Thursday, March 31, 2011

Little Eyes Are Watching!

A few years ago an end came to the life of one of our country's enemies, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. He was justly executed by hanging, for crimes against humanity.

Not long after that the news reported that a 10-year-old boy in Houston, Texas apparently mimicked the execution and hung himself from a bunk bed, ending his precious young life.

This child imitated something he saw on television that in my simple way of thinking should never have been videoedtaped or recorded - not for any reason. But in our "right to know, just gotta have it, I-demand-to-see-and-know-all culture", someone recorded it and made sure it was made available to the masses.

This sad, sad news brings home once again the reality that our children, the world's children, are watching! They are listening to all of us and they are saying what we say and doing what we do.

I couldn't help but be reminded of a silly little song my kids learned in Sunday school:

"Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There's a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see."

The song repeats itself in four more verses with a few changes:

"Be careful little ears what you hear...
Be careful little mouths what you say...
Be careful little hands what you touch...
Be careful little feet where you go..."

I am sure that in the days to come much will be said in hindsight to speculate why this child took his life. Many questions will be asked that have no answers. The one thing that screams out to me and again reminds me of a word God has already spoken and confirmed in His Word - is we must guard our hearts. We must do everything that's up to us to do to guard and protect the hearts and minds of our children.

Three things I leave you with to pause and ponder if you will:

1. Be watchful. There is a very real enemy among us and he is working tirelessly and without sleep to steal kill and destroy...not just us, but our seed (our children). (What is God prompting you to be watchful of and for?)

* I Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour."

2. Above all other guardings, more than you guard anything else in this life, guard your heart. (In what ways have you left your heart and soul unguarded and therefore vulnerable to your own type of mimicking?)

* Proverbs 4:23 "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

3. Whatever is up to you to do, be diligent and faithful to do it, EVEN IF YOUR KIDS DON'T LIKE YOU FOR DOING IT! Even if your sisters and brothers think you are doing the wrong thing, do what you know God is telling you to do and receive the tangible peace that comes from doing the right thing at the right time.

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Fitting In or Not

When my children were toddlers, one of their favorite toys (and mine, too) was a plastic sphere-shaped toy designed to teach them how to sort things by their shape. Together we had great moments of fun with it by trying to fit each of the different shaped objects into its corresponding opening.

Every once in a while one of the kids would attempt to fit a shape into the wrong opening. For example, my son might try to fit a trapezoid shape into a hole designed for a rectangle. Try as he might he couldn't get the rectangle to take in the trapezoid. He'd turn it over and around, again and again to no avail. You can imagine his level of frustration as his sincere efforts failed.

My daughter would occasionally jump in and offer him a different piece - sometimes it fit and sometimes it didn't. (They eventually got quite good at it!) Gently I'd encourage them to examine the shapes a bit more carefully. Within a moment or two the shapes would find their proper home.

Once in a while they would resist my help, ignore the game's specific design, and attempt to force a shape where it obviously did not fit. As hard as it was, I'd leave them alone to figure out on their own. Sometimes they'd ask for my help but other times they'd stick it out and eventually get them all in. Each time was like the first time for them and with great enthusiasm they'd clap their hands with delight. Then they'd pop it open, dump all the shapes out on the floor, and start all over again.

Isn't that just like us? God created, gifted and shaped us all to be uniquely different.

There is no other human being on the planet whose inward parts are shaped, formed and molded to be expressly like yours or mine.

So tell me, why do we spend so much time trying to be like someone else? Why do we so harshly judge those who are different, who don't fit our specific mold of what a "proper church lady" looks like? God has given all of us something - talents, gifts and abilities - that He, Himself intended to enjoy in relationship with us for His good pleasure and for the purpose of edifying His Body, the Church.

That means I can be a goofy, crazy, serious, sometimes pensive, loud, outspoken, creative, dancer, writer me to the glory of God, fitting ever so rightly the shape He alone designed for me. I can home school...or not, dance...or not, wear pants...or not, wear my hair long...or not, wear jewelry...or not, dress up for church on Sunday...or not, wear a tie...or not,...and so on and so forth. I can do all that or be all that and not offend God as much as I might irk another brother or a sister.

Yes! Yes! Yes! There is a time and a place for everything under the sun. Period.

My challenge is this: Will I dare today to focus more on my own heart before a Holy and Righteous God than I will on any other thing? Will I bravely endeavor to go where I have not gone before in relationship with the Savior of my soul? Will I run, laugh, leap, dance and pray with the abandon of One who is in love and loving it every step of the way?

