
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Commentary
"1:5 wisdom. James's Jewish audience recognized this as the understanding and practical skill that was necessary to live life to God's glory. It was not a wisdom of philosophical speculation, but the wisdom contained in the pure and peacable absolutes of God's will revealed in His Word (cf. 3:13,17) and lived out. Only such divine wisdom enables believers to be joyous and submissive in the trials of life. Ask of God. This command is a necessary part of the believer's prayer life... God intends that trials will drive believers to greater dependency on Him, by showing them their own inadequacy. As with all His riches (Eph. 1:7, 2:7; 3:8; Phil. 4:19) God has wisdom in abundance (Rom. 11:33) available for those who seek it." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1882]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Take God at His Word. Believe Him, not just IN Him. Fight the fight of faith. Without faith, His Word will just be words on a page to us. "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" (Hebrews 4:2 NKJV).
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Commentary
"1:5 wisdom. James's Jewish audience recognized this as the understanding and practical skill that was necessary to live life to God's glory. It was not a wisdom of philosophical speculation, but the wisdom contained in the pure and peacable absolutes of God's will revealed in His Word (cf. 3:13,17) and lived out. Only such divine wisdom enables believers to be joyous and submissive in the trials of life. Ask of God. This command is a necessary part of the believer's prayer life... God intends that trials will drive believers to greater dependency on Him, by showing them their own inadequacy. As with all His riches (Eph. 1:7, 2:7; 3:8; Phil. 4:19) God has wisdom in abundance (Rom. 11:33) available for those who seek it." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1882]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:2-4 with Points to Ponder
Having counseled now almost 20 years, I have had more than a few questions about these verses. How do we count trials joy?
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Points to Ponder:
I think the answer lies in these verses. For you know... what do we know? We know that testing, trials and difficulty are producing something in our lives. It can be profitable or destructive. What is a faith that is untested? Unknown. It is easy to believe when your beliefs are not challenged. Right? A bridge may look good and sturdy but until a car or truck drives over it, it remains untested.
God uses our sufferings, our trials and testing to strengthen us. How can we count it all joy? Not because we are in trials but because God is in our trials. Faith. Count is all joy by faith even when your feelings fail you. He is up to something for our good and His glory, EVEN IF WE CAN'T SEE IT OR FEEL IT.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
If you did not receive yesterday's Victory Call, you can access it on our website, www.americaskeswick.org
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Points to Ponder:
I think the answer lies in these verses. For you know... what do we know? We know that testing, trials and difficulty are producing something in our lives. It can be profitable or destructive. What is a faith that is untested? Unknown. It is easy to believe when your beliefs are not challenged. Right? A bridge may look good and sturdy but until a car or truck drives over it, it remains untested.
God uses our sufferings, our trials and testing to strengthen us. How can we count it all joy? Not because we are in trials but because God is in our trials. Faith. Count is all joy by faith even when your feelings fail you. He is up to something for our good and His glory, EVEN IF WE CAN'T SEE IT OR FEEL IT.
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
If you did not receive yesterday's Victory Call, you can access it on our website, www.americaskeswick.org
Thursday, January 13, 2011
God's Refreshment
My younger daughter and I were riding in our car one day. It was rather warm, especially in the sun. We drove past an eighteen wheeler truck and I heard my daughter mumble something. So I asked her what she said and she replied, "I said thank you to the truck." I said, "Why would you do that?" She said the truck gave her some shade and it felt good. It made me think about shade...how it feels to get some relief from the hot sun.
There was a time when I had been at the beach and had gotten very bad sunburn and every time the sun would come across my legs it would just burn! So that evening walking the boardwalk I would run from awning to awning to get to the SHADE so that my legs would not burn.
Have you ever run to the shade? Have you ever been at a baseball game wishing you had worn some kind of hat with a brim on it?! I've taken umbrellas to some of my kid's baseball games! There's something about getting out of the bright sunlight that just makes you take a sigh of relief!
It also made me think of a verse that had been discussed in the past few months. Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the SHADOW of the Almighty."
When I think about that I think, "What a great God we have!! He provides SHADE for us - RELIEF from the heat of battle!!" We can run to His shade and rest. May we continue to dwell in His shelter so that we will get relief from the daily battle. Next time you put your hand up to shade your eyes, thank Him for the SHADE!