Hey, I've got an idea! Why don't we go there together? Take that first step with me. Allow God to give you new legs, new arms and new feet to praise Him! If you decide to go there with me, meet me at the merry-go-round with your dancing shoes on!

"And He took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."--Acts 3:7-8

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

HE'S WAITING FOR YOU!

I was about twelve years old, sitting in junior church, listening to a missionary speak. I do not remember the missionary's name nor the mission field where she served. Through the more than 60 years since, I have only remembered a portion of her story. The missionary told of a train wreck in which she was thrown out of the train with her train seat still attached to her. She related that she received no serious injuries, but the Bible verse that came immediately to her mind was Psalm 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising. I have often found it amusing that I remembered that little snippet from a complete talk.

Recently, I experienced a fall that could have been very serious, even life-threatening, when I fell from a car and found myself flat on my back on the parking lot asphalt. I sustained a huge goose egg on the back of my head and many bruises on my back side. For several days I was immersed in the 'might have beens' and fear. As I tried to write in my prayer journal, I asked the Lord to give me a verse to help rid me of my fear. Of course, I'm sure you know the verse that popped into my mind: Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising!

Just think, even more than sixty years ago, God knew I would need that verse and a good chuckle at this very moment.

I remember hearing Elisabeth Elliott state "God is already in the future." He is waiting for you and He has helped you store up the verses that you will need to remind you that He is already in the future just waiting for you. He has also promised "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee"(Hebrews 13:5, KJV). You may not find yourself sitting in an unexpected place or in a precarious position, but you may certainly find yourself in a situation you did not expect, facing a problem that was not predicted. You can rest assured He will always be there for 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.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:22-25 with Commentary

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible although I have several. When I first studied this verse I was using the NIV version of the Bible so today, I'm going to use it for our Victory Call. Are you seeing how practical the Book of James is? I love it. Fellow sojourner-I believe as we meditate on these verses this week we will be challenged and greatly impacted by their truth.

James 1:22-25 (NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.

Commentary:
"be doers. The fact that James calls professing believers to be 'doers,' rather than simply to do, emphasizes that their entire personality should be characterized in that way...deceiving. Lit. 'reasoning beside or alongside' (as in 'beside oneself'). This word was used in mathematics to refer to miscalculation. Professing Christians who are content with only hearing the Word have made a serious spiritual miscalculation."

"observing (looks). A forceful Greek word meaning to look carefully and cautiously, as opposed to taking a causal glance. Mirror. First-century mirrors were not glass but metallic, made of bronze, silver - or for the wealthy - gold. The metals were beaten flat and polished to a high gloss, and the image they reflected was adequate, but not perfect..."

"forgets what kind of man he was. Unless professing Christians act promptly after they hear the Word, they will forget the changes and improvements that their reflection showed them they need to make."

"perfect law. In both the OT and the NT, God's revealed, inerrant, sufficient, and comprehensive Word is called 'law'...The presence of His grace does not mean there is no moral law or code of conduct for believers to obey. Believers are enabled by the Spirit to keep it ...liberty (freedom). Genuine freedom from sin. As the Holy Spirit applies the principles of Scripture to believers' hears they are freed from sin's bondage and enabled to obey God..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pgs. 1884-1885]

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, March 25, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:21

Points to Ponder

James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Points to ponder:
Over and over again in Scripture when we are told to put off something, we are also told what to put on in its place.

Ephesians 4: 22-24 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25 put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor

Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands,

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.

Colossians 3:8-10 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

In our meditation verse this week, we are called to put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and instead to receive with meekness the implanted word.

Implanted word. I have been thinking about that phrase. Implanted word.

Colossians 3: 16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

How does the Word change us? Does it dwell in us richly? Richly? How do we receive the Word? I believe next week's meditation verses will expound on that.

Blessings my friend,
Diane

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Rescuing Prayer

Today, in the process of cleaning out my computer files, I came across an email someone sent to me on May 18th, 2006 titled, "The Whale". It was sent 14 days prior to my husband and I receiving a phone call informing us that our one and only daughter's life was hanging by a very weak thread. Overnight my husband, our son, and I went from doing life in Toms River, New Jersey to watching her struggle for life in San Francisco, California.

As I reread the story of "The Whale" I couldn't help but think about..."our story".

"A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate)and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her ...a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her." -source unknown

While my daughter was in intensive care she needed serious rescuing as well. It took teams of doctors, a new liver, and an assortment of different life-sustaining machines to untangle the very precarious position she was in. Like the whale she was wrapped in hundreds of yards of lines, wires, tubes and hoses. The only difference is hers were keeping her alive! Machines were working hard to breathe, feed and physically function for her until the body - with it's new liver - could do what it was designed to do, on its own.

In the whale story, a fisherman radioed for help and a rescue team arrived. In "our story" I told one person and rescue teams showed up, not only in California with us (in the form of all the doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.), but all over the place, from New Jersey to England. Our rescue team was everywhere! Hundreds of brothers and sisters in Christ...even the unconverted to Christ, were praying for her, for us, to be delivered.

They endured until, one line after the other she was freed from all those machines and once again breathing, walking, eating, thinking, speaking without any mechanical assistance. Her physical healing came!

Our rescuers prayed until something happened!

Just like the whale much is not known concerning the "why" of my dear one's entanglement. In fact, whenever I watch TV news stories like the one mentioned above, I am always stunned by the seeming senselessness of the whale, to get itself into so much trouble.

Have you ever thought about it? We're, all of us, one decision away from victory or defeat; entanglement or freedom; sinking or swimming...the list could go on and on, but you get my point.

We need each other! We need rescuing!

Consider those you know who, like the whale, are weighted down by life traps and may need you to come to their rescue. Are we willing to wear out the carpet beside our beds, travailing in prayer? Are we willing to intercede for them with all our heart, soul, mind and strength! May it be said of us that we were not afraid to pray, that we were available at a moment's notice to come to the rescue.

I could probably write a book detailing how prayer preceded incident after marvelous incident in the saving of my daughter's life. But the story is not yet mine to tell.

Our faithful Lord continues to write her story, just as He patiently and painstakingly writes each of ours - day in and day out. His story is written on our hearts and read by all those we are visible to. He does this as we seek to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

"Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

You love me, Baba?

My three year old grandson Joshua is such a sweetheart! He has a killer smile and the cutest dimples! He has also become quite the chatterbox. My grandkids call me Baba, an old Ukrainian thing. I'm sure just like every other grandmother out there... I'm always telling my grandkids how much I love them. One day I went over to my son's to babysit and when I walked through the door Joshua came running over and asked, with that cute little voice, "you love me Baba?" You can imagine how that melted my heart!

I shared that story with those I work with at the Colony of Mercy. Colony Intern Joe came to me a few days later and shared with me how my little story impacted his heart. He pondered that we are God's children and He loves us with an unfailing, all-encompassing, boundless love. With such a sacrificial love that He even gave His only Son to die for even such a one like me. And He tells us freely in His Word how much He loves us. Yet we doubt.

Jeremiah 31:3
"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying¨ I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness."

Romans 5:8
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

1 John 3:1
"How great is the love the Father lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him."

Joe shared that he began think to about and say "you love me Abba?" Isn't it amazing how we have Scripture after Scripture that tells of our Abba Father's love for us, yet we still doubt... we still question. Yes He loves us when we live for Him, when we serve Him, and when we praise Him. But He still loves us when we walk away from Him and do our "own thing" for a time. Yes, even when we break His heart, He still loves us. He loves us even though He knows every skeleton we have in our closet. And as redeemed children of the King, He chooses to remember them no more....and continues to love us.

Psalm 102:11-12
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who hear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Jeremiah 31:34
"...For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

This agape love is more than my brain can comprehend. So we come to God and say "you love me Abba?"

And Father God answers "Yes, Yes, YES! I love you my precious child."

Mary Ann

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Just A Thought...

Have you ever been awed by the thought of how many DIFFERENT people there are in the world? I mean in our appearances: we ALL look different! Eyes, noses, hair color, body size, shoe size, etc., etc. I think about that from time to time and am amazed at what a CREATIVE God we have!

Well, another thought popped into my head along that line the other day - our VOICES! They are all unique! And we acquaint them with the people they are attached to.

How many times do you answer the phone with, "Hello?" wondering who is on the other end? Of course this is BEFORE caller ID! HaHaHaHa! But even with caller ID we wait in anticipation to HEAR the familiar voice of a friend or family member, co-worker, etc.

I guess it hit me when I overheard a conversation my husband was having with his dad. He was holding the phone a little away from his ear and I heard the voice coming from the other end and recognized my father-in-laws voice. His voice identified who he was, I didn't have to see a picture of him.

If I stop to think about it long enough I just have to stop and shake my head! Our voices are unique to us. Sometimes people identify us by our voices. The mind of God is SO VAST to create each of us with a unique voice!!

And then I ask myself, do I know God well enough to recognize His voice when He speaks to me? Do I wait with anticipation when I sit with Him in prayer or bible reading? Or even in the busy-ness of my day? Can I hear Him? Do I hear Him? Do I recognize HIS unique voice?