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
There was a time when I had been at the beach and had gotten very bad sunburn and every time the sun would come across my legs it would just burn! So that evening walking the boardwalk I would run from awning to awning to get to the SHADE so that my legs would not burn.
Have you ever run to the shade? Have you ever been at a baseball game wishing you had worn some kind of hat with a brim on it?! I've taken umbrellas to some of my kid's baseball games! There's something about getting out of the bright sunlight that just makes you take a sigh of relief!
It also made me think of a verse that had been discussed in the past few months. Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the SHADOW of the Almighty."
When I think about that I think, "What a great God we have!! He provides SHADE for us - RELIEF from the heat of battle!!" We can run to His shade and rest. May we continue to dwell in His shelter so that we will get relief from the daily battle. Next time you put your hand up to shade your eyes, thank Him for the SHADE!
Sue Mercer
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Your Supply Will Not Run Out
(2 Kings 4:1-7)
As we turn from 2010 to 2011 many in our communities are concerned about their future supply. Many are unemployed and/or have accumulated debt that they cannot pay. These situations can open a door to fear, doubt and unbelief. They can also become an opportunity to open a door to a new way of living, at a new level of faith, obedience, wisdom, growth and relationship with the Lord Jehovah Jireh, our provider.
I would like to review a story from the scripture about a poor widow who had two sons and was in debt. It appears that her deceased husband must have been the son of one of the prophets in the day of Elisha. She has come to Elisha to seek his counsel concerning her need. Creditors had come to take her two sons as slaves (v.1). Interestingly, Elisha asks the woman "What do you have in the house?"(v.2). He did not ask about what she owed the creditors but rather what God had blessed her with. It was in that place she would find her supply, oil.
May you and I LOOK and SEE the place of blessing...especially when in a time of great need. It is in the place of blessing, it is where God's presence is evident we shall find our supply.
Next Elisha advised her to borrow vessels from her neighbors (v. 3). I am guessing that this meant she was to humble herself and seek help from the body of believers who lived near her, those with whom she had fellowship. She was told to ask for items that likely were commonplace and would not shift her burden to neighbors, yet they could become partners in the releasing of her supply. The widow responded in obedience. Her neighbors did as well and provided the needed vessels.
May you and I humble ourselves in this New Year, respond in obedience to the Lord, and partner with Him where and how He is doing a work in our lives and in the lives of those in His church. Let us be generous in our giving.
Next she had to go into her home, shut the door behind her and her sons and begin to pour out her supply (v. 4). Sounds like she had to trust in God. By faith and in obedience she began to fill the borrowed vessels. Every vessel was filled with the oil.
May our households be faithful to quiet time with our God. May we shut the door to the empty promises of the world. May we move by faith. Let us put our trust in the Lord our God and step forward in obedience.
Next she returned to Elisha and explained what had happened. He told her to "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt and you and your sons can live on the rest"(v. 7).
Please consider that your supply will not run out. In fact the supply that God has blessed you with can multiply. Make His presence central in your life. Seek His face and His strategy for your supply. You too, not unlike the widow of 2 Kings 4, may discover that as you look to Jehovah Jireh your provider, as you move from a place of fear, doubt and unbelief and give thanks for your blessings, your eyes will truly open. You will see and have the gift of faith to move humbly and obediently into the plan God has for you and your household. You will pay your debts and you shall live on the rest.
Jehovah Jireh, our provider...His grace is sufficient for you, He shall supply all of your needs, and He cares for you.
Have a blessed 2011.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
As we turn from 2010 to 2011 many in our communities are concerned about their future supply. Many are unemployed and/or have accumulated debt that they cannot pay. These situations can open a door to fear, doubt and unbelief. They can also become an opportunity to open a door to a new way of living, at a new level of faith, obedience, wisdom, growth and relationship with the Lord Jehovah Jireh, our provider.
I would like to review a story from the scripture about a poor widow who had two sons and was in debt. It appears that her deceased husband must have been the son of one of the prophets in the day of Elisha. She has come to Elisha to seek his counsel concerning her need. Creditors had come to take her two sons as slaves (v.1). Interestingly, Elisha asks the woman "What do you have in the house?"(v.2). He did not ask about what she owed the creditors but rather what God had blessed her with. It was in that place she would find her supply, oil.