Just a thought.....

John 10:2-5, 25-29
"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by NAME and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes AHEAD of them, and the sheep follow him BECAUSE they KNOW his VOICE. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they DO NOT know the VOICE of strangers. vs. 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep HEAR My VOICE, and I KNOW them, and they FOLLOW Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; an no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

Sue Mercer
Women of Character Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:21
21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Digging Deeper James 1:21 with commentary

Let me begin with an apology for the delinquency of this Victory Call. No excuses, but It is my fault it was delayed.

I am looking forward to this week's meditation. I believe it will bless our hearts. Meditation is hard isn't it? Yesterday in Church we sang, "prone to wander, Lord, I feel it" I can certainly identify with that statement. Can you? So many things are clamoring for our attention. Sister, when we get to heaven, there will be NO DISTRACTIONS. That will be glory.

"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

Commentary:
"Put away all filthiness pictures the stripping off of dirty clothes ... based on desire to have noting to do with the dirt (here, moral evil) ever again. In place of filthy behavior, the implanted word must take root in God's people. This idea of God planting his revealed truth reflects Deut. 30:14 ("the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart") and especially the new covenant of Jer. 31:33 ("I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts") Save your souls refers here to progressive sanctification and ultimately the completion of God's saving work on the last day." [ESV Study Bible Notes page 2392]

Monday, March 21, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:21 with commentary

Let me begin with an apology for the delinquency of this Victory Call. No excuses, but It is my fault it was delayed.

I am looking forward to this week's meditation. I believe it will bless our hearts. Meditation is hard isn't it? Yesterday in Church we sang, "prone to wander, Lord, I feel it" I can certainly identify with that statement. Can you? So many things are clamoring for our attention. Sister, when we get to heaven, there will be NO DISTRACTIONS. That will be glory.

"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

Commentary:
"Put away all filthiness pictures the stripping off of dirty clothes ... based on desire to have noting to do with the dirt (here, moral evil) ever again. In place of filthy behavior, the implanted word must take root in God's people. This idea of God planting his revealed truth reflects Deut. 30:14 ("the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart") and especially the new covenant of Jer. 31:33 ("I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts") Save your souls refers here to progressive sanctification and ultimately the completion of God's saving work on the last day." [ESV Study Bible Notes page 2392]

Friday, March 18, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:19-20

Points to Ponder

James 1:19-20 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Points to Ponder:
To be quick to hear and slow to speak. This is the opposite of how we tend to be, certainly how I tend to be. Being quick to speak is typically all about us. Being quick to hear is typically all about the other person. To be slow to speak. Just think on that a few moments. How would your relationships change if you observed that one priority? To be slow to speak. We would think twice about offending words. We would think twice about criticizing. We would think twice about gossip. We would think twice about arguing. We would think twice about what is going to come out of our mouths when we do speak.

Do we listen more than we talk?

For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. When I really thought about that verse, I realized that my anger is about me, not God. I am not accomplishing what He wants with my anger; I am accomplishing what I want. I am not glorifying God when I am quick to anger.

Lord, thank you for the reminder today of these truths and may I be more interested in applying them in my own life than in others.

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, March 17, 2011

Kind. True. Necessary.

Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? These are the three questions the Holy Spirit is teaching me to ask lately relative to my tongue and emails or any other form of communication I may be inclined to speak by.

It is so easy to speak without thinking, isn't it? To speak without regard for how one's words may impact the hearer is a problem that is common to all and one that is not easily remedied apart from a constant awareness of grace.

Moment-by-moment, day-by-day, we have to choose to care how our words will affect others. We have to want to consider others more highly than ourselves and then choose to speak only what is edifying to the one who hears.

I wish I could say I succeed at this all the time but if I did I'd certainly be lying. So instead I'll be honest and give glory to God for His Word, His faithful Word which is always right, true, good, and ready to teach me how to "go and sin no more" against those whom He loves and whom I want to love.

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. ~~ Ephesians 4:25-32

Enough said.

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:19,20
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

BLESS

I don't know about you, but praying for other people doesn't really come naturally to me. I don't know how many times I've told someone I'd pray for them, and then forget. I guess that's my selfish, "old man" nature. Most of the time it's just forgetfulness, but sometimes I'm not really sure what to pray. You know, "bless so-and-so and give them a nice day, and make them feel better, and, um, help them with whatever they need today, and, um....." Ever do that?

I was at a ladies day at a friend's church recently, and before a brief prayer time, one of the women shared 2 acronyms to help us as we pray. The first one, ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), I had heard many times. The second one was newer to me, and applies more to our prayers for others, especially when we're not sure specifically how to pray.

B - body - physical needs, material needs
L - labor - their work, whether at home or outside employment
E - emotional - what are the stressors in their life?
S - social - relationships with others
S - spiritual - relationship with God

This is a great tool to cover all possible areas of need in someone's life. A co-worker frequently comes and prays for me, and always asks God to meet my needs, whether they be physical, emotional, spiritual, financial - I think he's on to something! (And thanks, Jacqui, for this great tool!)

So today, as you tackle your prayer list, remember to BLESS others.

Ruth

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

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:19,20
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Just A Thought...

Have you ever been awed by the thought of how many DIFFERENT people there are in the world? I mean in our appearances: we ALL look different! Eyes, nose, hair color, body size, shoe size, etc., etc. I think about that from time to time and am amazed at what a CREATIVE God we have!

Well, another thought popped into my head along that line the other day - our VOICES! They are all unique! And we acquaint them with the people they are attached to.

How many times do you answer the phone with, "Hello?" wondering who is on the other end? Of course this is BEFORE caller ID! HaHaHaHa! But even with caller ID we wait in anticipation to HEAR the familiar voice of a friend or family member, co-worker, etc.

I guess it hit me when I overheard a conversation my husband was having with his dad. He was holding the phone a little away from his ear and I heard the voice coming from the other end and recognized my father-in-law's voice. His voice identified who he was; I didn't have to see a picture of him.

If I stop to think about it long enough, I just have to stop and shake my head! Our voices are unique to us. Sometimes people identify us by our voices. The mind of God is SO VAST to create each of us with a unique voice!!

And then I ask myself, do I know God well enough to recognize His voice when He speaks to me? Do I wait with anticipation when I sit with Him in prayer or Bible reading? Or even in the busyness of my day? Can I hear Him? Do I hear Him? Do I recognize HIS unique voice?

Just a thought.....

John 10:2-5, 25-29
But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by NAME and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes AHEAD of them, and the sheep follow him BECAUSE they KNOW his VOICE. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they DO NOT know the VOICE of strangers. vs. 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep HEAR My VOICE, and I KNOW them, and they FOLLOW Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; an no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

Sue Mercer
Women Of Character Graduate

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:19,20
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:19-20 with Commentary

I was listening to a sermon on-line this past week and was challenged AGAIN by the idea of reading the Scriptures ALOUD. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" Romans 10:17. So for the last few days, I have been reading my Bible out loud in my own hearing. What I find interesting is how much effort it takes to do that. I don't mean I break a sweat, but that it is just easier to read silently to myself. Why is it such an effort? I have to force myself to read out loud. As you are meditating your way through James this year, may I be so bold as to challenge you to read out loud the verses, chapters or books that you are reading. I am so ready for change. Are you?

James 1:19-20 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Commentary:
Swift to hear, slow to speak. Believers are to respond positively to Scripture, and eagerly pursue every opportunity to know God's Word and will better...But at the same time, they should be cautious about becoming preachers or teachers too quickly...wrath(anger)...This is from the Greek word that describes a deep, internal resentment and rejection, in this context, of God's Word..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur, pg. 1884] (parenthesis added)

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, March 11, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:16-18 Points to ponder

As we take small portions of Scripture each week to meditate on, may I encourage you to also be reading through the Book of James a few times each week? We don't want to lose sight of the forest for the trees. We need to keep our reading in the context of the book and of the Bible as a whole.

Our Care Groups at the church I go to are following the RMMR (Read, Meditate, Memorize, Repeat) reading method and right now we are focused on reading Genesis through 1 Samuel a few chapters at a time. Each month we also have a small portion of Scripture to focus on more intentionally and a verse or two to memorize. I realized recently that I have no problem with the reading, but I get lazy when it comes to the meditating and memorizing. I want to go deeper, and as our title suggests Dig Deeper. That is not going to happen if I simply read a few chapters a day. I need to be intentional to slow down and pray and meditate through portions. All are necessary for balance. If we meditate without the broader picture we can easily be led astray into error because we lose the context. If we read but don't meditate we skim across the surface and never dig deep. I really want to do both. Will you join me?

James 1:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

I suspect most of us don't struggle with the idea that every good gift comes down from the Father of lights. But what is a perfect gift? By whose standards is it a perfect gift? Don't we struggle with the "other stuff" that happens, believing and trusting it too comes down from the Father of lights.

As we read through the Scripture, over and over again, there is evidence that God sends tests as well as the "good gifts". But I believe, from God's perspective, it is all good and perfect because He is about His plan and purpose in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.