May you and I LOOK and SEE the place of blessing...especially when in a time of great need. It is in the place of blessing, it is where God's presence is evident we shall find our supply.
Next Elisha advised her to borrow vessels from her neighbors (v. 3). I am guessing that this meant she was to humble herself and seek help from the body of believers who lived near her, those with whom she had fellowship. She was told to ask for items that likely were commonplace and would not shift her burden to neighbors, yet they could become partners in the releasing of her supply. The widow responded in obedience. Her neighbors did as well and provided the needed vessels.
May you and I humble ourselves in this New Year, respond in obedience to the Lord, and partner with Him where and how He is doing a work in our lives and in the lives of those in His church. Let us be generous in our giving.
Next she had to go into her home, shut the door behind her and her sons and begin to pour out her supply (v. 4). Sounds like she had to trust in God. By faith and in obedience she began to fill the borrowed vessels. Every vessel was filled with the oil.
May our households be faithful to quiet time with our God. May we shut the door to the empty promises of the world. May we move by faith. Let us put our trust in the Lord our God and step forward in obedience.
Next she returned to Elisha and explained what had happened. He told her to "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt and you and your sons can live on the rest"(v. 7).
Please consider that your supply will not run out. In fact the supply that God has blessed you with can multiply. Make His presence central in your life. Seek His face and His strategy for your supply. You too, not unlike the widow of 2 Kings 4, may discover that as you look to Jehovah Jireh your provider, as you move from a place of fear, doubt and unbelief and give thanks for your blessings, your eyes will truly open. You will see and have the gift of faith to move humbly and obediently into the plan God has for you and your household. You will pay your debts and you shall live on the rest.
Jehovah Jireh, our provider...His grace is sufficient for you, He shall supply all of your needs, and He cares for you.
Have a blessed 2011.
Patricia L. Wenzel
WOC Graduate
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
When I Go AWOL
In the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, military personnel become AWOL (US: Absence Without Official Leave) or AWL (UK, Canada and Australia: Absent Without Leave) when they are absent from their post without a valid pass or leave. The United States Marine Corps and United States Navy generally refer to this as Unauthorized Absence, or "UA." Such people are dropped from their unit rolls after 30 days and then listed as deserters. However, as a matter of U.S. military law, desertion is not measured by time away from the unit, but rather:
* by leaving or remaining absent from their unit, organization, or place of duty, where there has been a determined intent to not return;
* if that intent is determined to be to avoid hazardous duty or shirk contractual obligation;
* if they enlist or accept an appointment in the same or another branch of service without disclosing the fact that they have not been properly separated from current service. - Wikipedia
There are times in the battles of my life where I have gone AWOL. Using the above definition the second bullet point stands out to me. I go AWOL when things get too painful, life becomes too hard, or I just can't "do" what I am called to "do" anymore. We all get fatigued from being on the front lines. Sometimes we just have to get off the field.
For me, the problem is when I get to this point I feel guilty. The enemy comes right in and shows me how weak I am, how much of a failure I am, and how disappointed God is in me that I couldn't fight better or longer. God knows when we will go AWOL. Rather than accusing, imprisoning or putting us on trial, He knows our limits. (We will see next time that He also knew despair and He asked if there be another way than to go to the front line, that it might be so.)
When I went AWOL recently a friend directed me to see God's grace in the situation. Those of us who have been taught that what they "do" counts the most, often need to be reminded about God's grace. She reassured me that God knew where I was in my pain and that it was okay to have a day just to feel despair, to kick and scream; after all, God knows all that too. Notice that by U.S. military law desertion is not measured by time away from the unit but according to the intent. I could not remain absent with no intent to return. I could not separate myself from my service to the King. Though I felt like it, I knew I could not and would not be a deserter.
While doing some work-related reading I came upon a chapter on change. Often, we go AWOL because things just went from bad to worse. The battle plan shifted and maybe took us by surprise. Then I read this quote about the difficulties some have with change:
"Once a week, people could visit Pity City. But they weren't allowed to move there."