Of His own will. Oh, my friend can we rest in that simple truth today? God is accomplishing everything according to His perfect will individually and corporately. God is sovereign and His will is perfect for you and for me.

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, March 10, 2011

Moses Moments

Joshua 5:15, And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

We often think of "holy ground" in connection with Moses' experience with God at the burning bush in Ex 3:5, Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."

Both Moses and Joshua responded in the presence of the Lord. Joshua fell on his face (Josh. 5:14) and Moses hid his face (Ex. 3:6).

Have you ever been acutely aware that you are in His presence and on holy ground? Now before you send me emails, I know we are always in His presence - but that was not my question. My question is have YOU, YOU personally, ever been ACUTELY AWARE that you are in His presence? To the point that it drove you to your knees or even to your face?

If not, is it possible that we have not given ourselves permission to be that aware? That affected by the reality of His constant presence? You may say, "Yeah, but where I'm standing is anywhere BUT HOLY GROUND." Surely, sometimes it feels like anywhere but here - other people's homes, other people's offices, other people's families, other people's lives but not ours.

Would you not agree that wherever the Spirit of God is, is holy ground? Stay with me here. If the presence of God's Spirit makes ground holy (for Moses the Spirit was in the bush, for Joshua the angel of the Lord) AND it's true that EVERY believer is the dwelling place of the Spirit - it seems true that wherever we go is holy ground. We are never, not ever, out of His holy presence.

We get so busy, and distracted, we lose sight of that truth. If we pause and intentionally call to mind this truth, I would suggest we would personally experience Moses Moments.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Be - Attitudes (Part 2)

The first three Beatitudes are sort of a three-stage plan Jesus gives us that shows the way to find that true inner joy, contentment and peace no matter what circumstance we may be in.

Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit...for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus is NOT referring to the poverty of material possessions. This is a different poverty...the poverty of the spirit. When we realize our desperate need of God, we can see ourselves for who we really are. We desperately need God because without Him we are doomed to hell because we are hopeless sinners in need of forgiveness. And God has the answer for that...Jesus. When you realize you are in this state, it's then you are "Blessed"! It's then you can gain eternal life, a place for you in heaven....all because you realize you are helpless without God.

Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn... for they will be comforted."

Jesus is NOT referring to being happy in grief. But Jesus says that once we see ourselves as we really are we can't help but "mourn". When we are truly sorrowful over our sin this will lead to blessedness. Why? Because this leads to salvation through Jesus the Christ. When a person sees sin in its true ugliness, they can't help but experience sorrow over their sin. It's in this state that the Lord steps in and comforts. It's then you are "blessed".

Matthew 5:5
"Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth."

Once you realize you are hopeless and helpless without God, once you are truly sorrowful over your sin and you see yourself as you really are, there is a certain heart quality that results. That heart quality is meekness. This is NOT weakness or cowardice. What Jesus is talking about is POWER under constraint. It's all about being humble, gentle, long suffering...those are the attributes of Jesus. We are called to have the same "be-attitude" of Jesus...meekness. And when we have this be-attitude, Jesus says we get to reign alongside our King, Jesus Christ. How much more can we be blessed?

This is Jesus' plan for inner joy and contentment. This goes beyond our temporal life and points to the promised eternal life. Jesus offers it to anyone who will come to Him, realize their helplessness without God, then be mournful over their sin, confessing and repenting of it. What blessedness, what joy!

If you have never trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, this same promise of inner joy and contentment awaits you. What are you waiting for?

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Be - Attitudes (Part 1)

Shortly after Jesus began His ministry and chose His twelve closest disciples, Jesus took the 12 to a quiet place and began to teach them. You can find Jesus' full teaching in Matthew chapters 5-7. I've been kind of camping out there for a little while. Lately I have had a desire to hang out in the parts of the Bible with the red letters.

Matthew chapters 5-7 are known as the Sermon on the Mount, but tucked there in the very beginning, verses 3-12, are what is referred to as the Beatitudes. I'm not sure how these verses came to be labeled this way but I think it to be very appropriate because through them Jesus taught His disciples what the attitude of a believer should look like. Jesus taught how a person who is in a right relationship with God should conduct his or her life. It actually demonstrates a standard of righteousness for the Christian.

Although this was a teaching for the disciples, it is relevant for us as well today. I've been imagining that I'm sitting at His feet and listening. Want to join me?

Matthew 5:3-5
"Blessed are the poor in spirit...for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn... for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth."


At first glance these verses seem to contradict themselves. Are we to be happy about being poor? Are we to be happy that we are in the midst of grief? Are we to be happy about being a weakling? If that's the case I am really perplexed!

First we need to understand the word "blessed" and it certainly doesn't mean happiness. To be blessed means to enjoy the bliss of heaven, to be content no matter what the circumstance, or to have a deep inner joy. There is a world of difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is a result of your circumstances. Jesus tells us the way to find true joy - a joy that comes from the inside and has nothing to do with circumstances or personal fulfillment.

Finding ourselves with inner joy and contentment no matter what our circumstance is not an easy place to get to. Finding contentment in spite of circumstances will only come about because we are trusting that Christ has everything under control even if we don't. It means that, even though we may not know how or when we will come through the trial, we trust God that we will and His purposes will be fulfilled. There isn't any way to know what the final outcome of our trials will be but we know the One who has already been there and holds us, His loved ones, in the palm of His hand.

This place of blessedness doesn't come easy. I know it didn't come easy for me and I confess I slip backwards at times. That's why the red letters in the Bible are really important to me. We all need to sit at His feet, learn from Him. It's there we will receive hope and strength. It is where we will find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Now that is the place I would rather be. How about you?

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Monday, March 07, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:16-18 with Commentary

Thank you. Several of you have shared words of encouragement regarding our series in the book of James. It is always a blessing to hear that God is using our meager offerings for His divine purposes. It is humbling to be used by the Almighty. Thank you, and keep reading.

James 1:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Commentary:
"Christians are not to make the mistake of blaming God rather than themselves for their sin...

Everything related to divine giving is adequate, complete, and beneficial.
Father of lights. An ancient Jewish expression for God as the Creator, with 'lights' referring to the sun, moon, and stars...no variation or shadow of turning. From man's perspective, the celestial bodies have different phases of movement and rotation, change from day to night, and vary in intensity and shadow. But God does not follow that pattern; He is changeless...

Of His own will. This phrase translates a Greek word that makes the point that regeneration is not just a wish, but an active expression of God's will, which He always has the power to accomplish...James intends to emphasize that the sovereign will of God is the source of this new life....He regenerates sinners through the power of that Word...Christians are the first evidence of God's new creation that is to come...and enjoy presently in their new life a foretaste of future glory..." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary pg. 1883 - 1884]

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, March 04, 2011

Digging Deeper James 1:13-15

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Points to ponder:
We've all been there, haven't we? We are unique in many ways, and in many ways the same. Why does something tempt me but you could care less about it? And vice versa? What makes something tempting to one person and not another? James indicates that we are lured and enticed by our own desires. In that we are each unique, not THAT we are lured and enticed but BY what we are lured and enticed.

Then when desire has been conceived... the sin is not in having the desire but in giving it enough attention and energy it thus conceives and bears sin. We think too highly of ourselves that we think we can dabble and not get hooked. It's like a fish thinking it can nibble at the worm AROUND the hook and not get caught. It may succeed a few times but eventually it gets greedy and wants the whole worm but within the worm lays the hook. A hook has a barb on the end so that once a fish has taken the bait and the hook is set, it cannot easily get off the hook. Sin is much the same. We may play around the outskirts but eventually because of our own desires we take the bait and hook. Once we have done so it is very difficult to spit the hook out because in all honesty we WANT what it is we WANT. We don't want the hook, but we want the worm.

Scripture wisdom:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

"... and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13:14

"Flee sexual immorality." 1 Corinthians 6:18

"Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." 1 Corinthians 10:14

"Flee also youthful lusts." 2 Timothy 2:22

"...Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Resist. Flee. Make no provision for your flesh. Die to self.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

"...seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator... " Colossians 3: 9-10

"...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

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, March 03, 2011

Wisdom

I know I'm jumping ahead of myself but I just couldn't resist the prompting to share the practical truths about wisdom in James 3 this week while we meditate on James 1. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Wisdom is not just KNOWING the right thing to do; wisdom requires DOING the right thing as well. I believe James 3 gives some specific truths that help solidify this idea.

James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Let me share a quick story of how I saw this applied. Several years ago, in the process of planning a retreat, the committee of women could not agree on a particular point about the weekend. Honestly, my inclination was to make a decision and have that be that. You know, "So let it be written, so let it be done" sort of thing. But at that time I was memorizing James 3:13-18 and I was challenged to put it to the committee of women for one final discussion. I knew going into the meeting there were strong opinions on both sides. I started our meeting by reading this excerpt from James 3. When I got to the phrase "willing to yield" (But the wisdom that is from above is ...willing to yield...) MY heart changed and I realized I had not been willing to yield. After reading the Scripture passage and some discussion, I called for a blind vote; my vote would be used only if needed as a tie-breaker. I was astounded by the results. Of the 6 or 8 women present, 100% voted in favor of one particular course of action (which was my original preference) and because I was convicted of my unyielding spirit, I actual cast my vote for the alternative. I don't think the action decided on that day was nearly as important as the lesson God had for each one of us about Heavenly wisdom.