If you have gone AWOL it's okay...for a little while .. you just can't move in and live there. We may not like the change that has occurred but then you and I need to adjust.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
* by leaving or remaining absent from their unit, organization, or place of duty, where there has been a determined intent to not return;
* if that intent is determined to be to avoid hazardous duty or shirk contractual obligation;
* if they enlist or accept an appointment in the same or another branch of service without disclosing the fact that they have not been properly separated from current service. - Wikipedia
There are times in the battles of my life where I have gone AWOL. Using the above definition the second bullet point stands out to me. I go AWOL when things get too painful, life becomes too hard, or I just can't "do" what I am called to "do" anymore. We all get fatigued from being on the front lines. Sometimes we just have to get off the field.
For me, the problem is when I get to this point I feel guilty. The enemy comes right in and shows me how weak I am, how much of a failure I am, and how disappointed God is in me that I couldn't fight better or longer. God knows when we will go AWOL. Rather than accusing, imprisoning or putting us on trial, He knows our limits. (We will see next time that He also knew despair and He asked if there be another way than to go to the front line, that it might be so.)
When I went AWOL recently a friend directed me to see God's grace in the situation. Those of us who have been taught that what they "do" counts the most, often need to be reminded about God's grace. She reassured me that God knew where I was in my pain and that it was okay to have a day just to feel despair, to kick and scream; after all, God knows all that too. Notice that by U.S. military law desertion is not measured by time away from the unit but according to the intent. I could not remain absent with no intent to return. I could not separate myself from my service to the King. Though I felt like it, I knew I could not and would not be a deserter.
While doing some work-related reading I came upon a chapter on change. Often, we go AWOL because things just went from bad to worse. The battle plan shifted and maybe took us by surprise. Then I read this quote about the difficulties some have with change:
"Once a week, people could visit Pity City. But they weren't allowed to move there."
If you have gone AWOL it's okay...for a little while .. you just can't move in and live there. We may not like the change that has occurred but then you and I need to adjust.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:2-4 with commentary
Have you taken the opportunity to consider the book of James? It is a powerful, practical book. I believe as we meditate on the words within this book this year, we will gain much wisdom as we apply the truths within. I challenge you to come along on our journey.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Commentary:
The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself; but they are such as he is said to fall into. ...The graces and duties of a state of trial and affliction. ... One Christian grace to be exercised is joy, v. 2. We must not sink into a sad and disconsolate frame of mind, which would make us faint under our trials. Philosophy may instruct men to be calm under their troubles; but Christianity teaches them to be joyful. Our trials will brighten our graces now and our crown at last. There is the more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces that are promoted by them. [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930].
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Commentary:
The suffering state of Christians in this world is represented. It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself; but they are such as he is said to fall into. ...The graces and duties of a state of trial and affliction. ... One Christian grace to be exercised is joy, v. 2. We must not sink into a sad and disconsolate frame of mind, which would make us faint under our trials. Philosophy may instruct men to be calm under their troubles; but Christianity teaches them to be joyful. Our trials will brighten our graces now and our crown at last. There is the more reason for joy in afflictions if we consider the other graces that are promoted by them. [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume pg. 1930].
Blessings, Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:1
Points to Ponder
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Points to ponder:
James was the first book of the Bible that I read in its entirety after being saved. It is a short book, packed full of practical wisdom and written by James, the brother of Jesus. Can you imagine being the sibling of Jesus, the One that never sinned? You could never say, "Jesus did it." Or point your finger and say, "He started it." Yet, James grew up with Jesus and came to the place where he counted it an honor to be a servant of God and called his brother Lord. Amazing. It shows a spirit of humility and wisdom. I love this book and am looking forward to digging deep.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Points to ponder:
James was the first book of the Bible that I read in its entirety after being saved. It is a short book, packed full of practical wisdom and written by James, the brother of Jesus. Can you imagine being the sibling of Jesus, the One that never sinned? You could never say, "Jesus did it." Or point your finger and say, "He started it." Yet, James grew up with Jesus and came to the place where he counted it an honor to be a servant of God and called his brother Lord. Amazing. It shows a spirit of humility and wisdom. I love this book and am looking forward to digging deep.