I love it when God's fingerprints are all over something. They surely were that day.

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

DIGGING DEEPER
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

With Authority

Every once in a while I'm privileged to sit and listen to a Bible teacher and just be amazed and WOW'ed by their teaching. I'm not impressed by fifty-cent words or intricate details or the illustrations that might be used. What I'm talking about is the one who humbly stands before you, shares the Word, expounds on the Scripture and then makes it applicable to my life or even speaks to my heart on a deep, convicting level. The message isn't complicated to understand, it's simple, yet profound. When they are finished, it sticks in your mind and heart for days. It has an impact on your heart and life. It challenges you and changes you. This person speaks with power and authority over the subject matter.

Unfortunately, this isn't a common occurrence. It does happen once in a while and when it does it is an unforgettable experience.

However, there is One whose message never disappoints... One whose message cuts right to the heart of the matter... it convicts, encourages, comforts and changes lives. The One who never disappoints is Jesus, the greatest Teacher. Jesus always spoke with authority and power. Even those who were against him recognized it.

Mark 1:22
"The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law."

Matthew 7:29
"...because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

Matthew 22:22
"When they [the Pharisee's] heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away."

When Jesus spoke or taught, either in the temple or to the crowds, He taught with authority and power. One of Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary's definitions of authority is "an individual cited as an expert." The Greek word for authority is "exousia" meaning, "competency, superhuman, power, right." All who heard Jesus were astounded and amazed at His teaching. Lives were changed and hearts were transformed. Jesus' authority came directly from the Father and with God there is no greater authority.

Wouldn't it be amazing if we could just sit at His feet and listen? Lately I have had a deep hunger for the Words of Jesus. I think too often I pay more attention to the epistles and not enough time reading His words...meditating on His teaching. I really need to sit at His feet, open my ears and my heart to what He has for me. The really neat thing about it is, I don't have to go to a conference center, or even leave my home.

All I need to do is take my Bible and open it to any of the passages in red, and listen to Jesus. If my heart is open and ready...I, too, can be WOW'ed by the authority and power of His teaching! But I need to be willing to put aside all the "business" of my schedule and just sit and listen. I would rather be Mary than Martha and choose the better thing...to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen.

So, YES, we can sit at His feet. Go ahead, get your Bible...listen and be transformed.

MaryAnn

MaryAnn and John Kiernan have been married for 37 years, have 2 grown/married sons and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter! She serves at America's Keswick as a Biblical Counselor and also as Intake Coordinator for the Colony of Mercy. Her life verse is Romans 8:28.

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:14-15
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Pause and Pray

I've been reading through Proverbs and came across a few verses that kind of "stuck out" to me.

Proverbs 21:9 & 25:24 "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."

Proverbs 21:19 "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife."

Proverbs 27:15-16 "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand."

Yikes! Those are some pretty harsh words. I certainly hope my husband never has times when he would rather be living on a corner of our roof or in a desert.

I don't know about you, but it can be easy for me to resort to being "quarrelsome", or an even harsher word - "nagging", if I feel that I am not being heard. But, contrary to what our natural instincts may tell us, repeating ourselves again and again does not necessarily mean we will be heard; in fact, we are probably heard less.

"Quarrelsome nagging, a steady stream of unwanted advice, is a form of torture. People nag because they think they're not getting through, but nagging hinders communication more than it helps. When tempted to engage in this destructive habit, stop and examine your motives. Are you more concerned about yourself - getting your way, being right - than about the person you are pretending to help? If you are truly concerned about other people, think of a more effective way to get through to them. Surprise them with words of patience and love, and see what happens." 1

Proverbs 10:19 says "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Too many words can get us into trouble. Sometimes, it is better to say less, or maybe even nothing at all, but rather bring the matter before the Lord in prayer, and leave the results with Him.

In order to know what to say, when to say it, how much to say, and when not to say anything, we need to be in tune with His Spirit. I often remember the phrase that DeEtta taught me - "pause and pray." Take a moment to stop and pray and ask the Lord for wisdom before we speak. And, may we strive, by God's grace, to be like the Proverbs 31 woman who "speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (vs. 26)

Stacey Poplawski
WOC Graduate

1 Life Application Bible - NIV by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (c)1991

DIGGING DEEPER
James 1:14-15
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.