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
When God Calls You Back to Battle
Over the last days I have shared with you that God may call you to leave a battle that is not yours. I have also shared that God will call us to the front line to fight.
For me, the hardest battle is when I feel like I have lost and I can't fight again. The enemy gained the upper hand or I disobeyed a command or there is no advancement on the ground. I despaired over the loss of the last battle when ice cream and sleep looked like the best strategic move I could make. I so wanted to be stronger! How was I going to get up again? First, I shared that I sought out a good friend. Her words and prayers helped me to look away from my despair to God's grace. After that I began to read scripture as well as other meaningful devotionals. When I saw my friend again a few days later she shared with me a familiar story. "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, 'Sit here while I go pray over there.' And he took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them. 'My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.' He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'" (Matthew 26:36-39) I was so grateful to know that Jesus knows how I feel. I am grateful that He knows my despair even unto death. But the key to getting back into the battle is a battle of wills. I want things my way but I am always challenged to submit to God and His plan. I may take some time to despair and I may take some time to finally let go but the sooner I can align my will with God's will the better.
"A Prayer from the Front Line
Chosen leader of the Lord! May you never again allow fear to keep you from stepping onto the front line; I pray the Lord will be your strength as you fight the good fight. I pray, in Jesus' name, that you will find great peace as you prepare for battle. May your life become an adventure filled with great joy in the midst of every trial you face, and may our Lord strengthen you and surround you with His heavenly host of angels in any and all of life's challenges. May your courage to step out in faith bring revival to your family and friends, In Jesus' name Amen." (His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 33)
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
For me, the hardest battle is when I feel like I have lost and I can't fight again. The enemy gained the upper hand or I disobeyed a command or there is no advancement on the ground. I despaired over the loss of the last battle when ice cream and sleep looked like the best strategic move I could make. I so wanted to be stronger! How was I going to get up again? First, I shared that I sought out a good friend. Her words and prayers helped me to look away from my despair to God's grace. After that I began to read scripture as well as other meaningful devotionals. When I saw my friend again a few days later she shared with me a familiar story. "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, 'Sit here while I go pray over there.' And he took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them. 'My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.' He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'" (Matthew 26:36-39) I was so grateful to know that Jesus knows how I feel. I am grateful that He knows my despair even unto death. But the key to getting back into the battle is a battle of wills. I want things my way but I am always challenged to submit to God and His plan. I may take some time to despair and I may take some time to finally let go but the sooner I can align my will with God's will the better.
"A Prayer from the Front Line
Chosen leader of the Lord! May you never again allow fear to keep you from stepping onto the front line; I pray the Lord will be your strength as you fight the good fight. I pray, in Jesus' name, that you will find great peace as you prepare for battle. May your life become an adventure filled with great joy in the midst of every trial you face, and may our Lord strengthen you and surround you with His heavenly host of angels in any and all of life's challenges. May your courage to step out in faith bring revival to your family and friends, In Jesus' name Amen." (His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 33)
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
When God Calls Us to The Front Line
In the battle for my children I recently took a pretty hard blow. I was a mess. Tired, weary, doubting and battle fatigued, I hauled myself to a good friend's office. I shared how I failed at the front line. I wanted to retreat and retreat I did. I retreated into my kitchen for my favorite ice cream sundae and then straight under the covers. I felt guilty for wanting to quit. I felt guilty for retreating to other things than the arms of my Heavenly Father. I felt guilty for not being stronger. I shared how I had recently watched Pearl Harbor and saw men willing to go on suicide missions to defend their country. I just wept about how tired I was and I was sick of being on the front line. My friend reminded me of God's grace, cried with me and prayed with me and for me. The next day I opened a devotional that was recommended this past summer. This is what it read:
"My Princess,
You are not called to follow others, My beloved Warrior, I have appointed you to leave them to me.
Life will become a great adventure if you will step out into the front line and fight for those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Do not look back on what you have lost; look forward to the great victories that are in front of you. You don't have to hide behind your fears and insecurities any longer. I can and will turn your pain into passion to change the world around you. As you find your way to the front line, hide this truth in your heart: 'This fight is not just for you; it is for all those you dearly love.'
Love, Your King who fights for you"*
God knows our weariness. He knows when our strength is zapped. Sometimes He calls us not to just hold our ground but to dig our heels in even more. Sometimes He will call us to step up to the front line.
He will say to them, "Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them." Deuteronomy 20:3 NLT
*His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 30, 31
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
"My Princess,
You are not called to follow others, My beloved Warrior, I have appointed you to leave them to me.
Life will become a great adventure if you will step out into the front line and fight for those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Do not look back on what you have lost; look forward to the great victories that are in front of you. You don't have to hide behind your fears and insecurities any longer. I can and will turn your pain into passion to change the world around you. As you find your way to the front line, hide this truth in your heart: 'This fight is not just for you; it is for all those you dearly love.'
Love, Your King who fights for you"*
God knows our weariness. He knows when our strength is zapped. Sometimes He calls us not to just hold our ground but to dig our heels in even more. Sometimes He will call us to step up to the front line.
He will say to them, "Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them." Deuteronomy 20:3 NLT
*His Princess Warrior by Sheri Rose Shepherd, page 30, 31
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
When God Calls Us To "Retreat"
Many years ago I had a co-worker who was a real ladies man. It didn't take me long as a new Christian and object of his womanizing until I needed to put up my guard and fight off any advances that came my way. My idea was that God and I were big enough to battle together. I took a firm stand against this co-worker by politely saying no to any invitations and was always on guard against this foe. One morning while reading the Word I came across 1 Corinthians 6:18 which exhorts us to "flee from sexual immorality." I realized that the battle plan was not to remain on the front line and take it but to run and run fast! My strategy changed as I lined up with God's Word on this issue. I began to avoid this man like the plaque. If he was at the coffee machine I was not. If he was working in an area where I need to walk by him I would take the long way around. I began to realize that in my weakness, say after a disagreement with my husband, I could have lost ground had I remained on the front line. God certainly does not call us to wage war when He clearly and wisely intends for us to flee.
Some battles are not for us to fight. Some battles are won by heeding God's battle plan through obedience. Normally, the call to "retreat" means you have lost. But when God calls us to "retreat" He fights the battle and we win too. His Word is faithful to direct us in all situations.
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Some battles are not for us to fight. Some battles are won by heeding God's battle plan through obedience. Normally, the call to "retreat" means you have lost. But when God calls us to "retreat" He fights the battle and we win too. His Word is faithful to direct us in all situations.
Kathy Withers
Kathy's on staff at America's KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 25 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God's Word.
DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Digging Deeper James 1:1 with Commentary
We are off and running into 2011. We anticipate a great year of digging deeper into the very Word of God. I heard this quote last week, "make it a practice to breathe in what God has breathed out, inhale what God has exhaled" 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." Does that capture your heart today? Do you embrace how vital being in, meditating on, and memorizing God's Word is to your well-being, peace, joy and obedience? Dive in with me and let's dig deeper into the book of James. By the end of 2011 we will have systematically meditated on the book of James. If you memorize as we go you will have memorized the entire book by the end of the year. Join me won't you?
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Commentary:
"Greeting. Jesus chose 12 disciples to signify the twelve tribes and thus to identify the church as the new Israel...James reminds these Jewish Christians of their spiritual heritage as the people of God, gathered by Jesus the Messiah. In the Dispersion. The tribes of Israel were scattered throughout the world by the Assyrians and Babylonians. They looked forward to being regathered as a people (Jer. 31:7-14; Ezek. 37: 15-28). James implies that the true Israel is now also dispersed (away from its heavenly homeland) and oppressed, but assured of their final gathering to the Lord." [ESV Study Bible notes pg 2391]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Commentary:
"Greeting. Jesus chose 12 disciples to signify the twelve tribes and thus to identify the church as the new Israel...James reminds these Jewish Christians of their spiritual heritage as the people of God, gathered by Jesus the Messiah. In the Dispersion. The tribes of Israel were scattered throughout the world by the Assyrians and Babylonians. They looked forward to being regathered as a people (Jer. 31:7-14; Ezek. 37: 15-28). James implies that the true Israel is now also dispersed (away from its heavenly homeland) and oppressed, but assured of their final gathering to the Lord." [ESV Study Bible notes pg 2391]
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 25 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
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